Irish Witchcraft from an Irish Witch (Paperback)

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