Bestselling author Philip Matyszak explores how the Greeks and Romans used magic, who performed it – and why. Magic was everywhere in the ancient world. The supernatural abounded, turning flowers into fruit and caterpillars into butterflies. Magic packed a cloud of water vapour with energy enough to destroy a house with one well-aimed thunderbolt. It was everyday magic, but it was still magical. Philip Matyszak takes readers into that world. He shows us how to make a love potion or cast a curse, how to talk to the dead and how to identify and protect oneself from evil spirits. He takes us to a world where gods, like humans, were creatures of space and time; where people could not just talk to spirits and deities, but could even themselves become divine; and where divine beings could fall from – or be promoted to – full godhood. Ancient Magic offers us a new way of understanding the role of magic, looking at its history in all of its classical forms. Drawing on a wide array of sources, from Greek dramas to curse tablets, lavishly illustrated throughout, and packed with information, surprises, lore and learning, this book offers an engaging and accessible way into the supernatural for all.

WITCHCRAFT AND THE BLACK ART - A BOOK DEALING WITH THE PSYCHOLOGY AND FOLKLORE OF THE WITCHES By J.W. Wickwar. Originally published in London in the early 1900s, this scarce early work on Witchcraft is both expensive and hard to find in its first edition. Obscure Books Press have now republished it, using the original text and artwork. The old craft of the witches was a close order. Its members were sworn to secrecy. Although some records were kept, very few of these still exist today. In early ecclesiastic and in mediaeval literature, however, references to witchcraft are numerous. This book endeavours to set out in an interesting manner the story of the craft from earliest times. The book's three hundred and twenty pages contain fourteen comprehensive chapters: Witchcraft: A Primitive Cult. - Initiation and Ceremony. - Spells, The Evil Eye, and Possession. - Practical Witchcraft. - Witchcraft on the Continent. - Werewolves and Vampires. - Blood and Fire in England. - Demons and Mascots. - Witch Hunting cameos. - A Typical English Witch Trial. - Witchcraft in America. - Witchcraft Phantasmagoria. - A Typical Witch Tract. - The Last Phase. This book will prove a fascinating read for anyone interested in the occult arts, and will provide much information to historians of this hitherto arcane subject. "What are these So wither'd, and so wild in their attire, That look not like the inhabitants o' the earth. And yet are on't?" Banquo.

The Significant Story Of Witchery And Religion, Unconscious Desire, Psychiatry And The Deep Dark Conflicts Of The Mind. All The Fascinating, Fabulous Lore Of Myth And Magic, Ancient And Modern Born Of This Demonic Visitor Of The Night.

The purpose of this book is to allow the reader a glimpse into this shadowy and fascinating world which will hopefully bing him a step closer to an understanding of hidden powers.

In The Discovery of Witches, Matthew Hopkins - the Witch Finder General of England during the early 1600s - details the process by which he found and captured suspected witches. Hopkins' treatise is comprised of answers to various queries he had received by members of the public curious about his investigatory techniques in finding witches. This book answers a total of fourteen queries, with replies ranging from a few sentences to a few paragraphs in length. The book is an illustrative portrayal of a society fervently given to superstitions about the powers of witchcraft. At three hundred women killed, the efforts of Hopkins and his assistant John Stearne were prolific. Accorded status, Hopkins encountered opposition to his witch finding. That his 'investigations' required scant evidence to secure death sentences dismayed figures in the Church of England. Today, historians judge Hopkins as an opportunist who took advantage of unfounded suspicions to advance his own fame.

Whether you are new to witchcraft or perhaps a more seasoned enchanter, this beautifully illustrated journal contains everything you need to learn, practice, and document your spells in one place. Are you ready to start casting a spell for some better luck? Or what about attracting that special someone? Author Anastasia Greywolf guides your way in this enchanting journal created as a companion to Witchcraft: A Handbook of Magic Spells and Potions but that also works perfectly as a journal on its own. She starts by teaching the basics of witchcraft, including an in-depth review of the materials, tools, and ingredients needed; then gives detailed explanations on how to create an altar, find and use essential items for spells, and contact your inner witch power. With this knowledge, you can practice and perfect the 40+ spells and rituals included, from strengthening special friendships to becoming more creative and successful in your life. Each spell is accompanied by a section to record all the details about the spell, followed by reflective journal prompts to give more insight into your intentions, hopes, and wishes for spellcasting. The Book of Shadows is your all-in-one resource to finding your inner witch and transforming your life. The Mystical Handbook series from Wellfleet takes you on a magical journey through the wonderful world of spellcraft and spellcasting. Explore a new practice with each volume and learn how to incorporate spells, rituals, blessings, and cleansings into your daily routine. These portable companions feature beautiful foil-detail covers and color-saturated interiors on a premium paper blend. Also available from the series: Witchcraft, Love Spells, Moon Magic, Moon Magic Journal, Knot Magic, Superstitions, House Magic, Herbal Magic, and Goddess Magic.

'A wonderful book by a fabulous author, very highly recommended.' Louise DouglasA tale as old as time. A spirit that has never rested.Present day As a love affair comes to an end, and with it her dreams for her future, artist Selena needs a retreat. The picture-postcard Sloe Cottage in the Somerset village of Ashcombe promises to be the perfect place to forget her problems, and Selena settles into her new home as spring arrives. But it isn't long before Selena hears the past whispering to her. Sloe Cottage is keeping secrets which refuse to stay hidden. 1682 Grace Cotter longs for nothing more than a husband and family of her own. Content enough with her work on the farm, looking after her father, and learning the secrets of her grandmother Bett's healing hands, nevertheless Grace still hopes for love. But these are dangerous times for dreamers, and rumours and gossip can be deadly. One mis-move and Grace's fate looks set... Separated by three hundred years, two women are drawn together by a home bathed in blood and magic. Grace Cotter's spirit needs to rest, and only Selena can help her now. USA Today bestselling author Judy Leigh writing as Elena Collins, brings you this unforgettable, heart-breaking, gripping timeslip novel set in a world when women were hung as witches, and fates could be sealed by a wrong word. Perfect for fans of Barbara Erskine, Diana Gabaldon and Louise Douglas. Praise for Elena Collins: 'A profoundly moving, beautifully written and emotional story that skilfully combines two time frames into one unputdownable book. I was completely immersed in Grace's story from the beginning: despite it taking place 400 years ago. The modern day storyline was also delightful with some wonderful characters. In short a wonderful book by a fabulous author, very highly recommended.' Louise Douglas

Enter the World of Folklore, Myth, and Magic

Discover binding spells and banishing spells, spells for love, luck, wealth, power, spiritual protection, physical healing, and enhanced fertility drawn from Earth's every corner and spanning 5,000 years of magical history.