Showing results for "witchcraft" in Religious Studies

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.

Discover the beguiling history of witchcraft, magic and superstition through the centuries and across the world in this stunningly audiobook. A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult charts the extraordinary narrative of one of the most interesting and often controversial subjects in the world - from ancient animal worship and shamanism, through alchemy and divination to modern Wicca and the resurgence of the occult in 21st-century literature, cinema and television.

This provocative audiobook invites you to create your own spiritual path based on often-suppressed ancient principles and contemporary practices. Using the elements (earth, water, fire, air, ether) rather than traditional patriarchal hierarchies, this "holy book" is designed to connect each individual to their universal - but often denied - powers. Wild woman Danielle Dulsky takes you deep as she explores and embraces sacred feminine archetypes such as the mother goddess, the crone, and the maiden.

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.

Courtney Weber (author of Brigid and The Morrigan) offers an informed, accessible journey through the lore and history of Hekate, the ancient goddess of crossroads, ghosts, and witchcraft, and reflects on Hekate’s relevance today. Tools and techniques for incorporating this goddess into your personal journey round out the book.

Join Moss Matthey as he recounts his uplifting journey from the confines of a fundamentalist Christian cult to an empowering Pagan coven. Weaving his lived experiences with a gentle introduction to Witchcraft, Moss explores what differentiates Paganism from cults and high-control religions, inviting you to shed oppressive spiritual experiences and find support.

Nocturnal energies differ from those of Daylight and Witches have long known how to take advantage of Lunar Powers and the spiritual entities that prefer the darkness for particular magical operations. This innovative book explores special techniques for working with the Night Powers and the subtle effects of dark symbols to: cast a Nocturnal Magick Circle; invoke the Dark Gods and Goddesses; skry the night; open the Gates to the Underworld; cast spells through the Dark Ether; and explore the symbolic realm of shadow, illusion, and the mysteries of the unknown.

Malleus Maleficarum, usually translated as The Hammer of Witches, is the best known treatise on witchcraft. It was written by the German Catholic clergyman Heinrich Kramer, and first published in the German city of Speyer in 1486. It has been described as the compendium of literature in demonology of the 15th century.

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.

During the bleak winter of 1692 in the rigid Puritan community of Salem Village, Massachusetts, a group of young girls began experiencing violent fits, allegedly tormented by Satan and the witches who worshipped him. From the girls' initial denouncing of an Indian slave, the accusations soon multiplied. In less than two years, 19 men and women were hanged, one was pressed to death, and over a hundred others were imprisoned and impoverished. This evenhanded and now-classic history illuminates the horrifying episode with visceral clarity.

In today's complex world, people are lost spiritually. The answer to finding peace and well-being is within Wiccan magic and the practices and spells to restore harmony, love, and healing with the help of the Wikkan gods and goddesses.

Who are the Goddess and the God, and where did they come from? Why do they have different names in different Wiccan traditions, and how do you begin to work with them in your personal practice? Magical Deities, by best-selling author Lisa Chamberlain, answers these questions and more. Going beyond the brief introduction to the God and Goddess found in many beginner guides to Wicca, Lisa covers the origins of the Wiccan deities as well as the difference between traditional duotheism and more eclectic polytheistic practices, both of which are found in some forms of modern Wicca.

Understandably, most people struggle with irrational fear at the mere mention of supernatural beings and concepts, including witches and ghosts based on what is portrayed about them in folklore, movies, scientific journals, fiction books, classical and contemporary art, and TV programs. But you’d be surprised by how much people’s minds are changed when they actually study the world of ghosts, witches and supernatural beings in general and gain insight.

All you need to know to start casting a spell today! This guide walks you through the intentions of Wicca, its origins, the things that are deeply significant to its effects and its rituals. In this audiobook, you will learn so much more than what scents and colors you need to use to fortify your altar, your magical space, your personal life, the places you live and the places you work with positive energy and to ward off harm. You will learn how to create a ritual for yourself that will fortify your life and strengthen you.

Ostara - also known as the Spring Equinox - is a time of renewal, a time to plant seeds as the earth once again comes to life. This guide to the history and modern celebrations of Ostara shows you how to perform rituals and work magic to renew your power and passion for living and growing.

Wicca For Beginners is your comprehensive guide towards understanding the real basics of what the Wiccan path is about. Full of historical knowledge and important figures like Gerald Gardner, Doreen Valiente, and Aleister Crowley, Wicca for Beginners will take you onto an intellectual journey and educate you on the true basics, laws, and honor code that is barely touched on. Sure you can buy someone’s book about magic, but Wicca for Beginners is a true guide that will stay with you throughout the test of time.

A fresh new approach to the topics of witchcraft and sorcery! This unique book deals with these issues from a religious perspective. Traditional church and Biblical teachings are emphasized rather than a source book for dabbling with witchcraft or sorcery. An informative eye-opener for both Christians and non-Christians!

This audiobook is a must-have in order to find out proven steps and strategies on how to practice Wiccan religion as well as its origins, forms, beauties, and practices. Wicca is a religion that emerged from a predominantly Christian country; it has therefore encountered various criticisms and sensationalism from Christian groups and popular British tabloids. Learn the journey of this religion and how it has overcome several setbacks in the cause of its growth.

A helpful reference guide and dictionary to all things pertaining to witches, witchcraft, wizards, and wizardry. Topics covered include white witchcraft, black witchcraft, sorcery, spells, magic, concoctions, brews, feasts, ceremonies, much more! Several hundred entries in this handy reference guide. Michael Freze, S.F.O., is a best-selling Catholic author for Our Sunday Visitor.

Follow me in this guide to the Wiccan faith and ideals, where you'll find out that we believe in tolerance and acceptance above everything else. Let me shake off the mystery and the seriousness that plagues Wiccan people this day and age. I'm here to give you the straight answers you're looking for.