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Witch Fulfillment: Adaptation Dramaturgy and Casting the Witch for Stage and Screen
by Jane BarnetteWitch Fulfillment: Adaptation Dramaturgy and Casting the Witch for Stage and Screen addresses the Witch as a theatrical type on twenty-first-century-North American stages and screens, seen through the lenses of casting, design, and adaptation, with attention paid to why these patterns persist, and what wishes they fulfil. Witch Fulfillment examines the Witch in performance, considering how actors embody iconic roles designated as witches (casting), and how dramaturgical choices (adaptation) heighten their witchy power. Through analysis of Witch characters ranging from Elphaba to Medea, classic plays such as The Crucible and Macbeth, feminist adaptations - including Sycorax, Obeah Opera, and Jen Silverman’s Witch - and popular culture offerings, like the Scarlet Witch and Jinkx Monsoon, this book examines the dramaturgical meanings of adapting and embodying witchy roles in the twenty-first century. This book contends that the Witch represents a crucial category of analysis for inclusive theatre and performance and will be of interest to theatre practitioners and designers, along with theatre, witchcraft, and occult studies scholars.
Witch Life: A Practical Guide to Making Every Day Magical
by Emma KathrynNo Matter What Magical Path You Walk, This Book Will Inspire and Renew Your PracticeIn today's world, it can be hard to find time for magic—but this practical guide helps keep you inspired and connected to your spirituality. Designed so that you can easily choose a spell, meditation, or ritual to suit your needs, Witch Life is the perfect tool for making your practice thrive, even in the busiest times.Emma Kathryn presents spells and workings for nearly every purpose, from protection rituals and kitchen witchery to candle magic and spirit work. She encourages you to explore healing and hexing magic, moon and plant magic, and magical crafts. You'll also enjoy exciting ways to celebrate the sabbats, harness the elements, and more. From worshipping deities to creating charms, this book offers something for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.
Witch School First Degree: Lessons in the Correllian Tradition
by Don Lewis-HighcorrellThe three-volume Witch School teaching series will prepare you for initiation into all three degrees of Correllian Wicca, one of the largest and fastest-growing Wiccan traditions in the world. As an additional bonus, WitchSchool.com offers many optional interactive features to enhance your textbook learning experience.Become a WitchSet foot on the Witch's path and embark on a journey that will transform you at the deepest levels of your being. The twelve lessons of the Witch School's First Degree, designed to be completed in the traditional "year and a day" format, introduce Wicca as a spiritual path and teach you the essentials of becoming a Witch. Each lesson has six sections: the lesson itself, magical exercises, God or Goddess lore, a spell, a glossary, and study questions. You'll build a solid foundation for your Wiccan practice by mastering the following Craft tools and techniques:MagicCosmologyPersonal PowerThe AltarThe AirtsThe Circle of ArtInvocationGarbSymbols, Omens, and DivinationBasic Energy WorkHerbs, Oils, and IncenseStones and CrystalsCompletion of the twelve lessons in this book makes you eligible for initiation into the First Degree of Correllian Nativist Wicca.
Witch You Weren't Here: 'Fun, sweet and sexy' SARAH HAWLEY
by Emma Jackson'It has everything I love in a romantasy. I absolutely adored it' CARRIE ELKS'Fun, sweet and sexy' SARAH HAWLEY'A magical rollercoaster which will charm the hex out of the hardest of hearts' JESSICA THORNE-----One hurricane. Two stranded witches.Sparks are bound to fly...Kay knows three things to be true: a witch who cannot control their powers is dangerous, she needs to make it home for her brother's wedding, and Harry Ashworth is the last person she ever wants to see...But after visiting the witching community's equivalent of IT support to try to fix her misbehaving magic, a hurricane hits and her flight home is cancelled!Not only is Kay stranded, but she's stranded with Harry - her infuriatingly handsome and charming childhood friend, who broke her heart when they were teenagers.Except Harry is a frustratingly powerful witch so working together might be their only way to get back home. And the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to ignore what is simmering under the surface.Soon it becomes clear that Kay's magic isn't the only thing she doesn't have control of...-----YOUR FAVOURITE AUTHORS LOVE WITCH YOU WEREN'T HERE! 'It cast a spell on me from the first page with its bewitching brew of angst, charm and romance' M.A. KUZNIAR'As effervescent as an Aperol Spritz' LUNA MCNAMARA'As warm and gently soothing as a magicked cup of tea - this is the perfect witchy comfort read' LAURA WOOD
Witch You Weren't Here: 'Fun, sweet and sexy' SARAH HAWLEY
by Emma Jackson'It has everything I love in a romantasy. I absolutely adored it' CARRIE ELKS'Fun, sweet and sexy' SARAH HAWLEY'A magical rollercoaster which will charm the hex out of the hardest of hearts' JESSICA THORNE-----One hurricane. Two stranded witches.Sparks are bound to fly...Kay knows three things to be true: a witch who cannot control their powers is dangerous, she needs to make it home for her brother's wedding, and Harry Ashworth is the last person she ever wants to see...But after visiting the witching community's equivalent of IT support to try to fix her misbehaving magic, a hurricane hits and her flight home is cancelled!Not only is Kay stranded, but she's stranded with Harry - her infuriatingly handsome and charming childhood friend, who broke her heart when they were teenagers.Except Harry is a frustratingly powerful witch so working together might be their only way to get back home. And the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to ignore what is simmering under the surface.Soon it becomes clear that Kay's magic isn't the only thing she doesn't have control of...-----YOUR FAVOURITE AUTHORS LOVE WITCH YOU WEREN'T HERE! 'It cast a spell on me from the first page with its bewitching brew of angst, charm and romance' M.A. KUZNIAR'As effervescent as an Aperol Spritz' LUNA MCNAMARA'As warm and gently soothing as a magicked cup of tea - this is the perfect witchy comfort read' LAURA WOOD(P)2023 Orion Publishing Group Limited
Witch You Weren't Here: 'Fun, sweet and sexy' SARAH HAWLEY
by Emma Jackson'It has everything I love in a romantasy. I absolutely adored it' CARRIE ELKS'Fun, sweet and sexy' SARAH HAWLEY'A magical rollercoaster which will charm the hex out of the hardest of hearts' JESSICA THORNE-----One hurricane. Two stranded witches.Sparks are bound to fly...Kay knows three things to be true: a witch who cannot control their powers is dangerous, she needs to make it home for her brother's wedding, and Harry Ashworth is the last person she ever wants to see...But after visiting the witching community's equivalent of IT support to try to fix her misbehaving magic, a hurricane hits and her flight home is cancelled!Not only is Kay stranded, but she's stranded with Harry - her infuriatingly handsome and charming childhood friend, who broke her heart when they were teenagers.Except Harry is a frustratingly powerful witch so working together might be their only way to get back home. And the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to ignore what is simmering under the surface.Soon it becomes clear that Kay's magic isn't the only thing she doesn't have control of...-----YOUR FAVOURITE AUTHORS LOVE WITCH YOU WEREN'T HERE! 'It cast a spell on me from the first page with its bewitching brew of angst, charm and romance' M.A. KUZNIAR'As effervescent as an Aperol Spritz' LUNA MCNAMARA'As warm and gently soothing as a magicked cup of tea - this is the perfect witchy comfort read' LAURA WOOD
Witch's Athame: The Craft, Lore & Magick of Ritual Blades
by Jason MankeyFull of practical applications for both the circle and the home, The Witch's Athame shows you how to utilize the ritual blade to its highest potential. Discover everything you need to know about finding the right athame, personalizing and consecrating it, and using it in your practice.Tracing this impressive tool from ancient times to the present day, The Witch's Athame presents the symbolism, history, and modern uses of the ritual blade. Also featured throughout are "Getting to the Point," short segments of wisdom by knowledgeable writers. From contemporary athames made of stone and crystal to folklore about knives in magic, this book helps enhance your Craft and appreciation of such a versatile tool.Praise:"The most complete book on the ritual blade that I've ever seen. An informative and fun read."—Christopher Penczak, author of the award-winning Temple of Witchcraft series"Solid, accessible, and a genuine pleasure to read. Mankey is sure to teach you something, no matter how long you've cherished your own ritual blade."—Thorn Mooney, high priestess of the Foxfire Coven
Witch's Book of Shadows: The Craft, Lore & Magick of the Witch's Grimoire
by Jason MankeyDiscover the fascinating history, tradition, and modern uses of the Book of Shadows. This fun and easy-to-use guide provides essential information on creating and consecrating a Book of Shadows, as well as how to make it a part of your practice.Learn about the various types of Books of Shadows, their roles throughout history, and how they differ from regular spellbooks. Enjoy advice and excerpts from the grimoires of well-known modern and historical Witches. Explore a wide variety of ideas for what to include in your own Book of Shadows. Like a magical chart showing where you've been and where you're going, this wonderful tool is your personal guide to Witchcraft.Praise:"This is the complete guide to the Book of Shadows...Mankey has given Wiccans a great gift."—John Beckett, blogger at "Under the Ancient Oaks" and author of The Path of Paganism"This engaging, personal, and well-researched book explores a little-considered subject, the Book of Shadows, from every angle."—Yvonne Aburrow, author of All Acts of Love and Pleasure: Inclusive Wicca (Avalonia, 2014)"If Books of Shadows are your bag, then look no further. Jason Mankey once again shows off his skill as a well-practiced Witch with this collection of stories, tips, and tricks about that most personal of magical tools: the Book of Shadows. A great addition to every Wiccan's shelf."—Jenna T. Beachy, author of The Secret Country of Yourself: Discover the Powerful Magick of Your Endless Inner World"As always, Mankey brings insight and delight to the magickal process. The Witch's Book of Shadows is an in-depth, yet approachable guidebook to all the elements of crafting your own Books of Shadows. Dive in and enjoy!"—Lasara Firefox Allen, bestselling author of Jailbreaking the Goddess: A Radical Revisioning of Feminist Spirituality
Witch's Book of Spirits
by Devin HunterDiscover the Ways of the Spirits And Master the Art of Command and InfluenceProfound spiritual insights and powers await beyond the material world. In The Witch's Book of Spirits, Devin Hunter invites you to perform rituals and magic with spirit guides, familiars, angels, the deceased, faeries, and demons. Develop and enhance your relationships to your allies in spirit through soul flight, mediumship, and conjuration. Explore the inner workings of the Witch's Tree as well as the planes and peoples who dwell in its many layers. Expand the scope of your magic with the 33 Spirits, a system transmitted to the author by a special priesthood of spirits, his familiar, Malach, and the goddess Hecate. Working with spirits is the cornerstone of the witch's art. This book shows you how to stay in control as you increase your witch power and deepen your connection to forces seen and unseen.Praise:"Devin covers in depth an elusive side of witchcraft that few have explored in great practical detail...Devin presents the material in a very grounded, no-nonsense approach paired with an inherent sense of responsibility. His understanding of mediumship, conjuring, flying, and working with the spirit world displays the truth that he not only talks the talk, but also walks the walk."—Laura Tempest Zakroff, author of Sigil Witchery"The Witch's Book of Spirits is the most complete book on working with the dead ever written for Witches, but it's more than a manual for communicating with souls of the departed. It's also a guide to the worlds which generally lay just outside of our grasp and a thorough look at the beings that live there. I'd also like to add that it's just a damn fine book about witchcraft, filled with advice and some much-needed common sense."—Jason Mankey, author of The Witch's Book of Shadows"Teaching an art requires a delicate brew of guidance, cautions, and encouragement; Devin Hunter's book hits the right recipe. The Witch's Book of Spirits is a book that captures the author's personal vision and process while providing systems and frameworks that can serve the reader in developing their own way with the spirits."—Ivo Dominguez, Jr., author of Practical Astrology for Witches and Pagans"In this book Devin gives not just the rituals necessary to conjure and communicate with spirits, but the tools for building life with them. He uses a method of teaching that alternates between supplying theory and principals that can be applied by almost anyone, with very specific rituals that he has received from the spirits himself. The result is a text that you will return to over and over again whether you are working his rites or developing your own."—Jason Miller, author of The Sorcerer's Secrets
Witch's Broom: The Craft, Lore & Magick of Broomsticks
by Deborah BlakeTake a magickal flight into the history, tradition, and modern uses of broomsticks. Whether sweeping the floors or helping with spells, rituals, and crafts, the broom is a more versatile tool than you ever imagined.Join Deborah Blake on a journey through the ages, exploring why broomsticks and witches have always been an inseparable pair. Enjoy broom lore, insights from well-known witchy authors, and instructions for buying or making your own for special occasions. From besoms to broomcorn, The Witch's Broom is the perfect guide for adding a new facet to your magickal practice. Have a nice flight!Praise:"[A] clear, lucid, and ethical guide to the art of the broom."—Judika Illes, author of The Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells
Witch's Cauldron: The Craft, Lore & Magick of Ritual Vessels
by Laura Tempest ZakroffExplore the spellbinding history, tradition, and modern uses of the Witch's cauldron. From blessing and using your cauldron in ritual and divination to practicing kitchen witchery with it, this easy-to-use book provides essential information for Witches of all ages and skill levels.The Witch's Cauldron shows you the ins and outs of one of the most iconic tools in Witchcraft. Learn about the cauldron's role in lore and mythology, its development through the ages, and old-world witchery. Discover how to choose, personalize, and care for your cauldron, and find unconventional ones already in your home. This entertaining book also features advice and spells from well-known writers, helping you delve into the endless possibilities for using a cauldron in your practice.
Witch's Guide to the Paranormal: How to Investigate, Communicate, and Clear Spirits
by J. Allen CrossFlex Investigative Methods That Only Witches Can WieldAs a witch, your ability to manipulate energy allows you to interact with ghosts in ways that other investigators can't. Discover how to use your magical toolkit to identify and resolve the four main types of haunting—residual, poltergeist, human earthbound, and inhuman entity. J. Allen Cross guides you through the basic principles of a haunting, while building a foundation of paranormal investigation, witchcraft, and mediumship skills. You will learn how to craft a seal, open and close portals, perform an exorcism, and help spirits cross over. With more than forty exercises and rituals, this book shows you how to make the most of your talents so you can bring peace to restless spirits and those they haunt.
Witch's Mirror: The Craft, Lore & Magick of the Looking Glass
by Mickie MuellerDiscover the fascinating history, tradition, and modern uses of the witch's mirror. From choosing and making the perfect mirror to using it to boost self-esteem and prosperity, this book provides valuable information for witches of all levels. Fun and easy to use, The Witch's Mirror features advice from well-known witches as well as spells and crafts to enhance your magic.Explore the symbols and practice of scrying, uncover the portrayals of mirrors in legends and pop culture, harness the reflective power of mirrors with meditations, and much more. Mickie Mueller invites you to gaze through the looking glass and see your magical self wielding the mirror as a key tool to a successful, happy, and enchanted life.Praise:"The Witch's Mirror is a lighthearted book that reflects a wide variety of perspectives, techniques, and magickal styles."—Ellen Dugan, author of the Witchery series and The Natural Psychic"This book is a very thorough and complete manual that explains historical lore, superstitions, and also how to utilize this tool with ease...it is a must have for any witches library!"—Celeste Heldstab, author of Llewellyn's Complete Formulary of Magical Oils"Mickie Mueller has brought to life, in this charming book, all the magic and history of this simple yet potent tool with her own signature grace and eloquence."— Amythyst Raine, author of The Gray Witch's Grimoire"Mueller's conversational style and uncomplicated how-to directions make mirror magic accessible to the novice and experienced witch alike...this book is enlightening, practical, and great fun to read."—Shana Robinson, author of Terra Signs and co-author of Shamanism & The Spirit Mate"Mickie Mueller is the perfect guide through the looking glass...The Witch's Mirror takes one of the most common daily tools and reveals its innate magic."—Lunaea Weatherstone, author of Tending Brigid's Flame and Mystical Cats Tarot"If you want to know about magic and mirrors, this is the book for you! Mickie Mueller has done an excellent job of researching and bringing together all the many facets of mirror-related beliefs, traditions, and lore."—Tess Whitehurst, author of Holistic Energy Magic and Magical Housekeeping
Witch's Path: Advancing Your Craft at Every Level
by Thorn MooneyGet unstuck, find inspiration, and take the next step on your path with this practical guide to witchcraft for practitioners of all levels.The Witch’s Path is all about raising your Witchcraft practice to the next level—whether you're a beginner who feels overwhelmed, a disillusioned adept, a jaded coven leader, or anyone in between. This book shares specific, hands-on tips for what you can do to move forward spiritually today, no matter what your starting point.Join Thorn Mooney on an exploration of the most common themes practitioners need to look into when they’re feeling stagnant or stuck: sacred space, devotion, ritual and magic, personal practice, and community. Every chapter features four separate exercises, designed for four different types of readers, so you can come back to this book as you grow and discover fresh techniques and activities. The Witch’s Path helps renew your sense of engagement with the Craft so you can continue evolving your spirit, your practice, and yourself
Witch's Wand: The Craft, Lore, and Magick of Wands & Staffs
by Alferian Gwydion MacLirWith a wave and a flick, you'll discover the fascinating history, tradition, and modern uses of the wand. From a variety of spells and rituals to methods for making your own wand, master wandmaker Alferian Gwydion MacLir presents a wealth of knowledge that witches of all levels can use.Filled with valuable information on crafting wands with specific stones or crystals, incorporating the magical qualities of trees, and using wands and staves in ceremonies and seasonal festivals, The Witch's Wand is a fun, easy-to-use guide to these powerful tools. It also features nuggets of wisdom written by well-known witches that show how the wand is a constant companion and source of inspiration in the magical life.
Witch's Wheel of the Year: Rituals for Circles, Solitaries & Covens
by Jason MankeyMake Your Sabbats Joyful, Powerful, and Deeply Spiritual with 24 New, Customizable RitualsDesigned to perfectly fit your needs—whether you're a solitary practitioner or part of a group—this marvelous book will enhance your sabbat celebrations in many fun and meaningful ways. Jason Mankey provides three all-new rituals for every sabbat—one for solitaries, one for covens, and one for large gatherings. Each ritual is flexible enough for you to pick and choose the components that best suit your intentions. Explore the history and traditions of all eight sabbats and learn why and how rituals became such an important part of Witchcraft. Discover the ins and outs of ritual practice as well as guidance on planning, decorating, presenting, and adapting. Witch's Wheel of the Year is incredibly versatile for all Witches looking to enhance their craft and their connection to the sacred sabbats.
Witch-Children: From Salem Witch Hunts to Modern Courtrooms
by Hans SebaldThe author begins with an overview of children's roles in the witch hunts of Europe and early New England. The centerpiece is the deposition of a nine-year-old child in Germany, known as Witch-Boy. The final part of the book draws parallels between children's testimony in the witch trials and their testimony in modern court cases regarding Satanism and ritual abuse.
Witch: O Poder do Feminino
by Lisa ListerUm livro sobre o poder do feminino, com explicações, ferramentas e dicas que abrem uma panóplia de possibilidades para se iniciar na arte da boa bruxaria ou continuar a ser a bruxa que sempre foi. Vivemos numa época em que a palavra «bruxa» está cada vez mais longe do seu antigo significado — quando evocava imagens de vassouras e verrugas —, sendo agora um sinónimo do empoderamento feminino. Lisa Lister abre portas para todo um novo e profundo conhecimento de si, leitora, enquanto mulher. Leia tudo de uma ponta à outra ou utilize este livro como ferramenta de adivinhação… faça como achar melhor, até porque o propósito desta obra não é o de ensinar como «deve» ser, mas acender a faísca de reconhecimento e recordação no seu âmago e corpo. Aqui vai encontrar inúmeras explicações, ferramentas e dicas, abrindo uma panóplia de possibilidades para se iniciar nesta arte ou continuar a ser a bruxa que sempre foi. Pode discordar de alguns aspetos e concordar com outros. Não se preocupe. Está tudo do seu lado, sobretudo porque os feitiços mais poderosos e eficazes serão aqueles criados por si. «Lisa Lister é uma superdeusa do humor, da sabedoria, da diversão e do atrevimento. Ela é exatamente o que lhe receito.» Dra. Christiane Northrup, autora bestseller internacional «Recupere o que está perdido. Mergulhe no seu interior e para longe daquilo que nos foi vendido e não nos serve. Somos mulheres, profundas e sábias, e Lisa Lister é uma mulher que nos acompanha nessa sabedoria. Adoro a Lisa. Adoro tudo o que ela escreve. Adoro a sua voz, o seu percurso, a sua magia. Ela tece a verdade e rompe os mitos para que possamos recuperar o nosso verdadeiro poder. Witch é para todas as mulheres que sofrem e sabem que existe outro caminho». Carrie-Anne Moss, atriz e fundadora do annapurnaliving.com
Witch: Unleashed. Untamed. Unapologetic.
by Lisa ListerReclaim 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 castingLisa 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.
Witchcraft Discovered: Magic, Ritual & Enchantment for Head, Hands & Heart
by Josephine WinterNow is the Time to Do Witchcraft, Not Just Read About ItPacked with hands-on exercises, inspiring journal prompts, and confidence-boosting activities, this book helps build your magical foundation and eases any concerns you have about getting started in witchcraft. Whether you live in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere, Josephine Winter provides easy ways to celebrate not only your spiritual practice, but the seasons as well. This comprehensive, accessible book introduces you to:Sabbats • Elements • Witchy Tools • Divination • Plant Magic • Rituals • Spellcasting • Deities and Spirit • Planetary Magic • Meditation • Altar Work • Talismans • Magic Circles • Hearth MagicWitchcraft Discovered encourages you to examine what it means to be a modern practitioner (witchcraft of the head), work with magical energy (witchcraft of the hands), and dance to your own drumbeat as you work (witchcraft of the heart). Josephine teaches you about witchcraft's history, traditions, and terminology, shares some kitchen witch recipes, and offers additional resources at every turn.
Witchcraft Medicine: Healing Arts, Shamanic Practices, and Forbidden Plants
by Christian Rätsch Claudia Müller-Ebeling Wolf-Dieter StorlAn in-depth investigation of traditional European folk medicine and the healing arts of witches• Explores the outlawed “alternative” medicine of witches suppressed by the state and the Church and how these plants can be used today• Reveals that female shamanic medicine can be found in cultures all over the world• Illustrated with color and black-and-white art reproductions dating back to the 16th centuryWitch medicine is wild medicine. It does more than make one healthy, it creates lust and knowledge, ecstasy and mythological insight. In Witchcraft Medicine the authors take the reader on a journey that examines the women who mix the potions and become the healers; the legacy of Hecate; the demonization of nature’s healing powers and sensuousness; the sorceress as shaman; and the plants associated with witches and devils. They explore important seasonal festivals and the plants associated with them, such as wolf’s claw and calendula as herbs of the solstice and alder as an herb of the time of the dead--Samhain or Halloween. They also look at the history of forbidden medicine from the Inquisition to current drug laws, with an eye toward how the sacred plants of our forebears can be used once again.
Witchcraft and Demonology in Hungary and Transylvania (Palgrave Historical Studies in Witchcraft and Magic)
by Gábor Klaniczay Éva PócsExamines urban and rural witchcraft conflicts from early modern times to the present.<P><P> Analyses the role of healers, midwives, and cunning folk in social, legal, medical and religious contexts.<P> Traces the decriminalisation of witchcraft and decline of persecution in Hungary and Transylvania.<P> This book provides a selection of studies on witchcraft and demonology by those involved in an interdisciplinary research group begun in Hungary thirty years ago. They examine urban and rural witchcraft conflicts from early modern times to the present, from a region hitherto rarely taken into consideration in witchcraft research. Special attention is given to healers, midwives, and cunning folk, including archaic sorcerer figures such as the táltos; whose ambivalent role is analysed in social, legal, medical and religious contexts. This volume examines how waves of persecution emerged and declined, and how witchcraft was decriminalised. Fascinating case-studies on vindictive witch-hunters, quarrelling neighbours, rivalling midwives, cunning shepherds, weather magician impostors, and exorcist Franciscan friars provide a colourful picture of Hungarian and Transylvanian folk beliefs and mythologies, as well as insights into historical and contemporary issues.
Witchcraft and Demonology in South-West England, 1640–1789
by Jonathan BarryInvestigating the continuing meaning of witchcraft and demonology in England in its period of supposed decline, Jonathan Barry takes six cases from south-western England between 1640 and 1789, and explores them in great depth to reveal the multiple and contested meanings of what occurred and how it was explained. Eschewing simple polarities of 'belief' or 'scepticism' about witches and the Devil, his studies here examine how our surviving evidence was created (and how carefully it must therefore be used) and transmitted down to our time. Barry's introduction and conclusion then bring out the wider implications, not only for the history of witchcraft and demonology, but for our understanding of the factors underlying cultural and intellectual change in England between the English and French revolutions, a time when political and religious pluralism and the impact of enlightenment ideas coexisted with deep-rooted commitment to a providentialist ideal of a united Protestant society, built on Biblical and legal traditions.
Witchcraft and Folk Belief in the Age of Enlightenment: Scotland, 1670-1740 (Palgrave Historical Studies in Witchcraft and Magic)
by Lizanne HendersonTaking an interdisciplinary perspective, Witchcraft and Folk Belief in the Age of Enlightenment represents the first in-depth investigation of Scottish witchcraft and witch belief post-1662, the period of supposed decline of such beliefs, an age which has been referred to as the 'long eighteenth century', coinciding with the Scottish Enlightenment. The late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries were undoubtedly a period of transition and redefinition of what constituted the supernatural, at the interface between folk belief and the philosophies of the learned. For the latter the eradication of such beliefs equated with progress and civilization but for others, such as the devout, witch belief was a matter of faith, such that fear and dread of witches and their craft lasted well beyond the era of the major witch-hunts. This study seeks to illuminate the distinctiveness of the Scottish experience, to assess the impact of enlightenment thought upon witch belief, and to understand how these beliefs operated across all levels of Scottish society.
Witchcraft and Magic
by Helen A. BergerMagic, always part of the occult underground in North America, has experienced a resurgence since the 1960s. Although most contemporary magical religions have come from abroad, they have found fertile ground in which to develop in North America. Who are today's believers in Witchcraft and how do they worship? Alternative spiritual paths have increased the ranks of followers dramatically, particularly among well-educated middle-class individuals. Witchcraft and Magic conveys the richness of magical religious experiences found in today's culture, covering the continent of North America and the Caribbean.These original essays survey current and historical issues pertinent to religions that incorporate magical or occult beliefs and practices, and they examine contemporary responses to these religions. The relationship between Witchcraft and Neopaganism is explored, as is their intersection with established groups practicing goddess worship. Recent years have seen the growth in New Age magic and Afro-Caribbean religions, and these developments are also addressed in this volume.All the religions covered offer adherents an alternative worldview and rituals that are aimed at helping individuals redefine themselves and make their interactions with the environment more empowered. Many modern occult religions share an absence of dogma or central authority to determine orthodoxy, and have become a contemporary experience embracing modern concerns like feminism, environmentalism, civil rights, and gay rights. Afro-Caribbean religions such as Santería, Palo, and Curanderismo, which do have a more developed dogma and authority structure, offer their followers a religion steeped in African and Hispanic traditions. Responses to the growth of magical religions have varied, from acceptance to an unfounded concern about the growth of a satanic underground. And, as magical religions have flourished, increased interest has resulted in a growing commercialization, with its threat of trivialization.