Wicca is a modern pagan witchcraft religion that incorporates aspects of ancient traditions. Many people who practice Wicca find value in studying and learning about its various practices and beliefs through books. Barnes and Noble, a popular bookstore chain, offers a wide selection of Wicca books for those interested in exploring this spiritual path. These books cover a range of topics, including spellcraft, rituals, herbalism, divination, and more. They provide guidance and insight into Wiccan traditions, offering valuable information for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Barnes and Noble's collection of Wicca books allows individuals to delve into the rich history and philosophy of this earth-based religion.
8 And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee.
There is a lot of mystery here, but I think we must understand that God never commanded the Israelites to attack any peoples whom he had not considered it morally right to judge because of the pure evil of their actions. 20 Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night.
Barnes and Noble's collection of Wicca books allows individuals to delve into the rich history and philosophy of this earth-based religion. From well-known authors like Scott Cunningham and Silver RavenWolf to lesser-known writers, there is a diverse range of voices represented in their selection. Whether one is interested in the basics of Wicca or wants to explore more advanced concepts, Barnes and Noble offers a variety of titles to cater to different interests and levels of experience.
Saul and the qitch of endor purcell
Remains of the final battle by Jane Mackay, used with many thanks to the artist. Jane Mackay’s Sounding Art website can be found here
Saul and the witch at Endor, Z134 – Purcell realization for soprano, tenor, bass voices and piano (pre 21 November 1945, Britten aged 32)
Dedication Cuthbert Kelly, a singer who was in the New English Singers with Peter Pears
Text Anon
Language English
Duration 12′
Audio clips with thanks to Hyperion
https://goodmorningbritten.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/saul-and-the-witch-original.mp3 Original version, In guilty night, with Susan Gritton (soprano), Rogers Covey-Crump (tenor), Michael George (bass) and the King’s Consort / Robert King
https://goodmorningbritten.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/saul-and-the-witch-realization.mp3 Realization, with Sarah Walker (mezzo-soprano), John Mark Ainsley (tenor), Simon Keenlyside (baritone) and Graham Johnson (piano)
Background and Critical Reception
This is the most substantial of Britten’s Purcell realizations, and was performed for the first time in the first of the two Wigmore Hall concerts given to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the composer’s death, on 21 November 1945.
Purcell sets the Old Testament tale of King Saul of Israel, who is about to fight the Philistines but is getting desperate as his pleas to God have not been answered, and he has driven all mediums and witches from the land. In his desperation he gets his men to call on a medium from the village of Endor, asking her to raise the prophet Samuel from the dead to see what can be done. She is horrified to see her visitor is the King, but he promises not to harm her. Samuel then appears, but tells Saul he is beyond rescue and that he should prepare to die the next day. The tale ends with a sorrowful farewell, the king resigned to his fate. Although the music ends here the tale does not, with Saul and his sons perishing the next day in the Battle of Gilboa.
Purcell’s work is rare among his output, evading almost all categorisation except perhaps that of ‘dramatic scena’. Writing about the work for Hyperion, Robert King sees Purcell as encompassing elements of the devotional song, the cantata and even the oratorio. In his words, ‘The closing chorus, setting just two words, ‘Oh, Farewell’, is a magical ending to one of the most remarkable compositions of the age’.
Britten’s realization is for soprano (the witch), tenor (Saul) and bass (Samuel), with piano accompaniment – which would have been performed in the Wigmore Hall concert by Margaret Ritchie, Peter Pears and Owen Brannigan, accompanied by Britten himself.
In an extremely interesting chapter on Realizing Purcell in the book Britten’s Unquiet Pasts , published by Cambridge University Press, Heather Wiebe suggests that in Saul and the witch of Endor ‘Britten seems to have found…a site for the expression of excessive feeling, in this case shame and abandonment. She also talks of the ‘misty’ figuration of the opening, and the moment when Samuel’s ghost returns to the underworld as ‘almost disappearing off the bottom of the piano’.
On the face of it this would have been the ideal subject matter and text for Britten to set as a first Canticle – and perhaps the only reason he did not do so was because Purcell had already achieved that. Saul and the witch of Endor does nonetheless act as something of a prototype for a form he made his own.
It is an extraordinary setting. The opening notes are sparse and deeply troubled, but the moment when Samuel rises from the dead, his voice down in his boots, is truly chilling. Here the piano is also right down in the lower register, and one can sense the mists of another world that should not have been disturbed.
The tortured mental state of Saul is truly laid bare here, and Britten deliberately does not add much treble to the piano part, with much of it held well below middle ‘C’. There is brief hope in the middle section, as the witch manages to locate Samuel, but his news is bad and the final farewell harrowing in the extreme.
Purcell’s lines ensure the full dramatic potential of the story is revealed, as Saul teeters on the edge of insanity, the witch spends much of the time in fearful obedience and Samuel is vexed at his return to the world. It is a potent combination of extreme emotions, and Britten’s responsive piano part ensures that no dramatic stone is left unturned. Because of this, Saul and the witch of Endor is perhaps his boldest and most unsettling realization of Purcell to date.
Recordings used
Sarah Walker (mezzo-soprano), John Mark Ainsley (tenor), Simon Keenlyside (baritone) and Graham Johnson (piano) (Hyperion)
My personal preference would be for a performance of this to have less vibrato than the three singers here use, especially having heard the very sparse and moving interpretation from Andrew Parrott. That said, this is incredibly well sung, a powerful interpretation that is also deeply troubling, especially when Samuel comes back from the dead.
Unfortunately the version above is the only version of Britten’s realization, and is not available on Spotify. However two versions of the original can be accessed. An emotionally bare account from the Taverner Consort and Players under Andrew Taverner can be accessed here, while Alfred Deller – one of Purcell’s chief exponents in the 1940s and 1950s, takes the role of Saul here, accompanied by the Deller Consort.
Also written in 1945: Schoenberg – Prelude to Genesis Suite for Chorus and Orchestra, Op. 44
Next up: Lord, what is man?
This argument of a change in God’s attitude from one testament to the next cannot hold water. Wright quotes bible scholar John Wenham who summarizes things well:
In addition to providing information, Wicca books can also serve as tools for personal growth and self-discovery. They can assist practitioners in developing their magical abilities and connecting with nature and the divine. By studying these books and implementing their teachings, individuals can deepen their understanding of Wicca and enhance their spiritual practice. Barnes and Noble's wide range of Wicca books makes it easier for individuals to find the resources they need to further their knowledge and spiritual growth. Whether one prefers beginner-friendly introductory books or more advanced texts, they have multiple options to choose from. By offering a selection of Wicca books, Barnes and Noble supports the spiritual and educational needs of those who follow or are curious about this pagan path..
Reviews for "Beginner's Guide to Wicca: Find Your Path at Barnes and Noble"
1. Jessica - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the selection of Wicca books at Barnes and Noble. Most of the titles were outdated and seemed to cater to a stereotypical image of witchcraft. I was hoping to find more diverse and modern books that explore different aspects of Wicca and its practices. Unfortunately, I left the store empty-handed and had to search for better options online.
2. Mike - 1 star - As someone who has been practicing Wicca for several years, I was appalled by the lack of accurate and valuable information in the Wicca books section at Barnes and Noble. It felt like they had just thrown in any book labeled "Wicca" without considering its content or authenticity. I would highly recommend visiting specialty metaphysical shops or doing thorough research online to find reliable and informative books on Wicca.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I found the Wicca books section at Barnes and Noble to be rather limited and uninspiring. The majority of the books focused on spells and witchcraft, which is just a small part of what Wicca involves. I was hoping to find more in-depth resources on Wiccan philosophy, history, and rituals, but instead, I was greeted with a superficial and commercialized selection. I would suggest looking elsewhere if you are serious about learning and understanding Wicca as a spiritual practice.
4. Richard - 3 stars - While Barnes and Noble does have a selection of Wicca books, I found that their stock was lacking in diversity. Most of the books tended to focus on beginner-level Wicca, with very few options for intermediate or advanced practitioners. Additionally, the prices were quite high compared to other bookstores and online retailers. It would be great if Barnes and Noble could expand their offerings and provide more options for different levels of experience in the Wicca community.