Under the Witching Tree

Traditional Witchcraft: A Cornish Book of Ways (CD Audio-book)

 Traditional witchcraft: A Cornish Book of Ways (CD Audio-book)

Book by Gemma Gary. Read by Tracey Norman

Traditional Witchcraft - A Cornish Book of Ways is a 21st century version of traditional Cornish witchcraft, of the kind recorded by Hunt, Bottrell and others. This is no neo-pagan or modern wiccan manual, but rather a deep drawing up into modern times of some of the ancient practices of lore and magic practiced by the white witches, charmers, conjurers and pellars of the Cornish villages. Their presence was still current when the 18th and 19th century antiquarians and collectors recorded them, and, although the 20th century largely put paid to their activities, nevertheless their lore never completely disappeared, and it continues to provide inspiration for practitioners today. Gemma draws on this knowledge, not only from published material, but also from the experiences and workings of ‘wise women’ and country witches living today.

"... this book is very highly recommended. It is essential reading for anyone interested in modern traditional witchcraft as it is practiced in south-west England today or indeed elsewhere in Britain" - Michael Howard, The Cauldron

Running time approx. 4 1/2 hours.  4 CDs

Cochrane Inspired Rite

Click: Roebuck in the Thicket for the full ritual courtesy of Patheos.

Letters from the Devil's Forest

An Anthology of Writings on Traditional Witchcraft, Spiritual Ecology and Provenance Traditionalism
by Robin Artisson (Author)

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.

There are also 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.

Included are 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.

There are also 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.  

Included are: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.

The Author;The Witch
Robin 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.


Robin lives in the countryside of downeast Maine, near the craggy coast, under the shadows of the mountains and their forests. There, he carries on the relationships he has with the spiritual entities he has allied with over the years, and watches his daughters grow with much joy.

Liber Nox: A Traditional Witch's Gramarye

 Michael Howard (author)  Gemma Gary (illustrator)

In this concise and important treatise Michael Howard delineates between various modern neo-pagan Wiccan traditions, cunning folk traditions, heathen folk or the 'pagani,' and an assortment of ritual magicians and pathworkers in order to present a 'gramarye' distinctly for those who aspire to the 'Old Craft.' 

An experienced practitioner, writer, researcher, folklorist and magazine editor of the respected witchcraft magazine, The Cauldron (since 1976), Howard elucidates important elements of the Traditional Craft, including preparation rituals, tools of 'the Arte,' fellowship of the coven and the casting of circles, finally taking us through the Great Wheel of the Year and the assortment of sacred rites as performed within. The seasonal rituals are based on traditional witchcraft and folklore sources and have been specially written for this book.

Author: Michael Howard (United Kingdom) is the editor of The Cauldron magazine. He has published more than thirty books on a variety of occult subjects, such as Witchcraft and magic, Celtic history, and Paganism.

Author and Illustrator: Gemma Gary is an artist and writer based in the South-West of England. Her work primarily focuses upon the rites and verbal, inscribed and physical charms of operative folk magic and witchcraft.  Gemma is currently working on a number of other book projects relating to operative magic, traditional witchcraft, folklore and ancient sacred loci.

Doll's Eye: White Baneberry

 Botanical: Actaea spicata (LINN.)

Family: N.O. Ranunculacea

Synonyms: Baneberry, Herb Christopher, Bugbane, Toadroot
Part Used: Root; berries. Extremely poisonous aptly named 'bane'berry

Habitat: White baneberry prefers coarse and loamy soil, hardwood and mixed woodland, full shade, good drainage. Native to eastern North America.

Perennial: Dark green without hairs, black, creeping root-stock, grows on erect stems, 1 to 2 feet high stems triangular in shape. Leaves are long, branching from root, dividing into  three smaller foot-stalks, re-divided that each leaf is composed of eighteen, or even twenty-seven, lobes or leaflets. 

 Flowers: spiked and white. Flowers are in oblong clusters on thick, red stalks in June.

Berries: Prominent Feature: white spherical berries with black dot on tip, hence the common name, Doll's Eye. Fruit appears in autumn 1/2 inch in diameter.  There is also a red variety.  There is an immediate sedative effect on human cardiac muscle tissue causing possible cardiac arrest and death. However the berries are harmless to birds and this is the primary way the seeds are dispersed in nature.

Planet: Saturn

Medicinal Action and Uses: * Not advisable; use extreme caution. Antispasmodic. To only be used by physician herbalist. Roots have been used in very small amounts to relieve headache, coughs and colds. Doll's Eye once thought to benefit the circulatory system.

 Note: Leaves, roots, stems, flowers, and berries may cause gastrointestinal inflammation and skin blisters.

The American species is considered by the native people use against snake-bite and to  drive away insects due to its smell.  American name: Bugbane.

Witchcraft Association: Toads attracted by the aroma giving it the name Toadroot. found. Used in poppets for harm, placing the white variety berries in the place of eyes of the doll enabling it to 'see' the distance to its victim.

Both the berries, root is considered the most poisonous however the entire plant should be respected.

Other Use: Juice of the berries, mixed with alum, yields a black dye. (caution can blister skin)

http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/fieldbio/medicinal_plants/pages/home.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Actaea_pachypoda

http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/b/banebe11.html

The Cunning Man’s Handbook

By Jim Baker

“The desire to understand magic in any specific cultural context is an intellectual puzzle not only for scholars but believers.”

Orders will be dispatched on or before the 11th of July.

The Cunning Man’s Handbook is a monumental work of phenomenal scope and scholarship, a comprehensive and challenging exploration of the practices and beliefs of Cunning Folk in Britain and America during their heyday from 1550-1900.  Exploring the social and theological milieu of the period, the author demonstrates the essentially Christian nature of Cunning practices, and presents an illuminating discourse on the concept of magic and how it was perceived as working.

Operating at the boundaries of the law and society, between medicine and magic, Cunning Men and Women occupied a liminal role as healers, charmers and magicians.  Drawing from a huge range of sources, the range of services offered by Cunning Folk is thoroughly expounded, from divination through astrology and geomancy to dream interpretation, from charms, spells and curses to conjurations and treasure hunting.  As Jim Baker states, “The focus here is on the practice of folk magic and divination for access to the preternatural”.

The evolution of Cunning practices as a living tradition over the three hundred fifty year span is explored in depth, illustrating their practical and contemporary nature.  The analogous practices of African-American conjure and root work are also discussed to offer insights into oral fragments of Cunning practices lost to history and present another example of how modernity modifies tradition.  Referring to dozens of Cunning Men and Women and their practices, this work offers a unique glimpse into magical history, and the opportunity to reclaim the essence of Cunning Magic.

Avalonia Books

You can pre-order your copy now.

Plant Spirit Familiar Class

with Christopher Penczak

Many witches, magicians and shamans work with the concept of the animal familiar, the totem or fetch beast, but many are also allied with spirits from the plant world. The spirits of herbs, flowers and trees can act as divine guides, protectors and tutors in magick, healing and transforming the witch.  Each one has its own spiritual medicine, that is in harmony with magickal work and purpose in the world. Survey many of the traditional plant allies of the witch, including the spirits of the banes and the healers. Learn how to find your own plant familiar from the green world, and develop a strong connection. Based upon Christopher's book, The Plant Spirit Familiar.

Date: July 18, 2014

Location: Hermetic Arts Learning Center

105 Bridge St. Salem MA. 01970

Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Price: $ 30.00

              For more information contact:

            DavidNewman@hermeticarts.com or call 772-380-2725

Cecil Williamson's Book of Witchcraft

From Troy Books: We are pleased to announce that the eagerly awaited Cecil Williamson's Book Witchcraft, A Grimoire of the Museum of Witchcraft by Steve Patterson is now available for pre order.

 In 1996, whilst helping the then new owner Graham King in refurbishments to the Museum of Witchcraft, Steve happened upon a handwritten manuscript entitled simply ‘Witchcraft’ and containing an intriguing pot-pourri of esoterica from the hand of the Museum's founder; Cecil Williamson. It is this manuscript which provides the basis for Steve's book which includes a full annotated transcript of the ‘Witchcraft’ manuscript, a history of Cecil Williamson and the Museum of Witchcraft, a treatise on Cecil Williamson’s vision of traditional Witchcraft - the practices and the philosophy of the wayside witches, an account of his meetings with Aleister Crowley and Gerald Gardner, and a controversial account of his witnessing of the birth of ‘Wicca’. The book is both a valuable reliquary of practices for the traditional witch, and a resource for folklorists and historians alike; telling the tale of a hitherto largely ignored, but hugely influential episode in modern occult history, and one of the great unsung heroes of the twilight world of folklore and witchcraft.

The book is available in the following editions:

All four editions are Royal format 234 x 156mm. 304 pages with 32 black and white photo plates.

 A Standard Hardback Edition, black case binding with gold foil blocking to the front and spine, 90gsm cream paper stock, burgundy endpapers with red and black head and tail bands.

 A Special Edition, cream 175gsm ripple finish dust jacket, bound in burgundy cloth with gold foil blocking to the front and spine, black end papers with red and black head and tail bands. Lithographic printing on 120gsm cream paper stock with sewn binding. Limited to 300 hand numbered examples.

A Fine Edition, hand bound in burgundy hand finished goat leather with gold foil blocking to the front and spine, marbled end papers and marker ribbon. Lithographic printing on 120gsm cream paper stock with sewn binding. Limited to 30 signed and hand numbered examples. This edition will be issued with an embossed, lined library buckram slipcase.

 A Special Fine Edition, hand bound in terracotta fine hand polished and finished goat leather, gold foil blocking to the front and spine, marbled end papers and marker ribbon. Lithographic printing on 120gsm cream paper stock with sewn binding. Limited to 10 signed and hand numbered examples. This edition will be issued with a lined, hand carved oak box, made and carved by the author

 Paperback edition to follow.

Contents:

 

Pagination: 304 pages, illustrated with line drawings from Cecil Williamson's 'WITCHCRAFT' notebook and imagery related to the Museum of Witchcraft, plus 32 pages of black and white photographic plates.

 

Foreword by Graham King

 Introduction

 Introduction Notes

Book One – The 'WITCHCRAFT' Notebook:

Spells and Charms

 Notes for 'Spells and Charms'

 Divination

 Notes for 'Divination'

 Amulets

 Notes for 'Amulets'

 Magical Figures

 Notes for 'Magical Figures'

Book Two – Cecil Williamson – A West Country Cunning Man:

The Cecil Williamson Story

 Notes for 'The Cecil Williamson Story'

 Meeting with such Fascinating Persons

 Notes for 'Meeting with such Fascinating Persons'

 The Spider's Web

 Notes for 'The Spider's Web'

 Come Drink... From the Cup of Forbidden Knowledge!

 Notes for 'Come Drink... From the Cup of Forbidden Knowledge!'

Appendices

Bibliography

Index

 Prices: all editions 

Amanita bisporigera

 Synonyms: Destroying Angel; Angel of Death: Death Angel

Family: Amanitaceae

Parts: First the volva, a cuplike structure at the base of the stalk; it is the bottom part of the universal veil, an ovate membrane that envelops the lower part of the mushroom during growth phase and remains attached.  The second important feature is the gills that are deep allowing spore dispersal, with a veil tears around its circumference. The absolute whiteness and smoothness of the cap, stem and gills are striking.

Planet: Culpepper places mushrooms under Mercury in Aries. 

Element: Air

Gender: Masculine

Deity: Dionysus or Hekate

Description: Described by Bill Russell in his 'Field Guide to Wild Mushrooms of Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic' as having a "strange luminous aura that draws the eye" that is "easily visible from one hundred feet away with its serene, sinister, angelic radiance."

The cap described as 'glabrous' and 'viscid when wet' distinguishes it from most Amanita genus that have warty patches on their universal veils.

Size: Cap width: 2–5 inches; stalk length: 3–8 inches; stalk width: ¼–¾ inch.

Habitat: Common. Grows alone on the ground opposed to on wood, in the grass and under trees June–November.

Note: An important fungus species; symbiotic connection with tree roots; fibers of the fungus multiply tree roots' ability to absorb nutrients and water. Tree shares nutrients with the fungus.

 Lookalikes: Meadow mushroom has pink gills that turn brown.  Spores are brown, lacks saclike cup at base of stem.

Caution:  Young destroying angels that are still enclosed in their universal veil can masquerade as puffballs,.  Know your death caps and destroying angels in all stages of growth prior to harvesting any white gilled mushroom for consumption.

Toxicity: The destroying angel (Amanita bisporigera) and the death cap (Amanita phalloides) are responsible for the majority of deaths due to consumption poisoning. The toxin is 'amatoxin'. Symptoms appear within 5 to 24 hours.  Destruction of the liver and kidneys is irreversible and has already begun prior to symptoms.

Toxic Consumption Quantity: As little as half a mushroom can be fatal.  Animals, including pets and livestock, are not immune to the toxin.

Symptoms include: vomiting, cramps, delirium, convulsions, and diarrhea.

References:

A Modern Herbal (two volumes) by Mrs. Grieve

Herbal Medicine Maker's Handbook by James Green

Culpepper's Complete Herbal - Nicholas Culpeper

Crossroad Conjure Craft Part Two

The crossroads, a place of power where Conjure Craft begins...

The most common form of a crossroad is the intersection of two, preferably dirt, roads forming an equal armed cross.  In Appalachian folklore The Man at the Crossroads, also known also as the Black Rider, orchestrates power at this location.  Medieval witches were known to 'Meet with the Devil' at crossroads by venturing to these unattended places in order to sell their soul for power.  The Dark Rider is not the devil, that's another religion's boogeyman.  Traveling to the crossroads is a form of self-initiation showing one's commitment to 'the work' in order to create a 'link'; selling one's soul is neither necessary nor part of this practice.

The Dark Rider

If you're interested in learning the art of conjure it's advised that you travel to the nearest crossroads where the Dark Rider rules the realm of communication between mortals and the Higher Powers, it's here that you can ask His aid.

Dark Rider Offerings

He appreciates a gift or two and has a fondness for rum, candy, palm oil, cigars, sweet black coffee, and/or sweet potatoes, and while you're at it, bring some humility with you, His power is much greater than yours will ever be, so lower your self-importance accordingly.

Crossroads' Keys

Keys have been used to symbolize the unknown, secrets and the sacred for centuries.  Hekate carries keys to the Gates to the Underworld. They clink gently as they hang from her hip.  She fondles them with a familiarity we could all imitate when it comes to entering mysterious places.  Keys unlock the qualities of the upper realms which consist of the practitioner's mind, body and spirit. Unlocking the potential of the crossroads is possible wherever you carry a skeleton key, that is, once you perform the rest of the rite. 

What to Bring

Bring two skeleton keys, as similar in design as possible that you have cleansed of mundane connections; a small bottle or jar or rum, a cigar and matches. Travel to the crossroads on a Monday, Thursday or Saturday night around midnight.

Upon arrival, pour some rum in the center of the crossroads, light the cigar and place it respectively on the ground.  Begin to sing or hum a tune that you know well or compose one on the spot as creatively is always appreciated. Understandably, this may take some time.  You know what they say about conjure craft; it's a 'practice'. 

"Listen', my teacher says, 'and with time you'll become aware of the sound of hooves on the night air pierced by the bay of a hound; with time it'll change, you'll hear 'em right on the road comin' up behind ya.  Wait.  Breathe.  Don't be tempted to turn around, it's rude and inadvisable. Now, when their approach ceases you'll feel His presence right behind ya, along with the snort and whinny of His mount.  The still night air will ring in your ears makin' ya deaf to all but your heartbeat.  Don't be surprised if the hair on the back of ya neck prickles an' ya stomach tightens....it's then ya'll know the times' upon ya." 

I can tell you this...take a long deep breath, then with clarity and strength of purpose ask Him to grant you a little Mojo for your talisman; ask that 'it' be imbued into the object you've brought with you to house that purpose. 

It's best to continue to stand quite still; seconds, even minutes, pass so very slowly at this point.  You've gotta 'sense' the Dark Rider's answer in your heart because He won't speak directly to you.  He weighs your request quite carefully and likes to sum up the situation in order to understand what it is you really desire; that hidden, unspoken intention down deep in the subconscious where it shields things so calculatedly.

Where does your desire come from?  Perhaps your ego?  Hmmmm, maybe.  What do you really want to accomplish? And is what you want good over all, or only good for you? Do you think that this 'self-initiation' protects you from the greater powers that affect your life?  It won't and He'll read you like a dime store novel, so fess up and be honest about this little exploration for power before you venture out on the road at night.

The Dark Rider's wise; He's a teacher who smiles and chuckles; He knows that you'll be taught a thing or two whether you like it or not.  That being said, most times the answer to this particular request of Him is 'yes.'  Be prepared for your hand to sweat as He permeates your talisman with a bit of His Mojo. Its okay to hold the keys in a death grip, that's all the better really, it'll mix a little of 'you' into them.  After you return home it's up to you; doing the work that is.  Strengthen your craft and build on what's been bestowed.  Conjure Craft is about 'doing,' not about asking for something and expecting it will be done for you.  That won't happen.  Be prepared to kneel in muck sometimes, get your hands dirty in a heady and visceral way.  There's no 'figuratively speaking' with this arte. 

Okay, now it's time to snuff out what's left of that cigar and skedaddle home.

On the next new moon finish what you started, or what The Dark Rider has started for you; it's waiting for you and remains to be done.

On that day, take a little olive oil; coat your keys with it letting your fingers feel their every detail.  Using a length of red yarn, measure from your left wrist to your heart while extending your left arm completely;  cut the yarn to length; carefully wind the it around the middle of the keys binding them together so that they're held together 'as one'.

Within this time-honored practice it's customary to wind some of your own hair in with the yarn, anointing them with a bodily fluid such as spittle, which is a powerful ingredient, also deepens the connection to you and them, making you partners.  Carry the key bundle on your person for one full cycle of the moon; let the magic build as the moon builds.  Personally, I like the idea of having them with me in this fashion for three turns of the lunar cycle; three is a magical number that I work with often with fruitful results.  Sleep with them; have them beside you when you eat your meals; handle them as often as possible, but always out of sight of questioning eyes.  When the time is right, and you'll 'know', revisit the crossroads on a full moon.

Bring with you:  a good sharp blade, your key bundle, some rum and a shovel or trowel. 

Do this after midnight, say around 3 am.  Upon reaching the center of the crossroad dig a hole where the roads intersect. Dig it down as deep as you can. Using the blade you've brought, cut the keys free of one another, save a short length of yarn, (enough to wind around one key about three times). Have one key and a bit of yarn in your left hand and drop the other key with the remaining yarn that once bound them together, with your right, into the hole.  Still using your right hand, fill in the hole using a tool and stamping on the surface to flatten and smooth it over as best you can. 

Now, take the small length of yarn that you've saved, and wind it 'round the center of the key you've retained, firmly tying it off.  This is your personal 'key to the crossroads', you will always be connected to this place because its twin rests secretly at its center.  Finally, close your eyes and thank the Dark Rider for His aid.  When you perform magic wear your key.

Your journey to the crossroads has been a moment of truth and the 'solo initiation of your intent' as a practitioner.  You'll return to the crossroads in the future as part of your practice.  The seed has been planted; but remember, the success of your conjure is up to you.

Another type of crossroads, often overlooked, is formed by a bridge crossing swift running water and this, like the crossroads, is a catalyst of otherworldly connection.  Through prayer, while facing the water, let the water carry to you what you desire, with your back to the flow, release that which no longer serves. 

Speaking to your ancestors while standing on a bridge can create a potent connection to them and their ability to send you aid in the form of dreams.

When need arises, you can create a crossroads in your home by simply casting a circle of power or compass 'round.  Using sea salt, mark the center with an X.  The X can be creatively changed using dots resembling a #5 gambling die pattern instead.

This quincunx symbol is used quite often in magical work. A cast circle symbolizes the microcosm; the space outside the circle, the macrocosm, where these two realms overlap ignites a magical current where change can take place in the physical realm.  Place your talisman in the center while you work.

Disposal of Tricks

Practitioners of the old ways tend to end up with bits of ash, candle stubs, charred paper, honey jar contents and other magical remnants from time to time from various spells and petitions.  Considered unwise and extremely unlucky to throw these bits and bobs into the trash, the crossroads become a perfect magical waste bin where the energies are separated by the four directions, and returned and to the elements of their creation.  When doing healing magic, the illness that you remove can be disposed of at the crossroads in order to keep it from returning to the client. 

The crossroads is a place where the frequency of travel, either on foot or in vehicles, is said to 'keep the mojo movin'.

The Crossroads Part One

The Crossroads create a place considered "betwixt and between" where 'two realms touch'; a 'liminal arena' known for strong magic, where pacts are made and myth and legend dance.

Hekate, goddess of witchcraft and the dark arts, frequents such places contributing to the strength of the forces found there.  Crossroads are an important ingredient in the practice of magic which asks one to delve into the center where a vortex exists not governed by man or time.  Such a place is frequented by the newly, beloved and the not so dearly departed so care should be given to one's intention. Crossroads are the unclaimed, waste and forgotten areas where none tarry long for fear of what might happen there. 

 Because Hekate has always been associated with such landscapes, it is little wonder that sensing her presence there is often acutely felt.

In medieval England there were stories surrounding the late night activities of ghosts at such places, and it was thought, given the severity of spectral retribution on the living, condemned criminals should therefore be hung and displayed at this infamous spot.  This visual not only worked as a silent symbol of 'fair warning' to outsiders, it was believed to protect the town from the criminal's spirit out for ghostly retribution.

Consequently, suicide victims were not granted access to internment within the village graveyard even those which lay beyond the town's boarders.  Ghosts might place blame on those who survived them, whether they be family or town official, and moral responsibility was not a virtue of those who spat in God's eye by taking their own life.  Revenge by the dead was a threat, and anyone might fall prey to a grisly specter out to even the score.

What is important to understand is that there are in fact two types of crossroads one might come across. The first is more common where one road is bisected by the other; the second, and harder to find, consists of the intersection of three roads, or paths, also known as a 'fork in the road.' In the form of actual roads each one must have a different name.  This has been purported to be by far the most powerful type due to its rarity and is often referred to as the “corpse cross” or “the' way.” Funeral processions would take this track to confuse the corpse's ghost preventing it from following anyone back to town after burial.

The well-known Goddess of the Crossroads is of course Hekate, known by many names and often referred to the “Queen of Ghosts.” She stands, listening to sounds well beyond what the human ear might perceive, for She is quite intent on leaving no soul behind.

Since the time of the Ancient Greeks, Hekate has held dominion over this realm; and to this day, by those of us who continue the practice of Hekate Veneration, define the Crossroads as the Threshold to the Underworld. 

Offerings are customarily left there, on the bare ground, and timing is important; the approach of midnight is thought to represent the overlap of the past, present and future. Wearing a skeleton key, consecrated and dedicated to the Dark Queen, aids one in conversation with the dead and the other unseen forces that reside there, affording some protection.

Once the offering is left, it is crucial to walk away without looking back, Hekate is there whether you see Her or not, surrounded by Her night shrouded specters.  To behold Her face has consequences said to be dire for the living and breaks the code of nature, for whatever is given cannot be reclaimed, don't let your soul be amid the benefaction. Within this realm there is a collapsing inward of time, and with it, obligations to the dead beyond one's comfort. 

I am of the tradition of placing small candles directly into the cakes left as an offering, enabling Hekate's Entourage to partake of it's essence. The early Greeks were the forerunners of this tradition I'm told.  History tells us that regarding the Goddess Artemis, who, Hekate shares an association, was honored in this way in her temple in Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.  This flickering candles represented the glow of the moon, one of her many symbols.

Having left many an offering at the crossroads, I suppose to those who understand, it is common practice, to others driving or walking late at night, it is a sight which might instill both awe and perhaps a bit of trepidation as perhaps, it should.  

Troy Books Fine Editions

Special Announcement:

Troy Books has made Gemma Gary's first book; Traditional Witchcraft A Cornish Book of Ways, with a new introduction, available in three limited editions to collectors.

"Traditional Witchcraft - A Cornish Book of Ways is a 21st century version of traditional Cornish witchcraft, of the kind recorded by Hunt, Bottrell and others. This is no neo-pagan or modern wiccan manual, but rather a deep drawing up into modern times of some of the ancient practices of lore and magic practiced by the white witches, charmers, conjurers and pellars of the Cornish villages. Their presence was still current when the 18th and 19th century antiquarians and collectors recorded them, and, although the 20th century largely put paid to their activities, nevertheless their lore never completely disappeared, and it continues to provide inspiration for practitioners today. Gemma draws on this knowledge, not only from published material, but also from the experiences and workings of ‘wise women’ and country witches living today.

  

Topics include the Cunning Path, the Dead and the Underworld (Fairy Faith), the Bucca, Places of Power in the villages and landscape, the Tools used by Cunning Folk (working versions of what can be seen, for example, in the Museum of Witchcraft), Village cunning, substances and charms, and Rites of the Year’s Round. This book gathers much material together, some of which has not been seen in print before, and thus provides a sourcebook of magical workings in Cornwall today, which will be an invaluable reference."

Cheryl Straffon - Meyn Mamvro

"First published in 2008, this is a revised and expanded second edition of the author's well received book on modern Cornish traditional witchcraft. As Gemma Gary says in her new preface, there is no 'set in stone' organized witch tradition in Cornwall and folk magic practices have always been unique to their individual practitioners. However in this excellent book she has managed to expertly draw together a workable new tradition from historical sources and the surviving rites, charms and folk customs of Cornwall and the West Country. It provides a valuable resource and guide for beginners interested in practising Trad Craft. However this reviewer is sure that experienced practitioners will also learn from its contents.

Very highly recommended."  Mike Howard – The Cauldron

A special edition, bound in green cloth with copper foil blocking to the front and spine, black end papers and red head and tail bands. Lithographic printing on 120gsm cream paper stock with sewn binding. Limited to 250 signed and hand numbered examples.

A fine edition, hand bound in scarlet hand finished goat leather with gold foil blocking to the front and spine, marbled end papers, red head and tail bands and green marker ribbon. Lithographic printing on 120gsm cream paper stock with sewn binding. Limited to 25 signed and hand numbered examples. This edition will be issued with a lined marbled slipcase.

A Special Fine Edition, hand bound in dark green fine hand polished and finished goat leather, with hand tooled raised labyrinth to the front, modeled on one of the two stone labyrinths found in The Rocky Valley, North Cornwall, gold foil blocking to the spine, marbled end papers, red head and tail bands, red marker ribbon, gilded edges and serpent motifs hand painted by the author. Lithographic printing on 120gsm cream paper stock with sewn binding. Limited to 5 signed and hand numbered examples. This edition will be issued with a lined marbled slipcase

The Leathers

The leather used in the hand binding of our fine and special fine editions are bought via 'Fair Trade' and are from free range animals. Only Sumac and other organic materials are used within the tanning process. The goatskin used for the fine edition of this book is tanned and finished by drumming and hand finishing. The special fine edition goatskins are hand polished and finished. The natural character of each skin is maintained, no pigment finishes are added and no grain correction is made.

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Please Note: Troy Books anticipates the Special Edition will ship in approximately 4 weeks and the Fine and Special Fine Edition in 6 - 8 weeks.

The Witches Herbal

by Michael Howard

ISBN-978-0-9568114-2-4

“Throughout human history the often secret and sometimes forbidden knowledge of herbs and plants has always been the special province of those practising witchcraft and the magical arts. Although it tends to be a neglected study among those modern witches who live in an urban environment divorced from nature, in the past an understanding of plants that have medicinal properties, are poisonous, or have hallucinogenic qualities was the stock-in-trade of the old cunning man, wise woman, witch, warlock and wizard.”

The Witches’ Herbal is a guide to the subject of magical herbalism in three parts. Part one: a concise history of herbal healing and the use of folk remedies from ancient times to the present day. Part 2: a comprehensive A-Z herbal and plant glossary, providing the reader with a list of herbs and plants common to the British Isles with their botanical, cultural, magical, folkloric and medicinal significance. Part 3: information on the magical, folkloric and pagan religious role of common British trees based on Robert Graves’ famous Celtic Tree Alphabet.
Michael Howard is editor of long running The Cauldron magazine and author of many books on occult and related subjects.

Michael Howard has been the editor of The Cauldron witchcraft magazine since 1976. He has written numerous articles for other occult and neo-pagan magazines and since the 1970s has had over thirty books published on the runes, witchcraft, angelic magic, folklore, herbal remedies, and occult parapolitics.

Amazon carried it but still lists it as 'out of print'.

Contact: Red Thread Books for purchase http://www.redthreadbooks.co.uk/