a very good book full of rich insight into the celtic ways and the celtic religions.

A absolutly wonderful twist on everyday word definitions. Funny! Insightful! Absolutly yummy!

This is a very good book and useful too. For those who have this connection, and maybe this path, it is a must. From the stories you get the felling although only experience gives you the right taste. In the end you got a simple Exorcism Ritual...marvellous!

The British edition has the "Today" on the end, but the Canadian edition doesn't. It was published by Beach Holme Press (Canada). I think it's a great book, very clear and non-sensational. (I'm a bit biased though, seeing as the author was my father.)

This is a wonderful book. It outlines everything that you could need to know, if you are looking at witchcraft. Robin outline common questions, festivals and has a extensive workbook, of every day spells and blessings. I have used many of the spells and blessings with excellent success and Robin guides you through designing your own spells. An informative and well set out book. If you are looking for a book to give you knowledge and to help you feel comfortable with the craft, this is it.

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.

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.

I highly recommend this book to those who have read a little bit about Wicca and the craft, but want to know more about how to actually practice the craft of witchcraft. The book is beautifully written, and the spells are magical poetry. Robin Skelton was an acclaimed British poet and witch, and it shows in his writing and in his ideas about the craft. This book is still in print and readily available, contrary to what some of the other reviews here indicate, as are Robin's books of poetry.

My dad was born there in the 1950's and i was named after it. not a bad place, not much to do but nice to visit. the book is informal but informative.

. . . on Aran as everywhere else. I have had the privilege of spending two weeks on Inish Mor, one 4 years ago and one in the summer of 2001. The difference between the two visits was enormous . . . where on the first visit I saw perhaps 5-6 cars a day on the little roads, now there are minibuses beetling along everywhere. The pony carts are strictly for the tourists. I missed the women setting up kiosks on the road, selling their beautifully made sweaters. At the same time, throughout the summer, the young people put on a nightly concert featuring traditional Irish music and dance -- and it is fantastic! So wonderful to see the beauty of the old traditions taking hold in the hearts of the young men and women.

BUT ... what is quaint to the tourist translates into abject poverty for the native. Reading Synge gives one a sense of what WAS, and how hard it has been (and still is) for families to make a go of it on Aran.

Read it with respect, and remember . . . all things are changing.

"The Aran Islands" is a delightful rendition of the experiences of J. M. Synge during his visits to the Aran Islands just over a century ago. Synge's journey had been encouraged by William Butler Yeats. "Go to the Aran Islands. Live there as one of the people themselves; express a life that has never found expression." Here Synge gained an insight into the Irish character which would enrich his later works.

The Aran Islands are a chain of islands off the coasts of Connemara and Clare. Isolated by the sea, the Arans, like the Galapagos in the natural world, preserve the language and customs of traditional Ireland.

The book is a narrative of what Synge saw and the stories he heard during his stays in the Arans, told by a master storyteller in the finest Irish tradition. The language is delightful, the stories are entertaining and the insight into the Irish soul is profound. A must read for any lover of the Irish.

When I ordered this book it was because of the claims in the book description from Robin Skelton that, "spell-making is a skill and can be learned by anyone with sufficient psychic energy and powers of concentration.". I found the book to contain many spells from many different times and types of religions and cultures. None of which would be benificial or usefull in these modern times. And as far as any help for "learning skills" forget it. There is nothing. This book talks promises and delivers nothing. I also purchased "Earth Power" by Scott Cunningham and I am very pleased with that one.

Canadian Witch Robin Skelton writes from the old English witchcraft point of view. This is a good book to buy if you are looking for information on the Traditional Craft and its more structured way of looking at things. If you like Scott Cunningham's works this is probably not a book for you. It is an interesting addition to you book shelf if you want something from a historical point of view. Skelton was one of the first Witches published in Canada.

If you are looking for a quick and easy "how-to" book of spells, this is not it. Rather, it is a very learned examination of spell construction and theory, using examples from a wide variety of sources. Skelton was a poet as well as a witch and this book also examines the similarities and differences between spells and poetry, and how poetic skills can enhance a spell's potency. Those who are already experienced with the basics of magic and who are comfortable with writing their own spells; and those who appreciate the art of words, will get the most out of this book.