Customary witchcraft: a Cornish book of customs is a book written by Gemma Gary. It is a comprehensive exploration of the folklore and magical practices of Cornwall, England. The book delves into the ancient traditions and customs associated with witchcraft in the region. Gemma Gary, a practitioner of witchcraft herself, has extensively researched the historical practices of witchcraft in Cornwall and has compiled this book to document and preserve the knowledge of the old ways. The book is filled with fascinating accounts of rituals, charms, herbal remedies, and other magical practices that were passed down through generations. One of the main ideas of the book is to dispel the negative stereotypes associated with witchcraft and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Cornish people.
No current Talk conversations about this book.
Topics include the Cunning Path, the Dead and the Underworld Fairy Faith , the Bucca, Places of Power in the villages and landscape, the Tools used by Cunning Folk working versions of what can be seen, for example, in the Museum of Witchcraft , Village cunning, substances and charms, and Rites of the Year s Round. Inseparable from the ancient cults of saints and spirits of place, the natural springs and wellheads of the British Isles have come to be famed loci of healing, divination, and spiritual revelation.
One of the main ideas of the book is to dispel the negative stereotypes associated with witchcraft and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Cornish people. Gary emphasizes that witchcraft is not about evil or malevolence, but rather a way of connecting with nature, the spirits, and the ancestral wisdom. Another main idea highlighted in the book is the importance of local customs and traditions in witchcraft.
Customary witchcraft a cornish book of customs
A Reading List for the Traditional Witch:
For a few years I've been meaning to finally get my reading list typed out, and I figure as the Old Hag settles her icy bottom down for a spell, I might as well. Here is the master list, many I've read, most are on my to do list. Please feel free to suggest any additions, for this is by no means a complete list. Check back! I add frequently.
The Foundational Texts:
Aradia or the Gospel of the Witches of Italy - Charles G. Leland
The Secret Commonwealth: An Essay on the Nature and Actions of the Subterranean (and for the Most Part) Invisible People, Heretofore Going Under the Name of Elves, Fauns, and Fairies - Robert Kirk
The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries - W.Y. Evans-Wentz
The Golden Bough - James George Frazer
The Greater Key of Solomon - Samuel L. Macgregor Mathers
The Complete Art of Witchcraft: Penetrating the Secrets of White Magic - Sybil Leek
Fifty Years in the Feri Tradition- Cora Anderson
High Magic’s Aid - Gerald Gardner
Mastering Witchcraft: A Practical Guide for Witches, Warlocks & Covens - Paul Huson
Natural Magic - Doreen Valiente
Rebirth of Witchcraft - Doreen Valiente
Witchcraft for Tomorrow - Doreen Valiente
Witchcraft: a Tradition Renewed - Doreen Valiente and Evan John Jones
The Writings of Roy Bowers - (Robert Cochrane)
Apocalyptic Witchcraft - Peter Grey
Traditional Witchcraft:
The Roebuck in the Thicket - Evan John Jones & Robert Cochrane, editor Mike Howard
The Robert Cochrane Letters: An Insight into Modern Traditional Witchcraft - Robert Cochrane and Evan John Jones
The Forge of Tubal Cain - Ann Finnin
The Pillars of Tubal Cain - Nigel Aldcroft Jackson & Michael Howard Liber Nox: A Traditional Witch's Gramarye - Michael Howard
Call of the Horned Piper - Nigel Aldcroft Jackson
Masks of Misrule - Nigel Jackson
Grimore for Modern Cunning Folk - Peter Paddon
Letters from the Devil's Forest - Robin Artisson
The Witching Way of Hollow Hill - Robin Artisson
The Horn of Evenwood - Robin Artisson
Azoetia: Grimoire of the Sabbatic Craft - Andrew D. Chumbley
Opuscula Magica. Volume I: Essays on Witchcraft and the Sabbatic Tradition - Andrew D. Chumbley and Daniel A. Schulke
The Devil's Dozen-Thirteen Craft Rites of The Old One - Gemma Gary
Cecil Williamson's Book of Witchcraft-A Grimoire of the Museum of Witchcraft - Steve Patterson
Serpent Songs - Editor: Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold
Specific Cultural Traditions:
Balkan Traditional Witchcraft - Radomir Ristic
Practical Magic in the Northern Tradition - Nigel Pennick
Irish Witchcraft and Demonology - St. John D. Seymour
The Devil's Plantation: East Anglian Lore, Witchcraft & Folk-Magic - Nigel Pearson
Traditional Witchcraft a Cornish Book of Ways - Gemma Gary
The Black Toad - Gemma Gary
General Craft:
Wheel of the Year - Pauline Campanelli
Witches All - Elizabeth Pepper
Irish Witchcraft from an Irish Witch - Lora O'Brien
Magical Ritual Methods - William G. Gray
Seasonal Occult Rituals - William G. Gray
Ecstasies: Deciphering the Witches' Sabbath - Carlo Ginzburg and Raymond Rosenthal
History:
The White Goddess: A Historical Grammar of Poetic Myth - Robert Graves
The History of the Devil: The Horned God of the West - R. Lowe Thompson
Witchcraft and Society in England and America, 1550-1750 - Marion Gibson
Cunning-Folk & Familiar Spirits: Shamanistic Visionary Traditions in Early Modern British Witchcraft and Magic - Emma Wilby
Witchcraft in Tudor and Stuart England - Alan MacFarlane
Singing With Blackbirds: The Survival of Primal Celtic Shamanism in Later Folk -Traditions by Stuart A. Harris Logan
The Pattern Under the Plough - George Ewart Evans. Faber and Faber.
The Secret Teachings of All Ages - Manly P. Hall.
Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy - Mircea Eliade
Witchcraft in Europe, 400-1700: A Documentary History - Alan Charles Kors and Edward Peters
Shamans Sorcerers and Saints: A Prehistory of Religion - Brian Hayden
Myths and Symbols in Pagan Europe - H.R. Ellis Davidson
The Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles: Their Nature and Legacy - Ronald Hutton
Popular Magic: Cunning-folk in English History - Owen Davies
The Know How:
Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews - Scott Cunningham
Hoodoo, Herb and Root Magic - cat yronwode
Practical Candleburning Rituals: Spells and Rituals for Every Purpose - Raymond Buckland Magic and Husbandry- The Folk-Lore Of Agriculture; Rites, Ceremonies, Customs, And Beliefs Connected With Pastoral Life And The Cultivation Of The Soil; With Breeding And The Care Of Cattle; With Fruit-Growing, Bees, And Fowls – Lewis Dayton Burdick
Wortcunning: For Info on plants see my other site, it's literally a giant bibliography.
Witchcraft Medicine: Healing Arts, Shamanic Practices, and Forbidden Plants - Claudia Müller-Ebeling, Christian Rätsch, and Wolf-Dieter Storl
Pharmako Trilogy - Dale Pendell
Magical Herbalism by Scott Cunningham
Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham
The Herb Book by John Lust
Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook: A Home Manual by James Green
Magical and Ritual Use of Herbs - Richard Alan Miller
Blackberry Cove Herbal: Healing With Common Herbs in the Appalachian Wise-Woman Tradition -Linda Ours Rago
Leechcraft: Early English Charms, Plant-lore and Healing - Stephen Pollington
Witches, Midwives, and Nurses: A History of Women Healers - Barbara Ehrenreich and Deirdre English
Folklore:
A Dictionary of English Folklore - Jacqueline Simpson and Steve Roud
Make Merry In Step and Song: A Seasonal Treasury of Music, Mummer's Plays & Celebrations in the English Folk Tradition - Bronwen Forbes
Topics include the Cunning Path, the Dead and the Underworld (Fairy Faith), the Bucca, Places of Power in the villages and landscape, the Tools used by Cunning Folk (working versions of what can be seen, for example, in the Museum of Witchcraft), Village cunning, substances and charms, and Rites of the Year’s Round. This book gathers much material together, some of which has not been seen in print before, and thus provides a sourcebook of magical workings in Cornwall today, which will be an invaluable reference” Cheryl Straffon – Meyn Mamvro
Gary explores the significance of specific locations, such as holy wells and sacred sites, and their role in magical workings. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting the land and its history when practicing witchcraft. The book also sheds light on the concept of "pellar," a Cornish term referring to a practitioner of witchcraft. The role of the pellar, according to Gary, is not only to perform magical rites but also to act as a healer, counselor, and guardian of the community. This highlights the integral role of witchcraft in the social fabric of Cornish society. Overall, Customary witchcraft: a Cornish book of customs is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history, traditions, and practices of witchcraft in Cornwall. It serves as a testament to the resilience and enduring power of the old ways, and offers insight into a unique and fascinating aspect of Cornish culture..
Reviews for "The role of charms and talismans in Cornish witchcraft"
- Sarah
Rating: 2/5
I was really disappointed with "Customary witchcraft: a Cornish book of customs". I was expecting a comprehensive guide to Cornish witchcraft, but instead, I found this book to be quite superficial. The author mostly focuses on describing various customs and traditions without providing any in-depth knowledge or practical advice. The book lacks substance and reads more like a collection of folklore than a serious study of witchcraft. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a serious and informative book on the subject.
- Mike
Rating: 1/5
"Customary witchcraft: a Cornish book of customs" was a complete letdown for me. I found the writing style to be dry and uninspiring, which made it hard to stay engaged with the book. Additionally, the content itself felt scattered and poorly organized. There was no clear structure or flow, making it difficult to follow along. I was hoping for a book that would provide a deeper understanding of Cornish witchcraft, but sadly, this book failed to deliver. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone interested in the subject.
- Lisa
Rating: 2/5
"Customary witchcraft: a Cornish book of customs" left me feeling underwhelmed. While it does touch on some interesting aspects of Cornish customs, it lacks the depth and substance I was hoping for. The author failed to provide any practical guidance or detailed explanations, making it hard to grasp the concepts fully. The book seems more like a collection of anecdotes rather than a guide to witchcraft. Overall, I found it to be a disappointing read.
- Mark
Rating: 2/5
I was excited to delve into the world of Cornish witchcraft with "Customary witchcraft: a Cornish book of customs," but I was left unimpressed. The book barely scratches the surface of the topic, providing only a shallow overview of customs and traditions. I was hoping for a more in-depth exploration of the practices, but I found myself craving more substance. While it might be an interesting read for someone completely new to the subject, it falls short for those seeking in-depth knowledge and practical guidance.