Witchcraft And Superstitious Record In The South Western District Of Scotland

Book review: Witchcraft And Superstitious Record In The South Western District Of Scotland by John Maxwell Wood

Witchcraft persecutions really began in England in 1563 with the statute of Elizabeth I, much later than elsewhere in Europe, but did not really become fully developed until the reign of James I. Various estimates have been given of the number of persons hanged as witches in England during the period of laws against witchcraft ( 1542-1736) but the probable number is around 1,000. The first person definitely known to be hanged for witchcraft in modern times was Agnes Waterhouse at Chelmsford in 1566, the last was Alice Molland at Exeter in 1684. The last person to be found guilty of the crime of witchcraft was in 1712 when Jane Wenham, the Wise Woman of Walkern. She was reprieved.

English witchcraft trials took a different direction from those of Europe. In England there were generally no elements of extreme torture, such as those used by the Inquisition, nor were witches burned at the stake as was the universal practice elsewhere. Under English law burning was the penalty for treason and those witches who were burned in England suffered this fate because they were convicted of the crime of “Petty Treason”, usually for murdering their husbands.

Nor were there mass executions in England such as those in France and Germany. The largest groups in England were nineteen witches hanged at Chelmsford in 1645, and the nine Lancashire witches sent to the gallows in 1612.

Peculiarly English features of witchcraft trials were the concepts of “pricking” to locate the devils mark and the use of “possessed”children as accusers, a feature that was to recur in the Salem trials in America. The relative simplicity of English trials and the absence of many of the satanic features of their continental counterparts was probably due to the absence of a centralised persecuting body such as the Inquisition. In England too there was open debate about, and opposition to, the concept of witchcraft which acted as a restraining influence.

Download John Maxwell Wood's eBook: Witchcraft And Superstitious Record In The South Western District Of Scotland
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Raven Grimassi Interview Exploring The Magic Of The Ancients

Book: Raven Grimassi Interview Exploring The Magic Of The Ancients by Michael Night Sky

I personally feel that the origins of Witchcraft are Prehistoric and evidence of it is found in a combination of ancient literary works and historical references. The writings of Homer, Horace, Lucan and Ovid, just to name a few all refer to Witches and Witchcraft. By also factoring in the etymology of words translated as “Witch” and “Witchcraft” we can also uncover evidence that Witches existed in ancient times. What is important here are references to non-supernatural, magic-using beings. For example, one of the earliest words used to indicate Witchcraft is the Greek word pharmakis, which indicates dealings with the properties of plants. Our English word pharmacist is derived from the Greek word for Witchcraft.

Within ancient literary works, we find the themes of earlier oral tales; though such tales are largely fiction, they are based upon known elements of culture and society to make the story more believable. For example, the ancient tales about Medea, written by Lucan and Ovid, include magic, cauldrons, ritual circles, wands, and aid from deities and spirit forces. These elements fit into what we know of the religious and magical systems of the period, and so it is reasonably safe to assume these elements are reliable. The writings of Horace (in his Epodes) depict the “Witch” as a woman who calls upon the goddess Diana and works magic of an Astronomical nature. Lucan references the concept of a Triple Goddess associated with Witchcraft: Hecate, Diana, Persephone. (Raven Grimassi)

Buy Michael Night Sky's book: Raven Grimassi Interview Exploring The Magic Of The Ancients

Books in PDF format to read:

Paul Foster Case - An Introduction To The Study Of The Tarot
Tuesday Lobsang Rampa - The Cave Of The Ancients
John Dee - Grimoirium Imperium Or The Book Of The Old Spirits
Michael Night Sky - Raven Grimassi Interview Exploring The Magic Of The Ancients

The History Of Magic

Book: The History Of Magic by Joseph Ennemoser

A text of 1854, in two volume to which is added an Appendix, of the most remarkable and Best Authenticated Stories of Apparitions, Dreams, Second Sight, Somnambulism, Predictions, Divination, Witchcraft, Vampires, Fairies, Table-Turning, and spirit Rapping. Translated by William Howitt. Extremely scarce, this is a foundational work on magic and mysticism! Contents: Author's Preface; Of Magic and its Branches in General; Theoretical Views on Magic Among the Ancients; Magnetism among the ancient Nations especially the Orientals, Egyptian, and Israelites; Magic among the Greek and Romans; Magic in Mythology; Magic of the Germans; Mystic Doctrines and Endeavors after a Philosophical Elucidation of the Magic of the Middle Ages; Apparitions; Haunted Houses; Dreams; Second Sight; Trance and Somnambulism; Ecstasy; Predictions; Divination; Witchcraft; Vampires; Amulets and Charms; Narcotics; Fairies; spiritual Manifestations.

Buy Joseph Ennemoser's book: The History Of Magic

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Borce Gjorgjievski - History Of Western Magic
Amber K - The Basics Of Magick
Joseph Ennemoser - The History Of Magic Vol 2

In The Devil Snare The Salem Witchcraft Crisis Of 1692

Book: In The Devil Snare The Salem Witchcraft Crisis Of 1692 by Mary Beth Norton

Every historian dealing with the Salem witchcraft episode has attempted to explain "why Salem?" in terms of their own times. Reasons why have ranged from sheer fakery to mass hysteria to land greed or medical causes. Noted historian Mary Beth Norton has throughly combed through the surviving original records to arrive at a new and convincing explanation of the infamous 1692 witch crisis: the very real fear of Indian attacks on settlements in Massachusetts and Maine. Norton explores the news and letters of the times before and during 1692 to discover that Essex County MA residents were primarily concerned with the hit and run attacks on homes and settlements by Native Americans(some with French support). She bases her thesis on what she has found in original documents, rather than use the records to support her thesis. Puritans and others had very real reasons to be obsessed with the Devil in Massachusetts as they considered Native Americans Satan's agents.... Norton's narrative is most absorbing in relating the cause and effect of Native American attacks on colonial settlements.

The story of the Salem witchcraft trials is well known, from both historical accounts and dramatic retellings, such as Arthur Miller's play The Crucible. Cornell historian Mary Beth Norton now offers a significant reinterpretation of the events that (by her count) led to legal action against at least 144 people, 54 confessions of witchcraft, 19 hangings, and one "pressing to death ... by heavy stones." Norton's contribution is to contextualize what happened. She studies not just Salem itself, but all of Essex County and Northern New England, because so many of the people involved in the witchcraft crisis didn't live in Salem proper. She also says these grim events must be understood in relation to King William's War, which the early Americans called the Second Indian War. This frontier conflict and the religious interpretations thrust upon it created the conditions for what happened in Salem and the surrounding region, which, says Norton, would not have occurred in the war's absence. As might be expected, her narrative does not proceed along traditional lines. It is driven more by the academic imperative to break scholarly ground than by the urge to tell a harrowing story. For readers interested in knowing what really happened at Salem, though, In the Devil's Snare may be the best source.

Two factors in Norton's work are most striking: 1)Just about everyone involved in the Salem witch episode had or knew of someone who had suffered losses in the eras now called King Philip's and King William's Wars, and 2)Nearly everyone involved was related to everyone else in some degree.

Norton rights many historical fallicies concerning the Salem witch episode(which she accurately terms Essex County witchcraft), focusing on the Andover area which had the highest concentration of witchcraft accusations and confessions, as well as Salem Town and Salem Village. Norton brings to light some "lost" information on accusers and accused as well, however noting that many documents may be forever lost due to deliberate destruction by either the originators and/or decendents of both accused and accusers, all wanting to preserve their families good names.

This fascinating and informationally dense book kept me up late two nights running to finish it. Norton also provides nearly 100 pages of notes and source materials, mostly of interest to serious amateur and professional historians, but full of interesting facts and further explanations.

The only real flaw in this best book I've encountered of the 1692 Witch Crisis(and I've read all of them, I believe) is that Norton uses the "they must have thought such and such" language of many of today's historians, rather than write "may" or "might", instead of "must"or "should". Norton does back up these "must" conclusions with evidence, however the reader may silently disagree upon rare occasion.

Altogether, this is a must-have book for those interested in "Salem 1692."

Buy Mary Beth Norton's book: In The Devil Snare The Salem Witchcraft Crisis Of 1692

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

John Mcdonald - The Devil Mark And Witch Prickers Of Scotland
Paul Boyer - The Salem Witchcraft Papers Vol 3
Paul Boyer - The Salem Witchcraft Papers Vol 2
George Miller Beard - The Psychology Of The Salem Witchcraft Excitement Of 1692

Witchcraft In Yorkshire

Book: Witchcraft In Yorkshire by Patricia Crowther

Patricia Crowther`s witchcraft in Yorkshire was originally published in the UK in 1973. A small book of the region`s lore, this important and detailed book described customs, legends, spells, and beliefs of the Yorkshire area of the UK. This facsimile reproduction of the original 1973 book is now available as a limited edition, yet at an affordable price, with all the original language, observations, and commentary intact. Even the back cover photo is from that era. The front cover alone has been updated in tribute to the importance of this very influencial work. The foreword to this new edition puts this book in modern perspective, stating, "The small book you are now holding in your hands was an early effort by one of the first publicly announced practitioners to contribute to a fuller picture of the witch, and of witchcraft. The text provides samplings of how witchcraft and folk-magic manifested themselves, over many years, within the borders of Yorkshire."

Buy Patricia Crowther's book: Witchcraft In Yorkshire

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Louise Huebner - Witchcraft For All
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A Short History Of The Salem Village Witchcraft Trials

Book: A Short History Of The Salem Village Witchcraft Trials by Martin Van Buren Perley

This short history meets that earnest desire; it gives the origin, growth, and death of the hideous monster; it gives dates, courts, and names of places, jurors, witnesses, and those hanged; it names and explains certain "men and things" that are concomitant to the trials, with which the reader nuiy not be conversant and which are necessary to the proper setting of the trials in one's mind; it compasses the salient features of witchcraft history, so that the story of the 1692 "delusion" may be garnered and entertainingly rehearsed.

The careful reader may discover, between the lines, in questions, in answers, and in the strange exhibitions, the real state of mind pervading all, which has been mildly characterized as a "delusion"; also he may be able to compare the Mosaic, the 1692, and the modern spirit manifestations, and advantageously determine for himself what is worth while in modern spiritualism, mindreading, clairvoyance, mesmerism, and the rest.

Though men of education, religion, titled dignity, and official station, of the professions and the 61ite, were responsible for the horrible cataatrophy, and in one instance or more forced the yeoman jurors to convict (who at the end signed recantations and expressed their grief), — religion and education must not be undervalued; a religious education will yield the highest type of manhood.

Download Martin Van Buren Perley's eBook: A Short History Of The Salem Village Witchcraft Trials

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Martin Van Buren Perley - A Short History Of The Salem Village Witchcraft Trials Ocr Version
Martin Van Buren Perley - A Short History Of The Salem Village Witchcraft Trials

The Nocturnal Witch Collection Book Of Shadows From The Shadows

Book: The Nocturnal Witch Collection Book Of Shadows From The Shadows by Konstantinos

Let me begin by saying that Konstantinos' "Nocturnal Witchcraft" and its companion "Gothic Grimoire" included in the set are one of the few Llewellyn books I would ever recommend to anyone. Please do not let the titles suggest that what you will receive is a wrist-slitting church of satan tome intended to teach you how to summon up the forces of darkness to curse your enemies and enslave lovers. No, what you are receiving here (and as is clearly stated by the back matter, and clearly stated by the publisher name?...) are two manuals on a nocturnal take on Alexandrian Wicca. Those of you who favor the romantic "shadowside", the mysteries of the night, the energies of the Moon, and dark Gods and Goddesses of ancient pantheons, but want to maintain strong, ethical and moral values should buy this set.

Embrace the shadows and explore the dark side of magick with this boxed set of Konstantinos favorites. Nocturnal witchcraft introduces how to work with lunar powers and spiritual entities that prefer the darkness. Learn to cast a nocturnal magick circle, skry the night, open the gates to the underworld, and use dark symbols in your night rituals. Expand your connection to the dark ether and the unseen world with Gothic Grimoire. This book features techniques and rituals taken directly from Konstantinos’ personal magickal notebooks, including the Nocturnicon, rites for overcoming obstacles that appear in the life of the nightkind. From astral travel to working with thoughtforms, The Nocturnal Witch Collection will help you connect with the positive side of the dark-ness.

What you get here are two manuals on non-fluffy Wicca for night owls. In Nocturnal Witchcraft, you will learn the preliminaries. Beginners and even experienced witches will benefit greatly from the practices and exercises here, compromised of banishing rituals, circle casting, consecration of tools, invocation, godform assumption, relaxation exercises, vizualization exercises, concentration exercises, scrying lessons, an introduction to the god and goddess of night, basic rites and spells, and much, much more. Nocturnal Witchcraft can easily double as a Wicca premier, but with a night side take. After you've read and mastered "Nocturnal Witchcraft", the "Gothic Grimoire" will take you much further. Nocturnal sabbats and esbats, advanced thoughtforms, astral projection, astral manipulations, night vision, creation of an elemental servant, advanced spells and rites, opening the gates to the Underworld, and much, much more await you herein. Not all darkness is evil. And many of the "darkly inclined" tend to display an interest in neopaganism, and ethical neopaganism at that, do well to check out Konstantinos' books. Also highly recommended are John J. Coughlin's "Out of the Shadows: An Exploration of Dark Paganism and Magick", Denise Dummars & Lori Nyx's "Dark Archetype" and everything by Demetra George and Michelle Belanger. As Konstantinos would say, blessings, nocturnal witch.

Buy Konstantinos's book: The Nocturnal Witch Collection Book Of Shadows From The Shadows

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Sekhet Sophia - The Alexandrian Book Of Shadows
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3 Green Books

Book: 3 Green Books by Morwyn

Reformed Druids like stories and short pithy wisdom sayings. Over the years, various Arch-Druids have collected good stories to share with their fellow Grove members, especially during the meditative part of the Order of Worship. Some consider the meditation to be the very heart and purpose of the ritual, so chose a selection carefully. If you can’t find one, perhaps one of these may work for you. At Carleton, the first Green Book (named after its cover), proved influential, but the 2nd and 3rd volumes seem much less so.

We have thought it appropriate to print The Green Book to bring it to a larger audience, in the hope that others, too, may find it useful in the search for awareness. The pages of the original are unnumbered, for David encouraged his successors to add such meditations as they found appropriate. We encourage our readers to do likewise, and have accordingly left the pages unnumbered. There have been additions since David’s time, but they have been few. For this edition we have included several selections that have long wanted adding; the Yeats poems, for example, which have almost become part of the Carleton liturgy. We have resisted the temptations to make a few excisions. We should especially have liked to excise the “Sayings of the ancient Druids” which are no more Druidic than is Stonehenge, and which certainly cannot be said to represent the beliefs of the Reformed Druids; yet David included it, and we shall not gainsay him.

Herewith, then is The Green Book, in substantially the same form as it was bequeathed to Carleton by David. May you find joy in the reading!

Download Morwyn's eBook: 3 Green Books

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Morwyn - 3 Green Books

The Complete Idiots Guide To Wicca And Witchcraft

Book: The Complete Idiots Guide To Wicca And Witchcraft by Denise Zimmermann

An invaluable resource for beginners and adepts alike, this best-selling and frequently Recommended book on wiccan magick and witchcraft has been updated and revised, now featuring a Year-and-a-Day calendar for the solitaire who is beginning to explore Wicca on his or her own.

- Loads of new spells
- New for this edition—a Year-and-a-Day calendar
- Expanded information on creating a personal grimoire and book of Shadows—the witch’s spell manual and "bible"

This guide offers a beginner's look at the history of paganism, Wicca, and witchcraft, from the Druids and Celts to the witches of today who practice an earth-based religion, cast spells, and perform natural magic. The book, written by a practicing witch, reveals details of the witches' Sabbaths, ceremonies, and altars.

Don't get me wrong, fellow pagans, I recommend Cunningham' Guide for a Solitary Practitioner and other well known books. But sometimes it is easy to start from the very beginning. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft, does just that. It lays the foundation for other works (such as those by Cunningham) to contiune the way. This book introduces you to concepts and theories as well as jargon and even how to lead you in circle casting and ritual work. It presents the information in an easy to understand and comprehend manner. It breaks down complex ideas and explains them to you one piece at a time. It also offers tidbits of information throughout the book that are fun and informative.

This book has gone on my top ten of books to recommend to new people. I also recommend this book to people wanting a refresher on Wiccan basics. Kudos!

Buy Denise Zimmermann's book: The Complete Idiots Guide To Wicca And Witchcraft

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Howard Williams - The Superstitions Of Witchcraft
Frater Fp - Pocket Guide To Witchcraft
Denise Zimmermann - Complete Idiots Guide To Wicca And Witchcraft

Witchcraft For All

Book: Witchcraft For All by Louise Huebner

There are real witches today. Contrary to folk tales, they don't go riding about by night on brooms. They don't cavort in the nude unless they have something very normal in mind, and they don't cackle over cauldrons of vintage LSD.They do dabble in spells and chants, burning candles and employing powerful processes, but once the mystery is stripped away, there is nothing much more strange connected with witchcraft than the mysteries of love and religion. In fact, when lovers light candles for dinner, and when churchgoers light candles in prayer, they invoke a force that witches have always known to be beneficial.As to whether witches are good or evil, that depends upon your point of view about what's good and what's evil.

Download Louise Huebner's eBook: Witchcraft For All

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Anonymous - Witchcraft A Guide To Magic
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The Inner Temple Of Witchcraft Magick Meditation And Psychic Development

Book: The Inner Temple Of Witchcraft Magick Meditation And Psychic Development by Christopher Penczak

The Inner Temple of Witchcraft is a thorough course of education, introspection, meditation, and the development of the magickal and psychic abilities that are the birthright of the witch. Four introductory chapters present the history, traditions, and principles of witchcraft, followed by thirteen lessons that start with basic meditation techniques and culminate in a self-initiation ceremony equivalent to the first-degree level of traditional coven-based witchcraft.

This book's non-dogmatic presentation encourages an eclectic, personal approach while providing a strong foundation for the practice of witchcraft and magick. Develop your psychic abilities and practice potent magickal techniques as you explore the source of every witch's power--the temple within.

These two new titles from Llewellyn focus on witchcraft, or Wicca, a cluster of religious rituals and beliefs deriving from ancient European polytheisms or paganisms. The author of seven books on witchcraft, Grimassi is a practicing Italian witch (a strega) who has researched the history and theory of witchcraft back to antiquity, with a view to recovering and preserving teachings and lore. As a result, the book is primarily a historical study of various European Witchcraft traditions. Even when considering magickal techniques for the focusing of natural power or discussing methods of psychic development, the author takes pains to cover their historical development. While Grimassi's book will appeal more to scholars of religion, Penczak's book will appeal to believers and interested casual readers. An active witch and teacher of modern neo-Paganism, Penczak teaches classes (mainly in New England) on witchcraft and various other New Age practices such as reiki, shamanic journeying, and past-life regression. His book aims at using Wiccan techniques (generally termed "Magick") to aid in personal growth. Accordingly, after a brief history and some basic theory of Wiccan spirituality comprising four chapters, there follow 13 lesson-chapters on techniques of spiritual growth, each followed by appropriate exercises. A minor criticism: some of the material discussed, while probably hermetic or occult in origin, is not ordinarily considered Wiccan but pertains to other religious traditions. Astral travel, for instance, is more often a feature of Shamanism, while chakras are a part of yoga. Both books provide a useful introduction to Modern Witchcraft and are recommended for both academic and public libraries, particularly those with substantial religion collections.

As you progress through this year-and-a-day course of study, you will explore a wide range of topics that support and inform the dedicated witch:

- Ancient and modern magickal philosophy
- Modern scientific theories supporting a new definition of reality
- "Instant" magick techniques for protection, healing, and serenity
- Energy work and anatomy, including chakras and auras
- Astral travel, dreams, and spirit guides
- Healing techniques for body, mind, and spirit

Unlike most beginner books on Witchcraft, this book does not focus on spells, tools, or celebrating the wheel of the year (Sabbats). It is all to often that student of the Craft go straight to traditional spellwork without understanding how or why it works. The author insists that students who have not experienced energy or psychic powers, the "foundation stones or magick", will have a less profound experience in ritual. Instead this book focuses on the journey within, psychic development, meditation, and magick.

The book starts out with four introductory chapters that gives basic definitions of the word "witch", such as the healer and Walker Between worlds. It describes Witchcraft as an art, science, and spirituality and describes the ancient history and modern traditions of Witchcraft. The rest of the book is divided into 13 lessons along with exercises, meditations, and homework to go along with "a year and a day" study course. Lesson topics include meditation, ancient philosophy, magickal theory, protection, astral projection, light, energy anatomy (chakras, auras, etc.), spirit guides, and healing.

In my opinion, The Inner Temple of Witchcraft is an extraordinary text. Christopher Penczak's eclectic approach and personal experience makes this book a pleasure to read. When reading a book on Witchcraft, what's better than one written by an experienced minister and practitioner of the Craft.

This book makes me feel better knowing that I'm not the only one who can't figure out what it really is to "visualize your intent" right off the bat. It eases you into a meditative practice, visualization, affirmations, healing, chakra work, etc. He presents the skills as progressive lessons so the format is easy to follow. All the other magic 101 books say that magical skill comes with practice, but once again, this book is much more useful. Instead of just saying that you should practice, Penczak actually lists homework at the end of each lesson.

Buy Christopher Penczak's book: The Inner Temple Of Witchcraft Magick Meditation And Psychic Development

Books in PDF format to read:

Summers Montague - The History Of Witchcraft And Demonology
Justin Winsor - The Literature Of Witchcraft In New England
Bjarke Folner - Theoretical Foundations Of Witchcraft And Demonological Development

Suggestions For Your Own Book Of Shadows

You're going to see all sorts of rules and laws and thou must do this statements about creating a book of shadows online.

Let me tell you straight out. There are no rules, there are no laws, and there is nothing you must do to make your BOS your book.

Some things I have seen as "Must have in your BOS":

A dedication page - If you want to write a dedication in your book, go ahead but it isn't necessary.

Writing in a special language - Use your native tongue. If you cannot think and speak fluently in a language, do not write your BOS in it. You'll just end up having to go get a translation dictionary every time you want to read it.

A protection spell of some sort - Again, go ahead and put one on if you want, but for the most part the only person who is going to have an interest in your BOS is you. Unlike the fictional spellbooks found on popular TV shows, a BOS has no inherent magic, no special powers. It's just a book. An important book, but just a book all the same. Everything within those pages will have been put there by you, they will be of importance only to you.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Benjamin Rowe - The Book Of The Seniors
Sekhet Sophia - The Alexandrian Book Of Shadows
Austin Osman Spare - A Book Of Satyrs
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Sasha Fierce - The Book Of Shadows

Your Magical Name

Why a Magical Name?:
Ah, the magical name. So many people find wicca and decide right off the bat that they’re going to name themselves Lady Such-and-Such or Lord Whatsis. Go to a pagan event and you’ll meet more fifteen-year-old Lady Morganas than you can shake a stick at. And it’s virtually guaranteed that within about three months, Lady Morgana will decide her magical name, sometimes called a craft name, is really supposed to be Starfluffle or Moongypsy, and she’ll change it.

In fact, she’ll probably change it two to three times a year.

The Name-of-the-Month Club:
This odd phenomenon, known as the Name-of-the-Month Syndrome, happens most often because the person in question hasn’t taken the time to research and learn, which is crucial to finding the right magical name.

A magical name is unique to the practitioner, and there are several ways to find yours. When you find the right name, you’ll keep it for a long time. In some traditions, it‘s customary to wait until you‘ve studied a year and a day before claiming your magical name. Some Pagans have two magical names -- one which they use in public and one which is known only to the gods and members of the person’s coven.

Think Long-Range:
One method by which people sometimes find their magical name is to simply choose something they like. A problem with this method is that what we like on one day, we may find silly a year down the road. If you’re going to choose a name based on whether it sounds cool or not, stop and think about it. What is it about the name that appeals to you? Ten years from now, are still going to feel comfortable saying, “Hi, I‘m Fairypuddle,” when you meet a new person?

Names with Meaning:
Choose a name not only for its sound, but its attributes as well. For example, someone wishing to convey strength in their name might include “oak“ or “iron“ as part of their moniker. A person who is highly creative might select a name that reflects their art or craft. You may want to choose a name based rooted in folklore or mythology. Many people include the name of an animal that resonates with them. A cautionary note here: in the Pagan community, certain animals pop up all the time. You’ll meet two dozen Ravens and just as many Cats, but it’s unlikely you’ll encounter anyone calling himself Wombat or Penguin.

Names to Avoid:
Another bit of advice -- generally, the titles Lord and Lady are reserved for people who are elders or have a significant amount of leadership experience under their belt. To name oneself Lady So-and-So without any credentials is considered presumptuous by many Pagans. Likewise, in many traditions it’s seen as hubris to give oneself the name of a deity. You may want to choose a name that indicates your dedication to a god or goddess, but don’t co-opt their names. It’s just rude. If you're a dedicant to Apollo, don't call yourself Master Apollo, call yourself something like Apollonius instead.

Using Your Birth Number:
Another popular method of finding a magical name is to choose one that corresponds with your birth number. To find your birth number, begin by adding the digits of your birth date.

If your birthday was September 1, 1966, you would start with the numbers 911966 = 9 + 1 + 1 + 9 + 6 + 6 = 32.

Now take those two numbers (3 and 2), and bring it down to a single digit: 3 + 2 = 5. That number -- in this case, 5 -- is your birth number.

Use the grid below to find a name that corresponds to the number 5, by calculating the sum of the corresponding letters.

1 = A, J, S

2 = B, K, T

3 = C, L, U

4 = D, M, V

5 = E, N, W

6 = F, O, X

7 = G, P, Y

8 = H, Q, Z

9 = I, R

Let’s say you’ve decide you like the name Willow. Using the letters in “Willow” you would take the numbers 5 + 9 + 3 + 3 + 6 + 5 = 32. From there, 3 + 2 = 5. If the name you like doesn’t match your birth numbers, try some creative or alternate spellings to see what happens.

A Gift from the Gods:
In some cases, you may be fortunate enough to have your new name bestowed upon you by a god or goddess. In these instances, you may encounter someone in a dream or a vision who tells you, “Your name is Such-and-such.” While you may choose to add to it or come up with a variation on it later, if this happens to you, accept the name as the gift that it is.

Whatever method you end up using, think carefully before you finalize your new name. While it’s okay to change your name later on as you evolve spiritually, changing your name every few weeks or every time you see a new episode of “Charmed” is probably not the best course of action. Find the name that is right for you -- and when it IS the right one, you will know.


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Anonymous - The Mystical Qabbalah
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Traditional Witchcraft

Traditional witchcraft is a religious belief system that has been handed down to us through our traditions and conventions. Traditional Witchcraft predates most of the main religions of the world. Some people claim that this knowledge originated several millennia ago, as far back as Paleolithic period.

Though the witchcrafts across the world may have some regional and social dissimilarity, one common feature that runs through the witchcrafts of all the societies is that it is an earth based religion.

Traditional witchcraft is close to what is generally called paganism which is basically the worship of nature. Witchcraft and paganism, as we all know are opposed by Christianity.

Witchcraft in Ancient Times

The mainstay of the people in ancient times was agriculture which depended upon the seasons. The seasons, in turn, were associated with the movement of Earth, Sun and Moon. The people believed in spirits and gods and goddesses and they associated them with Earth, Sun and Moon.

The agriculture year ended with the completion of harvest and sowing of new seeds for the crop in the New Year. This is the reason why Pagans and traditional witches consider Samhain as the agricultural year.

Believers in traditional witchcraft do not follow any guide book, nor do they believe in a singular god or deity. They believe in an all powerful nature. The practitioners of traditional witchcraft have their covens. They select the coven leaders on the basis of their knowledge and experience.

They believe in the existence of spirits and in the equality of all the living beings in the universe. They also, at the same time, recognize their different status. Though they believe in the existence of the deities, yet they call up only the spirits for assistance.

Witches consider that although the spirit world and the physical world are linked, yet they are separate. The only time this veil of separation between the two worlds becomes thin is on the night of Samhain.

Traditional witches use witchcraft in a very practical way. For example, they use herbs to cure the diseases. They may also use hexes and curses in certain cases.
Traditional witchcraft attaches great importance to pentagram and use it for protection, healing and magic. Pentagram itself symbolizes the basic elements such as the earth, fire, water, air and spirit.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Mike Nichols - Eight Sabbats Of Witchcraft
Archmage Bob Andrews - Old Witchcraft Secrets
Tarostar - The Witchs Spellcraft Revised
Paul Huson - Mastering Witchcraft
Michael Bailey - Historical Dictionary Of Witchcraft

Witchcraft And Devil Lore In The Channel Islands

Book: Witchcraft And Devil Lore In The Channel Islands by John Linwood Pitts

TRANSCRIPTS FROM THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF THE GUERNSEY ROYAL COURT, WITH AN ENGLISH Translation AND Historical INTRODUCTION.

In presenting to the public another little volume of the "Guille-Alles Library Series," it affords me much pleasure to acknowledge various kindnesses experienced during its preparation. From Edgar MacCulloch, Esq., F.S.A., Bailiff of Guernsey, I have received several valuable hints and suggestions bearing upon the subject; and also from F.J. Jeremie, Esq., M.A., Jurat of the Royal Court. I am also particularly indebted to James Gallienne, Esq., Her Majesty's Greffier, for his uniform kindness and courtesy in allowing the fullest access at all times to the Archives under his care, not only in respect to the subject-matter of the present publication, but also in other historical researches which I have wished to make. I am equally obliged to Mr. E.M. Cohu and Mr. H.J.V. Torode, Deputy-Greffiers, and to Mr. A. Isemonger, Bailiff's Clerk, for various Information and much ready help, which materially facilitated my investigations. All these gentlemen have my cordial acknowledgments and best thanks. J.L.P. Guernsey, December, 1885.

Download John Linwood Pitts's eBook: Witchcraft And Devil Lore In The Channel Islands

Books in PDF format to read:

Hesketh Bell - Obeah Witchcraft In The West Indies
Fransis Bragge - Witchcraft Farther Displayd
Kate Dumycz - Female Power Witchcraft And Gender In Elizabethan England
John Linwood Pitts - Witchcraft And Devil Lore In The Channel Islands

Cotton Mather And Salem Witchcraft

Book review: Cotton Mather And Salem Witchcraft by William Frederick Poole

Nearly two centuries have passed away since the saddest tragedy of early New England history was enacted at Salem and Salem Village. Instead of fading out from the memory of men, the incidents of Salem Witchcraft are receiving more attention to-day than at any former period. Tlie fact of its being the last great exhibition of a superstition which had cursed humanity for thousands of years, and that every incident connected with it has been preserved in the form of record, deposition, or narrative, impai*ts to it a peculiar interest, and one which will be permanent. It is not as a record of horrors, but as a field of psychological study, that the subject will retain its hold on the minds of men. More victims than suffered at Salem were hurried to the gallows by witchcraft, year after year, in a single county of England, during the seventeenth century; but the details of English trials, then so common, were generally not thought worth preserving. Probably as much authentic and reliable information resi)ecting the Salem proceedings is extant as of the trials of the thirty thousand victims who suffered from the same cause in England.

How did the Salem delusion originate ? 'WHio was resiwnsible for it ? Was it wholly the result of fraud and deception, or were there psychological phenomena attending it which have never been explained ? Is there any resemblance between the proceedings of the " afflicted children" of Salem Village and modem spiritual manifestations ? Were the clergy of New England, or any other profession or class in the commmiity, esiHScially implicated in it ? Any one of these questions affords a theme for discussion. We propose, however, to i^eview the incidents of this fearful tragedy for the purpose of re-examining the historical evidence on which, in the i)opular estimation, so large a portion of the culpability for those executions has been laid upon one individual.

Download William Frederick Poole's eBook: Cotton Mather And Salem Witchcraft

Free e-books (can be downloaded):

Paul Huson - Mastering Witchcraft
John Stearne - A Confirmation And Discovery Of Witchcraft
William Frederick Poole - Cotton Mather And Salem Witchcraft

The Moon And Magick

The moon has such a magnificence that she deserves special acknowledgement. A Witch's calendar is based around the phases of the moon. The moon has been worshipped since the earliest of times and most witches pay homage to her through the Goddess and vice versa.

The moon represents the feminine principal, the soul, the inner life of man, fertility, adaptation, the wide, the nation, children and hereditary qualities. It also symbolizes dance, music, story telling, myth, ritual, pregnancy, sex, childbirth and growth, magick and the occult. It controls the ebb and flow of our ocean tides just as it affects the ebb and flow of our emotions.

There are thirteen full moons in the year and they are:

January - WOLF MOON.
February - STORM MOON.
March- CHASTE MOON.
April - SEED MOON.
May - HARE MOON.
June - THE DYAD MOON.
July - MEAD MOON.
August - CORN MOON.
September - BARLEY MOON.
October - BLOOD MOON.
November - SNOW MOON.
December - OAK MOON.

The Wolf Moon: The first full moon is a time of silence and sitting by the home fire. The best spells to cast at this time are Protection Spells for children and Purification.

The Storm Moon: At this Moon begin your spring-cleaning. The best spells to cast are Healing and Empowerment spells. This is also a good time for astral travel.

The Chaste Moon: This is the Moon of the maiden and Faery folk. The best spells are Prosperity, Protection and Healing spells. This is also a Moon of waters so anything that involves water would be advised also.

The Seed Moon: At the Seed Moon plant your seeds of magick, whether it be in a garden, in a pot by the window or simply in your heart. This is a time to concentrate on your Spirituality and work on your completeness. Work spells for yourself and ones that directly affect you.

The Hare Moon: Now is the time to celebrate life and love. The best spells are Love, Protection, Healing and Fertility. However this is also known as the Witches moon so I am guessing anything goes.

The Dyad Moon: See how things are growing! This is a Moon of restraint and hindrance. Now is the time to cast spells that free you from that witch binds you.

The Mead Moon: Bask in the warmth of summer and take time for yourself, relax. This a Moon of Strength, now is the time to cast spells that have a positive purpose. Stay away from negative magick.

The Corn Moon: This is a time to harvest the gifts you have nurtured and give to those who are in need. The best spells are Protection, Prophesy, and magick for animals.

Barley Moon: Drink a toast to Dionysus, the God of wine and ecstasy - The son of the Moon! This is the Crone Moon. Best spells are Protection and Fertility.

The Blood Moon: In the past this was the time of hunting and storing. This is a Moon of celebration. The best spells are for Courage, Protection, Prosperity, Healing, and Inspiration. This is also a good time to be more spiritual.

The Snow Moon: Make this a time for inner growth. Develop your psychic talents. The best spells are Healing, Protection, Cooperation, and Exorcism.

The Oak Moon: The time of the Suns return approaches and the Moon awaits her lover. Make wreaths of Holly, Pine, Oak, Cedar or Ivy. On the full Oak Moon burn them as an offering to the Sun and Moon. Best spells are Exorcism, Prosperity, Banishing, and Healing.

The Blue Moon: This is the second Full Moon, which falls within in a single month, it varies each year. When the Blue Moon occurs plan to do something strange, something you have never done before.

Books in PDF format to read:

Greg Wotton - Basic Theories On Sex Magic
Eliphas Levi - The Doctrine Of Transcendental Magic
Israel Regardie - The Art And Meaning Of Magic
Melita Denning - The Foundations Of High Magick

Night Magic

Book: Night Magic by Phillip Williams

I can only imagine at this point that you are about to put down this Book and run scared due to words like Night, Darkness, Dark Power, and The title of the book itself, Night Magick. Before we begin Learning about Night Magick I Believe it will help to Understand what I mean by these "night" terms.

Evil exists only in the hearts of men, not in this book and not in nature. If you are offended by anything that challenges the world you want to believe in, stop now. Turn Back, we won't be offended.

Download Phillip Williams's eBook: Night Magic

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Ed Richardson - Seidr Magic
Aleister Crowley - Intro Magick
Phillip Williams - Night Magic

Healing Virtue Saludadores Versus Witches In Early Modern Spain

Book: Healing Virtue Saludadores Versus Witches In Early Modern Spain by Maria Tausiet

The absence of any clear dividing line between the fields of medicine and religion3 in Early Modern Spain becomes particularly evident when looking at the figure of the so-called saludador (literally, a healer, or health-giver, from the verb saludar, to heal). As the term implies, these individuals claimed to have healing powers—powers that stemmed from the possession of a divine gift or innate grace bestowed upon only a chosen few. The concept of “virtue”, understood as both an ability and a moral guarantee, expressed better than any other the widely held belief that disease and sin (and, therefore, health and spiritual perfection) were inextricably linked.4 Rather than operating at an individual and self-reflective level, this implicit assumption meant that both the causes of and cures for many illnesses were attributed to the qualities of good or evil of certain external agents supposedly endowed with Extraordinary powers. Of these, the most prominent were, without doubt, witches and saludadores.

Download Maria Tausiet's eBook: Healing Virtue Saludadores Versus Witches In Early Modern Spain

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Scott Cunningham - Earth Air Fire And Water More Techniques Of Natural Magic
Nathan Johnston - The Devil And Demonism In Early Modern England
Maria Tausiet - Healing Virtue Saludadores Versus Witches In Early Modern Spain

The Flying Broom

This early association of broom to tree also associates it with the element of air and therefore has power over spirits. Thus it's common use as a tool for flying. In both historical and modern images a female witch can be found on a broom silhouetted by the full moon behind her.

Although most associate being a witch with women, it's a label that applies to both sexes. The first 'official' record that documents the claim of flying on a broom stick was recorded in 1453. The claim was made in a confession by a male witch named Guillaume Edelin.

There have been earlier documents recanting stories of Witches flying on a variety of sticks. Such as decorated walking sticks, limbs from a tree complete with it's leaves, or just a stick alone. These stories include details of magikal flying ointments being applied to these tools in order to give them flight.

In both ancient Witchcraft and Shamanistic practices the use of these ointments was most probably what gave the impression of Witch flight. Ointments and potions for flying were most likely a variety of hallucinagenics that assisted a Witch in visualizing a flight upon the broom. This is not uncommon for early Spiritual Journeys. Using peyote and other hallucinagenics is well documented and utilized by Native American cultures for Spiritual Travels.

These special 'trips' were controlled methods to quickly reach a state of altered awareness. From there a Witch could astral project with the image of flying on a broom to anywhere within their known Universe. The use by witches of flying ointments was first described, according to known sources, by Johannes Hartlieb in 1456. It was also described by the Spanish theologist Alfonso Tostado in Super Genesis Commentaria (Venetia, 1507), whose commentary tended to accredit the thesis of the reality of the Witches' Sabbath.

Today using these types of potions and ointments are not recommended or encouraged. Flying journeys instead are suggested through deep meditation and Astral Projection. These methods are not just safer, but they also provide the practitioner with more control and the ability to remember more of the journey itself.

Books in PDF format to read:

Meshafi Resh - The Black Book
Mark Mirabello - The Odin Brotherhood
Rabbi Michael Laitman - The Open Book