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Letters from the Devil's Forest: An Anthology of Writings on Traditional Witchcraft, Spiritual Ecology and Provenance Traditionalism
Concerning "Letters from the Devil's Forest: An Anthology of Writings on Traditional Witchcraft, Spiritual Ecology, and Provenance Traditionalism", the latest published work by Robin Artisson, occultist & writer of some renown.
IN THIS latest work, witch, metaphysician, and traditionalist Robin Artisson presents an in-depth and darksome interior vision of many dimensions of the old and nearly forgotten Art of true Witchcraft. "Letters from the Devil's Forest" is a lengthy anthology of Artisson's writings regarding every topic of essence and interest to the student or researcher of the half-remembered occult practices of "spirit-pacting" and spirit-allegiance: the timeless root-practices that underlie the genuine sorcerous traditions of the West. Over 130 chapters, representing public and private writings done by Artisson in the last five years, but drawing on over 20 years of his own practice and in-depth researches, are brought together into one informative tome, to better serve the needs of the modern mystic or malcontent in search of a roadmap to the hidden angles of life's most seductive mystery: the mystery of sorcery, and the parallel mystery of spiritual ecology.
The generous amounts of material housed in this encyclopedia of lore comes divided into nine major portions, including a detailed treatment of the lost occult anthropology- the very oldest human beliefs on death, the soul, and dying- and what these beliefs can mean for us alive today; many ethical, practical, and instructional essays on various forms of sorcerous art, focusing on material long pre-dating the modern occult emergence; essays on the strange themes and practices of the "Hidden Seasons" or the Witch-sabbats; in-depth daimonological ponderings and writings on the "Master Entity" himself, the Witchfather who stands behind genuine covenants of Witchcraft and the Master-Spirits who share our world and act as tutelary spirits to Witch-kind; scathing criticisms of the lies and falsehoods of modernity and insightful essays offering soul-satisfying alternatives to unquestioned faith in modern myths; sharp philosophical countering and criticism of the mainstream religions that have besmirched the world with their hatreds and absolutisms for centuries, and continue to torment the world today; foundational essays concerning "Provenance Traditionalism" or the secret tradition that emerges from the origins of Western culture and whose metaphysics and insights are still to be discovered encoded in folklore and mythology. Also included is a potent selection of folktales and traditional stories, some original but most from deep in the folk-tradition, analyzed and elucidated to reveal the potent "soul-deep" codes that can transform men and women into wiser, more cunning people as they undergo their fateful journeys through this world.
"Letters from the Devil's Forest" is a true treasury of the Hidden and Despised Art; it contains, in over 700 pages, almost ceaseless "Art-teaching" material, sorcerous maxims, gems of practice, some quite old invocations, poems, channeled writings, warnings, ethical and moral ponderings with regard to the sorcerous arts and to living outside of the mainstream of the modern and greedy spirit, inspirational quotes from past and present masters, wrapped together with Artisson's own sometimes sparkling, sometimes questionable brand of humor and wit, and crowned with original art flourishes and atmospheric ornamentation by Stephanie Houser.
IN THIS latest work, witch, metaphysician, and traditionalist Robin Artisson presents an in-depth and darksome interior vision of many dimensions of the old and nearly forgotten Art of true Witchcraft. "Letters from the Devil's Forest" is a lengthy anthology of Artisson's writings regarding every topic of essence and interest to the student or researcher of the half-remembered occult practices of "spirit-pacting" and spirit-allegiance: the timeless root-practices that underlie the genuine sorcerous traditions of the West. Over 130 chapters, representing public and private writings done by Artisson in the last five years, but drawing on over 20 years of his own practice and in-depth researches, are brought together into one informative tome, to better serve the needs of the modern mystic or malcontent in search of a roadmap to the hidden angles of life's most seductive mystery: the mystery of sorcery, and the parallel mystery of spiritual ecology.
The generous amounts of material housed in this encyclopedia of lore comes divided into nine major portions, including a detailed treatment of the lost occult anthropology- the very oldest human beliefs on death, the soul, and dying- and what these beliefs can mean for us alive today; many ethical, practical, and instructional essays on various forms of sorcerous art, focusing on material long pre-dating the modern occult emergence; essays on the strange themes and practices of the "Hidden Seasons" or the Witch-sabbats; in-depth daimonological ponderings and writings on the "Master Entity" himself, the Witchfather who stands behind genuine covenants of Witchcraft and the Master-Spirits who share our world and act as tutelary spirits to Witch-kind; scathing criticisms of the lies and falsehoods of modernity and insightful essays offering soul-satisfying alternatives to unquestioned faith in modern myths; sharp philosophical countering and criticism of the mainstream religions that have besmirched the world with their hatreds and absolutisms for centuries, and continue to torment the world today; foundational essays concerning "Provenance Traditionalism" or the secret tradition that emerges from the origins of Western culture and whose metaphysics and insights are still to be discovered encoded in folklore and mythology. Also included is a potent selection of folktales and traditional stories, some original but most from deep in the folk-tradition, analyzed and elucidated to reveal the potent "soul-deep" codes that can transform men and women into wiser, more cunning people as they undergo their fateful journeys through this world.
"Letters from the Devil's Forest" is a true treasury of the Hidden and Despised Art; it contains, in over 700 pages, almost ceaseless "Art-teaching" material, sorcerous maxims, gems of practice, some quite old invocations, poems, channeled writings, warnings, ethical and moral ponderings with regard to the sorcerous arts and to living outside of the mainstream of the modern and greedy spirit, inspirational quotes from past and present masters, wrapped together with Artisson's own sometimes sparkling, sometimes questionable brand of humor and wit, and crowned with original art flourishes and atmospheric ornamentation by Stephanie Houser.
706 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2014
51 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
About the author
Robin Artisson
23 books71 followersRobin Artisson has been studying folklore, mythology, and the interior metaphysics of sorcery and traditional witchcraft for over 20 years. His specialty areas of knowledge include spiritual ecology, occult history, herbalism and wortcunning, divination, and soul-flight or trance induction, along with a vocational interest in the extraordinary exploration of the eldritch dimensions of the mind, the soul, and the world.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 31, 2017
Robin Artisson is quite a prolific writer in the "witchcraft-community", although he sees himself probably not as part of such a thing and the thing itself doesn't recognices him as part of itself, either. That means, he is somewhat a controversial figure and someone I shun for some reason quite a while too. Then I enjoyed an audio-interview he gave very much and I gave it a try. Well, it didn't work that well.
"Letters fromt he Devil's Forest" falls mostly in the category of mythopoesis - having few strictly practical passages and less attempts to align scientific and magical worldview, meaning, dipping into the mostly quite shallow waters of spiritual apologetics. Both isn't present here, which is fine by me, instead, we find theoplogty, if you want.
Of course, I like the imagery. Of course, we have broadly the same views on the world. Of course, Robin is a serious and experienced practitioner, way more experienced than I am - still: His Mythos was well known/ not new, often fragmented due to the essayistic structure of the book and often quite repetitive. His ramblings against monotheistic relgions are almost neurotic and tell of a lack of specific insight. Most ironic in this regard: he ends his nice little analysis of "Pans Labyrinth" woth a christian pointe.
"Letters fromt he Devil's Forest" falls mostly in the category of mythopoesis - having few strictly practical passages and less attempts to align scientific and magical worldview, meaning, dipping into the mostly quite shallow waters of spiritual apologetics. Both isn't present here, which is fine by me, instead, we find theoplogty, if you want.
Of course, I like the imagery. Of course, we have broadly the same views on the world. Of course, Robin is a serious and experienced practitioner, way more experienced than I am - still: His Mythos was well known/ not new, often fragmented due to the essayistic structure of the book and often quite repetitive. His ramblings against monotheistic relgions are almost neurotic and tell of a lack of specific insight. Most ironic in this regard: he ends his nice little analysis of "Pans Labyrinth" woth a christian pointe.
August 26, 2014
In this anthology Robin Artisson delivers his most comprehensive work to date. Written in Robin’s conversational voice, he covers every subject within the sorcerous tradition that he operates within. This book will illuminate the reader’s perception and shed light into those dark recesses where writers before him have not gone successfully. Robin’s poetic nature shines through brilliantly and this is truly his most mature and impassioned musings- straight from the Devil’s Forest.
Arranged in 9 parts and over 130 chapters this hefty book leaves nothing to be desired, except more Robin Artisson. This is a book that will leave you feeling as if you know Robin; it is a book that I can see will be used as reference time and again by any who own it.
Drawing on sources deep in tradition as well as folklore, Robin unearths an entire working system of witchcraft, though unlike any most people see in the vast majority of books on the topic today. It's a strange, challenging, and seemingly effective (perhaps frightening) invitation to think, feel, act, and engage the unseen world in a very old way.
Arranged in 9 parts and over 130 chapters this hefty book leaves nothing to be desired, except more Robin Artisson. This is a book that will leave you feeling as if you know Robin; it is a book that I can see will be used as reference time and again by any who own it.
Drawing on sources deep in tradition as well as folklore, Robin unearths an entire working system of witchcraft, though unlike any most people see in the vast majority of books on the topic today. It's a strange, challenging, and seemingly effective (perhaps frightening) invitation to think, feel, act, and engage the unseen world in a very old way.
October 12, 2019
There's some really rich, beautiful stuff in this book that I am happy to have found and read, and was exactly what I was looking for when I picked this up. Sadly, it is few and far between what is mostly bitter and hateful rambling towards the abrahamic religions, handled with a consideration that reminded me of the angry teens I spent high school with. It felt largely unnecessary and given the length of the book and how frequently it rose up, exhausting. Considering the text's condemnation towards these faiths in a society that is targeting Muslims, I would feel uncomfortable recommending this book to anyone.
Anytime the text was able to turn away from its apparent obsession with tearing down these religions and focus on what it had to offer in its own research, philosophy and theories, it was gold. If only that was what made up the bulk of this book.
Anytime the text was able to turn away from its apparent obsession with tearing down these religions and focus on what it had to offer in its own research, philosophy and theories, it was gold. If only that was what made up the bulk of this book.
October 26, 2014
I loved the author's poetrical writing style. Huge amount of chapters, which some of them were very interesting like pages relating to Santa Claus; that chapter was a nice surprise there.
Author describes and honors his Master with words so beautiful that it is easy to see how meaningful path of witchcraft is to him.
While there was so much beauty in the book I found author's ''war'' relating to christianity, islam and judaism little bit akward - yes, these religions are known about their bloody history and they usually are seen in a very gross manner, but still these religions contains also very deep esoteric traditions and myths; something that Robin Artisson denied in Letters from the Devil's Forest.
About 700 hundred pages, maybe little bit too many, but lot's of information, dedication and beauty there.
Author describes and honors his Master with words so beautiful that it is easy to see how meaningful path of witchcraft is to him.
While there was so much beauty in the book I found author's ''war'' relating to christianity, islam and judaism little bit akward - yes, these religions are known about their bloody history and they usually are seen in a very gross manner, but still these religions contains also very deep esoteric traditions and myths; something that Robin Artisson denied in Letters from the Devil's Forest.
About 700 hundred pages, maybe little bit too many, but lot's of information, dedication and beauty there.
August 16, 2023
Oh boy. Where to even start?
First off, this isn't completely terrible (hence the two stars rather than one). In fact, my copy has a pretty substantial amount of page markers stuck in it, as there's plenty of good insights, helpful perspectives, and intriguing concepts to be found in here. I do believe that the author has had plenty of very real experiences of magic and the metaphysical - I just think he's interpreting quite a lot of it wrong, and that he's a bit of an arrogant bore.
The amount of errors overlooked in editing (spelling, grammar, syntax, punctuation, text formatting) is unforgivable, in my opinion. Yes, this is a compilation of writings originally posted online, but that's not an excuse. Even ignoring these errors, the writing style can get so repetitive that I kept having to check I wasn't accidentally reading the same sentence more than once. Combined with the fact that the author clearly thinks he's being very clever/grand/poetic, this makes the book sort of comedic in a way that certainly wasn't intended.
While there are those interesting perspectives on specific topics sprinkled throughout the book (Artisson seems to fare much better when limited to subject matter less broad), potential readers beware: a HUGE amount of this book is dedicated to the author's personal gripes with monotheism/organised religion and the general state of society. I cannot overstate how much of this you'll have to sit through (or skim over, as I eventually started doing). The former is incredibly cringe-inducing to read; I have my own issues with many of those institutions, especially the church, but Artisson is uncomfortably open about his hatred of all followers of those religions, including sweeping statements that none of those people have ever experienced any genuine contact with the divine/anything spiritual. The latter is more just laughable - he's a classic example of the "I can't be bigoted because I don't want all of those people to die" type, up to and including quite literally stating that he ~doesn't see race~.
Basically, there's some pretty cool ideas in here, but they're hidden in amongst the majority of the book, which is just the author switching between patting himself on the back and complaining about almost everyone else. Considering how long the book is, I'd say it probably isn't worth the trouble.
First off, this isn't completely terrible (hence the two stars rather than one). In fact, my copy has a pretty substantial amount of page markers stuck in it, as there's plenty of good insights, helpful perspectives, and intriguing concepts to be found in here. I do believe that the author has had plenty of very real experiences of magic and the metaphysical - I just think he's interpreting quite a lot of it wrong, and that he's a bit of an arrogant bore.
The amount of errors overlooked in editing (spelling, grammar, syntax, punctuation, text formatting) is unforgivable, in my opinion. Yes, this is a compilation of writings originally posted online, but that's not an excuse. Even ignoring these errors, the writing style can get so repetitive that I kept having to check I wasn't accidentally reading the same sentence more than once. Combined with the fact that the author clearly thinks he's being very clever/grand/poetic, this makes the book sort of comedic in a way that certainly wasn't intended.
While there are those interesting perspectives on specific topics sprinkled throughout the book (Artisson seems to fare much better when limited to subject matter less broad), potential readers beware: a HUGE amount of this book is dedicated to the author's personal gripes with monotheism/organised religion and the general state of society. I cannot overstate how much of this you'll have to sit through (or skim over, as I eventually started doing). The former is incredibly cringe-inducing to read; I have my own issues with many of those institutions, especially the church, but Artisson is uncomfortably open about his hatred of all followers of those religions, including sweeping statements that none of those people have ever experienced any genuine contact with the divine/anything spiritual. The latter is more just laughable - he's a classic example of the "I can't be bigoted because I don't want all of those people to die" type, up to and including quite literally stating that he ~doesn't see race~.
Basically, there's some pretty cool ideas in here, but they're hidden in amongst the majority of the book, which is just the author switching between patting himself on the back and complaining about almost everyone else. Considering how long the book is, I'd say it probably isn't worth the trouble.
July 31, 2018
One of the most important and informative books on Traditional Witchcraft I have ever come across. Truly a complete work.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews