Historians have studied witchcraft for years, and many in medieval times were fascinated by this misunderstood religion and belief system. For author Steven Leslie Golding, it’s one of the most positive, friendly, and nature-based religions that calls to him. In Philosophy of Witchcraft, he shares his story of his experiences, telling how he turned to Wicca more than six years in his early fifties. He discusses the history of witchcraft and offers a look at what ancient witches faced in medieval Britain. In addition, Golding shares an overview of the elements of the modern pagan witchcraft such as its festivals, weekend courses, rituals, the witch’s tools, telepathy and clairvoyance, the imagery of witchcraft, spells, astral travel, and more. Drawing on his life as a solitary witch, one not part of a coven, Golding gives keen insight into to the often-misunderstood world of witchcraft and the occult.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Excerpt from The Philosophy of Witchcraft The importance given to Demonology, or Witchcraft, is one of the most extraordinary features in the history of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and exhibits one of the most extravagant and unphilosophical beliefs that ever disgraced the credulity of man. Men, the most talented and learned, have bent the whole strength of their minds to the elucidation of the principles on which was based this popular opinion, and from the prevalence of which has sprung so much evil. Notwithstanding all that has been written on this subject, the Editors are of opinion, that much of the bold outline that has been sketched by former authors, still remains to be filled up, and offers a field of extensive inquiry and important discovery. The philosophy of mind has ever been a subject of deep interest, and that department which leads to a belief in "things not seen," has, more than any other, promoted the happiness, or increased the misery of the human race. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

The Study of Witchcraft is a compendium for Wiccans who want to deepen their understanding of their traditions. The Study of Witchcraft reaches beyond Wicca, delving into topics as diverse as history, psychology, divination, and lucid dreaming, The Study of Witchcraft introduces the reader to these topics, discussing each in depth and offering a one of a kind course of study including recommended reading, offering readers increasingly, solitary witches a self study guide and a rich resource. The Study of Witchcraft includes information for all sorts of Wiccans/ traditional, eclectic, radical, groups, and solitary. Wide ranging topics also include Western occultism, myth and folklore, meditation, astrology, the Burning Times, history, herbalism, and much more. Deborah Lipp opens the book with a discussion of the past 40 years of Wiccan history and talks about the diverse people who call themselves Wiccans. Then, throughout the study guide portion, she offers information tailored to different types of Wiccans. Essentially, The Study of Witchcraft is a veritable master's degree in Wicca in book form! * Written for the needs of the modern wiccan, who learns primarily by self study * Written by a noted and respected author, whose work is already used in study groups.