An ABC of Witchcraft Past and Present

An ABC of Witchcraft Past and Present
Author: Doreen Valiente
Publisher: The Crowood Press
Total Pages: 469
Release: 2018-01-31
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 0719826918

This is the only book of its kind on witchcraft that has been written by a practising witch. It is intended to be not merely a history, but a guide to the many strange byways of a vast and fascinating subject. Witchcraft is as old as the human race, and it is actively practised today, by people of all classes. To its devotees, witchcraft is more than spells and charms, or even secret meetings and rituals; it is a philosophy and a way of life. It claims to be the oldest form of religion, that of nature-worship and magic. Since the last Witchcraft Act was repealed in 1951, the revival of public interest in witchcraft has been the subject of continuous controversy. This book is a serious contribution to the study of a subject too long obscured by prejudice and sensationalism.

The Rebirth of Witchcraft

The Rebirth of Witchcraft
Author: Doreen Valiente
Publisher: The Crowood Press
Total Pages: 243
Release: 2018-01-31
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 0719826934

Since 1951, when the last of the Witchcraft Acts was repealed, many books have been written about the reappearance of witchcraft and the development of a pagan theology. Churchmen have denounced it. Sociologists have wondered at it. Journalists have penned sensational stories about it. But until the publication of this book, no one had told the real story of it from the inside as frankly as it is told here. Doreen Valiente, one of witchcraft's most widely known figures, was a close friend of the late Gerald Gardner, generally regarded as the founder of present-day witchcraft. Initiated by him and for a time High Priestess of his coven, Doreen Valiente helped him rewrite his seminal Book of Shadows. She records the break with Gardner that split his coven, the controversy surrounding Alex Sanders, 'King of the Witches' and memories of many other witches whom she has known, including the lady called 'Dafo', Robert Cochrane, Leslie Roberts and Sybil Leek. Doreen Valiente took part in many witchcraft rituals and had strange psychic experiences as a result. Described here are the clairvoyant communications she received purporting to come from 'John Brakespeare', an eighteenth-century witch. The Rebirth of Witchcraft traces the lineage of the present-day witchcraft from its forerunners through to modern feminist neo-paganism and the new wave of interest in ecology and holistic medicine.

Witchcraft for Tomorrow

Witchcraft for Tomorrow
Author: Doreen Valiente
Publisher: The Crowood Press
Total Pages: 237
Release: 2018-01-31
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 0719826950

Witchcraft for Tomorrow answers many frequently asked questions about witchcraft including: 'How can I find a witches' coven?' and 'How can I become a witch?' Doreen Valiente tells you what the old religion of witchcraft has to offer the new age of Aquarius; how the age-old Craft of the Wise can be practised in the modern world; how to initiate yourself as a witch and found your own coven. The author, who was the leading figure in the establishment of the modern Wiccan movement, includes a new Book of Shadows (the witches' handbook of rituals and instructions) based upon ancient magical tradition but geared to the age of the future. There are witch songs, spells, incantations and practical advice on how to run a coven and how to acquire your own collection of magical implements; as well as methods of divination and other witch lore. The author shows how the oral traditions of witchcraft throw light not only upon the origins of the present-day witch cult and the activities of the witch leader George Pickingill and his covens, but also upon the mystery of the founding of the famous magical order, the Golden Dawn. Also discussed is the relationship between the witchcraft of Britain and Europe and the magical belief of the Far East. Do both traditions hark back to the legendary city of Shamballah and to the shamanistic practices of Asia? And why do the secret circles of the witches resemble those of the Tantric sex-magic of India?

Witchcraft

Witchcraft
Author: Evan John Jones
Publisher:
Total Pages: 216
Release: 1999
Genre: Witchcraft
ISBN:

Revealing the secrets of ancient rituals and the philosophy of witchcraft, this book delves deep into modern witchcraft. The nature of the rites are shown to revolve around traditional witchcraft passed down from ancient times.'

Witchcraft for Tomorrow

Witchcraft for Tomorrow
Author: Doreen Valiente
Publisher: Robert Hale
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1993
Genre: Witchcraft
ISBN: 9780709052449

Now reissued again due to popular demand, Witchcraft for Tomorrow answers many frequently asked questions about witchcraft including: 'How can I find a witches' coven?' and 'How can I become a witch?' Doreen Valiente tells you what the old religion of witchcraft has to offer the new age of Aquarius; how the age-old Craft of the Wise can be practised in the modern world; how to initiate yourself as a witch and found your own coven. The author, who was the leading figure in the establishment of the modern Wiccan movement, includes a new Book of Shadows (the witches' handbook of rituals and instructions) based upon ancient magical tradition but geared to the age of the future. There are witch songs, spells, incantations and practical advice on how to run a coven and how to acquire your own collection of magical implements; as well as methods of divination and other witch lore. The author shows how the oral traditions of witchcraft throw light not only upon the origins of the present-day witch cult and the activities of the witch leader George Pickingill and his covens, but also upon the mystery of the founding of the famous magical order, the Golden Dawn. Also discussed is the relationship between the witchcraft of Britain and Europe and the magical belief of the Far East. Do both traditions hark back to the legendary city of Shamballah and to the shamanistic practices of Asia? And why do the secret circles of the witches resemble those of the Tantric sex-magic of India?

Natural Magic

Natural Magic
Author: Doreen Valiente
Publisher: The Crowood Press
Total Pages: 155
Release: 2018-01-31
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 0719826926

Magic is all around us - in stones, flowers, stars, the dawn wind and the sunset cloud. All we need is the ability to see it, understand it, and apply it. Natural Magic explains how to practise the age-old white magic that village wise women have used for centuries. It deals with the magic of herbs and flowers, of the four elements, of numbers and colours, amulets and talismans, how to read cards, how to interpret dreams, and much more. There are chapters on the secrets of sex magic, and on the use of traditional spells. If you want to learn to charm warts, to cast a love spell, or to plant a magical garden, this book will tell you how. An essentially practical treatise, which sets out to show how magic can be for everyone, and how, indeed, it has always been inherent in human life and nature. Both those who are new to the practice of magic and those with experience will find it delightful reading and an informative handbook for use in daily life.

Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft

Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft
Author: Raymond Buckland
Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide
Total Pages: 336
Release: 1986
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 0875420508

"This complete self-study course in modern Wicca is a treasured classic - an essential and trusted guide that belongs in every witch's library."---Back cover

Between the Devil and the Host

Between the Devil and the Host
Author: Michael Ostling
Publisher: Past & Present Book
Total Pages: 296
Release: 2011-11-03
Genre: History
ISBN: 0199587906

For the first time in English, Michael Ostling tells the story of the imagined Polish witches, showing how ordinary peasant-women got caught in webs of suspicion and accusation, finally confessing under torture to the most heinous of crimes.

Witches Then and Now

Witches Then and Now
Author: Centennial Books
Publisher: Centennial Books
Total Pages: 192
Release: 2021-08-03
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 9781951274818

This amazingly visual book connects the past with the present, illustrating not just the long history of witches and witch trials, but also their subculture and fascination today. Whether she’s an old crone stirring a bubbling cauldron or a teenager discovering her magic for the first time, witches have been a part of our stories since humans began writing stories—even before! We’ll tell you all about the history of the witch, including the infamous trials in Europe and Salem, and introduce you to some of the craft’s most famous faces like Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. Learn about how the witch became a feminist symbol and check out some spellbinding vacation spots. We’ll explore representations of the witch in lore and pop culture, from The Odyssey’s witch-goddess Circe to Harry Potter’s Hermione Granger. Find out how The Wizard of Oz changed the perception of the spell-casters, and get the scoop on The Witches remake starring Anne Hathaway. Practicing witches let you know how to get in touch with your inner witch and let you in on what really goes on in contemporary covens. There’s even a primer on spellwork—no cauldron required!