Years of the Witch The term "years of the witch" refers to a time period in history when witchcraft and witch trials were prevalent. This period is often associated with the early modern period, particularly the 16th and 17th centuries. It was during this time that widespread hysteria surrounding witches swept through Europe and North America. The fear of witches and their perceived alliance with the devil led to a wave of witch hunts and trials. Accusations of witchcraft were often based on superstitions, rumors, and general paranoia. Many innocent people, primarily women, were accused of practicing witchcraft and faced harsh punishments, including torture and death.
Many innocent people, primarily women, were accused of practicing witchcraft and faced harsh punishments, including torture and death. The years of the witch were marked by a collective obsession with identifying and eliminating witches. Authorities used various methods to identify alleged witches, including "witch tests" such as the swimming test or the "pricking" test.
Year of the Witch - by Temperance Alden (Paperback)
"When we think of the 'wheel of the year,' it is the Wiccan wheel-with its celebrations of the Yule, Beltane, Mabon, Samhain, etc.-that comes to mind. But what about a 'wheel of the year' for the rest of us pagans and witches? This book will help readers create their own intuitive practices, in harmony with the climate, culture, and local spirits where they live"
Book Synopsis
"In her much-needed and brilliant Year of the Witch, Temperance Alden guides readers to observe their own land, celestial cycles, seasonal cycles, and even their own biological cycles to inform their magickal year."-- Mat Auryn, author of Psychic Witch: A Metaphysical Guide to Meditation, Magick, and Manifestation
When we think of the wheel of the year, the Wiccan wheel with its celebrations of the Yule, Beltane, Mabon, and Samhain come to mind. But what about a wheel of the year for the rest of us pagans and witches? As a witch living in sunny South Florida, longtime hereditary witch Temperance Alden has often felt at odds gearing up to celebrate Yule, for example, when it is 76 degrees and sunny outside.
- The origins of the neo-pagan wheel of the year and why it is still so relevant today
- Culture, historical facts, and traditions associated with the major ceremonies
- Basic principles of land-based magick
- How to intuitively connect to the nature below your feet and the local gods
- Being a custodian to the land and its impact on our spiritual practice
Review Quotes
"Year of The Witch surpasses all other wheel-of-the-year books on my shelves as a perfect mix of traditional practices and modern application. . . . An absolute 'must-have' if you're looking to incorporate the wheel into your life without the pressure of ideas about what you 'should do' and only build instead upon what is authentic to you." --Olivia Graves, "The Witch of Wonderlust"
"Not only is Year of the Witch an engaging, thoughtful, and truly fun read, but it is also packed with wisdom and insight that comes only from the living the path. Temperance's words are so generous and supportive, and her perspective offers so much depth for new and practiced witches alike. Whether you're a city witch or swamp witch, whether you've been celebrating the wheel of the year for a decade or are new to it, this book has something to offer through the many practices, advice, prompts, and invitations that help readers reconnect with the cycles of the earth and those within themselves. This book is so encouraging of the fact that there's no one way to be a witch, without watering down the potency or power of the craft; a true act of magick." --Gabriela Herstik, author of Inner Witch
"Temperance Alden has written a book about the wheel of the year that can finally serve all witches and magickal practitioners living anywhere in the world in any climate. The authenticity in Alden's prose enables her to effectively teach how to develop intuition and work with elements leading to a more profound understanding of the power of life's cycles. Delightful recipes and engaging rituals and spells help readers to create a wheel of the year unique to their own experiences. Year of the Witch is a direct conduit to Mother Earth and all Her power, and Alden has unveiled secrets even experienced witches will want to know." --Lawren Leo, author of Horse Magick
"Temperance Alden is at the fore of a new generation of witches, and they are smart, fearless, and ready to overthrow paradigms that many of us have taken for granted. Year of the Witch invites readers to challenge the assumption that the wheel of the year needs to uphold Arcadian agricultural ideals that just don't apply to how we actually live and practice our Crafts. Temperance is here to remind us that we don't know as much as we think we do, and thank goodness for that." --Thorn Mooney, author of Traditional Wicca
"The key to the heart of witchery lies in authentic connection. But many witches feel disconnected from the traditional wheel of the year due to either its religious tones or because the seasonal celebrations are based upon the European climates of the wheel's origins. Temperance Alden remedies this in her much-needed and brilliant Year of the Witch, where she guides the readers to observe their own land, celestial cycles, seasonal cycles, and even their own biological cycles to inform their magickal year. Drawing on folklore, mythology, and religious customs surrounding the wheel of the year, Alden provides a well-researched overview of the themes of the Sabbats, while urging the reader to intuitively tap into themselves to learn how to authentically connect with the high holy holidays of the witch to extract power and wisdom from them, regardless of their path or religious leanings." --Mat Auryn, author of Psychic Witch
About the Author
Temperance Alden is a hereditary folk witch with over eighteen years of practice devoted to witchcraft and paganism. She is the founder of Wild Woman Witchcraft.
"Not only is Year of the Witch an engaging, thoughtful, and truly fun read, but it is also packed with wisdom and insight that comes only from the living the path. Temperance's words are so generous and supportive, and her perspective offers so much depth for new and practiced witches alike. Whether you're a city witch or swamp witch, whether you've been celebrating the wheel of the year for a decade or are new to it, this book has something to offer through the many practices, advice, prompts, and invitations that help readers reconnect with the cycles of the earth and those within themselves. This book is so encouraging of the fact that there's no one way to be a witch, without watering down the potency or power of the craft; a true act of magick." --Gabriela Herstik, author of Inner Witch
These tests were based on flawed assumptions and often resulted in false positives. Women were particularly vulnerable during this period, and being accused of witchcraft could be interpreted as a way to control and punish women who deviated from societal norms. The years of the witch revealed deep-seated misogyny, as women were disproportionately targeted and persecuted. One of the most infamous cases of witch trials occurred in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692, where 20 people were executed for witchcraft. The Salem witch trials serve as a poignant reminder of the mass hysteria and injustice that characterized the years of the witch. Over time, society's perception of witches gradually shifted, and the fear surrounding witchcraft began to fade. The Enlightenment and the rise of rationality played a significant role in challenging superstitions and debunking beliefs in witchcraft. Today, the years of the witch serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of mass hysteria, prejudice, and the exploitation of fear. It reminds us of the importance of critical thinking, empathy, and fairness in distinguishing between truth and baseless accusations. In popular culture, the years of the witch continue to captivate our imagination. Books, movies, and TV shows often explore themes related to witches and witch trials, shedding light on this dark period in history. In conclusion, the years of the witch were a time of widespread fear, persecution, and mass hysteria surrounding witchcraft. It was a period characterized by injustice, misogyny, and the exploitation of fear. Understanding this dark chapter in history allows us to reflect on the importance of empathy, critical thinking, and fairness in our society..
Reviews for "Witchcraft and Nature: Connecting with the Earth in the Year of the Witch"
1. John - 2/5 - "Year of the Witch" was a disappointment for me. The story started off promising, with an intriguing concept of witches rising to power in a dystopian society. However, the execution fell flat. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard to connect with them. The plot also became predictable, with clichéd twists that didn't surprise or excite me. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed by this book.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - I really struggled to get through "Year of the Witch". The writing style was convoluted and confusing, making it hard to follow the storyline. The author seemed more interested in using flowery language than actually progressing the plot. Additionally, the pacing was extremely slow, and I found myself losing interest in what was happening. Overall, this book was a letdown and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
3. Alex - 2.5/5 - "Year of the Witch" had so much potential, but it failed to live up to it. The world-building was interesting, with a unique blend of witchcraft and politics. However, the pacing was inconsistent, with long stretches of slow development followed by rushed action scenes. The character development also felt lacking, as I struggled to care about the protagonists. While it had its moments, this book left me feeling dissatisfied with its execution.