The Witches' Craft: The Roots of Witchcraft & Magical Transformation [Paperback]

Raven Grimassi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 8, 2002

Set foot on the well-worn path … follow the the time-honored traditions of the Craft as it was once practiced by the village witch. This meticulously researched reference guide preserves the authentic history and practices of Witchcraft, much of which has been forgotten, misplaced, or discarded through the years.

Award-winning Wiccan author Raven Grimassi presents many aspects of Witchcraft never before seen in print, including the entire unedited method of constructing the witches' ladder. You will learn all the essentials of the art of Witchcraft, as well as how to strengthen your magickal power through self-discipline, patience, and perseverance. Also included is the author's correspondence with Doreen Valiente.

Ancient and powerful, the traditions of the Witches' Craft must never be forgotten. Honor the memory of those who have gone before you, and take your own magickal practices further than you ever imagined when you return to the old ways of Witchcraft.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Grimassi (Wiccan Mysteries; Encyclopedia of Wicca and Witchcraft), a practicing Wiccan for nearly three decades, has trained in at least four schools of The Craft. Here he makes a powerful case for returning to the ancient traditions that he believes have fallen by the wayside in the last 20 years. He complains that "many modern books on Witchcraft will describe a technique or method of performing a spell or ritual, and then go on to inform the reader that almost everything described is optional, and that the prescribed items can easily be substituted with other things." His approach is different than those "modern" books he chastises more traditional, more rooted. His substantive research in the first third of the book traces the written history of witches over the past 2,500 years. Having thus established his traditional credentials, Grimassi then turns to the tools, techniques and tried-and-true methods such as instruments, states of consciousness, implements, and the like. Much more than the standard gallop through the sabbats (seasonal observations), Grimassi delves deftly into more cerebral issues such as "right and left brain consciousness" and "myth and metaphor." He also manages to put into perspective more provocative avenues such as "sex magic" and "ritual flagellation." Grimassi offers a well-researched history of ancient magickal techniques, including some that have been preserved orally and are here in print for the first time. Everyone who cares deeply about the witchcraft tradition will want this impressive work.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

These two new titles from Llewellyn focus on witchcraft, or Wicca, a cluster of religious rituals and beliefs deriving from ancient European polytheisms or paganisms. The author of seven books on witchcraft, Grimassi is a practicing Italian witch (a strega) who has researched the history and theory of witchcraft back to antiquity, with a view to recovering and preserving teachings and lore. As a result, her book is primarily a historical study of various European witchcraft traditions. Even when considering magickal techniques for the focusing of natural power or discussing methods of psychic development, the author takes pains to cover their historical development. While Grimassi's book will appeal more to scholars of religion, Penczak's book will appeal to believers and interested casual readers. An active witch and teacher of modern neo-Paganism, Penczak teaches classes (mainly in New England) on witchcraft and various other New Age practices such as reiki, shamanic journeying, and past-life regression. His book aims at using Wiccan techniques (generally termed "Magick") to aid in personal growth. Accordingly, after a brief history and some basic theory of Wiccan spirituality comprising four chapters, there follow 13 lesson-chapters on techniques of spiritual growth, each followed by appropriate exercises. A minor criticism: some of the material discussed, while probably hermetic or occult in origin, is not ordinarily considered Wiccan but pertains to other religious traditions. Astral travel, for instance, is more often a feature of Shamanism, while chakras are a part of yoga. Both books provide a useful introduction to modern witchcraft and are recommended for both academic and public libraries, particularly those with substantial religion collections.
James F. DeRoche, Alexandria, VA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications (October 8, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 073870265X
• ISBN-13: 978-0738702650
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #316,328 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I was born in Pittsburgh, PA, to an Italian immigrant who married an American soldier at the close of World War II. My earliest training was in what I call a "peasant witchcraft" tradition, which consisted of Witchcraft and Folk Magic practices of Old Italy. Over the past four decades I have been a practitioner of several Witchcraft and Wiccan traditions. At present I am the directing Elder of the Ash, Birch & Willow tradition, which is a system of "Old Ways Witchcraft" not originating from any single region of Europe, but instead embracing what is held in common among many lands.

I currently have over 14 books in print and write on the topics of Witchcraft, Wicca and Magic. Many people seem to peg me as an author on Italian Witchcraft exclusively, but in fact only two of my books are about that specific subject. The primary focus of my work is about pre-Christian European beliefs and practices that appear in contemporary systems. In doing so I look to the commonalities of European traditions that appear in various regions instead of just one.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have book!, September 15, 2002

By 

Kathy "Kindle Fan" (Escondido, US, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Witches' Craft: The Roots of Witchcraft & Magical Transformation (Paperback)

A wonderful book from beginning to end. In the introduction Mr. Grimassi states that one of the reasons he chose to write this book was that "Many young people in the Craft community now have never heard of many things that were once the basic elements of practicing Witchcraft." Sad but true. This book has helped me fill in the gaps in my magickal training and has explained in deeper detail why I was trained to do certain things in certain ways. I am going to make it required reading for all my initiates. Thank you Mr. Grimassi!

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Jewel, February 9, 2003

By 

Vincent Jennings "Bookrox" (Ozark, MO United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Witches' Craft: The Roots of Witchcraft & Magical Transformation (Paperback)

This is a meticulously researched book which attempts to preserve the authentic history and practices of Witchcraft from Ancient Times to the present. Much of Wiican Lore which has been forgotten, misplaced, or discarded is uncovered as Blessed Jewels in this Fantastic Work. World REnowned Wiccan Expert Raven Grimassi presents many aspects of Witchcraft never shared with the general public before.You will learn all the vital essential nutrients of the art of Witchcraft, as well as how to strengthen your magical power through self-discipline, patience and perseverance. Griamassi's personal correspondence with Doreen Valiente is also included in this Blessed Work.BLESSED BE.

24 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Book Full of Goodies, December 14, 2002

By 

Boudica (Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Witches' Craft: The Roots of Witchcraft & Magical Transformation (Paperback)

Raven Grimassi presents us with his basic book on the history, mystery and spiritual path of WitchCraft.

We are guided through the disciplines necessary to improve our skills. We review how magic was approached in the past and how we approach it today. Mr. Grimassi's work is substantiated by research and extensive personal experience.

He explores the aspects of Witchcraft in various traditions. He discusses the roots in various ancient paths and follows the evolution to modern day practices. Discussion on Deity, tools and the magical arts are exact and detailed. Working with energy, developing psychic awareness and the use of herbs, stones and trees are covered.

While this book would be a good place to begin your exploration of Witchcraft, Mr. Grimassi includes techniques for those who wish to further their knowledge base and expand their understanding and personal power within the craft.

There are some wonderful photos of both artwork and tools which do not seem to be attributed as I could find. The back of the book also includes some correspondence Mr. Grimassi had with Doreen Valiente, along with some photos of the actual correspondence. It is an interesting discussion about Leland's Aradia and probably worth purchasing the book for this alone. However, Mr. Grimassi hints at other books he is considering publishing that will contain more of his correspondences with Doreen.

Also included is a timeline for Goddess literature in Witchcraft, a list of correspondences, a suggested further reading list and the book is indexed, making it an easy reference guide.

A nice handbook of material with a bonus of some material by and about Doreen Valiente, nicely presented and interesting to read.