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An ABC of Witchcraft: Past and Present
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What is the relationship of the Bible to Witchcraft? What are Fairies, and Magical Alphabets? What were the links between Druidism and Witchcraft? An ABC of Witchcraft covers these subjects and many more from the well-informed and gentle viewpoint of practicing witch, Doreen Valiente.Arranged in alphabetical order for easy reference, the book discusses over 125 subjects th
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Paperback, 377 pages
Published
May 1st 1989
by Phoenix Publishing Inc
(first published April 12th 1973)
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A "dictionary of witchcraft" that doesn't give enough information to be all that worthwhile to anyone. However, it is one of your earlier examples of such. For the Wiccan book collector, Doreen's name will likely draw you in despite its shortcomings. Looking back on it, I'm not sure whether the "brief nudity" on the cover was supposed to be an eye catcher or not.
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In this book Doreen Valiente gives us a list of several concepts and ideas that are essential for study inside Witchcraft and Paganism. The explanations are very clear and simple and the way it is written is very interesting.
I would advice reading this book to anyone starting their path in Paganism and Witchcraft.
I would advice reading this book to anyone starting their path in Paganism and Witchcraft.
I have a first 1973 edition printing of this book with the original paper jacket (which does not have any nude lady on it by the way lol it's a photo of an altar)!!! The 1970s was a great time of emerging Pagan authors who would make valuable contributions to Paganism. Despite the jibber jabber of negative reviews from present day witches, keep in mind the era and social climate this book was written. This book is a priceless addition to any magickal library. Take what you can from it and leave
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Great compendium of craft related terms. i learned a lot about the history of witchcraft that I didn't know. However, it is just a bit dated, written in the 60s/70s. It'd be cool for someone to update it and new stuff/theories/people.
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great book with info about a lot of different subjects, from A-Z like it says. Not in depth about one particular topic but has lots of great information on a lot of topics. I recommend it.
Sep 10, 2011
Nyctea
added it
Fantastic book -- the original edition is superior to the later revision.
The information in this book is very easy to undertand and very informative. Recommended for anyone wishing to learn more about witchcraft. The best author of all time on this subject.
This book is packed with extremely interesting history and information about witchcraft over the course of humanity's existence. Or what we have any surviving record of, as of the time of the book's original publish date, anyway.
The book does show its age in a few ways. Some of the places it mentions are much different now than they were when the book was written. Some ideas and attitudes are changed, too. Such is the nature of human evolution. Regardless of the book's age, it still holds up wel ...more
The book does show its age in a few ways. Some of the places it mentions are much different now than they were when the book was written. Some ideas and attitudes are changed, too. Such is the nature of human evolution. Regardless of the book's age, it still holds up wel ...more
DNF'ed at page 15 (4%), lost interest.
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Super informative, but dry. Read in bits and pieces.
a very helpful guide
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Doreen Edith Dominy Valiente was an influential English Wiccan who was involved in a number of different early traditions, including Gardnerian Wicca, Cochrane's Craft and the Coven of Atho. Responsible for writing much of the early Gardnerian religious liturgy, in later years she also helped to play a big part in bringing the Neopagan religion of Wicca to wider public attention through the public
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