A comprehensive look at the history and practices of rural English witchcraft • Explores witch’s familiars and fetches, animal magic, and the forms of witchcraft practiced by rural tradespeople, such as blacksmiths, herbalists, and artisans • Offers practical insight into spells, charms, folk incantations, herbal medicine practices, amulets, sigils, and tools of the craft • Details the evolution of public perception of witchcraft throughout England’s history, including the laws against witchcraft in place until the 1950s and witchcraft’s contentious relationship with the Christian church In this practical guide, Nigel Pennick takes the reader on a journey through the practice of operative witchcraft in the British Isles from the Middle Ages and the Elizabethan era to the decriminalization of witchcraft in the 1950s and its practice today. Highlighting uniquely English traditions, Pennick explores fetches and witch’s familiars, animal magic, and the forms of witchcraft practiced by rural tradespeople, such as blacksmiths, herbalists, and artisans, to enhance their professional work and compel others to do their bidding, both man and beast. He provides actual spells, charms, and folk incantations, along with details about the magical use of a variety of herbs, including nightshades, the creation of amulets and sigils, protection against the Evil Eye, and the use of aromatic oils. Pennick explains the best times of day for different types of magic, how to identify places of power, and the use of the paraphernalia of operative witchcraft, such as the broom, the witches’ dial, and pins, nails and thorns. He explores the belief in three different types of witches: white witches, who offer help and healing for a fee; black witches, who harm others; and gray witches, who practice both white and black magic. Examining witchcraft’s contentious relationship with the Christian church, he investigates the persecution of witches throughout the UK and the British West Indies up until the mid-20th century. He offers a look into the changing public perceptions of witchcraft and the treatment of its followers as well as revealing how English churchmen would offer magical solutions to the perceived threat of black witchcraft. Painting an in-depth picture of English witchcraft, including how it relates to and differs from modern Wicca, Pennick reveals the foundation from which modern witchcraft arose. He shows how this context is necessary to effectively use these ancient skills and techniques and how the evolution of witchcraft will continue harmonizing the old ways with the new.

An Exploration of the Magic Rites and Practices of Traditional Witchcraft, both Past and Present, Nice and Naughty. The truth is, Magic is the stuff of Witchcraft; the very life-blood that gives vibrancy in all its other aspects. We are all born with a capacity for practicing Magic, yet it is a topic that strikes fear into many for what it might actually do to them. Magic has a bad reputation, notwithstanding that it guided our ancient ancestors to initially develop the survival skills and techniques that have ultimately led to our modern-day world of science and technology. Magic means pushing the boundaries of what might just be possible. It implies change and therefore unsanctioned Magic has always been seen as a threat to the status quo. Nevertheless, it is a fascinating discipline; exploring, developing, and expanding one’s own mental powers. It entails a quest. From the Magic of Love and Sex to Witcherie with a Purpose demands skill, determination, and ability. From Astral Projection to Psychic Protection; from Magical Healing to communicating with spiritual entities from the Astral; the practice of Traditional Witchcraft demands a knowledge of Apies Magic, both the Nice and the Naughty; but best not the practice of its really naughty aspects. A Witches’ Canon, Part 1, provides a fact-based referenced guide for those wishing to further explore the Religion and Celebratory Rituals of Traditional Wicca. A Witches’ Canon, Part 2, has been written to provide a practical, referenced guide to the social aspects of Traditional Wicca; of Coven Organization, Initiations, Rites, and Rituals. A Witches’ Canon, Part 3, is a fact-based referenced guide to the practice of Magical Witchcraft, both nice and naughty. But then, if it isn’t fun, then it ain’t worth doing.

A comprehensive look at the history and practices of rural English witchcraft • Explores witch’s familiars and fetches, animal magic, and the forms of witchcraft practiced by rural tradespeople, such as blacksmiths, herbalists, and artisans • Offers practical insight into spells, charms, folk incantations, herbal medicine practices, amulets, sigils, and tools of the craft • Details the evolution of public perception of witchcraft throughout England’s history, including the laws against witchcraft in place until the 1950s and witchcraft’s contentious relationship with the Christian church In this practical guide, Nigel Pennick takes the reader on a journey through the practice of operative witchcraft in the British Isles from the Middle Ages and the Elizabethan era to the decriminalization of witchcraft in the 1950s and its practice today. Highlighting uniquely English traditions, Pennick explores fetches and witch’s familiars, animal magic, and the forms of witchcraft practiced by rural tradespeople, such as blacksmiths, herbalists, and artisans, to enhance their professional work and compel others to do their bidding, both man and beast. He provides actual spells, charms, and folk incantations, along with details about the magical use of a variety of herbs, including nightshades, the creation of amulets and sigils, protection against the Evil Eye, and the use of aromatic oils. Pennick explains the best times of day for different types of magic, how to identify places of power, and the use of the paraphernalia of operative witchcraft, such as the broom, the witches’ dial, and pins, nails and thorns. He explores the belief in three different types of witches: white witches, who offer help and healing for a fee; black witches, who harm others; and gray witches, who practice both white and black magic. Examining witchcraft’s contentious relationship with the Christian church, he investigates the persecution of witches throughout the UK and the British West Indies up until the mid-20th century. He offers a look into the changing public perceptions of witchcraft and the treatment of its followers as well as revealing how English churchmen would offer magical solutions to the perceived threat of black witchcraft. Painting an in-depth picture of English witchcraft, including how it relates to and differs from modern Wicca, Pennick reveals the foundation from which modern witchcraft arose. He shows how this context is necessary to effectively use these ancient skills and techniques and how the evolution of witchcraft will continue harmonizing the old ways with the new.

Everything the rational Wiccan needs in one place.

This alphabetical reference guide offers in-depth information on topics, terminology, and key figures from the history of sorcery and magic. Sorcery—the art of manipulating the supernatural forces that control the universe—has a long, rich, and fascinating legacy reaching back to ancient times. Any student or practitioner of this strange art will need a roadmap to its unique vocabulary and secret history. Drawn together from many different sources and presented in this book in simple terms are thousands of fascinating items relating to sorcery. Entries are arranged alphabetically and cross-indexed to provide ready access to the wide variety of materials associated with sorcery. Sorcery, as used in this book, embraces the precepts and practices through which men and women have sought to manipulate their universe.

An Exploration of the Traditional Witchcraft Coven, its Organization and Rituals, including Initiations, Rites of Passage, Magical and Social practices. The truth is, “Old” Gerald B. Gardner had little interest in how the Traditional Witchcraft Coven had been organized and structured. So apart from an example of how it should not be done, he passed on little information about how it was meant to be organized. That knowledge of how best to organize and structure a modern Coven has had to be reclaimed from the old records and by trial and error. So too the social Rites of Passage; those of birth, marriage and death that were all long since appropriated by the religious authorities have likewise needed to be restored. As too the traditional forms of Coven Magic and Healings, whilst still keeping Witchcraft ever the religion of Dance, Fun and Mirth. After all, who said that religion is not to be enjoyed? A Witches’ Canon, Part 1, provides a fact-based referenced guide for those wishing to further explore the Religion and Celebratory Rituals of Traditional Wicca. A Witches’ Canon, Part 2, has been written to provide a practical, referenced guide to the social aspects of Traditional Wicca; of Coven Organization, Initiations, Rites and Rituals. A Witches’ Canon, Part 3, is a fact-based referenced guide to the practice of Magical Witchcraft, both nice and naughty. If it isn’t fun, then it ain’t worth doing.