Witchcraft / Witches Books

Book SynopsisFascinating and vivid. New StatesmanThoroughly researched. The SpectatorIntriguing. BBC History MagazineVividly told. BBC History RevealedA timely warning against persecution. Morning StarAstute and thoughtful. History TodayAn important work. All About HistoryWell-researched. The TabletOn the morning of Thursday 29 June 1682, a magpie came rasping, rapping and tapping at the window of a prosperous Devon merchant. Frightened by its appearance, his servants and members of his family had, within a matter of hours, convinced themselves that the bird was an emissary of the devil sent by witches to destroy the fabric of their lives. As the result of these allegations, three women of Bideford came to be forever defined as witches. A Secretary of State brushed aside their case and condemned them to the gallows; to hang as the last group of women to be executed in England for the crime. Yet, the hatreTrade ReviewCallow’s intriguing book is both a case study of the Bideford witch trail and an examination of how superstition prevailed in a time of increasing rationality… Callow’s fascinating and vivid unpicking of the English Salem is also an account of the birth pangs of the modern age. -- Michael Prodger * New Statesman *Callow examines in detail the surviving evidence of the Bideford case, while also imaginatively reconstructing events to create a convincing picture of how superstition and belief in sorcery lay just beneath the surface of a mercantile society struggling to be born. -- Nigel Jones * The Spectator *One 17th-century pamphlet about the Bideford trial promised "many Wonderful Things, worth your Reading"; a line that could justifiably be slapped across the cover of [The Last Witches of England]. -- Tristram Saunders * The Telegraph Culture *A retelling of a 17th-century witchcraft trial that never loses sight of the women at its heart, nor the social and economic factors that contributed to their plight… There is no plain explanation for the witchcraft accusations of 1682, but then acts of evil never have a simple origin. The Last Witches of England faces that fact and marshals an intriguing story around new research on the case. -- Marion Gibson * BBC History Magazine *Carrow meticulously explores the haunting tale of the Bideford witches. -- Suzannah Lipscomb * UnHerd *An elegantly presented, well illustrated and readable book on how class conflict played out through witch hunting… A timely warning against persecution and intolerance. * The Morning Star *In The Last Witches of England John Callow painstakingly reconstructs the lines of three beggar women accused of witchcraft in Bideford, Devon in 1632 by trawling administrate records, parish registers and dole lists. It is a remarkable piece of scholarship…astute and thoughtful. * History Today *Vividly told, detailed and extremely moving. * BBC History Revealed *The Last Witches of England is an important work of social history that presents valuable insights into the workings of life, death, and belief in a cosmopolitan 17th-century town. * All About History *A well-researched and even-handed account of this landmark case, giving pen portraits of all the major players, and providing a comprehensive picture of life in seventeenth-century Britain. -- Chris Nancollas * The Tablet *[Written] with flair and colour… Excellent local studies such as [this] bring[s] us closer to understanding the reality of witchcraft beliefs and accusations in the early modern English world than we have ever seen before. -- Ronald Hutton * Fortean Times *I rarely feel deeply moved by academic publications but John Callow’s exploration of the ‘Bideford Witches’ had a profound effect on me… Callow’s work invites the reader to bear witness to the persecution of the poor and the marginalised… Callow’s work adds considerable weight to a strong moral argument. -- Julie Ward * Chartist *This riveting read is important albeit uncomfortable. In this book, Callow has allowed readers to look at their shared past unflinchingly so that we may go into a less tragic future. -- Hilary Wilson * The Folklore Podcast *A marvellous overview of not only the fate of three women but also of Bideford which was an important port in the 17th Century... with an in depth study of the social and political conditions surrounding the fate of ‘The last witches’ is extremely valuable for those who are interested in the historical background to Wicca, but also for understanding the recent interest in Witchcraft as a political tool. * Wiccan Rede *The Last Witches of England: A Tragedy of Sorcery and Superstition offers a thoroughly engaging account of the lives and afterlives of Temperance Lloyd, Susanna Edwards, and Mary Trembles, three women who were executed for witchcraft in 1682. It is a well-told narrative that will be of interest to scholars of witchcraft, as well as those working more broadly in early modern British social history * Canadian Journal of History / Annales Canadiennes d'Histoire *[Callow] brings to the Bideford episode a nuanced sense of how witches’ supposed powers were understood and experienced at different levels of early modern society. * Inside Higher Ed *The Bideford witches' story is an essential piece in England's witchcraft history. Callow has researched it properly and deeply for the first time, and his astonishing discoveries shed new light on this tragic and bizarre story. He draws the reader into the story, retelling it with vibrant characterisation. We come away with a thoughtful understanding of what it meant to be deemed a witch, tried as a witch, and to die as a witch. -- Dr. Christina Oakley Harrington, Founder & Director, Treadwell's, UKI read the book with considerable interest and enjoyment - others have written on the Bideford witches, but not in this sort of depth. John Callow has been remarkably successful in reconstructing the story of the three 'Bideford Witches' executed in 1682. He maintains an imaginative and accessible narrative grounded in the relevant documentation and the relevant historical context, which will immerse the modern reader in the tragedies and complexities of the early modern witch hunts. -- James Sharpe, Professor Emeritus of Early Modern History, University of York, UKThis is a stirring and multilayered book. At its heart is a very sad story, but one that needs to be heard. The cautionary tale Callow spins here is not the war between superstition and reason, but in the ways in which we have historically vilified and marginalized those in poverty, especially women, and the lengths we go to in silencing their voices. -- Dr Amy Hale, Anthropologist and Folklorist, writer of Ithell Colquhoun: Genius of the Fern Loved Gully, USAWith 17th Century culture wars, conspiracy theories and non-science, it wasn’t just the people who spread deadly superstition. Political, religious, media, scientific and even legal establishments literally demonised vulnerable women. John Callow’s meticulous and gripping history of the Bideford Witches is unputdownable. -- Baroness Shami Chakrabarti, Politician, Barrister and Human Rights Activist, UKTable of ContentsIllustrations Acknowledgements A Note on Dating & Terminology Prologue: The Magpie at the Window Chapter One: Fortune My Foe Chapter Two: England’s Golden Bay Chapter Three: An Underground Religion Chapter Four: The Cat, the Pig and the Poppet Chapter Five: The Stolen Apple & a Farthing’s Worth of Tobacco Chapter Six: A Fine Gentleman Dressed All in Black Chapter Seven: The Discourse of the Sleepy Chimney Chapter Eight: The Politics of Death Chapter Nine: At the House of the White Witch Chapter Ten: Where are the Witches? The Crafting of Memory and Survival Endnotes Bibliography

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Book SynopsisA fascinating and enlightening celebration of mushrooms and the magic of the forest for those who revel in mushroom imagery and lore. Mushrooms—as a decorative element, as a signifier of the mystery of the forest, and as an adorable emblem of witchy cottagecore dreams—have proliferated in the collective consciousness as of late. Mushroom Magick is a whimsical collection of mushroom facts and fables divided into three sections: first, profiles of 22 well-known mushrooms include information on biology and common uses as well as a rundown of their energetic properties and suggestions for incorporating them into spellwork. Section two provides a world-spanning collection of mushroom myths and fables. The final section is a taste of the spells and rituals that you can perform with common mushrooms such as creminis, shiitakes, and portobellos—carved candles, floor washes, teas, and even some yummy meals can improve your love life, super-charge your good fortune, or even cast a well-deserved hex upon your most hated enemy.

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Book SynopsisBrand-new stories of witches and witchcraft written by popular female fantasy authors, including Kelley Armstrong, Rachel Caine and Sherrilyn Kenyon writing in their own bestselling universes! These are tales of witches, wickedness, evil and cunning. Stories of disruption and subversion by today's women you should fear. Including Kelley Armstrong, Rachel Caine and Sherrilyn Kenyon writing in their own bestselling universes. These witches might be monstrous, or they might be heroes, depending on their own definitions. Even the kind hostess with the candy cottage thought of herself as the hero of her own story. After all, a woman's gotta eat. Bring out your dread.Trade Review"a great selection for anyone who wants to get a jump-start on Halloween" - Black Gate

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Book SynopsisFrom the host of the beloved podcast The Comfy Cozy Witch comes an accessible two-color illustrated guide resonant with cozy fall vibes, featuring spells, recipes, meditations, and practices to bring good magic into your daily life.?Jennie Blonde is one of the leading voices in witchcraft. She shows that it can be the warm and comforting hug you need the most.??Amanda Lovelace, New York Times bestselling author of The Princess Saves Herself in This One Whether you?re a novice curious about witchcraft but aren?t sure where to start, or a seasoned witch interested in deepening your practice, this warm, accessible, and nurturing interactive guide shows you the way. The Comfy Cozy Witch?s Guide to Making Magic in Your Everyday Life combines the practical charm of The Little Book of Hygge with the down to earth wisdom of The Spell Book for New Witches and the practical advice of Grimoire Girl, Drawn from decades of popular podcaster Jennie Blonde?s experience, she shares seven tenets to help you begin and develop your own authentic practice: Acceptance: gentle exercises to reflect on our past journeys Simplicity: meditations to ground us in the present Balance: self-care practices, like candle magic, to replenish our inner selves Delight: practices to find joy in community Warmth: building a cozy practice space Reflection: journal prompts to help us stay centered Intuition: learning to listen to ourselves and connect to our guides This beautifully designed book?filled with spell craft exercises, magical journaling prompts, delicious recipes, and do-it-yourself tips for the home and garden?has everything necessary to develop a witchcraft practice built on magical authenticity, comfort, and self-care.

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Book SynopsisThis richly illustrated history provides a readable and fresh approach to the extensive and complex story of witchcraft and magic.Telling the story from the dawn of writing in the ancient world to the globally successful Harry Potter films, the authors explore a wide range of magical beliefs and practices, the rise of the witch trials, and the depiction of the Devil-worshipping witch. The book also focuses on the more recent history of witchcraft and magic, from the Enlightenment to the present, exploring the rise of modern magic, the anthropology of magic around the globe, and finally the cinematic portrayal of witches and magicians, from The Wizard of Oz to Charmed and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.Trade ReviewAn absorbing and illuminating study... Owen Davies succeeds in delivering an excellent, extremely useful work. * Clive Prince, Magonia Review *Another quality book from Oxford University Press ... beautifully and informatively illustrated ... a goldmine for anyone looking for information on witchcraft and magic and perhaps those looking for inspiration and some unusual little fact or nugget if they want to dabble in some fiction involving witches or magicians, dark or otherwise. * Ian Hunter, Concatenation *The breadth of knowledge shown here is impressive ... It informs, shocks, repulses and entertains ... The colour plates in the book are in turn sumptuous, beautiful and horrific a scholarly and impressive work * On Magazine (Yorkshire) *If you are looking for a book about the history of witchcraft that is comprehensive and impeccably researched, but also well written and fascinating to read, then the new The Oxford Illustrated History of Witchcraft and Magic is what you should pop out and buy ... The illustrations, which include colour plates, really add to the book. As a practising witch myself, a photograph of what an ancient magical item or spell really looks like is more use than just a description. * Bad Witch *[A] richly illustrated collection ... readable and compelling ... this ambitious project presents a helpful, visually stimulating contribution that should find a home as supplemental reading material in relevant undergraduate courses. * Jodie Ann Vann, Nova Religio *Table of ContentsEditor's Foreword 1: Peter Maxwell-Stuart: Magic in the Ancient World 2: Sophie Page: Medieval Magic 3: James Sharpe: The Demonologists 4: Rita Voltmer: The Witch Trials 5: Charles Zika: The Witch and Magician in European Art 6: Owen Davies: The World of Popular Magic 7: Owen Davies: The Rise of Modern Magic 8: Robert J. Wallis: Witchcraft and Magic in the Age of Anthropology 9: Willem de Blécourt: Witches on Screen Further Reading Picture acknowledgements Index

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Book SynopsisThis work argues that a number of devout Christians, including trained theologians, displayed an uncanny preoccupation with the topic of witches having sex with demons during the centuries of the "witch craze". It analyzes the first treatises on witchcraft to discover why.

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Book SynopsisAn introduction to the contemporary practice of Gardnerian Wicca, Alexandrian Wicca, etc. written by a respected, experienced priestessTrade ReviewThis book is the quintessential guide for the true, sincere seeker. Raymond Buckland

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Book SynopsisAn initiation signals a beginning: a door opens and you step throughAmanda Yates Garcia''s mother initiated her into the goddess-worshipping practice of witchcraft when she was thirteen years old, but Amanda''s true life as a witch only began when she underwent a series of spontaneous initiations of her own.Descending into the underworlds of poverty, sex work and misogyny, Initiated describes Amanda''s journey to return to her body, harness her natural power, and finally reclaim her witchcraft to create the magical world she envisioned. Peppered with mythology, tales of the goddesses and magical women throughout history, Initiated stands squarely at the intersection of witchcraft and feminism. Amanda shows that practising magic is about more than spells and potions; magic is nothing less than claiming power for oneself and taking back our planet in the name of Love. Initiated is both memoir and manifesto, calling the magical people of the world to take up their wands, be brave, and create the enchanted world they long to live in.''Godesses, ecstasies, fairy tales: Initiated is full of my favourite things, told with savage grace. This book will change your life.'' FRANCESCA LIA BLOCKTrade ReviewThoughtful, engaging, and fresh: a welcome addition to the annals of women's spirituality * Kirkus (starred review) *This memoir by Amanda Yates Garcia... argues that witchcraft is actually the ancient feminism we need to escape our capitalist, misogynistic world... surprisingly relatable and very much up [our] street * Stylist *

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Book SynopsisHow far would you go for the thing you want most?Would you... kill for it? ''Blackly funny, highly inventive and all-too-relatable - a massively entertaining page turner'' - FIONA LEITCH Cat Crawford is not especially good at her job.Erin Goodman is the woman Cat wants to be when she''s older - smart, successful, and the best part? She''s earned it - nothing was ever handed to Erin on a plate, or to Cat.But Erin doesn''t notice Cat. Not until something awful happens and Cat, finding herself in the right place at the right time, writes the article that goes viral. Now she''s got Erin''s attention.The difference is, Cat knows Erin is onto her. And Cat is more than happy to toy with her colleague, especially if it gets her an even bigger story to report on.In the game of cat and mouse, there can be only one winner.Trade ReviewBlackly funny, highly inventive and all-too-relatable - a massively entertaining page turner -- Fiona Leitch

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Book SynopsisMagic and Medieval Society presents a thematic approach to the topic of magic and sorcery in Western Europe between the eleventh and the fifteenth century. It aims to provide readers with the conceptual and documentary tools to reach informed conclusions as to the existence, nature, importance and uses of magic in medieval society. Contrary to some previous approaches, the authors argue that magic is inextricably connected to other areas of cultural practice and was found across medieval society. Therefore, the book is arranged thematically, covering topics such as the use of magic at medieval courts, at universities and within the medieval Church itself.Each chapter and theme is supported by additional documents, diagrams and images to allow readers to examine the evidence side-by-side with the discussions in the chapters and to come to informed conclusions on the issues. This book puts forward the argument that the witch craze was not a medieval phenoTable of ContentsIntroduction 1. Magic and Politics 2.Magic and the Church 3. The Universities 4. Magic for the Rich and Magic for the Poor 5. Medical Magic 6. Conclusion: From the Age of Expansion to the Age of Fear

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Book SynopsisThe ultimate guide to wicca and witchcraft for a modern mystical audienceTrade ReviewOne of the internet's most influential witches

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Book SynopsisSomething sinister is afoot in dreary Dysael. First, several women go mysteriously missing. Then, one by one, their husbands begin turning up dead - killed in increasingly brutal ways. Sister Kempson of the Holy Sisters of Conviction and her bodyguard Garth arrive in the city to investigate the situation. However, Constable Thackery deems them nothing but an interference in his own investigation as he aims to restore law and order at any cost. Amidst all the quarrelling, will they be able to put a stop to the growing darkness in Dysael as more and more people are killed? Sister Kempson will need to uncover the truth fast before hysteria breaks out as the townspeople grow more frightened and paranoid ... that is, as long as she doesn't lose sight of which side represents the good and which the evil ... Ominous, striking, and set in a plausibly real world, this dark tale blurs the lines between black, white, and all the shades of grey in between.

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Book SynopsisThe Italian folklore tradition is one of the most ancient unbroken chains of wisdom on earth. Discover the previously unwritten secrets of an Italian American family’s magical tradition passed down from generation to generation. This spellbook provides easy, step-by-step introductions to the basics of authentic Italian American magical practice. Discover how to: Run a magical household, including creating a family altar and connecting with your ancestors Enhance your wellbeing for self and family through Buona Fortuna Perform transformative candle magic Diagnose, cure and ward away malocchio Learn time-tested health remedies from relieving symptoms of viruses to maintaining healthy skin and sleep routines Develop your most important magical tool – your mind Master divination through cartomancy, dreams, pendulums and more With Tarot and folk Italian magic expert Dee Norman as your guide, build your magical toolkit and discover one of humanity's longest-lasting traditions for good fortune, a happy home and self-care.Trade Review"Burn a Black Candle is a beautiful guide to joyful living through the practice of real ancestral Italian folk magick. Highly informative and easy to apply, Burn a Black Candle is the perfect blueprint for creating an authentic traditional magickal practice of one's own." - Fiona Duncan, aka Lisa Infantino, Headmistress and Founder of The Magickal Path School of Witchcraft

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Book SynopsisA page-turning, laugh-out-loud historical adventure by comedian and broadcaster Iszi Lawrence, perfect for fans of Horrible Histories.Time flies when you're having fun. But what does it do when you're not?Sunil and his not-very-normal next door neighbour Alex are back for another hilarious adventure as they whizz through time. This time Sunil and Alex find themselves tangled up in British civil wars, from the Roman invasion to the Battle of Bosworth in 1485 and their very own witch trial in the 1640s. As if that wasn't enough to deal with, there's double the trouble with Alex-from-the-future and her shiny boots running around too! Will Sunil, Alex and Alex-from-the-future ever get home? And will Mr Shaykes and his pet kiwi ever leave them alone?!_______________The Time Machine Next Door is an exciting new series of quirky historical chapter books for readers aged 7-9, to be enjoyed as a series or as standalone stories. Writt

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Book SynopsisOne of the last criminal trials using the 1735 Witchcraft Act was, improbably, in London in 1944. The accused was Helen Duncan, a middle-aged Scotswoman. This is her extraordinary story.Helen Duncan - known since childhood as 'Hellish Nell', for her uncontainable nature - was one of the most popular mediums of the twentieth century, holding seances around the country where she was believed to manifest the spirits of the dead.What happens when we die? It was the question of the age for a generation which had endured one world war and now was living through another. Mrs Duncan's seances offered an answer. But when she started foretelling naval disasters, she also attracted the unwelcome attention of the secret service. And so just weeks before the Normandy landings, absurdly, anachronistically, she was prosecuted for witchcraft and jailed. Was Nell a conjurer, a martyr or a security risk?Hellish Nell was first published in 2001 to widespread acclaim. It remains in this revised edition a fascinating window into the unsettled spiritual and psychological mood of the times: a sensational tale of spectacle, credulity and cruelty, and of Britain's last witch.Trade ReviewMalcolm Gaskill’s brilliant book ... not only offers an indelible account of a paranoid country at war with enemies tangible and supernatural, but teasingly invites us to take our own position on witchcraft, and its unlikely practitioner. -- Alexander Larman * The Observer *A fascinating book. * Daily Mail *A great strength of Malcolm Gaskill’s book is that it provides ... a piece of working-class history: he makes Spiritualism comprehensible in the context of the utter bleakness of the lives he describes. -- Hilary Mantel * London Review of Books *Malcolm Gaskill has researched the whole story of Helen Duncan’s life with exemplary thoroughness: his account sparkles with dry humour, but it is not without sympathy too. -- Noel Malcolm * Sunday Telegraph *Full of quirky detours into Spiritualism’s uniquely odd hall of fame. But its chief fascination, I think, lies in the way it shows how the Spiritualist movement, for a certain group of women, proved to be more liberating than winning the vote. -- Rachel Cooke * New Statesman *Malcolm Gaskill’s book is full, admirably researched, and in parts reads as if it had been dictated from the other world. * Daily Telegraph *Extremely readable ... full of trenchant phrases and vivid analogies. It is balanced, fair and a salutary reminder, in our secularised society, that belief in the supernatural is still endemic. * Literary Review *A tremendous story ... The human relationship with magic is one in which tragedy and farce are constantly intermixed, and Malcolm Gaskill shows how vividly this was true in early twentieth-century Britain. -- Ronald Hutton * Times Literary Supplement *The colourful story of Britain’s last witch trial ... Superbly researched, densely written but mostly entertaining. * Irish Times *

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Book SynopsisFULL COLOR VERSION. Everyone has a little magic in them, and this FULL COLOR illustrated moon phase planner shows you how to get in touch with your own natural powers and create an extraordinary year.The journey beings with a friendly introduction on how to use moon magic. Then each month features practical monthly and weekly calendars alongside rituals, spells, and ideas to help you connect to the energy that surrounds us all.The spellwork is simple, powerful, and intuitive, so you can immerse yourself in the moon''s magic while flowing with the rhythms of everyday life. Both beginner and experienced witches will find inspiration and new ideas to harness the moon''s magic.So are you ready for a little more magic and moon gazing? The Planner for a Magical 2023 will bring a touch of witchcraft to your year. FULL COLOR Activity and Spell Book: Each month will guide you to deepen your inner magic with moon spells, rituals, and everyday mini-spells. Follow the Phases of the Moon: Flow with the cycles of the moon and learn rituals, ancient wisdom, moon lore, and more to harness the power of moon magic. Fully Illustrated Original Art: Symbolism and beautiful witchy illustrations will inspire and deepen the magic on each page. Calendars and Planner Pages: Monthly and weekly calendars and planner pages include easy to read 2023 astrological and moon phase information.

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Book SynopsisLearn the craft of a kitchen witch to attract and renew love with 55 easy and romantic recipes and 33 magical practices.From loving yourself, your family, and friends to romancing a significant other—love comes in many different forms. But what attracts love? What sustains it? And what can you do when you need to find love within yourself? A Kitchen Witch’s Guide to Recipes for Love & Romance includes all the recipes and magic you need to find—and maintain—love, using ingredients that have spiritual properties and associations with love, sex, and romance. Combining the principles of Pagan beliefs and practices with easy recipes and personal anecdotes, this beautifully illustrated book will inspire you to cook up a little magic with positive intentions, simple spellcraft, and visualization techniques. Featuring recipes for dishes like: -Avocado Chocolate Mousse -Pomegranate Mimosas with Muddled Raspberries -Stuffed Zucchini Pinwheels -Strawberry, Spinach & Feta Salad -Pork Loin Roast with Cherries & Red Wine From celebrating love in all forms to rekindling romances with old flames, these fifty-five recipes use simple ingredients and make being in love easier—and tastier—than ever.Trade Review“Food gives us energy; food is energy. This framing of cooking as a blend of mindful practice and energy work, right alongside reiki and acupuncture, is at the root of Dawn Aurora Hunt’s A Kitchen Witch’s Guide to Recipes for Love & Romance. Adding witchcraft to the mix—think candles, smudge sticks, essential oils, mantras—takes things from healthy and delicious to sensual sorcery. Bow tie pasta with lemon and artichokes, when paired with the practice of “creating a sacred space for enriching love and togetherness,” becomes a way to rekindle the flame and honor a season of new beginnings. Peaches and cream? Way sexier with a sigil carved into the peach flesh. Grab your wooden spoons, some white sage and a box of matches, and make some kitchen magic for—and with—your partner.”—Bookpage

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Book SynopsisOne of Neil Gaiman's favourite scary stories for children.Set within a world of sorcery and wizardry, much like an 18th Century Harry Potter, Krabat tells the story of a 14-year-old beggar boy lured to a mysterious mill by a series of frightening dreams and apparitions.He becomes an apprentice to the master of the watermill where he joins the eleven other young journeymen who work there. Much to his surprise Krabat soon discovers that the mill is actually a school of black magic and he is expected to learn much more than just a normal miller's trade.Krabat studies hard and becomes the master's star pupil, but when he falls for a local village girl the depth of the masters evil and the darker secrets of the mill begin to reveal themselves. One by one his fellow classmates perish from mysterious, unexplained accidents and Krabat realises he must use all of the dark magic skills he has learned to secure his escape.Now a major motion picture starring David Kross (The Reader, War Horse).

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Book SynopsisA companion journal to the popular 'Wiccapedia'.

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Book SynopsisThe stark immediacy of what happened in 1692 has obscured the complex web of human passion which had been growing for more than a generation before building toward the climactic witch trials. Salem Possessed explores the lives of the men and women who helped spin that web and who in the end found themselves entangled in it.Trade ReviewAn illuminating and imaginative interpretation…of the social and moral state of Salem village in 1692. Provides an admirable illustration of the general rule that, in Old and New England alike, much of the best sociological history of the twentieth century has only been made possible by the antiquarian and genealogical interests of the nineteenth… This sensitive, intelligent, and well-written book will certainly revive interest in the terrible happenings at Salem. -- Keith Thomas * New York Review of Books *A provocative book. Drawing upon an impressive range of unpublished local sources, Paul Boyer and Stephen Nissenbaum provide a challenging new interpretation of the outbreak of witchcraft in Salem Village. They argue that previous historians erroneously divorced the tragic events of 1692 from the long-term development of the village and therefore failed to realize that the witch trials were simply one particularly violent chapter in a series of local controversies dating back to the 1660s. In their reconstruction of the socio-economic conditions that contributed to the intense factionalism in Salem Village, Boyer and Nissenbaum have made a major contribution to the social history of colonial New England… [They] have provided us with a first-rate discussion of factionalism in a seventeenth-century New England community. Their handling of economic, familial, and spatial relationships within Salem Village is both sophisticated and imaginative. -- T. H. Breen * William and Mary Quarterly *This is an ‘inner history’ of Salem Village that aims to raise the events of 1692 from melodrama to tragedy… It is a large achievement. This book is progressive history at its best, with brilliant insights, well-organized evidence, maps, and footnotes at the bottom of the page. -- Cedric B. Cowing * American Historical Review *The authors’ whole approach to the Salem disaster is canny, rewarding, and sure to fascinate readers interested in that aberrant affair. * The Atlantic *This short book is a solid contribution to the understanding of the 1692 witch trials. The authors use impressively rich demographic detail to support the thesis that the witch trials are best explained as symptoms of typical social tensions in provincial towns at the time. According to Boyer and Nissenbaum, Salem villagers played roles determined by economic, geographic, and status interests. -- Richard Ekman * Canadian Historical Review *An important, imaginative book that brings new insights to the study of the 1692 witchcraft outbreak in Massachusetts. Building on Charles Upham’s Salem Witchcraft (1867), Boyer and Nissenbaum explore decades of community tension and conflict in order to explain why Salem was the focus of this episode. The authors reveal a complex set of relationships between persons allied with the growing mercantile interests of Salem Town and those linked to the subsistence-based economy of outlying Salem Village. -- Carol Karlsen * Journal of Women in Culture and Society *Table of ContentsPreface Salem Village in the Seventeenth Century: A Chronology Abbreviations Used in the Notes Prologue: What Happened in 1692 1. 1692: Some New Perspectives 2. In Quest of Community, 1639-1687 3. Afflicted Village, 1688-1697 4. Salem Town and Salem Village: The Dynamics

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Book SynopsisFilled with spells, recipes, and crafts, this book helps you discover the magical rhythms of the natural world. Join Anna Franklin, bestselling author of The Hearth Witch's Compendium, as she shares time-honored recipes and step-by-step instructions for bringing enchantment and joy into your life.

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Book SynopsisA hands-on guide to using flower essences in magick, spellcraft, alchemy, and healing• 2023 Coalition of Visionary Resources Gold Award• Provides detailed instructions for making single-flower essences and magickal and therapeutic essence blends • Shares new magickal uses for flower essences, from creating sacred space to dressing candles to preparing incense, as well as how to use essences in meditation, potions, spells, spagyrics, and ritual • Includes a detailed directory of 100 flower and plant essences, complete with astrological, elemental, and magickal correspondences In this practical guide to using flower essences in witchcraft, alchemy, and healing, Nicholas Pearson provides detailed instructions for making and using flower essences based on traditional Western magick practices. He shares new uses for essences--from creating sacred space to dressing candles to preparing incense--and explains how to use them in meditation, potions, spells, spagyrics, and ritual. He shares exercises for connecting more deeply to the energies of the green world and exploring how essences can be used in traditional sacraments of witchcraft like the Great Rite.In the hands-on formulary, the author provides recipes for essence combinations for the eight sabbats and formulas based on familiar blends like traditional flying ointments of European witchcraft. He shares his method for creating flower essence spagyrics--alchemical preparations made from the body, mind, and soul of the plant that offer the highest vibrational potency for therapeutic and spiritual uses. Pearson also provides a detailed directory of 100 flower and plant essences, complete with astrological, elemental, and magickal correspondences and the therapeutic indications for each essence. Weaving together magickal herbalism, traditional plant lore, and flower essence therapy, this guide allows you to see flower essences not just as vibrational remedies but also as powerful tools for transformation, magick, and spiritual practice.Trade Review“An exceptionally talented man, whose words are as beautiful as the flowers he explores, Nicholas Pearson has now created a must-have book for anyone interested in spirituality, magick, and the subtle use of plants. Profound and engaging, this book is a worthy and important addition to any flower essence library.” * Candice Covington, author of Essential Oils in Spiritual Practice *“Flower Essences from the Witch’s Garden is one of the most extensive compendiums on flower essences that I have ever read. Not only is there an in-depth exploration of a whopping 100 essences, but Nicholas also shares his extensive knowledge of the magick of essences that includes discussions of plant spirits, devas, the alchemy of essences, and so much more. If you read only one book on flower essences, look no further, because Flower Essences from the Witch’s Garden has it all.” * Pam Montgomery, author of Plant Spirit Healing *“Everything we need to know about working with flower essences for healing, magick, personal development, and more. This book is destined to be a classic magickal reference book on the shelves and in the hearts of witches everywhere for generations to come.” * Tess Whitehurst, author of The Magic of Flowers and The Magic of Trees *“This book offers an important resource to the world of flower essences and fills a unique niche for students of this healing modality. Nicholas provides empowering tools for creating our own garden magick and getting to know familiar plant allies in a new and dynamic way. Weaving inspiration and practical guidance, this is a book you will not only benefit from along your personal healing journey but will also enjoy savoring to the last page. A treasured reference in my library for years to come!” * Emily Ruff, executive director of the Sage Mountain Botanical Sanctuary *“An enchanting combination of medicine and magick. From describing the humble origins of flower essences to sharing practical guidance, magickal formulas, and personal insight, this book will enlighten both the beginner and those that are already enjoying the transformational effects of flower essences. The flower essence directory is an indispensable resource.” * Fay Johnstone, author of Plant Spirit Reiki *“An in-depth and detailed book about co-creating at the devic level. Through this magickal work, Pearson practically and intuitively connects us to the energetic medicine of flower essences, which first and foremost treat the spirit. He reminds us that we are a world in need of spiritual medicine.” * Thea Summer Deer, author of Wisdom of the Plant Devas *“When I think of the term witch, I think of its etymology--wit (to know; wisdom)--and the feminine-style knowing that comes from deep listening. For those of us whose mission is to forge paths for scientific and mainstream accessibility of clinical flower essence therapy, Flower Essences from the Witch’s Garden reminds us, in rich detail, to keep our wit aligned with the spiritually animated world of the plant kingdom, or, dare I say, queendom.” * Loey Colebeck, translator of Bach Flower Essences and Chinese Medicine *“Nicholas Pearson has given us a lucid and balanced explanation of flower essences. He is careful to define the terminology in a clear way. His focus on developing a context for flower essence use within magickal and ritual contexts fits perfectly with the subtle and metaphysical reality of essences.” * Sue and Simon Lilly, authors of The Healing Energies of Trees and Their Flower Essences *“Nicholas Pearson performs the rare magick of creating an accessible guidebook to working with the plant world in a way that feels thoroughly modern. This book shows us a world in which natural science and natural magick work hand in hand to craft an informed spiritual path that is overflowing with wonder.” * Fire Lyte, author of The Dabbler’s Guide to Witchcraft *"There really isn’t an area related to flower essences that isn’t covered in this book, which comes in at around 500 pages! This is truly a master work on flower essences, and it opens up a whole new realm of working with these amazing formulas. Flower essences are used to help people with all sorts of mental, emotional and spiritual issues and are used frequently in alternative medicine. Their magickal potential is evident, as presented so expertly by Nicholas Pearson!" * Coby Michael, author of The Poison Path Herbal *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction Entering the Witch’s Garden 1 What Are Flower Essences?2 A History of Flower Essences3 Devas, Plant Spirits, and Green Familiars 4 Balms, Banes, and Tree Spirits 5 Making Flower Essences 6 Deciphering the Language of Flowers 7 Choosing and Using Flower Essences8 Flower Essences in Magick9 Flower Essence Formulary 10 Plant Spirit Alchemy 11 Directory of One Hundred Flower Essences Appendix Flower Essence Suppliers Notes Bibliography Index of Flower Essences Index

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Book SynopsisThis is the second, and extensively revised, edition of the first full-scale scholarly study of what is arguably the only fully-formed religion that England has ever given the world: that of modern pagan witchcraft, which has now spread from English shores across four continents. Ronald Hutton examines the nature of that religion and its development, and offers a history of attitudes to witchcraft, paganism and magic in British society since 1800. Its pages reveal village cunning folk, Victorian ritual magicians, classicists and archaeologists, leaders of woodcraft and scouting movements, Freemasons, and members of rural secret societies. We also find some of the leading figures of English literature, from the Romantic poets to W. B. Yeats, D. H. Lawrence and Robert Graves, as well as the main personalities who have represented pagan witchcraft to the public world since 1950. Thriller writers like Dennis Wheatley, and films and television programmes, get similar coverage, as does tabloid journalism. The material is by its very nature often sensational, and care is taken throughout to distinguish fact from fantasy, in a manner not hitherto applied to most of the stories involved. Consistently densely researched, Triumph of the Moon presents an authoritative insight into an aspect of modern cultural history which has attracted sensational publicity but has hitherto been little understood. This edition incorporates all of the new research carried out into the subject by the author, and by others who have often been inspired by this book, during the twenty years since it was first published.Trade ReviewHutton's book is a must-read not only for anyone interested in modern Paganism, or the occult, but it also embodies a deep insight into the development of British society and culture. * Pavel Horák, Czech Academy of Sciences, Religious Studies Review *Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgements Macrocosm 1: Finding a Language 2: Finding a Goddess 3: Finding a God 4: Finding a Structure 5: Finding a High Magic 6: Finding a Low Magic 7: Finding a Folklore 8: Finding a Witchcraft 9: Matrix 10: God (and Goddess) Parents Microcosm 11: Gerald Gardner 12: Gerald's People 13: The Wider Context: Hostility 14: The Wider Context: Reinforcement 15: Old Craft, New Craft 16: The Man in Black 17: Royalty from the North 18: Uncle Sam and the Goddess 19: Coming of Age 20: Grandchildren of the Shadows Notes Index

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Book SynopsisRitual baths aren’t just a way to bring about things you desire; they’re for connecting with the divine, creating a space for change and moving your energy toward new opportunities in life. Water is a natural healer, and by harnessing its properties you can let go of past experiences, transform your thoughts and cultivate positive attraction. Pair your ritual baths with botanical bundles, dried herbs and incense for the perfect energetic cleansing. Discover some of the easiest and most powerful ritual baths, such as: Crown of Success Bath for confidence, attracting abundance and good luck Passionflower Lovers Bath for reducing anxiety and soothing the nervous system Psychic Attack Head Bath for psychic self-defence and protection Communication Bath for better communication and stronger connections Waning Moon Bath for fully letting go and moving forward Creativity and Inspiration Bath for gaining perspective and feeling rejuvenated. Don’t be intimidated, beginner witches! Your own bath can be easily turned into a sacred space. Ally Sands shows you how to prepare, how often to practice and all of the steps needed to manifest your intentions. Water is the source of life itself— unleash its power.

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Book SynopsisWelcome to the world of witchcraft! Create 22 easy-to-make tools you’ll turn to again and again from magic candles and fumigation sticks to runes and oracles and much more.

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Book SynopsisYou're a witch on a budget!It's time to de-influence witchcraft! Cultivating a beautiful magickal practice doesn't have to break the bank. Whether you want to attract abundance, boost your luck, heal yourself, or protect your home, The Broke Witch has you covered. It's brimming with tips and tricks for the thrifty witch that put the practical back in magick.- Discover bewitching rituals, recipes, ingredients, and tools for every budget- Infuse everyday habits and activities with powerful magick- Learn which magickal materials you can swap in a pinch With The Broke Witch by your side, you can create an authentic and economical practice that evolves with youno elaborate crystal grids or designer herb bundles required!

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Book SynopsisUnlock your emotional power and live true to yourself with this deck of fifty mystical practices—an accessible introduction to the empowering side of magic from the authors of Basic WitchesSpells to Raise Hell distills Jaya Saxena and Jess Zimmerman’s Basic Witches, an exploration of feminine power and rejecting societal constraints, into a deck of fifty spells and rituals for the modern mystic. Each card features bold and playful artwork on the front along with any materials needed for the ritual—simple items like a pen and paper, a lipstick or photograph, or simple pantry ingredients for an empowering (and delicious) potion. The back of the card gives the instructions on how to complete the ritual and harness its energy. No black magic here—these spells are all about giving you a boost. Tap into your inner power and upend the status quo by casting spells to unlock your potential, including:A spell to make

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Book SynopsisBrimming with nearly seventy spells, tips, and activities, this illustrated book helps you take new steps on your personal journey into witchcraft. Award-winning author Deborah Blake teaches you how to build an altar, use divination tools, invoke deities, and much more. Covering a wide range of magical goals, this little book will help you improve your relationships, deepen your connection to nature, and live a successful, enchanted life.

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Book SynopsisExplores the history of witches and witchcraft in Hollywood films, starting with early depictions where the witch is ignored or demonized to more contemporary depictions where the witch is respected as an archetypal expression of unfettered womanhood and femininity.

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Book Synopsis Belief in magic and particularly the power of witchcraft was once a deep and enduring presence in popular culture. “Diving into Brian Hoggard’s Magical House Protection is a remarkable experience… [It] provides an immersive and fascinating read.”—Fortean Times People created and concealed many objects to protect themselves from harmful magic. Detailed are the principal forms of magical house protection in Britain and beyond from the fourteenth century to the present day. Witch-bottles, dried cats, horse skulls, written charms, protection marks and concealed shoes were all used widely as methods of repelling, diverting or trapping negative energies. Many of these practices and symbols can be found around the globe, demonstrating the universal nature of efforts by people to protect themselves from witchcraft. From the introduction: The most popular locations to conceal objects within buildings are usually at portals such as the hearth, the threshold and also voids or dead spaces. This suggests that people believed it was possible for dark forces to travel through the landscape and attack them in their homes. Whether these forces were emanations from a witch in the form of a spell, a witch’s familiar pestering their property, an actual witch flying in spirit or a combination of all of those is difficult to tell. Additional sources of danger could be ghosts, fairies and demons. People went to great lengths to ensure their homes and property were protected, highlighting the fact that these beliefs and fears were visceral and, as far as they were concerned, literally terrifying.Trade Review “…a fascinating read for anyone interested in how fear of witchcraft and other dark forces have influenced the behaviour of people and therefore the archaeological record. Since it is not heavy on theoretical consideration, readers looking for accessible information on these aspects of past life can appreciate it. Those with a more academic interest will especially find the extensive material and finds catalogue useful. The book works well as a reference work for the subject, particularly for the UK and an excellent starting point when considering the rest of the world.” •Fennoscandia Archaeologica “Hoggard’s work will hopefully act as a springboard for exciting future readings of concealed objects situated within the history of belief and magic.” • Darkartsjournal “A solidly researched synthesis of the archaeological information to date…This book is the result of a huge amount of careful research and the compilation of an awe-inspiring volume of information and deserves to find a place as one of the standard readers for students of apotropaic folk practices in the UK and beyond.” • Raking Light “Diving into Brian Hoggard’s Magical House Protection is a remarkable experience… [It] provides an immersive and fascinating read.” • Fortean Times “Magical House Protection is thus an excellent resource as well as an addition to debate, and so can be used as a launch-pad for work to extend knowledge of the subject.” • Folklore “The cumulation of twenty years’ worth of research, Magical House Protection will bring increased attention a subject that—despite its great importance for understanding vernacular belief and practice in early modern and modern Britain—has often been overlooked. Its catalogue will be of great use for researchers exploring this topic in future, and for this contribution in particular it should be recommended.” • Reading ReligionTable of Contents List of illustrations Acknowledgements Preface Chapter 1. Folklore, Witchcraft, Religion Chapter 2. Witch-bottles Chapter 3. Concealed Shoes Chapter 4. Dried Cats Chapter 5. Horse Skulls Chapter 6. Written Charms Chapter 7. Protection Marks Chapter 8. Other Concealed Objects Chapter 9. Evidence of Darkness Chapter 10. Conclusions Chapter 11. Case Studies Gazeteer Bibliography

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Book SynopsisAs a showcase for the latest thinking on the Scottish witch-hunt, this collection of essays examines both a wide range of topics relevant to the subject during its full history and places Scottish witchcraft in a wider global context.Table of ContentsPrefaceList of FiguresList of AbbreviationsNotes on contributors1. Introduction - Julian Goodare2. The global context of the Scottish witch-hunt - Ronald Hutton3. In search of the Devil in Fife witchcraft cases, 1560-1705 - Stuart MacDonald4. The Scottish witchcraft panic of 1597 - Julian Goodare5. The Devil and the domestic: witchcraft, quarrels and women’s work in Scotland - Lauren Martin6. Devices and directions: folk healing aspects of witchcraft practice in seventeenth-century Scotland - Joyce Miller7. Hunting the rich witch in Scotland: high-status witchcraft suspects and their persecutors, 1590-1650 - Louise Yeoman8. Witch-hunting and the Scottish state - Julian Goodare9. The western witch-hunt of 1697-1700: the last major witch-hunt in Scotland - Michael Wasser10. The decline and end of Scottish witch-hunting - Brian P. Levack11. Witch-hunting, witchcraft and witch historiography: England and Scotland compared - James A. Sharpe12. The last of the witches: the survival of Scottish witch belief - Edward J. Cowan and Lizanne HendersonFurther Reading

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Book SynopsisNow available with an updated cover, The Truth About Witchcraft provides a wonderful introduction to Witchcraft and Wicca for those new to the craft.

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Book SynopsisYour Quest for Dragons Begins Now Here there be dragons! Arising out of our greatest myths and legends, dragons are powerful allies, lending their gifts and wisdom to your magickal practice. Summon forth their sacred energies and weave their transformative power into your life with spells, rituals, meditations, and more. Seeking Dragons presents a cross-cultural exploration of the draconic archetypes as they have appeared across the millennia as gods, monsters, and mentors. Sharing visualizations, oil and incense recipes, and detailed rituals for honoring celestial and elemental dragons, Virginia Chandler helps you forge close bonds with these mysterious creatures as essential spiritual companions. You'll learn how to make offerings to them, perform lunar magick with them, and connect to their energy through folklore. If your heart has longed to work with dragons, then open this book and let the adventure begin.

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Book SynopsisWitchcraft to Celebrate Your Intelligent & Skillful SelfImprove your magical practice and personal development with the power of your Virgo Sun sign. Ivo Dominguez, Jr. and Thumper Forge share what strengths and challenges your sign brings to both witchcraft and everyday life. Featuring recipes, exercises, stories, rituals, and spells from the authors and a host of Virgo contributors, this book teaches you how to best connect with your sign's energy, manage your power, cleanse and shield yourself, tailor-fit magical workings to your sign, and more. Contributors to this volume: Stephanie Rose Bird Alexander Cabot Ellen Dugan Gina Martini Mercedes NineMoons Katrina Rasbold Dawn Aurora Hunt Sandra Kynes

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Book SynopsisYour Hands-on, Back-to-Basics Guide to Building a Magical Practice As if you're having face-to-face lessons on her porch, H. Byron Ballard introduces you to the ways of magic, answering vital questions about what it is, why it matters, and how to do it. She teaches the mechanics and foundational skills of practice, offering no-nonsense techniques that practitioners of any skill level or tradition can use. Drawing from her many years as a practicing witch, Ballard demonstrates how to engage daily with the energy around you. She encourages you to experience magic with fresh eyeswhether you're a beginner or need to regain a beginner's mind. This book provides grounding exercises, shielding methods, healing magic, insight on witchcraft tools, and more. Ballard offers everything you need to live a full, enchanted life in our deliciously magical world.

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Book SynopsisAn insider''s guide for beginner mystics, How to Study Magic is your ultimate introduction to the main areas of magicfrom witchcraft to grimoireswhat it means to practice them, and, most of all, how to get started.Have you ever wanted to dive into the world of magic, but weren''t sure where to begin? You''re not alone! Knowing where to start can be mystifying, but it doesn''t have to be. In How to Study Magic, author, educator, and seasoned witch Sarah Lyons guides you through an introductory course of study, and an enchanted entry point to the wide world of magical paths.Drawing on Sarah''s own experience practicing and teaching magic for more than a decade, this interactive exploration takes novice witches through basic tools they can use in their studiesfrom divination and meditation to cleansing and protectionbefore diving into the history, lore, and modern incarnations of a wide range of magical practices. With chapters on Witchcraft, Chaos Magic, Spellbooks and Grimoires, Gods an

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Book SynopsisA provocative pop history that explores the witches—and witch hunts—in the untold story of abortion, from the days of Socrates through the Salem Witch Trials and the 1980s Satanic Panic, all the way to our fraught present. “Not only fascinating and engaging but, in our current post-Roe climate, necessary . . . with wit, humor, and verve that make it an unputdownable read for every feminist.” —Jennifer Wright, author of Madame Restell: The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Old New York’s Most Fabulous, Fearless, and Infamous Abortionist For millennia, across cultures and continents, both providers and recipients of reproductive healthcare and abortions have been persecuted as witches (whether they actually practiced the craft or not). In this dauntless reassessment of that history, journalist Sophie Saint Thomas follows the tangled threads of witches and reproductive rights through the ages.<

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