Product Description

A guide that reveals the rites, signs, omens and step-by-step secrets of the art of witchcraft. Included is information about powers and their attainment, casting spells, initiation rituals and recipes.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #894532 in Books
• Published on: 1996-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Customer Reviews

A wider view...
This book is an amalgamation of many diverse practices with some theological eyebrow- raisers. There are elements of wicca, traditional Craft, gypsy and folk magic, hermetic ritual etc. etc. It has much valuable material for those who know how to fish for it.
There has been much herrumphing about the 'Lord's Prayer backwards' ritual in the book. I believe that those who find this offensive are missing the point somewhat as it is meant as a symbolic shedding of one's previous religious background which has been a factor in the traditional craft a considerable while longer than this book's been around!
Some wiccans may be offended by the numerous formulae for cursing as it goes against their 'rede' whereas others will be delighted to add more magical weaponry to their arsenal!! Not for the faint-hearted!
Paul Huson's style is entertaining and lighthearted with some laugh-out-loud moments (without trivializing the subject matter) making this book a delight to read.
Although many witches (both wiccan and traditional) have criticized the work for it's lack of theological consistency it appeals to many for it's down-to-earth style and directness in contrast to the overwhelming quantity of fluffy, new-age material on the subject.
I would not disagree with those who say this is a catchpenny book on witchcraft as it is a 'love spells and curses' number, but there is much of interest here and many of the spells are indeed traditional. Huson also manages to drum home some magical fundamentals for beginners which the 'white light' books tend to overlook.

For male witches
I couldn't agree more with a previous reviewer that the witchcraft presented in this book is most certainly male-orientated and not full of all the feminist overtones you get in most. While I wouldn't say this tradition is older than Gerald Gardner's, it still has a medeival ceremonial magical air to it, and alot of themes and ritual syles have been adopted from medeival Grimoires and blended in with country witchcraft. I especially liked 'The conjuration of Barrabas' ritual and 'The operation of grand-bewitchment', the author seems less concerned with concealing the dark-arts, and urges you to embrace it. I think the reciting of the lord-prayer backwards is an excellent affirmation for the initiate to renounce former faiths and practices, so much so, I have adopted using it in my coven. Personally I tend to be more of a traditional country witch with a natural and simplistic approach, I'm not fond of endless rituals and ceremonies, but just take what you want and leave the rest.

You are acting like children !
This book is , just like most things in life , highly subjective : the baggage you carry with you into the reading of this book dictates what you will take with you IF you finish it ! It is symaltaniously good bad and indifferent , depending on your expectations of and for this peice . I like and have used it , and will do again , but some others disagree , fine by me ! Just stop arguing . "The Craft" ( to stay on safe ground ) , is in all its aspects , a teaching of universals and wholes ; this book is a part not the whole ! Being good for the sake of it is a highly christianised idea born of ignorance and the need of some people to control the masses ! I advcate personal strength and control : this book offers a challenge " can you control your self long enough and well enough to gain knowlage from this work ? " ,

So please stop bickerring and try to understand the wholness of the universe , including this minute part of it ! Bright blessings on you sisters and brothers

Blessed be !