Witchcraft A Secret History Author:Michael Streeter Witchcraft's great secret stems from the fact that few people understand its true essence. Here's the book that explains how Wicca, the religion of witchcraft, came into existence. — A detailed discussion of witchcraft's origins begins with accounts from ancient civilizations, then progresses forward to describe present-day manifestat... more »ions of the art. Although witches and witchcraft are a part of popular culture and favorite subjects in film and TV, this spiritual movement's true history should not be confused with tales of wart-nosed hags who fly through the night on broomsticks.
This history of witchcraft includes:
Witchcraft in Judea during the reign of King Solomon
Medea and Circe, legendary witches of ancient Greece
The place of witchcraft among barbarian tribes in ancient northern Europe
The seventeenth-century New England trials of the witches of Salem
Gerald Gardner and the birth of modern Wicca as a nature religion
Witchcraft as it is taught and practiced today.
This book points out how modern witchcraft has evolved into a benevolent religion, a spiritual expression of feminism, and a practice that encourages reverence toward nature. More than 200 full-color illustrations enhance an intensely readable text.« less
An excellent and thorough view of witchcraft throughout history, various cultures and its current practice. Highly detailed, well-illustrated and fascinating.
This book by Michael Streeter appears to be well researched. It is a well-balanced, non-biased presentation and doesn't take sides by refuting history, or playing upon fantastical ideas. Where there seems to be conflicting stories the author provides some interesting theories about the missing facts in history.
The book is filled with incredible artistic high quality images
This history of witchcraft and magic covers from ancient times, including Greco-Roman, Egyptian, and Celtic magic, through the changes brought about by Medieval European era, and the persecutions of the 15th through 17th centuries all the way up the resurgence of witchcraft to modern times in the United States and elsewhere.
Provided at the end of the book is a nice glossary and a good index. I only wish there might have been a section with references.And it would have been encouraging if there had been a list of other books written by this author