In Old World Witchcraft, noted author Raven Grimassi covers totally new territory in his work and in the world of popular witchcraft books published in the last few decades. This book is actually about "an enchanted worldview," one that has not necessarily been inherited from the beliefs and practices of any particular region and one which is available to us today.
The "Old World" in the title is actually about a magical view of the Plant Kingdom and the spirits attached to it. While Grimassi''s previous books discuss the cultural expressions and commonality of witchcraft beliefs and practices in general, this book penetrates much deeper.
Old World Witchcraft reveals rarely discussed topics such as the concept of Shadow as the organic memory of the earth. Readers will learn rooted techniques that possess power because these ways have always been connected to it. They will learn methods of interfacing with the ancestral current and with the organic memory of the earth. Through these they can connect with the timeless arts and learn methods of empowerment directly from the ancient source.
Totally new information about familiar tools is presented. For example, the mortar and pestle is a tool for spell casting, a device that creates interfacing with plant spirits and with shadow, and a focal point for veneration of the Plant Kingdom. Grimassi also presents the art of using plant ashes for magical sigil work.
This book is for people who have had their fill of books that say the same things over and over, who want to take the next step, and who are eager for the more rooted ways that have remained largely hidden.
Industry Reviews
Finally, a clear, frank, and respectful look at the real roots of witchcraft. Grimassi doesn't need to invent a history to eloquently celebrate the compelling foundation of the Craft. Lon Milo DuQuette, author of My Life with the Spirits, and Enochian Vision Magick-- "Reviews"
Grimassi (Encyclopedia of Wicca and Witchcraft) has written over a dozen books on neopaganism and witchcraft and is a selfstyled expert on nonCeltic European witchcraft. In this title, he refutes current concepts of what witchcraft is and has been, dismissing most scholarly work as dependent on either the testimony of tortured victims of the Inquisition or the writings of those seeking to justify their persecution of witches. He also appears to disdain Wicca as the fanciful imaginings of the Victorians. Having made these points, Grimassi moves on to share the plant magic that is the basis of the Old World Witchcraft taught to him by hereditary witches--whose teachings, apparently, emanated originally from the faery realm. (Take that, scholars!) He lays out a complex schema informed by an Old World understanding of the sacred hallow and the use of shadow, the organic memory of the earth. The second half of the book is full of detailed spells, charms, correspondences, and rituals. VERDICT Readers of this book will most likely be experienced witches looking to further their spiritual studies and dedicated to parsing the magical prescriptions to suit their own purposes. --Janet Tapper, Univ. of Western States, Portland, OR, Library Journal, November 1, 2011 issue-- "Reviews"
