The Mighty Dead, the Hidden Company, the Secret Chiefs, the Withdrawn Order, the Inner Plane Adepts, the Masters, the Bodhisattva and the Saints - all names for the enlightened dead who guide the spiritual traditions and evolution of humanity through the mysteries. They are found in traditions across the world, east and west, old and new. They were the guiding force of the occult revival at the turn of the 20th century, and continue to aid us today. Often overlooked in the traditions of the Witch, yet ever present in the form of the Mighty Dead, first written about publicly in the works of Gerald Gardner. These are the elder spirits who gather by the edges of our circle to witness our magick, and if asked, can enter into relationship with us. They are the true teachers of the mysteries, and the true initiators. The Mighty Dead help us regenerate our own lost traditions, awakening our spiritual roots to deeper truths. By forging connections with them, collectively or individually, we too can learn how to evolve and pass through the cycles of reincarnation to become one with these sanctified masters. Hand in hand we shall ecstatically dance together at the eternal Sabbat of the Witch.

Medieval manuscript of ceremonial magic. Basic document in Aleister Crowley, Golden Dawn groups.

In 1590 three hundred Scottish 'witches' were tried for plotting the murder of their King, James VI of Scotland (soon to be James I of England). James is known to have suffered from a morbid fear of violent death, and the trial heightened his anxiety over this apparently treasonous 'un-Christian' sect, and stimulated him to study the whole subject of witchcraft. 'Daemonologie' is the result of this royal research, detailing his opinions on the topic in the form of a Socratic dialogue between the sceptic Philomathes and witch-averse Epistemon, who reveals many aspects of witch-craft. The book consists of three sections, on magic, on sorcery and witchcraft, and on spirits and ghosts, and ends with a lurid account of the North Berwick witch trials, based on the evidence of Dr John Fian, the alleged head of the coven, whose 'confession' was obtained with the aid of thumbscrews, the Boot, and by the ripping out of his fingernails.

The twentieth century has seen a remarkable revival of 'the Old Religion, ' as adherents of New-paganism call the native religious traditions of Europe and tribal traditions from North America that predated Christianity. Many neo-pagan groups identify with Celtic (Druidic), Egyptian, Native American, Norse, or Roman traditions; others with modern science-fiction motifs; and still others with witchcraft. Neo-paganism is occultic in nature. A central figure in much of Neo-paganism is the Mother Goddess, who has been introduced and worshiped among certain feminists even in some mainline Protestant churches. Why this series? This is an age when countless groups and movements, old and new, mark the religious landscape in our culture, leaving many people confused or uncertain in their search for spiritual truth and meaning. Because few people have the time or opportunity to research these movements fully, these books provide essential information and insights for their spiritual journeys. Each book has five sections: - A concise introduction to the group - An overview of the group's theology -- in its own words - Tips for witnessing effectively to members of the group - A bibliography with sources for further study - A comparison chart that shows the essential differences between biblical Christianity and the group -- The writers of these volumes are well qualified to present clear and reliable information and help us discern religious truth from falsehood. This is an age when countless groups and movements, new and old, mark the religious landscape in our culture. As a result, many people are confused or uncertain in their search for spiritual truth and meaning. Because few people have the time or opportunity to research these movements fully, the Zondervan Guide to Cults and Religious Movements series provides essential information and insights for their spiritual journeys. The second wave of books in this series addresses a broad range of spiritual beliefs, from non-Trinitarian Christian sects to witchcraft and neo-paganism to classic non-Christian religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism. All books but the summary volume, Truth and Error, contain five sections: -A concise introduction to the group being surveyed -An overview of the group s theology --- in its own words -Tips for witnessing effectively to members of the group -A bibliography with sources for further study -A comparison chart that shows the essential differences between biblical Christianity and the group -- Truth and Error, the last book in the series, consists of parallel doctrinal charts compiled from all the other volumes. Three distinctives make this series especially useful to readers: -Information is carefully distilled to bring out truly essential points, rather than requiring readers to sift their way through a sea of secondary details. -Information is presented in a clear, easy-to-follow outline form with menu bar running heads. This format greatly assists the reader in quickly locating topics and details of interest. -Each book meets the needs and skill levels of both nontechnical and technical readers, providing an elementary level of refutation and progressing to a more advanced level using arguments based on the biblical text. The writers of these volumes are well qualified to present clear and reliable information and help readers to discern truth from falsehood."

Christopher Penczak, author of the award-winning Temple of Witchcraft series and the Three Rays of Witchcraft, takes readers on a journey into the green world of plant spirits. Learn about the alchemical, magickal, and homeopathic uses of plants and experience the transformative power plant spirits have to offer us for health, wisdom, and spiritual growth.

Dusty Miller 13th is an English Shaman and Folk Magician. He is descended from the aboriginal inhabitants of Britain, the Elfin tribes who dwelt in the primeval forest before the Celtic invasions. He carries the traditions and wisdom of his Elfin ancestors through into the modern day. In this book, written with the consent and active co-operation of Dusty and his family, Dusty's relationship with the Ancient Tree Spirits known as Dryads is explained, along with the manner in which he gathers LiveWood from the Dryads - wood which still contains a living, sentient spirit - and crafts it into magical tools, such as wands, staves, cudgels and pendants. These LiveWood artifacts are items possessed of powerful and ancient Magick, with an emphasis upon healing, protection and becoming successful in life. Dusty's story is a fascinating one, which also includes many ancestral tales of Britain before the Celts and insights into Leylines and megalithic stones and the ways in which they can harness and intensify Magick. But most of all, Dusty is revealed to be a very humble and unassuming man, with an honest desire to help folk around him with his unique skills and wisdom.

The 'creation myths' of modern witchcraft and Paganism were decisively toppled at the turn of this century in Ronald Hutton's celebrated book, Triumph of the Moon. But did Hutton topple more than just myths? Are some truths also hidden in the rubble? Did paganism really die out centuries ago? Was witchcraft really no more than a fantasy? Were the Gods of Wicca really born out of the Romantic movement? Did Gerald Gardner lie about his initiation into witchcraft? Ben Whitmore has retraced many of Hutton's steps, critically evaluating the evidence, and he now suggests that the truth may be quite different and even more fascinating. Drawing on a wealth of scholarly material, Whitmore demonstrates that the field of Pagan history is anything but barren ground - it is rich and fertile, and we have barely begun to cultivate it.

Written for the busy witch, Everyday Witchcraft is all about creating a spiritual practice in just a few minutes per week. This positive and practical guide to living the Craft shows that, no matter how busy or hectic life is, even small moments and simple acts can add meaning and depth to your life. Everyday Witchcraft is filled with creative ideas and an array of fun, easy ways to connect with the rhythms of nature every day, not just on sabbats or full moons. From five-minute rituals and hibernation vacations to mini daily divinations, readers can easily make the wisdom and practice of Witchcraft an enriching and empowering part of everyday life.

This is a book about the religion once practiced ages ago in the Old Forest region of Europe. The book contains channeled messages from the Gods of the Old Forest and from the fey, as well as stories, myths, legends, and bits and pieces of the old witch language. It is not meant to be a "Wicca 101" book, but the next stage towards witches, in particular those of European descent, being able to reclaim their heritage. In this regard, there is no other book currently out there quite like this one. Not only does it provide a link to the past, but it also gives witches a potential focus for the future.

A natural Witch has an appreciation of nature and an awareness of the magickal energies present in all things. This kinship with the unseen world is at the heart of Witchcraft. It is also the foundation of all magickal work. You will enhance your spellcrafting, empower your witchery, and add richness and depth to your everyday life by developing your intuition and psychic skills. Natural Witchery features straightforward how-to's, first-hand stories, spells, rituals, fun quizzes, and creative exercises to help you live a more magickal life: Learn how to tune in to many different kinds of energy, such as the cycles of the moon and the energy of the seasons, and use it to fuel your spellwork Explore different types of psychic abilities, and discover your own elemental strengths and challenges Use natural witchery to create more harmony and balance in your home, workplace, and circle This friendly guidebook also includes a Book of Witchery with magickal correspondences and a handy journal section for keeping track of your progress.

Manifest your most positive intentions of love, healing, protection and abundance with the magic of herbs and plants You don't need expensive tools or hours of study to live a more magical life. Ally Sands, master herbalist, green witch and founder of Aquarian Soul, teaches you how to use everyday herbs to cast easy but effective spells. Divided into chapters on protection, love, abundance, healing and personal power, this is the perfect guide for new witches or those looking to learn more about plant magic. Learn how to cleanse and heal your body with a lemon balm bath, ward your home with a wreath of bay laurel, open your heart with an herbal rose tea or foster abundance with a homemade amulet. With 70 spells and information on which herbs and plants are most effective, you can easily incorporate magic into your everyday, manifest good energy and harness your personal power.

Also known as "The Witch Hammer," The Malleus Maleficarum was a handbook for hunting and punishing witches-written by Inquisitors HEINRICH KRAMER (c. 1430-1505), an Alsatian clergyman, and JAMES SPRENGER (c. 1436-1494), a Swiss monk-to assist the Inquisition and Church in exterminating undesirables. Mostly a compilation of superstition and folklore, the book was taken very seriously at the time it was written in the 15th century and became a kind of spiritual law book used by judges to determine the guilt of the accused. While some of the articles covered in "The Witch Hammer" are humorous to modern audiences, they were a matter of life and death in the mid-1400's. Anyone interested in religion, the Inquisition, or the witch hunts that ravaged Europe will find this 1928 translation, by MONTAGUE SUMMERS (1880-1948), an unbelievable and enlightening read.

This book describes life as a Village Wisewoman in the wilds of West Cornwall. The first part of the book documents the tortuous and sometimes harrowing journey to achieve this unusual occupation. It is a tale that ultimately moves through surviving and into thriving. Cassandras past experiences directly inform her present practice and are intrinsic to being a wisewoman -- she acquires wisdom from actively experiencing and observing the vagaries of life. As part of her work she travels around the country giving talks about her profession, and without exception is asked each time what brought her to become a village wisewoman. Many people want to hear about that journey and this is one of the reasons for deciding to write the book. Following on from this, Cassandra tells of the practice of her craft, which includes many stories and observations regarding the day-to-day experiences of a traditional wisewoman including her personal approach to magic. At present the market is flooded with how-to-do books on witchcraft and associated themes. Almost without exception they inform in an authoritative way often including a cookbook of spells. There is far more to the Craft of the Wise than simply following someone elses recipes for performing magic. It entails old-fashioned qualities such as hard work, discipline, dedication and commitment. This book differs in that it describes the why as well as the how and in that sense challenges the reader to question and explore their own experiences of the worlds magical.

First published in 1977 and now reprinted in its original form, A Source-book of Scottish Witchcraft has been the most authoritative reference book on Scottish Witchcraft for almost thirty years. It has been invaluable to the specialist scholar and of interest to the general reader. It provides, but provides much more than, a series of lists of the 'names and addresses' of long-dead witches. However, although it is widely quoted and held in high esteem, few copies were ever printed and most are owned by libraries or similar institutions. Until now, it has been difficult to obtain and even more difficult to buy. In 1938, George F. Black, a Scotsman who was in charge of New York Public Library, published A Calendar of Cases of Witchcraft in Scotland 1510-1727. This was a fairly comprehensive compilation of brief accounts of references, in printed sources, to Scottish witchcraft cases. The Source-book built upon this study but went beyond it by including, through an examination of actual ancient manuscripts, information on previously unpublished cases. It also presented the material in a more systematic way in relation, where known, to the names of the accused witches, their sex, their fate, the place of the case, its date and the type of court that dealt with it. Some such information is presented in the form of tables. Transcriptions of documents pertaining to witchcraft trials- such as examples of the evidence of supposed witnesses, and other salient legal documents - including, for instance, an ancient account of when and why the testimony of female witnesses might be legally acceptable in Scottish courts - are also presented.

Identify, Cleanse, and Heal from Hexes, Curses, and Psychic Attack. Anyone can be the target of a psychic attack, whether it's an intentional curse or an incidental crossing. This book shares effective techniques and practices for recovering from psychic attacks and protecting yourself in the future. Katrina Rasbold shares how to identify the different types of attacks by their symptoms and provides tips for managing an attack with IOB techniques, which stands for Identify, Objectify, and Banish. Discover step-by-step instructions for setting up a healing space, ritual baths and showers, egg cleansing, and working with sacred sprays and smudging bundles. Learn how to do a chakra check and work with spiritual tools such candles, stones, and incense. You will also find advice for cleansing the home, an important step for recovering from many types of intentional crossings. Negative energies initiated by others can have a strong influence on vitality, relationships, and prosperity. With Katrina's guidance, you can uncross yourself from intentional psychic attacks and incidental entity infiltrations, past and current traumas, hooks to unhealthy relationships, and destructive habits that create obstacles to your success. Whether you are suffering from a curse, hex, haunting, possession, the evil eye, or even an accidental self-crossing, this book is a powerful guide to healing and recovery.

Here is a thoughtful and honest relationship guide that combines real-world expertise with spiritual and magical principles of Wicca and Pagan religions, employing an eclectic mix of ancient mythology, modern psychology, and spiritual empowerment spells to help readers build loving, lasting bonds. The Wiccan Circle offers readers a template for a successful union, with one principle for each of the four cardinal directions (Equality, Consensus, Honesty, Freedom) and one (Balance) for the center.

Because every relationship is unique, a variety of partnerings are considered and celebrated without judgment or bias -- from same-sex couples to traditional marriage and Pagan handfastings to multi-partner relationships.

Raymond Buckland, the best-known and most respected practitioner in today's magickal world, as well as the bestselling author of Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft and Practical Candleburning Rituals, has created an important and essential work to guide Wiccans through the seasons of their lives

Readers will learn how to use positive, age-old magic to create the reality they desire. Buckland clearly instructs them on how to become a witch and follow Wiccan tenets, share knowledge through celebration, and create the tools necessary to make daily magic. In "Wicca for Life," readers will learn how to use magic to:
-- Develop natural psychic abilities and healing tendencies
-- Focus powers and sharpen Wiccan wishing
-- Block curses and open up channels for positive energy
-- Balance the dimensions of home, using elements of feng shui
-- Cope with crises and ward off negativity
-- Improve relationships with friends, family, and lovers.

Cord magic is one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to make magic. This book shows you how to quickly and effectively twist your own magical cords, with specific tips for choosing colors, setting your intention, charging the cords, and incorporating powerful knot spells. You will discover dozens of hands-on instructional worksheets and specific project ideas for a myriad of magical purposes, including protection, transitions, finding new love, blessing a graduation, improving one's creative life, celebrating a handfasting, and many more. Cord magic is portable and versatile you can twist a cord in a matter of minutes, whether you're at home or out in public. You can wear a magically charged cord as an accessory or simply carry one in a pocket or bag. This book explores the history of cord magic and it teaches everything you need to know about the tools and techniques you need to create your own magical twists and knots.

There is renewed fascination in all things Celtic. Discussing lore, traditions, beliefs, and customs, this book answers readers' desires to reaffirm their ancestral roots, bringing Celtic myth, legend, and modern practices to life. It discusses everything from the ancient Druids and faery traditions, right up to the beliefs and practices of today's neo-Pagans.

Tales of the Celtic goddesses and gods, and the stories of their descendants, thrive in the pages of this fascinating book. Focusing upon Celtic roots, goddesses, gods, and the Druids, as well as the Underworld of the faeries, and modern Celtic Wicca, Celtic Traditions explores how humanity and the land are connected as one, as inseparable energies. Celtic Traditions provides hands-on ways for making a positive difference in the world today, and for thousands of years to come.

"This is foremost an engaging textbook designed for home schooling the advancing witch, and it is encyclopedic in its rituals, charts, and even homework assignments." --Publishers Weekly Take your spiritual evolution to the next level by mastering the essentials of ceremonial magick. In this much-anticipated fourth volume in Christopher Penczak's award-winning series on witchcraft, he introduces the concepts of the Qabalah and the rituals of high magick, and explores the deeply interwoven relationship between these traditions and the Craft. The teachings in this book correspond to the element of Air, guiding you into the realm of creative and critical thinking, communication, knowledge, and truth. Four preliminary chapters introduce the basic concepts, history, and skills you will need for your journey. Next, twelve formal lessons, in the witches' traditional year-and-a-day format, provide instruction in the fundamentals of ceremonial magic: -The Qabalah -The Tree of Life -Symbol and sigil magick -Elemental constructs -Qabalistic Cross -The four worlds and their correspondences -Middle Pillar -Pathworking -The Ritual of the Rosy Cross -Invoking and banishing rituals -Fluid condensers -Barbarous words of power, magickal constructs, and the Goetia The book's thirteenth lesson culminates in a ritual initiation fusing the traditions of witchcraft and high magick--the creation of your own Reality Map. The cosmology you create will be based on your own spiritual experiences as well as the philosophies and practices of ceremonial magick.

Looking for simple solutions for today's problems: computer viruses, traffic that drives you crazy, and an overextended schedule?

There's an easy way to incorporate magic into your life without adding more stress to it. Everyday Magic updates the ancient arts to fit your busy lifestyle. It promotes the use of modern convenience items as viable magical tools, and it incorporates the use of easy-to-find spell ingredients--most of which are already in your kitchen cabinet. It discusses the items and forces that boost magical work, as well as offering a multitude of time-saving tips and a large assortment of recipes for creating your own incenses, potions, and powders. More than 300 spells and rituals cover the everyday concerns of the modern practitioner.-- Set your spell into motion and speed up the results with "magical boosters"-- Magnify your focused intent and energy flow with herbs, flowers, trees, and stones-- Learn how to perform ancient arts with modern tools: your coffee maker, blender and crock pot-- Make your own magical powders, sachets, bath salts, potpourris, incenses and oils-- Discover the secret to success in magical workings-- Practical spells for more than 300 purposes

1999 COVR AWARD WINNER

This book fills a long-standing need in literature: Voodoo, Santeria, and Macumba as practised today in cities throughout the Western world. It is not another history or sociological study, but a candid personal account by two who came to "the religion" from the outside. It includes descriptions of the phenomena triggered by Voodoo practice, divination techniques, spells and a method of self-initiation.

For the first time, a genuine manual of the dreaded "left-hand path." Braving the new Witchcraft Panic that has swept the world, S. Jason Black and Christopher S. Hyatt have written a book that places the Western magical tradition and the Western psyche in perspective.

Sweeping aside both the historical fabrications of "neo-paganism" and the rampant mental illness of the religious right, Black and Hyatt explore history, psychology and anthropology to reveal the true "secret doctrine" of Western culture. This work confronts the reader with his own fears and inhibitions and carries him beyond.

Comprehensively illustrated, this volume contains a detailed history of European "Black Magic" and includes new editions of 17th and 18th century Grimoires with detailed instructions for their use.