Part two, made up of rituals and cellebrations, cover not just the most often seen Dedications, Esbats and Sabbats that make up an introductory experience, but holy rits for so many other holy days that I'd never come across before. The Witch's calendar that Skelton has put together is the most detailed I've yet to come across, and would totally overwhelm the beginner.
Part three is Skelton's "Workbook," which is quite advanced. Spell theory on such varied topics as Love Spells (of which I personally debate the ethics), Healing Rituals, Blessings, Banishments, and Talismans, among other things, is set in this third part of the book. The discussion is of a major depth, and at times would be very much over the head of a beginner.
One thing I did expect that I didn't find in this book was any reference to Canadian-specific information or rituals. As one of the few published Canadian authors of Wicca/Witchcraft, I was hoping that Skelton would make mention of some of the Canadian-specific exeriences of the wheel of the year (for example, how often our Spring ceremonies are surrounded by snow and ice, when most rituals describe wandering out into the fresh new greenery to cellebrate).
This book is a delight to read, but again, I'll stress that as an introductory book, it is mislabelled. I'd start someone off more with Jennifer Hunter's "21st Century Wicca," or Scott Cunningham's "Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practicioner," and only come back to Skelton a little later.
So rooting around thge book shelf I find a book I have not read yet I find..."The Practice of Witchcraft Today - An Introduction to Beliefs and Rituals" by Robin Skleton. (1996, Citadel Press).
In the preface I find the author complaining about other books on witchcraft that:"Run counter to witchcraft ethics, such as death curses and spells to gain personal power"
Why are most people really studying the occult... what do they want?Peace and joy for all humanity - yes. But in the short term - a promotion, to escape a layoff, to find a lover, to get out of the ticket in traffic court. Personal power, we all want a greater control over our personal lives.
and then three pages later...
" There is no way in which one can summarize the beliefs of witches about the Goddess and her consort, for there is no orthodoxy in witchcraft. The names change from one group to another, and different groups emphasize different attributes of these powers. One can, however, easily state the central belief of all witches as regards human conduct. The Witches' Law, handed down through the generations, is "Do what ye will an (meaning 'provided that') ye harm no-one." To this is added the statement of principle, "Perfect Love, Perfect Trust". The law has also been expressed in the words "Love and do harm to none" and "Love, and do what you will under the law of love". The Old Religion is, indeed, a religion of love. "
Many pre-christian cultures where polytheistic, but not all where matrilineal, and although almost all matrarchical societies have been wiped out by judeo-christianity and islam, there is no concrete evidence that women are kinder and gentler leaders then men (see: Thatcher, Janet Reno, Dianne Feinstein, various english queens).
Then we get to the "central belief of all witches" after "there is no orthodoxy in witchcraft" - "The Witches' Law". Now I'm met one or two witchs/pagans who >CLAIM< that confronted with a robber or rapist that they would rather suffer robbery or rape then use violence in self-defense... where as 9 out of 10 I know are packing some sharp or blunt object and anyone who grabs them or their stuff will be pulling back a bloody stump.
Some people just need to be harmed - they are mad dogs. either physically or psychically self-protection often means striking first or striking back.
The various "laws" the author states don't mean the same thing:"Do what ye will an (meaning 'provided that') ye harm no-one."is not that same as "Love, and do what you will under the law of love"
The 2nd law does not exclude harming those who would harm you or those you love. Would you kill to protect your child, you mate, your best friend, you family? I would - I've looked down a gun sight, and a 1/4" movement away from putting a bullet into an abusive boyfriend who was threatening my mother (that would have been a serious example of a change in reality by force of will).