Witchcraft and wicca Books

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Book SynopsisShamanic practice seeks healing and wisdom from realms that overlap the everyday world. The use of plant and animal medicines, vision quests, trance work, and ceremonies to heal one''s self and others are the foundations of shamanism. So too, Wicca and witchcraft use the magic and medicine of plants, animals, and other realms. By learning to incorporate the practices of shamanism, the witch can enhance his or her natural abilities as healer and creator of positive change.The Shamanic Witch outlines the many similarities between the art of shamanism and the craft of the Witch and explores how the overlapping of these two traditions can be used to enhance one''s practice. Where witchcraft brings the belief and religion, Shamanism brings the skills. Sections include: Understanding the World of the shaman, Creatures and Spirits of Other Realms, Developing a Shamanic Practice, The Toolkit of the Shamanic Practitioner, The Realms of the Witch, and Melding Worlds: Becoming the Witch-Shaman.From the book:As Witches, we have an advantage when learning shamanism. The training in meditation and the movement of energy in ritual and spell work, give the Witch knowledge of how the energy of the Universe works. The Witch already sees herself as the tool through which energy flows and is directed. In addition, the Witch usually has an understanding of one or more divination techniques and is accustomed to the idea that wisdom comes from a variety of places from within and outside of the self.

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Book SynopsisFor domestic goddesses everywhere - add some magic and fun to those mundane household chores with MRS. B.''S GUIDE TO HOUSEHOLD WITCHERY. Whether you''re sweeping the floor, making a meal or cleaning out that junk drawer, domestic witch, Kris Bradley, will show you how to create spells and magic to bring happiness and balance into your home. Bradley offers ideas and solutions to make the most out of everyday items, activities and obligations. From Anchovies to Broccoli and Wine to Yeast, from sweeping the floor to blow-drying your hair, you can change your outlook on life with a pinch of knowledge and a dash of magic! The book includes simple rituals, spells and ways to connect with the spirits that watch over your home and family. Includes an appendix of herbs and a complete materia magica from the kitchen pantry.MRS. B''S GUIDE TO HOUSEHOLD WITCHERY features:Room by Room: How to create magic while you cook, set up a family altar in the living room or do a junk drawer divinationThe Elements for the Domestic Witch: a primer on the 4 elements and how to balance them in your homeThe Domestic Witch''s Herbal: Magical uses for every herb and food in your pantry, as well as instant magic with prepackaged spice mixesSimple Sabbats for the Busy Witch: simple ways to celebrate the passing of the seasonsMagical Recipes: More than 100 recipes and spells

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Book SynopsisToday''s urban witch needs to know how to communicate with the electric gods of the city, find the high-rise temples of power and uncover the magickal symbols in everyday graffiti.CITY MAGICK offers a fresh look at an earth-based religion that has taken root in the concrete jungle. Join Christopher Penczak as he shows how to create and live a magickal life in the city. Learn how to:-Interpret the symbols of graffiti with a magical eye-Perform rituals at nightclubs-Use everyday items in your home or office to create magickal incense, oils, talismans and charms-Create powerful sigils using street signs, graffiti and city maps-Discover metropolitan spirits and totems including spiders, cockroaches, crows, pigeons and doves.For the urban witch, this is the ultimate book on making high magick among the skyscrapers and the streets.

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Book SynopsisFor the first time in more than a decade, Grimassi introduces readers to a new system of witchcraft, one that draws upon the old ways and the old days to teach the practitioner how to master all that it is to be a Witch. Chock full of spells, illustrations of plant spirits and rituals, Grimassi takes readers deep into the woods to learn the secrets of the Thorned Path.Here we meet the entities that dwell deep within the organic memory of the earth, the devas, the deities, the magical life force behind the surface of the wooded glen. Chapters include Plant Spirits of the Green Realm, The Rose and Thorn Path of Witchery, Works of Magick, The Old Ones and The Old Rites.As practical as it is enchanting, this book will show students of witchcraft the ways of the Thorned Path.

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Book SynopsisThe wand is the most important component of the witch''s toolbox. Serving as an ultimate big book of wands, here is:The clearest exposition of the names, spirits and attributes of woods for wandsThe clearest explanation of wand anatomyThe most complete explanation of how to access, shape and channel magical forces from wandsA fresh and useful approach to wands for specific magical practicesA useful guide for a witch can form a partnership with her wandBased on her deep knowledge of plant science and ethnobotany and years of magical practice, the author examines the uses and benefits of each wand component (primarily woods, shrubs, grasses vines and some metals). She, also, explores their associations to various gods and goddesses, relationships to specific types of magic and the results a practitioner, can expect to achieve. She, also, includes tips and resources for finding materials, handcrafting and correspondence charts for easy reference. The final section focuses on the wands used in the Harry Potter series.This is the ultimate guide for witches and pagans everywhere

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Book SynopsisRegional traditional witchcraft is an animistic form of witchcraft that moves away from the religious harvest festivals and fertility-minded practices associated with the more common Wiccan form of witchcraft. Very few of us in this age are farmers or dependent upon crops and harvests. Regional traditional witchcraft teaches people to find their craft in their own back gardens, in the uncultivated land, the wild unknown and in their ancestors rather than in ancient foreign deities or in a neopagan-styled religious form of witchcraft. It''s not about where you''re from but where you are. The material is adaptable to any region in which the practitioner lives. Although the lack of deity worship and holidays is a significant part of the authors'' nonreligious approach, this book presents a complete system of practice utilising ritual, chant, trance, the six paths of witchcraft as defined and explained by the text and the practices associated with traditional witchcraft.

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Book SynopsisRaven Grimassi remains among the pioneering authors of the modern witchcraft renaissance. In WHAT WE KNEW IN THE NIGHT, he presents a cohesive and complete system of witchcraft based on traditional sources. The author''s premise is that, beginning in the 1980s, with the rise of modern metaphysical publishing, authors began presenting very personal witchcraft practices. In the process, traditional and formerly well-established practices fell into obscurity, which potentially lead to confusion.WHAT WE KNEW IN THE NIGHTuncovers and clarifies those buried gems for a new generation, assembling and integrating key components of witchcraft, past and present. Grimassi lays out key mystical and practical foundations of witchcraft and restores their important role.Sharing lessons and advice from his own, almost 50 years of personal study and practice, Grimassi explores what he describes as the "heart of the old rites." He, also, offers practical instructions and a clear 5-step process of empowerment - one chapter for each step - for anyone who wants to walk the path of witchcraft: Virtue of the MoonThe WaftingThe Witch''s BladeThe Clay PentacleThe Witch''s RingHaving accomplished these steps, the reader will possess the "quintessence of witchery" and be firmly grounded in the arcane art of witchcraft.

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Book Synopsis The first hands-on guide to witchcraft activism with practical tips on everything from joining activist groups to conjuring spells for self-protection There is a movement on the rise, one that brings the worlds of social justice and political activism together with the practice of witchcraft. Activists wish to add magical methods to their arsenal, while spell casters seek to use their powers to resist oppression. Written by an experienced witch-activist and with the current political climate in full view, the book shows readers how to learn spells for self-protection and body shielding, as well as methods of developing enhanced psychic intuition and situational awareness. Salisbury explains how and why to conjure spirits of defense, land spirits, ancestral spirits of activism, as well as your own personal guardian spirits. Included are rituals, spells, and sigils, written clearly and simply, so that even someone with absolutely no previous experience in spell casting can immediately feel empowered and join the "witch resistance."

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Book Synopsis "A fierce and voluble refutation of the patriarchy and its soul-crushing oppression of female power. These writers make clear that as witches, femmes, and queers, they will use their own strength, ingenious rituals, beauty routines, and spells to rise above and beyond the limits of racism/classism and objectifications set by a male-dominated society. While bound by a thread of magic, these are inspiring feminist writings for readers of feminist literature, however identified.” --Library Journal Edgy and often deeply personal, the twenty-one essays collected here come from a wide variety of writers. Some identify as witches, others identify as writers, musicians, game developers, or artists. What they have in common is that they’ve created personal rituals to summon their own power in a world that would prefer them powerless. Here, they share the rituals they use to resist self-doubt, grief, and depression in the face of sexism, slut shaming, racism, patriarchy, and other systems of oppression. Contents Introduction Notes from the Editors Content Warning Unfuckable—Cara Ellison Trash-Magic: Signs & Rituals for the Unwanted—Maranda Elizabeth Uncensoring My Ugliness—Laura Mandanas Femme as in Fuck You: Fucking with the Patriarchy One Lipstick Application at a Time—Catherine Hernandez Before I Was a Woman, I Was a Witch—Avery Edison Undressing My Heart—Gabriela Herstik Garden—Marguerite Bennett Reddit, Retin-A, and Resistance: An Alchemist’s Guide to Skincare—Sam Maggs The Future is Coming for You—Deb Chachra My Witch’s Sabbath of Short Skirts, Long Kisses, and BDSM—Mey Rude Buzzcut Season—Larissa Pham The Harpy—Meredith Yayanos Fingertips—merritt Red Glitter—Sophie Saint Thomas Touching Pennies, Painting Nails—Sim Bajwa Ritual in Darkness—Kim Boekbinder Gayuma—Sara David Pushing Beauty Up Through the Cracks—Katelan Foisy Ritualising My Humanity—J. A. Micheline Simulating Control—Nora Khan I Am, Myself, a Body of Water—Leigh Alexander Contributors Acknowledgements

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Book Synopsis"I stand in the meadow, at the forest''s edge. One step forward and I will straddle the boundary between fading light in the swaying grass and rich darkness in the woods. One more step and I will be immersed in the night-time world of southern, hardwood forest. My home lay behind me, the wild magic ahead. I am the witch at the forest''s edge."This book is an invitation to animists, ancestor worshipers, magic seekers, and the wild at heart. It systematically explores the foundational aspects of modern traditional witchcraft. The book is structured into 13 core chapters or classes that cover all essential skill sets for any modern, traditional witch in a practical, caring way. Each chapter offers suggested activities and/or reflections for journaling and a reading list for further exploration. Advanced skills such as hedge riding and ritual possession are taught in a structured, explicit way that makes them accessible to a wider audience.Written from an animistic perspective and without pushing any specific deities, the book offers a thorough practical and theoretical framework for considering each witch''s personal theology and practice. Without pushing one cultural context, THE WITCH AT THE FOREST''S EDGE offers the means to reflect on the multiple cultures that inform the practices of modern witches, encouraging the reader to think deeply and undergird modern practices with ancestral knowledge.

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Book SynopsisFeaturing voices from the contemporary witchcraft community, A Confluence of Witches is an invitation to explore the authentic intersections of magic, spirituality, personal development, and social justice.A Confluence of Witches aims to highlight how witchcraft has always been a diverse, constantly evolving, culturally specific practice with many lineages and rich traditions. It features essays, spells, and reflections from witches, traditional healers, herbalists, and artists on themes of magical activism, animism, and merging ancient practices with modern technologies, among other mystical subjects. The diverse representation of contributors will honor and celebrate the multicultural and multivalent ways that the witch operates within our society. With an increased interest in and practice of witchcraft comes a greater need for authentic sources of wisdom that are culturally relevant and sensitive to the many lineages and traditions of witchcraft, healing work, and magic. A Confluence of Witches provides insights and perspectives from a diverse range of people who in one form or another identify as a ?witch.? The anthology?s contributors are diverse, representing the African diaspora, Indigenous, Latine, and Romani traditions, as well as voices from the LGBTQ witch community?each with their own sacred blend of spirituality to share. These voices come together to illuminate the multitude of ways one can practice. Contributors to this anthology include: adrienne maree brown, Aja Daashuur, Alejandra Luisa León, Amanda Yates Garcia, Angela Mary Magick, Ariella Daly, Aurora Luna (aka)Baby Reckless, Damiana Calvario, Dori Midnight, Edgar Fabián Frías, Eliza Swann, Jessie Susannah Karnatz, Jezmina Von Thiele, Kiki Robinson, Kimberly Rodriguez, Liz Migliorelli, Madre Jaguar, Maria Minnis, Olivia Ephraim Pepper, Rachel Howe, Sanyu Estelle, Star Feliz

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Book SynopsisFolk magic is more than casting a spell or creating a ritual. It is a way of life, a way of living, a way of perceiving the world and all within it. Living Folk Magic explores how to build an entire folk magic practice to understand the practices of folk magic so that they can be applied wherever they are needed.

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Book SynopsisAlthough kabbalah began as an esoteric practice of a small group of educated men, today this ancient mystical tradition is adapting to contemporary sensibilities, including respect for the environment, gender equality, and conscious connection to other spiritual traditions. Access to this wisdom does not depend on one leader or require you to join a cult. Kabbalah, which literally means “that which is received” refers not only to the mystical maps of reality handed down by tradition, but to the awareness each person “receives” along their own journey.Kabbalah has always aimed at healing, repairing and rebalancing the individual, the community and the cosmos as a whole, recognizing the unity in all creation. FUNDAMENTALS OF JEWISH MYSTICISM AND KABBALAH addresses both the historical sources and evolving tradition of kabbalah. Topics covered include shamanic healing, the divine feminine, amulets, sacred sex, dimensions of the soul, time, numerology, the Tree-of-Life, the Hebrew alphabet, and the role of sacred texts and Torah.

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Book SynopsisThe spiritual tenets of Wicca are steeped in an inherent reverence for nature and stewardship of the environment. In fact, Wiccan practitioners have been living—and cooking—green since ancient times. In the decade since the first edition of the The Wicca Cookbook cast its spell over culinary history buffs and adventurous cooks everywhere, many readers have asked “What makes a cookbook Wiccan?” The tenth anniversary edition answers that question and more, bringing fresh dimensions to this heady witches’ brew with new rituals and delicious recipes. More than 100 dishes, many historically authentic, all meticulously researched, emphasize the use of organic ingredients at their seasonal peak and celebrate all the major pagan holidays: enjoy Stuffed Nasturtiums, Goddess Athena Pitas, and Deva Saffron Bread for the Spring Equinox; serve Elder Flower Chicken, Lilith’s Lily Fair Soup, and Wild Woman White Sage Jelly during the Summer Solstice; and Cupid’s Cold Slaw, Imbolc Moon Cookies, and Snowflake Cakes make delightful Candlemas treats. Nature-honoring dishes, eco-friendly living tips, and an inclusive message of spirituality make The Wicca Cookbook a unique contribution to the culinary world and a magickal tribute to the pagan spirit.

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Book SynopsisThe herbana witch is a green witch who uses the power of nature and the wisdom of the forest and who has a deep understanding of herbs, barks, mushrooms, roots, flowers, and woodland plants.This beautifully illustrated book from the author of Backyard Witchcraft is an almanac, designed to travel with the herbana witch throughout an entire year, exploring the seasons, the plants of each period, magical and healing recipes, and animal guides. It will help you get in touch with the forest and its subtle energy.Herbana Witch begins at the winter solstice and presents magical and healing practices, spirit animals, and subtle energies that change with the seasons. Each chapter begins with a suggestive description of the forest in a particular season. From there, the author includes meditations, visualizations, and rituals and a seasonal recipe that can be prepared with the available ingredients from the forest. Instructions are included on how to select and use woodland herbs, how to transform them for personal use, and how to make such crafts as incense, soaps, and candles?and much more.Let us welcome the wild wisdom of those who dwell at the edge of the forest, listening every day, in a way that opens the door to magic.Herbana Witch: A Year in the Forest contains: An introduction to what it means to be an herbana witch along with guides on how to follow the path of herbs and connect with the plants of the forest Chapters on each of the seasons with an almanac of information on the animals, trees, and plants of each season Activity tips for how to make soup, lotions, incense, and dried herbs, and more Secret seasonal recipes Rituals and meditations Beautiful illustrations that bring to life the magic of each season

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Book SynopsisTap into your intuition and manifest your dreams with this powerful collection of spells, rituals, and enchantments that align with the cycles of nature and the universe. Magic can be found in every part of the living world—you just need to know how to tap into it. The Witch’s Spellbook reveals how, by casting spells in tune with the natural world, you can shape and take responsibility for your destiny. Following a brief introduction to the basics of witchcraft, The Witch’s Spellbook holds an abundance of spells organized by concern—including your self, change, wishes, love, home and family, career, money, and protection. Each spell draws upon world traditions, sacred holidays, and lunar events such as solstices and equinoxes. This eclectic spellbook also uses invocations, blessings, talismans, and amulets drawn from a wide range of traditional magic practice form around the world, including medieval grimoires, ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian magical tablets, and Greco-Roman Magic tests, all completely updated for the modern-day witch.The spells include: Find Your Life Direction Restore Holistic Health Make a Decision Manifest an Aspiration Ignite Desire Get Over a Breakup Change Careers Open the Door to Prosperity Banish Negativity Plan your spellwork by date, season, and lunar phase, and identify spells that can be used any time, using the calendar index of spells at the back of the book. Whether you’re new to witchcraft or have an established practice, this will become your go-to guide to practical magic for every day and every event.

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Book SynopsisFrom Wren Maple, the Thrifty Witch, comes an introduction to witchcraft with a variety of spells, tips, and tricks to get the most out of your practice. There’s nothing wrong with simple and straightforward. Easy spells are not less worthy spells. These ideas are central to the practice of the Thrifty Witch. Sick of not being able to easily source (or afford) what she needed for spells, Wren Maple dedicated herself to collecting and optimizing spells that could work for all witches—no matter where they were on their journey and no matter their personal resources. Now The Thrifty Witch is sharing her research and bringing her collection to the page for the first time. The Thrifty Witch’s Book of Simple Spells is part primer, part spellbook. It includes: Getting started/witch basics: Witchcraft as self-care, how to establish a practice, and a handful of super-easy spells to get casting today. Key ingredients for spells: Starter stones and herbs, how to source, what to buy first, and more questions answered! Simple spells for every witch: Just like the spells Wren is known for online, nearly every spell in the book requires five items or fewer, and all ingredients are easy to source. Specific spells: Organized by purpose (e.g. love spells, protection spells), these spells are sure to cover what you're looking to cast. Tips and Tricks for Casting: When to cast for best results, where to cast and why it matters...make your spells count! The beauty of these spells is that they are easy enough and affordable enough to practice daily. Since practice and process are so important, this book provides an invaluable resource—unlocking the ability to try new spells and refine casting methods multiple times per week—even daily. Trade Review“Inherently fascinating, exceptionally well organized and presented.” * Midwest Book Review *"A fantastic book for beginners or advanced magic practitioners. It inspires readers, or at least inspired THIS reader, to rethink the way you make magic." * The Magical Buffet *"You cannot go wrong with having this in your witchy library. It’s delightful and inspirational, and the illustrations are warm and investing. You’ll be referencing these simple and powerful spells for generations to come." * The Nerdy Millennial *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION CH 1 GETTING STARTED CH 2 TECHNIQUES, TIPS, AND TRICKS FOR CASTING CH 3 PROTECTION AND DEFLECTION SPELLS CH 4 ABUNDANCE SPELLS CH 5 HEALING/HEALTH SPELLS CH 6 BANISHING/BINDING SPELLS CH 7 SLEEP AND RELAXATION SPELLS CH 8 PSYCHIC SPELLS RESOURCES DEDICATION ABOUT THE AUTHOR INDEX

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Book SynopsisIn The Provenance Press Guide to the Wiccan Year, Judy Ann Nock offers you a definitive guide to the wheel of the year.Capturing the essence of the major and lesser holidays, this complete and practical reference will appeal to Wiccans of all levels of experience. The handbook offers something for everyone: recipes, crafts, activities, spells, rituals, and meditations. In these pages, Wiccans will find several appropriate cyclic activities. Written to inspire and expand the practice as a reader moves through the eight sabbats, Nock provides the practitioner with the astrological and astronomical influences that govern the seasons, meditations that reflect timely themes, and rituals and crafts that anyone may enact in order to enhance spiritual expression.

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Book SynopsisWILD MEDICINE FOR APOCALYPTIC TIMES This Witch?s devotional is a collection of nature-inspired prayers, mythic incantations, stories, and pagan poetry that can be enjoyed slowly or all at once. It will resonate with anyone looking to soothe the wounds of modernity with eco-devotional language, spellwork, and daily spiritual nourishment. Danielle Dulsky speaks to the expanding movement of those returning to slow, simple living and cultivating an Earth-inspired, sustainable existence. Organized around thirteen archetypes and their themes, ranging from the Mountain Mage (solitude) and Bone-Witch (grievers) to the Heathen Queen (empowerment) and Shepherd (nurturing), Bones & Honey will carry you to the ?third road,? the unforeseen way that arises from the tension of opposites.

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Book SynopsisDo you seek to know more about the foundation and modern practices of witchcraft? In Witches’ Craft, Bruce Wilborn demystifies Wicca—a religion that is loving and nonjudgmental. Wicca’s strength is in its ability to provide spiritual light for a truly diverse group of people. However, its expansive range of rituals and traditions may be confusing to the new practitioner. Witches’ Craft provides detailed explanations of practices from each of the five major Wiccan traditions, removing the shroud of mystery surrounding one of the fastest-growing religions of the twenty-first century.

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive look at the history and practices of rural English witchcraft • Explores witch’s familiars and fetches, animal magic, and the forms of witchcraft practiced by rural tradespeople, such as blacksmiths, herbalists, and artisans • Offers practical insight into spells, charms, folk incantations, herbal medicine practices, amulets, sigils, and tools of the craft • Details the evolution of public perception of witchcraft throughout England’s history, including the laws against witchcraft in place until the 1950s and witchcraft’s contentious relationship with the Christian church In this practical guide, Nigel Pennick takes the reader on a journey through the practice of operative witchcraft in the British Isles from the Middle Ages and the Elizabethan era to the decriminalization of witchcraft in the 1950s and its practice today. Highlighting uniquely English traditions, Pennick explores fetches and witch’s familiars, animal magic, and the forms of witchcraft practiced by rural tradespeople, such as blacksmiths, herbalists, and artisans, to enhance their professional work and compel others to do their bidding, both man and beast. He provides actual spells, charms, and folk incantations, along with details about the magical use of a variety of herbs, including nightshades, the creation of amulets and sigils, protection against the Evil Eye, and the use of aromatic oils. Pennick explains the best times of day for different types of magic, how to identify places of power, and the use of the paraphernalia of operative witchcraft, such as the broom, the witches’ dial, and pins, nails and thorns. He explores the belief in three different types of witches: white witches, who offer help and healing for a fee; black witches, who harm others; and gray witches, who practice both white and black magic. Examining witchcraft’s contentious relationship with the Christian church, he investigates the persecution of witches throughout the UK and the British West Indies up until the mid-20th century. He offers a look into the changing public perceptions of witchcraft and the treatment of its followers as well as revealing how English churchmen would offer magical solutions to the perceived threat of black witchcraft. Painting an in-depth picture of English witchcraft, including how it relates to and differs from modern Wicca, Pennick reveals the foundation from which modern witchcraft arose. He shows how this context is necessary to effectively use these ancient skills and techniques and how the evolution of witchcraft will continue harmonizing the old ways with the new. Trade Review“In our postmodern world, appearances often upstage matters of real substance, and people freely adopt new personae as they please--witness the plethora of contemporary witches, many of whom share little in common with the sorts of rural figures that bore the name in earlier times. Nigel Pennick’s Operative Witchcraft is an unromanticized ‘warts and all’ survey of the real history and lore of witchcraft in his native England and elsewhere. This treasure trove of seldom-seen material encompasses topics ranging from toadmen and horsemen to weird plants and darker folk traditions, including a fascinating chapter on the syncretic links between British witchcraft and West Indian Obeah religion. One could not ask for a more knowledgeable and sympathetic guide through these shadow-filled realms than Nigel Pennick.” * Michael Moynihan, coauthor of Lords of Chaos and coeditor of the journal TYR: Myth--Culture--Traditi *“Operative Witchcraft is a fascinating, wide-ranging, and detailed work that acknowledges and tackles the complex nature of British witchcraft. The book discusses the powers of the witch, how witches have been portrayed, and the persecution of them through legislation and unofficial violence borne of ancient fears. The comparison with West Indian Obeah highlights the repetition of old patterns of persecution in Britain’s former colonies. Nigel Pennick has long been a leading authority on this subject, and Operative Witchcraft is another excellent work, shining new light not only on the history of witchcraft but also on how it has been practiced over the centuries. This beautifully written and authoritative work, which is both accessible and academically rigorous, should grace the bookshelves of folklorists, historians, practitioners of witchcraft, and those with a general interest in this enduring aspect of our culture.” * Val Thomas, herbalist, practitioner of witchcraft and natural magic, and author of A Witch’s K *“While most historians of witchcraft have focused on the early modern and Renaissance era (myself included), Pennick goes beyond the great conflagrations of Europe to show how magic and witchcraft survived into the twentieth century. Operative Witchcraft offers one interesting tidbit of forgotten magical history after the next--not a page went by that I didn’t stop and say, “Wow!” Well written, well researched, a fantastic addition to any witchcraft library.” * Thomas Hatsis, author of The Witches’ Ointment *“Nigel Pennick stands with one leg in the eldritch world and one in the mundane, as all who know him can attest. After a lifetime of dedication to these ancient mysteries, both in theory and in practice, there is no one better qualified to lead the reader through the highways and byways of operative witchcraft.” * Ian Read, former editor of Chaos International and Rûna magazines *“Yet another generous offering from Nigel Pennick! In Operative Witchcraft, Pennick’s extensive knowledge of British folk magic tradition builds a richly furnished mansion from the presumed molehill of its textual and material traces.” * Danica Boyce, producer of Fair Folk podcast *“In this intriguing book, Nigel Pennick gives numerous examples of operative witchcraft--witchcraft as it was actually practiced and documented by earlier researchers. It also includes details of the techniques and practices he personally learned from traditional practitioners over a period of more than forty-five years.” * Anna Franklin, author of The Hearth Witch’s Compendium and The Sacred Circle Tarot *"Meticulously researched, exceptionally well written, impressively informative, thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, "Operative Witchcraft: Spellwork and Herbcraft in the British Isles" is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and academic library Metaphysical Studies collections in general, and British witchcraft and wiccan supplemental studies lists in particular." * Midwest Book Review *"If you read Nigel Pennick’s Witchcraft and Secret Societies of Rural England and found yourself wanting more, look no further, Pennick has got you covered. His latest book, Operative Witchcraft: Spellwork & Herbcraft in the British Isles is an excellent follow up or stand-alone title. Here, buried in traditions of rural tradespeople, you’ll find the roots of magic and witchcraft as it’s practiced today. Pennick outlines in detail not just what the magic was, but why it was believed to work. Operative Witchcraft covers a lot of magical ground in its approximately 200 pages: the crafting of talismans, animal magic, identifying places of power, creating tools, herbal treatments, and more! He discusses the belief of the different types of witches: White, Black, and Gray. Eventually, he leads us to an exploration of what happened when these rural practices butted up against the Church. Thoroughly researched look at witchcraft’s past and possible future, get yourself a copy of Operative Witchcraft." * The Magical Buffet *"Operative Witchcraft is an engaging and highly comprehensive exploration of unique English traditions and offers information on a variety of forms of witchcraft..Highly recommended." * June Kent, Indie Shaman *Table of ContentsIntroduction The Many Names of Witchcraft 1 Operative Witchcraft: Definitions and Practices 2 Witchcraft, Fortune, and Misfortune 3 Power and the Powers of Witchcraft 4 The Gamut of Witchcraft: An Early Fictional Portrayal 5 The British Laws against Witchcraft 6 Weird Plants, Root Diggers, and Witchcraft 7 Spells, Incantations, and Charms 8 Witchcraft, Amulets, and Mascots 9 Binding Magic and the Art of Fascination, or the Evil Eye 10 The Powers of Operative Witchcraft 11 Witchcraft and the Power of the Toad 12 The Paraphernalia of Witchcraft 13 The Power of Magical Places 14 West Indian Obeah and Its Common Features with British Witchcraft Postscript Operative Witchcraft and the Emergence of Wicca Glossary Bibliography Index

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