Witchcraft Today: An Encyclopedia of Wiccan and Neopagan Traditions

(Hardback)

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Description

The word "witch" calls up the image of a cackling crone hunched over a cauldron or riding through the air on a broomstick and putting curses on people. Surprisingly for some, there are groups of otherwise ordinary people who refer to themselves as witches and demand recognition as a legitimate religion. This reference presents a concise survey of the witchcraft movement worldwide, charting its development and covering neopagan concepts, rituals, practices and practitioners. It includes African religions, cross-quarter days, the horned god, Knot magic, sex magic, celtic tradition, evocation and invocation, incubi and sucubi, numerology and theosphy, amongst many other entries.

Reviews

"This book is a well researched tool that will be helpful to anyone researching Wiccan or Neopagan traditions. Its definitions are extremeley thorough and the information on the religion's history will be useful to both students and laypersons alike." - American Reference Books Annual "An excellent resource on the contemporary practice of witchcraft and on the ancient traditions that inspired it. Recommended for public and academic libraries." - Library Journal "...Recommended for public and all academic libraries." - Colorado Libraries

Author Bio

James R. Lewis is a professional writer and academic specializing in new religions and the New Age.