Showing results for "witchcraft" in Europe

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.

Ronald Hutton is known for his colorful, provocative, and always exhaustively researched studies on original subjects. This work is no exception: the first full-scale scholarly study of the only religion England has ever given the world, that of modern pagan witchcraft, which has now spread from English shores across four continents. Hutton examines the nature of that religion and its development, and offers a microhistory of attitudes to paganism, witchcraft, and magic in British society since 1800.

Step into the world that exists just beyond the realm of common knowledge, and emerge enlightened. If you are ready to embark on this thrilling journey, then listen to The History of Witchcraft now, and dive deep into the mystifying annals of witchcraft....

For centuries, the idea of witches living in our midst has enthralled us. How did this fascination develop? Why did it lead to the persecution of thousands of accused “witches”, most of them women? What does the history of witch hunts reveal about our identities and Western civilization at large? Thomas Fudge, PhD, an expert on heresy and the Middle Ages, helps you explore these questions.

Helen Duncan - known since childhood as 'Hellish Nell', for her uncontainable nature - was one of the most popular mediums of the twentieth century, holding seances around the country where she was believed to manifest the spirits of the dead. What happens when we die? It was the question of the age for a generation which had endured one world war and now was living through another. Mrs Duncan's seances offered an answer. But when she started foretelling naval disasters, she also attracted the unwelcome attention of the secret service.

Examining trial records and the pharmacopoeia of witches, alchemists, folk healers, and heretics of the 15th century, Thomas Hatsis details how a range of ideas from folk drugs to ecclesiastical fears over medicine women merged to form the classical “witch” stereotype and what history has called the “witches’ ointment”. He shares dozens of psychoactive formulas and recipes gleaned from rare manuscripts from university collections from all over the world as well as the practices and magical incantations necessary for their preparation.

This comprehensive guide delves deep into the history and meanings of each of the 24 runes of the Elder Futhark, the oldest known runic alphabet. It explores the mythology and lore surrounding these ancient symbols and provides practical guidance for how you can use them in your own spiritual practices and personal development.

Explore a marvelous world of glamoury: the Celtic Otherworld of shadow and Sidhe, a realm where everything that ever was, is, or will be, exists right now. The Celts had a life-affirming, mystical way of viewing and living life, in tune with the forces of Nature and magic. Magic of the Celtic Otherworld presents techniques for becoming attuned to the life forces of the Green World through seasonal rituals, visualizations, and magical workings. Learn how to find your way around the Otherworld and gain an understanding of how each of us constantly shapes the land on which we live.

This work contains sections in which the author chronologically recounts individual legal cases involving witchcraft, citing about three instances in each section. He examines the reasonable explanations for the supernatural accusations, as well as the cultural us context that explains the fervor with which many of the supposed witches were persecuted.

Let us take you back in time, when the Norse people lived in an enchanted and sacred world—a time famously shrouded in mystery, magic, and witchcraft. Norse Paganism has survived the centuries, the rise and fall of empires, and the introduction of new religions. More than just a religion, it is also a way of life to help one lead a fulfilling existence…and every person, no matter their race, religion, or culture is welcome. History Brought Alive provides you with a single credible source detailing Norse Paganism.

Enter the shadowy realms of myth, history, and folklore in Bewitching Britain: The Hidden Witches of England. This spellbinding exploration takes listeners on an unprecedented journey into the dark corners of British history, illuminating the tales of those who have been vilified, persecuted, and misunderstood due to accusations of witchcraft. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in British history, witchcraft, folklore, and the supernatural. Be ready to journey through the mists of time into an England where witchcraft was both a feared crime and a misunderstood practice.

There is a tendency to view witchcraft as an inherently feminine subject. But it this entirely fair? For centuries, men have plumbed the depths of the occult and the fantastic, searching for new ways in which to employ ancient knowledge. These mystics, occultists, and wizards has sought to expand their knowledge about the universe in ways which were forbidden, untrusted, or simply unknown. These magickal men have a unique way of looking at the world and one which should certainly be celebrated.