The Practice Of Witchcraft Today: An Introduction to Beliefs and Rituals

This was my first book 5 years ago (I'm so glad I got it before it went out of print) along with Silver Ravenwolfs to ride a magick broomstick (which I also recommend) Although this may not be the best book for beginners who want to know more about the wiccan religion itself (skelton does go into this, but not as well as others), it is great for those who need beginner spells (there are almost 80 of them), info on the sabbats, and for those who have some FAQs. If you can get ahold of a copy, you'll get a lot out of it, mine is very worn from all the times I've gone through it.

Mr. Skelton's book provides an overview of Wiccan practices. The book presents "the essence of witchcraft, or 'Wicca' as it has come to be called, as it exists today."Despite the title I do *not* recommend this book as a beginner's first book. Mr. Skelton's book provides more detailed discussions than a beginner lacking some Wiccan knowledge can appreciate. In addition, Mr. Skelton's book does not explicitly discuss his personal experiences or discuss Wiccan social organization and workings -- the details that beginners find most relevant. I *do* recommend this book for advanced beginners who have read a more suitable first book (perhaps "Inside A Witches' Coven" by Edain McCoy, five star).(Like Gaul,) Mr. Skelton's book is divided into three parts. In the first part, "Answering The Questions", Mr. Skelton answers forty-eight questions about witches, Wiccan practices, and Craftlore. Each question's discussion is complete without cross-referencing other questions. At the same time, the questions' presentation sequence permits smooth and enjoyable reading.In the second part, "Rituals and Celebrations", Mr. Skelton discusses Commencement Rituals (rituals used to initiate a coven meeting), Sacra Privata (Latin for private religious rituals), and the Witches' Calendar of sabbats and feasts. The Witches' Calendar is particularly well-written, providing a history and description for each sabbat and feast.The book's third part is a "Workbook" (Book of Spells). Mr. Skelton's Workbook contains eight categories of spells (seventy-eight spells total). Each spell includes a discussion of when each spell is (in)appropriate.Mr. Skelton's book closes with a comprehensive bibliography. The bibliography not only lists a wide range of Wiccan-related books, but also discusses each book's strengths.I liked Mr. Skelton's book and recommend it for advanced beginners. The book is well-written and it provides detailed coverage of a wide-range of material.

My review of this book contained several factual errors which I would like to correct:Robin Skelton was a Canadian Citizen, born and raised in England (not Ireland). Although he loved Ireland and its literature and mythology, named his third child with an Irish name, and visited that country more than once, he was not in fact Irish. Robin Skelton was born in East Yorkshire, England. He taught at the University of Manchester (1951-1963) and then at the University of Victoria. He never held a position at the University of British Columbia (located in Vancouver BC). Almost certainly he gave the occasional poetry reading there, but he lived and worked in Victoria from 1963. At UVic he founded (and worked in) the Department of Creative Writing (not the English Department) and co-founded and edited The Malahat Review. He was named Robin after his mother's maiden name which was "Robins", and not because of any occult reference.Thanks to Brigid Skelton for correcting my mistakes.Also, in the text of my review the word "sparse" should be "spare."

I felt that this book was very informative and would be useful to anyone interested in, or just curious about wicca. The question and answer section is helpful in not only learning what wicca is all about, but also to explain to other people that our beliefs are about beauty, love, and respect for the Earth. Blessed Be!!

A very good book, it answers many of the common questions people have about the Old Religion. His answers are presented in a very straight-forward, easy to understand manner. The further sections on covens, initiations, and sabbat rituals are very informative, and a great basis for anyone wishing to start a coven, or create rituals for an existing one. His selection of spells are a good start for anyone creating a BOS, and are not the usual love charms and harmful spells often presented to boost sales. His spells are useful, and keeping with the witch's rede. I especially like him pointing out the importance of the Law of Three; anything you do, good or bad, will return upon you three-fold. Overall, this is probably the best introductory book I have ever read in my 8 years as an initiated witch.