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Thursday 26 April 2007

An History Of Magic Witchcraft And Animal Magnetism

An History Of Magic Witchcraft And Animal Magnetism Cover

Book: An History Of Magic Witchcraft And Animal Magnetism by John Campbell Colquhoun

Modern doctrine of Animal Magnetism, which, indeed, was, until lately, entirely unknown. Facts are generally related and attested by various authors of reputation and credit ; and they have been laid before the reader of this work with as much accuracy as a diligent inquiry could insure. The various authorities for these facts have been adduced when possible ; so that the reader may have an opportunity of testing the accuracy and the value of the evidence upon which the different narratives rest. With these prefatory observations, the author submits his labours to the judgment of the inquisi- tive and candid reader. Some time after the preceding portion of this Preface was written, my ingenious and respected friend, Dr BRAID of Manchester, was kind enough to transmit to me a copy of his recently published " Observations on Trance, or Human Hyber na- tion;" in which some curious cases are narrated of individuals who permitted themselves to be buried alive.

Download John Campbell Colquhoun's eBook: An History Of Magic Witchcraft And Animal Magnetism

Suggested free e-books to read:

Lynn Thorndike - A History Of Magic And Experimental Science
Summers Montague - The History Of Witchcraft And Demonology
John Campbell Colquhoun - An History Of Magic Witchcraft And Animal Magnetism

Wednesday 25 April 2007

Living Wicca A Further Guide For The Solitary Practitioner

Living Wicca A Further Guide For The Solitary Practitioner Cover

Book: Living Wicca A Further Guide For The Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham

Selling more than 200,000 copies, Living Wicca has helped countless solitary practitioners blaze their own spiritual paths. Let the wise words of Scott Cunningham guide you toward a new level of practice.
Living Wicca takes a philosophical look at the questions, practices, and differences within Witchcraft. You'll learn how to create your own rituals and symbols, develop a book of shadows, and even become a high priest or priestess. Also covered in this Scott Cunningham classic are tools, magical names, initiation, the Mysteries, 120 Wiccan symbols, and the importance of secrecy in your practice.

Find Scott Cunningham's book in amazon.com:
Living Wicca A Further Guide For The Solitary Practitioner

Suggested free e-books to read:

Shanddaramon - Self Initiation For The Solitary Witch
Scott Cunningham - Wicca A Guide For The Solitary Practitioner
Scott Cunningham - Living Wicca A Further Guide For The Solitary Practitioner

Sunday 15 April 2007

Outdoor Environments For Coven Ritual

Outdoor Environments For Coven Ritual Cover If you chose to hold your gathering outdoors you have a lot of choices for creating your environment. There are many solitaries who have the ability to create an outdoor spiritual space and they want to share the environment with others. These areas can be elaborate recreations of Stonehenge, large copper piped pyramids, or simple groves in a wooded area that has been simply decorated with flowers, wooden artwork, or ribbons and bows. I know of a Shaman who built a covered deck area in the middle of his 3 acre property. It’s a beautiful 9 ft by 9ft structure, which allows his coven to meet outdoors yet protected by the elements when necessary.

These days, having a ritual with a bonfire in the center is a very popular practice. Many covens have acquired brass fire pits from their local home improvement store, to safely enjoy a bonfire for their ritual workings. And those really need to be used outside.

There is a huge range of ideas that can be incorporated in the ritual space when it’s held outside. It’s a chance to use your imagination and perhaps even connect with your spiritual teachers, guides and deities to solicit their energy in the creation of the space.

Suggested free e-books to read:

Order Of The Golden Dawn - The Invoking Pentagram Ritua Of Air
Order Of The Golden Dawn - The Invoking Pentagram Ritual Of Earth
Richard Weiss - Recipes For Immortality

Wednesday 4 April 2007

The Discoverie Of Witchcraft

The Discoverie Of Witchcraft Cover

Book: The Discoverie Of Witchcraft by Reginald Scot

Remarkable 16th-century classic attempted to disprove existence of witches. Rich full account of charges against witches, witch trials, Practice of the black arts. Excerpts From Inquisition, interviews with convicted witches, discussions of alchemy, astrology, much more. Indispensable primary source on witchcraft. Introduction by Montague Summers. 17 illustrations.

Download Reginald Scot's eBook: The Discoverie Of Witchcraft

Free e-books (can be downloaded):

Alexander Roberts - A Treatise Of Witchcraft
Michael Harrison - The Roots Of Witchcraft
John Mitchell - The Philosophy Of Witchcraft
Reginald Scot - The Discoverie Of Witchcraft

Sunday 1 April 2007

A Coven Witchcraft Practice

A Coven Witchcraft Practice Cover The Pros:

In traditional covens/clans, an initiate is given a year and a day to decide if they want to take the path of a pagan within that coven group. This gives you time to learn, experience and socialize With Other group members. A time to gauge the workings of the group and decide if your beliefs can fit within it's balance. A Priest or Priestess or both traditionally conduct all rituals and ceremonies within a coven. Giving direction and guidance as needed. For those who like learning from a teacher, this path might be the right one for you. Again, traditionally; a Priest is charged with the training and education of female students, while the Priestess is charged with the education of male students. This method invokes the balance of God/Goddess, and enhances the training through the balance of male/female energies. These directors of the magikal service or events within the coven must also be skilled in magik and ceremonial practices. They must be mature, wise and very humble. But they must also have the gifts of leadership, being able to deal with adversity in a quick and fair manner. If you can find a coven that is governed by these kinds of people in a well organized and balanced environment, then there may be much you can learn from this group.

The Cons:

Interaction with members of any group is not always easy. Discord with an other member can affect your concentration and your ability to function within the group. Your personal Experiences might also be limited depending on the manor in which rituals are conducted. Often a Priest or Priestess performs all the ceremonial tasks, including playing the role of the Goddess or God in certain ceremonies. Finally, the structured beliefs of the coven may differ slightly from your own beliefs. Once again creating dis-harmony within yourself and maybe within the group.

Other Considerations:

For all those covens out there that are in harmony, I commend you.

If you're in a coven now and you feel as though there are things going on that are against the Principles of your beliefs, then leave. Nothing says you 'have' to stay. When you're looking for a coven, you must take it upon yourself to validate the claims of leadership and education of the Priest/Priestess. Those who have honestly taken the training, time to learn and become enlightened will not manipulate you or your path. They will not try to control your actions. They will not tell you what you can or cannot do, who you can or cannot associate with. Each of these manipulations take away opportunities for you to learn, experience karma and expand in your own wisdom. So beware when you're seeking a coven.

In addition - NO clan or coven has a legal right to educate anyone under the age of 18 without their parents permission. There are many covens who are dictated to teach anyone who asks. That might be fine within the confines of their traditional rules or practices. But on a legal front, it is not legal. So be wary of anyone who tries to solicit your participation, at any age, or who tries to find underage members to join their group.

Last thought - And I'm sure this will offend many, but there are reasons for this paragraph. NO ONE with limited experience has the ability to start or run a coven. There are so many new practioners, especially teens, who have decided that after reading a few books, they want to lead a coven. Please set this idea aside. Create a 'study group' not a coven and you'll put your workings to much better use. Being a coven leader is a major responsibility and requires a great deal of training. Not just in the history and knowledge of the religion and tradition, but in the essence of spiritual wisdom, practical management and leadership, as well as, vast experience. If you don't have it, don't try it. Just be in a study group; its much easier and simpler to share ideas.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Paul Huson - Mastering Witchcraft
Jaroslav Nemec - Witchcraft And Medicine
Swain Wodening - Anglo Saxon Witchcraft