Traditional Witchcraft for the Seashore - Review

Review from Andy Lloyd’s Book Reviews
andy-lloyd@hotmail.com
www.darkstar1.co.uk/traditionalwitchcraft.htm
Traditional Witchcraft for the Seashore
I recently heard a presenter on Radio 4 say something like “Of course, there weren't any real witches” as a throw-away line, as if assuming that the whole movement itself was something dreamt up by misogynistic religious nuts with pyres in need of human kindling.  Yes, the genocidal witch-hunters hated the old religion and drove it to extinction.  But there was actually an old religion there to destroy.  Gradually, that movement is re-emerging, mostly in the form of Wicca.  And what a wonderful thing it is - devoid of the dogmatic power-trips of monotheistic religions, immersed in science and folklore, and most of all promoting a tangible connection to the environment.  Surely it is a religion for our times?  Yet it treads warily.  There is still much prejudice - even fear and loathing - aimed at witches, who are generally grossly misunderstood.
The ‘Traditional Witchcraft’ series provides varied information about what it means to be a practising witch in modern times.  In places, it feels like a guide, or self-help book.  But there is much more to it than that.  What strikes me is the amount of science running through the book.  To understand nature is to live as a part of nature, and ultimately to become one with its changing patterns and cycles, to synchronise one’s own psychic or magical energy with natural tidal forces and the elements.  So a witch, like no other religious practitioner that I’m aware of, must study her environment carefully, and attune her life to it.  For a witch devoted to the sea and seashore, that involves learning much about the tides, weather, flora and fauna of the coastline, lunar cycles, as well as the folklore and myths of the sea: 
"The world of the sea-witch is not confined to the shore and the water margin.  It is a multi-dimensional world of light and shadow, of reality and illusion, where we have moved into the subjective world of the spirit - a rich fishing-ground for those who trawl in these inner seas.  The Mystery is now within and around us.  By immersing ourselves in the world of myth and legend to such a degree, it has become as tangible to us as the 'real' world, forming a continual back-ground to our daily life." (p133)
The learning is multi-disciplinary, and feels almost as if one was studying a textbook written by a poet.  Yet the science collated in these pages is interesting, and pragmatic.  Intermingled with the factual information is much about rituals, superstitions, beach treasures to collect for magical means and, of course, spell-casting.  The witchcraft seems real enough - the engagement in the rituals and practice requiring as much faith as any other religion as to its efficacy.  The author warns against the use of black magic, but does not shy away from revealing some of its secrets. 
Each witch finds their own path, and the sense here is mostly of a solitary journey rather than the work of a coven.  Indeed, many times the author cautions the reader about how to conduct her craft in public spaces so as not to draw attention to herself.  That wariness is still very much apparent, and after centuries of religious persecution perhaps that is wise counsel.  Yet, the old religion is never far from the surface even in everyday life - you just have to know where to look.  The book shows how seafarers and those whose lives depend on the sea, cling to superstitions deeply entrenched in the old lore.  The crafts of sailors of yesteryear are closely related to the spells and rituals of the sea-witch e.g. the tying of knots.  Witches, through their personal study and observation of the coastal environment, were able to attune themselves to the weather, and thus predict in-coming storms - very useful for local folk before satellite/computer based forecasting, but this was also a knowledge that created a sense of unease.  Knowledgeable women made the local patriarchs uncomfortable, of course - plus ça change.
Not everyone tuned into the sea can physically live near it, of course, and the book also provides advice for the budding sea-witch who lives inland, even in an urban environment.  Much information is provided on how to build a sea garden sanctuary, away from prying eyes, to conduct ritual and relax in. The tides still extend their reach inland, as science has shown through its study of the remarkable tidal recalculation made by inland oysters (p115-6). 
Traditional Witchcraft for the Seashore is like a Radio 4 feature about witches - not that one could ever imagine that happening, or imagine a witch providing ‘Thought for the Day’ on the Today programme!  But it has that sense of quiet wonder about it, supported by education, knowledge and, above all, wisdom.

New Books Under Contract

This week I've added two more books to my forthcoming titles list in the Moon Books Shaman Pathways series: Black Horse, White Horse and Aubrey's Dog - Power Animals Within Traditional Witchcraft.  A couple of good reader's reports are well worth noting ...


Submitted by Krystina Kellingley (Aubrey's Dog)
I really enjoyed this, a really good read. It starts off with an interesting story and maintains the reader’s interest throughout. I enjoyed the historical and scientific information as well as the charm, amulet and herb lore. The second chapter was a fascinating look at breeds and their characteristics and the bearing this has from a magical perspective and I also really enjoyed the stories of superstition. In fact this book has lots of appealing information on everything and anything you could ever want to know about the dog as a power animal and spiritual companion. It’s written in a very reader friendly manner and I can see dog lovers of all descriptions being hooked by it.


Submitted by Maria Moloney Wilbrink (Black Horse, White Horse)
I like earthy books. Big fan in fact. Also a big horse fan it being one of my own animal companions as it must be for others. Lots of interesting information and research. It's a good reference book but also has rituals and practical exercises


Probably due for publication before the end of the year ... and as we've reached the (very wet) Summer Solstice, I will be taking my customary break from writing until after the Autumn Equinox. MD.

Update ...

Been a hectic couple of months with hardly any internet access but things are now moving on.  The new Coven of the Scales website (www.covenofthescales.com - Email: moonraker369@covenofthescales.com) is now up and running and ToK has a different email address: templeofkhem@covenofthescales.com.  All future contact should be made via this address.

Magic Crystals, Sacred Stones is scheduled for publication in September, with Pagan Portals: By Spellbook and Candle hot on its heels.  The Atum-Re Revival is at the proofing stage and should be in print by the end of the year.  Putting the finishing touches to a couple of 'power animal' books so that the proposals can go in to Moon Books in the next couple of weeks ... then it's a break until September.

Book News

The Dictionary of Magic & Mystery is now out and I'm highly delighted with the result. It was originally compiled for my own personal use, but like Topsy, it 'just grew'd'. Also available as an e-book from Moon Books at www.johnhuntpublishing.com.

Magic Crystals, Sacred Stones is in production and should also be available shortly.

The contract has been signed for a small addition to Moon Book's Pagan Portals - By Spellbook and Candle: Cursing, Hexing, Bottling and Binding - which should be published at the end of this year.

The final typescript has been submitted for The Atum-Re Revival, which has has a favourable reaction from the publisher's readers:

Submitted by Krystina Kellingley: A really well written, interesting and knowledgeable book. Having quite an interest in the Egyptian Mystery Tradition, I found this to be an extremely solid and informative text. Well structured, and excellent detail, it does a really good job of explaining a very complex and complicated subject in a reader friendly and accessible way. I like how the author explores the connections and aspects of the Egyptian Mysteries in other belief/mystery systems such as the Kabbalah and Extraterrestrial life. I also like the practical advice, the exercises and the Invocations. There is much here to appeal to anyone at all interested in the Egyptian Mysteries.

Submitted by Maria Moloney Wilbrink: I really like this. Another great book from Melusine. I have studied a little Egyptian magic, but this book is fascinating and goes much further than anything I have previously read. Well written and honest is doesn’t pretend to be the original Egyptian magic, but a modern take on it, based as far as possible on ancient magical principles. This is my favourite approach to magic. I would certainly buy it. Educational but accessible there is plenty in the book for the magical practitioner, but also it is a good grounding for those about to embark on an Egyptian Mysteries based pathway. As usual, there are lots of exercises and tips included.

BOOK REVIEW

Once again, Melusine Draco has delivered an important contribution to the study and practice of traditional witchcraft. This work contains a wealth of information on harnessing the magical power of the sea and its flora and fauna. As in Traditional Witchcraft for Urban Living, the magical theory and practice outlined is solidly grounded in natural phenomena experienced by everyone. The usual neo-pagan and new age fantasies are replaced with solid information on oceanography, meteorology, and nephology in a way that is not only useful to a magical practice but very interesting. A thorough catalog of plants and animals and their magical uses, as well as an extensive selection of spell work and spiritual exercises, make this a valuable resource for beginners and seasoned practitioners.
The book is not just for those of us fortunate to live close to the sea. A person living in any location can benefit from making use of the natural tides that are an important feature in the practice that is thoroughly explained by the author. The writing is accessible, thought provoking, and often humorous. I can’t recommend this book highly enough.
Chris G, USA

Ancient Egyptian Wisdom for the Modern World

As Principal of the Temple of Khem, Mélusine Draco has taught the Egyptian Mystery Tradition since the organisation was formed in 1996. This extract is from her latest book, The Atum-Re Revival: Ancient Egyptian Wisdom for the Modern World. Published in the Imbolc issue of Brigid’s Fire magazine.


The interest in the religion and spirituality of the Egyptians is increasing steadily as people begin to realise that it is possible to follow this ancient belief in the 21st century. This religion is the oldest recorded belief system in the world, having just entered its sixth millennia - and can still teach us how to live in both earthly and cosmic harmony. But first, we need to put things into some sort of perspective …

In Egypt, the actual worship of the gods was performed by a professional high priesthood with two main functions: the god’s daily offering ceremony (which was a private affair) and the periodic public festivals. At the next level there were the lower ranks of the priesthood who performed other tasks within the temple precincts at different levels of importance: men and women of letters who maintained the order within the establishment.

On a popular level, the seasonal festivals commemorated various events in which the people could participate, i.e. New Years Day, the sowing and the harvest, and the Inundation of the Nile. Ordinary Egyptians only participated in temple ritual if it linked their destiny or well-being with that of Pharaoh or State (which was one and the same thing), but no doubt they all turned out in force at the great temples when Pharaoh fulfilled his obligations on the principle feast-days. Historical records show that even the poorest were given to celebration and feasting whenever the opportunity allowed, although neither the public nor the lesser priesthood were admitted within the precincts of the inner temple.

To overcome this exclusion ordinary people set up their own sacred areas for worship, which have been found on the periphery of the temples, in their homes and tombs. These rites, whether celebrated in the outer courts of the temple, or in a private personal space, were all considered a divine act of worship in favour of their particular god. If they required a spell casting or a magical talisman made, they went along to the appropriate temple and the priest provided whatever was necessary.

Let’s make no bones about it, today’s Egyptian interpretation belongs to a revivalist tradition and should not claim to be anything else. Nevertheless, the system needs to be as close as it can to the beliefs of ancient Egypt without falling into the trap of lumping all the gods together in one ageless pantheon … and expecting their heka to work! In order to follow the Old Ways, it is easier to understand if we use three separate approaches:

the Stellar Path that deals with the primeval/primordial forces of the universe usually aligned with ritual magic and inner temple working;

the Solar Path that offers a more intellectual, spiritual or mystical approach;

the Lunar Path, which concentrates on the purely devotional aspects and the ability to move between the worlds, i.e. different planes of consciousness.

This three-fold approach needs to be understood from the start, but so does the enormous time span of Egyptian history, which always tends to complicate matters when identifying with a particular deity or Dynasty. For example a pre- or early dynastic Egyptian would probably not have a clue who Isis or Osiris were if they did not live in the particular province or nome, of which these were merely localised deities. Conversely, a New Kingdom priest would look upon Neith as simply a minor funerary goddess, when in her hey-day she was the mighty hunter-warrior goddess of the pre- and early dynastic Egyptians.

A fundamental study is necessary because not everyone works magically or mystically, at the same level. Some take longer to realise that an intimate knowledge of Egyptian myth and its attendant politics is essential for the effective practice of magic/mysticism at a higher level of awareness. A knowledge that has to extend beyond the stereotypical deities of popular Egyptomania to embrace a wider and loftier range of supernatural beings; and to accept that the deities are not real ‘gods’ at the student’s beck and call. This is why it becomes so important to successful magic to be able to differentiate between the different levels of magic, historical influence and religious emphasis that mark the subtle shifts of importance between the different Paths. And to do so safely.

It may appear that this is merely massaging a system that purports to be all things to all men, but this is not the case. The original Egyptian religion was stellar based. Early texts refer to the stairway to heaven and the alignment of the mortuary temples situated toward the north the direction of the circumpolar stars indicate the importance of the Imperishable Stars in the Mysteries. According to Egyptologists, the architectural changes in pyramid design reflect the shift from a stellar cult to one that was fully solar as the religious ideology changed and the newer priesthood gained power. As each new centre became to focus of power, so the religion altered and a new set of myths were created to attest to the local gods’ supremacy over the Old Ones.

These shifting influences on Egyptian history meant that reference texts fell roughly into two separate categories. Firstly, actual magical, religious and mythological sources written by the early native priesthood for the Egyptian people and secondly, later accounts of magic, religion and mythology translated by Greek and Roman historians and philosophers, who recorded information as told to them by latter-day Egyptian priests, since they were unable to read the texts for themselves. And by the time of the Graeco-Roman invasions the priesthood were themselves extremely vague and uncertain about the early dynastic religion of their own country. Subsequent translations indicate that they did not really understand the rudimentary principles of the archaic religious system, the primitive stellar-cult, or the nature of its symbolism.

Unfortunately, many present-day writings on the Egyptian Mystery Tradition make no attempt to unravel the tangled skeins of this magico-religious evolution. Rather, they impose some over-simplified form of order on the chaos created by the multitude of dual-purpose gods from different periods of history. But there is no way of simplifying this complicated tapestry because of the immense time span from pre-dynastic times to the Battle of Actium, which sealed the fate of the last ruling Great House of Egypt. Cleopatra, in terms of dating, was nearer to man landing on the moon than to the building of the Great Pyramid at Giza (Old Kingdom).

In the days of Egyptian antiquity, however, many of the gods were abstract concepts rather than actual anthropomorphic god pictures familiar to us today. Many of the later fully-morphed deities were originally theological concepts represented by a distinctive hieroglyph, very similar to the correspondences used in modern ritual magic. As the need for a controlling religion grew, so did the spiritual need for more tangible forms on which to focus the common people’s devotions.

The common man’s mind dwelt on the concrete, not the abstract and so the gods took on those easily recognisable animal-human shapes to satisfy the religious-teaching-by-pictures demands of less scholarly folk. The images recorded in tomb paintings, bas-relief and statuary were intended to represent living forms of the gods themselves, or Pharaoh as a god. There was a simple reason behind this. Egyptian life, magic and religion were inextricably intertwined, one simply could not, and did not exist, without the other. God, or a male/female/multiple concept of that god, was manifest in everything animate and inanimate.

By the Middle Kingdom, the attributes of the major gods were subsequently extended to create a whole pantheon of relatives and helpers. For example, the concept of Ma’at as the symbolic terminology for cosmic order, and earthly truth and justice, was depicted in the Pyramid Texts by an ostrich feather. This concept later metamorphosed into a beautiful woman, who sat in judgement on those in the Underworld; she was sometimes shown as the wife of Thoth, or the female embodiment of the god himself. In fact, the popular form of Egyptian religion, as most people know it today, is fundamentally a Greek interpretation.

Egyptian religion developed over thousands of years, with each deity assuming many forms under the influence of the many different religious movements and/or foreign invasions. Each form also developed its own positive and negative aspects, which responded in various ways to different people, and so it is impossible to be dogmatic about how the gods of those different theologies relate and blend. It is also important to realise that the original religion was never an earth-bound concept since the priesthood explored mysticism on a cosmic scale: their spirituality extending to the stars and beyond. The Egyptian civilisation took over 3000 years to fully evolve and a further 2000 years to decay, which is why the Egyptian Mystery Tradition cannot be encapsulated into convenient modern packaging.

Traditional Witchcraft for Urban Living

Neighbourhood Witch by Mélusine Draco
An extract from Traditional Witchcraft for Urban Living, published in the Lughnasadh 2011 edition of Brigid’s Fire - Ireland's Pagan magazine.

If we are constantly suffering from tiredness, minor health problems and depression it is easy to convince ourselves that we are the victimof psychic attack. We then worry ourselves further by trying to work out who might be responsible. In reality, living among a high density of humanity with all its attendant problems, we are less likely to need protection from psychic attack, and more against the pervading influence of negative energy that is found in concentrated pockets nowadays in urban areas such Dublin or Limerick. Even if we keep ourselves aloof from the increasing crime/drink/drugs culture, any neighbouring social malaise can still seriously affect us on a psychic level.

Over a period of time a build-up of localised negative energy can develop a life force of its own, and the only way for it to ‘feed’ in order to metamorphose is to latch on to an unsuspecting body in much the same way as any earthly parasite. This blanket malaise that often smothers many of our urban environments can be best likened to good, old-fashioned smog that used to per­meate everything in the inner cities. The pollution might be gone but there is a different kind of social ‘smog’ invading our personal space that can have a de­bilitating effect on our lives.

Even if our own particular ‘patch’ is peaceful enough, each time we go shopping, or travel to work, the evi­dence of mindless vandalism and barely suppressed aggression confronts us on all sides. Broken bottles and discarded beer cans litter the streets; the remains of a previous night’s takeaway deposited by the bus stop. Chewing gum, vomit and spittle make walking a hazard. Plants ripped from the municipal beds and trampled under foot. The constant noise of bawling children ac­companied by yelling disgruntled mothers. The 24-7 smell of fast food, and the intrusive sound of passing car stereos, played at full blast …

Unfortunately we cannot always choose where we want to live, but we can learn to live how we choose, and to block out the things that can be psychically dam­aging to our functioning on a spiritual level. To combat this we need to take some simple steps to create a safe haven because each time we come home we bring in negative energy every time we open the door. Starting from scratch, we need to cleanse the whole house or flat using a decoction of fresh bay. Using the whole of the plant where possible (leaves, stalk, flow­ers), prepare sufficient liquid to cleanse every entrance to your home - doors, windows, chimney and even air-bricks! Add a tablespoon of salt to the liquid and wipe round the window and door frames; sprinkling any oth­er area such as the fireplace and threshold as an added precaution. For extra protection, crush a bay leaf into the door and window catches, or place a whole leaf into every crack and crevice where “ill may enter”.

We also need to examine ways of protecting ourselves from all the negative vibes we encounter. To create a protective bubble, so that the flotsam and jetsam of daily living becomes like water off the proverbial duck’s back! In other words, we need to empower ourselves psychically to withstand the outside pressures that threaten our inner calm. There are so many people who really do believe themselves to be the victim of a psy­chic attack because they feel prey to a permanent men­tal, physical and emotional drain. In a way they are cor­rect, but the ‘attack’ is the result of inexperience, rather than anything directed at them from some known or unknown enemy.

Without delving into the domain of ritual magic, there are numerous parasitic entities that inhabit the inner and outer astral realms which feed off all those nega­tive impulses generated by thousands of people con­fined within a less than perfect environment. They have been described as parasitic creatures, or lost souls, seeking to stretch across the abyss and make contact with the warm, constant flow of humanity. Like all para­sites, these astral shells prefer to feed off a healthy host than an enfeebled one, and the unwary who have in­sufficient magical protection will attract such entities like a beacon, especially if they begin to generate psy­chic energy during private ritual working or meditation.

The Pouch and Power Objects
One of the most effective methods of protection is the magical pouch, containing a selection of ‘power ob­jects’ that are yours, and yours alone. The pouch should never be touched or opened by anyone else; otherwise the potency of the contents will be dispersed. This is a universal and age-old shamanic concept but one that is equally as valuable in the twenty-first century.

The pouch can be made from any material, but it is good idea to choose one of a fairly durable nature — if you find something suitable ready-made, this is fine. The pouch itself should be ritually cleansed but the items that go in it should not. This is because you are selecting items that carry a ‘buzz’ of their own, and all you will do is destroy the natural propensities that ac­company each find. Remember that herbs and plants will quickly dry and turn to dust, and the elegant mag­pie’s feather will all too soon become tatty. Choose more enduring items — like the friend who carries a piece of coal in her pouch ... it was once a little carved figure but the constant battering inside the pouch has rendered it unrecognisable. Nevertheless for her it still remains a serious power object.

Don’t be in any rush to acquire these items. Discovery can be quite by accident. Don’t go searching, just learn to keep your eyes open for such treasures but do avoid the expensive polished crystals from the high street shop or pagan fair — a piece of home-growth quartz or pebble can pack just as good a punch. Once assembled, our pouch is our own magical power pack or psychic generator that can be used to channel healing or pro­tective energy, even if we are away from home. It can be recharged now and again by placing it on a window­sill in a patch of sun or moonlight, and will continue to transmit a powerful aura of protection.

Talismans and amulets
The difference between amulets and talismans as pro­tective tools lies in the preparation rather than the pur­pose. Both are ancient forms of magical protection and highly potent tools of power, but we need to under­stand when and how to use them. Most people have a lucky ‘piece’ they carry around and the superstition surrounding amulets goes back to ancient Egypt and is still going strong!

Preparation of the amulet
An amulet is with us at all times, often as a piece of jewellery: i.e. a ring, key fob, pendant, or just carried loose in a bag or pocket. It is worn to deflect trouble and adversity in a very general sense; in other words, a good luck charm to turn away negative influences.

An amulet requires no preparation, particularly if it is something given to us in friendship - like a hagstone. Once we have recognised or accepted its ‘lucky’ or pro­tective powers, it should never be touched by anyone else; unless we choose to give it away as a gesture of friendship. Amulets can be, or made, of almost any­thing, so long as it has some magic significance for you

Preparation of the talisman
A talisman is only carried for a limited period while the ‘spell’ is activated, and is aimed at a specific purpose or outcome. The material it is made from depends on the nature of the ritual used to empower it, and it requires a lengthy operation to set all this magical brouhaha in motion. The exact nature of the talisman’s protective power will be governed by the amount of effort and concentration that goes into the final preparation.

So let’s keep it simple and make a talisman for protec­tion against ... burglary if this is prevalent where we live. An ideal material is heavy-duty silver baking foil, marked out with a blunt pencil so that the engraving can be clearly read. If your drawing skills aren’t up to scratch, use Words of Power and engrave your protec­tor’s name around the outer rim of the circle, because we are unleashing the wrath of the protector against anyone who dares to enter our home uninvited. Place the talisman at the point in the house where you per­ceive the weakness in your defences, i.e. a window or door. Slide it under the threshold, or between the tim­bers of the frame, and leave it in place.

Unfortunately, we live in a hazardous society and we are merely protecting ourselves, requires a lengthy operation to set all this magical brouhaha in motion. The exact nature of the talisman’s protective power will be governed by the amount of effort and concentration that goes into the final preparation.