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Traditional Witchcraft - A Cornish Book of Ways is a 21st century version of traditional Cornish witchcraft, of the kind recorded by Hunt, Bottrell and others. This is no neo-pagan or modern wiccan manual, but rather a deep drawing up into modern times of some of the ancient practices of lore and magic practised by the white witches, charmers, conjurers and pellars of the Cornish villages. Their presence was still current when the 18th and 19th century antiquarians and collectors recorded them, and, although the 20th century largely put paid to their activities, nevertheless their lore never completely disappeared, and it continues to provide inspiration for practitioners today. Gemma draws on this knowledge, not only from published material, but also from the experiences and workings of ‘wise women’ and country witches living today.
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Topics include the Cunning Path, the Dead and the Underworld (Fairy Faith), the Bucca, Places of Power in the villages and landscape, the Tools used by Cunning Folk (working versions of what can be seen, for example, in the Museum of Witchcraft), Village cunning, substances and charms, and Rites of the Year’s Round. This book gathers much material together, some of which has not been seen in print before, and thus provides a sourcebook of magical workings in Cornwall today, which will be an invaluable reference
Cheryl Straffon - Meyn Mamvro
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NEW 2nd EDITION
The new second edition of Traditional Witchcraft – A Cornish Book of Ways is available now from Troy Books. Click here for details |
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“Cornwall, and the West Country in general, has a long history of traditional witchcraft. In this book a native the county describes a modern version of these beliefs and practices. Gemma Gary explores the relationship between the witch, the underworld and the dead, the androgynous horned god Bucca who is patron deity of the Cornish witch cult, places of power in the landscape, pixy lore, ritual tools, the witches’ compass or circle, charms and spells, divination and spirit communication, lunar rites and seasonal festivals, and adds a self-dedication rite into the Cornish Craft for good measure. Highly recommended.”
Mike Howard – The Cauldron |
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Gemma was very pleased to be asked by her friend Cassandra Latham-Jones to produce interior line illustrations for her book Village Witch.
Village Witch describes life as a Village Wisewoman in the wilds of West Cornwall. The first part of the book documents the tortuous and sometimes harrowing journey to achieve this unusual occupation. It is a tale that ultimately moves through surviving and into thriving. Cassandra’s past experiences directly inform her present practice and are intrinsic to being a wisewoman – she acquires wisdom from actively experiencing and observing the vagaries of life. As part of her work she travels around the country giving talks about her profession, and without exception is asked each time what brought her to become a village wisewoman
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Many people want to hear about that journey and this is one of the reasons for deciding to write the book. Following on from this, Cassandra tells of the practice of her craft, which includes many stories and observations regarding the day-to-day experiences of a traditional wisewoman including her personal approach to magic.
At present the market is flooded with ‘how-to-do’ books on witchcraft and associated themes. Almost without exception they inform in an authoritative way often including a cookbook of spells. There is far more to the Craft of the Wise than simply following someone else’s recipes for performing magic. It entails old-fashioned qualities such as hard work, discipline, dedication and commitment. This book differs in that it describes the ‘why’ as well as the ‘how’ and in that sense challenges the reader to question and explore their own experiences of the worlds magical. Click here for purchasing details |
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'As a keen supporter of the world famous Museum of Witchcraft, it was an honour to be invited to contribute to this book celebrating the 60th anniversary of this vital resource. In ‘The Wayside Witch’ I give my first memories and experiences of the Museum of Witchcraft, which have been complimented by photography of one of my favourite artefacts in the museum’s collection, and one of the items from my own working collection, now housed in the museum.’
The Museum of Witchcraft A Magical History is presented as a limited edition of 250 hardback copies. It is a celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Museum of Witchcraft. Many well known friends of the museum, including Professor Ronald Hutton, Patricia Crowther, 'Damh the Bard', Mike Howard, Nigel G. Pearson, and |
Marian Green, share their many experiences and fond memories. The book is generously illustrated with artefacts, tableaux and displays from the past and present, including the devastating flood of 2004. UK postage is included in the online price. Each copy is signed by museum curator and owner Graham King. A significant donation to Friends of the Museum of Witchcraft will be made from the sale of this book. Now Sold Out |
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Gemma’s article ‘Bucca: The Horned God of the Cornish Tradition’, appears in this devotional anthology by Richard Derkes, along with her artwork. She is also photographed at her Bucca dedicated working shrine/altar, by Jane Cox.
Hoofprints in the Wildwood is a devotional anthology for the Horned God in all of his manifestations. It consists of devotional essays, poetry, artwork, and rituals from his devotees all across the world. Individuals from multiple pagan paths have contributed to this work each lending their own individual view of the Horned God as they worship him. Multiple manifestations of this deity are presented including Cernunnos, Gwynn Ap Nudd, Bucca, The Green Man, the Witchfather, and many more. Within you will find heartfelt offerings to this most enigmatic of |
Gods, portraying him as a living force in the world that deeply touches the lives of those who are called to his worship. The aim of this work is to bring forth the voices of those who love him in worship and praise. Click here for purchasing details
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