Hands of Apostasy ~ Essays on Traditional Witchcraft

DescriptionHands of Apostasy is a groundbreaking witchcraft anthology presenting 19 articles written by both scholars and practitioners, addressing such crucial Old Craft topics the Devil, Initiation, the relation of witchcraft to the grimoire corpus, the mysticism and magic of herbs, folk-charming, the nocturnal flight, the Romantic movement, the witches’ cauldron, and the powers of moon and tide. Representing widely-varying witchcraft traditions and perspectives. This book is a sound testament to the Craft’s history, diversity and strength. As well as the characteristic marks of an evolving and contemplative tradition.Though still obscure, even in occult circles, the variety and idiosyncrasy of Old Craft traditions is remarkable. The witches of Cornwall, with their corpora of folk charms and blessings, are one such phenotype. The Pickingill Craft as described by E.W. Liddell, remains despite its controversy one of the most unique and potent Craft persuasions. As do the teachings and practices of Robert Cochrane, founder of Clan of Tubal Cain. The Manx Old Order, the Skull and Bones tradition of Pennsylvania, and the Cultus Sabbati; with the medieval Witches’ Sabbath as an important organizing principle.The work is profusely illustrated with a specially-commissioned set of illustrations by renowned Finnish engraver Timo Ketola. Pleasing both sensus and spiritus. In his darkly opulent style evocative of nocturnal tableaux and forlorn landscapes, Mar. Ketola’s work for Hands of Apostasy is a stunningly original addition to the iconography of the witch.Essays Included:The Magic of History: Some Considerations by Andrew Chumbley A Family Craft Tradition by Douglas McIlwainKilling the Moon: Witchcraft Initiations in the Mountains of the Southern US by Corey HutchesonPentacles of Wood by David RankineMoon-Raking in the Old Craft by Cecil WilliamsonThe Cauldron of Pure Descent by Martin DuffySpirits and Deific Forms: Faith and Belief in British Old Craft by Melusine DracoWaking the Dead: The Ancient Magical Art of Necromancy by Michael HowardThe Witching Hour by Peter Hamilton GilesThe Man in Black by Gemma GaryOrigins and Rationales of Modern Witch Cults by Andrew ChumbleyMirror, Moon and Tides by Levannah MorganThe Traditional Witchcraft of Ellan Vannin by ManxwitchUnchain the Devil! by Radomir RisticWhere the Three Roads Meet: Oneiric Praxis in the Sabbatic Craft by Jimmy ElwingPharmakeute: Witches as the Plant People of Old Europe by Raven GrimassiConjure-Charms of the Welsh Marches by Gary St. Michael NottinghamThe Blasphemy of Things Unseen by Daniel A. SchulkeRomantic Age Roots of Traditional Witchcraft by Lee MorganThree Hands Press ✢ Limited hardcover bound in full pewter book cloth, with dust jacket, limited to 1000 copies.