Renowned folklorist Charles Godfrey Leland examines the traditions, nature and mysteries of gypsy magic. This edition includes all of the author's original illustrations. The various customs, incantations and rituals of the Gypsy communities in continental Europe are brought to life in this text. The author begins by acknowledging the complete lack of knowledge most people have in the subject, and praises the various gypsy communities for their vast and unrivalled contributions to magic, predicting the future, and medicinal cures and philters. Methodical and well-informed, the author charts a vivid chronicle through centuries of gypsy traditions. Beginning with the affinity of the travelling peoples with sorcery and witchcraft, Bullinger proceeds to discuss the charms and magicks which gypsies would produce or perform - exorcisms of evil spirits, protection of livestock, and recovery of stolen items are some of the reasons behind these unusual practices.

Renowned folklorist Charles Godfrey Leland examines the traditions, nature and mysteries of gypsy magic. This edition includes all of the author's original illustrations. The various customs, incantations and rituals of the Gypsy communities in continental Europe are brought to life in this text. The author begins by acknowledging the complete lack of knowledge most people have in the subject, and praises the various gypsy communities for their vast and unrivalled contributions to magic, predicting the future, and medicinal cures and philters. Methodical and well-informed, the author charts a vivid chronicle through centuries of gypsy traditions. Beginning with the affinity of the travelling peoples with sorcery and witchcraft, Bullinger proceeds to discuss the charms and magicks which gypsies would produce or perform - exorcisms of evil spirits, protection of livestock, and recovery of stolen items are some of the reasons behind these unusual practices.

Aradia is a book of folklore considered a vital foundation upon which the beliefs and practices of modern witchcraft and Wicca practices are understood and performed. An important part of the literary canon of witchcraft, Aradia - colloquially termed 'the Gospel of the Witches' - is a story regarding the witches living in Italy during the 17th century. Charles Godfrey Leland obtained, arranged and translated the original scripts to modern English; the result is a coherent narrative which is authentic, readable and uncompromising, with none of the stark details of Strega witchcraft omitted or softened. Aradia is a story unorthodox and anti-establishment in tone, detailing the exploits of witches who seek to undermine oppressive landowners and other powerful interests portrayed as antagonistic. The aristocracy are frequently the targets of witches, who are deeply ritualistic and nominally aligned to the lower classes in the economic order.

Aradia is a book of folklore considered a vital foundation upon which the beliefs and practices of modern witchcraft and Wicca practices are understood and performed. An important part of the literary canon of witchcraft, Aradia - colloquially termed 'the Gospel of the Witches' - is a story regarding the witches living in Italy during the 17th century. Charles Godfrey Leland obtained, arranged and translated the original scripts to modern English; the result is a coherent narrative which is authentic, readable and uncompromising, with none of the stark details of Strega witchcraft omitted or softened. Aradia is a story unorthodox and anti-establishment in tone, detailing the exploits of witches who seek to undermine oppressive landowners and other powerful interests portrayed as antagonistic. The aristocracy are frequently the targets of witches, who are deeply ritualistic and nominally aligned to the lower classes in the economic order.