A Brief History of Witchcraft and the Occult: A Beginner’s Journey from the Surreal to the Scientific, From Crystals and Tarot to Science and Philosophy
£8.40
Journey back with this brief and introductory history to the real origin of witchcraft and the occult—and find out why they’ve been feared and misunderstood for thousands of years.
From ancient Egyptian healers and Celtic druids to the Salem witch trial victims and modern-day Wiccans, witches have always been misunderstood. Because of that, they’ve been feared, persecuted, and blamed for everything from failing crops and miscarriages to wars and famines.
But what’s the true story behind caricatures like the Sanderson Sisters and the Wicked Witch of the West? When and where did witchcraft begin, and how has it evolved over time? Which practices and traditions have survived from the ancient world? And why do people really fear witches?
To find the answers, we have to journey back almost to the beginning of history, to a time when magic and those who practiced it were respected members of society. Over time, that would change. By tracing that evolution, we can learn more not only about witchcraft and the occult, but about why our society is both intrigued by and afraid of it.
In this fascinating book, you’ll learn about the various ways magic has been used in both the ancient and modern world, including:
- How ancient Egyptians used magic for healing and protection…but also vengeance
- Why magicians in ancient Mesopotamia held the keys to civilization
- How a secret occult society led to the Western fascination with mystical, forbidden knowledge
- The real story behind the Salem witch trials and the European witch hunts
- How 19th-century women used seances and ouija boards to advocate for their rights
- The pagan practices that led to the modern-day Wicca movement
- Why crystals and tarot cards have remained popular for thousands of years
- Why witches are still feared and misunderstood today
And much more!
Whether you’re a history buff, modern-day magic practitioner, or just curious about the history of witchcraft, this book will give you a clearer picture of how magic has been practiced, understood, and misunderstood from ancient to modern times.
Fun and easy to read, it’s a great introduction to the role witchcraft has played in cultures around the world, the real historical figures who helped shape present-day perspectives on witches, and the circumstances that have led to witches and the occult being shunned.
Reading this book will help you:
- Understand the role witchcraft played in ancient civilizations
- Learn which elements of witchcraft and the occult are still around today
- Dispel dangerous myths about witches and the occult
- Improve your knowledge and take your study deeper
Ready to uncover the true story behind our modern fascination with witches? Want to find out what magic and the occult is really all about? Scroll up and click the “Add to Cart” button to begin your journey
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Additional information
| Publisher | Independently published (18 Mar. 2023) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 174 pages |
| ISBN-13 | 979-8385934119 |
| Dimensions | 13.97 x 1.12 x 21.59 cm |
by Daaim Imtiaz
Simple to read, filled with detailed knowledge, and well organised. The book reflects the thorough research the author has done on the history of witchcraft in an unbiased way which makes it a great read.
by Chris Warne
This book is very comprehensive. It takes us around the world to different cultures and their take on witchcraft. History, theology and folklore are all covered plus some fascinating examples of how our interpretations of magic and witchcraft have evolved over time.
by ellen
This is a great introduction to the history of witchcraft. The author does an excellent job of taking the reader on a journey back in time, tracing the development of mystical beliefs and practices from ancient times to the present. Along the way, the book explores the role of witchcraft in different cultures, the various forms of divination, and the use of crystals and tarot in modern spiritual practices, and the author offers a thoughtful and nuanced perspective on these topics – highly recommended for anyone who is interested in learning more about these fascinating subjects.
by Book girl
Great book, definitely recommend to read. It’s really good.
by Stephen Dynes
I loved this book! I would consider myself a history buff and thought I knew a fair bit about witchcraft. This book has humbled me, as the level of detail and coverage of witchcraft and the occult is highly impressive. I liked how the author moved through the timeline and explained the periods of history and parts of the world where witchcraft took place, as well as the culture’s attitude to it. Another bonus was the detail of how the world’s mainstream religions treated it and how it has progressed to the modern day. Very pleased with this book and highly recommended.
by Kevin
This book is an incredibly informative and engaging look at the history of witchcraft, the occult, and their various practices. What I found particularly fascinating about this book was the way it covers the scientific basis of these practices and how they relate to philosophy. The author does an excellent job of providing readers with a comprehensive overview of the history and practice of witchcraft and the occult, while also going into detail on the scientific aspects. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating topic.
by richardreviewsbooks
The author’s writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, making this book accessible to readers who are new to the subject. The historical accounts are vividly brought to life, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the world of witchcraft. The inclusion of the author’s favorite excerpt, discussing the enduring fascination with witches in popular culture, serves as a captivating introduction that sets the stage for the insightful journey that follows.
Throughout the book, the author strikes a balance between informative storytelling and critical analysis, presenting the facts while inviting readers to ponder the deeper meanings and implications of witchcraft. This thoughtful approach makes “A Brief History of Witchcraft and the Occult” a compelling read that sparks curiosity and encourages further exploration.
Whether you are a novice seeking an introduction to the subject or a curious reader eager to expand your knowledge, this book offers a wealth of information presented in a clear and engaging manner. It is evident that the author’s passion for the topic shines through, as they skillfully weave together historical facts, spiritual insights, and cultural references.
by Lawrence C
A Brief History of Witchcraft and the Occult is an informative and captivating guide that delves into the fascinating history of witchcraft and its evolution over time. From ancient times to modern-day, this book covers it all, exploring the various cultural and societal attitudes towards witchcraft and the mystical. It’s a great read for anyone interested in the subject, offering insights and information that will both educate and entertain.