The practice of witchcraft today: An introduction to beliefs and rituals of the old religion

by Robin Skelton

In this look at contemporary Wiccan practices, Robin Skelton shows clearly the presence of the magic of Wicca in all of us and introduces us to the world of the "Old Religion."In this practical introduction, Robin Skelton answers the questions that are most often asked of witches and explains the basic beliefs of witchcraft. The second part of the book discusses in detail the rituals and celebrations of the festivals of the year and the rites of initiation, passage, and naming, among others. Part three is a comprehensive compendium dealing with Verbal Magic for love spells, blessings, banishings, bidding, and binding; Talismanic Magic for protection, good health, good fortune; and Protective Eye and Hand Magic for general healing.

Genres: Wicca, Spirituality, Witchcraft, Religion, Reference, Nonfiction, Occult

204 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Robin Skelton was a writer and poet. He also wrote as Georges Zuk.

Reviews

[Isaac Pownall · Rating 2 out of 5]

okay i’m not great at writing reviews but there’s one thing i need to say and that is witchcraft 100% is not equivalent to wicca. also i found the way the author discussed witch trials pretty ahistorical and inaccurate, as they suggested many of the victims were witches in the sense we may think of witches today. this isn’t accurate, in reality witch trials were used as a way to police women’s bodies and traditional knowledge. they likely would not have identified as witches or anything similar. many were healers and midwives in fact who were blamed when things went wrong especially in childbirth when generally only women would be present. for a much better understanding of the historical context of the witch trials i would highly highly highly recommend caliban and the witch by silvia federici.
also, the rule “harm ye none” is part of wicca. you do not have to follow this rule if you are not wiccan. the purpose of practices we now group under the term witchcraft was very often to return power to the marginalised people in a society and therefore baneful and “selfish” magic was frequently used. obviously think it through deeply before doing a baneful working because it can come back to bite you on the ass but don’t let people who aren’t part of your practice make you feel like a bad person for doing baneful magic or magic for yourself

[Lii Kurai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excelente la considero una buena herramienta y alternativa para aquellas personas que como yo empiezan a iniciarse en la wicca destacan Rituales de comienzo, el calendario del brujo, los tipos de magia verbal, talismanica, ocular, proyectiva así como la simpática, amplia mente recomendable el autor Robin Skelton abarco manera concreta y contundente la información pertinente y el léxico del mismo facilita su lectura, haciendo de esta algo mas amena y no tediosa o compleja.

[Alex Gruenenfelder · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book that well documents the traditions of the Old Craft of Wicca.

[Luis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mui bueno este libro

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

1st Read: June 10, 1996 - June 11, 1996
This is the second book on the subject of Wicca that I'd acquired some useful information from. Enjoyable and easy to read.

2nd Read: June 11, 1996 - June 14, 1996
Re-read and took notes for educational and personal use.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

...a little book about trad/cunning craft written by one of my teachers

[Claudio Yáñez Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un libro verdaderamente mágico: poético, inspirado y con muchísima información práctica.