Folk Witchcraft: A Guide to Lore, Land, & the Familiar Spirit for the Solitary Practitioner

It would be difficult to overstate the impact this author has had on me over the course of maybe two months. I was looking for pointers--signs, even--for the next stage of development in my practice. I saw the author's books suggested on here and was intrigued enough by the covers and descriptions to order this one: Folk Witchcraft. I read the book over the course of several days and had ordered the others in the series. I have begun putting his rituals and exercises into practice.

Amazing book if you're interested in the spiritual side of witchcraft like I am. I'm quite used to seeing a modern version of witchcraft that is focused on spells and manipulating the metaphysical world around your life to benefit you. I don't think that's a bad thing; I advocate for anything that allows you to better your life. That's just not my thing, so I wasn't super interested. This book focuses on the folk witch's relationship with the otherworld and it's inhabitants, which is exactly what I've been looking for. It's a broad look at everything, but it gives you a place to start and lots of other books to check out. I already purchased another book of his, A Broom at Midnight, and I'm taking lots of notes.One thing of note is that this book makes out spirit flight to be less involved than A Broom at Midnight does. For example, this one encourages you to jump straight into it while the other gives you a few detailed steps inbetween to ensure you're safe and ready, steps such as awakening your witchsight and forming a relationship with a familiar. These are both made out to be important prerequisites in A Broom at Midnight, but not in Folk Witchcraft, though they are mentioned. I'd recommend getting A Broom at Midnight as well if your interested in taking the steps toward spirit flight specifically.

Great book for beginners! Easy to read, unlike some authors who write in their own code and you have no idea what they are writing about. Horne keeps the literature plan and simple, and to the point.Excellent information even for an intermediate practitioner. This is not a HOW TO book insteadthis book explains why. Horne writes a plethora of content that touches on every aspect of folk craft. His wisdom in this book could prompt a reader to seek a new practicum to strengthen their abilities.After reading this book I have passed it on to my 14 yr. old grand daughter.Enjoy!

I have seen some people complain that this doesn't give a lot of depth or material. It doesn't need more than it gives though. Witchcraft is largely learned through work with the land and work with spirits. Modern witchcraft focuses too much on contemporary ritual practices drawn from ceremonial magic. This book doesn't get bogged down with that. It doesn't get bogged down with religious witchcraft. It presents a very real explanation of what witchcraft is and presents traditional material from folklore with just enough introductory commentary to let the reader explore and use that material without getting bogged down in unnecessary stuff from the author. Some have suggested that this material is available elsewhere, and honestly, that is going to be true for lots of books. This book is presenting folklore used by witches. A lot of it may be available elsewhere, but it isn't all available in an accessible easy to explore package with crystal clear introductory material. I am pretty picky about witchcraft books. This is one of the few I'm willing to recommend as a book for beginners, because it presents what they actually need without putting a lot of extraneous ideas in their heads.

Loved this book and so happy to have added it to my collection. The author appears to be very humble and knowledgeable with this topic.

Even though there are some very negative comments I do not agree. With any source you will most likely not agree with all of their work. Regardless, I found this book to be informational, while some have stated the chapters should be longer I have a different take. The chapters are short but they are really more of an instructional guide on where to look, how to do this or that and examples to take and create your own spells, sigils, rites, etc. This book is a wonderful tool for anyone looking to gain some insightful practice tips. Even if you decide you donjot appreciate the authors works he provides a list of other resources to review as well.

I grew up in a family with a very strong tradition of folk magic (never called witchcraft!) and have continued my own practice as an adult, and so much of what Roger J. Horne talks about is, based on my experience and study, familiar, historically accurate and effective Craft. This book is exactly what the author says it is in the introduction: one friend sharing his Craft with another. He has a lot of ground to cover, so I think that it is far more important to tell you the what and a bit of the how, and let you decide if you want to pursue any particular point more deeply and practise the how yourself. This is a brilliant book for the beginner and a book that any practitioner of traditional Craft should have on the bookshelf for reference. I have already given a copy to a friend.

When I first got this book, I was extremely disappointed. The table of contents makes it seem like it's going to be a massive title, but then it arrives and it could almost fit in your pocket. My expectations, dashed, I initially rated the book very low. This was a poor decision.Reviewing the book now, looking over what has been presented, and understanding how to read this author, I have to give an honest review: this book is in my top 10 recommended titles for beginners.The way it requires the reader to think, to seek out information, to search for deeper meaning in the words, it's all exactly the nature of witchcraft. This book isn't just about going through the motions and saying the words, but about knowing how to find your way within the actions and words, so those actions and words actually carry weight.

There aren't many books on the Craft that I would enthuse about, but this is one of them. Sensible, clearly written, knowledgeable and informative, this book is an excellent work for both the beginner and the more experienced practitioner. It doesn't talk down to you or assume you know things, but explains in simple language, the simple - and more complex - arts of the folkloric/traditional witch. It doesn't cover everything - no book can - but it gives more than sufficient information to start and continue your own practice, knowing that it is based on valid, historical principles, in line with the real practitioners of the past. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and it was truly a breath of fresh air.

Really enjoyed this book, exactly what I was looking for. The way the author speaks about folk witchcraft really resonated with me. I'm a beginner, just beginning my journey of exploring the ancient roots of witchcraft as this interests me more than the modern religion of Wicca.This book is the ideal companion for an absolute beginner - for me it struck the right balance between imparting knowledge and encouraging the reader the explore and find things out for themselves to 'get their hands dirty' as the author says at one point.The grammar section is a really generous resource, where the writer shares a comprehensive selection of charms and rites for the reader to try, while encouraging them to adapt it to suit their own needs and practice.A great resource for a beginner like me, I will return to this little book again and again.

Many books currently on the market, claim much, but deliver very little, those books (for want of a better phrase) try to reinvent the wheel, this is not one of those books! This book, although guarded, gives enough, a taste of what is possible. This book, is the real deal, this is the book I wish I had written!

I loved this book. Downloaded on my kindle but will buy it in paperback. I will be reading all this gentleman's books. Well written. Not mind boggling or airy fairy . I loved the print used for the words. I could almost smell the old ink and paper. It was very easy to read and understand. Beginning your journey or travelling further along the road it was a pleasure to read. Thank you Mr Horne

Honestly, one of the best books I've ever read on the subject of folk witchcraft and witchcraft in general. The reading list at the beginning is a must. I've seen some reviews stating that the chapters are too short but I disagree. I think with so many books in this sphere it can be an expectation to see authors putting in the work for you and giving you step by steps for each and every exercise. This book touches on a lot of subjects within folk witchery, and most importantly it opens doors for you. If you have any kind of family history of the craft you'll find this book incredibly validating, moving even, as it will sync with things you've explored. Folk Magic isn't discussed often enough in my opinion, not in more modern circles, so this book is worth its weight in gold! This book spoke to my blood and roots and I have since gifted it to several people in my life. Cannot praise this book enough.