The Rebirth of Witchcraft

Author: Doreen Valiente
Publisher: The Crowood Press
ISBN: 0719826934
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 243

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Since 1951, when the last of the Witchcraft Acts was repealed, many books have been written about the reappearance of witchcraft and the development of a pagan theology.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

An ABC of Witchcraft Past and Present

Author: Doreen Valiente
Publisher: The Crowood Press
ISBN: 0719826918
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 469

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 Since the last Witchcraft Act was repealed in 1951, the revival of public interest in witchcraft has been the subject of continuous controversy.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

Witchcraft for Tomorrow

Author: Doreen Valiente
Publisher: The Crowood Press
ISBN: 0719826950
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 237

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

Modern Witchcraft

Author: Frank Smyth
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780356034669
Category : Witchcraft
Languages : en
Pages : 127

Book Description

Doreen Valiente Witch

Author: Philip Heselton
Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide
ISBN: 0738751952
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 447

Book Description
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

Natural Magic

Author: Doreen Valiente
Publisher: The Crowood Press
ISBN: 0719826926
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 155

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

Introduction to Pagan Studies

Author: Barbara Jane Davy
Publisher: Rowman Altamira
ISBN: 9780759108196
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 262

Book Description
A text on the academic study of contemporary wicca and paganism throughout the world.

The Rebirth of Magic

Author: Francis King
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780552118804
Category : Occultism
Languages : en
Pages : 217

Book Description

Fire Magic

Author: Josephine Winter
Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide
ISBN: 0738764094
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 231

Book Description
Help Your Magic Burn Brighter with the History, Lore, and Uses of Fire Bring the passionate element of fire into your practice with this captivating entry in Llewellyn's Elements of Witchcraft series. Featuring spells, rituals, recipes, and folklore, Fire Magic shows you how to fully harness the flame and add new meaning and energy to your life. Join author Josephine Winter on an illuminating exploration of fire and its many uses in witchcraft. Discover candle and bonfire magic throughout history, how fire is depicted in mythology, and fire-related celebrations for the sabbats. Learn about correspondences, sacred herbs and woods, and how to stay safe while honoring this element. Featuring guest contributors, fire deities, mythical beasts, crystals, and more, Fire Magic inspires you to reignite your passion for magic.

Grimoires

Author: Owen Davies
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN: 0199590044
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 381

Book Description
Grimoires are books of spells that were first recorded in the Ancient Middle East and which have developed and spread over the ensuing millennia.