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Witchcraft Medicine: Healing Arts, Shamanic Practices, and Forbidden Plants
by Christian Rätsch Claudia Müller-Ebeling Wolf-Dieter StorlAn in-depth investigation of traditional European folk medicine and the healing arts of witches• Explores the outlawed “alternative” medicine of witches suppressed by the state and the Church and how these plants can be used today• Reveals that female shamanic medicine can be found in cultures all over the world• Illustrated with color and black-and-white art reproductions dating back to the 16th centuryWitch medicine is wild medicine. It does more than make one healthy, it creates lust and knowledge, ecstasy and mythological insight. In Witchcraft Medicine the authors take the reader on a journey that examines the women who mix the potions and become the healers; the legacy of Hecate; the demonization of nature’s healing powers and sensuousness; the sorceress as shaman; and the plants associated with witches and devils. They explore important seasonal festivals and the plants associated with them, such as wolf’s claw and calendula as herbs of the solstice and alder as an herb of the time of the dead--Samhain or Halloween. They also look at the history of forbidden medicine from the Inquisition to current drug laws, with an eye toward how the sacred plants of our forebears can be used once again.
Witchcraft Therapy: Your Guide to Banishing Bullsh*t and Invoking Your Inner Power
by Mandi EmDiscover magical solutions to cope with whatever life throws your way in this fun self-help guide to invoking your inner power.Self-help is hard (and therapy is expensive!), but magic makes it easier than ever. In Witchcraft Therapy, you will learn how to use the mystical powers of intention, mindful manifestation, divination, and righteous indignation to cope with whatever life throws your way. Author and witchy wellness guru Mandi Em offers advice in her own unique brand of positivity providing spells, rituals, and more that you can do right at home. Complete with wisdom like &“Remember that &‘f*ck off&’ is a banishing spell,&” Witchcraft Therapy will have you feeling more empowered and liberated than ever.
Witchcraft and Secret Societies of Rural England: The Magic of Toadmen, Plough Witches, Mummers, and Bonesmen
by Nigel PennickA comprehensive account of the rich folk culture preserved in the rural secret societies of the British Isles • Describes the secret rites, ceremonies, and initiation rituals of guilds and rural fraternities such as the Shoemakers, Horsemen, Toadmen, Mummers, and Bonesmen • Explains their use of masks, black face, and other disguises to avoid persecution • Draws not only on scholarly research but also the author’s personal contacts within these still living traditions Centuries ago the remote, marshy plains of eastern England--the Fens--were drained to create agricultural land. The Fens remained isolated up until the nineteenth century, and it was this very isolation that helped preserve the ancient traditions of this area, traditions ruthlessly eradicated elsewhere in the British Isles. These magical folk traditions also owe their survival to secret rural societies, from craft guilds and trade unions to Morris dancers and village bands. Exploring the folk customs and magical traditions of guilds and rural fraternities such as the Shoemakers and Horsemen and the secrets guarded by the Free Gardeners, Witches, Toadmen, and Bonesmen, Nigel Pennick shows how the common working people of the Fens belonged to secret societies based on their specific trade. He details the hidden aspects of rural life that most historians ignore--the magical current that flowed through the lives of working people--and describes the secret rites, ceremonies, oaths, and initiation rituals of the guilds and fraternities to which the folk belonged. Drawing not only on scholarly research but also his personal contacts within these still living traditions, Pennick explains their use of masks, black face, and other disguises to avoid persecution and describes how wise woman healers and witches in rural villages were sought-after for their remedies. He shares the secrets of the toad-bone rite, which gave the Toadman control over animals and members of the opposite sex, and explores the guardian spirits thought to inhabit the Fens, including those of the Wild Hunt. Providing insight into a world that has largely disappeared, one whose magic still echoes in lore and legend, Pennick shows that the rites, customs, and ceremonies of guilds and rural fraternities connect individuals to a wider community and, through collective action, to the power of Nature and the Cosmos.
Witchcraft and Welfare
by Raquel RombergPersecuted as evil during colonial times, considered charlatans during the nation-building era, Puerto Rican brujos (witch-healers) today have become spiritual entrepreneurs who advise their clients not only in consultation with the spirits but also in compliance with state laws and new economic opportunities. Combining trance, dance, magic, and healing practices with expertise in the workings of the modern welfare state, they help lawyers win custody suits, sick employees resolve labor disability claims, single mothers apply for government housing, or corporation managers maximize their commercial skills. Drawing on extensive fieldwork among practicing brujos, this book presents a masterful history and ethnography of Puerto Rican brujería (witch-healing). Raquel Romberg explores how brujería emerged from a blending of popular Catholicism, Afro-Latin religions, French Spiritism, and folk Protestantism and also looks at how it has adapted to changes in state policies and responded to global flows of ideas and commodities. She demonstrates that, far from being an exotic or marginal practice in the modern world, brujería has become an invisible yet active partner of consumerism and welfare capitalism.
Witchcraft for Daily Self-Care: Nourishing Rituals & Spells for a More Balanced Life
by Michael HerkesInfuse magic into self-care with restorative spells and remedies Prepare to intertwine the vital energy of witchcraft with the healing power of self-care. This collection of spells and remedies lights the way, designed to nourish the mind and body every day. With each ritual, anyone can build an empowered self-care system anchored in the practice of magic.Discover the ultimate witches' self-care book with:Witchcraft for the whole self—Each daily ritual focuses on a different facet of life, from romantic relationships to professional success, and explores how witchcraft inspires reflection, creativity, and mindfulness.90 enchanting rituals—Try out a Fluorite Crystal Meditation that clears the mind, a Detoxifying Body Brew that banishes energy blockages, a Happy Home Mist that invites good vibes into any living space, and more.Inclusive guidance—Whether this book is the first foray into magic or just part of an existing practice, any witch can learn to tap into their power and master self-care.Build a magical care routine and live a more balanced life with Witchcraft for Daily Self-Care.
Witchcraft for Emotional Wisdom: Spells, Rituals, and Remedies for Healing
by Paige VanderbeckReclaim your power and heal from emotional pain using magic It's possible to live a peaceful, joy-filled life every day when you learn to let go of the pain and trauma that's holding you back. Witchcraft for Emotional Wisdom is a supportive guide that will teach you how to access the deeper parts of yourself, gain control of your emotions, and put you on the path to healing by using the transformative powers of magic. What sets Witchcraft for Emotional Wisdom apart: Emotional witchcraft 101—Begin your journey by learning everything you need to know about the holistic practice of healing using modern witchcraft and how it can improve your life. Wisdom and healing for all—This supportive guide is inclusive, welcoming, and includes insights and practices that can be used by both new and seasoned witches looking to enhance their craft. Simple spells, rituals, and remedies—You'll create a personal altar to practice your healing magic, blend botanical incense to clear your mind, make an empowering energy potion, and more using easy-to-find tools like crystals, candles, herbs, and tarot cards. Restore your emotional health, better understand your feelings, and create a more magical life with Witchcraft for Emotional Wisdom.
Witchcraft for Healing: Radical Self-Care for Your Mind, Body, and Spirit
by Patti WigingtonHeal and grow with the restorative power of witchcraftWitchcraft is rooted in wellness and healing, and has the capacity to radically transform your life through self-care. Witchcraft for Healing will bring more spiritual, emotional, and physical healing to your practice.No other natural healing books weave in magic and self-care quite like Witchcraft for Healing.Explore the transformative power of the spells, potions, rituals, and remedies found in this essential witchcraft spell book. Discover new applications for ingredients and elements you can easily find or already have on hand such as candles, crystals, herbs, and essential oils.Whether you're new to witchcraft or are an experienced practitioner, you'll find ways to deepen your craft and reclaim your power through authentic information, practical applications, and empathetic wisdom.Soothe and support your mind, body, and spirit with Witchcraft for Healing.
Witchcraft for the Home: Spells, Rituals, & Remedies for a Magical Dwelling
by Mystic DylanConjure up a purified, protected, and balanced home with 60 enchanting spells and rituals We all have the power to work a little magic inside our homes. With practical spells, rituals, and remedies, this charming guide has everything you need to know about home witchcraft and how you can use it to manifest your desires.Magic for every purpose—Explore witchcraft recipes for everything from driving away negative spirits and attracting abundance, to energizing your workspace and bringing luck into any room.Call on your magical allies—Transform your home by invoking your ancestors and household spirits.Enhance your magic—Discover how to harness the power of the elements, lunar phases, astrology, and the seasons to heighten your home witchcraft.Transform your abode into a divine sanctuary with this standout among witchy books.
Witchcraft in Colonial Virginia
by Carson O. Hudson Jr.The Emmy Award–winning screenwriter &“examines spine-tingling tales in chapters called &‘The Beliefs,&’ &‘The Law,&’ &‘The Experts&’ and &‘The Witches&’&” (Bristol Herald Courier).While the Salem witch trials get the most notoriety, Virginia&’s witchcraft history dates back many years before that . . . Colonial Virginians shared a common belief in the supernatural with their northern neighbors. While the witchcraft mania that swept through Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692 was significant, fascination with it has tended to overshadow the historical records of other persecutions throughout early America. The 1626 case of Joan Wright, the first woman to be accused of witchcraft in British North America, began Virginia&’s own witch craze. Utilizing surviving records, author, local historian and screenwriter Carson Hudson narrates these fascinating stories.
Witchcraft in Europe and the New World, 1400-1800
by P. G. Maxwell-Stuartbrief sketch of witchcraft during this era.
Witchcraft: A History in Thirteen Trials
by Marion GibsonA &“thought-provoking and timely&” (The Times, London) global history of witch trials across Europe, Africa, and the Americas, told through thirteen distinct trials that illuminate a pattern of demonization and conspiratorial thinking that has profoundly shaped human history.This &“inventive and compelling&” (The Times Literary Supplement, London) work of social history travels through thirteen witch trials across history, some famous—like the Salem witch trials—and some lesser-known: on Vardø island, Norway, in the 1620s, where an indigenous Sami woman was accused of murder; in France in 1731, during the country&’s last witch trial, where a young woman was pitted against her confessor and cult leader; in Lesotho in 1948, where British colonial authorities executed local leaders. Exploring how witchcraft was feared, then decriminalized, and then reimagined as gendered persecution, Witchcraft takes on the intersections between gender and power, indigenous spirituality and colonial rule, political conspiracy and individual resistance. Offering a striking, dramatic journey unspooling over centuries and across continents, Witchcraft is a &“well-rounded insight into some of the strangest and cruelest moments in history&” (Buzz Magazine), giving voice to those who have been silenced by history.
Witchcraft: A Ladybird Expert Book (The Ladybird Expert Series #36)
by Suzannah LipscombPart of the new Ladybird Expert series, Witchcraft is a clear, simple and entertaining introduction to the magical myths that have coloured the popular imagination for centuries. Written by celebrated historian and broadcaster Dr Suzannah Lipscomb, Witchcraft explores the moment in history when witches were perceived to be especially dangerous: the famous witch hunts between 1450 and 1750.Written by the leading lights and most outstanding communicators in their fields, the Ladybird Expert books provide clear, accessible and authoritative introductions to subjects drawn from science, history and culture.For an adult readership, the Ladybird Expert series is produced in the same iconic small hardback format pioneered by the original Ladybirds. Each beautifully illustrated book features the first new illustrations produced in the original Ladybird style for nearly forty years.
Witchcraft: Exploring the World of Wicca
by Craig S. HawkinsToday's witches want you to see witchcraft as a respectable religion, a sensible worldview. They want you to see witches as "the pagan next door," not as hags in black, riding brooms on a moonlit night. But there is more to this pagan PR than demolishing stereotypes. In the last three decades, Hawkins writes, America and much of Western Europe have seen a resurgence of the occult, including witchcraft and other forms of neopaganism. A storm is brewing on the religious horizon. The church must be prepared.
Witchery: Embrace the Witch Within
by Juliet DiazEverywhere, the witches are rising. Are you ready to answer the call and embrace your own inner witch?In this book, third-generation Witch Juliet Diaz guides you on a journey to connect with the Magick within you. She explains how to cast off what doesn't serve you, unleash your authentic self, and become an embodiment of your truth. You'll also learn the skills and techniques you need to build your own Magickal craft. Within these enchanted pages you'll discover how to: * Connect with the power of your inner witch * Create spells, potions, and rituals for love, protection, healing, manifestation and more * Amplify your energy by working with a Book of Shadows * Create an altar and decorate it according to the seasons * Work with the Moon and the Seasons of the Witch * Connect with your ancestors to receive their wisdomFilled with Magick, inspiration, and love, Witchery is your guide and companion on a wickedly delicious journey to true self-empowerment.
Witches and Witchcraft
by David NashIn the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, entire communities, particularly in central Europe were gripped by a fear of witches and witchcraft, and pursued witches in order to bring them to justice. Professor David Nash unlocks the sometimes opaque history of the phenomenon of witchcraft in Britain, Europe and America. The book explores the development of witchcraft and belief in witches, the obsession with witches and witchcraft that spawned witch-hunting, the hey-day and decline of witch-hunting, and the fascinating 'afterlife' of witchcraft: covering not only the survival of some beliefs into the nineteenth century but the academic interest in witchcraft in the early twentieth century, which culminated in the interest shown in the phenomenon by experts serving the interests and ideology of Nazi Germany. Among the themes that the author will examine are the geographical spread and regional differences in witchcraft and witch-hunting across Britain, Europe and America; the theories on the rise of witch-hunting; and gender differences: why so many more women were accused and convicted of witch-hunting than men.
Witches' Brew
by Yvonne JocksThis book contains stories of witches from many times, good, evil, Wiccan and otherwise. Stories range from the fantastic to the beliefs of modern practitioners, and is a great read for all who love witches of any kind.
Witches' Craft: A Multidenominational Wicca Bible
by Bruce K. WilbornDo you seek to know more about the foundation and modern practices of witchcraft? In Witches' Craft, Bruce Wilborn demystifies Wicca--a religion that is loving and nonjudgmental. Wicca's strength is in its ability to provide spiritual light for a truly diverse group of people. However, its expansive range of rituals and traditions may be confusing to the new practitioner. Witches' Craft provides detailed explanations of practices from each of the five major Wiccan traditions, removing the shroud of mystery surrounding one of the fastest-growing religions of the twenty-first century.
Witches, Druids, and Sin Eaters: The Common Magic of the Cunning Folk of the Welsh Marches
by Jon G. Hughes• Describes the arcane rituals, ancient beliefs, and secret rites of the Welsh Marches, including those of the Sin Eaters, Eye Biters, and Spirit Hunters• Shares extracts from ancient texts stored in the archives of the National Museum of Wales, along with many original photographs of related artifacts• Includes a Grimoire of the Welsh Marches, a wide collection of spells and magical workings along with practical instruction on crafting and castingIn this collaboration between a Druid and a witchcraft researcher, Jon G. Hughes and Sophie Gallagher describe in intricate detail the arcane rituals, ancient beliefs, and secret rites of the Welsh Marches, the borderlands between Celtic Wales and Anglo-Saxon England--one of the oldest and most significant locations for early witchcraft and a lasting repository for ancient Druidic lore. The authors explore the repressed rituals and practices of sin eaters, those who take upon themselves the sins of a recently deceased person; eye biters, powerful Witches able to cast malevolent curses simply by looking at their victims; and spirit hunters, Witches who gain control of their victim&’s spirit. Drawing on their personal access to the archives of the National Museum Wales, as well as the local museums found within the Welsh Marches, the authors share extracts from ancient texts, along with original photographs of related artifacts, such as charm and spell bottles used to ward off evil and &“poppets,&” wax effigies crafted by Witches to inflict pain and death on a targeted subject. In the second half of the book, the authors present a Grimoire of the Welsh Marches, a wide collection of spells and magical workings along with practical instruction on crafting and casting. Offering a comprehensive look at the earth-based beliefs and practices of primal witchcraft and Druidic lore, the authors show not only how the traditions of the Welsh Marches had a profound influence on the cultural and spiritual history of the British Isles but also how their influence was exported to all corners of the world.
Witches, Heretics & Warrior Women: Ignite Your Rebel Spirit through Magick & Ritual
by Phoenix LeFaeTake Back Your Power and Unleash It on the WorldFilled with transformative stories of powerful women from legend and history, this book explores themes that witches, heretics, and warriors confront in a patriarchal world. Join the fight against the status quo by learning how to invoke your own defiant female ancestors and the lessons they represent. Each chapter examines a topic like standing tall in your beliefs, finding your voice, embracing your sexuality, and loving your body.This book will inspire you through the stories of Circe, Anne Boleyn, Marie Laveau, Mary Magdalene, Jeanne D'Arc, Salome, Boudicca, Moving Robe Woman, and Harriet Tubman. Phoenix LeFae also shares hands-on practices— including rituals, crafts, and meditations—designed to support you as you connect to your inner rebel. Learn how to create shrines, connect to your community, work with essential oils, and more as you find and embrace your own personal power.
Witches, Midwives, & Nurses
by Barbara Ehrenreich Deirdre EnglishAs we watch another agonizing attempt to shift the future of health care in the United States, we are reminded of the longevity of this crisis, and how firmly entrenched we are in a system that doesn't work.Witches, Midwives, and Nurses, first published by The Feminist Press in 1973, is an essential book about the corruption of the medical establishment and its historic roots in witch hunters. In this new edition, Barbara Ehrenreich and Deirdre English have written an entirely new chapter that delves into the current fascination with and controversies about witches, exposing our fears and fantasies. They build on their classic exposé on the demonization of women healers and the political and economic monopolization of medicine. This quick history brings us up-to-date, exploring today's changing attitudes toward childbirth, alternative medicine, and modern-day witches.Barbara Ehrenreich is author of the New York Times bestsellers Nickel and Dimed and Bait and Switch, and, most recently, This Land is Their Land.Deirdre English, the former editor of Mother Jones, is a professor in the Graduate School of Journalism at the University of California, Berkeley.
Witches, Midwives, and Nurses: A History of Women Healers (2nd Edition)
by Barbara Ehrenreich Deirdre EnglishAs we watch another agonizing attempt to shift the future of health care in the United States, we are reminded of the longevity of this crisis, and how firmly entrenched we are in a system that doesn't work. Witches, Midwives, and Nurses, first published by The Feminist Press in 1973, is an essential book about the corruption of the medical establishment and its historic roots in witch hunters. In this new edition, Barbara Ehrenreich and Deirdre English have written an entirely new chapter that delves into the current fascination with and controversies about witches, exposing our fears and fantasies. They build on their classic expos on the demonization of women healers and the political and economic monopolization of medicine. This quick history brings us up-to-date, exploring today's changing attitudes toward childbirth, alternative medicine, and modern-day witches. Barbara Ehrenreichis author of theNew York TimesbestsellersNickel and DimedandBait and Switch, and, most recently,This Land is Their Land. Deirdre English, the former editor ofMother Jones, is a professor in the Graduate School of Journalism at the University of California, Berkeley.
Witches, Werewolves, and Fairies: Shapeshifters and Astral Doubles in the Middle Ages
by Claude LecouteuxReveals the true nature of medieval belief in the Double of the Soul • Demonstrates the survival of a pagan belief that each individual owns three souls, including a double that can journey outside the physical body • Explains the nature of death and the Other World hidden beneath the monsters and superstitions in stories from the Middle Ages Monsters, werewolves, witches, and fairies remain a strong presence in our stories and dreams. But as Claude Lecouteux shows, their roots go far deeper than their appearance in medieval folklore; they are survivors of a much older belief system that predates Christianity and was widespread over Western Europe. Through his extensive analysis of Germano-Scandinavian legends, as well as those from other areas of Europe, Lecouteux has uncovered an almost forgotten religious concept: that every individual owns three souls and that one of these souls, the Double, can—in animal or human form—leave the physical body while in sleep or a trance, journey where it chooses, then reenter its physical body. While there were many who experienced this phenomenon involuntarily, there were others—those who attracted the unwelcome persecution of the Church—who were able to provoke it at will: witches. In a thorough excavation of the medieval soul, Claude Lecouteux reveals the origin and significance of this belief in the Double, and follows its transforming features through the ages. He shows that far from being fantasy or vague superstition, fairies, witches, and werewolves all testify to a consistent ancient vision of our world and the world beyond.
Witches: True Encounters with Wicca, Covens, and Magick
by Hans HolzerProfessor Hans Holzer, the bestselling author of Ghosts, explores the myriad forms and factions of witchcraft, taking you inside the covens and cults where the ancient rituals are practiced. This compilation of Holzer's decades of first-hand research, which occurred mainly in the 1960s and 1970s, provides a unique insider's overview of the topic.Experience the secrets of the craft, learn spells and incantations, and read interviews and personal testimony from the foremost practitioners. Holzer not only provides the reader with the history of witchcraft, he documents the lives and practices of actual witches pursuing the world's oldest religion. Hundreds of photographs from the author's own collection illuminate the subject and bring the rituals and rites of "the Craft" to life.
Witchfinders: A Seventeenth-Century English Tragedy
by Malcolm GaskillBy spring 1645, two years of civil war had exacted a dreadful toll upon England. People lived in terror as disease and poverty spread, and the nation grew ever more politically divided. In a remote corner of Essex, two obscure gentlemen, Matthew Hopkins and John Stearne, exploited the anxiety and lawlessness of the time and initiated a brutal campaign to drive out the presumed evil in their midst. Touring Suffolk and East Anglia on horseback, they detected demons and idolators everywhere. Through torture, they extracted from terrified prisoners confessions of consorting with Satan and demonic spirits. <p><p> Acclaimed historian Malcolm Gaskill retells the chilling story of the most savage witch-hunt in English history. By the autumn of 1647 at least 250 people--mostly women--had been captured, interrogated, and hauled before the courts. More than a hundred were hanged, causing Hopkins to be dubbed "Witchfinder General" by critics and admirers alike. Though their campaign was never legally sanctioned, they garnered the popular support of local gentry, clergy, and villagers. While Witchfinders tells of a unique and tragic historical moment fueled by religious fervor, today it serves as a reminder of the power of fear and fanaticism to fuel ordinary people's willingness to demonize others.