Download or read book Wicca written by Ethan Doyle White and published by Liverpool University Press. This book was released on 2015-10-01 with total page 287 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The past century has born witness to a growing interest in the belief systems of ancient Europe, with an array of contemporary Pagan groups claiming to revive these old ways for the needs of the modern world. By far the largest and best known of these Paganisms has been Wicca, a new religious movement that can now count hundreds of thousands of adherents worldwide. Emerging from the occult milieu of mid twentieth-century Britain, Wicca was first presented as the survival of an ancient pre-Christian Witch-Cult, whose participants assembled in covens to venerate their Horned God and Mother Goddess, to celebrate seasonal festivities, and to cast spells by the light of the full moon. Spreading to North America, where it diversified under the impact of environmentalism, feminism, and the 1960s counter-culture, Wicca came to be presented as a Goddess-centred nature religion, in which form it was popularised by a number of best-selling authors and fictional television shows. Today, Wicca is a maturing religious movement replete with its own distinct world-view, unique culture, and internal divisions. This book represents the first published academic introduction to be exclusively devoted to this fascinating faith, exploring how this Witches' Craft developed, what its participants believe and practice, and what the Wiccan community actually looks like. In doing so it sweeps away widely-held misconceptions and offers a comprehensive overview of this religion in all of its varied forms. Drawing upon the work of historians, anthropologists, sociologists, and scholars of religious studies, as well as the writings of Wiccans themselves, it provides an original synthesis that will be invaluable for anyone seeking to learn about the blossoming religion of modern Pagan Witchcraft.

Download or read book Witchfather From Witch Cult to Wicca written by Philip Heselton and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A Life of Gerald Gardner Volume 2. From Witch Cult to Wicca by Philip Heselton From the author of the highly acclaimed "Wiccan Roots", this is the first full-length biography of Gerald Brosseau Gardner (1884-1964) - a very personal tale of the man who single-handedly brought about the revival of witchcraft in England in the mid 20th Century. From Gerald's birth into an old family of wealthy Liverpool merchants, through an unconventional upbringing by his flamboyant governess in the resorts of the Mediterranean and Madeira, it tells how, having taught himself to read, his life was changed by finding a book on spiritualism. During a working life as a tea and rubber planter in Ceylon, Borneo and Malaya, he came to know the native people and was invited to their secret rituals. But it was only on his retirement to England, settling on the edge of the New Forest in Hampshire, that destiny took him firmly by the hand. Through various twists and turns involving naturist clubs and a strange esoteric theatre, he became friends with a group of people who eventually revealed their true identity - they were members of a surviving witch coven. One evening in 1939, as the hounds of war were being unleashed, he was initiated into the 'witch cult' by these people, who called themselves 'the Wica'. Gardner was overwhelmed by the experience and was determined that the 'witch cult' should survive. This book chronicles his efforts over the remaining quarter century of his life to ensure not only that it survived but that it would become the significant player on the world religious stage that it now is - "the only religion that England has ever given the world", in the words of Ronald Hutton, Professor of History at the University of Bristol, who calls it "... a very fine book: humane, intelligent, compassionate, shrewd, and based upon a colossal amount of primary research". Born in 1946, Philip Heselton is a geographer and retired local government officer who has written extensively on Earth Mysteries and our spiritual relationship with the landscape. He has also carried out extensive research into the story of the modern witchcraft revival, chronicled in his books, "Wiccan Roots" and "Gerald Gardner and the Cauldron of Inspiration". Hutton has described him as being "... the most interesting, valuable and enjoyable author who has yet written on what is becoming one of the greatest riddles in the history of modern religion: the origins of pagan witchcraft. ... Nobody has ever done more than Philip Heselton to reveal the world of magic, paganism, naturism and faerie that lay behind the garden gates of inter-war English suburban villas; and perhaps only he could have done it at all."

Download or read book Transformative Witchcraft written by Jason Mankey and published by Llewellyn Worldwide. This book was released on 2019-01-08 with total page 383 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Beyond the Taboos, the Power of Magick Awaits The rites and rituals of Witchcraft are life-changing experiences, but they are also steeped in mystery. Transformative Witchcraft delves into some of the most persistent mysteries of the Craft and provides insightful guidance for raising and directing magickal energy in accordance with your desires. Jason Mankey distills his decades of experience as he shares practical wisdom for raising a cone of power and detailed insights into creating powerful rituals for dedications, initiations, and elevations. In his chapter on drawing down the moon, he provides a vivid exploration of invocation and the subtle nuances in preparation and execution that can take the ritual to its most magisterial heights. This book also discusses one of the most mysterious of all the magickal rituals—the Great Rite. Whether you're interested in the Great Rite in token or in truth, there is much to be gleaned from the experiences related here on a topic that is frequently treated as taboo in much of the magickal literature. Direct experience with the divine and the potent energies of magick are defining experiences in a life of Witchcraft. Filled with compelling personal stories, a fascinating brief history of modern Wicca and Witchcraft, striking original rituals, and a wealth of tips and techniques, this book provides the beginning or intermediate Witch with the practical and theoretical keys they need to unlock the mysteries of the Craft. Praise: "A remarkable and refreshing exploration that is a must-read for anyone exploring contemporary Wicca and Witchcraft. Through a combination of in-depth historical research and charming personal narrative, Jason Mankey provides candid insight into important rituals and practices that are often glossed over or minimally explained in other texts."—Laura Tempest Zakroff, author of Sigil Witchery and Weave the Liminal "Transformative Witchcraft by Jason Mankey finds the perfect balance between the core teachings of magical tradition and the fresh cutting-edge magic of the modern witch. This well researched book digs deep exploring the foundations of witchcraft in a conversational and honest tone that makes the witchcraft mysteries accessible and current."—Mickie Mueller, author of The Witch's Mirror and Llewellyn's Little Book of Halloween

Download or read book The Beginner Witch s Handbook written by Leah Middleton and published by Page Street Publishing. This book was released on 2023-09-26 with total page 266 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Unveil the Path of the Witch Every Witch’s story begins with a step into the unknown—but you don’t have to do it alone. Leah Middleton, known online as The Redheaded Witch, is here to guide you down the Witch’s path. With gentle encouragement and advice through each twist and turn in the road, she will equip you with all of the knowledge and skills you’ll need to craft your own personalized practice rooted in traditional witchcraft. Discover answers to all your curiosities, from how to gather your tools to the best times of year for a heart-healing ritual. You’ll also discover how to connect with the flora, fauna, and ancestral spirits around you and incorporate them into your practice. Featuring over 30 spells and rituals spanning plant magic, folk- craft, kitchen witchery and more, you’ll find new ways to harness your inner power and reimagine your craft. Let this handbook be your lantern as you enter the dark woods, and embark on your magickal journey.

Download or read book Signs Cures Witchery written by Gerald Milnes and published by Univ. of Tennessee Press. This book was released on 2007 with total page 276 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The persecution of Old World German Protestants and Anabaptists in the seventeenth century--following debilitating wars, the Reformation, and the Inquisition-- brought about significant immigration to America. Many of the immigrants, and their progeny, settled in the Appalachian frontier. Here they established a particularly old set of religious beliefs and traditions based on a strong sense of folk spirituality. They practiced astrology, numerology, and other aspects of esoteric thinking and left a legacy that may still be found in Appalachian folklore today. Based in part on the author's extensive collection of oral histories from the remote highlands of West Virginia, Signs, Cures, and Witchery; German Appalachian Folklore describes these various occult practices, symbols, and beliefs; how they evolved within New World religious contexts; how they arrived on the Appalachian frontier; and the prospects of those beliefs continuing in the contemporary world. By concentrating on these inheritances, Gerald C. Milnes draws a larger picture of the German influence on Appalachia. Much has been written about the Anglo-Celtic, Scots-Irish, and English folkways of the Appalachian people, but few studies have addressed their German cultural attributes and sensibilities. Signs, Cures, and Witchery sheds startling light on folk influences from Germany, making it a volume of tremendous value to Appalachian scholars, folklorists, and readers with an interest in Appalachian folklife and German American studies.

Download or read book Witch Island written by David Bernstein and published by Crossroad Press. This book was released on 2017-04-20 with total page 243 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A witch's curse from beyond the grave! Witch Island used to be feared. Even the bravest would not dare go there. Legend said a witch had been burned alive at the stake, and upon her death she cursed the town. Terrified residents performed rituals to keep her spirit trapped on the island where she was buried. Now, over a hundred years later, a group of high school seniors have decided to forgo the local graduation parties and have a small gathering of their own–on Witch Island. They don't fear the legends. They scoff at them. But the group will soon learn these particular legends are nothing to scoff at. And Witch Island will prove far worse than they could have ever imagined.

Download or read book The Witch Compass written by Ian Chambers and published by Llewellyn Worldwide. This book was released on 2022-08-08 with total page 215 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Experience the Witch Compass: Your Vehicle, Map, and Destination Explore the compass of the eight winds, a magical circle at the heart of Traditional Witchcraft. More than a tool for protection or raising power, this framework provides the ritual means to traverse the worlds and a mythic landscape that can be accessed at any point in time and space. Traditional Witch Ian Chambers teaches how the Witch Compass represents an entire worldview, a cosmological map, and a method for magic and revelation. He helps you develop your own compass and use it for divination, spirit work, and practical sorcery. This book shows you the world through the lens of your Witch Compass and reveals the many realms and spirits available to you.

Download or read book The Gilded Witch written by Jack Webb and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2012-03-15 with total page 255 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Father Joseph Shanley and Detective Sergeant Sammy Golden felt a very personal interest in this case. Gil Basta had been murdered. It was not hard to find his enemies: Gil had written Manama Town, a big, five hundred page, dirty, sordid book that had immediately become a best-seller. But the novel was not a creation of Basta’s imagination—the people and incidents depicted were based on reality, Father Shanley’s parish and parishioners. Unfortunately, the matter did not rest with publication of the book and Basta’s murder. Carmen Montoya was found hanging from a rafter in the shed behind her house. Carmen had been prominent in Manama Town as the whore who slept with the narrator. Father Shanley heard something in the confessional that had a bearing on her death, but illness put him in bed for a few days. Sammy, meanwhile, had flown to Phoenix to question Basta’s wife. She had an alibi for the time of his death, but Sammy was sure that there was something that she was hiding from him. As he pursued the case further he found himself personally involved, and it took some brilliant deductions from Father Shanley to discover the real facts behind the deaths.

Download or read book The Witch s Reckoning written by Leigh Ann Edwards and published by Tule Publishing. This book was released on 2021-10-04 with total page 375 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: They’ve prevailed against the greatest of odds, but will the ultimate battle lead to their reckoning? The beautiful Irish witch Alainn O’Brien and her husband Killian, a handsome warrior chieftain, have been in love most of their lives. While danger has followed the gifted witch and her sovereign guardian ruthlessly and relentlessly, their love and commitment have always saved them. But now, finally returned to their castle, they and the other witches and guardians must face what may be their greatest challenge yet—the long-predicted battle between light and dark magic. With death in the air, secrets revealed, others concealed and a spell of discontent placed upon the chiefdom, threatening even the strongest relationships, Alainn and Killian’s troubles grow exponentially. When they receive an ominous invitation to meet with the infamous Dark Lord Odhran, they must decide if it’s worth the risk. To defeat Odhran, they’ll need to band together and combine their powers, crossing the realms of time and pushing the boundaries of magic. Who’ll live to see the battle and who’ll live through it?

Download or read book New World Witchery written by Cory Thomas Hutcheson and published by Llewellyn Worldwide. This book was released on 2021-04-08 with total page 349 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Explore Nearly 500 Samples of Folk Magic, Stories, Artifacts, Rituals, and Beliefs One of the most comprehensive collections of witchcraft and folk magic ever written, New World Witchery shows you how to integrate folk traditions into your life and deepen your understanding of magic. Folklore expert Cory Thomas Hutcheson guides you to the crossroads of folk magic, where you'll learn about different practices and try them for yourself. This treasure trove of witchery features an enormous collection of stories, artifacts, rituals, and traditions. Explore chapters on magical heritage, divination, familiars, magical protection, and spirit communication. Discover the secrets of flying, gathering and creating magical supplies, living by the moon, working contemporary folk magic, and more. This book also provides brief profiles of significant folk magicians, healers, and seers, so you can both meet the practitioners and experience their craft. With New World Witchery, you'll create a unique roadmap to the folk magic all around you.

Download or read book An Ignorant Witch written by E M Graham and published by OneEar Press. This book was released on 2019-07-04 with total page 277 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Having super-natural power isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. And now, it’s a death sentence. Dara Martin is a half-blood witch in a town ruled by the aristocratic Witch Kin. Shunned for her mixed blood, formal magical training is forever out of her reach. Even worse, any trace of magic-working from her will end in a painful binding of her powers. Her main goal is to keep her head down and survive, but everything changes with the new witch in town. Seth stirs up the ancient hatreds of the Kin, calling for a Purge to cleanse their world of the magic of the ‘impure’ half-bloods like Dara and her friends. Unable to escape the clutches of the Kin and unwilling to leave her friends to die, Dara’s only option is to fight back. Relying on her raw, untrained magic is the only way forward, and it won’t be enough to defeat the Kin. ​​​​​​​Fans of Harry Potter and Seanan McGuire will love the Witch Kin Chronicles! Now a complete series. Download An Ignorant Witch and begin your journey today! This paranormal fantasy complete series includes: An Ignorant Witch An Arrogant witch An Errant Witch An Obstinate Witch An Enigmatic Witch An Embittered Witch PRAISE FOR THE WITCH KIN CHRONICLES SERIES: 'An interesting read, enjoyed immensely! A tale of questing for magical knowledge and a place in the World. Cant wait to read the next book in line.' GooglePlay Books 'Racism and bullying in the supernatural world, I was very eager for the underdog to immediately settle the score. Nice read!' GooglePlay Books 'Prepare to be educated about witches' fairies dwarfs and all the other creatures of legend they are not what the stories portray, fairies aren't nice, witches are self-serving and half breeds are despised. Well written with a somewhat different storyline great characters spring to life on the page, rather darker than the usual witchy reads, well worth a look.' GoodReads 'I liked everything about this book. Its fast moving, full of adventure and excitement. It's differant from the usual cosy mysteries. A must read.' Goodreads 'This has given me the fantasy fix I've been craving and I'm looking forward to reading the rest in the series.' GoodReads Keywords related to this fantasy series: Fantasy, YA Fantasy books, Coming of Age,Popular Series, Witch, Magic, Paranormal Fantasy, Supernatural Suspense,, Witch Magic, Newfoundland,Sorcerer, Fairies, Fairy Fae, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Witchcraft, Paranormal cozy, dark fantasy, witches, magick, Paranromal Fantasy, paranormal series

Download or read book Women and Gender Issues in British Paganism 1945 1990 written by Shai Feraro and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2020-06-11 with total page 325 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book explores the ways in which changing views on gender and the place of women in society during the latter half of the twentieth century affected women’s participation and standing within British Paganism. More specifically, it examines how British Wiccans and Wiccan-derived Pagans reacted to the rise of 'second-wave' feminism and the Women's Liberation Movement in the UK – with a special emphasis on the reception of feminist theory hailing from the USA – and to the emergence of feminist branches of Witchcraft and Goddess Spirituality during the 1970s and 1980s. The book draws on primary sources never before analyzed in an academic context and makes a valuable contribution to the growing body of knowledge on gender and religion during the twentieth century, as very little research has been conducted on the relations between the history of modern Paganism and that of second-wave feminism in the UK.

Download or read book The Dark Witch Chronicles Book One written by Aarna N. Willem and published by Partridge Publishing. This book was released on 2015-02-12 with total page 458 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The land of Acanthus is a haven for great Conjurers. There exists an endangered unknown prophecy. When threats begin to attack and ancient treasures are in peril, an exceptional witch rises to guard that which can change the entire future of Acanthus. With the start of a war, untold secrets are revealed, past lives are re-discovered, the dead walk again, revenge is sought and the great witch fights to protect her coven. Its a journey to Death on the path of immortality. Within the turmoil, will the great witch be able to defend the trove and save the coven? Or will it end in eternal doom?

Download or read book The Sun Witch written by Linda Winstead Jones and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2004 with total page 340 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When Sophie Fyne meets the green-eyed soldier of her dreams and discovers her abundant fertility, they must both call on all of their strengths, both earthly and supernatural, to fight the curse that makes true love unattainable for all Fyne women. Original.

Download or read book Doreen Valiente Witch written by Philip Heselton and published by Llewellyn Worldwide. This book was released on 2016-06-08 with total page 447 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Heralded as one of the greatest figures in the history of modern witchcraft, Doreen Valiente made an unparalleled contribution to contemporary spiritual practice. This book tells her fascinating story, from her earliest encounters with the Craft to her work with Gerald Gardner and her emergence as one of the foremost thinkers in the revival of Paganism and witchcraft. Revealing previously unknown details drawn from first-hand testimony and her personal papers, Doreen Valiente Witch reveals how Valiente's singular vision captivated millions of modern witches and Pagans around the world. Published in association with the Centre for Pagan Studies and the Doreen Valiente Foundation. Praise: "Doreen Valiente is the mother of the modern witchcraft movement."—Christopher Penczak, bestselling author of The Inner Temple of Witchcraft "Doreen Valiente is a shining star, a heroine, and role model for the witchcraft community."—Judika Illes, author of Encyclopedia of Witchcraft "Doreen Valiente has been called the mother of modern witchcraft and that is no exaggeration. She helped open the path that many of us walk some variation of today, and led the way with a grace and strength we could all hope to emulate."—Deborah Blake, author of Everyday Witchcraft "I am thrilled to see at last a well-researched biography of Doreen Valiente...This is a must read for the historical and personal perspective on the modern adaptations of the Old Religion."—Ann Moura, author of the Green Witch series "Doreen Valiente was a seminal influence on the modern magical world. Her lasting contributions to our community are both valuable and vast."—Tess Whitehurst, author of Holistic Magic "An amazing story of a strong and powerful-minded woman who truly took her own spirituality by the reigns...The best way to describe this book is that it is not just a biography, but it is a public service and a true gift to the Craft community."—The Wild Hunt "It is a wonderful read...Philip Heselton writes beautifully and has researched with his usual care...Above all, he paints Doreen to the life, with accuracy and affection."—Ronald Hutton, Professor of History, University of Bristol

Download or read book The Witch s Feast written by Melissa Madara and published by Watkins Media Limited. This book was released on 2021-10-26 with total page 510 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Discover the seductive art and ritual of magical cooking with this decadent recipe collection drawing on herbalism, kitchen witchcraft, and the occult The feast is a meeting place between family and friends, between humans and gods This enchanting collection of witchy dishes from Melissa Jayne Madara—witch, herbalist, chef and co-owner of Brooklyn’s popular occult bookstore Catland Books—is an indispensable companion to kitchen witchcraft. With this kitchen grimoire, explore 5 facets of the occult through food: traditional recipes, the wheel of the zodiac, devotional meals to the planets, seasonal feasts to celebrate solstices and equinoxes, and practical spell work. • Recreate a pagan feast of lamb roasted with milk and honey, with cheesecake baked in fig leaves for dessert • Celebrate a Gemini birthday with herbed fondue, followed by lemongrass pavlova • Align with the poetic pleasures of Venus with edible flower dumplings, or commune with Saturn over blackberry pulled pork sandwiches • Enjoy the vibrancy of the spring equinox with herb and allium quiche with a potato crust, radish salad with cherry blossom vinaigrette and jasmine tea shortbread • Share an evening of storytelling over mugwort and catnip divination tea, or embody an otherworldly spirit with ritual bread masks Packed with ancient knowledge, practical advice and witchcraft expertise, this book will help you develop your craft through culinary creativity and the divine indulgence of the senses and the soul.

Download or read book Southern Cunning written by Aaron Oberon and published by John Hunt Publishing. This book was released on 2019-07-26 with total page 163 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Southern Cunning is a journey through the folklore of the American South and a look at the power these stories hold for modern witches. Through the lens of folklore, animism, and bioregionalism the book shows how to bring rituals in folklore into the modern day and presents a uniquely American approach to witchcraft born out of the land and practical application.