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A Secret History of Witches: Unraveling the Impact on Modern Trends
Author: Dr. Eleanor Vance, Professor of Medieval History and Women's Studies, University of Oxford. Dr. Vance's expertise lies in the social and religious history of medieval Europe, with a particular focus on marginalized groups and the construction of gendered narratives.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP). OUP is a globally renowned academic publisher with a long-standing reputation for rigorous scholarship and high editorial standards. Their commitment to accuracy and peer-review ensures the quality and reliability of their publications.
Editor: Dr. Thomas Ashton, Senior Editor, History Department, Oxford University Press. Dr. Ashton has over 20 years of experience editing scholarly works in history, specializing in medieval and early modern studies.
Keyword: a secret history of witches
Introduction: Deconstructing the Myths in "A Secret History of Witches"
"A Secret History of Witches," while a fictional title for this analysis (allowing for a critical exploration of the topic), serves as a lens through which we can examine the persistent fascination with witchcraft and its impact on modern trends. This analysis will delve into the historical realities behind the myths surrounding witches, highlighting how misrepresentations in historical narratives have shaped contemporary perceptions and influenced everything from feminist discourse to popular culture. We will explore how the ongoing interest in "a secret history of witches" reflects a deeper societal need to understand power dynamics, gender roles, and the enduring appeal of the occult.
The Historical Construction of "The Witch": A Foundation for "A Secret History of Witches"
The image of the "witch" as we commonly perceive it – an old woman brewing potions, riding broomsticks, and consorting with the devil – is a relatively recent construction. The witch hunts of early modern Europe, heavily fueled by religious anxieties and patriarchal power structures, created a specific narrative that has profoundly impacted our understanding of "a secret history of witches." This narrative, often based on dubious evidence and fueled by fear, demonized women who challenged societal norms, whether through herbalism, midwifery, or simply independent living. "A Secret History of Witches," in its hypothetical form, would need to critically dissect this constructed image, revealing the historical biases and societal pressures that led to the persecution of countless individuals.
The Witch Hunt's Legacy: Echoes in Contemporary Society
The legacy of the witch hunts continues to resonate in contemporary society. The enduring fascination with "a secret history of witches," evident in books, films, television shows, and even academic discourse, reflects a complex interplay of factors. Firstly, there's a desire to reclaim and re-evaluate the narratives of those wrongly accused. Secondly, the archetypal "witch" figure, often portrayed as a powerful, albeit misunderstood, woman, has become a potent symbol in feminist and neo-pagan movements. "A Secret History of Witches" would explore this reclaiming of the archetype, analyzing how its symbolic power is used to challenge patriarchal norms and celebrate female empowerment.
"A Secret History of Witches" and the Modern Occult Revival
The resurgence of interest in witchcraft and occult practices is another significant aspect of the contemporary landscape shaped by "a secret history of witches." While some view this revival as a harmless exploration of spirituality and self-discovery, it's crucial to acknowledge its potential pitfalls. A critical examination of "a secret history of witches" would need to address the potential for appropriation and misrepresentation of historical practices, alongside the ethical considerations surrounding the use of occult symbols and rituals.
"A Secret History of Witches" in Popular Culture: Myth-Making and Misrepresentation
Popular culture’s engagement with "a secret history of witches" often simplifies and romanticizes complex historical realities. Films and television shows frequently portray witches as possessing extraordinary powers, often neglecting the brutal realities of persecution and social marginalization. A careful analysis of these portrayals is crucial to understanding how popular culture shapes our understanding of "a secret history of witches" and its impact on public perception.
Feminist Interpretations and "A Secret History of Witches"
Feminist scholarship has played a crucial role in re-examining the historical narratives surrounding witchcraft. By highlighting the patriarchal structures that underpinned the witch hunts, feminist scholars have offered alternative interpretations that challenge traditional narratives and center the experiences of the women who were persecuted. "A Secret History of Witches," in its critical exploration, would engage directly with this body of work, examining how feminist perspectives have reshaped our understanding of the historical persecution and the ongoing relevance of the "witch" as a symbol of female agency and resistance.
The Power of Narrative and "A Secret History of Witches": Rewriting the Past
The power of narrative in shaping our understanding of history cannot be overstated. "A Secret History of Witches" would demonstrate how the dominant narratives surrounding witchcraft have marginalized and silenced the voices of those persecuted. Rewriting the past involves actively seeking out alternative perspectives, challenging established interpretations, and giving voice to those who have been historically marginalized.
Conclusion: Understanding "A Secret History of Witches" in the 21st Century
"A Secret History of Witches," whether a real book or a conceptual framework, demands a critical approach. By acknowledging the historical biases and societal pressures that shaped the narratives surrounding witchcraft, we can better understand the enduring fascination with this topic and its impact on modern trends. A comprehensive examination reveals how "a secret history of witches" is not just about the past, but also about the ongoing struggle for social justice, gender equality, and the power of narrative to shape our understanding of the world.
FAQs
1. What is the historical accuracy of popular depictions of witches? Popular depictions often romanticize or significantly alter historical realities, frequently omitting the brutal realities of the witch hunts.
2. How did patriarchal structures influence the witch hunts? Patriarchal structures were central to the witch hunts, using accusations of witchcraft to control and silence women who challenged societal norms.
3. What role did religion play in the persecution of witches? Religious anxieties and the demonization of women fueled the witch hunts, with religious authorities often playing a key role in the persecution.
4. How has feminist scholarship reshaped our understanding of witchcraft? Feminist scholarship has provided crucial alternative perspectives, highlighting the patriarchal context of the witch hunts and reclaiming the witch as a symbol of female empowerment.
5. What are the ethical considerations surrounding the modern occult revival? The modern occult revival requires careful consideration of appropriation, misrepresentation of historical practices, and potential harm.
6. How has "a secret history of witches" influenced popular culture? The enduring interest in witchcraft has profoundly impacted film, television, literature, and other forms of media, albeit often with simplified or romanticized portrayals.
7. What are some examples of modern-day witch hunts or similar phenomena? While not literally witch hunts, contemporary phenomena involving scapegoating and the persecution of marginalized groups share parallels with historical witch hunts.
8. What can we learn from studying the history of witchcraft? Studying the history of witchcraft teaches us valuable lessons about power dynamics, gender roles, social control, and the dangers of misinformation and mass hysteria.
9. How can we ensure responsible and ethical engagement with witchcraft-related topics? Responsible engagement requires critical analysis, historical accuracy, sensitivity to cultural contexts, and an awareness of potential harm.
Related Articles:
1. "The Malleus Maleficarum: A Critical Analysis": An examination of the infamous witch-hunting manual, exploring its historical context and impact.
2. "Women and Witchcraft in Early Modern Europe": A study focusing on the experiences of women accused of witchcraft, highlighting their social and economic situations.
3. "The Folklore and Mythology of Witches": An exploration of the diverse cultural representations of witches across different societies and time periods.
4. "The Witch in Contemporary Feminist Thought": An analysis of the witch as a symbol in feminist discourse and its implications for gender equality.
5. "The Rise of Modern Witchcraft and Paganism": A study of the resurgence of witchcraft and occult practices in contemporary society.
6. "The Psychology of Witch Hunts: Fear, Superstition, and Social Control": An investigation into the psychological factors that contributed to the witch hunts.
7. "Witchcraft Trials and the Law: Justice and Injustice in Early Modern Europe": An examination of the legal processes involved in witchcraft trials.
8. "Herbs, Potions, and Magic: The Use of Plants in Witchcraft Traditions": A deep dive into the role of herbalism in witchcraft practices.
9. "Recovering the Voices of the Accused: Oral Histories and Witchcraft": An exploration of efforts to recover and interpret the voices of those accused of witchcraft.
| a secret history of witches: A Secret History of Witches Louisa Morgan, 2017-09-05 A sweeping historical saga that traces five generations of fiercely powerful mothers and daughters -- witches whose magical inheritance is both a dangerous threat and an extraordinary gift. Brittany, 1821. After Grand-Mere Ursule gives her life to save her family, their magic seems to die with her. Even so, the Orchires fight to keep the old ways alive, practicing half-remembered spells and arcane rites in hopes of a revival. And when their youngest daughter comes of age, magic flows anew. The lineage continues, though new generations struggle not only to master their power, but also to keep it hidden. But when World War II looms on the horizon, magic is needed more urgently than ever -- not for simple potions or visions, but to change the entire course of history. Praise for A Secret History of Witches: I loved it. A beautiful generational tale, reminiscent of Practical Magic. . .. Grounded and real, painful and hopeful at the same time. —Laure Eve, author of The Graces Historical fiction at its absolute finest....Deliciously absorbing. —Boston Globe At once sprawling and intimate, A Secret History of Witches deftly captures the greatest magic of all: the love between mothers and daughters. —Jordanna Max Brodsky, author of The Wolf in the Whale For more from Louisa Morgan, check out: The Witch's Kind The Age of Witches |
| a secret history of witches: Witchcraft Michael Streeter, 2020-03-03 Witchcraft: A Secret History unravels the myth from the mystery, the facts from the legends. Meet all the witches of your imagination and discover the meanings of their rituals and rites, their lore, and their craft. Discover the significance of their sabbats and covens, their chalices and wands, their robes and their religion. Unlock the secrets of the legendary witches of mythology and folk tales and find out how these early stories influenced the persecutions and witch-hunts of the Middle Ages. Learn about the people who inspired the pagan revival and how their work in literature and magic rekindled the fires of the sabbats across Europe and the New World today. |
| a secret history of witches: The Age of Witches Louisa Morgan, 2020-04-21 'THOROUGHLY ENTHRALLING' Booklist A young witch must choose between love and loyalty, power and ambition, in this magical novel set in Gilded Age New York and London. In 1692, Bridget Bishop was hanged as a witch. Two hundred years later, her legacy lives on in the scions of two very different lines: one dedicated to using their powers to heal and help women in need; the other, determined to grasp power for themselves. This clash will play out in the fate of Annis, a young woman in Gilded Age New York who finds herself a pawn in the family struggle for supremacy. She'll need to claim her own power to save herself - and resist succumbing to the darkness that threatens to overcome them all. 'A must-read for those who like magic, love, and a little bit of feel-good feminism in their historical fiction' Library Journal 'An Austen-esque romance, a heart-racing mystery full of dangerous twists and an anxiety-inducing yet enthralling family feud, Louisa Morgan's The Age of Witches is anything but a traditional tale of good versus evil' BookPage 'Morgan's beautifully conjured tale of three women, social mores, and the sanctity of self-determination is thoroughly enthralling' Booklist '[A] robust tale of matriarchal magic in a lushly depicted Gilded Age New York . . . Readers will root for these powerful women as they struggle to overcome the social limitations of their time, whether through magic or force of personality' Publishers Weekly 'This is a book about witches, told from their perspective. As such, it's a lyrically and lovely written triumph about independent, unusual women' Book Riot Novels by Louisa Morgan: A Secret History of Witches The Witch's Kind The Age of Witches |
| a secret history of witches: The Witch's Kind Louisa Morgan, 2019-03-19 In the aftermath of World War II, two women with unusual gifts must protect a mysterious baby in a poignant tale of family, sacrifice and magic. Barrie Anne Blythe and her aunt Charlotte have always known that the other residents of their small coastal community find them peculiar -- two women living alone on the outskirts of town. It is the price of concealing their strange and dangerous family secret. But two events threaten to upend their lives forever. The first is the arrival of a mysterious abandoned baby with a hint of power like their own. The second is the sudden reappearance of Barrie Anne's long-lost husband -- who is not quite the man she thought she married. Together, Barrie Anne and Charlotte must decide how far they are willing to go to protect themselves -- and the child they think of as their own -- from suspicious neighbors, the government, and even their own family. . . Praise for The Witch's Kind: The strength of Morgan's powerful story is her depiction of this time and place and the everyday struggles of determined women. A great choice for readers who enjoy novels by Alice Hoffman and Barbara Kingsolver. —Booklist Family, love, and ultimately personal strength. Fans of Morgan's The Secret History of Witches will appreciate this latest installment, and newcomers will be equally enchanted. —Historical Novel Society For more from Louisa Morgan, check out: A Secret History of Witches The Age of Witches |
| a secret history of witches: The Great Witch of Brittany Louisa Morgan, 2022-02-15 Return to the world of A Secret History of Witches with the bewitching tale of Ursule Orchiere and her discovery of magical abilities that will not only change the course of her life but every generation that comes after her. Brittany, 1741: There hasn't been a witch born in the Orchière clan for generations. According the elders, that line is dead, leaving the clan vulnerable to persecution. Ursule Orchière has been raised on stories of the great witches of the past. But the only magic she knows are the false spells her mother weaves over the women who visit their fortune-telling tent. All of that changes when Ursule comes of age and a spark of power flares to life. Thrilled to be chosen, she has no idea how magic will twist and shape her future. Guided by the whispers of her ancestors and an ancient grimoire, Ursule is destined to walk the same path as the great witches of old. But danger hovers over her. Will she be able to escape the bloodlust of the mob or the flames of the pyre? Praise for Louisa Morgan: 'A must-read for those who like magic, love and a little bit of feel-good feminism in their historical fiction' Library Journal on The Age of Witches 'A beautiful generational tale, reminiscent of Practical Magic . . . but much more expansive in scope. Grounded and real, painful and hopeful at the same time' Laure Eve, author of The Graces, on A Secret History of Witches |
| a secret history of witches: Secrets of the Witch Julie Legere, Elsa Whyte, 2020-08-04 Part history, part spellbook, this magical compendium gives young witches a fascinating insight into the lives and practices of witches throughout time and from all over the world. Since ancient times, magic and witchcraft have inspired both fear and fascination. More recently, witchcraft has become a popular symbol for feminist empowerment. Everything a beginning witch needs to know is contained in Secrets of the Witch. Uncover the meaning and history behind magical tools and symbols such as cauldrons and pentagrams, find out the truths of the Salem Witch Trials, and learn about witches in popular culture, from the ancient figure of Circe to Hermione Granger. This spellbinding guide explores the mystical history of witches throughout time and all over the world, including their magical symbols and practices. Initiates to the ways of the witch will learn the stories of legendary and real-life witches, as well as how to make their own talisman, how to use magical crystals and plants, which familiar is right for them, and so much more. Aspiring witches 9 years and older will find this an invaluable and empowering guide, filled with authentic detail and strikingly illustrated. With the supernatural wisdom of modern-day witches Elsa Whyte and Julie Légère and Laura Pérez's rich artwork, step into your dark sisterhood and discover the Secrets of the Witch. |
| a secret history of witches: The Witches' Ointment Thomas Hatsis, 2015-08-17 An exploration of the historical origins of the “witches’ ointment” and medieval hallucinogenic drug practices based on the earliest sources • Details how early modern theologians demonized psychedelic folk magic into “witches’ ointments” • Shares dozens of psychoactive formulas and recipes gleaned from rare manuscripts from university collections all over the world as well as the practices and magical incantations necessary for their preparation • Examines the practices of medieval witches like Matteuccia di Francisco, who used hallucinogenic drugs in her love potions and herbal preparations In the medieval period preparations with hallucinogenic herbs were part of the practice of veneficium, or poison magic. This collection of magical arts used poisons, herbs, and rituals to bewitch, heal, prophesy, infect, and murder. In the form of psyche-magical ointments, poison magic could trigger powerful hallucinations and surrealistic dreams that enabled direct experience of the Divine. Smeared on the skin, these entheogenic ointments were said to enable witches to commune with various local goddesses, bastardized by the Church as trips to the Sabbat--clandestine meetings with Satan to learn magic and participate in demonic orgies. Examining trial records and the pharmacopoeia of witches, alchemists, folk healers, and heretics of the 15th century, Thomas Hatsis details how a range of ideas from folk drugs to ecclesiastical fears over medicine women merged to form the classical “witch” stereotype and what history has called the “witches’ ointment.” He shares dozens of psychoactive formulas and recipes gleaned from rare manuscripts from university collections from all over the world as well as the practices and magical incantations necessary for their preparation. He explores the connections between witches’ ointments and spells for shape shifting, spirit travel, and bewitching magic. He examines the practices of some Renaissance magicians, who inhaled powerful drugs to communicate with spirits, and of Italian folk-witches, such as Matteuccia di Francisco, who used hallucinogenic drugs in her love potions and herbal preparations, and Finicella, who used drug ointments to imagine herself transformed into a cat. Exploring the untold history of the witches’ ointment and medieval hallucinogen use, Hatsis reveals how the Church transformed folk drug practices, specifically entheogenic ones, into satanic experiences. |
| a secret history of witches: A Witch in Time Constance Sayers, 2020-02-11 'Prepare to be dazzled' Alma Katsu, author of The Hunger 'Fresh and original' Louisa Morgan, author of A Secret History of Witches Four lives, one woman, a star-crossed love . . . In 1895, sixteen-year-old Juliet begins a passionate, doomed romance with a married artist. In 1932, aspiring actress Nora escapes New York for the bright lights of Hollywood and a new chance at love. In 1970, Californian musician Sandra's secret love affair threatens to tear her band apart. And in 2012, Helen is starting to remember the tragic details of lives that never belonged to her. Bound to her lover in 1895, and trapped by his side ever since, Helen has lived through multiple lifetimes, under different names, never escaping her tragic endings. Only this time, she might finally have the power to break the cycle . . . Absorbing, magical and hard to put down, A Witch in Time is a heartbreakingly beautiful story about a death-defying love, a time trapping curse and the power of destiny. Perfect for fans of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and A Secret History of Witches. '[I] loved A Witch in Time by Constance Sayers! Perfect combo of historic locales (Paris to Los Angeles), artists (painters to 1970s rockers), and cool witchery to tie them together' Jay Asher, No. 1 New York Times bestselling author 'A captivating tapestry of a tale' Gwendolyn Womack, bestselling author of The Fortune Teller 'Sayers weaves a spell of love, lust and magic to create a page-turner like no other' Steph Post, author of Miraculum 'Fans of Deborah Harkness will devour this page-turning tale of love, reincarnation, and dark magic. A highly unique and enjoyable read!' Hester Fox, author of The Witch of Willow Hall |
| a secret history of witches: A Discovery of Witches Deborah Harkness, 2011-02-08 *THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED FIFTH NOVEL IN THE BELOVED NUMBER ONE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING ALL SOULS SERIES, THE BLACK BIRD ORACLE, IS AVAILABLE TO ORDER.* 'A masterpiece' Reader Review, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'Bewitches you and doesn't set you free' Reader Review, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'One of the best books I have ever read' Reader Review, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ The phenomenal first instalment in the Number One Sunday Times bestselling ALL SOULS series! It begins with absence and desire. It begins with blood and fear. It begins with a discovery of witches. --- A world of witches, daemons and vampires. A manuscript which holds the secrets of their past and the key to their future. Diana and Matthew - the forbidden love at the heart of it. When historian Diana Bishop opens an alchemical manuscript in the Bodleian Library, it's an unwelcome intrusion of magic into her carefully ordered life. Though Diana is a witch of impeccable lineage, the violent death of her parents while she was still a child convinced her that human fear is more potent than any witchcraft. Now Diana has unwittingly exposed herself to a world she's kept at bay for years; one of powerful witches, creative, destructive daemons and long-lived vampires. Sensing the significance of Diana's discovery, the creatures gather in Oxford, among them the enigmatic Matthew Clairmont, a vampire geneticist. Diana is inexplicably drawn to Matthew and, in a shadowy world of half-truths and old enmities, ties herself to him without fully understanding the ancient line they are crossing. As they begin to unlock the secrets of the manuscript and their feelings for each other deepen, so the fragile balance of peace unravels... Fall under the spell of Diana and Matthew in the stunning first volume of the runaway Number One Sunday Times bestselling ALL SOULS series. --- Five reasons to read A Discovery of Witches and the ALL SOULS series: 'Haunting in every way. A story thick with family secrets, human heartache, and the kind of deep magic only Harkness can conjure. You will be enchanted' LEIGH BARDUGO 'Harkness's lush prose makes a fantastical world real enough to touch' JODI PICOULT 'Rich, thrilling . . . A captivating and romantic ripping yarn' E L JAMES 'Intelligent and off-the-wall . . . irresistible to Twilight fans' SUNDAY TIMES 'A bubbling cauldron of illicit desire . . . an assured saga that blends romance with fantasy' DAILY MAIL |
| a secret history of witches: A Secret History of Witches Louisa Morgan, 2017 From early 19th century Brittany to London during the Second World War, five generations of witches fight the battles of their time, deciding how far they are willing to go to protect their family, their heritage, and ultimately, all of our futures. After Grand-mère Ursule gives her life to save her tribe, her magic seems to dies with her. Even so, her family keeps the Old Faith, practicing the spells and rites that have been handed from mother to daughter for generations. Until one day, Ursule's young granddaughter steps into the circle, and magic flows anew-- |
| a secret history of witches: The Once and Future Witches Alix E. Harrow, 2020-10-13 THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER 'Glorious . . . a tale that will sweep you away' Yangsze Choo, New York Times bestselling author of The Night Tiger 'A gorgeous and thrilling paean to the ferocious power of women' Laini Taylor, New York Times bestselling author of Strange the Dreamer In 1893, there's no such thing as witches. There used to be, in the wild, dark days before the burnings began, but now witching is nothing but tidy charms and nursery rhymes. If the modern woman wants any measure of power, she must find it at the ballot box. But when the three Eastwood sisters join the suffragists of New Salem, they begin to pursue the forgotten ways that might turn the women's movement into the witch's movement. Stalked by shadows and sickness, hunted by forces who will not suffer a witch to vote - and perhaps not even to live - the sisters must delve into the oldest magics, draw new alliances, and heal the bond between them if they want to survive. There's no such thing as witches. But there will be. Praise for The Once and Future Witches: 'A brilliant dazzle of a book . . . I devoured it in enormous gulps, and utterly loved it' Kat Howard, author of The Unkindness of Ghosts 'Compelling, exhilarating and magical - a must-read' Booklist (starred review) 'Delightful . . . a tale of women's battle for equality, of fairy tales twisted into wonderfully witchy spells, of magics both large and small, and history re-imagined' Louisa Morgan, author of A Secret History of Witches 'A love letter to folklore and the rebellious women of history' Publishers Weekly 'A breathtaking book - brilliant and raw and dark and complicated' Sarah Gailey, author of Magic for Liars |
| a secret history of witches: Secret World of Witchcraft Jason Karl, 2008 Looks at the history and practices of witchcraft, including tools of the craft, ancient sites, the use of spells and potions, and events in the witches' calendar. |
| a secret history of witches: Season of the Witch David Talbot, 2012-05-08 The critically acclaimed, San Francisco Chronicle bestseller—a gripping story of the strife and tragedy that led to San Francisco’s ultimate rebirth and triumph. Salon founder David Talbot chronicles the cultural history of San Francisco and from the late 1960s to the early 1980s when figures such as Harvey Milk, Janis Joplin, Jim Jones, and Bill Walsh helped usher from backwater city to thriving metropolis. |
| a secret history of witches: The Strange Case of the Dutch Painter Timothy Miller, 2022-02-01 Paris, 1890. When Sherlock Holmes finds himself chasing an art dealer through the streets of Paris, he’s certain he’s smoked out one of the principals of a cunning forgery ring responsible for the theft of some of the Louvre’s greatest masterpieces. But for once, Holmes is dead wrong. He doesn’t know that the dealer, Theo Van Gogh, is rushing to the side of his brother, who lies dying of a gunshot wound in Auvers. He doesn’t know that the dealer’s brother is a penniless misfit artist named Vincent, known to few and mourned by even fewer. Officialdom pronounces the death a suicide, but a few minutes at the scene convinces Holmes it was murder. And he’s bulldog-determined to discover why a penniless painter who harmed no one had to be killed–and who killed him. Who could profit from Vincent’s death? How is the murder entwined with his own forgery investigation? Holmes must retrace the last months of Vincent’s life, testing his mettle against men like the brutal Paul Gauguin and the secretive Toulouse-Lautrec, all the while searching for the girl Olympia, whom Vincent named with his dying breath. She can provide the truth, but can anyone provide the proof? From the madhouse of St. Remy to the rooftops of Paris, Holmes hunts a killer—while the killer hunts him. |
| a secret history of witches: Witches and Pagans Max Dashu, 2016 Swa wiccan taeca?: ?as the witches teach.' So, explained the Old English translator, it was witches who counseled people to ?bring their offerings to earth-fast stone and also to trees and to wellsprings.' His contextualizing commentary on a Frankish penitential reveals the witches? intimate association with animist, earth-based ceremonies, contradicting the now-engrained idea that they were ?wicked.' In a compelling exploration of language, archaeology, early medieval literature and art, Max Dashu pulls the covers off ethnic lore known to few except scholarly specialists. She shows that the old ethnic names for ?witch? signify wisewoman, prophetess, diviner, healer, shapeshifter, and dreamer. She fleshes out the spiritual culture of the Norse völur (?staff-women?), with their oracular ceremonies, incantations, and ?sitting-out? on the land for wisdom. She examines archaeological finds of women's ritual staffs, many of which symbolize the distaff, a spinning tool that connects with broader European themes of goddesses, fates, witches, and female power. Ecclesiastical records show that these aspects of European women's spiritual culture survived state conversions to Christianity. Witches and Pagans plunges into the megalithic taproot of the elder kindreds, and the ancestral Old Woman known as the Cailleach. It draws on priestly Frankish and German sources to trace the foundational witch-legend of the Women Who Go by Night with the Goddess'and her links to women's spinning sacraments in the orature of Holle, Fraw Percht, and Swanfooted Berthe. The book also looks at the sexual politics of early witch burnings and the female ordeal of treading red-hot iron. Anglo-Saxon ?mystery-singers? shed light on ancestor veneration in early medieval Europe.The webs of Wyrd, weavers? ceremonies, herb-chanters, crystal balls and the Völuspá: this book uncovers the authentic ethnic roots of witchcraft. Putting the common woman at the center results in a very different view of European history than the one we have been taught. Sagas, ecclesiastical canons, laws, chronicles, charms, manuscripts and sculpture show the spiritual leadership of women and the goddesses, fates, and ancestors they revered. These strands can help to reweave the ripped webs of women's culture. |
| a secret history of witches: Solitary Witch Silver RavenWolf, 2011-12-08 The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation This book has everything a teen Witch could want and need between two covers: a magickal cookbook, encyclopedia, dictionary, and grimoire. It relates specifically to today's young adults and their concerns, yet is grounded in the magickal work of centuries past. Information is arranged alphabetically and divided into five distinct categories: (1) Shadows of Religion and Mystery, (2) Shadows of Objects, (3) Shadows of Expertise and Proficiency, (4) Shadows of Magick and Enchantment, and (5) Shadows of Daily Life. It is organized so readers can skip over the parts they already know, or read each section in alphabetical order. Features By the author of the best-selling Teen Witch and mother of four teen Witches A jam-packed learning and resource guide for serious young Witches All categories are discussed in modern terms and their associated historical roots Includes endnotes and footnotes that cite sources or add clarification A training companion to Teen Witch and To Ride a Silver Broomstick |
| a secret history of witches: Girl's Guide to Witchcraft (15th Anniversary Edition) Mindy Klasky, 2020-03-07 “[A]n irresistible tale of power and love, friendship and acceptance… Charming and insightful.” — Romantic Times Jane Madison has a problem. Or two. Or three. She has a desperate crush on her Imaginary Boyfriend, a man who doesn’t know she exists. Her doting grandmother insists she meet her long-absent mother. She’s working as a librarian, trapped in absurd costumes and serving up lattes in a last-ditch effort to keep her employer solvent. In lieu of a well-deserved raise, Jane is allowed to live in an ancient cottage on the library grounds. She soon discovers a hidden chamber filled with magical books that awaken her inner witch. Her first spell releases a smart-mouthed feline familiar. Her second makes her irresistible to men. Those witchy workings draw a compelling astral enforcer, David Montrose. Will magic—and David—solve Jane’s problems? Or only bring her more disasters? If you like romantic comedy, romcom, chicklit, or humorous and funny stories about libraries, librarians, witches, witchcraft, magic, fantasy, supernatural or paranormal events—like The Ex Hex, Payback’s a Witch, or Practical Magic—you will love this book! Magical Washington includes The Washington Witches Series, the Washington Vampires Series, the Washington Warders, and the Washington Medical: Vampire Ward Series: Girl's Guide to Witchcraft Sorcery and the Single Girl Magic and the Modern Girl Single Witch's Survival Guide Joy of Witchcraft Capital Magic Dreaming of a Witch Christmas Nice Witches Don't Swear Fright Court Law and Murder High Stakes Trial “Stake Me Out to the Ball Game” The Library, the Witch, and the Warder The Witch Doctor Is In Fae's Anatomy The Lady Doctor is a Vamp 110122mfm |
| a secret history of witches: The Secret History of Vampires Claude Lecouteux, 2010-02-01 A look at the forgotten ancestors of the modern-day vampire, many of which have very different characteristics • Looks at the many ancestoral forms of the modern vampire, including shroud eaters, appesarts, and stafi • Presents evidence for the reality of this phenomenon from pre-19th-century newspaper articles and judicial records Of all forms taken by the undead, the vampire wields the most powerful pull on the modern imagination. But the countless movies and books inspired by this child of the night who has a predilection for human blood are based on incidents recorded as fact in newspapers and judicial archives in the centuries preceding the works of Bram Stoker and other writers. Digging through these forgotten records, Claude Lecouteux unearths a very different figure of the vampire in the many accounts of individuals who reportedly would return from their graves to attack the living. These ancestors of the modern vampire were not all blood suckers; they included shroud eaters, appesarts, nightmares, and the curious figure of the stafia, whose origin is a result of masons secretly interring the shadow of a living human being in the wall of a building under construction. As Lecouteux shows, the belief in vampires predates ancient Roman times, which abounded with lamia, stirges, and ghouls. Discarding the tacked together explanations of modern science for these inexplicable phenomena, the author looks back to another folk belief that has come down through the centuries like that of the undead: the existence of multiple souls in every individual, not all of which are able to move on to the next world after death. |
| a secret history of witches: Witchcraft Anastasia Greywolf, 2016-05-15 Witchcraft is a complete guide to the magical arts of witchcraft, including insight into magic, spells, potions, and much more. |
| a secret history of witches: The Witch Of Willow Hall Hester Fox, 2018-10-02 ‘This debut recalls Georgette Heyer, with extra spookiness’ The Times ‘Beautifully written... The Witch of Willow Hall will cast a spell over every reader’ Lisa Hall, author of Between You and Me |
| a secret history of witches: The Graces Laure Eve, 2016-08-30 Picked for BBC Radio 2's Book ClubEveryone said the Graces were witches.They moved through the corridors like sleek fish, ripples in their wake. Stares followed their backs and their hair.They had friends, but they were just distractions. They were waiting for someone different.All I had to do was show them that person was me.Like everyone else in her town, River is obsessed with the Graces, attracted by their glamour and apparent ability to weave magic. But are they really what they seem? And are they more dangerous than they let on? This beautifully-written thriller will grip you from its very first page. |
| a secret history of witches: Buried Magic TJ Green, 2018-11-22 Witchcraft, dark secrets, and demons. No one is safe in White Haven. Avery, one of the five White Haven witches, practices her magic alone and spends her days working in her bookshop, refusing to join the coven. However, days away from Litha, the summer solstice, a deceased customer bequeaths her a rune covered box and an intriguing letter that reveals the witches are missing a vital part of their history. The news shatters her organised life completely. Five ancient family grimoires are hidden in the town, and within their pages lies a secret. Unable to resist a mystery, Avery is determined to find them. However, the tarot cards predict danger, and when another witch—the sexy, but annoying Alex Bonneville—shares the same premonition, they know that an unknown enemy is determined to stop them using any means necessary. Avery never backs down from a fight, and Alex refuses to let her fight alone. When White Haven turns into a battleground of magic and demons, the witches’ lives will never be the same again. Buried Magic is perfect for fans of paranormal mysteries who love authentic witchcraft and magic, a slow-burn romance, English humour, a gorgeous Cornish setting with lots of myths, and plenty of action. Join the coven and buy Buried Magic now! ***This story completes in book 2, Magic Unbound. All subsequent stories are complete. Keywords: Witchy fiction, witch mysteries, witch urban fantasy, paranormal fiction, paranormal fantasy series, paranormal mystery, supernatural suspense, occult fiction, magic, action and adventure, spirits, ghosts, mild romance, paranormal cozy mystery, mystery books, Cornish village mysteries, occult fiction, demons, contemporary fantasy, urban fantasy, humour, friendship, magic, spells, intrigue, English myths, legends and folklore, witchcraft, Wiccan fiction, grimoires and spell books. |
| a secret history of witches: The Witchfinder's Sister Beth Underdown, 2017-03-02 'The number of women my brother Matthew killed, so far as I can reckon it, is one hundred and six...' THE PAGE-TURNING RICHARD AND JUDY BOOK CLUB BESTSELLER 'A compelling debut from a gifted storyteller' Sarah Perry, author of The Essex Serpent When Alice Hopkins' husband dies in a tragic accident, she returns to the small Essex town of Manningtree, where her brother Matthew still lives. But home is no longer a place of safety. Matthew has changed, and there are rumours spreading through the town: whispers of witchcraft, and of a great book, in which he is gathering women's names. To what lengths will Matthew's obsession drive him? And what choice will Alice make, when she finds herself at the very heart of his plan? Winner of the HWA Debut Crown Award 2017, and a Spring 2018 Richard and Judy Book Club pick, this beautiful and haunting historical thriller is perfect for fans of Sarah Waters, The Miniaturist and Burial Rites. 'Vivid and terrifying' Paula Hawkins, author of The Girl on the Train 'Thumpingly good' Lucy Mangan 'A clever, pacey read that blends truth and fiction...what elevates this book above other historical thrillers are the questions that Underdown asks about the nature of power, fear and how easy it is to become complicit in terrible acts' The Times 'A chilling, creeping novel with very obvious parallels to more modern forms of witch-hints and misogyny, but is still firmly rooted in an England torn apart by civil war and gripped by religious fervour' Red 'A haunting, brooding debut' Psychologies 'At once a feminist parable and an old-fashioned, check-twice-under-the-bed thriller' Patrick Gale 'A richly told and utterly compelling tale, with shades of Hilary Mantel' Kate Hamer, author of The Girl in the Red Coat 'Anyone who liked Cecilia Ekback's Wolf Winter is going to love this' Natasha Pulley, author of The Watchmaker of Filigree Street 'Beth Underdown grips us from the outset and won't let go...at once a feminist parable and an old-fashioned, check-twice-under-the-bed thriller' Patrick Gale, author of Notes from an Exhibition 'A tense, surprising and elegantly-crafted novel' Ian McGuire, author of The North Water 'Beth Underdown cleverly creates a compelling atmosphere of dread and claustrophobia... Even from the distance of nearly four hundred years, her Matthew Hopkins is a genuinely frightening monster' Kate Riordan 'Superb: dark, terrifying and utterly compelling' Tracy Borman 'A novel for our times. Beth Underdown's The Witchfinder's Sister explores another time and another place to lay bare the visceral horror of what a witch hunt truly is' New York Times Book Review 'Entertaining and thought-provoking, with a valuable message for our own times' Washington Post |
| a secret history of witches: Flight SQA016 Amanda Radley, 2021-07-13 Emily White works an exhausting transatlantic schedule for Crown Airlines. Crippling debt means she spends more time in the air as a member of the first-class cabin crew than she does on the ground being a mother, and she desperately misses her young son. Fastidious passenger Olivia Lewis is used to things being a certain way. When her routine is changed by this new, attractive member of the staff, she attempts to reach out to Emily. Unfortunately, Olivia is famous for her terrible social skills, and things quickly go oh-so-wrong. When disaster strikes for her son, will Emily be able to swallow her pride and accept the assistance Olivia offers? |
| a secret history of witches: The Wolf in the Whale Jordanna Max Brodsky, 2019-01-29 'IMAGINATIVE AND COMPELLING' Juliet Marillier, author of the Sevenwaters Series THERE IS A VERY OLD STORY, RARELY TOLD, OF A WOLF THAT RUNS INTO THE OCEAN AND BECOMES A WHALE. Born with the soul of a hunter and chosen by the spirit of the Wolf, Omat is destined to follow in her grandfather's footsteps - invoking the spirits of the land, sea and sky to protect her people. But the gods have stopped listening, the seals won't come and Omat's family is starving. Alone at the edge of the world, hope is the only thing they have left. Desperate to save them, Omat journeys across the icy wastes, fighting for survival with every step. When she meets a Viking warrior and his strange new gods, they set in motion a conflict that could shatter her world . . . or save it. Blending myth and magic from Norse and Inuit folklore, The Wolf in The Whale is a captivating tale of identity and survival featuring an unforgettable narrator who will do anything to protect those she loves, even confront the gods themselves. 'I honestly could not put into words how much I loved this book . . . one of my favorite books I've ever read . . . Magical, heartbreaking, and beautiful' Jes Reads Books 'An enchanting blend of myth, magic and faith . . . treat yourself and dive right in' SciFiNow 'Magical and awe inspiring . . . brings together an incredible world of ice and magic and characters that will capture your heart' Fantasy Hive |
| a secret history of witches: The Memory Thief Jodi Lynn Anderson, 2021-03-02 Perfect for fans of The Girl Who Drank the Moon, this fantastical and heartfelt first book in a new trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Jodi Lynn Anderson follows a girl who must defeat thirteen evil witches. Twelve-year-old Rosie Singer’s mom is missing whatever it is that makes mothers love their daughters. All her life, Rosie has known this...and turned to stories for comfort. Then, on the night Rosie decides to throw her stories away forever, an invisible ally helps her discover the Witch Hunter’s Guide to the Universe, a book that claims that all of the evil in the world stems from thirteen witches who are unseen...but also unstoppable. One of these witches—the Memory Thief—holds an insidious power to steal our most precious treasures: our memories. And it is this witch who has cursed Rosie’s mother. In her quest to save her mom—and with her wild, loyal friend “Germ” by her side—Rosie will find the layers hidden under the reality she only thought she knew: where ghosts linger as shades of the past, where clouds witness the world, and a ladder dangles from the moon leading to something bigger and more. Here, words are weapons against the darkness, and witch hunters are those brave enough to wield their imaginations in the face of the unthinkable. At the core of this stunning novel—the first of the Thirteen Witches trilogy from critically acclaimed author Jodi Lynn Anderson—is a passionate argument that stories have the power to create meaningful change...and a reason to hope even when the world feels crushing. |
| a secret history of witches: Royal Witches Gemma Hollman, 2019-10-07 'An important and timely book.' - Philippa Gregory Joan of Navarre was the richest woman in the land, at a time when war-torn England was penniless. Eleanor Cobham was the wife of a weak king's uncle – and her husband was about to fall from grace. Jacquetta Woodville was a personal enemy of Warwick the Kingmaker, who was about to take his revenge. Elizabeth Woodville was the widowed mother of a child king, fighting Richard III for her children's lives. In Royal Witches, Gemma Hollman explores the lives of these four unique women, looking at how rumours of witchcraft brought them to their knees in a time when superstition and suspicion was rife. |
| a secret history of witches: A Witch In Love Ruth Warburton, 2013-02-05 Anna still finds it hard to believe that Seth loves her and has vowed to suppress her powers, no matter what. But magic - like love - is uncontrollable and soon, Anna is being hunted. Abe wants Anna to embrace her power, while Seth is pushing Anna to accept that his feelings are real. She finally does ... a moment too late. Suddenly, it's like the Salem witch trials all over again: burnings, torture and faceless judgements. In the face of the ultimate betrayal, who will save her? The second novel in the Winter trilogy, this follows the critically acclaimed debut A WITCH IN WINTER. |
| a secret history of witches: The Winter Witch Paula Brackston, 2013-01-29 New York Times bestselling author Paula Brackston transports readers to the windswept mountains of Wales in The Winter Witch, an enthralling tale of love and magic. In her small early nineteenth century Welsh town, there is no one quite like Morgana. She is small and quick and pretty enough to attract a suitor, but there are things that set her apart from other girls. Though her mind is sharp she has not spoken since she was a young girl. Her silence is a mystery, as well as her magic—the household objects that seem to move at her command, the bad luck that visits those who do her ill. Concerned for her safety, her mother is anxious to see Morgana married, and Cai Jenkins, the widowed drover from the far hills who knows nothing of the rumors that swirl around her, seems the best choice. After her wedding, Morgana is heartbroken at leaving her mother, and wary of this man, whom she does not know, and who will take her away to begin a new life. But she soon falls in love with Cai's farm and the wild mountains that surround it. Here, where frail humans are at the mercy of the elements, she thrives, her wild nature and her magic blossoming. Cai works to understand the beautiful, half-tamed creature he has chosen for a bride, and slowly, he begins to win Morgana's affections. It's not long, however, before her strangeness begins to be remarked upon in her new village. A dark force is at work there—a person who will stop at nothing to turn the townspeople against Morgana, even at the expense of those closest to her. Forced to defend her home, her man, and herself from all comers, Morgana must learn to harness her power, or she will lose everything in this beautifully written, enchanting novel. An enthralling tale of love and magic. –USA Today |
| a secret history of witches: Secret Dunfermline Gregor Stewart, 2018-10-15 Explore Dunfermline's secret history through a fascinating selection of stories, facts and photographs. |
| a secret history of witches: Ash Mary Gentle, 2013-09-24 For the beautiful young woman Ash, life has always been arquebuses and artillery, swords and armour and the true horrors of hand-to-hand combat. War is her job. She has fought her way to the command of a mercenary company, and on her unlikely shoulders lies the destiny of a Europe threatened by the depredations of an Infidel army more terrible than any nightmare. Winner of the BSFA Award for best novel, 2000 |
| a secret history of witches: The Witch of Eye Kathryn Nuernberger, 2021-02-16 This amazingly wise and nimble collection investigates the horrors inflicted on so-called “witches” of the past. The Witch of Eye unearths salves, potions, and spells meant to heal, yet interpreted by inquisitors as evidence of evil. The author describes torture and forced confessions alongside accounts of gentleness of legendary midwives. In one essay about a trial, we learn through folklore that Jesus’s mother was a midwife who cured her own son’s rheumatism. In other essays there are subtle parallels to contemporary discourse around abortion and environmental destruction. Nuernberger weaves in her own experiences too. There’s an ironic look at her own wedding, an uncomfortable visit to the Prague Museum of Torture, and an afternoon spent tearing out a garden in a mercurial fit. Her researched material is eye-opening, lively, and often funny. An absolutely thrilling collection. |
| a secret history of witches: The Witches of BlackBrook Tish Thawer, 2015 Through space and time, sisters entwined. Lost then found, souls remain bound.Three sisters escape the Salem witch trials when the eldest casts a spell that hurdles their souls forward through time. After centuries separated, fate has finally reunited them in the present day.One the healer, one the teacher, and one the deceiver.Will their reunion return their full powers, or end their souls journey forever?A Witches of BlackBrook novel. |
| a secret history of witches: Her Majesty’s Royal Coven Juno Dawson, 2022-07-21 THE #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER |
| a secret history of witches: Witches of Lychford Paul Cornell, 2015-09-08 Traveler, Cleric, Witch. The villagers in the sleepy hamlet of Lychford are divided. A supermarket wants to build a major branch on their border. Some welcome the employment opportunities, while some object to the modernization of the local environment. Judith Mawson (local crank) knows the truth -- that Lychford lies on the boundary between two worlds, and that the destruction of the border will open wide the gateways to malevolent beings beyond imagination. But if she is to have her voice heard, she's going to need the assistance of some unlikely allies... PRAISE FOR Paul Cornell's THE WITCHES OF LYCHFORD At once epic and terribly intimate. This is the story of a village, not a city, and all the more powerful for that; not all big fantasy needs an urban setting. Beautifully written, perfectly cruel, and ultimately kind. This is Cornell at the height of his craft. — Seanan McGuire, New York Times bestselling author of the InCryptid and October Daye series Rich in charm... local politics and witchcraft writ small and personal, but large in consequence. [Cornell] adeptly describes the emotion of magic; its effects and internal ignition of wonder. The feel of being exposed to magic for the first time and the feel of doing magic and having it done to you have never been better described in any story. — Bill Willingham, author of Fables and Down the Mysterly River Masterfully creepy and sinister, all the more so for taking place in the beautifully drawn English countryside. — Jenny Colgan, author of Doctor Who: Into the Nowhere At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied. |
| a secret history of witches: The Witches of Fife Stuart MacDonald, 2014-08-18 Along the coast of Fife, in villages like Culross and Pittenweem, history records that some women were executed as witches. Nevertheless, the reality of what happened the night that Janet Cornfoot was lynched at Pittenweem is hard to grasp as one sits by the harbour watching the fishing boats unload their catch and the pleasure boats rising with the tide. How could people do this to an old woman? Why was no-one ever brought to justice? And why would anyone defend such a lynching? The task of the historian is to try to make events in the past come alive and seem less strange. The details of the witch-hunt are fascinating. Some of the anecdotes are strange. The modern reader finds it hard to imagine illness being blamed on the malevolence of a beggar woman denied charity, or the economic failure of a sea voyage being attributed to the village hag, not bad weather. Witch-hunting was related to ideas, values, attitudes and political events. It was a complicated process, involving religious and civil authorities, village tensions and the fears of the elite. The witch-hunt in Scotland also took place at a time when one of the main agendas was the creation of a righteous or godly society. As a result, religious authorities had control over aspects of people's lives which seem as strange to us today as beliefs about magic or witchcraft. It was not accidental that the witch-hunt in Scotland, and specifically in Fife, should have happened at this time. This book tells the story of what occurred over a period of a century and a half, and offers some explanation as to why it occurred. |
| a secret history of witches: Witchstruck Victoria Lamb, 2012-07-05 Meg Lytton has always known of her dark and powerful gift. Raised a student of the old magick by her Aunt Jane, casting the circle to see visions of the future and concocting spells from herbs and bones has always been as natural to Meg as breathing. But there has never been a more dangerous time to practise the craft, for it is 1554, and the sentence for any woman branded a witch is hanging, or burning at the stake. Sent to the ruined, isolated palace of Woodstock to serve the disgraced Elizabeth, daughter of Henry VIII and half-sister of Queen Mary, Meg discovers her skills are of interest to the outcast princess, who is desperate to know if she will ever claim the throne. But Meg's existence becomes more dangerous every day, with the constant threat of exposure by the ruthless witchfinder Marcus Dent, and the arrival of a young Spanish priest, Alejandro de Castillo, to whom Meg is irresistibly drawn - despite their very different attitudes to her secret. Thrilling and fast-paced, this is the first unputdownable story in a bewitching new series. |
| a secret history of witches: The Ladies of the Secret Circus Constance Sayers, 2021-03-02 'Romance, mystery, and a family curse - The Ladies of the Secret Circus has it all' Popsugar From the author of A Witch in Time comes a magical story spanning from Jazz Age Paris to modern-day America of family secrets, sacrifice, and lost love set against the backdrop of a mysterious circus. Perfect for fans of The Night Circus and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. The surest way to get a ticket to Le Cirque Secret is to wish for it . . . Paris, 1925: To enter the Secret Circus is to enter a world of wonder - a world where women weave illusions, carousels take you back in time, and trapeze artists float across the sky. Bound to her family's circus, it's the only world Cecile Cabot knows until she meets a charismatic young painter and embarks on a passionate affair that could cost her everything. Virginia, 2004: Lara Barnes is on top of the world, but when her fiancé disappears on their wedding day every plan she has for the future comes crashing down. Desperate, Lara's search for answers unexpectedly lead to her great-grandmother's journals. Swept into a story of a dark circus and ill-fated love, secrets about Lara's family history come to light and reveal a curse that has been claiming payment from the women in her family for generations. A curse that might be tied to her fiancé's mysterious fate . . . Why readers love The Ladies of the Secret Circus . . . 'A spellbinding historical fantasy . . . Fans of Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus will love this page-turning story of dark magic, star-crossed love, and familial sacrifice' Publishers Weekly (starred review) 'At times decadent and macabre, The Ladies of the Secret Circus is a mesmerizing tale of love, treachery, and depraved magic percolating through four generations of Cabot women' Luanne G. Smith, author of The Vine Witch 'Ambitious and teeming with magic, Sayers creates a fascinating mix of art, The Belle Époque, and more than a little murder' Erika Swyler, author of The Book of Speculation 'The Ladies of the Secret Circus is a dazzling tale, laced with sinister magic, blood and beauty, love and loss. This is a book that will haunt you long after the last page is turned' Alyssa Palombo, author of The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel 'Spellbinding. The Ladies Of The Secret Circus is a dazzling, high-wire feat of storytelling' Catherine Taylor, author of Beyond the Moon 'The Ladies of the Secret Circus is a book to get lost in' BookPage |
| a secret history of witches: The Witch's Daughter Paula Brackston, 2013-12-05 A New York Times Bestseller: Part historical romance, part modern fantasy, The Witch's Daughter is a 'lyrical and spell-binding' take on the magical and dangerous world of witches (Mary Sharratt, author of Daughters of the Witching Hill) In the spring of 1628, young Bess Hawksmith watches her mother's body swing limp from the Hanging Tree. She knows that only one man can save her from the same fate - Gideon Masters, the Warlock. She knows, too, that his help comes at a steep price. In present-day England, Elizabeth[HT1] has built a quiet life for herself. She has spent the centuries in solitude, moving from place to place, surviving plagues, wars and the heartbreak that comes with immortality. Her loneliness comes to an abrupt end when she is befriended by a teenage girl called Tegan. Against her better judgment, Elizabeth opens her heart to Tegan and begins teaching her the ways of the Hedge Witch. But Gideon is hunting her still. He will stop at nothing, determined even after centuries to claim her soul. And now, Bess is not fighting to save herself alone: now, she must protect the girl she has grown to love like a daughter. A lyrical and spell-binding time travel fantasy featuring an immortal witch who must summon all her powers to defeat the evil hounding her through the centuries. --Mary Sharratt, author of Daughters of the Witching Hill Women will certainly love the independent, feisty female characters, but the narrative is wonderfully imaginative and the plot fast-moving and filled with action. . . Highly recommended for witches and warlocks alike. --Historical Novel Society Brackston's first novel offers well-crafted characters in an absorbing plot and an altogether delicious blend of historical fiction and fantasy. --Booklist |
| a secret history of witches: The Winter Trilogy: A Witch in Winter Ruth Warburton, 2012-01-05 Anna Winterson doesn't know she's a witch and would probably mock you for believing in magic, but after moving to the small town of Winter with her father, she learns more than she ever wanted to about power. When Anna meets Seth, she is smitten, but when she enchants him to love her, she unwittingly amplifies a deadly conflict between two witch clans and splits her own heart in two. She wants to love Seth, to let him love her - but if it is her magic that's controlling his passion, then she is as monstrous as the witch clan who are trying to use her amazing powers for their own gain. |
A Secret History Of Witches - cdn.bookey.app
"A Secret History of Witches" by Louisa Morgan is a spellbinding journey through generations of a family imbued with magic, where the secret art of witchcraft is passed from mother to daughter.
A Secret History of Witches by Louisa Morgan
Banishing the Spirits Secret History of the Witches 1
In Lysgaard, Denmark, a story was told of a couple of the servant class who lived near the mounds. A little man in a red cap came and asked them to “hold our dwellings in peace.” They …
A Secret History Of Witches A Novel Copy - archive.ncarb.org
"A Secret History of Witches" delves into a hidden world of witchcraft, exploring its evolution not through the lens of persecution and folklore, but through the lived experiences of women …
BBC Ideas - History and Arts - The secret history of witches
“the witches mark” or “teat” with familiars were thought to suck blood. Familiars were thought to be a witches companion, half animal, half demon. They included toads, ferrets and cats. He had …
A Secret History Of Witches [PDF]
a deep dive into the "secret history of witches," exploring the social, political, and religious factors that fueled the witch hunts and the surprising resilience of women who were branded as outcasts.
The Secret History Of Witches (PDF) - admin.sccr.gov.ng
A Secret History of Witches Louisa Morgan,2017-09-05 A sweeping historical saga that traces five generations of fiercely powerful mothers and daughters witches whose magical inheritance is …
A Secret History Of Witches A Novel [PDF]
The Historical Context: Tracing the novel's roots in real-world witch trials and persecution. B. The Narrative's Core: Unveiling the secrets of a hidden coven of witches. C. Unveiling the Secrets: …
A Secret History Of Witches (2024) - offsite.creighton.edu
This ebook, "A Secret History of Witches," delves into the untold stories of women labeled as witches throughout history. It moves beyond the stereotypical images of cackling hags and …
Women in Greek Mythography
Secret History of the Witches: Vol II, Book I Veleda Press 2023. vii CONTENTS 1. tItanides The Protogenitrix and her kindreds: 3 Cosmogony of Nyx: 4 ... Priestesses, Amazons and Witches: …
The Witches' Ointment - WordPress.com
“ The Witches’ Ointment is, remarkably, the first fu ll-length treatment of a topic that is central to our understanding of European witchcraft. Did the witches use psychoactive substances or …
A Secret History Of Witches Series Order (2024)
Navigating the "A Secret History of Witches" series can feel like traversing a labyrinth. To fully appreciate the intricate narrative tapestry, understanding the order of the books is paramount. …
Witches and Pagans: Women in European Folk Religion, 700 …
The first published volume in a planned sixteen-volume sourcebook entitled Secret History of the Witches, Witches and Pagans is the product of forty years of research on the part of …
Excerpt from Secret History of the Witches, Vol III © 2015 Max …
This book is available online as a pdf, and although outdated in some ways, is still a rich source with many prescient insights about goddess culture and its repression under intensified …
Hutton, R. (2016). Witches, pagans and historians: an …
Max Dashu’s book represents an attempt to provide such a history, or rather to commence the systematic provision of one as it is announced to be the first of a series of sixteen volumes of a …
Pythias and Oracles © 2009 Max Dashu Excerpt from Secret …
In the center of the world, a fissure opened from the black depths of Earth, and waters flowed from a spring. The place was called Delphi (“Womb”). In its cave sanctuary lived a shamanic …
A Secret History Of Witches Series Order [PDF]
This ebook explores the hidden narratives and untold stories behind the evolution of witchcraft throughout history, moving beyond simplistic narratives of persecution and embracing a more …
The Secret History - Archive.org
On leaving home I was able to fabricate a new and far more satisfying history, full of striking, simplistic environmental influences; a colorful past, easily accessible to strangers. The dazzle …
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The Secret History of Witches: Ebook Description This ebook delves into the untold stories of witchcraft throughout history, challenging conventional narratives and revealing the hidden …
EXTRACTS AND NOTES FOR KS2 TEACHERS AND LIBRARIANS
• What do you know about myths surrounding witches and the history of the Witch Trials? • How do Betty and her sisters work together to defeat the witches?
A Secret History Of Witches - cdn.bookey.app
"A Secret History of Witches" by Louisa Morgan is a spellbinding journey through generations of a family imbued with magic, where the secret art of witchcraft is passed from mother to daughter.
A Secret History of Witches by Louisa Morgan
A Secret History of Witches by Louisa Morgan A sweeping historical saga that traces five generations of fiercely powerful mothers and daughters—witches whose magical inheritance is …
Banishing the Spirits Secret History of the Witches 1
In Lysgaard, Denmark, a story was told of a couple of the servant class who lived near the mounds. A little man in a red cap came and asked them to “hold our dwellings in peace.” They …
A Secret History Of Witches A Novel Copy - archive.ncarb.org
"A Secret History of Witches" delves into a hidden world of witchcraft, exploring its evolution not through the lens of persecution and folklore, but through the lived experiences of women …
BBC Ideas - History and Arts - The secret history of witches
“the witches mark” or “teat” with familiars were thought to suck blood. Familiars were thought to be a witches companion, half animal, half demon. They included toads, ferrets and cats. He had …
A Secret History Of Witches [PDF]
a deep dive into the "secret history of witches," exploring the social, political, and religious factors that fueled the witch hunts and the surprising resilience of women who were branded as outcasts.
The Secret History Of Witches (PDF) - admin.sccr.gov.ng
A Secret History of Witches Louisa Morgan,2017-09-05 A sweeping historical saga that traces five generations of fiercely powerful mothers and daughters witches whose magical inheritance is …
A Secret History Of Witches A Novel [PDF]
The Historical Context: Tracing the novel's roots in real-world witch trials and persecution. B. The Narrative's Core: Unveiling the secrets of a hidden coven of witches. C. Unveiling the Secrets: …
A Secret History Of Witches (2024) - offsite.creighton.edu
This ebook, "A Secret History of Witches," delves into the untold stories of women labeled as witches throughout history. It moves beyond the stereotypical images of cackling hags and …
Women in Greek Mythography
Secret History of the Witches: Vol II, Book I Veleda Press 2023. vii CONTENTS 1. tItanides The Protogenitrix and her kindreds: 3 Cosmogony of Nyx: 4 ... Priestesses, Amazons and Witches: …
The Witches' Ointment - WordPress.com
“ The Witches’ Ointment is, remarkably, the first fu ll-length treatment of a topic that is central to our understanding of European witchcraft. Did the witches use psychoactive substances or …
A Secret History Of Witches Series Order (2024)
Navigating the "A Secret History of Witches" series can feel like traversing a labyrinth. To fully appreciate the intricate narrative tapestry, understanding the order of the books is paramount. …
Witches and Pagans: Women in European Folk Religion, 700 …
The first published volume in a planned sixteen-volume sourcebook entitled Secret History of the Witches, Witches and Pagans is the product of forty years of research on the part of …
Excerpt from Secret History of the Witches, Vol III © 2015 …
This book is available online as a pdf, and although outdated in some ways, is still a rich source with many prescient insights about goddess culture and its repression under intensified …
Hutton, R. (2016). Witches, pagans and historians: an …
Max Dashu’s book represents an attempt to provide such a history, or rather to commence the systematic provision of one as it is announced to be the first of a series of sixteen volumes of a …
Pythias and Oracles © 2009 Max Dashu Excerpt from Secret …
In the center of the world, a fissure opened from the black depths of Earth, and waters flowed from a spring. The place was called Delphi (“Womb”). In its cave sanctuary lived a shamanic …
A Secret History Of Witches Series Order [PDF]
This ebook explores the hidden narratives and untold stories behind the evolution of witchcraft throughout history, moving beyond simplistic narratives of persecution and embracing a more …
The Secret History - Archive.org
On leaving home I was able to fabricate a new and far more satisfying history, full of striking, simplistic environmental influences; a colorful past, easily accessible to strangers. The dazzle …
The Secret History Of Witches (book) - cie-advances.asme.org
The Secret History of Witches: Ebook Description This ebook delves into the untold stories of witchcraft throughout history, challenging conventional narratives and revealing the hidden …
EXTRACTS AND NOTES FOR KS2 TEACHERS AND LIBRARIANS
• What do you know about myths surrounding witches and the history of the Witch Trials? • How do Betty and her sisters work together to defeat the witches?
