Witchcraft in Russia and Ukraine, 1000-1900: A Sourcebook — Witchcraft Wicca

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🌙 Witchcraft & Wicca

Witchcraft in Russia and Ukraine, 1000-1900: A Sourcebook

Name: Witchcraft in Russia and Ukraine, 1000-1900: A Sourcebook
Price: 145.00 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781501750649

✍️ Valerie A Kivelson, Christine D Worobec

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

$145.00

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

This groundbreaking volume meticulously explores the intricate history of witchcraft in Russia and Ukraine from the medieval era through the late 19th century. Through newly translated primary documents – including forgotten laws, detailed trial transcripts, and potent magical incantations – it offers an unparalleled window into ancient practices. Editors Kivelson and Worobec provide insightful analysis, illuminating the evolution of legal systems, the complex relationship between religious and secular authority, and the personal narratives of those accused. It's an essential resource for understanding the daily realities and the enduring power of magic in these lands.

Kivelson, Valerie A; , Worobec, Christine D

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🌙

Witchcraft & Wicca

🏛 Northern Illinois University Press 📅 2020 📖 540 pages 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9781501750649

Fun Fact

This monumental sourcebook provides an unparalleled look into Eastern European witchcraft, offering meticulous translations of documents never before accessible. Its strength lies in presenting raw historical data alongside expert commentary, making it essential for serious academics and dedicated students of history and magic. Those seeking practical grimoires or a light overview will be disappointed; this is a rigorous, deeply researched academic work, establishing itself as the definitive resource on its subject.

📝 Description: Witchcraft in Russia and Ukraine, 1000-1900: A Sourcebook

For any serious scholar of Russian and Ukrainian witchcraft and magic, this volume is a 'must read.'... Scholars of folklore and popular culture also will find much of value. â- Folklorica This sourcebook provides the first systematic overview of witchcraft laws and trials in Russia and Ukraine from medieval times to the late nineteenth century. Witchcraft in Russia and Ukraine, 1000-1900 weaves scholarly commentary with never-before-published primary source materials translated from Polish, Russian, and Ukrainian. These sources include the earliest references to witchcraft and sorcery, secular and religious laws regarding witchcraft and possession, full trial transcripts, and a wealth of magical spells. The documents present a rich panorama of daily life and reveal the extraordinary power of magical words. Editors Valerie A. Kivelson and Christine D. Worobec present new analyses of the workings and evolution of legal systems, the interplay and tensions between church and state, and the prosaic concerns of the women and men involved in witchcraft proceedings. The extended documentary commentaries also explore the shifting boundaries and fraught political relations between Russia and Ukraine.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

This text is a rigorous academic resource rather than a casual narrative, making it unsuitable for readers seeking light entertainment or straightforward Wiccan practice guides. It demands patience from those unaccustomed to dense historical analysis or the study of medieval legal frameworks. However, for those interested in the intricate history of witchcraft, it is indispensable. The editors successfully bridge the gap between raw primary data and contextual understanding. While it may feel dry to generalists, its meticulous exploration of forgotten laws and potent incantations provides an unparalleled window into ancient practices. It is essential for deep study but clearly not intended for recreational reading or those unfamiliar with Eastern European history.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Scholars, historians, and serious enthusiasts of esoteric history will find immense value in this meticulously curated sourcebook. It offers a rare, direct window into the lives of those accused of witchcraft in Russia and Ukraine, moving beyond theory to present actual laws, trial transcripts, and magical incantations. By providing newly translated primary documents alongside insightful analysis, it illuminates the complex relationship between religious and secular authority. Readers seeking to understand the daily realities of magic and the enduring power of enchantment in Eastern Europe will gain an unparalleled perspective on how legal systems evolved and how personal narratives were shaped by these intense historical forces.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

If you're captivated by the history of magic, legal evolution, or the cultural tapestry of Eastern Europe, this compendium is indispensable. It offers unparalleled primary source access for serious researchers and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of witchcraft's role in society.

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

This text is a rigorous academic resource rather than a casual narrative, making it unsuitable for readers seeking light entertainment or straightforward Wiccan practice guides. It demands patience from those unaccustomed to dense historical analysis or the study of medieval legal frameworks. However, for those interested in the intricate history of witchcraft, it is indispensable. The editors successfully bridge the gap between raw primary data and contextual understanding. While it may feel dry to generalists, its meticulous exploration of forgotten laws and potent incantations provides an unparalleled window into ancient practices. It is essential for deep study but clearly not intended for recreational reading or those unfamiliar with Eastern European history.

❓ Frequently asked questions

While rich in scholarly detail, its carefully translated primary sources and clear commentary make it accessible. Those with an interest in history or folklore will find it engaging, but it's not a light, introductory read.

Many of the included primary documents, spanning Polish, Russian, and Ukrainian origins, have never before been published or translated into English. They offer direct, unfiltered insights into historical witchcraft accusations and magical practices.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Evolution of Legal Systems

Delve into how laws concerning witchcraft developed over centuries, showcasing the changing legal frameworks and judicial processes that shaped accusations and punishments in both secular and ecclesiastical courts across the Russian and Ukrainian territories. It reveals the dynamic nature of justice.

Church and State Dynamics

Explore the fascinating and often contentious relationship between religious institutions and state power in defining, prosecuting, and interpreting magical practices. Discover how their intertwined authorities influenced the perception and handling of sorcery, often creating complex jurisdictional battles.

The Power of Spells

Encounter a rich collection of actual magical incantations and folk remedies, revealing the profound belief in the efficacy of spoken words and ritual actions. These documents offer a direct glimpse into the practical application of magic in daily life, from healing to hexing.

📜 Historical context

This volume stands as a pivotal contribution to the global study of witchcraft, uniquely illuminating the often-overlooked Eastern European experience. It joins a growing body of scholarship that moves beyond Western European narratives, providing crucial comparative data and original source material vital for understanding the diverse manifestations of magical belief and legal persecution across different cultures and historical periods.

📚 Glossary

Sorcery
Primary Source
Folklorica

📔 Questions to reflect on

What parallels, if any, can you draw between historical witchcraft accusations and modern societal anxieties or scapegoating?
How might the differing roles of church and state in historical magic trials compare to contemporary intersections of religion and law?
If you encountered a historical spell from this volume, how would you interpret its purpose and the worldview of its creator?