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An Carow Gwyn: Sorcery and the Ancient Fayerie Faith
An Carow Gwyn is an extensive work covering every angle and dark folkloric corner of the ancient Fairy-related beliefs of Europe and the British Isles. The first portion of the work is a sprawling, in-depth analysis of the "Fayerie Faith", the folkloric presence of the old animism and spirit-worship of ancient and pre-modern Europe, Eurasia, Britain, and Ireland. The remaining portions form a detailed modern Grimoire of practical sorcery based solely upon pre-modern principles and traditional spirit-metaphysics as they are found in the ballads and folktales of the Old World and the traditional tales and lore of witchcraft.Also included is Robin Artisson's translation of a 14th century work, "The Romance of Thomas of Erceldoune", appearing here for the first time in modern English, along with detailed notes revealing the full esoteric significance of the strange story it tells: a story of how humans relate to the Fayerie World, and what that might mean for our destiny in this world. Countless other old tales are told and analyzed for the truths and guidance they contain.An Carow Gwyn shows the Old Way of seeing and living in this world for what it truly was, where it ultimately came from, and how it still lives quietly among us. A complete philosophical treatise regarding Spiritual Ecology, and how it relates to the Old Ways, is interlaced throughout the book. Criticism of modern cultural philosophies and ideologies in light of what the Old Ways reveal, forgotten histories underlying many of our cultural stories and myths, and the hidden laws and techniques behind basic and advanced historical works of sorcery (all of which are explained in exacting detail) are carefully brought together in this substantial and paradigm-shifting work. An Carow Gwyn contains over 60 illustrations and diagrams, and gives historical (and accessible) spells and workings from the Classical to the Elizabethan eras for seeking oracles through dreams, swaying the spirits of forests and graveyards, protection and uncrossing, opening doorways into spiritual regions, and even the supreme act of disassociating from bodily experience and traveling in the Unseen world.
557 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2019
154 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
Robin Artisson
23 books74 followersRobin Artisson has been studying folklore, mythology, and the interior metaphysics of sorcery and traditional witchcraft for over 20 years. His specialty areas of knowledge include spiritual ecology, occult history, herbalism and wortcunning, divination, and soul-flight or trance induction, along with a vocational interest in the extraordinary exploration of the eldritch dimensions of the mind, the soul, and the world.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 24, 2019
Let me begin by saying that "An Carow Gwyn" is a massive journey of a book. You will not be in the same place when you put it down as when you picked it up. And that seems to be the whole point.
The book is comprised of four parts, but the first--describing the entire metaphysical system of Fayerie Faith--is so extensive as to seem, while you're reading it, to own the whole work. Prepare for an historical trip throughout Europe and North America in a sweeping timeline that ties together traditions, beliefs, and taboos both foreign and familiar. A great deal is explained here, but deftly so, that by the time Part Two comes around, you feel like you've begun an entirely new book.
A delightful surprise I discovered while reading is the many mind-bending concepts within the realm of sorcery. I have been practicing witchcraft for 22 years, so I would expect that little could shock me at this point, yet I was happily mistaken. This was indeed an eye-opening experience. Deep animistic meanings in ballads and fairy tales are revealed throughout, as well as revelations in myth, monotheism, and neo-Pagan thought. Associated experiences like oracles and lucid dreaming are given a more complete and intriguing treatment than I've seen elsewhere. Many little notes littered my copy by the time I was done, making sure I remembered to revisit and reflect upon important ideas. If you're curious about some of my personal highlights, check out: pg 47, paragraph 3; page 58, paragraph 5; page 77, paragraph 4, page 204, paragraph 6; page 216, paragraph 3.
If you are already familiar with Robin Artisson's work, of course, none of this will surprise you. His signature style emanates throughout--serene, clear, and old-world academic with a twist. However, all readers will gain a wealth of information including deep dives into the many aspects of this ecology and its practices. The connections drawn between the ancient and modern, between how we once were and how we could be, the things we take for granted and a deeper and broader reality are readily on display. You may find yourself, as I did, suddenly questioning standard social norms more often, noticing the strife that civilization has bound to humanity, and wondering at the habits not only of modern life but of all life extending back to our first agricultural settlements. Any time a book can influence my daily round, I consider it a massive success. As an aside, I took special notice of some excellent viewpoints Artisson gives to discussions most of us have tossed around like why cultural appropriation is wrong both morally and spiritually (pg 55) and even why we don't see sorcerous people all winning the lottery (pg 346).
After so much information, one would expect to be thoroughly exhausted, and yet the exact opposite is true. Throughout the book are many beautiful calls to action. This isn't just an exploration of the way things used to be, but an enticement to personally bring this timeless wholeness into your own life. Once you reach the instructions for actually connecting with the Unseen, you are thoroughly prepared to get started. And it's not just the otherworld you are asked to touch, but the physical, because they exist together. We're not dealing in metaphors or mythos, but real worlds and complex beings who are side by side with us, even if we choose not to see. This is a much richer worldview--and a more complete interaction with that worldview--than any of the nature-worshipping Pagan books I've read. And this is coming from a faithful Pagan.
"An Carow Gwyn" is a guide above all others, but be warned that it's not what some would consider an easy read. Prepare yourself for some college-level brain work. Clocking in at 556 pages, it's scholarly and somewhat dry at times. A large vocabulary is a must and you'll definitely want to take notes and tab pages for reference later. Even so, the connections drawn here have a way of following you home, of popping up all over. Once discovered, they cannot be erased. And that seems to be the way of the Unseen; that it is, in fact, seen every day. That alone is worth any effort.
The book is comprised of four parts, but the first--describing the entire metaphysical system of Fayerie Faith--is so extensive as to seem, while you're reading it, to own the whole work. Prepare for an historical trip throughout Europe and North America in a sweeping timeline that ties together traditions, beliefs, and taboos both foreign and familiar. A great deal is explained here, but deftly so, that by the time Part Two comes around, you feel like you've begun an entirely new book.
A delightful surprise I discovered while reading is the many mind-bending concepts within the realm of sorcery. I have been practicing witchcraft for 22 years, so I would expect that little could shock me at this point, yet I was happily mistaken. This was indeed an eye-opening experience. Deep animistic meanings in ballads and fairy tales are revealed throughout, as well as revelations in myth, monotheism, and neo-Pagan thought. Associated experiences like oracles and lucid dreaming are given a more complete and intriguing treatment than I've seen elsewhere. Many little notes littered my copy by the time I was done, making sure I remembered to revisit and reflect upon important ideas. If you're curious about some of my personal highlights, check out: pg 47, paragraph 3; page 58, paragraph 5; page 77, paragraph 4, page 204, paragraph 6; page 216, paragraph 3.
If you are already familiar with Robin Artisson's work, of course, none of this will surprise you. His signature style emanates throughout--serene, clear, and old-world academic with a twist. However, all readers will gain a wealth of information including deep dives into the many aspects of this ecology and its practices. The connections drawn between the ancient and modern, between how we once were and how we could be, the things we take for granted and a deeper and broader reality are readily on display. You may find yourself, as I did, suddenly questioning standard social norms more often, noticing the strife that civilization has bound to humanity, and wondering at the habits not only of modern life but of all life extending back to our first agricultural settlements. Any time a book can influence my daily round, I consider it a massive success. As an aside, I took special notice of some excellent viewpoints Artisson gives to discussions most of us have tossed around like why cultural appropriation is wrong both morally and spiritually (pg 55) and even why we don't see sorcerous people all winning the lottery (pg 346).
After so much information, one would expect to be thoroughly exhausted, and yet the exact opposite is true. Throughout the book are many beautiful calls to action. This isn't just an exploration of the way things used to be, but an enticement to personally bring this timeless wholeness into your own life. Once you reach the instructions for actually connecting with the Unseen, you are thoroughly prepared to get started. And it's not just the otherworld you are asked to touch, but the physical, because they exist together. We're not dealing in metaphors or mythos, but real worlds and complex beings who are side by side with us, even if we choose not to see. This is a much richer worldview--and a more complete interaction with that worldview--than any of the nature-worshipping Pagan books I've read. And this is coming from a faithful Pagan.
"An Carow Gwyn" is a guide above all others, but be warned that it's not what some would consider an easy read. Prepare yourself for some college-level brain work. Clocking in at 556 pages, it's scholarly and somewhat dry at times. A large vocabulary is a must and you'll definitely want to take notes and tab pages for reference later. Even so, the connections drawn here have a way of following you home, of popping up all over. Once discovered, they cannot be erased. And that seems to be the way of the Unseen; that it is, in fact, seen every day. That alone is worth any effort.
May 16, 2021
This is the most profound, satisfying, intriguing and genuine book on magic that I have read in a long, long time.
As the years pass, folklore and the currents of the land around me have become ever more significant and I have read widely on those mythic themes. But I don't believe I have ever encountered a book quite like this one before.
Indeed, until quite recently I had never encountered the name of Robin Artisson before, which I find very surprising given that we apparently have a number of acquaintances in common. But two more volumes of his writings have landed in my mailbox just this last week and more will follow.
Extraordinary, refreshing, meaningful and deep. The keys are here to forging a deep and abiding relationship with the Otherworld, and indeed with your own self. So much here resonates with my own feelings about the way life ought to be lived.
I really cannot recommend this highly enough.
As the years pass, folklore and the currents of the land around me have become ever more significant and I have read widely on those mythic themes. But I don't believe I have ever encountered a book quite like this one before.
Indeed, until quite recently I had never encountered the name of Robin Artisson before, which I find very surprising given that we apparently have a number of acquaintances in common. But two more volumes of his writings have landed in my mailbox just this last week and more will follow.
Extraordinary, refreshing, meaningful and deep. The keys are here to forging a deep and abiding relationship with the Otherworld, and indeed with your own self. So much here resonates with my own feelings about the way life ought to be lived.
I really cannot recommend this highly enough.
May 20, 2021
I never made it past the first seventy (plus) pages of pure social commentary. It quickly became an "Ode to Community" which sounds good and all until you find yourself in a so-called "like-minded" community and just so happen to be different. Pregnant out of wedlock. Gay. Someone who doesn't believe in God. All that and more was a fine way to get yourself ran out of town where I was born and raised. So. I ended up stopping in the middle of that tirade and never made it any further which is disappointing because I have quite a bit of respect and admiration for Artisson. I'd lovingly suggest he write a book on his idea of the perfect community and spare us all when we buy a 45 dollar book on the Fayerie Faith or whatever other magical topics he might ACTUALLY be writing on.
I did at least get my money back so there's that.
But I was kinda tainted by the whole thing.
No lie about that.
I did at least get my money back so there's that.
But I was kinda tainted by the whole thing.
No lie about that.
April 14, 2023
This is the first book by Robin Artisson I've picked up since The Witching Way of Hollow Hill (an editorial nightmare coupled with the most redundant dialogue ever written). I was talked into the purchase of An Carow Gywn.
Pros:
1. The Ballad section and book references are indispensable.
2. Artisson provides well researched and extensive information with personal insights to the Fayerie Faith and Spiritual Ecology.
3. The practice is cohesive, moves beyond magical pursuits, and provokes personal reflection in the reader.
4. Artisson doesn't stop at 'how it was'; he brings the tradition to modern times while never washing it away with 'do whatever makes you feel good'.
Cons
1. Although this book is far superior in editing and technique to Witching Way, he still repeats himself endlessly. Reading others' criticisms of the work being too long or dull, I believe Artisson is his own enemy here.
2. The first half of the book is riddled with italicized words beyond titles or quotations from other works. Something I would expect from a high school term paper.
3. The bashing of well... everyone. I expect a little 'the church came along and stole my holiday' somewhere in pagan oriented works. Artisson not only lets us know what Christianity forced upon the Fayerie faith, but also lets us know that everyone sucks: all major religions from Buddism to Hinduism, pagans, neo-whatevers, Hermetics, Wicca, all forms of witchcraft, etc.
I want to believe, as with his tech bashing, he was trying to make a point of our disconnection with Nature, each other, and Otherworlds.
The In-Between
Artisson's practice is a natural masterpiece, but not an environmental one. From his stick and stone gateways to his biodegradable mawkin/poppets, he wins.
On page 325 (ebook), he talks about disposing of offerings. The usual ways are there but also states that the essence is instantly taken by the spirits, so tossing in the garbage or pouring down the drain is no problem. Unfortunately, like so many, ends up leaving it out in the wild. On page 443, he gives a list of traditional offerings like cream, bread, alcohol, and pungent herbs. He is giving us research, but I feel he should have made a statement about the safety of wildlife. If one practices/believes in an earth-based anything, they should know the local wildlife of the place practiced, which includes the city. Yeast, salt, sugar, and that pungent onion family are toxic to wildlife. Period. Anything toxic to a dog or a cat is toxic to their wild counterparts. Unless you can make bread without yeast, salt, and sugar, it has no place in the wilderness or our backyards.
Want to make a bread offering to the land spirits...burn it or bury it very deeply. The insect kingdom seems to be the only one who can handle our food. Traditional offerings made by a people who did not have the knowledge or means to obtain such knowledge are innocent.
Most of modern society has no excuse.
Regardless of my personal criticism, Robin Artisson has given us one of the most informative, workable, and sustainable practices I've seen in print. So good, I'm going to read another.
Pros:
1. The Ballad section and book references are indispensable.
2. Artisson provides well researched and extensive information with personal insights to the Fayerie Faith and Spiritual Ecology.
3. The practice is cohesive, moves beyond magical pursuits, and provokes personal reflection in the reader.
4. Artisson doesn't stop at 'how it was'; he brings the tradition to modern times while never washing it away with 'do whatever makes you feel good'.
Cons
1. Although this book is far superior in editing and technique to Witching Way, he still repeats himself endlessly. Reading others' criticisms of the work being too long or dull, I believe Artisson is his own enemy here.
2. The first half of the book is riddled with italicized words beyond titles or quotations from other works. Something I would expect from a high school term paper.
3. The bashing of well... everyone. I expect a little 'the church came along and stole my holiday' somewhere in pagan oriented works. Artisson not only lets us know what Christianity forced upon the Fayerie faith, but also lets us know that everyone sucks: all major religions from Buddism to Hinduism, pagans, neo-whatevers, Hermetics, Wicca, all forms of witchcraft, etc.
I want to believe, as with his tech bashing, he was trying to make a point of our disconnection with Nature, each other, and Otherworlds.
The In-Between
Artisson's practice is a natural masterpiece, but not an environmental one. From his stick and stone gateways to his biodegradable mawkin/poppets, he wins.
On page 325 (ebook), he talks about disposing of offerings. The usual ways are there but also states that the essence is instantly taken by the spirits, so tossing in the garbage or pouring down the drain is no problem. Unfortunately, like so many, ends up leaving it out in the wild. On page 443, he gives a list of traditional offerings like cream, bread, alcohol, and pungent herbs. He is giving us research, but I feel he should have made a statement about the safety of wildlife. If one practices/believes in an earth-based anything, they should know the local wildlife of the place practiced, which includes the city. Yeast, salt, sugar, and that pungent onion family are toxic to wildlife. Period. Anything toxic to a dog or a cat is toxic to their wild counterparts. Unless you can make bread without yeast, salt, and sugar, it has no place in the wilderness or our backyards.
Want to make a bread offering to the land spirits...burn it or bury it very deeply. The insect kingdom seems to be the only one who can handle our food. Traditional offerings made by a people who did not have the knowledge or means to obtain such knowledge are innocent.
Most of modern society has no excuse.
Regardless of my personal criticism, Robin Artisson has given us one of the most informative, workable, and sustainable practices I've seen in print. So good, I'm going to read another.
December 3, 2020
I'm sorry, I just found it to be tedious, vague and nearly unreadable. There's some interesting old lore here, which doesn't seem to be served well by the rest of the book.
August 26, 2021
Comprehensive
A bit verbose and superfluous at times, but you won’t find these notions elsewhere. In addition, the bibliography at the end is impressive and a field to mine in its own right.
A bit verbose and superfluous at times, but you won’t find these notions elsewhere. In addition, the bibliography at the end is impressive and a field to mine in its own right.
August 31, 2024
This book by Robin Artisson is the book on Witchcraft and Sorcery that I have been waiting my whole life for! Robin Artisson is such a dedicated teacher and practitioner of the Nameless Way, and I will never be finished reading this amazing book, or be done learning from him! Do yourself a favor and read this book many times over. An Carow Gwyn and The Clovenstone Workings are such powerful books. Robin Artisson's Patreon is a treasure trove of amazing information, and his class "Upon The Rood Day is worth every penny!
October 19, 2025
If I were told to keep a single book on witchcraft - if all others were to cease to exist - I would have chosen this one. The most comprehensive guide to my practice, it is also a source of hope and inspiration. It provides everything I need to express my gratitude in a meaningful way and to petition in the times of need. The part on history is fascinating, the author has done a huge research work and shared it in an easy to understand manner. I keep re-reading it and I think I will always keep coming back to this work.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews