Witchcraft and the Black Art - A Book Dealing with the Psychology and Folklore of the Witches by Wickwar, J W

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Witchcraft & Wicca

Witchcraft and the Black Art - A Book Dealing with the Psychology and Folklore of the Witches

Name: Witchcraft and the Black Art - A Book Dealing with the Psychology and Folklore of the Witches
Price: 44.00 USD
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Rating: 4.5 (2 reviews)
Author: Wickwar, J W
ISBN: 9781443738620

Wickwar, J W

Reader rating

4.5

(1 reviews) 158 sold

$44.00

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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Unravel the hidden history of the Craft, from ancient rites to fiery trials.

Delve into the shadowy annals of witchcraft with Wickwar's comprehensive study, exploring its psychological underpinnings and rich folklore. This volume meticulously traces the Craft's evolution from ancient, secretive cults through its rituals, spells, and notorious accusations of evil. It examines continental practices, the terror of witch hunts, and even American manifestations. For both the curious neophyte and serious historian, this book unveils the complex tapestry of magical belief and its profound impact on human society across centuries.

Key themes

Evolution of the Craft Folklore and Dark Arts The Age of Persecution

Historical context

This volume sits at the intersection of occult history and psychological analysis, bridging the gap between scholarly folklore studies and esoteric tradition. It reflects a period where the historical realities of witch trials were being re-evaluated through the lens of modern psychology and cultural anthropology.

Wickwar, J W

📚 all books by this author (2) →

Difficulty

●● Moderate

Fans will love it

Scarlett Elliott · Ruth Manning-Sanders · Montague Summers

🌙 Witchcraft & Wicca

🏛 Obscure Press 📅 2008 📖 328 pages 📔 Hardcover 📐 Hardcover ISBN: 9781443738620

Fun fact

Wickwar's study excels as a meticulous historical and folkloric survey, offering a valuable snapshot of early 20th-century perspectives on witchcraft's psychological and social dimensions. While it details trials and traditions, those seeking a contemporary Wiccan viewpoint or practical magical instruction will find it lacking. Its strength lies in its comprehensive historical breadth, making it an essential, if dated, reference for understanding the Craft's complex past.

📝 Description: Witchcraft and the Black Art - A Book Dealing with the Psychology and Folklore of the Witches

The old craft of the witches was a close order. Its members were sworn to secrecy. Although some records were kept, very few of these still exist today. In early ecclesiastic and in mediaeval literature, however, references to witchcraft are numerous. This book endeavours to set out in an interesting manner the story of the craft from earliest times. The book's three hundred and twenty pages contain fourteen Comprehensive Chapters: Witchcraft: A Primitive Cult. Initiation and Ceremony. Spells, The Evil Eye, and Possession. Practical Witchcraft. Witchcraft on the Continent. Werewolves and Vampires. Blood and Fire in England. Demons and Mascots. Witch Hunting cameos. A Typical English Witch Trial. Witchcraft in America. Witchcraft Phantasmagoria. A Typical Witch Tract. The Last Phase. This book will prove a fascinating read for anyone interested in the occult arts, and will provide much information to historians of this hitherto arcane subject.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

Wickwar provides a meticulous trace of the Craft’s evolution, offering a valuable resource for those fascinated by the psychological dimensions of witchcraft. However, this volume is not suited for readers seeking practical grimoires or contemporary Wiccan ritual instructions. It is purely an academic and historical exploration rather than a magical manual. Those looking for straightforward spell-casting guides or modern pagan theology will find little utility here. The text focuses heavily on the history of accusations, continental practices, and societal impact. While thorough, it demands patience from readers who prefer action-oriented occultism over detailed socio-historical analysis of past trials and folklore.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This book is an essential guide for both the curious neophyte and the serious historian seeking to understand the complex tapestry of magical belief. Readers will gain a profound appreciation for how witchcraft evolved from ancient, secretive cults through its rituals and spells to the notorious accusations of evil. Wickwar’s comprehensive study unravels the hidden history of the Craft, exploring its psychological underpinnings and rich folklore across continental practices and American manifestations. It offers a unique perspective on the terror of witch hunts and their impact on human society, making it invaluable for anyone interested in the shadowy annals of the occult and the enduring power of folk belief.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5

★★★★★

If you're drawn to the enigmatic world of arcane beliefs, or seek to understand the historical and psychological roots of magical practices, this book is essential. Historians of social phenomena and students of folklore will find its detailed accounts particularly illuminating.

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

Wickwar provides a meticulous trace of the Craft’s evolution, offering a valuable resource for those fascinated by the psychological dimensions of witchcraft. However, this volume is not suited for readers seeking practical grimoires or contemporary Wiccan ritual instructions. It is purely an academic and historical exploration rather than a magical manual. Those looking for straightforward spell-casting guides or modern pagan theology will find little utility here. The text focuses heavily on the history of accusations, continental practices, and societal impact. While thorough, it demands patience from readers who prefer action-oriented occultism over detailed socio-historical analysis of past trials and folklore.

❓ Frequently asked questions

No, this is primarily a historical and folkloric study, not a grimoire. It analyzes the 'psychology' and 'practices' of witchcraft from an academic perspective, rather than instructing in them.

The book offers a sweeping historical overview, commencing with primitive cults and extending through medieval European witch hunts, into early American manifestations, and discussing the 'last phase' of these beliefs.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Evolution of the Craft

This book meticulously chronicles the historical trajectory of witchcraft, from its earliest known primitive cults and initiation rites to its complex manifestations across various cultures and time periods. It explores how societal perceptions and practices around magic shifted and evolved through the ages.

Folklore and Dark Arts

Wickwar delves deep into the rich tapestry of folklore surrounding magical practices. Readers will encounter detailed discussions of spells, the potent 'evil eye,' phenomena of possession, and the practical application of witchcraft, including fascinating digressions into werewolf and vampire lore.

The Age of Persecution

The devastating era of witch hunting receives thorough examination, with specific case studies from both England and continental Europe. The text illuminates the psychological and social forces behind these trials, offering insights into the fear and fanaticism that gripped societies during these dark periods of persecution.

💬 Quotes from the book

“The ancient Craft, by its very nature, demanded an oath of silence from its adherents, a veil of mystery that has long obscured its true origins and rituals from the common gaze.”

“One cannot fully comprehend the phenomena of the witch trials without first appreciating the profound psychological impact of deeply held folkloric beliefs on both accuser and accused.”

📜 Historical context

Published in an era fascinated by early psychology and anthropology, Wickwar’s work sits within a tradition of early 20th-century scholarship. It attempts to rationalize and categorize esoteric beliefs, blending historical narrative with folkloric investigation. This study offers a systematic overview of witchcraft's origins and societal impact, bridging academic inquiry with popular interest.

📚 Glossary

Black Art
Folklore
Occultism

📔 Questions to reflect on

Reflect on how the historical suppression and secrecy surrounding witchcraft might have contributed to its enduring mystique and power in the collective imagination.
Considering the psychological aspects discussed, what societal factors do you believe contribute most to widespread belief in phenomena like the 'evil eye' or possession?
How do historical accounts of witch trials, particularly those on the Continent versus England, reveal differing cultural anxieties and legal systems?