Product Description

Now reissued again due to popular demand, "Witchcraft for Tomorrow" answers many frequently asked questions about witchcraft including: 'How can I find a witches' coven?' and 'How can I become a witch?' Doreen Valiente tells you what the old religion of witchcraft has to offer the new age of Aquarius; how the age-old Craft of the Wise can be practised in the modern world; how to initiate yourself as a witch and found your own coven. The author, who was the leading figure in the establishment of the modern Wiccan movement, includes a new "Book of Shadows" (the witches' handbook of rituals and instructions) based upon ancient magical tradition but geared to the age of the future. There are witch songs, spells, incantations and practical advice on how to run a coven and how to acquire your own collection of magical implements; as well as methods of divination and other witch lore. The author shows how the oral traditions of witchcraft throw light not only upon the origins of the present-day witch cult and the activities of the witch leader George Pickingill and his covens, but also upon the mystery of the founding of the famous magical order, the Golden Dawn. Also discussed is the relationship between the witchcraft of Britain and Europe and the magical belief of the Far East. Do both traditions hark back to the legendary city of Shamballah and to the shamanistic practices of Asia? And, why do the secret circles of the witches resemble those of the Tantric sex-magic of India?

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #154104 in Books
• Published on: 1993-10-31
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

About the Author
Doreen Valiente was one of the founders of modern Wicca and was initiated into four different branches of the Old Religion in Great Britain. She is the author of An ABC of Witchcraft: Past and Present, Natural Magic, The Rebirth of Witchcraft and Witchcraft: A Tradition Renewed. She made many television and radio appearances, discussing witchcraft and folklore and displaying items from her collection of witchcraft objects. Doreen Valiente died in 1999.

Customer Reviews

An excellent introduction to the craft.
I first came across this book in 1983 when I was a novice seeking out all all I could about Witchcraft with a hope to meeting witches and covens. In those days the Craft wasn't so open and neither was there the vast array of books on the subject there is now. I'd read Janet & Stewart Farrar's early books and Witchcraft for Tommorow was mentioned on the jacket of one of these. I opened it not expecting too much at the time but soon found myself quite spellbound by it. (Doreen is a respected Craft authority who was instrumental in its revival with Gerald Gardner)I did the self-initiation rite as described in the integral Book of Shadows and this was my introduction to Craft practice. In Witchcraft for Tommorow Doreen presents the "Old Religion" in a readable, exciting manner for both Craft beginners and other folk who simply wish to know more. Spells, rituals and craft history are included written an earthy style of "mirth and reverence" As a newbie, reading this book was a seminal experience which led to changes in consciousness.

Jonathan Jayne

The best book on witchcraft.
This is probably one of the best books on witchcraft there is. Every serious practitioner should have this book on their shelves. Doreen Valiente is not only an excellent Author, she is the grandmother of modern witchcraft. She details the history of witchcraft and delves into over-looked subjects such as Old George Pickingill and his alledged nine covens, Aleister Crowley's supposed influence on the founding of Gardnerian witchcraft and compares practices with very similar eastern teachings. Throughout the book are informative chapters such as 'magical alphabets' and 'witches attire' along with illustrations and photographs. The second part of the book is a slightly simplified Gardnerian book of shadows designed not only for covens, but solitary witches aswell. Doreen's ABC of witchcraft is also a must.

An excellent book on Witchcraft
An excellent overview of Witchcraft - with hints and glimpses of other lesser known witchcraft traditions.

Highly recommended to those seeking more than modern americanised "Wicca" and insight into Witchcrafts real roots and history. Also gives tips to create and run your own covens and magical groups.