This is a book on "Traditional" witchcraft folklore, not Wicca. The book deals with the Old World pagan practices of "cunning-folk" (at least so far as we know). Specifically, the book deals with the male aspect or "horned gods" of pagan belief systems, gods such as: Herne the Hunter, Cernunnos, Pan and Loki as well as their various aspects, regional name variances and lesser gods and creatures associated with them. The book is a treasure-trove of witch-lore. Though the author admits from the start there are few "cold hard facts" (like most of history) as much of it was carried on by oral tradition, and much of what was recorded has been destroyed or disguised by Roman invaders, and later, Christian missionaries. We can only piece together a rough picture through surviving works and artifacts. That said; many age old legends, such as the legend of Tubal-Cain, have remained fairly intact. Names may change, but the fables basically stay the same.

Jackson's book is loaded with fascinating practices, incantations, artwork, and rituals. The rituals are not meant to be precise recreations of ancient witchcraft rites (after all, many of the practices were recorded by those who were antagonistic towards them); rather, they're meant to be modern interpretations of the age-old practices to the best of our ability. Jackson insists practicing them "in the spirit" is more important than simply mimicking practices that once had very real motives and meaning, practices we couldn't possibly fully understand or relate to in the modern world.

My only gripe with the book was the typos. This is common with Capal Bann books. One section describing the dying of human bones (red) by using various pigments read, "iron peroxide was often employed". Obviously they meant "iron oxide", or rust. Publishing houses need to quit relying on Spellcheck as their sole editor. ( )