Witchcraft: A Mystery Tradition
by Raven Grimassi
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Book Summary Information
Author: Raven GrimassiEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2004-09-08
ISBN: 0738705969
Number of pages: 288
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
Book Reviews of Witchcraft: A Mystery Tradition
Book Review: Informative and Enlightening
Summary: 5 Stars
This book received a rather nasty "review" from an individual who sang his own praises related to a background of archaeology and classical literature. The impetus for the "review" may be rooted in what Grimassi wrote in the third appendice. This section of the book points out the errors of scholars in the field of witchcraft, with a particular emphasis on scholar Ronald Hutton. Additionally, Grimassi notes Hutton's comment that ancient Greek philosophers were frustrated that the common person ignored their wisdom in favor of their own personal experiential perceptions. This condition apparently still upsets scholars of our own period.
For a balanced understanding of the book I offer the following -
This book contains ten chapters that present an understanding of the inner meanings and mysteries found in the modern Craft. The topics covered include an investigation of ancient concepts, modern traditions, the God & Goddess, inner mysteries, the Wheel of the Year mythos, the eight Sabbats, and metaphysical principles in contemporary Witchcraft/Wicca.
In this one volume the author shares over 30 years of extensive research, informed discernment, and personal practice. Like all of Grimassi's books this one is full of quotes from historical and literary sources, and also includes the insights of a well-seasoned initiate practitioner. The book also includes an artful blend of oral teachings with documented beliefs and practices. Now with that being said, this book is not about digging in the earth and trying to piece sparse fragments together in hopes of a picture, nor is it about the "wisdom" of classical scholars. Instead it's a book about a cohesive initiate level understanding of the inner mysteries that comprise the modern Craft.
In the introduction to this book, Grimassi shares his personal vision of Witchcraft/Wicca as being comprised on ancient and modern concepts. He makes it clear that he is incorporating pre-Christian concepts into "the common modern Craft structure" (primarily Celtic) through which to convey the inner teachings of Witchcraft/Wicca as a Mystery Tradition for modern use.
Chapter One is titled 'Witchcraft and the Old World' and deals with archaic elements of witchcraft in both northern and southern Europe. Grimassi quotes from various academic sources including Witchcraft in Early Scotland (University of Exeter Press), Witchcraft and Magic in Europe (University of Pennsylvania Press), The Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles (Blackwell Publishers). Grimassi also draws upon Celtic works such as Celtic Myths & Legends (Dover Publications), The Myth of the Goddess (Arkana Books), and Mythology and the Celtic Heritage (Ashgrove Press).
Chapter Two is titled 'The Mystery Tradition in Modern Witchcraft' and deals with the themes of the Otherworld, teachings of the sacred tree, hearth teachings, and Nature as the "blue print" for understanding divine consciousness. This chapter reflects the core understanding of initiate level teachings.
Chapter Three is titled 'The God of the Witches' and explores the aspects of the Horned God, Green Man, Harvest Lord, Sun God, Child of Promise, Underworld God, and the Hammer or Smith God.
Chapter Four is titled ' The Witches' Goddess' and examines concepts such as the Great Goddess, Earth Mother, Moon Goddess, Star Goddess, Underworld Goddess, Crossroads Goddess, and Fate Goddess.
Chapter Five is titled Exploring the Inner Mysteries. It explores topics like standing stones, memory chain associations, inner mechanisms of magic and ritual, reincarnation, and the mystery teachings of birth, life, and death. This is a very informative and enlightening chapter.
Chapter Six is titled 'The Wheel of the Year Mythos' and deals with underlying themes that empower the Eight Sabbats. These include the solar & lunar mythos, ancient themes of the life of the seed from sprout to leaf and on to fruit.
Chapter Seven is titled "The Witches' Sabbat" and explores each underlying mythos associated with the individual Sabbats. This chapter is invaluable to anyone who wants to understand and embrace the spiritual essence of the Sabbats.
Chapter Eight is titled 'Occult Principles in Modern Witchcraft' and examines many time-honored and time-tested concepts that are the foundation and nourishment of key ritual and magical elements of Witchcraft/Wicca.
Chapter Nine is titled 'Ways of the Witch' and presents material concerning the practice of witchcraft. Topics include setting an altar, working with ritual tools, energy fields, and seasonal components.
Chapter Ten is titled 'Returning from the Mysteries' and is a review of the primary elements of the book. Grimassi brings them all into relationship in this chapter and connects the reader with holistic understanding of the inner mystery traditions.
Summary of Witchcraft: A Mystery Tradition
Understanding the Mystery Teachings of Witchcraft is essential for anyone wishing to enrich their Craft. World-renowned author and scholar Raven Grimassi guides readers down the well-worn path to these Mystery traditions by exploring their roots in myths, legends, verses, and lore.Witchcraft: A Mystery Tradition provides a cultural and mythical context that helps readers gain insight into these Mystery themes. Drawing upon the long-standing traditional European Witchcraft and occult concepts and tenets, Grimassi constructs a cohesive mythos that supports and unifies the Sabbats and their associated deities. Also provided are techniques for aligning with the "momentum of the past," a powerful current of knowledge and energy available to all Witches.
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