Magick Matters

“The new Apocrypha: A Guide to Strange Sciences and Occult Beliefs” by John Sladek

"An easily read, entertaining challenge to the whole world of pseudo-science. Unfortunately, the breadth of the topics is probably beyond anyone, and particularly the author, to treat in sufficient detail that convincing cases may be made in most instances. The monumental difficulty throughout history with the occult has been the magnitude of rational effort needed to overcome some simple act of faith, however misguided. Regrettably, many times this book offers cleverjuxtaposition of experiences and rhetoric to beat down claims rather than mounting what facts are known and establishing bounds for hopeful expectations. The body of literature on the topic might have discouraged a less courageous writer and Sladek has worked mightily in producing such...>>

“Modern Witchcraft: Goddess Empowerment for the Kick-Ass Woman” by Deborah Blake

"In a time when most formal religions are on the wane, Wicca is said to be the fastest growing religion in North America. What is it that draws people to Witchcraft, and how does a spiritual path with its roots in ancient beliefs and traditions transform itself into a practice that resonates so deeply with today’s modern woman? There are a number of explanations for the phenomenon, such as Witchcraft's connection to the natural world, or acceptance of members regardless of lifestyle choices. For women, however, the greatest appeal may be the worship of a goddess (or goddesses). No stern patriarchal God here. Instead, Wicca and most other forms of modern Witchcraft embrace deity in...>>

“The Secret People: Parish-Pump Witchcraft, Wise-Women and Cunning Ways” by Melusine Draco

"Much of what passes for ‘witchcraft’ today was everyday knowledge to our forebears, especially those who lived and worked in the countryside. Here were to be found practical household hints, remedies and family recipes that had been handed down from generation to generation, some still existing in the form of treasured journals and notebooks. There is, however, nothing fanciful or far-fetched about this information - in fact, The Secret People is a remembrance of times past and a preservation of ‘parish-pump witchcraft, wise-women and cunning ways’ adapted for use in the 21st century. It may also go a long way in helping those present-generation pagans in search of an identity and answer the questions:...>>

“The Oxford Essential Guide to Writing” by Thomas S. Kane

"A Concise Course in the Art of Writing Whether you’re composing a letter, writing a school thesis, or starting a novel, this resource offers expert advice on how to think more creatively, how to conjure up ideas from scratch, and how to express those ideas clearly and elegantly. No matter where you find yourself in the writing process—from the daunting look of a blank page, to the rough draft that needs shaping, to the small but important questions of punctuation—you’ll find what you need in this one handy, all-inclusive volume. Some features include: • How to use journals to store ideas and explore potential topics • Examples of style and technique from such masters of...>>