Irish Witchcraft From An Irish Witch

Rating:
Summary: A Refreshing Look at Irish Witchcraft
Review: Lora is very honest about who she is and what she does (a refreshing change). The book in written in a conversational style, which I like, so you feel like you are sitting down and chatting with her around the hearth.

The book starts off with the basics - defining Wicca and witchcraft and also giving pronounciations for every Irish term with a glossary of meanings. Great to have from an Irish (even if she admits she's not the best) speaker.

The next section gives information on the various figures which feature in Irish mythology. Lora gives some great information here, but does point out it is only a start.

Lora then gives information about Irish tradition, then there is a section on historical witch trials and what is know of them and the characters involved.

Then she gives information how she personally connected with the land and its spirit and offers suggestions on how others might go about it.

All throughout, she specifies the need to connect the deities of your chosen path on their own turf and by learning about them from as many sources as possible. To this end, Lora provides an extensive bibliography and many varied resources.

This book is something all beginners who wish to follow Irish traditions should follow. Its a great book, well edited and logical in its format. There are some wonderful pencil drawings to illustrate each section as well.

I like it and will be keeping it, even if it is not the path I am following. I certain will be recommending it to those who wish to connect to Ireland and its spirit.

Rating:
Summary: Brings Irish traditions to life
Review: There is a rich heritage of occult and witchcraft in Ireland, usually grossly mis-represented by non-Irish authors. This is the first book by an Irish practitioner and one which successfully bridges the gap between the serious wiccan practicioner and the indigenous traditional Irish witch. It provides a firm grounding in Irish customs and folk-belief, debunks the great myths imported into the culture in recent years (witchcraft as a religion, etc) and also gives insight into how the author herself has managed to include a deeper understanding of her country's heritage and occult traditions with her already established Wiccan training. An ideal first point of contact book and one which i would hearilty recommend to anyone genuinely interested in serious Irish traditions.

Rating:
Summary: Refreshing perspective from an "Irish Witch"
Review: This book does provide a new and fresh perspective for any of us wishing to call ourselves "Celtic (or Irish) Pagans." One of many things I liked about this book is the author's no nonsense approach to the book's topic, as well as her gentle humor. In the book's introductory pages, I found myself nodding in acknowledgement at many of the things she says, including the "fluffies" who take a little of one thing, a little of something else and call themselves "eclectic Pagans," or how Wiccans and witches can be two different types of people. She pokes a little fun at the ones who for whatever reason do not delve deeper into the entire "Celtic experience," or those who try to pass themselves off as knowing much more than they do. We've all met these types from time to time. I found myself agreeing with her that those who wish to know what the "Irish experience is," need to visit the Emerald Isle as well as reading all they can about Ireland and Celtic lore, and also learning the Irish language.

She speaks also of important Irish deities and of the four main Celtic Sabbats, Samhain, Imbolg, Bealtaine, and Lughnasadh. She spends time describing these Sabbats, the purposes for each, and the various customs for each sabbat. Each Sabbat has significance in the "turning of the year," and the author makes sure to explain each sabbat's importance. She speaks too of the commitment involved in dedicating yourself to an Irish goddess or god. One thing I realized while reading this book was that in spite of the other Celtic related books I've read, I still have much to learn. This is always a good thing.

Rating:
Summary: Best on the Topic!
Review: Who better to hear about Irish Witchcraft than from an Irish witch? This is not pseudo Celtic Wicca or the Fairy Folk magic many of us think we know. This book presents us with the actual practice of Witchcraft by one whose roots and life go deep into the Irish homeland.

Lora O'Brien is a true Irish Witch, yes, in Ireland. Born and raised in the Emerald Isles, she speaks in this book from first hand experiences growing up with the lore, the mystery and the magic that only Ireland can be.

Having said that, and emphasizing Ms. O'Brien's background, we get into the meat and potatoes of the book. Do not be surprised at what you read. Yes, the Irish (Gaeilge) language is taught in schools there, so when Ms. O'Brien gives you the pronouncement of the words that define the culture, be assured it is the correct pronunciation. A big plus to Ms. O'Brien for including this and the definitions of these words, as it makes a world of foreign terms and meanings much more understandable and well defined. I appreciated her addition of this to her book and it makes the book much more user friendly.

Ms. O'Brien will also surprise you when it comes to anyone claiming to be Irish. "If you want to explore your Irish roots, don't just research your family tree, don't just profess a love for anything Irish, don't just wave your tri-color flag about on Paddy's Day. You need to come to Ireland. A connection to this land is just that: the actuality of literally setting foot here, feeling its power rise through your body."

Ask anyone who has been to Ireland, they will tell you the same thing. And coming from Ms. O'Brien who actually lives there, yes, if you are going to do the studies, then you should also immerse yourself in the culture. Ms. O'Brien gives us some wonderful insights into Irish history and mythology, laying out the story of the founding of the isles.

Her entire approach to the topic of Irish Witchcraft in this book is like this: a hands on primer from someone who is truly an expert in her chosen life style. We are graced with many of her "down home" stories, family folk lore and personal experiences. We are treated to myths and legends that are not found in many books, as well as the best known ones. While the usual stories of the better known Gods and Goddesses are told here: Brighid, Manannan MacLir and Morrigan to name a few, there are also lesser known stories like Biddy Early, Cliodhna and Dame Alice Kyteler. While they were not Gods or Goddesses, these names make up parts of Irish history, or are essential to the personal lore of a particular family or town.

The book is laid out as follows: You start off with a basic overview of Irish Witchcraft, then you are treated to the myths and mysteries that surround how witchcraft evolved in Ireland and then you are brought into the present practices and beliefs. Ms. O'Brien includes material that would be considered the Irish witches "Book of Shadows"; an outline of traditions and practices that would help you attach yourself to the tradition and traditions of a modern practicing Irish witch. She covers the Sabats as practiced in Ireland, meditations and rituals that will assist in your connecting with the land, the Gods and Goddesses and the fairy folk, and material for personal growth as a witch in this tradition. She even includes photos and drawings that give a little visual flavor to the topics discussed.

There are Rites of Passage as well as discussions of the Sabats and earth cycles. She outlines initiation in her Coven's tradition and lays out how her coven works with the various degrees of commitment from the membership. She also gives you a very wonderful overview of Ireland as a community, as a life style and as a home should you ever consider moving there.

This book is an excellent overview not just of the tradition of the Irish Witch but of Ireland itself as viewed by someone who grew up and lives there. We get the flavor of the Irish witch complete with all the mystery and imagination that we all attribute to it. You come away with a feeling that you need to go there to experience it first hand in order to fully appreciate its nuances. And I believe that was what Ms. O'Brien was looking to do when she wrote this book: to give those who wish to follow this path the ability to taste the true path of Irish Witchcraft and urge you to follow it into Ireland for the personal experience if this is truly the path for you. boudica