The ultimate book of mystical arts and witchcraft by Kathryn Paulsen is a fascinating read for individuals interested in the world of magic and the occult. This book provides a comprehensive guide to various mystical practices, spells, and rituals that have been used by witches and practitioners throughout history. The author takes readers on a journey through different traditions, from witchcraft to divination, herbalism, and spellcasting. With detailed instructions and explanations, Paulsen enables readers to understand and explore these ancient arts. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, this book offers valuable insights and teachings. One of the main highlights of this book is its emphasis on the historical and cultural aspects of mystical arts.
On a more playful side, though still a serious annoyance for their neighbours, witches were also thought to magically steal milk directly from cows’ udders. A 14th century morality manual tells a story about a woman with an enchanted leather bag. On her command, the bag would leap up and run to her neighbours’ cattle herd, where it would secretly steal milk and bring it back to her.
Cheese is toasted when a woman is dressed up and adorned so that she entices and catches the foolish rats take a woman in adultery and the Devil will catch you. In The Odyssey, the sorceress Circe turns Odysseus companions into animals by feeding them a magic potion mixed into a drink made of cheese, barley meal, honey and wine.
One of the main highlights of this book is its emphasis on the historical and cultural aspects of mystical arts. Paulsen provides a rich background on the origins of different practices, tracing them back to various civilizations and time periods. This historical context adds depth and significance to the rituals and spells described in the book.
Witchcraft Books on Dropbox
Hello, witches! Since I’m always harping on about learning your history and checking your sources, I thought I’d help folks get a head start by compiling some source material.
To that end, I’ve started a Dropbox folder with a stash of historical texts on witchcraft, magic, and related topics. Nearly everything I’ve managed to find so far is public domain (thank you Project Gutenberg), with the exception of a very thorough herbal grimoire I found online some years ago and a book of witchcraft from the 1970s that appears to be out of print.
I will be continuing in this vein with future texts that I find. Everything will be public domain or cited to the source that it came from, in PDF format. I will NOT be including PDFs of any book currently in circulation with a copyright linked to a living author or estate. The point of this folder is that everything in it should be free for sharing and open use as research materials.
Below is the initial list of titles. I tried to include as many as I could find, with a focus on some oft-cited classics. I will be adding new texts as I find them.
- A Collection of Rare and Curious Tracts on Witchcraft and the Second Sight, by David Webster (1820)
- A History of Witchcraft in England from 1558 to 1718, by Wallace Notestein (1909)
- British Goblins, Welsh Folk-lore, Fairy Mythology, Legends and Traditions, by Wirt Sikes (1880)
- Curiosities of Superstition, by W. H. Davenport Adams (1882)
- Daemonologie, by King James I/VI (1597)
- Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry, Edited and Selected by W. B. Yeats (1888)
- Irish Witchcraft and Demonology, by St. John Drelincourt Seymour (1913)
- La Sorcière, or The Witch of the Middle Ages, by Jules Michelet (1863)
- Lives of the Necromancers, by William Godwin (1834)
- Magic and Fetishism, by Alfred C. Haddon (1906)
- Magic and Witchcraft, by Anonymous (1852)
- Modern Magic, by M. Schele de Vere (1873)
- Plant Lore, Legends, and Lyrics, by Richard Folkard (1884)
- Practical Psychomancy and Crystal Gazing, by William Walker Atkinson (1908)
- The Devil in Britain and America, by John Ashton (1896)
- The Discoverie of Witchcraft, by Reginald Scot (1594, 1886 reprint)
- The Extremely Large Herbal Grimoire (date unknown, internet publication)
- The Golden Bough : A Study of Magic and Religion, by Sir James George Frazer (1890)
- The Illustrated Key to the Tarot, by L.W. de Laurence (1918)
- The Magic of the Horse-shoe, by Robert Means Lawrence (1898)
- The Mysteries of All Nations, by James Grant (1880)
- The Mystery and Romance of Alchemy and Pharmacy, by Charles John Samuel Thompson (1897)
- The Superstitions of Witchcraft, by Howard Williams (1865)
- The Witchcraft Delusion in Colonial Connecticut by John M. Taylor (1908)
- The Wonders of the Invisible World, by Cotton Mather and A Farther Account of the Tryals of the New-England Witches, by Increase Mather (1693, 1862 reprint)
- Witch Stories, by E. Lynn (Elizabeth Lynn) Linton (1861)
- Witch, Warlock, And Magician, by W. H. Davenport Adams (1889)
- Witchcraft & Second Sight in the Highlands & Islands of Scotland, by John Gregorson Campbell (1902)
- Witches’ Potions & Spells, ed. by Kathryn Paulsen (1971)
Additional texts added 12/31/20:
- A Compleat History of Magick, Sorcery, and Witchcraft, by Anonymous (1715)
- A True and Faithful Relation of What Passed for Many Yeers Between Dr. John Dee and some Spirits, by John Dee (1659)
- Crystal Gazing, by Northcote W. Thomas
- Malleus Maleficarum, or Hammer of the Witches, trans. Montague Summers (1486, 1928 translation)
- Occult Science in Medicine, by Franz Hartmann (1893)
- The Book of Ceremonial Magic, by A.E. Waite (1913)
- The Complete Herbal, by Nicholas Culpeper (1652, 1850 reprint)
- The Devils of Loudun, by Edmund Goldsmid (1887)
- The History of Witchcraft and Demonology, by Montague Summers (1926)
- The Old English Herbals, by Eleanour Sinclair Rohde (1922)
For more information or to find additional texts, I suggest visiting Project Gutenberg, Sacred Texts, and Global Grey Ebooks.
Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that these texts are (with few exceptions) more than a century old, and may contain depictions, references, or language that are outdated and inappropriate. The point of including these documents is to provide access to historical texts for research and reference. Inclusion in the collection does not equal unconditional agreement with or wholesale approval of the contents.
Take everything with a grain of salt and remember to do your due diligence!
To that end, I’ve started a Dropbox folder with a stash of historical texts on witchcraft, magic, and related topics. Nearly everything I’ve managed to find so far is public domain (thank you Project Gutenberg), with the exception of a very thorough herbal grimoire I found online some years ago and a book of witchcraft from the 1970s that appears to be out of print.
It allows readers to appreciate the traditions and beliefs behind these mystical arts, and to understand their relevance in modern times. Another important aspect of this book is its practical approach. While the topic of mystical arts and witchcraft may seem esoteric and inaccessible to some, Paulsen breaks down complex concepts into digestible and actionable steps. The book includes detailed instructions, diagrams, and illustrations to guide readers through various rituals and spells. This hands-on approach enables readers to not only gain knowledge but also apply it in their own practice. Whether you are looking to cast a protection spell, perform a divination ritual, or create your own herbal remedies, this book provides the tools and guidance needed to do so. One of the key takeaways from this book is the importance of intention and personal connection in mystical arts. Paulsen emphasizes the need for practitioners to cultivate a genuine and respectful relationship with the spiritual forces they work with. She emphasizes the ethics and responsibility that come with practicing these arts, and encourages readers to approach them with a mindset of reverence and humility. In summary, "The ultimate book of mystical arts and witchcraft" by Kathryn Paulsen is a comprehensive and practical guide for individuals interested in exploring the world of magic and the occult. With its historical context, practical approach, and emphasis on intention and connection, this book offers valuable insights and teachings to both beginners and experienced practitioners. Whether you are curious about the mystical arts or looking to deepen your existing practice, this book is a valuable resource, providing guidance and inspiration for your spiritual journey..
Reviews for "Unlock the Secrets of the Occult with Kathryn Paulsen's Comprehensive Guide to Witchcraft"
1. John - 1 star
I was really disappointed with "The ultimate book of mystical arts and witchcraft". The content was extremely basic and lacked any depth or meaningful information. It felt like a vague collection of basic spells and rituals without any real guidance or explanations. The writing style was also quite poorly executed, making it difficult to follow along and understand the concepts being presented. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and regretful for spending my money on this book.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
"The ultimate book of mystical arts and witchcraft" was not what I expected. The information provided felt more like a watered-down version of actual witchcraft practices. It lacked any originality or unique insights and felt like a rehash of commonly known information found in other beginner-level books. Additionally, the formatting and editing errors throughout the book were distracting and made it challenging to read. I don't recommend this book for anyone looking for genuine knowledge and understanding of mystical arts and witchcraft.
3. Robert - 1 star
I found "The ultimate book of mystical arts and witchcraft" to be nothing more than a cash grab. The information shared was incredibly basic and could be found with a simple internet search. It felt like the author simply compiled random information and slapped it together without any real effort or thought. This book adds nothing new or valuable to the topic of mystical arts and witchcraft. Save your money and invest in more reputable and informative resources instead.
4. Lisa - 2 stars
I was hoping "The ultimate book of mystical arts and witchcraft" would provide a comprehensive guide to explore the world of witchcraft. Unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The content was shallow and lacked depth, making it difficult to gain a solid understanding of the practices discussed. The writing style was also uninspiring and lacked the magic and passion I was hoping for. While it may serve as a very basic introduction for absolute beginners, it fails to provide anything of substance for those seeking a deeper dive into the mystical arts and witchcraft.