An ABC of Witchcraft Past and Present (Paperback)

by Doreen Valiente (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
What is the relationship of the Bible to Witchcraft? What are Fairies, and Magical Alphabets? What were the links between Druidism and Witchcraft? An ABC of Witchcraft covers these subjects and many more from the well-informed and gentle viewpoint of practicing witch, Doreen Valiente.

Arranged in alphabetical order for easy reference, the book discusses over 125 subjects that may concern anyone wishing to know more about this ancient pagan religion. Other topics include Atlantis, Witches' Familiars, Dancing, Fire Magic, Flying Ointments, Horses and Witchcraft, Initiations, Love Charms, Royalty and its connection with witchcraft, etc., etc., with up to several pages on each subject.

About the Author

Doreen Valiente was raised in the pagan "heartland" of England and has been initiated into four different branches of The Old Religion. As High Priestess to Gerald Gardner she is considered one of the revivers of modern-day witchcraft. She is the author of four books on the subject.

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Phoenix Publishing (WA); 1988 Edition edition (July 1, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0919345778
• ISBN-13: 978-0919345775
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #408,478 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Teaches a beginner alot!, August 5, 1999

By A Customer

This book is really great for a beginning witch. It teaches you alot about subjects that other books really dont touch very much, and its detailed enough to really help you out. I really think you should get this book or check it from your library if you are very serious/curious about Witchcraft.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Genius: pure and simple, October 2, 1999

By A Customer

Valiente was one of the first students of Gerald Gardner, who masterminded the rebirth of the Craft in this century. This book is terrific and clearly one of the best WitchCraft books, by one of the finest Witches of this century. I was shocked and saddened to hear of her death on September 6.

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The First Step on a Beautiful Path, September 21, 2001

By	P. Midyett (Mentor, OH) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In 1975 I was a student in Michigan when it came to me: "Witchcraft has gotten a lot of bad press". I went to the college library and there I found "An ABC of Withcraft Past and Present" by Doreen Valiente. I felt as though I had come home. Until I opened that book, I thought that no one saw the Universe as I did. What a wonderful surprise! The book is concise and complete, written for anyone who wants to know what withcraft is all about. It gives information without requiring the reader to buy into everything that is presented. I will be forever grateful for the life of Doreen Valiente. Her books have truly set me on a beautiful path.