This is a book about Progressive Witchcraft which the authors see as being more eclectic and universal than Alexandrian and Gardnerian Wicca. Witchcraft is composed of three main elements - Magic, Mysticism and Religion - each treated in depth, and integrated in this excellent, practical book. Witchcraft contains elements of Shamanism and this book includes techniques such as dance, breathing techniques and the use of sacred herbs to explore other states of consciousness. Techniques and teaching from many different countries and cultures are integrated and used to great effect, drawn from the courses and teachings carried out by the authors. The book gives a solid grounding in personal magical work, aimed primarily at the sole practitioner, though members of groups will also benefit from the teachings given.
David Rankine is an author, esoteric researcher and Qabalist who lives and works on the Welsh borders with his wife, the author Sorita d'Este and their son. David has been writing and contributing articles to a variety of publications, and has given lectures, workshops and presentations since the early 1980's.
His personal passions include the Qabalah, Medieval and Renaissance Magick (particularly the Grimoires), and Greco-Egyptian Magic. Since 2003 he has been working with occult legend Stephen Skinner, co-writing and producing the highly acclaimed Sourceworks of Ceremonial Magic series. These books make available for the first time previously unpublished manuscripts and Grimoires of great significance to the development of modern magick. He is a member of Societas Magica and ESSWE (European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism).
David has also contributed to a number of anthologies, journals and magazines over the years. These include essays in Hekate: Keys to the Crossroads (2006), Horns of Power (2008) and Howlings (2008); as well as numerous articles in esoteric publications such as The Watkins Review, Skoob Occult Review, Nuit-Isis, Celtic Dawn, Chaos International, Witchcraft & Wicca, Pagan Dawn, Talking Stick, Vitriol, Evohe! and Dragon's Brew. In fact, David was the editor of Evohe! (1986-88) and Dragon's Brew (1991-96).
During the period 2002-04 he contributed around 300 articles to the Enhancing Your Mind Body Spirit international part-work magazine produced by D'Agostini. His contributions to this very successful worldwide publication included articles and entire sections on Crystals, Healing, Chakras, Qabalah, Shamanism, Ancient Egyptian Magick, Alchemy and Angels.
Since the early 1980s David has facilitated many dozens of workshops and public ceremonies throughout the UK, since 2001 often with Sorita. He has also given lectures and presentations throughout the UK and Europe on his work and the subjects he is passionate about - including the Grimoire Tradition, Angelic Magic, Egyptian and Celtic Mythology and spirituality.
David has appeared on many television and radio programs over the years. His work and interviews with him have featured in numerous publications including TIME OUT, The Guardian, The Sunday Times, Alternative London and many others. More recently he was interviewed for That's Wierd on Glastonbury Radio about the Qabalah (1 hour program, syndicated worldwide) and BBC Radio London on the Tarot and Dr Rudd's Goetia. He has also featured on television programs on Channel 5, ITV, BBC and Sky.
For recent interviews with David, see:
http://www.thelemacoasttocoast.com/archives/52 - discussion of Goetia, Qabalah and the grimoires with John Crow
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/witchtalk/va/2009/10/25/the-method-of-science-the-aim-of-religion-a-conve - discussion of use of the voice in magick, the grimoires, and a wghole host of other topics in a wide ranging interview with Karagan
