The influence of the seven Wandering Stars or Deathless Powers of the Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter & Saturn has shaped the development of magick for many thousands of years. Their influence can be seen permeating many of the modern Western Esoteric Traditions, who are the inheritors of the wisdom & knowledge passed down through the ages. From Ancient Sumeria, to the Greeks, the Romans, the early Qabalists, the Medieval & Renaissance Grimoire Magickians through to the Victorian Occult Societies, the influence of the planets is clearly present in the symbolism of their ceremonies, practices & beliefs. In this practical sourcebook, the authors bring together old & new techniques which they hope will inspire others to explore the multi-faceted world of planetary magick. There are simple planetary contemplations, hymns & meditation journeys, ideal for the novice who wants to explore the symbolism of the planets & in doing so learn to focus the different planetary energies. Information is provided on the many spiritual beings associated with the planets - The Gods & Goddesses who give their names to the planets, the Olympic Spirits, Archangels, Orders of Angels, Planetary Intelligences & Planetary Spirits. Essential techniques for creating planetary sigils using the magick number squares, calculating planetary hours, making & consecrating amulets & talismans are given with practical examples. Drawing from their experience & knowledge gained working in a number of Western Esoteric Traditions, the authors also present here original planetary techniques & ceremonies - including the Ritual of the Heptagram, Planetary Pyramids, Planetary Magick Circles & Angle Webs. The rich symbolism & influence of the magick of the Wandering Stars underlies the spiritual & magickal heritage of Western Esotericism. Through exploring & working with the Deathless Powers, the reader can come to a greater understanding of the transformative powers they offer every true seeker of the Mysteries.

How was magic practiced in medieval times? How did it relate to the diverse beliefs and practices that characterized this fascinating period? This much revised and expanded new edition of Magic in the Middle Ages surveys the growth and development of magic in medieval Europe. It takes into account the extensive new developments in the history of medieval magic in recent years, featuring new material on angel magic, the archaeology of magic, and the magical efficacy of words and imagination. Richard Kieckhefer shows how magic represents a crossroads in medieval life and culture, examining its relationship and relevance to religion, science, philosophy, art, literature, and politics. In surveying the different types of magic that were used, the kinds of people who practiced magic, and the reasoning behind their beliefs, Kieckhefer shows how magic served as a point of contact between the popular and elite classes, how the reality of magical beliefs is reflected in the fiction of medieval literature, and how the persecution of magic and witchcraft led to changes in the law.

Whole villages of alleged witches have been set up under the protection of the police and hardly a day goes by without a witchcraft killing being reported by the media. The South African Witchcraft Suppression Act was meant to suppress beliefs in witchcraft but, on the contrary, the Act has lead to an increase in witchcraft violence.

Witchcraft accusations and violence are generating new forms of popular justice that threaten to destabilize the state's administration of justice. What is to be done?

This text is the lead editor's and others response to the problem. From within government circles appreciation came Dr Mathole Motshekga, a member of the Gauteng Provincial government, who said "This volume raises the discussion of the problem to a new level by comprehensively exploring all aspects of it in an interdisciplinary context. [It] will turn up the heat on government to take action."

While situation is unique, it has been studied by many scholars as all countries have problems with unwanted people. This is the bane of all lawmakers; how much is too much? Mass hysteria occurs in all peoples, this a well-documented case.

Other contributors include: Veronique Faurev: Research Officer, Noire, Bordeaux, France; Johannes Harnischfeger: Professor of Political Sociology, University of Hamburg; Anthony Minnaar: Professor and Director, Institute for Human Rights and Criminal Justice Studies, Technikon South Africa; Isak Niehaus: Professor of Anthropology, University of Pretoria; Seth A. Nthai: Former Minister of Safety and Security, Northern Province of South Africa; N. V. Ralushai: Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Venda; Chairman of the (Ralushai) Commission of Inquiry into Witchcraft Violence and Ritual Murders in the Northern Province of South Africa.

Reclaim your inner witch with the magical rituals, divination tools, spells and ancient wisdom in this revolutionary book. A witch is a woman in her power. She's wise, a healer, someone who is aligned with the cycles of Mother Nature and the phases of the Moon. Yet for so long, the word 'witch' has had negative connotations - being used as an insult, a slur and to perpetuate fear. In this book, third generation hereditary witch Lisa Lister explains the history behind witchcraft, why in past centuries the word 'witch' has led women to be tortured, drowned and burned at the stake, and why the witch is now waking once again in women across the world today. This book will help women to remember, reconnect and reclaim the word 'witch' and its power. It explores the many different versions of witchcraft and their core principles and practices, and shares ancient wisdom made relevant for waking witches, including how to: * Align your energy with the wheel of the year, the sabbats and the cycles of the Moon * Connect with and trust your intuition * Use divination tools such as oracle cards, scrying and rune reading * Cast circles, create altars and set sacred space * Work with the elements of nature and use herbs and crystals * Discover and work with five different aspects of the witch: the Force of Nature, the Creatrix, the Healer, the Oracle and the Sorceress * Rediscover your powers and manifest your reality with spell casting Lisa also shares her own journey to reclaiming the word 'witch', along with personal, hands-on rituals and spells from her family lineage of gypsy witch magic.

Connect with Mother Earth's love and discover the healing wisdom of nature through the unique spells, rituals and beautiful, diverse illustrations in this sacred 44-card oracle deck. Mother Earth is our sacred home. We rely on her for everything from the air we breathe to the water we drink. She gives us so much and yet we can sometimes take her magic for granted. But it is not too late. We may have stopped listening, but she has not stopped communicating. Each card message in this deck is an invitation to listen to Mother Earth's guidance; each spell, ritual or invocation an opportunity to bring these lessons off the pages and into your daily practice; and each illustration a reminder that we are part of nature, not outside of it. With bodies of every shape, size, skin tone and hair texture represented, this deck affirms we are all Mother Earth's children.

Pauline and Dan Campanelli's classic companion to Wheel of the Year is back for a new generation of readers to enjoy Celebrate the seasons of the year according to the ancient Pagan traditions. Ancient Ways shows how to prepare for and conduct the Sabbat rites, and helps you harness the magickal energy for weeks afterward. The wealth of seasonal rituals and charms within are drawn from ancient sources but are easily performed with readily available materials. Learn how to look into your previous lives at Yule. At Beltane, discover the places where you are most likely to see faeries. Make special jewelry to wear for your Lammas celebrations. For the special animals in your life, paint a charm of protection at Midsummer. Most Pagans feel that the Sabbat rituals are all too brief and wish for the magick to continue. Ancient Ways can help you reclaim your own traditions and heighten the feeling of magick all year long. Praise: "A delightful, joyous guide to celebrating the seasons and festivals with homespun magic." --Scott Cunningham, author of Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs "A delightful book that beautifully complements the authors' Wheel of the Year." --Ray Buckland, author of Practical Candleburning Rituals

Shamanic practice seeks healing and wisdom from realms that overlap the everyday world. The use of plant and animal medicines, vision quests, trance work and ceremonies to heal one's self and others are the foundations of shamanism. So too, Wicca and witchcraft use the magic and medicine of plants, animals, and other realms. By learning to incorporate the practices of shamanism, the witch can enhance his or her natural abilities as healer and creator of positive change. "The Shamanic Witch" outlines the many similarities between the art of shamanism and the craft of the Witch and explores how the overlapping of these two traditions can be used to enhance one's practice. Where witchcraft brings the belief and religion, Shamanism brings the skills. Sections include: Understanding the World of the shaman, Creatures and Spirits of Other Realms, Developing a Shamanic Practice, The Toolkit of the Shamanic Practitioner, The Realms of the Witch, and Melding Worlds: Becoming the Witch-Shaman.From the book: 'As Witches, we have an advantage when learning shamanism. The training in meditation and the movement of energy in ritual and spell work, give the Witch knowledge of how the energy of the Universe works. The Witch already sees herself as the tool through which energy flows and is directed. In addition, the Witch usually has an understanding of one or more divination techniques and is accustomed to the idea that wisdom comes from a variety of places from within and outside of the self'.

Build a magical practice that fits you to a T with Lisa McSherry's time-tested, self-paced guide to the fundamentals of witchcraft. Presenting a progressive series of lessons with real-world results, Lisa helps you truly connect with each topic. From creating an altar and book of shadows to using rituals, spells, and psychic abilities, this book gives you the foundation needed to start and grow your magic.Unlike other introductions to magic, this book presents concrete analyses of each Witchcraft topic as well as interludes that use related activities to map out your own unique practice. Lisa has effectively taught this approach over many years, and now she shares it with you in this practical book.

Some twenty years ago, anthropologist, Carlos Castaneda, electrified millions of readers by describing his initiation - under the Yaqui Indian brujo, Don Juan - into an alternate reality. Now Taisha Abelar, who was taught by the female members of Don Juan's group, recounts her own "crossing" in this arresting book. While travelling in Mexico, Abelar became involved with a group of sorcerers and began a rigorous physical and mental training process designed to enable her to breach the limits of ordinary perception. THE SORCERERS CROSSING details that process, giving us a highly practical sense of the responsibilities and perils that face a woman sorcerer. Abelar's enthralling story is invaluable as a virtual "sorcerers manual", as anthropology and as a provocative work of women's spirituality.

Take your Pagan practice to new heights with this guide to Hermetic Qabalah from a Wiccan perspective. Author Jack Chanek shows you how to connect Qabalistic concepts to the Gods and the essential components of Wiccan ritual, making it simple to enhance your practice. Featuring correspondences, journal prompts, and dozens of exercises, Qabalah for Wiccans teaches you to use Qabalah for spellcasting and incorporate its symbolism into Wiccan rituals and workings. Explore the Tree of Life, learn to use it for meditation and pathworking, and discover the significance of the individual Sephiroth. Uncover Qabalistic connections to Wiccan theology and deepen your worship of Pagan deities. This book makes Qabalah less intimidating, showing you how it works and why it matters.

The classic book on working with the energy of the body for spiritual purposes, The Middle Pillar by Israel Regardie, is now more complete, more modern, more usable, and better than ever. The exercise known as the Middle Pillar was devised by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Regardie expanded upon it and made it public over 60 years ago in the first edition of this book. Since that time, the exercise has been altered and adapted for just about any spiritual use you could think of. It is a mainstay of many Western traditions of magic. Now in its third edition, The Middle Pillar is better than ever. ?It has been edited by Chic Cicero and Sandra Tabatha Cicero, close friends of the late Regardie and senior Adepts of the Golden Dawn. They have also added new material in a separate section that more than doubles the size of the book with their valuable insights and knowledge. * Includes the complete original text, with nothing eliminated * Spelling has been standardized to Western traditions * Each chapter now has a title to identify its content * The Ciceros's notes to each chapter add insight and history to Regardie's work * Modern and clearer illustrations have been added * New, a further exploration of the relationship between magic and psychology * New, more than five techniques to enhance relaxation * New, the Middle Pillar and the Chakras * New, versions of the Middle Pillar exercise in Egyptian, Greek, and Gaelic * New, a shamanic version of the Middle Pillar * New, how to use the Middle Pillar to charge talismans and do healings The Middle Pillar is now expanded to what it always should have been, a thorough, accessible examination and extension of the single ritual that has become the very embodiment of magic. Get The Middle Pillar and learn the real secrets of magic.

The fall equinox, with its trade of light for dark, stirs strong emotions of loss as the ease of summer passes. While harvest celebrations have changed among modern people, the core meaning remains the same: life is precious, and we are lucky to sustain it. This well-rounded introduction to Mabon comes complete with correspondences, rituals, recipes, and lore. Recipes include chili, beetcake, apple chips, walnut butter, fig and pomegranate tapenade, and more; crafts include crop art, scarecrows, apple candle holders, acorn prayer beads, real leaf wreath, and more.

"In the sixteenth century, a rise in sexual violence in European society was exacerbated by pressure from church and state to change basic sexual customs...As the centuries since have shown escalating levels both of violence, general and sexual, and of state control, the witchcraze can be considered a portent, even a model, of some aspects of what modern Europe would be like."

Over three centuries, approximately one hundred thousand persons, most of whom were women, were put to death under the guise of "witch hunts", particularly in Reformation Europe. The shocking annihilation of women from all walks of life is explored in this brilliant, authoritative feminist history Anne Llwellyn Barstow. Barstow exposes an unrecognized holocaust -- the "ethnic cleansing" of independent women in Reformation Europe -- and examines the residual attitudes that continue to influence our culture.

Barstow argues that it is only with eyes sensitive to gender issues that we can discern what really happened in the persecution and murder of these women. Her sweeping chronicle examines the scapegoating of women from the ills of society, investigates how their subjugation to sexual violence and death sent a message of control to all women, and compares this persecution of women with the enslavement and slaughter of African slaves and Native Americans.

Ultimately Barstow traces the current backlash against women to its gynophobic torture-filled origins. In the process, she leaves an indelible mark on our growing understanding of the legacy of violence against women around the world.

Is it possible to gain spiritual enlightenment even in difficult or threatening situations? What is the nature of evil and the role of seemingly bad things in the universe? In this thorough and thoughtful protection magick handbook, you are urged to take responsibility for your own actions, ask what you might learn from any situation, and hold compassion for those you may view as doing harm. Popular Wiccan author and teacher Christopher Penczak takes a threefold approach to protection magick in this guide for Witches, Pagans, shamans, and psychics. First, find out how to protect yourself using personal energy, will, and intent. Next, discover how to connect with your guardian spirits, angels, and patron deities. Finally, learn how to use traditional spellcraft and ritual for protection. This comprehensive guide to psychic self-defense and protection magick also includes an audio CD of protection meditations read by the author.Praise: "A wise, helpful book for beginners and intermediate students of the Craft."--PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

2005 Coalition of Visionary Resources (COVR) 1st Runner Up in Magic/Magick category

Scottish Witchcraft is an introduction and guide to the magickal folk traditions of the Highlands of Scotland. Author Barbara Meiklejohn-Free, a Scottish hereditary witch, takes you on a journey through her own spiritual awakening into the craft and shares the ins and outs of incorporating these ancient magical traditions into your own life. Discover the secrets to divination, scrying, faerie magic, and communicating with ancestors. Explore herb and plant lore, Scottish folk traditions, and magic rituals for your specific needs. Filled with inspiring anecdotes, craft history, and step-by-step instructions, this book will help you begin a new chapter of spiritual discovery.

The first entry in Llewellyn s exciting new Elements of Witchcraft series, Water Magic reveals the amazing possibilities of using water in your modern practice. Once you access the depths of this mighty and life-giving element, it will enhance your magic and transform you into a better version of yourself. From washes and baths to spells and rituals, Lilith Dorsey helps you bring this element into your magic. Learn how to use the symbols of water and the wisdom of rivers, lakes, and oceans. Explore water s relationship to the wheel of the year and its manifestations in mythology and lore. You ll also meet the gods and goddesses who rule over the element. Cleansing and strong, the power of water helps you get in touch with your emotions and improve your Craft.

EIHWAZ the yew, URUZ the wild ox, KENAZ the hearth fire. Created by the Nordic and Germanic tribes of northern Europe, the runes began as a magickal system of pictographs representing the forces and objects in nature. With over 200,000 sold, this guidebook will help you discover the oracular nature of the runes and how to use them as a magickal tool for insight, protection, and luck. Practical and concise, this book includes: Complete descriptions of the twenty-four runes of the Elder Futhark, plus WYRD, the blank rune The differences between bindrunes and runescripts Four rune layouts and detailed rune interpretations, including reversed position meanings How to carve runes and create talismans Meanings and uses of the runes in magick

Not since The Confessions of Aleister Crowley has a true magician told his own story. My Life with the Spirits is a rare glimpse into the fascinating, sometimes terrifying, sometimes hilarious world of a modern ceremonial magician. Hailed by critics as the most entertaining author in the field and one of the most widely respected members of the magick community, Lon Milo DuQuette gently draws you into the introspective world of the modern magician, tickles you with hilarious observations and self-effacing confessions, then (often in the same paragraph) slams you in the heart with breathtaking profundities.

DuQuette's most impressive quality is that in spite of his many accomplishments he doesn't take himself too seriously, which makes what he has to say all the more appealing. He's been through experiences that many Americans can relate to from his "agonizing years of Sunday School" and service as an altar boy, to riding the waves of the cultural revolution of the 60s. After sorting through an abundance of spiritual paths, he finally came upon one that resonated with him. By shedding light on his own development -- as a person and a magician -- DuQuette provides a beacon for aspiring magicians everywhere.

Awaken the witch within you... Celebrate ancient magic rituals with this pocket spell book, which looks at ceremonies and rites to practise throughout the year, helping you to reconnect with yourself and with the elements. If you'd like to live more in harmony with nature, and you're curious about exploring traditions that have been practised for centuries, Little Magic Rituals guides you through the eight sabbats in the witch's calendar, from Imbolc in February to Yuletide in December. Learn all about the principles of Wicca, the different gods and goddesses that witches celebrate, as well as how to put together your own witch's kit and how to prepare your first rituals. Including some simple herbal remedies, along with key sabbat recipes, Little Magic Rituals is an essential guide to using Wiccan philosophy to cultivate a peaceful relationship with the natural world, and with yourself.

To me, Wicca will always be about experiencing the earth, working with what you can find and practising the craft for its true meaning. It promotes equality in all and has brought me many benefits: acceptance, kindness and self-love. Harmony Nice is at the heart of a growing community of modern-day wiccans who practise natural magic to improve their own lives and the world around them. In Wicca she encourages you to explore the positive impact that ritual, meditation and embracing nature can have on your creativity, confidence and sense of self-worth. Discover how to cast spells, start your own Book of Shadows, join a coven and feel empowered to follow a path that feels good and true to you.

Tap into your intuition and manifest your dreams with this powerful collection of spells, rituals, and enchantments that align with the cycles of nature and the universe. Magic can be found in every part of the living world-you just need to know how to tap into it. The Witch's Spellbook reveals how, by casting spells in tune with the natural world, you can shape and take responsibility for your destiny. Following a brief introduction to the basics of witchcraft, The Witch's Spellbook holds an abundance of spells organized by concern-including your self, change, wishes, love, home and family, career, money, and protection. Each spell draws upon world traditions, sacred holidays, and lunar events such as solstices and equinoxes. This eclectic spellbook also uses invocations, blessings, talismans, and amulets drawn from a wide range of traditional magic practice form around the world, including medieval grimoires, ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian magical tablets, and Greco-Roman Magic tests, all completely updated for the modern-day witch. The spells include: Find Your Life Direction Restore Holistic Health Make a Decision Manifest an Aspiration Ignite Desire Get Over a Breakup Change Careers Open the Door to Prosperity Banish Negativity Plan your spellwork by date, season, and lunar phase, and identify spells that can be used any time, using the calendar index of spells at the back of the book. Whether you're new to witchcraft or have an established practice, this will become your go-to guide to practical magic for every day and every event.

Take one part of the world''s oldest spiritual system (shamanism), mix in one part of one of the world''s most popular spiritual cultures (the Celts), and bring it up to date by blending in modern forms of shamanism. The result is one of the most amazing books you''ll ever use, D. J. Conway''s "By Oak, Ash, & Thorn."
This book is filled with information that can start you on a lifetime of study, practice, and spirituality. First, you''ll learn about ancient and modern forms of shamanism. You''ll discover the secrets of the three shamanic worlds, and how you can travel through these mysterious realms. You''ll be shown how to communicate and deal with the entities and allies you meet there. You''ll also learn about the tools that a shaman uses.
The thing that makes this book unique is that it comes from the viewpoint of Celtic shamanism, and not some generalized form. As a result, the worlds are specifically Celtic in nature. The tools come from Celtic myth and lore. The fifty entities you meet are named and defined as the Faery Folk and their kin -- from the Bean sidhe (banshee) to the Will o'' the Wisp (a faery who appears at night in lonely places carrying a lantern to confuse travellers). Almost fifty more animal allies are listed and described. You will also learn the mysteries of the vision quest and how it applies and can be used by Celtic shamans.
Before starting your journey you will take a test to determine your strengths and weaknesses as a potential shaman.
Other topics include:
- Shamanic Healing
- Soul Retrieval
- Shape-shifting
- Invisibility
- Divination with stones, the omen stick and the Ogam alphabet
- Pathworking through the three shamanic worlds
- Different forms of Celtic magic
- Herbs
This only begins to hint at everything that you can learn from this book. Get your copy today.

A compendium of Wiccan knowledge, ideal for the novice witch The Beginner's Guide to Wicca is the essential companion for anyone new to the ancient practice of magic. Kirsten Riddle provides a friendly, straightforward introduction to witchcraft, filled with practical tips for incorporating the Wiccan way into every aspect of your daily life. Kirsten dispels common misconceptions, explains the peaceful ethos of this nature-based spiritual practice and provides a quick and easy quiz that allows you to discover your Wiccan strengths. Chapters cover topics such as herbal, moon and kitchen magic - and include simple spells and rituals using everyday objects and household items. Kirsten's easy-to-follow, modern spells can be used to boost your creativity, improve your health and revive your love life. With The Beginner's Guide to Wicca you will discover how to tap into the powerful energy of the natural world and take your first steps on the Wiccan path.

A follow-up to the best selling The Real Witches' Handbook. The book includes more practical advice on becoming a Wiccan and teaches the skills and techniques necessary for celebrating this craft. This book enables you to take your magic on to the next level and provides the further skills and techniques for powerful magic making. It provides the sort of guidance and development usually found in the first year of Coven life. The Real Witches' Craft moves on from the simple spells and rituals of The Real Witches' Handbook to more advanced magic, teaching the skills and techniques of practising magic. This book will teach you how to: - Balance the elements to create effective magic. - Raise, focus and direct magical energy to powerful effect. - Strengthen the five senses in order to help towards developing the 6th sense. - Use divination and scrying - tarot, runes, fire, etc. - Design your own spells. - Use the Moon's phases for magic.