Synopsis
Analogue of Craft historiography, brought up to date through the author's own experiential praxis. A discursive investigation of magical beliefs and practises in England since 600CE to the post-modern fall-out of the 21st century, analysing in particular its influences and survival strategies. Emphasis is placed on Christian, Heathen, and Hermetic Praxis, with provocative, critical study of the concepts of Lucifer, Witch-Blood, Sin-Eating and their influences on modern Traditional Craft praxes. "A driving thirst for knowledge is the forerunner of wisdom. Knowledge is a state that all organic life possesses, wisdom is the reward of the spirit, gained in the search for knowledge. Truth is variable - what is true now, will not be true tomorrow, since the temporal truths are dependent upon ethics and social mores - therefore wisdom is possibly eternal Truth, untouched by man's condition. So we must come to the heart of the people, a belief that is based upon Eternity, and not upon social needs or pressures - the 'witch' belief then is concerned with wisdom, our true name, then the wise people and wisdom is our aim." - Robert Cochrane 1931-1966 Foreword by Nicolaj de Mattos Frisvold / Section One: Discourses on the History of Magic.Influence and impact of Christianity upon the Development and Evolution of Magic: 600-1600CE. 1: Survival of Classical, Roman and Teutonic Magical Concepts and Practices under the Early Church. 600 - 1000CE 2: The Theological Renaissance 1000CE - 1300CE 3: Heresy and Early Witchcraft 1300CE-1600CE 4: The Hermetic Renaissance. 1400-1700 Section Two: Discourses on the Craft 5: It's all in a Name: Lucifer, an Ancient Heresy 6: The Profane Art of Masking 7: Witch-Blood, a Modern Heresy? 8: Sin Eating: Its relevance to the Craft 9: Traditional Witchcraft in the 21st Century 10: Which Craft?
Review
Secrets firmly supported by the twin pillars of history and Tradition. By literally parting the veil, much needed material in the form of Ten Discourses, prove classic reading, mandatory for all Seekers.
~Marcus
well researched and informative, drawing on literature and folklore as well as documented fact, but differs in that the author proffers her own interpretations and insights: she is prepared to challenge such sacred cows as witch blood, clearly defines different traditions within the Craft and sets us straight about the origins and reasons for many modern ritual practices like casting a circle, the use of correspondences, the relevance of salt etc
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