The Vaf witch is a popular folkloric character in Estonian mythology. She is seen as an old woman who possesses magical powers and is capable of performing spells and enchantments. The word "vaf" is derived from the Estonian word for "witch." According to legend, the Vaf witch typically lives deep in the forest, away from human civilization. The Vaf witch is often depicted as a shapeshifter, able to transform into various animals such as birds, cats, or wolves. She is also said to have the ability to control the weather and communicate with spirits.
5. Now That’s What I Call Chaos Magick, by Greg Humphries and Julian Vayne
Formulaic rites aren t given for the reader to perform, and theories aren t expounded upon in great detail; NTWICCM shows you what chaos magick is like in action. The IOT was conceived of as a new kind of order based on meritocracy, and Liber Null serves as an introductory text to what was then a new approach to magickal practice.
She is also said to have the ability to control the weather and communicate with spirits. In many folktales, the Vaf witch is portrayed as both a wise figure and a mischief-maker. In Estonian folklore, encountering the Vaf witch can be both exciting and dangerous.
Top 5 chaos magick books
There are some books that are required reading for the dedicated student, and this list represents my top five books dedicated to chaos magick – books that defined chaos magick as a distinct field of study and practice.1
Liber Null, first published in the late 1970s by Ray Sherwin, is the handbook for the Illuminates of Thanteros, the first group dedicated to chaos magick. The IOT was conceived of as a new kind of order based on meritocracy, and Liber Null serves as an introductory text to what was then a new approach to magickal practice.
New Falcon published Liber Null and Psychonaut together in 1987. Psychonaut expands upon themes raised in Liber Null, and contains the much maligned pseudo-scientific approach to catastrophe theory, but it does have its moments, defining and reframing magickal theories for a new generation of occultists.
The material draws heavily from Aleister Crowley, and sections of Magick are frequently paraphrased – even example for example in some cases. Even so, it remains a cornerstone of chaos magick, and its relevance has not dimmed.
Sherwin co-founded the Illuminates of Thanateros with Peter Carroll, and The Book of Results is another early text which helped define the movement. In it, Sherwin gives a lucid introduction to sigil magick via Austin Osman Spare, and introduces chaote philosophy.
The introduction to incense creation and aromatherapy have been criticized as being out of place in a book dedicated to chaos magick, but in many ways I think that rather misses the point.
Nox is an anthology of twenty-two essays and articles previously published in Sennitt’s magazine of the same name written by various chaos and black magickians. It primarily consists of the rites and theories of the Order of Nine Angels, and draws heavily on the Golden Dawn, Aleister Crowley, the OTO, and Lovecraft for inspiration.
Writers often “correct” the views of earlier authors, Lovecraft in particular (apparently forgetting that he wrote fiction), and Liber Koth focuses entirely on working with the Cthulhu Mythos.
These texts provide an enchanting snapshot of chaos magick’s earlier and darker influences circa the 1980s. The edge seems to have dulled somewhat in subsequent generations, and this book provides a great reminder of what once was. (Dead but dreaming…?)
Hine covers a wide variety of introductory topics in an easy, conversational style in this New Falcon title published in 1995. Hine employs a number of mnemonic devices intended to be “cute,” (Such as S.P.L.I.F.F.: Statement of intent, Pathways available, Link, Intense gnosis/indifferent Vacuity, Fire, Forget. See? It’s adorbs.), but the book is light and fun.
If there was one book you were going to use to introduce chaos magick to your non-chaote friends who had a dim view of the subject: this book would provide an excellent start and step towards rectifying that view.
5. Now That’s What I Call Chaos Magick, by Greg Humphries and Julian Vayne
Published in 2004 by Mandrake of Oxford, NTWICCM, after a brief introduction to chaos magick, the authors launch into descriptions of their work. Numerous rituals are presented, often written in the first-person, describing the rite performed and reflections from participants.
Formulaic rites aren’t given for the reader to perform, and theories aren’t expounded upon in great detail; NTWICCM shows you what chaos magick is like in action. It’s an odd approach, but, in many ways, it works.
It continues to surprise me how often I am asked for recommendations of chaos magick books. Whenever it seems like a dead or dying movement, but new people hit upon it, and a new wave of practitioners follows, each brining their own ideas into the practice.
What would your top five be?
First published on Plutonica.net 02 April 2008.
- See also, “Psyche’s list of chaos magick primers.” [↩]
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On one hand, she is known to help those who are lost or in need by guiding them through the forest or providing them with mystical gifts. On the other hand, however, she can also be mischievous and play tricks on unsuspecting individuals. It is said that those who cross her or disrespect her may fall victim to her spells and curses. The Vaf witch is often associated with certain holidays and traditions in Estonia. She plays a prominent role in the celebration of St. John's Day, also known as Midsummer's Eve, where bonfires are lit to ward off evil spirits. During this time, it is believed that the Vaf witch is particularly active. Despite the fear and caution associated with the Vaf witch, she is also seen as a symbol of Estonian heritage and tradition. Many Estonians still celebrate the folklore associated with her, keeping the tales and beliefs alive in their cultural practices and storytelling. In conclusion, the Vaf witch is an intriguing character in Estonian mythology, known for her magical abilities and mischievous nature. She is both feared and revered, serving as a connection to ancient traditions and beliefs. The legend of the Vaf witch continues to captivate the imaginations of Estonians, reminding them of the mystical and mysterious side of their cultural heritage..
Reviews for "The Vaf Witch Trials: Injustice and Mass Hysteria"
1. John Doe - 2 stars
I was really excited to read "The Vaf Witch" after hearing so many great things about it. Unfortunately, I found it to be quite underwhelming. The plot was confusing and disjointed, making it difficult for me to follow along. The characters were also poorly developed and lacked depth. Overall, I was left feeling disappointed and unsatisfied with this book.
2. Jane Smith - 1 star
I couldn't get into "The Vaf Witch" at all. The writing style was pretentious and convoluted, making it a struggle to read. The story itself felt forced and contrived, with little originality or excitement. I found myself constantly questioning the author's choices and ultimately felt no connection to the characters or their struggles. This was definitely not a book for me.
3. David Johnson - 2 stars
"The Vaf Witch" had potential, but it fell flat for me. The pacing was sluggish, and the story lacked a clear direction. As a result, I often found myself bored and disengaged. The world-building was vague and left me with unanswered questions, further adding to my frustration. While some may enjoy the mysterious and eerie atmosphere, it didn't resonate with me personally.
4. Sarah Thompson - 1 star
I cannot understand the hype surrounding "The Vaf Witch." The writing was overly verbose and unnecessarily complex, making it difficult to decipher the author's intended message. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any depth or relatability. The plot felt disjointed and failed to capture my interest. Overall, I found this book to be a tedious and laborious read that I wouldn't recommend to others.
5. Michael Brown - 2 stars
"The Vaf Witch" was a disappointment for me. The story seemed promising at first, but it quickly became convoluted and confusing. The pacing was erratic, making it difficult to fully grasp the events and their significance. Additionally, the dialogue felt stilted and unnatural, further hindering my enjoyment of the book. Overall, I don't think I'll be recommending this read to anyone.