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[(Robert Kirk: Walker Between the Worlds)] [Author: R J Stewart] published on
Robert Walker Between the Worlds, a new edition of The Secret Commonwealth of Elves, Fauns and Fairies.To this day, Robert Kirk, the Scottish minister and scholar, is believed to be entrapped in the mysterious Fairy realm, or Underworld, which he described in such detail in the late seventeenth century. Robert Kirk's Secret Commonwealth was the first work of its kind to be published in the English language, and it has long been a primary source for the study of Highland Fairy lore and the Second Sight.This new edition in modern English by R.J. Stewart includes a detailed commentary. Comparisons are made between the ancient rites and powers of Fairy tradition and Second Sight, and those of Shamanism, Native American tradition, Celtic myth and legend, and perennial magical arts. A fascinating and absorbing book that offers a fresh and stimulating insight into techniques of inner transformation.
- GenresEsoterica
Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
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About the author
R.J. Stewart
65 books82 followersRobert John Stewart (Bob Stewart) was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. His father came from a Gaelic speaking family originally from the Western Highlands. His mother was Welsh, from a Welsh speaking family from the Gower Peninsula in South Wales, with a tradition of singing and playing the Welsh triple-harp. He is known today as a composer, author, and teacher, with 40 books in publication, translated into many languages worldwide. He is widely experienced in theater, film, and television, and is a skilled performer and presenter.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
June 19, 2019
A wonderful old book about pagan beliefs and charms, with a very thin veneer of Christianity spread over it.
Robert Kirk (1644-1697) was a minister in Aberfoyle, Scotland who believed himself to be a “seer”: one who communicates with fairies. He wandered frequently over Doon Hill, where he convened with the fairies, and he eventually died there—or has local custom has it, he was taken by the fairies from there, and a double was left in his place to be buried. His treaties on fairies, The Secret Commonwealth of Elves, Fauns & Fairies written in 1690, gives his proof that fairies exist, explains what is known about their lives and habits, and tells tales of encounters with them. As a very Christian man, he spends a lot of time proving that they are not of the devil, and pulls many quotes from the Bible to justify his beliefs.
To a modern reader, he appears as a man on the cusp between deeply-held Pagan beliefs and working-to-get-established Christianity. As such, he tells us as much about Paganism as he does about fairies, including a section on old charms to cure this or that. The writing is translated from Gaelic, but the editor has managed to retain the Middle Earth 17th century feel of it, making for a wonderful read (if you enjoy old language). And the editor is very knowledgeable about Pagan myths, and mythic archetypes in general; his commentary is fascinating and enlightening. In all, a very rich book.
And, if you ever go to Aberfoyle, do walk up beautiful Doon Hill. Especially in May when the bluebells carpet the woods, the hill is so delightful that one can indeed believe in fairies there.
Robert Kirk (1644-1697) was a minister in Aberfoyle, Scotland who believed himself to be a “seer”: one who communicates with fairies. He wandered frequently over Doon Hill, where he convened with the fairies, and he eventually died there—or has local custom has it, he was taken by the fairies from there, and a double was left in his place to be buried. His treaties on fairies, The Secret Commonwealth of Elves, Fauns & Fairies written in 1690, gives his proof that fairies exist, explains what is known about their lives and habits, and tells tales of encounters with them. As a very Christian man, he spends a lot of time proving that they are not of the devil, and pulls many quotes from the Bible to justify his beliefs.
To a modern reader, he appears as a man on the cusp between deeply-held Pagan beliefs and working-to-get-established Christianity. As such, he tells us as much about Paganism as he does about fairies, including a section on old charms to cure this or that. The writing is translated from Gaelic, but the editor has managed to retain the Middle Earth 17th century feel of it, making for a wonderful read (if you enjoy old language). And the editor is very knowledgeable about Pagan myths, and mythic archetypes in general; his commentary is fascinating and enlightening. In all, a very rich book.
And, if you ever go to Aberfoyle, do walk up beautiful Doon Hill. Especially in May when the bluebells carpet the woods, the hill is so delightful that one can indeed believe in fairies there.
Displaying 1 of 1 review