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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Refreshing Mixture of Common Sense and Guts, April 15, 2008
This review is from: The Forge of Tubal Cain (Paperback)
This book falls into roughly two sections, though there is some overlap in purpose between the two.
The first is a history of the Roebuck tradition from one of its founders. It's written in a straight-forward style, just a shade above conversational, and as a primary source it can't be faulted.
If I had one criticism it would be that there was quite a sense of the wider Pagan community given in the beginning; and while there are allusions to how it has changed since, there is very little on this.
Ultimately this is appropriate - the very history explained has the author and her group being less involved in that wider community - but there are quite a few times where the reader may ache for just a bit more information, even if we know that this is probably not the best author to give it.
The second section is a description of the tradition and its techniques. It's not quite the sort of cookbook how-to guide that are very popular (and their very how-to wouldn't allow for too much hand-holding in any case) but more comparable to how A Witches' Bible: The Complete Witches Handbook describes Wicca to a non-initiate audience (though considerably more concise) rather than titles of the "[Insert Adjective] Wicca" or "Pagan [Insert Noun]" ilk. I can't help wondering if it will lead to people believing they know more about Roebuck than they actually do, just as A Witches' Bible has for Wicca.
It says much for her style that where I disagreed with the author I didn't want to argue with her so much as sit down and toss the matter around over a cup of coffee.
The 1734, Regency and Roebuck streams of practice have not received as much attention as they deserve. Not only has the view that rebadges eclectic witchcraft as "Wicca" stolen Wicca's clothes, but it has paid the opposite insult to other traditional streams like the Regency and its American offshoots. A book like this should therefore be welcomed by all traditional witches. Ultimately though, I think the fresh source of a different way of approaching matters (and a reminder of some things that Traditional Wiccans do but more recent "Wiccans" have downplayed or forgot or in some cases don't even seem to actually believe people can really do) could prove a very potent source for solitaries and others trying to practice as best they can without access to a teacher.
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7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Forge of Tubal Cain, April 8, 2008
This review is from: The Forge of Tubal Cain (Paperback)
No matter your level in the craft, this book is a must read. The straightforward history of the Roebuck, with "chutes and ladders" included, is both refreshing and sobering. The Roebuck 101 and path to initiation sections can serve invaluably for all. Nothing is omittted or disguised, and no accoutrements or secret names suggested. For a beginner, real techniques are laid out so that you may actually do craft work in a solo capacity. For the more experienced, advice on how to pass on the teaching both responsibly and effectively, as well as a reminder about your own journey down the long and crooked path(thus far)! Most importantly though, Ann actually talks about the reality of finding where you fit in, not as a form of exclusionism, but a place where you can truly belong so that you can both receive and give back to the benefit of the "group mind" and the mysteries. I loved the information and history, but it also served as a reality check for my own intentions. Thanks Ann. So check the pointy hat and fanciful name at the door, the Ancestors know who you really are. (BOO!!)
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An outstanding book, August 15, 2008
This review is from: The Forge of Tubal Cain (Paperback)
Although, I am a Wiccan Initiate, I've read, and continue to enjoy, books based on and around the work of Robert Cochrane (aka Roy Bowers), The Clan of Tubal Cain, and 1734, and have found enormous insight and valueable information in these works. The Forge of Tubal Cain is no exception; I loved this book!!!
As other reviewers have said, the first half of this book is about the history and development of the Roebuck, which also includes wonderful pieces of food for thought. Ms. Finnin discusses the changes the group underwent as it grew and developed, as well as, the triumphs, the hardships, and disappointments the group has faced since it was formed. A Wiccan coven that lasts for any significant amount of time is just as likely to face these same situations and experiences making this information valueable and useful.
The second half of the book, Roebuck 101, offers information on what the group looks for in a student, the requirements for admission to train with the Roebuck, along with how the group trains, develops, and guages a student's development. This is not a course curriculum, but rather outlines that can be useful and benefical to any group or individual that pursues a mystery path. In particular I enjoyed the chapter called "The Roebuck Way". In this chapter the author gives a great deal of insight and advice to those who wish to transcend "herd mentality" and develop individual "self-hood" along with the pitfalls and obstacles one will expreience whether working with a group or working solitary in such a pursuit.
As I said above, I loved this book and can't recommend highly enough. It is a must read and worth every penny of the purchase price. You will not be disappointed.
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