West Country Wicca: A Journal of the Old Religion

There are a lot of people who get completely up in arms over whether or not this author, or that book, is authentic- but the reality of the problem is that none of us can truly know. My answer? I enjoyed this book sincerely. I found the author's writing style to be very relaxed, very calming. She speaks from, what I assume to be, the heart. She tells her story, what she knows from how she grew up, what her family and her community taught her- not just about religion, but about working with the earth and feeling it's natural rhythms- and isn't that what most pagans are after, anyway? If you ask me, it isn't for me to say that because she doesn't acknowledge -my- traditions or customs that she isn't serious. I think, no matter how "real" it is or not, this is a wonderful read that is definitely worth your time. While you worry over whether or not to buy other pagan books, don't let this one pass you by!

I don't really care if the things in Rhiannon Ryall's book are accurate, or if they're not. All I know is I enjoyed the book and got quite a bit out of it. I'm now in the middle of my second reading of the book and it is a real pleasure. Her writing style has been criticized by some reviewers but, frankly, it's quite pleasing and relaxed. It's the writing style of someone who is more comfortable talking to people than writing to them. If you wish to make comparisons, you might say the style of Wicca she describes in comparison to modern day, over elaborate Wicca, is the same as the difference between an old fashioned country Baptist church and the over elaborate Catholic church. In religions of all types there is the simple, direct communion with your god contrasting with the overbearing pomp and flash who's main objective is to be seen and heard by others. I'll take the simple and direct every time. I like "West Country Wicca". It's a good book and a worthwhile read, no matter which direction your path takes.

I've only had this book for about 2 weeks and I've read it 4 times. Ryall gives a personal account on what the Old Religion was like before the tidal wave of neo-pagan books and traditions. She tells of a "tradition" that is simple, earthy and "tongue in cheek". Don't be thrown off by the word simple, the people of the old country were too busy with farming and community to worry with scholarly persuits and elaborate wiccan tools and ritual, this is still a very BEAUTIFULL way of celebrating the earth and the God and Goddess. I am basically a kitchen witch that follows the religion of witchcraft and have found no need for elaborate ceremonial magic, or supplies. So I was delighted to find information on common household herbs and spices to use in magick as well as folklore and many recipes and beautifully simplistic rituals.

I am of Welsh descent and have been a practicing witch since I was 10 years old,I will be 48 next month!Believe me when I say this lady knows what she is talking about!This is a must have book for anyone who is interested "The Craft",adepts as well as beginners.It is so refreshing to know that there are a few of us that still retain the knowledge of the old ways!There are so many variations and corruptions going on that this is the one true book that I have ever read on the subject.Rhiannon puts it simply and frankly just as it should be told and taught.It is a natural thing,and it is also simple."The Craft" is not a stage show.There is no reason to make it all complicated and formal, as if one where acting out a play rather than a way of life!This is the the way of the Cymry or so I was taught.Hazzah!Rhiannon!

While many newer books on the Craft seem to focus on spells and potions,this book tells about the Craft as it was taught before Gerald Gardener ever wrote his books.Ryall writes like she is simply talking to an old friend.Warm and inviting this is my favourite book on the Craft and has been since I bought it many years ago.I recommend this to anyone interested in the Craft.