Showing results for "the witches" in Religion & Spirituality

Why have societies all across the world feared witchcraft? This book delves deeply into its context, beliefs, and origins in Europe's history. The witch came to prominence - and often a painful death - in early modern Europe, yet her origins are much more geographically diverse and historically deep. In this landmark book, Ronald Hutton traces witchcraft from the ancient world to the early modern state.

A witch is a wise woman, a healer. Yet for so long the word witch has had negative connotations. In this book, third generation hereditary witch Lisa Lister explains the history behind witchcraft, why identifying as a healer in past centuries led women to be burned at the stake, and why the witch is reawakening in women across the world today. This book provides an overview of the different schools of witchcraft and the core principles and practices within them.

Traveling through cities and sites across Italy, France, Germany, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, Kristen J. Sollee - a second-generation witch herself - explores the witch as a figure of female power and persecution. By infusing an adventurous first-person narrative with extensive research and imaginative historical fiction, Witch Hunt captures the magic of travel to make an often-overlooked period of history come alive.

Maybe you've known you were a witch for awhile, or maybe you are brand new to this whole witchcraft thing. Either way, this book is meant to introduce you to more than 30 different types of witches and show you where you fit in! Each entry breaks down what each type of witch is, what kind of magic they typically practice, and what their greatest strengths are. Many witches find that they are a unique combination of these types, and this versatility will allow them to explore a variety of magical paths throughout their lives. 

Horned gods have influenced the development of many magical traditions. This book explores the deep spiritual and historical roots of these gods, and shares rituals and activities designed to help you get closer to them. From Ancient Greece to the Renaissance, to the contemporary age of witchcraft and ritual magick, horned deities have been honored as gods of nature, sex, fertility, passion, sacrifice, death, and rebirth. The Horned God of the Witches reveals the origins and features of their most common guises.

When bigotry and power mania take control, disaster always follows for subjugated persons - even when the power is wielded by the Church. Witchcraft was viewed as devil-worship. Between 1450 and 1750, 100,000 people were accused, subject to the most bestial tortures and usually executed. Witches examines the wildfire-spread of witch-hunting across Europe and America, revealing the disturbing and brutal realities of these witch hunts and their roots in misogyny and religious persecution.

All women possess the primal courage and strength of the Witch. In this breakthrough, life-altering new book, Laurie Cabot brings more than 40 years of experience as a spiritual counselor and practicing Witch to cultivate and celebrate the secret, magical side of every woman's nature. Unfolding the wit and wisdom of ancient Celtic tales, as well as many stories of her own making, Laurie shows you how ancient truths can empower you during many of life's dark moments and lead you on a path of success and personal fulfillment.  

The Witch's Path is all about taking 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.

 Weave the Liminal explores what it means to truly be a witch in the modern world. Through the accessible lens of modern traditional witchcraft, Laura Tempest Zakroff helps you formulate a personalized witchcraft practice and deepen your work with spirits, ancestors, familiars, and the energies of the liminal realm.  

Are you wanting to contact the spirit world for extra guidance, healing, and empowerment? "Connecting with the Afterlife" is not just a book; it's a doorway to a world beyond our physical senses—a world where you can receive guidance, find solace, and tap into the infinite wisdom of the spirit realm. Embrace the extraordinary and connect with the unseen. Your spiritual journey begins here…

Take a journey through the magickal folk traditions of Scotland. Barbara Meiklejohn-Free, a Scottish hereditary witch, shares her own spiritual awakening into the craft and shows you how to integrate these practices into your own life. Discover the secrets of divination, scrying, faery magick, and communication with ancestors. Explore herb and plant lore and specific rituals to address what you most desire. Filled with inspiring anecdotes, craft history, and step-by-step instructions, this book will help you begin a new chapter of spiritual discovery.

Bringing pharmakeia (the practice of plant spirit witchcraft) into contemporary times, Entering Hekate's Garden merges historical knowledge with modern techniques. In it, author Cyndi Brannen offers her extensive insight into Hekatean ritual and witchcraft and especially its application to the Green World. 

Written in the form of letters from an experienced witch to her two apprentices, solitary witchcraft is offered, not as a substitute for coven worship, but as a fulfilling lifestyle in its own right. Rae Beth explains the importance of the Goddess and her consort, the Horned God, as sources of spiritual strength and worship. The author extols the feminine principles of healing and regeneration as well as attacking greed and self-interest which jeopardize the planet's very future. 

Is it possible to gain spiritual enlightenment even in difficult or threatening situations? What is the nature of evil and the role of seemingly bad things in the universe? In this thorough and thoughtful protection magick handbook, you are urged to take responsibility for your own actions, ask what you might learn from any situation, and hold compassion for those you may view as doing harm.

An in-depth manual for practicing fairy witchcraft, including theology, fairy lore, rituals, holidays, and magical practices. This book aims to pick up where Pagan Portals: Fairy Witchcraft leaves off and teach interested people the comprehensive practice of this system of honoring the fair folk and liminal gods by blending the old fairy faith with modern paganism. 

Wondering what it takes to be a Wiccan? This plain-English guide introduces you to the vibrant world of Wicca and the practices of Witchcraft, describing its ancient origins, dispelling stereotypes, and explaining Wiccan beliefs, ethics, rituals, and holidays. You'll see what it means to live as a contemporary Wiccan - and how to worship alone or with a group. 

For author Jennie Blonde, witchcraft is, in and of itself, comforting. Sure, there are not-so-comfortable parts as well—working with the shadow, coming face to face with that which holds you back. But for Jennie, witchcraft is about connecting with nature, your higher self, and with something beyond—a deity, deities, Spirit, the universe—and being comfortable with your true self in all aspects of your life.

The earth, the moon, and the magical path to enlightenment. Written by a practicing witch who conducts classes and seminars on witchcraft - the oldest Western religion, a means of power and enlightenment, and a healing art. 

On a tour through history that's both whimsical and startling, we'll encounter 17th-century children flying around inside their New England home "like geese". We'll meet a father-son team of pious Puritans who embarked on a mission that involved undressing ladies and overseeing hangings. And on the eve of the Civil War, we'll accompany a reporter as he dons a dress and goes searching for witches in New York City's most dangerous neighborhoods.

Follow your heart and spirit as you build your witchcraft and intuition skills together. Featuring extensive exercises, examples, and rituals, this amazing book reveals how to embrace the wisdom of your inner voice as you explore the endless possibilities of witchcraft. With Astrea Taylor's guidance, you can unlock your intuitive magical potential and celebrate the truth of who you are.