Ralph Harvey, now deceased, was the head of The Order of Artemis, which in itself encompasses over 200 Traditional Wiccan covens worldwide, following "The old Religion", or Witchcraft in its original form. "An' ye harm none..." is the underlying principle, with absolutely no "black magic" or satanic connections.Ralph is a repository of witchcraft research in its purest, original form, and the book describes the history of Witchcraft, its suppression and re-emergence, with specific emphasis on Sussex - the last bastion of Witchcraft in England, and the first to re-emerge after the repeal of the Witchcraft Act in 1951.This is not the kind of modern spellcasting book that many New Age people have jumped into, but the original roots and ways of the Old Religion - as it was, and still is - in the community of serious, traditional witches.
Industry Reviews
"Ralph's book will ensure that his extensive knowledge of traditional Sussex Witchcraft will be saved. This book contains an amazing amount of information and lore on the old ways of the Sussex Witch. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, this is a book you will find captivating, enjoyable and informative. Highly recommended". Merlyn, Editor of Witchcraft & Wicca Magazine "... Ralph takes the reader on a historical narrative journey about the rites, trials and rituals of the Sussex Witch - from the earliest times until more modern incidents. He lifts the lid on some of the truth behind the Pickingill Covens and dismisses rumours with indisputable facts. Ralph and Audrey have revised, updated and reworked the more outmoded... craft workings, making a lean, dynamic and workable synthesis of Traditional and Gardnerian crafts. It's a shame there are not more people like these". Jon Randall, Pentacle Magazine "Ralph Harvey is regarded as one of the country's foremost and leading Wiccan High Priests, and is classed as an authority on the Old Religion of Witchcraft. His expert knowledge of the subject is clearly evident in this informative and fascinating book. Highly recommended and definitely one for your bookshelf, this is an exceptional book by an extremely exceptional man". Lawrence Dean, Paranormal researcher and psychic healer. "The Last Bastion fills the gap left by Doreen Valiente's long out-of-print work. My own ongoing researches into the origins of the modern witchcraft revival are pointing increasingly to Sussex as a major source, which is why Ralph's book is so timely. It should be an essential addition to the library of anyone interested in the background to the spiritual path". Philip Heselton