The philosophy of ancient witchcraft is a complex and multifaceted subject that has been surrounded by myths and misunderstandings for centuries. Ancient witchcraft, also known as traditional witchcraft, is rooted in ancient European pagan traditions and encompasses a wide range of beliefs and practices. At its core, the philosophy of ancient witchcraft is deeply connected to the natural world and the cycles of life and death. It recognizes the inherent power and interconnectedness of all living things and seeks to work in harmony with nature rather than trying to dominate or control it. One of the key principles of ancient witchcraft is the belief in the existence of a divine feminine energy, often referred to as the Goddess. This energy is seen as the creative force behind all life and holds a central role in witchcraft rituals and practices.
This book includes material drawn from some of the author's previous books--Futhark, Runelore, and Runecaster's Handbook--as well as new additions and revisions by the author.
He received his doctorate in Germanic languages and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas and has published over two dozen on Esoteric Runology. It spends a great number of pages detailing the friends various classes, along with some entertaining segues about a mysterious prophecy, some detailed history and lore, and of course some tame, but believable romance.
This energy is seen as the creative force behind all life and holds a central role in witchcraft rituals and practices. Another important aspect of the philosophy of ancient witchcraft is the understanding and acceptance of duality. Ancient witches recognize that all things in the universe exist in balance and that light cannot exist without darkness, and vice versa.
The Big Book of Runes and Rune Magic - (Weiser Big Book) by Edred Thorsson (Paperback)
Runes are the ancient Norse alphabet used for communication, divination, and magical work. Here, American runologist Edred Thorsson provides an in-depth guide to the world of runes for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Thorsson's presentation of this powerful system provides a valuable tool for self-development and spiritual transformation.The Big Book of Runes and Rune Magic:Introduces the 24 runes of the Elder Futhark along with their definitions and mystical propertiesExplores the historical lore of runes using archaeological evidence to explain where the runes come from, what they mean, and how they evolvedReveals the hidden lore and esoteric dimension of runes, looking at the cosmology of the Old Norse to explain the role runes played and how they were used over timeIncludes specific sections on rune magic and divination, rune poems, and runic numerology, as well as instructions on how to make your own runes and imbue them with numinous power, arrange the optimum setting for a rune reading, and prepare yourself psychologically and spiritually for casting the runes
Book Synopsis
A complete in-depth guide to the ancient runic alphabet and its use in communicating with the gods, in divination, and in magical work.
American runologist Edred Thorsson provides a complete introduction to the world of runes for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Thorsson's presentation of this powerful system provides a valuable tool for self-development and spiritual transformation.
This comprehensive guide is suitable to those new to the runes as well as for long-time practitioners. It includes:
- An introduction to the 24 runes of the Elder Futhark along with an explanation of their definitions and mystical properties
- An exploration of the historical lore of runes, with reference to archaeological evidence to explain where the runes come from, what they mean, and how they evolved
- The hidden, esoteric dimension of runes
- The cosmology of the Old Norse meanings of the runes to help explain the role they played and how they were used over time
- Specific explanation on rune magic, divination, rune poems, and runic numerology
This comprehensive guide also includes Instructions on how to make your own runes and imbue them with numinous power, arrange the optimum setting for a rune reading, and prepare yourself psychologically and spiritually for casting the runes.
This book includes material drawn from some of the author's previous books--Futhark, Runelore, and Runecaster's Handbook--as well as new additions and revisions by the author.
About the Author
This dualistic view is reflected in their rituals and spells, which often seek to bring about balance and harmony. Ancient witchcraft also places a significant emphasis on personal responsibility and individual empowerment. Witches are encouraged to take control of their own lives and destinies, using their knowledge and skills to manifest positive change in the world. Contrary to popular belief, ancient witchcraft does not involve the worship of the devil or the practice of evil magic. In fact, ancient witches adhere to a strict code of ethics known as the Wiccan Rede, which states, "An it harm none, do what ye will." This means that any action taken by a witch should not cause harm to others or infringe upon their free will. Overall, the philosophy of ancient witchcraft is centered around a deep reverence for nature, a belief in the divine feminine, a recognition of duality, and a dedication to personal responsibility and ethical behavior. It is a rich and vibrant tradition that continues to inspire and empower individuals today..
Reviews for "The Wisdom of Ancient Witchcraft: Applying its Philosophical Teachings Today"
1. Sarah - 1/5 - I was really disappointed by "The Philosophy of Ancient Witchcraft". I was expecting a deep exploration of the subject matter, but instead, I found it to be a shallow and poorly researched book. The author made several factual errors and seemed to rely heavily on outdated and incorrect information. The writing style was also incredibly dry and uninspiring, making it difficult to stay engaged with the material. Overall, I would not recommend this book for anyone looking for a legitimate exploration of ancient witchcraft.
2. Mark - 2/5 - "The Philosophy of Ancient Witchcraft" left a lot to be desired. While the book did touch on some interesting aspects of ancient witchcraft, I found it to be lacking in depth and substance. The author seemed to jump from one topic to another without fully exploring any of them. There were also numerous typographical errors throughout the book, which made it difficult to follow at times. Despite its potential, this book fell short of my expectations, and I would recommend looking elsewhere for a more thorough exploration of the subject matter.
3. Emily - 2/5 - I found "The Philosophy of Ancient Witchcraft" to be quite underwhelming. The book promised to delve into the philosophical aspects of ancient witchcraft, but it failed to deliver. The content felt disjointed and lacked a coherent structure. The author seemed to go off on tangents and often repeated information that had already been covered. Additionally, the writing style was overly academic and dense, making it inaccessible for those not already well-versed in the subject. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and would not recommend this book for anyone interested in exploring the philosophy of ancient witchcraft.