Tamzin Powell

I am an anthropologist, lecturer/teacher, academic writer and pioneer and practitioner of Wica (One 'C') as opposed to Wicca (Two 'C's); this is explored in detail. I was Originally inspired to write this book by the little known Edwardian folklorist Margaret Eyre, who lived on the edge of the Forest of Dean, and who had recorded witchcraft from the early 1900s to 1940s being present in the Welsh Borders. Her interviews and correspondences to the folklore society are all lost in old Folk-Lore magazines of this period; hence she is a woman who is note as known as she should be. I am also inspired by other pioneer anthropologists and writers; Margaret Murray, Jean Favret-Saada, and Sabina Magliocco to name a few. To immerse yourself into a field for over 6 years changes you as a person, in my case it was like a spiritual journey- in my participation observation role where I had one foot as an observer in one camp and the other as a practitioner in another camp, was an immensely powerful experience, and I will never forget it. To suggest in 21st century Britain that we still have Cunning-Folk who will cure your ills and create magic, for many academics is a challenge. I took this in my stride and still do, and I see the cunning folk of Welsh Borders today as testament to Ways and Paths long trodden over the centuries, paths that lead to the Greenwood, and to bounded customs, that will be held for future generations.