Hereditary Witchcraft - Secrets of the Old Religion

Hereditary Witchcraft - Secrets of the Old Religion by Raven Grimassi
7 x 9 , 288 pp. , 31 illus. appendices , glossary , bibliog. , index

Discover the real sources of many of the traditions, beliefs, and techniques of modern Witchcraft. And what author Raven Grimassi reveals in Hereditary Witchcraft is the documented ancient roots of the Old Religion.

One-by-one, Grimassi goes through the tenets of Witchcraft and shows their ancient sources. The association of the pentagram with Witchcraft goes back at least 2,500 years. The idea of the four elements goes back to a philosopher named Empedocles of Sicily in around 475 B.C.E. The practice of many covens today of having a Priestess, Priest, and Maiden can be traced back over 2,000 years to ancient Pompeii.

This book is filled with history, myth, and folklore. But it is also filled with rituals and techniques that you can do. On these pages you will learn how to prepare and banish a magic circle. You'll learn rituals you can do by yourself, including those for the Solstices, Diana's Day, and Cornucopia. With this information you can become a follower of the Old Ways.

Of course, one of the most famous aspects of Witchcraft is magick. Grimassi doesn't disappoint here, either. You'll learn runic magick and divination; you'll learn about doing magick with the Moon and stars; you'll learn secret symbols and the powers of herbs.

If you are a Witch - or you're thinking about becoming a Witch - this is one of the most important books you could possibly have. You'll find the documentation to support the antiquity of your beliefs and the way Witchcraft is practiced today. This book is both a guide for everyday life and a resource to discover Wiccan origins. If you don't have a copy of this book, get one today. You'll use it for the rest of your life.

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In depth description: Hereditary Witchcraft: Secrets of the Old Religion

One of the questions many Wiccans have runs to the very core and nature of Witchcraft. How much of Wicca is really ancient and how much has been added recently? Now, respected author Raven Grimassi answers that question by documenting the ancient sources of Wiccan beliefs and methods in Hereditary Witchcraft - Secrets of the Old Religion.

In this beautifully designed book, you'll discover many of the ancient roots of modern Witchcraft. You'll discover their sources in ancient Italy, and how they have evolved through the ages. You'll see what was adapted from other traditions in the Middle Ages, and what has been added in recent times.

Why do Witches believe in a Goddess and a God? Grimassi traces the importance of this belief to the Second Lectisternium of 217 B.C.E where Romans grouped deity couples.

Why is the pentagram associated with Wicca? You'll discover that Witches' use of the pentagram as a symbol dates back to at least 525 B.C.E in Crotona, Italy. During the time of Gerald Gardner (arguably the founder of modern Wicca), the New Forest, England, coven called itself the "Crotona Fellowship."

Where did the idea of four elements come from? Although it was known earlier, it was first codified and taught as a single system by Empedocles (a student of the teachings of Pythagoras) around the year 475 B.C.E. in Sicily.

Is the tradition of using a Priest, Priestess and Maiden to guide group rituals a new invention? Hardly! Grimassi traces it back to the 1st century B.C.E where images of a priestess assisted by a priest and a female attendant are seen on stucco reliefs in Pompeii.

Yes, Hereditary Witchcraft proves that many of the beliefs and techniques of modern Wicca are indeed ancient. If you practice any form of Paganism, this book is a must for you to see the historical basis for your beliefs.

Grimassi, tapping his own hereditary tradition, also shares a wide variety of rituals that anyone can do. These rituals are solitary, meaning you don't need to be part of a coven to do them. They include how to make and banish a circle, a full moon ritual, and rituals for traditional holidays such as Shadow Fest, Lupercus, and the equinoxes.

You'll also learn about the secret Tuscan Runes and how they can be used for divination and magick; the Sea Magick Runes; Start Magick Runes; and Moon Spirit Symbols.

Besides being an important defense of the Craft, this book is filled with fascinating information and Witch lore. You'll even learn about the famous Witches of northern Europe, from Robert Cochrane to Gerald Gardner, from Sybil Leek to Austin Spare.

This book is a treasure trove of information, folklore, tradition and practical techniques. Whether you are a beginning Witch or a long-time practitioner, this is an important book you must have.

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Publisher Review: Hereditary Witchcraft: Secrets of the Old Religion

Like many of you reading this, I have my own library. Because I have been collecting occult books and manuscripts for over half a century, my library has gotten so large that at times it is difficult to find information I need. That is why Hereditary Witchcraft by Raven Grimassi is such an invaluable tool. No longer do I have to go through old volumes to find a bit here or a sentence there. Grimassi has done all the hard work for us. It's great to have all of this information on hand!

Grimassi has traced the sources of an amazing number of beliefs and practices. In an age where cynicism and doubt are rampant, it is great to have references so you can identify the antiquity of what you do and believe.

You could say that this is a book for scholars, because the scholarship in this book is impeccable. But this book is far more! It is a living, breathing document showing how Wicca has evolved over the centuries. It also shows how you can practice the "Old Ways" of Witchcraft, even if you are not near a coven. In this book you will learn important rites and rituals that you can perform in private.

The magical techniques and information here are wonderful. Grimassi shares his knowledge of the magick of the stars. He also shares the secrets of the Tuscan Runes and how you can use them for divination. For the first time this information becomes something practical that you can use!

Expert scholarship combined with an easy writing style and practical information makes this a usable resource that you simply must have. If you don't have a copy you should get one right away. The greater depth of your knowledge of Witchcraft lore and techniques will be your reward.

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