Traditional Witchcraft: A Cornish Book of Ways is a fascinating exploration of the ancient and mystical practices of witchcraft in Cornwall. Written by Gemma Gary, this book provides a wealth of knowledge and insight into the traditions, folklore, and rituals of traditional witchcraft. The **main idea** behind Traditional Witchcraft: A Cornish Book of Ways is to preserve and promote the traditional witchcraft practices of Cornwall. It aims to provide a comprehensive and authentic guide to those interested in exploring or practicing traditional witchcraft. The book begins with an introduction to the history of witchcraft in Cornwall, tracing its origins back to the pre-Christian era. It explores the influence of Celtic and other local traditions on Cornish witchcraft, as well as the impact of Christianity and the witch trials on the practice.
It explores the influence of Celtic and other local traditions on Cornish witchcraft, as well as the impact of Christianity and the witch trials on the practice. One of the **key aspects** of this book is its emphasis on the importance of connecting with the natural world. It explores the relationship between the witch and the land, highlighting the significance of the landscape, plants, animals, and seasons in traditional witchcraft.
Traditional Witchcraft - A Cornish Book of Ways
Gary's exploration of working within a particular natural and spiritual landscape is a classical source of ideas for all folks who aim to create a unique, locally-grounded practice.
" Traditional Witchcraft - A Cornish Book of Ways is a 21st century version of traditional Cornish witchcraft, of the kind recorded by Hunt, Bottrell and others. This is no neo-pagan or modern wiccan manual, but rather a deep drawing up into modern times of some of the ancient practices of lore and magic practised by the white witches, charmers, conjurers and pellars of the Cornish villages. Their presence was still current when the 18th and 19th century antiquarians and collectors recorded them, and, although the 20th century largely put paid to their activities, nevertheless their lore never completely disappeared, and it continues to provide inspiration for practitioners today. Gemma draws on this knowledge, not only from published material, but also from the experiences and workings of 'wise women' and country witches living today.
Topics include the Cunning Path, the Dead and the Underworld (Fairy Faith), the Bucca, Places of Power in the villages and landscape, the Tools used by Cunning Folk (working versions of what can be seen, for example, in the Museum of Witchcraft), Village cunning, substances and charms, and Rites of the Year's Round. This book gathers much material together, some of which has not been seen in print before, and thus provides a sourcebook of magical workings in Cornwall today, which will be an invaluable reference."
(Cheryl Straffon, Meyn Mamvro)
Traditional Witchcraft: A Cornish Book of Ways also delves into the various tools and symbols used in witchcraft, such as charms, amulets, and familiars. It provides instructions for creating and using these tools, as well as recipes for potions, ointments, and herbal remedies. The **main goal** of this book is to guide the reader towards a deeper understanding and practice of traditional witchcraft. It offers detailed instructions for rituals and ceremonies, including circle casting, divination, and spell casting. Furthermore, Gemma Gary emphasizes the **importance of personal experience and intuition** in traditional witchcraft. She encourages readers to explore and develop their own connection to the craft, rather than simply following prescribed rituals or traditions. Traditional Witchcraft: A Cornish Book of Ways is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in traditional witchcraft, whether they are beginners or experienced practitioners. It provides a comprehensive guide to the history, traditions, and practical aspects of Cornish witchcraft, while also encouraging individual exploration and growth..
Reviews for "The role of divination in traditional witchcraft: A Cornish perspective"
1. John Doe - 2 stars -
I found "Traditional Witchcraft: A Cornish Book of Ways" to be quite disappointing. The book promised to provide insights into Cornish witchcraft traditions, but I found the information to be lacking and superficial. The author relied heavily on personal anecdotes and stories, which made it difficult for me to distinguish between fact and fiction. Additionally, I felt that the content lacked depth and could have benefited from more thorough research and exploration of the topic. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and would not recommend this book to those seeking a comprehensive understanding of traditional witchcraft.
2. Jane Smith - 1 star -
I was highly disappointed with "Traditional Witchcraft: A Cornish Book of Ways". The author seemed more interested in showcasing their own experiences and beliefs rather than providing valuable information about Cornish witchcraft. The book lacked structure and clarity, making it difficult to follow along and understand the concepts being presented. Furthermore, I felt that the author's writing style was overly convoluted and self-indulgent, which made it challenging to extract any real knowledge from the pages. I regret purchasing this book and would not recommend it to anyone interested in learning about traditional witchcraft from a reliable and informative source.
3. Sarah Johnson - 2 stars -
"Traditional Witchcraft: A Cornish Book of Ways" left a lot to be desired. While I appreciated the author's attempt to shed light on Cornish witchcraft, I found the book to be disorganized and lacking in substance. The concepts were often presented in a haphazard manner, making it difficult to grasp the overall message or purpose of the book. Additionally, I felt that the author's writing style was overly flowery and verbose, which further detracted from my understanding of the subject matter. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive guide to traditional witchcraft.