Paul Huson Mastering Witchcraft

If you were only to own one book on the practice of Witchcraft (not the religion of Wicca) Paul Huson’s Mastering Witchcraft is the reference you wold want. Not for the faint of heart and definitely un-fluffy this book is a grimoire unto itself and you could legitimately build your practice just around the information in these pages.

Huson’s Witchcraft is sort of a Paganization of a very simplified (and effective) Ceremonial Magic. There is a religious position taken in the book which may be uncomfortable for modern Neo-Pagans in certain respects and will offend Christians but for the Witch or Warlock interested in the practice of Witchcraft there is no better Introduction or reference. One of the few books I’ve read that contains effective curses and bindings and it even has a section on running a coven, though the covens here are not your Wiccan covens of today.

Books in PDF format to read:

William Frederick Poole - Cotton Mather And Salem Witchcraft
Swain Wodening - Anglo Saxon Witchcraft
Paul Huson - Mastering Witchcraft

Magician Or Witch Christopher Marlowe Doctor Faustus

Book: Magician Or Witch Christopher Marlowe Doctor Faustus by Michelle Matthews

In this project, I look closely at the play Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe and its relationship to the witchcraft and magic debates that occurred in Early Modern Europe. Europe was alive with witch crazes in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; witches were considered a manifestation of diabolical evil, and accusations of Supernatural power being used for the purposes of evil spread quickly as tortured captives, attempting to save themselves, agreed to implicate others as their cohorts. This same period saw a Neoplatonic revival among humanists who believed that by dedicating their lives to contemplation and humility with an overriding faith in God, they could access benevolent magic in order to improve the world. Even though there was a thriving debate among the elite population on what constituted a witch and the powers a witch possessed, humanists who promoted benevolent magic were often accused and condemned for witchcraft, their reputations never recovering. Doctor Faustus is unique in that it presents the dreams of the Neoplatonist philosophers for a benevolent magic at the same time as it portrays the behaviors associated with witches by both the general and elite population. By looking closely at the text and comparing it to orthodox treatises, popular beliefs, and the Neoplatonic writings, I argue in this paper that Faustus turns his back on God by committing sins such as signing a pact with the devil, uniting with a demon, mocking Christianity, and performing maleficium. Ultimately, this paper concludes that because of his heretical actions, which coincide with many of the Early Modern ideas about demonology, Doctor Faustus is a witch and not a magician. (Dr. Simon Morgan-Russell, advisor)

This project would never have been completed without the help of many people. I would first like to thank Dr. Simon Morgan-Russell and Dr. Audrey Becker for all of their wonderful guidance and advice. Next, I would like to thank my parents Mark and Gail as well as Shaun and Jennifer for always believing in my ability to succeed. Finally, I want to thank my fiance Lee Kanney for his never-ending love and support. (Michelle Matthews)

Download Michelle Matthews's eBook: Magician Or Witch Christopher Marlowe Doctor Faustus

Books in PDF format to read:

Robert Ambelain - Martinism History And Doctrine
Nu Isis Working Group - Magical Scripts And Cipher Alphabets
Kathryn Rountree - Embracing The Witch And The Goddess
Michelle Matthews - Magician Or Witch Christopher Marlowe Doctor Faustus

Electric Garters Of California

Book: Electric Garters Of California by New Wiccan Church

ELECTRIC GARTERS an abridged version of RED GARTERS is available on various Pagan computer BBS. The RED GARTERS of California is the official voice of the New wiccan Church of California. The Office of the California State Summoner publishes a minimum of 8 issues per year, as a function of the membership and mailing lists of the New Wiccan Church. Subscription to RED GARTERS is included among the benefits of membership in the New Wiccan Church of California.

Download New Wiccan Church's eBook: Electric Garters Of California

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Phil Hine - Aspects Of Evocation
Tuesday Lobsang Rampa - Chapters Of Life
New Wiccan Church - Electric Garters Of California

The Philosophy Of Witchcraft

Book: The Philosophy Of Witchcraft by John Mitchell

The Philosophy'of Deroonology, or Witchcraft, involves in it, in a greater or lesser degree, the history of a considerable portion of the Inhabitants of every age and nation, and embraces," within the wide range of its illustrations, the consideration of some of the most important faculties of the human mind. No subject presents itself with deeper interest,-none opons a wider field of observation and dis covery, than the investigation of tho first dawnings of Intellectual improvement,' manifested in the mysterious workings of inscrutable mind. The study of mind has, in eveTy age, arrestod the no- ?. lice, and commanded the talent of the most enlightened' among mon. The imagination ever lovo3 to wander back, amid the gloom of past ages, and to trace, though feebly, tho first faint glimmerings of celestial light, gradually breaking in upon the obscurity of mental darkness.

Adrian Mitchell has contributed to The Philosophy of Witchcraft as an author. Bruce Mitchell is Fellow Emeritus of St. Edmund Hall, Oxford. His books include "A Guide to Old English" written with Fred C. Robinson (fifth edition, 1992), "On Old English" (1988), and the two volume "Old English Syntax" (1985). He is currently working with Fred C. Robinson on a new edition of "Beowulf,"

Download John Mitchell's eBook: The Philosophy Of Witchcraft

Books in PDF format to read:

Howard Williams - The Superstitions Of Witchcraft
Allen Greenfield - A True History Of Witchcraft
Michael Harrison - The Roots Of Witchcraft
John Mitchell - The Philosophy Of Witchcraft

Nocturnicon Calling Dark Forces And Powers

Book: Nocturnicon Calling Dark Forces And Powers by Konstantinos

New York-based occult author Konstantinos (and yes, that is his real name) is a famous name within the darker aspects of the occult. Over the years he's published a total of six books with Llewellyn - books that are all aimed at and written for Nightkind; that is, creatures of the night, people with a somewhat darker (but not necessary evil) view of magickal workings and who prefer the darkness of the night to the light of the day. He's also written numerous articles and appeared on many different TV-shows. In other words, he knows what he's talking about.

And in Nocturnicon he talks about magick being done at night. As with other books of the same category (not necessarily about darker aspects of the occult, but definitely about magick), this is not a book written in an attempt to convince skeptics that magick does indeed work. And it's not some sort of summary about the history of magick and the occult, even though historical references does pop up from time to time. No, this is instead a manual for the believer, a tool that you can use to summon the dark forces that are hidden somewhere in the dark and the infinite universe that surrounds this planet of ours.

Take a thrilling walk on the dark side with Konstantinos! The author of Nocturnal Witchcraft presents a collection of magickal techniques for working with dark forces. Developed and tested by Konstantinos, these rites and rituals have proven to be quite powerful in harnessing nocturnal energies-even helping the author overcome a serious medical condition in a miraculous recovery that shocked doctors!

Many books about magick contain rituals that are very difficult to do, demands years and years of practice, and include accessories that aren't always very easy to find. Nocturnicon is, however, nothing like that. The rituals and exercises described here are easy to do, don't require any bizarre and impossible demands of preparation, and if you do them correct you'll see the results in no time. Konstantinos is an honest author. He discusses how the use of absinthe (not the legal stuff but rather the old, traditional version) can affect the imagination in great ways, he doesn't deny that illegal substances that help in opening up new aspects of your consciousness, and sex magick isn't too taboo to write about.

Drawn from diverse sources-ceremonial magick, folk magick, ancient Greek ritual, and divination-these techniques enable magicians and novices to conjure and control primal energies, thoughtforms, Lovecraftian entities, egregores, sigils, and other forces. Those attracted to the dark mysteries will relish Konstantinos' bold exploration of sex magick, death magick, altered states, dream grimoires, and forbidden tomes.

Still, please note that it's NOT a "pro-drugs book" or kinky anthology about sleazy sex. Far from it.

If you're a diehard skeptic who doesn't believe in anything that has to do with the occult and magick, then Nocturnicon is probably one of the worst books you'll ever buy. However, if you're open to new possibilities and perhaps even feel instinctively that the darkness of the night affects you in a very special way, then there's really no reason for why you shouldn't run as fast as you can to your nearest bookstore and get a copy of Konstantino's latest work.

He actually succeeds in being amusing, thorough, controversial, funny, and serious, all at the same time, and if you add the fact that the book itself if extremely pleasing to the eye you'll realize that Nocturnicon - Calling Dark Forces and Powers is a book you cannot afford to miss.

Note to the reader of this review: I usually don't give 5 stars to a book, since most books have at least a few flaws that lowers the grade, but occasionally it does happen.

Buy Konstantinos's book: Nocturnicon Calling Dark Forces And Powers

Books in PDF format to read:

George Gifford - A Dialogue Concerning Witches And Witchcraftes
Douglas Colligan - Strange Energies Hidden Powers
Michael Jordan - Dictionary Of Gods And Goddesses

Brewing Up Trouble Wicca And The Us Military

Book: Brewing Up Trouble Wicca And The Us Military by Robert Maginnis

It is quite possible to maintain an army that is totally male, totally white, totally heterosexual and totally monotheistic. However, in its wisdom, the U.S. army became integrated a few decades ago; they have allowed women into an increasing range of assignments. They do not reject those gays and lesbians who stay in the closet. Finally, they are now formally recognizing small minority religions. At each step of the way, doomsayers raised the specter of damaged Military preparedness. History has shown their concerns to be without merit. As armies are increasingly directed at peace keeping, an force that is racially, sexually and religiously diverse sends a Powerful message to the people being helped. Kosovo and Bosnia are two potent examples of the power of religious diversity in the military.

Robert Maginnis is concerned that if the Army allows Wiccans to hold their services on-base, then non-Wiccan soldiers' "readiness factors such as military values, adherence to norms, willingness to kill, and recruitment and retention..." will be undermined. This is because he believes that most soldiers regard "witchcraft as an abomination."

Download Robert Maginnis's eBook: Brewing Up Trouble Wicca And The Us Military

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Maureen Delaney - Walking The Wiccan Path After The Cristian Path
David Oringderff - Spiritual Philosophy And Practice Of Wicca In The Us Military
Kathryn Rountree - Embracing The Witch And The Goddess
Sacred Well Congregation - Overview And Guide For Wiccans In The Military
Robert Maginnis - Brewing Up Trouble Wicca And The Us Military

Witchcraft Magic Across The Ages

Across the ages, the magical practices of British Traditional Witchcraft, or "Trad Witchcraft," have been as important to the Trad Witch as breathing air. Magic is seen as simply another aspect of Nature, an added dimension of spiritual religious existence. Trad witchcraft is the historic withcraft of old Britain and is not Wicca, which dates from the early 195o's.

The Traditional Witch has always been highly spiritual . We view the concept of God, as the universal consciousness that is evident in the world that surrounds us. Indeed, it is a core belief that Nature is the the very same as God. Consequently, Nature is divine.

Magic itself is nothing more than the use of the forces of Nature, forces of God, to change or modify our reality to suit the desired outcome intended by the Trad Witch. Thus, magic is, when directed correctly, a divine act, comparible to prayer, which fosters positive change witnin the individual, their family, community, and our Mother Earth. It is an intended force for change, of creative modification.

It can be used for any of the following purposes:

* For personal growth and transformation.
* To protect oneself and family.
* To improve their life and the lives of their family.
* To heal themselves and to heal others.
* To remove barriers and impediments
* To aid in obtaining a intended goal.

The magical arts can be a meaningful force for good in our lives, if we are willing to learn how to use it properly.

Magical results are never coincidence. Magic is based on the belief that Nature unfolds in an orderly manner, and these events can be known. With this information, one can control or alter the energy surrounding these events in manner that will effect and change outcome.

Magic, to most people, seems rather incomprehensible, something weird and supernatural. Nevertheless, magic is something very different. For, rather than being something beyond knowing, the magical arts are within the reality of Nature, and affects our lives with ramifications to both the spiritual and physical planes.

The spellcraft of Traditional Magic is particularly potent because the Trad Witch has knowledge of techniques that endow magic. While these techniques are not commonly thought of as applicable to magic, they go back in use in British magic for over a thousand years, if not longer. The terms commonly used for these techniques today, "meditation" and "visualization," are certainly not the same terms used our history, but their names do not matter. The substance of what is taught does.

A final idea: Traditional Witches subscribe to an very old concept of proper conduct called the "Law of Return." This is a principle found in physics, which states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. It is by this high principle that every Traditional Witch knows full well that when an action is taken or they send a magical spell, the energy of that action or spell will eventually return to the sender in full force.

The rule of thumb is to always use caution. Traditional Magic can be a wonderful and potent force that can add to our quality of life, but only if it is used in a wise and constructive manner.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

John Linwood Pitts - Witchcraft And Devil Lore In The Channel Islands
Athena Gardner - Witchcraft Dictionary Of Craft Terms
Walter Gibson - Witchcraft A History Of The Black Art
Fransis Bragge - Witchcraft Farther Displayd
Isaac Bonewits - Witchcraft A Concise Guide

The New Book Of The Law

Book: The New Book Of The Law by Lady Galadriel

In my years of teaching and running a group, I have always had a dissatisfaction with the popular "Book of the Law" available to most Seekers. I felt it to be too archaic in its wording and perspective -- and while it was valuable in the Burning Times, it simply does not deal with the concerns and needs of "modern-day" Witches. Over the years I became familiar with several other sets of Laws. Each of these had many good points, yet they also had their disadvantages as well.

Recently, I decided to do something daring -- I took the four different versions of the Laws which I had, and combined and reworked them. I deleted what was no longer pertinent or meaningful, rewording others to make them clearer and more understandable, as well as throwing in a few new ones which I felt had been lacking.

I believe that what has evolved out of this work is a set of Laws which are readable, usable, and most importantly, pertinent to the needs of today's Witches and Neo-Pagans. It is with these thoughts and hopes that I would like to share them with you. If you should find merit or worth in them, then I will feel as though I have accomplished something. The material in this booklet has not been copyrighted, so you may reproduce the Laws for students or friends, or reprint them in your publication. It is my sincere hope that the New Book of the Law will be of use to the Craft Community.

Blessed Be, Lady Galadriel

Download Lady Galadriel's eBook: The New Book Of The Law

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Friedrich Max Muller - The Sacred Books Of The East
Ralph Blum - The New Book Of Runes
Aleister Crowley - The Book Of The Law
Lady Galadriel - The New Book Of The Law

Celtic Tradition Of Witchcraft

Celtic Tradition: Practitioners of the Elements, the ancient Ones and of Nature. They are usually healers who Work with plants, stones, flowers, trees, the Elements, the gnomes, the fauns and the fairies.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Howard Williams - The Superstitions Of Witchcraft
Michael Bailey - Historical Dictionary Of Witchcraft
Alexander Roberts - A Treatise Of Witchcraft
Bylaws - Unicorn Tradition Of Wicca

Antinomianism

Book: Antinomianism by Roger Whitaker

Antinomianism (from the Greek "against" + "law"), is a belief originating in Christian theology that faith alone, not obedience to religious law, is necessary for salvation. The concept is related to the foundational Protestant belief of Sola Fide, or justification through faith alone; however, antinomianism represents an extreme of this idea, wherein adherence to the Mosaic Law is considered inessential in the Christian lifestyle, given the view that faith itself is sufficient to attain salvation. The concept is also related to the Biblical Greek terms anomia and anomos which are generally translated in English translations of the Bible as lawlessness and lawless respectively. An antinomian theology considers adherence to Mosaic Law unnecessary, but it does not usually imply the embrace of ethical permissiveness; rather it usually implies emphasis on the inner working of the Holy Spirit as the primary source of ethical guidance. Antinomianism is the opposite of legalism or works righteousness; the notion that obedience to a code of religious law earns salvation.

The term "antinomian" emerged soon after the Protestant Reformation (c.1517) and has historically been used mainly as a pejorative against Christian thinkers or sects who carried their belief in justification by faith further than was customary. For example, Martin Luther preached justification by faith alone, but was also an outspoken critic of antinomianism, perhaps most notably in his Against the Antinomians (1539). Few groups or sects, outside of Christian Anarchism or Jewish anarchism, explicitly call themselves "antinomian".

While the term originated in early controversies of Protestant doctrine, and has its roots in debates over the Synoptic Gospels and the Pauline Epistles and the issue of Paul of Tarsus and Judaism, it can be extended to any religious group believing they are not bound to obey the laws of their own religious tradition.

Download Roger Whitaker's eBook: Antinomianism

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Marcus Bottomley - Nine Proven Magical Rites
Maslama Al Majriti - Picatrix In Spanish
Edward Bulwer Lytton - Zanoni
Roger Whitaker - Antinomianism

Bibliographical Notes On The Witchcraft Literature Of Scotland

Book: Bibliographical Notes On The Witchcraft Literature Of Scotland by John Ferguson

John Ferguson (1837-1916), Regius Professor of Chemistry in the University of Glasgow from 1874-1915, is best remembered for his Bibliotheca chemica, Glasgow, 1906, which is a standard tool for every investigation in the history and bibliography of chemistry. Ferguson was a keen book collector and in 1921 an important section of his private library was bought by the University of Glasgow. This consisted of over 7000 books and some 300 manuscripts. The Greater Part of the books in the Ferguson Collection are on chemistry and alchemy, but there are important smaller groups of books, such as those on magic and witchcraft, gypsies, astrology, Rosicrucians and Cabbalism. The contents and wealth of the Ferguson Collection were made more widely known by the publication of the Catalogue of the Ferguson Collection of books ... in the Library of the University of Glasgow, 2 vols, Glasgow, 1943, of which forty copies were issued.

Download John Ferguson's eBook: Bibliographical Notes On The Witchcraft Literature Of Scotland

Books in PDF format to read:

George Lyman Kittredge - Notes On Witchcraft Ocr Version
George Lincoln Burr - Narratives Of The Witchcraft Cases
Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe - A Historical Account Of The Belief In Witchcraft In Scotland
John Ferguson - Bibliographical Notes On The Witchcraft Literature Of Scotland

Opinions Experience On Making Wands

Magickal considerations aside, I would suggest you make your wand of either white cedar or holly. White cedar is easy to find and work and strips and finished beautifully, without any varnish. I have a 4 footer that I made about 20 years ago and it just gets better as it gets older.

Holly is a fine dense wood, white, carves like soap. Better for tricky handwork than cedar. Stains very easily, tho, and if you want it to stay white you'll have to varnish it. They make piano keys from it sometimes (the black keys, because it stains so well). I have a six footer made of holly, and it is about 10 years old. Still looks good, but I have to clean it every now n then.

I don't recommend oak. It is nice wood but very tough to work and tends to split if stressed. (I use my wands to walk with sometimes when I hike).

Enjoy it, tho. Nothing better than a fine hand carved staff, specially if you did your own carving.

Question: I would like to keep the branch as natural looking as possible (as in I don't want a dowel that used to be a branch--I want to go out into my woods and find one) but I know that mounting the crystals will take it's toll. I am also thinking that I would like to use a fallen branch and not cut one (I don't like to hurt trees) but maybe a dead branch would be too brittle...I don't know.

Answer: Well, I broke "rule #1 of wands" by getting a not-straight piece of wood. It just came to me--after a major windstorm, the willow trees back of my apartment had shed a considerable amount of twig/branch material. I just sort of grabbed whatever branch looked best, stripped the bark, and looked at it for a while until I decided what decoration I wanted. I ended up buying some gold wire from a "do your own bead jewelry" store, twisted it around the wood (incidentally, willow is nice because you can put holes in it with a needle to stuff the wire ends into), and drew signs on it with gold and silver marker. I know it's unorthodox, but the point is, windfall wood can be very nice, and you don't have to hurt the tree to get it. My second choice would have been Lake Michigan driftwood...also, for your purposes, willow is soft and will split if you want to mount a crystal. The willow was not at all brittle after being on the ground for several days (then again, it was autumn and not too hot).

I believe that the old grimoire "Key of Solomon" recommends the wand be made of a hazel or nut switch, within the first year's growth and cut at dawn on Mercury's day (Wednesday?).

Since I associate the wand with invitation, persuasion and spring, I cut it at dawn on the Equinox from hazel, nut or fruit tree. I then cut it down to match the inside length of my arm from elbow to middle finger and leave it natural, the potentiality of its virgin wood and bud still untapped.

Because I have access to many trees which need pruning, this is no problem. I believe, however, that the Key of Solomon has marks to make upon the wand (darn grimoires!).

The Farrars mention this tradition in "The Witches' Way," I believe, in a section on magical tools for those interested in the Gardnerian/ Alexandrian tradition.

Wands as gifts are also nice, but I've no use for metal doodads and crystals. Many folks I know just use a feather, also indicative of spring and air.

Free e-books (can be downloaded):

Anonymous - Vedic Experience
Alice Bailey - Initiation Human And Solar

Keywords: mystical qabalah  little fold  cybill shepherd  woman witchcraft curse  god  

A Witch Notebook Lessons In Witchcraft

Book: A Witch Notebook Lessons In Witchcraft by Silver Ravenwolf

This book reflects deep insight and years of practice by a serious, working Witch. Not light hearted. A huge leap away from basic "Wicca 101". Discussions on the demands and rewards of spiritual progression are one of the many highlights in this book along with research into the science of Magic (sorry, I refuse to spell it with a "K", the same as I refuse to accept the idea of Ebonics as a proper form of the English language) by touching on the area of Quantum Physics. If there has ever been any misunderstanding of this author, they are cleared up here.

What if you could peek inside the journal of a skilled and powerful Wiccan and read all about her exciting forays into the Craft? What if that Witch was the ever-popular Silver RavenWolf? Silver's own pearls of wisdom gained along the bumpy road to spiritual enlightenment can be found in A Witch's Notebook. This hands-on guide is designed to work from moon to moon-leading students through five months of spiritual advancement. In discussing cleansing, sacred symbols, renewed spirituality, and magickal ingredients, Silver urges Wiccans to step outside the usual confines of Witchcraft and explore other belief systems. This book also includes exercises, spells, and herbal information to assist in forging one's own unique Spiritual Path.

I hugged the book when I was finished. Finally a book written by someone who has walked the walk and has knowledge of the occult that far surpasses the boundaries of what Wicca is today. Applause! Not a typical Llewellyn book calling on friends to gather and klink athames and have a potluck.
For the serious student of WitchCraft.

While it is commonplace to associate Witchcraft With spells and herbal remedies, it's not every day you hear a witch not only proclaim that the premise of magick lies in quantum physics, but then go on to describe what quantum physics is and how magick is its natural function. RavenWolf, writer and lifelong practitioner of the Craft, offers readers a window into her personal chronicles about becoming a witch, enlivening these with fascinating explanations about the relationship between Wicca and Zen Buddhism, instructions for incorporating symbols from traditional Pennsylvania Dutch quilting patterns into spells, and a discussion of how belief in the Saints is similar to the Wiccan practice of "walking With Spirits." Designed as a five-month study guide for embarking on a spiritual journey, RavenWolf guides readers step by step and with painstaking (though necessary) detail through the central rituals within Wicca, consistently reassuring readers with her depth of knowledge and personal experience. While most of the time her prose is delightful and inviting, (filled with insights like: "Witchcraft is divine alchemy—a philosopher's stone for the modern world") it occasionally digresses into overly casual language that detracts from the general flow. Overall, RavenWolf has written a wonderful guidebook for readers who are serious about beginning a Wiccan spiritual journey, complete with an extensive herbal and spell guide.

I recently lost all my possesions in a life changeing event. I lost everything and when time came to begin to rebuild, of all the books I lost I knew that Silver Ravenwolf was one I would replace. I had at one time collected all her work and guide books, but financially I can not replace them all now so I chose this one. It has it all, the basics, the wisdom, the strength of belief to continue on. This dear lady does know what she is talking about and she does provide practical and useful rituals and advice that will help anyone looking into the craft as a pathway to higher powers. One day I will replace all the books I had, but until then this one does meet all my needs. Thanks Silver for a compact and generous contrubition to this womans life.

Buy Silver Ravenwolf's book: A Witch Notebook Lessons In Witchcraft

Books in PDF format to read:

Michael Harrison - The Roots Of Witchcraft
Paul Huson - Mastering Witchcraft
Raymond Buckland - Bucklands Complete Book Of Witchcraft
Anonymous - Basic Technologies Of Witchcraft
George Lyman Kittredge - Notes On Witchcraft

Pictish Tradition Of Witchcraft

Pictish Tradition: Originally from Scotland, it is a "solitary witch" form of "The Craft". Pictish Witchcraft attunes itself to all aspects of nature; animal, vegetable, and mineral and it is more magickal in nature and practice than it is religious.

Books in PDF format to read:

Anonymous - Impossibility Of Witchcraft
Allen Greenfield - A True History Of Witchcraft
Bylaws - Unicorn Tradition Of Wicca

Oberon Zell Interview A Wizard Vision

Book: Oberon Zell Interview A Wizard Vision by Michael Night Sky

"Oberon Zell Ravenheart is one of the pioneers of Paganism in the United States. I can’t think of a better, more qualified person to write a Handbook for Apprentice Wizards. With his many decades of experience, he, more than anyone, is uniquely qualified to write such a book. His name is greatly respected in all of the varying fields of Paganism and Witchcraft." — Raymond Buckland, author of Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft.

For more than three decades Oberon Zell Ravenheart has been pivotal to American Paganism. He edited and published the awardwinning journal Green Egg and his editorials and articles won him the Wiccan/Pagan Press Alliance "Pentacle Award" for"Favorite Pagan Writer." We were thrilled that Oberon took time to talk to PanGaia about his latest projects.

Buy Michael Night Sky's book: Oberon Zell Interview A Wizard Vision

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Pauline Bradford Mackie Hopkins - Ye Lyttle Salem Maide A Story Of Witchcraft Ocr Version
Oberon Zell Ravenheart - Grimoire For The Apprentice Wizard.pdf
John Stearne - A Confirmation And Discovery Of Witchcraft Ocr Version
Michael Night Sky - Oberon Zell Interview A Wizard Vision

Handcrafted Ritual Tools

Book: Handcrafted Ritual Tools by Pangaia

Like the magic baubles from childhood stories, each of us has a stone, a tool, a box, a work of art that we hold sacred. Its power addresses us daily and in doing so, connects us closer to our awareness and Knowledge of self. Most of us have purchased an item at some time or another. At stores and in street fairs, from online auctions and at gatherings we are drawn to the beautiful, the functional, the piece that says, "this is exactly what you are looking for."

Who makes these special magical tools, and why? Is it only for financial gain or does Something else drive them? Melbourne, Australia is a city full of glorious Handcrafted magical items and here I began to seek out and talk with a group of artists who, using their own
skill, toil and craftsmanship, produce magical tools cherished the world over.

Buy Pangaia's book: Handcrafted Ritual Tools

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Louise Huebner - Witchcraft For All
Anton Szandor Lavey - The Satanic Rituals
Pangaia - Handcrafted Ritual Tools

Witch Brew

Book: Witch Brew by Mary Mazzer

The focus of my work is an investigation of the ritual of ornamentation. In both the fabrication and presentation of my work, I regard my assemblages as fetish objects, as autonomous art objects and an iconography of my subjective memory. By accepting the assemblages as fetish objects, I am referencing the ritual of ornamentation and creative invention married to the naive, primitive, and outsider art now being reinterpreted in the contemporary works of today.

The title of my thesis project is Witch's Brew, which I respond to as an apt metaphor highlighting the interwoven themes of my work. Witches are representative of outsiders as well as strong, feminine archetypes. The title also references folklore and some fantastical elements. The idea of a witch's brew, a blend of disparate ingredients empowered through ritual or ceremony to become a fortified amalgam, has similarities to my processes and my juxtapositions of various materials, which combine to exist as autonomous art objects.

I wanted to present myself with a set of similar problems to resolve in my work, namely responding to inexpensive craft materials, found, or raw materials and elevating them to a level of sensual completeness. I also wanted to develop an iconographic language referencing my personal narrative while engaging in a ritual of ornamentation. My objective is to make work about the casual, "good enough" attitude of where I am from. Much like the example of the stick in the shed door, I strive to make casual arrangements for my assemblages. Challenging my own preconceived and learned notion of aesthetic beauty, I am questioning whether or not an art object needs to be refined in order to reinforce beauty. In order for me to reference my upbringing in the weathered and desolated environment of northeast Ohio, I feel that I shouldn't force compositional balance or design. The "Rust Belt" attitude reflects the people's adaptation to bleak landscapes and a history of nagging misfortunes. Rather than being cynical or pessimistic, I have observed that overall people are simply practical. Without reason for high expectations, there is a pattern of minimal investment, justification, followed by acceptance. My father's reaction to the loss of the padlock followed this same pattern: the stick cost nothing and needed little alteration to be efficient, for the time being it took care of the problem, and over time it proved to be a sufficient solution. It was good enough. I feel that if there is a common aesthetic, than it must be related to this casual attitude, which relies on chance, flexibility, and practical expectations. In making my assemblages, I adopt this pattern by choosing generic craft materials or found materials and manipulating them only to the point of sufficiency. Very often I am composing freely and responding to materials quickly, unconcerned with what the final outcome will be. By not working the glitter, popsicle sticks, paint, or cardboard that I use in my pieces to refinement, I am allowing the materials to speak for themselves. In this way the assemblage seems fresh and ephemeral as there is always a tension and play between the materials. If I were to overwork the materials and mask their identity as craft supplies, I feel that the pieces would seem dishonest, or they would lose the tension that makes them interesting – they would not seem genuine.

In making work that illustrates, in a codified visual language, the attitudes and limitations of northeast Ohio, there is an escapist fantasy evident in my pieces. As part of the personal narrative, escapism becomes a theme – how isolation affects the imagination and creativity level of an artist. I recognized that there was a lot of freedom of invention amid desperation and limitations. The assemblages in my thesis show expand upon this idea of inside and outside worlds. Many of my pieces have a quality of fragility, vulnerability, playfulness, and ambiguity, which creates a conflicted sense of fantasy and escapism along with an awareness and resourcefulness within certain limitations.

In conclusion, Witch's Brew serves as a testament to my explorations in graduate school. I have realized that there is a way for me to work dimensionally in order to expand conceptually, with far more rewarding results. Working on and presenting this collection of assemblages has proved to be a journey of self-discovery. I feel that the work I have made for my thesis show will provide me with a springboard for future projects. I plan on continually questioning my personal aesthetic and how it should reflect my personal history. The ebb and flow of the art world continues to influence me and I look forward to becoming a part of its dialogue, always evaluating the relevance of my own work within its great continuum. (Mary Mazzer)

Download Mary Mazzer's eBook: Witch Brew

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Marion Crawford - The Witch Of Prague
Edward Hare - Bewitched And Bothered
Marian Green - A Witch Alone
Mary Mazzer - Witch Brew

Irish Witchcraft And Demonology

Book: Irish Witchcraft And Demonology by John Drelincourt Seymour

This is a survey of the Witch persecution in Ireland, as well as a wide array of other Paranormal events such as poltergeists, ghosts, apparations and even an early UFO account. Very readable, yet well documented, this book has extensive and fascinating quotes from Historical source documents.

Seymour proposes that the witch-craze was more muted in Ireland than Elsewhere in Europe. Relatively speaking, there appear to have been fewer cases in Ireland. This doesn't mean that the consequences were any less harsh for the accused. In these texts we can see how people exhibiting what we would today consider schizophrenic or senile behavior were vulnerable to being accused of witchcraft.--J.B. Hare

Download John Drelincourt Seymour's eBook: Irish Witchcraft And Demonology

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Aleister Crowley - Berashith An Essay In Ontology
Jaroslav Nemec - Witchcraft And Medicine
Summers Montague - The History Of Witchcraft And Demonology
John Seymour - Irish Witchcraft And Demonology

How Is The Active Wish Aspect Of Wishcraft Controlled

How is the active-wish aspect of Wishcraft controlled? It is just the same as how a spell is operated. But what happens if a wish goes wrong? And, what happens if you inadvertently wish for something that you really didn’t mean or want to wish for? Initially, a precaution you can take is to pay attention to how you phrase your wish. Second, you can “take it back.” In the case that you don’t like your wording or you suddenly change your mind on some aspect of the wish, then you would gather back your energy. Regather the energy the wish has been fueled with, the feelings put into it, and psychically force the wish to alter. You could alter the wish by psychically cancelling the wish and then rephrasing what you meant in its place. Or, alternatively, you can always make another wish that parallels the first but essentially corrects the first wish. These alternatives are not meant to put a band-aid on the wish as much as improve it before it goes awry. In the best of all scenarios, of course, you would certainly want to think before you wish! We must maintain our control, but many times, unfortunately, what we are thinking is said aloud when we intended to keep it to ourselves.

There are various ways Wishcraft could be invoked (i.e., weather magic, finding lost items, curing illness, and so on). But regardless of why it is being used, be sure to take into consideration the potential results of your actions. There’s a reason for everything, but as a Practitioner, you must know the intent and reason behind what you do. Ignorance does not beget freedom of action. In other words, don’t be frivolous and mess with that which isn’t supposed to be in your control. It is your responsibility to know what you are doing and what the results of your actions are. Do your homework before taking the plunge. Don’t infringe on others’ free will (as some practitioners might do with love spells). In other words, rather than say “I wish so-and-so would fall in love with me”, focus the wish on how you could make yourself more desirable to the right person (whoever he or she might be).

I hope this article has provided you with a better understanding of the intricacies of the practice of Wishcraft. Just keep in mind that you get what you ask for. Energy returns. We reap what we sow. There are many positive aspects to be gained by Wishcraft, but there are just as many downfalls without taking the proper precautions. But overall, in the case of Wishcraft, remember: You just might get what you wished for.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Paul Boyer - The Salem Witchcraft Papers Vol 3
Michael Harrison - The Roots Of Witchcraft
Tarostar - The Witchs Spellcraft Revised
Martin Van Buren Perley - A Short History Of The Salem Village Witchcraft Trials
Summers Montague - The History Of Witchcraft And Demonology

Witchcraze A New History Of The European Witch Hunts

Book: Witchcraze A New History Of The European Witch Hunts by Anne Barstow

Barstow's history examines feminist concerns relating to the witch hunts without succumbing to a prejudicial bias. Though her focus is the persecution of women as witches, the text realistically examines the sources of the problem without devolving into a feminist tirade or resorting to man- or church-bashing.

Barstow's book is definitive portrait of the witch-hunts that terrorized European women during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Though the persecution, torture, and execution of more than seven million women suspected of being witches during this period has been documented in other historical sources, Barstow is the first scholar to offer a convincing gender analysis of the Reformation-era witch craze. According to Barstow, independent and intelligent women often proved to be convenient targets for misogynists seeking scapegoats for every conceivable social ill. Most interesting is the author's credible assertion that the witch-hunts not only paralleled the emergence of a more patriarchal society, but also heralded the disturbing decline in the status of women that continued over the course of the next several centuries. A fascinating historical treatise that provides an evolutionary context for the contemporary proliferation and escalation of violence toward women.

The text addresses a variety of issues significant to the study of the fairy tales, particularly in defining the methods of characterization that were used to identify and to stereotype women as witches. The same characteristics, both real and projected, that were used to identify and persecute witches during the European witch hunts can be clearly seen in the characterization of witches in fairy tales. Barstow identifies "the witch" as a hostile stereotype by which "Women who challenge patriarchal structures... will be made to pay." This is as true in fairy tales as it was during the witch hunts. Barstow's text is indispensable to Understanding how the witch character developed as well as examining the purpose of gender roles in fairy tales.

Barstow sees the Witch Trials as a past expression of the ! continuing woman-fearing and hating that occurs in our world. Though more subtle forms continue today, she cites that we remain in a world with female-genital mutilation in Africa and wife-burning in India. Widespread rape and wife-beating in the USA would be another form of this. The witch trials were a particularly disturbing form of historical misogyny in Early Modern Europe.

The witch trials were a phenomenon in which the majority of victims were women. Most scholarly accounts tend to ignore or gloss-over this fact. This original account offers much of which is missing in the rest of the literature.

Buy Anne Barstow's book: Witchcraze A New History Of The European Witch Hunts

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Arthur Edward Waite - The Real History Of The Rosicrucians Part Iii
Arthur Edward Waite - The Real History Of The Rosicrucians Part I
Allen Greenfield - The Secret History Of Modern Witchcraft
Walter Gibson - Witchcraft A History Of The Black Art

Trad Witchcraft Compared To Wicca

Trad Witchcraft, or "Traditional British Witchcraft" is not Wicca. Trad Witchcraft, has existed for many hundreds of years before Wicca. That doesn't make Trad Witchcraft better, but it does make us different.

Trad Witchcraft is a family of traditions that come from our common British historic past. The Trad Crafter (or witch) follows a household tradition that is reflective of that past, while as in every age, individual practices can be changed and modified to personal taste. Nevertheless, these changes and modifications are done within our Basic Principles, traditions, and customs.

However, Wicca goes far beyond the traditions of our ancestors. Wicca is a modern religion. Wicca was formed in the 1950's by Gerald Gardner. He took from quite a number of external concepts and practices to form his new, unique brand of witchcraft. Many of these additions had never previously been part of any tradition in British Witchcraft.

Here are a few differences:

1. Exclusivity - Gardnerian, Alexandrian and other conservative Wiccans believe they have the exclusive right to initiate (or create) a witch. Therefore, conservative Wiccans do not recognize other witches, even those fully trained in traditions older than Wicca.

Trad Witches take exception to this nonsense. One can only surmise that all the witches across the centuries were not witches according to Wicca. This is astonishing. since Wiccans come from a tradition that is only about 57 years old!

It should be noted that many liberal or progressive Wiccans do not follow this aspect of conservative Wicca, and openly recognize witches of all traditions.

2. Public Nudity - Wicca's founder, Gerald Gardner, was a nudist. When he created Wicca, he incorporated nudity (he called it "skyclad") into ritual ceremonies.

Trad Witches take exception to this practice. There has never been nudity in any tradition of old British Witchcraft. Trad Witchcraft has always believed that nudity is insulting to the spirits.

3. Public Ritual Sex - Wicca has a ritual called the "Great Rite", which in its highest form requires full sexual intercourse between the High Priest and the High Priestess, in "closed" covens.

Trad Witches take exception to this rite for several reasons. 1) Sex is a private matter that should take place only behind bedroom doors. 2) Performing public sex is grossly insulting to the spirits. Thus, this rite has never and would NEVER take place in any Traditional British Witchcraft group.

I must make clear that many liberal or progressive Wiccan covens only perform this rite "symbolically" using an athame and a chalice.

4. Female Dominance - Conservative Wiccans and many (but not all) liberal Wiccan covens recognize a state of superiority for their High Priestesses over their High Priests, and the superiority of the Goddess over the God.

Trad Witches take exception to the idea of female dominance, the idea is inconsistent with our fundamental principle of gender equality. In reality, neither females nor males are innately superior to the other. All peoples are equal and must be treated as equals.

Books in PDF format to read:

Jaroslav Nemec - Witchcraft And Medicine
Paul Boyer - The Salem Witchcraft Papers Vol 3
Archmage Bob Andrews - Old Witchcraft Secrets
Anonymous - Witchcraft A Guide To Magic
Anonymous - Witchcraft And Wicca Faq

The Broom

The broom stick was an important fixture in ancient homes through out Europe. Most homes were made of wood, straw and dirt floors. The only way to keep a home clean was to sweep out the old.

This concept is even documented in the Bible.
In Isaiah 14:23 (KJV translation) I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the LORD of hosts.
In Luke 15:8 "The Parable of the Lost Coin": "Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?"

One of the earliest forms of the broom is known as the Besom Broom. They were made of twigs tied to a handle. The bristles can be made of various materials such as straw, herbs, or twigs. The shaft is round to represent the branch of a tree. This associates the broom with the Tree of Life which was an important symbol in ancient pagan Europe. Traditionally a Besom broom is made from hazel wood and the bristles are birch twigs.

These brooms were often found just inside a dwelling hanging with bristles up to ward off evil spirits, negative energies and to protect the home and all who dwell within it. It could also be found hanging over a door with the bristles facing in the direction of opening of the door.

They were relatively inefficient as a cleaning implement and needed constant repair or recreation. Today Besom Brooms are still crafted and sold at garden centers as an outdoor broom. You can also find decorated and scented versions (ie: cinnamon besom brooms) in craft stores for indoor decorations.

The brooms Relation to sweeping away negative energies and use for Protection makes it a wonderful tool for magikal Practices and rituals. Consequently it wasn't a big leap for European pagans to use the broom as a tool.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Meshafi Resh - The Black Book
Tuesday Lobsang Rampa - The Hermit
Aleister Crowley - The Necronomicon
Samuel Liddell Macgregor Mathers - The Tarot