The Complete Book of Magic and Witchcraft is a comprehensive guide to the various practices and beliefs associated with the mystical world of magic and witchcraft. Written by renowned occultist and author, Raymond Buckland, this book serves as a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced practitioners alike. The book begins by introducing the reader to the history of magic and witchcraft, tracing its origins back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Babylon. It explores the evolution of witchcraft through the ages, from the witch trials of the Middle Ages to the modern-day Wiccan movement. Buckland also delves into the various cultural and religious traditions that have influenced the development of magic and witchcraft. The Complete Book of Magic and Witchcraft covers a wide range of topics related to the practice of magic and witchcraft.
Praise:
"A masterwork by one of the great Elders of the Craft. Raymond Buckland has presented a treasure trove of Wiccan lore. It is a legacy that will provide magic, beauty, and wisdom to future generations of those who seek the ancient paths of the Old Religion."--Ed Fitch, author of Magical Rites from the Crystal Well
One of modern Wicca s most recommended books, this comprehensive text features a step-by-step course in Witchcraft, with photographs and illustrations, rituals, beliefs, history, and lore, as well as instruction in spellwork, divination, herbalism, healing, channeling, dreamwork, sabbats, esbats, covens, and solitary practice. Ashley, a professor of English at Brooklyn College, produces all of the knowledge he has gathered in his many years of studying magic and witchcraft in this lengthy volume.
The Complete Book of Magic and Witchcraft covers a wide range of topics related to the practice of magic and witchcraft. It provides detailed information on spellcasting, rituals, divination techniques, and the use of magical tools such as wands, amulets, and crystals. Buckland also explores the different types of witchcraft, including Wicca, traditional witchcraft, and ceremonial magic, offering insights into their unique practices and beliefs.
The complete book of matic and witchcraft
Leonard R.N. Ashley. The Complete Book of Magic and Witchcraft. New York: Barricade Books, 1986.
Leonard R.N. Ashley, a professor of English at Brooklyn College, produces all of the knowledge he has gathered in his many years of studying magic and witchcraft in this lengthy volume. The book contains elements of every type of magical happening known to human kind. Contained in its passages are brief, to the point explanations of the different types of magic and witchcraft that are said to have existed through the ages. It contains everything from common folk magic to sorcery to the witchcraft that exists today, examining closely all of it. The book takes a rather skeptical look at magic, summed up in one particular line "Whether what is subjectively produced [magic] has also an objective reality, the true believer cannot tell"(pg. 10). In other words, if someone believes it is real, then in that person�s mind it is, but there is no evidence that magic exists in any form of testable, reliable, reality. The author�s goal is presenting evidence and allowing the reader to draw his or her own conclusions about magic and witchcraft, but it is hard to deny the skepticism that is written between the lines throughout the book.
In this book, Ashley presents evidence but offers few conclusions. It was written in the form that one could read either for information or just for enjoyment. However, its layout is rather bland and straightforward, much like that of a textbook. He offers much in the way of detailed information about all types of magic and witchcraft from around the world. He does not simply put focus on one particular area of magic and give all the evidence; he jumps around, which adds to the work, because it presents comprehensive information. It also detracts, however, because he never focuses on one area long enough for the reader to grasp a full understanding of it. He limits the information he gives to one or two small paragraphs each, which is very insufficient in any case. However, he claims that he did this because it would be impossible to include all of the information in one book, and he only wanted to give a layout, not a complete guide. Throughout the book, he uses illustrations of different "magic circles" and "daemons" but uses no maps to show where these events transpired, therefore assuming the readers� knowledge of geography.
He gives little to the person studying the witch-hunts, as he dedicates only one chapter to the subject. Included in this chapter are some of the reasons for the hunt, including Pope Innocent VIII issuing the papal bull Summis desiderantes, which led to the publication of the Malleus Maleficarum, Hammer of the Witches. Included elsewhere in that chapter are some specific instances of trials and the evidence that was used to condemn people of their supposed witchcraft. It is in this chapter of the book where the author gives his only conclusion: "Some witches were indeed lawbreakers, and some were just kind older women who knew how to make �healing recipes.� In either case, their treatment by the law was barbaric"(pg. 90).
The main strength of the book is it presents all the information as detailed passages. Although brief, Ashley illustrates many points, such as the story of Margaret Rule:
Margaret Rule was prosecuted as a witch in Boston, 1693. She reported that the Devil forced her to swear fealty on a big red book, by which she must have meant the lettering. It was not uncommon for grimoires to be printed in red-they were said to burn the eyes if gazed at too long-but they were always bound in black (pg. 157).
He summarizes everything and paraphrases to ensure understanding, yet without beating a subject to death. He differentiates types of magic, from low to high, from common folk magic to sorcery and includes the type of people known to work each. He spans the globe from Europe, to Asia, to Jamaica and the United States. He basically explains what is believed to occur to persons who encounter magic, or dabble in the occult. All of this is done professionally throughout the book.
However, this strength could also be viewed as a weakness. I say this because he spreads himself all over the globe, and in a number of different types of magical workings that he can never give the reader an actual comprehension of the things that are going on. For example, a passage entitled "Magic Stone" is just two lines long and reads "Considered �the food of the immortals,� green jade is also said to be good for you, if you powder it and eat it" (pg. 141).
Also, the events that are written about in the book are scattered throughout its entirety, therefore it follows no set pattern, or chronological order. This can be confusing, and causes the book to lose the attention of the reader at times. For example, in one area of the book, he explains that Satanists are not committing sacrilege, goes on to talk about using names in witchcraft, lists a Scottish spell for banishing witches, only to come back to the topic of Satanists again. This choppiness makes it difficult to actually take in any information that the book provides, because that information is fairly unorganized throughout.
This book, compared with others concerning witchcraft is a fairly poor one, because, as I have illustrated above it contains too much, yet too little at the same time. It incorporates many viewpoints at the same time, which you cannot deny, however, it never seems to take one viewpoint as the master viewpoint, and therefore makes the book almost not worth reading, as the person doing the reading can become quite confused as to what exactly the point to all of it is.
The Complete Book of Magic and Witchcraft is a tedious book to read, at best, and I would strongly recommend that people go elsewhere in finding a book that deals with the aspects of witchcraft, whether that person is a practicing witch, or a fanatical skeptic. If, however, you are interested in those books that fill your head with all sorts of interesting, mostly useless facts, then this is the book for you. I conclude that he presents a great amount of information in a tiny area the best that anyone could have done, however, trying to fill a book with all of the aspects and happenings of witchcraft throughout the ages perhaps is something that should not be attempted, unless of course it were to be done in a series of volumes, as there is indeed so much information available out there in this world.
| URL: http://departments.kings.edu/womens_history/wrevleonard.html Written by Brian Hazlak Last Revision: 12 November 2001 Copyright � MM Prof. Pavlac's Women's History Site |
The Complete Book of Black Magic and Witchcraft is a mainstay for both beginners and advanced seekers into genuine occult methods because it is the first instruction manual to systematise the techniques and aims of Ritual Magic. Including how to prepare for rituals of exorcism and purging, and the rites… show more.
One of the highlights of the book is its emphasis on practical magic. Buckland provides step-by-step instructions for performing spells and rituals, making it easy for readers to apply what they have learned. From love spells and protection charms to healing rituals and astral projection, the book covers a wide range of magical practices that can be easily incorporated into everyday life. In addition to the practical aspects of magic, The Complete Book of Magic and Witchcraft also delves into the ethical considerations surrounding the use of magic. Buckland emphasizes the importance of practicing magic responsibly and ethically, ensuring that the practitioner does not harm others or interfere with their free will. He also provides guidance on personal spiritual development and the cultivation of positive intentions in magical work. Overall, The Complete Book of Magic and Witchcraft is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in exploring the fascinating world of magic and witchcraft. Whether you are a beginner seeking an introduction to the subject or an experienced practitioner looking to deepen your knowledge, this book provides a comprehensive and informative guide to the practice of magic and witchcraft..
Reviews for "Matic and Witchcraft: A Path to Healing and Wellness"
1. John - 1 star rating - This book was a complete waste of my time and money. It lacked any real substance and was filled with vague information and poorly written explanations. The author failed to provide any credible sources or evidence to support the claims made throughout the book. I was hoping to gain a deeper understanding of magic and witchcraft, but instead, I found myself sifting through pages of repetitive and nonsensical ramblings. Save your money and look elsewhere for a more informative and trustworthy source on this topic.
2. Sarah - 2 star rating - I was really excited to delve into the world of magic and witchcraft with this book, but it left me sorely disappointed. The content felt disorganized and scattered, making it difficult to follow along and comprehend the concepts being presented. The writing style was also rather dry, lacking any real passion or enthusiasm for the subject matter. Additionally, I felt that the book focused too much on superstitions and outdated beliefs, rather than providing practical and useful information for modern practitioners. Overall, this book fell short of my expectations and left me wanting more.
3. Robert - 2 star rating - As someone interested in learning about magic and witchcraft, I found this book to be quite underwhelming. It seemed more like a compilation of basic information gathered from various online sources rather than a comprehensive guide. The lack of depth and originality was disappointing, as I was hoping to gain a deeper understanding and insight into the subject matter. Additionally, the book could have benefited from better organization and structure, as it often jumped from one topic to another without clear transitions. While it may be suitable for absolute beginners, those seeking a more in-depth exploration of magic and witchcraft will likely be left unsatisfied.