Amazon.com Review
Mention the word
witch, and most people conjure up an image of an evil hag shrouded in black, wearing a pointy hat and casting nasty spells on innocent bystanders. Witches have been feared and loathed for centuries--burned in the Middle Ages, damned by the Puritans, crushed in
The Wizard of Oz. But
Witches: A Book of Magic and Wisdom goes some way in dispelling the myth that witches are a force to be feared. Instead, the book focuses on mythology that exemplifies witches as strong, spiritual females. For example, Hecate (also known as Diana, Roman goddess of the underworld), was, according to Greek legend, patron and overseer of magic and witchcraft. She had the ability to grant great power and wealth to those who worshipped her--and was revered, not feared. And if we perceive a witch to be a woman who brews lethal potions for malevolent purposes, the chapter entitled "A Witch's Herb Garden" shows how witches cultivated herbs and flowers into healing medicines. Wild tansy to ease fever and anxiety; yarrow to promote well-being.
Laced with paintings, drawings, and anecdotes, this value-priced brew is easy to swallow. --Naomi Gesinger
From the Inside Flap
Contrary to what many people may believe, witches are strong, sensual, exotic figures from both history and myth, who revere and respect the natural world. The common belief that witches manipulate Nature to do their malevolent bidding stems from a fear of witches, and women, in general, crated in the Middle Ages.
"Witches: A Book of Magic and Wisdom" welcomes you to a new and exciting world where an obsession with the supernatural and pagan realms has inspired a fresh look at witches as formidable warriors, beautiful companions, and experts in the higher arts of feminine intuition and spiritual wisdom.
Open this book and journey to the legendary island of Avalon, the witch's sacred Otherworld, to explore the ancient, esoteric mysteries of magic, healing, and desire. Amidst a landscape of castles, dragons, and legendary queens that still echoes with the eerie baying of hounds, you will discover the story of the awe-inspiring Morrigan and the wise Merlin-the renowned Celtic seer-and learn about the prophetic philosophy of Goddess-Witches like Rhiannon, Cerridwen, and Epona.
In addition to the numerous anecdotes and legends from folkstory, the exotic tale of the witch resonates with images drawn from an eclectic blend of mid-eighteenth century art and modern graphic design. In impressive detail and thought-provoking prose, author Lori Eisenkraft-Palazzola delves deep into the mystical waters to show us how the witch has risen triumphantly from her buried past to rock the foundation of accepted belief. An extensive bibliography and resources section are also included to allow readers to further explore the history, legends, and lore of the witch-one of the most controversial and misunderstood figures of all time.
