Publishers Weekly
09/23/2019
Meiklejohn-Free’s wholehearted, if unscholarly, debut uses her experience as a lifelong “seer” to create a spiritual approach to life that stresses listening to nature and ancestors, personal gnosis, and choosing one’s own path. While based on the ancestral wisdom of Cailleach (the Gaelic female creator deity), as well as two Scottish mentors (highland “seer” Swein MacDonald and her great-grandmother Winnie), the actual substance of the text is supported by a frustratingly disorganized and eclectic neopagan framework. Meiklejohn-Free leans heavily on her personal story, which is filled with persecution for her “seer” gifts and acknowledgment of her unique power—while being intentionally obscure about whether her lessons are for the similarly gifted, or for all. Scottish Highland elements, such as the idea of “sin eaters” or herbal tinctures that focus on the restorative elements of Scottish plants, are sprinkled throughout, and Anglo-Saxon, Celtic, Native American, and Norse god names and concepts are mixed in randomly. Nearly all of Meiklejohn-Free’s ritual exercises are straightforward and focus on connecting with the natural world. While not distinctly Scottish enough for experienced pagans looking for culturally specific elements, this book of miscellany may appeal to those looking for an introduction to pagan practices. (Nov.)
From the Publisher
"Deeply personal and immersed in myth and folklore, Barbara Meiklejohn-Free's book draws from the old and the new in a manner that will resonate with the modern Witch today. She shares the pages of Nature's book from her homeland with us. Scottish Witchcraft as lived by a Scottish Witch. Makes me long to visit this land and seek its magic."—Christopher Penczak, author of The Temple of Witchcraft and The Feast of the Morrighan
"The mystery and intricacies of Scottish Witchcraft have remained somewhat of an enigma, having only ever been an oral tradition, up until now. In this book, Barbara masterfully and authentically weaves together the traditions of Scottish Witch-lore, along with her personal story of growing up in the Highlands as a genuine Scottish Witch. Journey betwixt and between the worlds, as the Highland Seer reveals the hidden magick of the Old Ways."—Flavia Kate Peters, author of Witches Wisdom and the Dark Goddess Oracle Deck
"A fascinating subject, and one close to my own heart, explored by a brilliant author. Barbara not only shares her in-depth knowledge but also her own personal life experiences. And it is by using these experiences that she guides the reader through a very comprehensive book. I encourage you to take this journey with the Highland Seer, it will be a pathway of discovery."—Rachel Patterson, creator of the Flower Magic Oracle Cards
"Barbara Meiklejohn-Free is a Scottish witch, born and bred in the Highlands, and this book explores her own personal journey of discovery in the Craft alongside her training under the guidance of Swein MacDonald, the famous Highland Seer. It draws on the history, myth and folklore of Scotland and incorporates them into Craft practice, with exercises and rituals, tips and advice to help the reader explore their own path."—Anna Franklin, author of The Hearth Witch's Compendium and The Sacred Circle Tarot
"I really enjoyed the author's descriptions of how to access natural magic and her accounts of forays into the Scottish countryside. Within these pages you will find Scottish lore and practice and an illustration of the path of natural magic. A path that can be undertaken anywhere by those who earnestly seek it."—Ellen Evert Hopman, author of Scottish Herbs and Fairy Lore
"Barbara Meiklejohn-Free has done modern witches a great service with this lovely new book on Scottish magical practice. Her writing is fresh and very readable and she deftly covers the fascinating material. A great addition to any library."—H. Byron Ballard, author of Earth Works: Ceremonies in Tower Time
"I read Scottish Witchcraft with fascination. This book shows a joyous, yet deeply personal, discovery of the strength and power of Scottish Witchcraft. It takes the reader through a compelling history that begins to make this previously hidden realm open to every seeker."—Kate West, author of The Real Witches' Craft
