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Traditional Witchcraft and the Pagan Revival: A Magical Anthropology
Traditional Witchcraft and the Pagan Revival takes us on a journey into the past, along the highways and byways of our pagan heritage to discover when the different aspects of magical influence entered traditional witchcraft. It will appeal to everyone with an interest in magic, witchcraft and paganism - from grass roots to the more advanced levels of Wicca - who wish to learn more about the different traditions and their antecedents.
- GenresNonfiction
191 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 16, 2013
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About the author
Melusine Draco
74 books41 followersMélusine Draco originally trained in the magical arts of traditional British Old Craft with Bob and Mériém Clay-Egerton. She has been a magical and spiritual instructor for over 20 years with Coven of the Scales and the Temple of Khem, and writer of numerous popular books including Liber Agyptius: the Book of Egyptian Magic; The Egyptian Book of Days; The Egyptian Book of Nights; The Thelemic Handbook; The Hollow Tree, an elementary guide to the Qabalah; A Witch's Treasury of the Countryside; Root & Branch: British Magical Tree Lore and Starchild: a rediscovery of stellar wisdom. Her highly individualistic teaching methods and writing draws on ancient sources supported by academic texts and current archaeological findings. She now lives in Ireland near the Galtee Mountains and has several titles currently published with John Hunt Publishing including the Traditional Witchcraft series.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 14, 2013
I was offered the opportunity to review a copy of Melusine Draco's latest book prior to its publication. Traditional Witchcraft and the Pagan Revival is part of the 'Traditional Witchcraft' series written by the author and published by Moon Book and will be published on 30 August 2013.
Traditional Witchcraft and the Pagan Revival by Melusine Draco
This book takes the reader on a sweeping journey through time and spirituality within the British Isles. From archaeological sites in the Paleolithic that hint at shamanism, ancestor cults and an established genius loci; through the medieval period, with its ambivalent view of witchcraft; to the Elizabethan's and their obsession with Ritual Magic; and the 'Burning Times' of the seventeenth century; to the pagan revival in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries; all the way to the modern period and the birth and phenomenal growth of the Wiccan and neo-pagan movement.
Draco uses archaeological sources and historical research to argue that magic and religion were at first intertwined, and later became separated particularly with the advent of Christianity. She argues that remnants of older pagan traditions remained, particularly in more remote areas of Britain, and these remnants and their guardians influenced the development of Traditional British Witchcraft. She also addresses some of the pit-falls of modern interpretations of paganism and their claims to ancient antecedents. She also highlights some of the prejudice that can still be faced by those following alternative spiritual paths.
I found this book to be very engaging, enlightening and at times challenging - it covers a great deal of ground in under 200 pages. While there are undoubtably more complex and detailed archaeological and historical studies available and Draco's interpretation of the evidence whilst drawing on some very distinguished sources, is very much her own, this book provides a good over view of archaeological and historic periods from earliest times to the present day. Her survey outlines the main theories in relation to magical and religious developments within the British Isles and her insight how these traditions and survivals may have influenced Traditional British Witchcraft and Neo-pagan traditions such as Wicca.
Her chapters are broken up into the archaeological or historical overview, a 'story so far' section interpreting the evidence, and a summary drawing it all together. In a book covering such a vast period of time, this seems a very practical approach. She also provides a detailed chapter by chapter bibliography to aid further research.
I was impressed with the depth of research carried out by Draco, she quotes eminent archaeologists and historians to support her theories, and presents this information in a very readable and informative manner. Any book on the history of witchcraft would be hard pressed not to refer to the legendary Margaret Murray, whose 1921 book on witch-cults in Europe had a huge influence on the development of the neo-pagan movement and modern Wicca. Draco uses Murray judiciously, Murray's theories are now hotly disputed and Draco, although claiming some remnant pagan elements from antiquity may have survived in Britain, does not go as far as to claim an unbroken ancient lineage.
I was particularly taken by Draco's idea of a Jungian Collective Unconsciousness, where over time universal magical knowledge was laid down and stored, ready for those with the ability to tap into in to it in future ages. A sort of metaphysical unbroken lineage rather than an actual genealogical line!
Draco also makes an interesting point that many of the academic writers researching the history of witchcraft do not actually believe in witches per se, so approach the subject with an unintentional bias; she also has no truck with a lot of current pagan writings in which she blames for the propagation of lazy and inaccurate historical 'facts' - or to use her own phrase: 'fakelore and fantasy'.
I was interested to see how she would approach the 'Burning Times', Draco clearly highlighted the difference in treatment of witches in England as opposed to those on the continent who were subject to the inquisition during this period. She also avoided citing the oft quoted figure of 5 million killed during these times, a highly contentious figure which is strongly refuted by academics in the field. (However, the dispute about the numbers killed should not be used to denigrate or dismiss the terrifying truth that hundreds of thousands of people, mainly women, were killed because they were perceived to be witches. And lets not forget that TODAY in many countries around the world people are still being persecuted and killed as witches).
Draco is a teacher, an instructor, and this comes across strongly in her writing style. She has some very passionate views on the 'correct' approach to studying witchcraft and paganism - and strongly believes in the importance of tapping into the genius loci of an area as a way of connecting to the Old Ways. She is very skeptical of the modern eclectic/pick and mix approach promoted by many spiritual paths, preferring (as Dion Fortune did) that a person becomes an expert (in more than on path, if desired) before one creates a more individualist path. Draco does not encourage 'dabblers'. Some may find her muscular approach to her subject and her clear preference for Traditional Witchcraft a little off-putting - some of her views in relation to Wicca and neo paganism can appear high-handed and dismissive (she readily admits that British Traditional Witchcraft can be a bit 'red in tooth and claw' and is much more tribal and can seem a lot less open armed than other branches of paganism).
This book is clearly pitched at pagan readers rather than history fans, however I think that those generally interested in history would enjoy reading it, as it provides a very good survey of the last few thousand years from quite an alternative perspective: the magical/religious developments of the British Isles in relation to modern paganism. In my view, it can only be a benefit to paganism in general if those practicing alternative paths such as Witchcraft, Wicca or Paganism find out more about the actual history of the subject rather than relying only on those books that provide a very appealing but not necessarily realistic view of pagan history. As a result some currently accepted historical 'facts' might be consigned to 'folklore' but that's not to say they lose their significance - it just tempers it.
Although some of the interpretations of the archaeological and historical record are open to challenge, for a book of under 200 pages that successful navigates many thousands of years of history and dealing with quite a controversial subject this is only to be expected! This is a book that makes the reader ask questions, think about the evidence, and hopefully explore further. I found it a thoroughly fascinating read.
Traditional Witchcraft and the Pagan Revival by Melusine Draco
This book takes the reader on a sweeping journey through time and spirituality within the British Isles. From archaeological sites in the Paleolithic that hint at shamanism, ancestor cults and an established genius loci; through the medieval period, with its ambivalent view of witchcraft; to the Elizabethan's and their obsession with Ritual Magic; and the 'Burning Times' of the seventeenth century; to the pagan revival in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries; all the way to the modern period and the birth and phenomenal growth of the Wiccan and neo-pagan movement.
Draco uses archaeological sources and historical research to argue that magic and religion were at first intertwined, and later became separated particularly with the advent of Christianity. She argues that remnants of older pagan traditions remained, particularly in more remote areas of Britain, and these remnants and their guardians influenced the development of Traditional British Witchcraft. She also addresses some of the pit-falls of modern interpretations of paganism and their claims to ancient antecedents. She also highlights some of the prejudice that can still be faced by those following alternative spiritual paths.
I found this book to be very engaging, enlightening and at times challenging - it covers a great deal of ground in under 200 pages. While there are undoubtably more complex and detailed archaeological and historical studies available and Draco's interpretation of the evidence whilst drawing on some very distinguished sources, is very much her own, this book provides a good over view of archaeological and historic periods from earliest times to the present day. Her survey outlines the main theories in relation to magical and religious developments within the British Isles and her insight how these traditions and survivals may have influenced Traditional British Witchcraft and Neo-pagan traditions such as Wicca.
Her chapters are broken up into the archaeological or historical overview, a 'story so far' section interpreting the evidence, and a summary drawing it all together. In a book covering such a vast period of time, this seems a very practical approach. She also provides a detailed chapter by chapter bibliography to aid further research.
I was impressed with the depth of research carried out by Draco, she quotes eminent archaeologists and historians to support her theories, and presents this information in a very readable and informative manner. Any book on the history of witchcraft would be hard pressed not to refer to the legendary Margaret Murray, whose 1921 book on witch-cults in Europe had a huge influence on the development of the neo-pagan movement and modern Wicca. Draco uses Murray judiciously, Murray's theories are now hotly disputed and Draco, although claiming some remnant pagan elements from antiquity may have survived in Britain, does not go as far as to claim an unbroken ancient lineage.
I was particularly taken by Draco's idea of a Jungian Collective Unconsciousness, where over time universal magical knowledge was laid down and stored, ready for those with the ability to tap into in to it in future ages. A sort of metaphysical unbroken lineage rather than an actual genealogical line!
Draco also makes an interesting point that many of the academic writers researching the history of witchcraft do not actually believe in witches per se, so approach the subject with an unintentional bias; she also has no truck with a lot of current pagan writings in which she blames for the propagation of lazy and inaccurate historical 'facts' - or to use her own phrase: 'fakelore and fantasy'.
I was interested to see how she would approach the 'Burning Times', Draco clearly highlighted the difference in treatment of witches in England as opposed to those on the continent who were subject to the inquisition during this period. She also avoided citing the oft quoted figure of 5 million killed during these times, a highly contentious figure which is strongly refuted by academics in the field. (However, the dispute about the numbers killed should not be used to denigrate or dismiss the terrifying truth that hundreds of thousands of people, mainly women, were killed because they were perceived to be witches. And lets not forget that TODAY in many countries around the world people are still being persecuted and killed as witches).
Draco is a teacher, an instructor, and this comes across strongly in her writing style. She has some very passionate views on the 'correct' approach to studying witchcraft and paganism - and strongly believes in the importance of tapping into the genius loci of an area as a way of connecting to the Old Ways. She is very skeptical of the modern eclectic/pick and mix approach promoted by many spiritual paths, preferring (as Dion Fortune did) that a person becomes an expert (in more than on path, if desired) before one creates a more individualist path. Draco does not encourage 'dabblers'. Some may find her muscular approach to her subject and her clear preference for Traditional Witchcraft a little off-putting - some of her views in relation to Wicca and neo paganism can appear high-handed and dismissive (she readily admits that British Traditional Witchcraft can be a bit 'red in tooth and claw' and is much more tribal and can seem a lot less open armed than other branches of paganism).
This book is clearly pitched at pagan readers rather than history fans, however I think that those generally interested in history would enjoy reading it, as it provides a very good survey of the last few thousand years from quite an alternative perspective: the magical/religious developments of the British Isles in relation to modern paganism. In my view, it can only be a benefit to paganism in general if those practicing alternative paths such as Witchcraft, Wicca or Paganism find out more about the actual history of the subject rather than relying only on those books that provide a very appealing but not necessarily realistic view of pagan history. As a result some currently accepted historical 'facts' might be consigned to 'folklore' but that's not to say they lose their significance - it just tempers it.
Although some of the interpretations of the archaeological and historical record are open to challenge, for a book of under 200 pages that successful navigates many thousands of years of history and dealing with quite a controversial subject this is only to be expected! This is a book that makes the reader ask questions, think about the evidence, and hopefully explore further. I found it a thoroughly fascinating read.
May 13, 2014
Martha Grey | Pentacle
It was Andy Lloyd Book Reviews that first put this series into its proper perspective: “The ‘Traditional Witchcraft’ series provides varied information about what it means to be a practising witch in modern times. In places, it feels like a guide, or self-help book. But there is much more to it than that. What strikes me is the amount of science running through the book. To understand nature is to live as a part of nature, and ultimately to become one with its changing patterns and cycles, to synchronise one’s own psychic or magical energy with natural tidal forces and the elements. So a witch, like no other religious practitioner that I’m aware of, must study her environment carefully, and attune her life to it … The learning is multi-disciplinary, and feels almost as if one was studying a textbook written by a poet … it has that sense of quiet wonder about it, supported by education, knowledge and, above all, wisdom.”
In fact, the whole Traditional Witchcraft series has been structured along the lines similar to a distance learning course (in both paperback and e-book format), so that the would-be traditional witch has a step by step guide to follow. Traditional Witchcraft for Urban Living (originally published as Mean Streets Witchcraft) is the first in the series and as the title suggests, is aimed at the majority of pagans who live in an urban environment rather than insisting that a witch must live in the country before he/she can learn about traditional British Old Craft. The second step is revealed in Traditional Witchcraft for the Seashore teaches us how to work with those natural tides within our own environment, even if we don’t live by the sea. Step three, Traditional Witchcraft for Fields and Hedgerows, covers what most of us would think of in terms of traditional Craft, and brings us back into the comfort zone where we feel safe and secure – before step four casts us back out into the more hostile world of Traditional Witchcraft for the Woods and Forests. As our tutor tells us, the magical energies differ quite considerably between these four environments.
It was intriguing to learn why the historical view of Traditional Witchcraft and the Pagan Revival was left until step five, but Ms Draco doesn’t look at things like normal mortals! “It’s not until we’ve been studying traditional Craft for a while that we start to notice both the differences and the similarities between the various disciplines. We want to know where our beliefs come from; to trace our antecedents; and to understand why some of our ways are often diametrically opposed to those of other traditions we read about. That is why the fifth book in the series was written as a magical anthropology; simply to make sense of some of the things we’ve never recognised before.”
Not all her books, however, are favourably received. Some reviewers claim there is nothing new contained within them, or that there are no great revelations in the text. “Craft learning is about forty percent information and sixty percent intuition, but it’s also about realising when intuition is telling us that we don’t have all the information. There are books claiming to reveal the ‘secrets’ of traditional Craft - but intuition should tell us that if the secrets can be revealed in the reading of one book, then the author can’t have that much to tell. The real secret is that there are no secrets, only a system of revelation that eventually leads us to a series of guides or teachers, to further our progress along the Path to the Mysteries.”
Trevor Greenfield
Certainly Melusine's best Moon Book to date. A well-paced interesting romp through the history of Traditional Witchcraft that, what it lacks in Hutton's intense, scholarly presentation, it makes up for in readability.
It was Andy Lloyd Book Reviews that first put this series into its proper perspective: “The ‘Traditional Witchcraft’ series provides varied information about what it means to be a practising witch in modern times. In places, it feels like a guide, or self-help book. But there is much more to it than that. What strikes me is the amount of science running through the book. To understand nature is to live as a part of nature, and ultimately to become one with its changing patterns and cycles, to synchronise one’s own psychic or magical energy with natural tidal forces and the elements. So a witch, like no other religious practitioner that I’m aware of, must study her environment carefully, and attune her life to it … The learning is multi-disciplinary, and feels almost as if one was studying a textbook written by a poet … it has that sense of quiet wonder about it, supported by education, knowledge and, above all, wisdom.”
In fact, the whole Traditional Witchcraft series has been structured along the lines similar to a distance learning course (in both paperback and e-book format), so that the would-be traditional witch has a step by step guide to follow. Traditional Witchcraft for Urban Living (originally published as Mean Streets Witchcraft) is the first in the series and as the title suggests, is aimed at the majority of pagans who live in an urban environment rather than insisting that a witch must live in the country before he/she can learn about traditional British Old Craft. The second step is revealed in Traditional Witchcraft for the Seashore teaches us how to work with those natural tides within our own environment, even if we don’t live by the sea. Step three, Traditional Witchcraft for Fields and Hedgerows, covers what most of us would think of in terms of traditional Craft, and brings us back into the comfort zone where we feel safe and secure – before step four casts us back out into the more hostile world of Traditional Witchcraft for the Woods and Forests. As our tutor tells us, the magical energies differ quite considerably between these four environments.
It was intriguing to learn why the historical view of Traditional Witchcraft and the Pagan Revival was left until step five, but Ms Draco doesn’t look at things like normal mortals! “It’s not until we’ve been studying traditional Craft for a while that we start to notice both the differences and the similarities between the various disciplines. We want to know where our beliefs come from; to trace our antecedents; and to understand why some of our ways are often diametrically opposed to those of other traditions we read about. That is why the fifth book in the series was written as a magical anthropology; simply to make sense of some of the things we’ve never recognised before.”
Not all her books, however, are favourably received. Some reviewers claim there is nothing new contained within them, or that there are no great revelations in the text. “Craft learning is about forty percent information and sixty percent intuition, but it’s also about realising when intuition is telling us that we don’t have all the information. There are books claiming to reveal the ‘secrets’ of traditional Craft - but intuition should tell us that if the secrets can be revealed in the reading of one book, then the author can’t have that much to tell. The real secret is that there are no secrets, only a system of revelation that eventually leads us to a series of guides or teachers, to further our progress along the Path to the Mysteries.”
Trevor Greenfield
Certainly Melusine's best Moon Book to date. A well-paced interesting romp through the history of Traditional Witchcraft that, what it lacks in Hutton's intense, scholarly presentation, it makes up for in readability.
Read
November 4, 2015 Taken from http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2015/03/rev... this is part of a much longer review of Path to the Mysteries, written by 'bad witch' Lucya Starza.
I've tagged the other books in the series, which Lucya refers to in her review, and also David Salisbury's excellent 'Deep heart of witchcraft'.
I've tagged the other books in the series, which Lucya refers to in her review, and also David Salisbury's excellent 'Deep heart of witchcraft'.
February 20, 2016
Started well
Book started well and was very interesting but steeply tapered off toward the middle and became more of a list-y chore of a read.
Book started well and was very interesting but steeply tapered off toward the middle and became more of a list-y chore of a read.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews