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Old World Witchcraft: Ancient Ways for Modern Days
In Old World Witchcraft , noted author Raven Grimassi covers totally new territoryin his work and in the world of popular witchcraft books published in the last few decades. This book is actually about "an enchanted worldview," one that has not necessarily been inherited from the beliefs and practices of any particular region and one which is available to us today. The "Old World" in the title is actually about a magical view of the Plant Kingdom and the spirits attached to it. While Grimassi's previous books discuss the cultural expressions and commonality of witchcraft beliefs and practices in general, this book penetrates much deeper. Old World Witchdraft reveals rarely discussed topics such as the concept of Shadow as the organic memory of the earth. Readers will learn rooted techniques that possess power because these ways have always been connected to it. They will learn methods of interfacing with the ancestral current and with the organic memory of the earth. Through these they can connect with the timeless arts and learn methods of empowerment directly from the ancient source. Totally new information about familiar tools is presented. For example, the mortar and pestle is a tool for spell casting, a device that creates interfacing with plant spirits and with shadow, and a focal point for veneration of the Plant Kingdom. Grimassi also presents the art of using plant ashes for magical sigil work. This book is for people who have had their fill of books that say the same things over and over, who want to take the next step, and who are eager for the more rooted ways that have remained largely hidden.
272 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2011
63 people are currently reading
945 people want to read
About the author
Raven Grimassi
47 books112 followersRaven Grimassi was an American author of over 20 books, and a scholar of paganism with over 40 years of research and study in the genre of Wicca, Stregheria, witchcraft and neo-paganism.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 4, 2013
I've read many, many books on the Craft, by a myriad of different authors, and none have ever spoken to me the way that Raven Grimassi's books do. I am certain I got something useful from each of the other authors, but for the most part, I've always been left feeling like there was more I needed to know; like I'd eaten a five course meal but was still hungry. Enter Raven. Every single one of his books that I've read have deepened my understanding to new levels and in a most interesting and engaging fashion - and none more so than Old World Witchcraft.
What this book gives the true seeker is a deeper understanding of the lives that the men and women, who would today be considered witches, lived. Mr. Grimassi doesn't make up stories, but rather uses historical and archaeological facts to prove his points about the way that these ancient people survived, sometimes revered, sometimes hated, but always there.
Reading more about the Ash, Birch, and Willow system was something I thoroughly enjoyed. While this system is a modern one, it has roots that reach back through history - preserving elements of the Old World teachings, its core beliefs and rituals based upon what has been historically shown to be those which our ancestors practiced in the past. The ABW does not claim to be a surviving system - and yet it venerates the same things which were held sacred in pre-Christian/Jewish times and is not endemic to any one culture.
Further along in the book, there is a chapter on plant spirits and their sigils, and how one might align with the spirit of a plant, rather than the plant itself, to conduct workings. While I personally would prefer to have the physical plant to touch and connect to, I definitely do see the value of learning to work with the sigils and connecting in that manner.
Old World Witchcraft also talks in depth about the use of a mortar and pestle as a magickal tool, something that would seem fall right into place with what the ancient pharmakute would make use of, after all, when dealing with roots and herbs, what else would one be expected to use? Also mentioned is the knife - the tool used to harvest the herbs and plants which would be used, the broom, the platter, the wand, and the branch. Details for how each is used and what they represent is clearly explained.
Starting with Chapter 5, Old World Witchcraft gives the reader a totally usable grimoire that I found to be completely non-frufy or overly glitzy, just the meat and bones that I have been seeking all along.
Overall, I highly recommend this book as an essential must have for anyone who is truly seeking the path of the Old Ways.
What this book gives the true seeker is a deeper understanding of the lives that the men and women, who would today be considered witches, lived. Mr. Grimassi doesn't make up stories, but rather uses historical and archaeological facts to prove his points about the way that these ancient people survived, sometimes revered, sometimes hated, but always there.
Reading more about the Ash, Birch, and Willow system was something I thoroughly enjoyed. While this system is a modern one, it has roots that reach back through history - preserving elements of the Old World teachings, its core beliefs and rituals based upon what has been historically shown to be those which our ancestors practiced in the past. The ABW does not claim to be a surviving system - and yet it venerates the same things which were held sacred in pre-Christian/Jewish times and is not endemic to any one culture.
Further along in the book, there is a chapter on plant spirits and their sigils, and how one might align with the spirit of a plant, rather than the plant itself, to conduct workings. While I personally would prefer to have the physical plant to touch and connect to, I definitely do see the value of learning to work with the sigils and connecting in that manner.
Old World Witchcraft also talks in depth about the use of a mortar and pestle as a magickal tool, something that would seem fall right into place with what the ancient pharmakute would make use of, after all, when dealing with roots and herbs, what else would one be expected to use? Also mentioned is the knife - the tool used to harvest the herbs and plants which would be used, the broom, the platter, the wand, and the branch. Details for how each is used and what they represent is clearly explained.
Starting with Chapter 5, Old World Witchcraft gives the reader a totally usable grimoire that I found to be completely non-frufy or overly glitzy, just the meat and bones that I have been seeking all along.
Overall, I highly recommend this book as an essential must have for anyone who is truly seeking the path of the Old Ways.
October 10, 2021
It was really good! Just wish there was a bit more information as a whole of rites and rituals. But I understand that this could be quite challenging given the subject matter. I do highly recommend this one though.
February 7, 2016
It's difficult to find a reference book that discusses witchcraft and its origins without mention of and/or heavy reliance on discussion of Wicca. Raven Grimassi is one of the few who examines the roots of witchcraft, dating back to its earliest references in lore and historical documents, without reference to Wicca (which is relatively new by comparison). In Old World Witchcraft, Grimassi provides interesting theories about early witches, and he does well to provide information, not as fact, but as 'likely' or 'not likely' due to the lack of reliable historic documents on this topic.
Most of the book, however, is focused on a modern approach to witchcraft based on the theoretical practices of the earliest witches (switching from how-it-was-done to how-to-do-it-today). That said, if you're seeking a book rich with history on the origins of early witchcraft, this probably isn't what you're looking for (sadly, that's exactly what I was hoping to find).
Further, inclusion of information on a 'new' varient of the 'Old Ways' witchcraft (referred to in the book as Ash, Birch, and Willow) was a disappointing feature, as it was created by Grimassi himself in 2004 (along with Stephanie Taylor, whom he also credits with its conception). Reading about Ash, Birch, and Willow felt incongruous with the rest of the book.
Finally, the book is occasionally repetative, sometimes word for word.
[Note: For those who are inquisitive about practising witchcraft, the book discusses tools and ingredients necessary for the craft and includes a grimoire with step by step instructions for beginners.]
Most of the book, however, is focused on a modern approach to witchcraft based on the theoretical practices of the earliest witches (switching from how-it-was-done to how-to-do-it-today). That said, if you're seeking a book rich with history on the origins of early witchcraft, this probably isn't what you're looking for (sadly, that's exactly what I was hoping to find).
Further, inclusion of information on a 'new' varient of the 'Old Ways' witchcraft (referred to in the book as Ash, Birch, and Willow) was a disappointing feature, as it was created by Grimassi himself in 2004 (along with Stephanie Taylor, whom he also credits with its conception). Reading about Ash, Birch, and Willow felt incongruous with the rest of the book.
Finally, the book is occasionally repetative, sometimes word for word.
[Note: For those who are inquisitive about practising witchcraft, the book discusses tools and ingredients necessary for the craft and includes a grimoire with step by step instructions for beginners.]
May 3, 2016
I have some seriously mixed feelings about this book -- hence the lengthy review.
As an overview, this is a compendium of beliefs and practices of a magical system the author developed, which he calls Ash, Birch, and Willow (or ABW), prefaced by some lengthy research and analysis of the history of witchcraft.
The historical bits were interesting. I noticed that Grimassi had a bias toward Italian sources, which I've noted from his other books. Otherwise it seemed fairly sound despite some evidence of picking-and-choosing and reaching for connections that might not be there.
He claims that ABW is rooted in traditional witchcraft while incorporating modern influences, but it reads like rebranded Wicca with some new tools and creative names thrown in. The Goddess and God are present, along with the elements/quarters, the ritual circle, and an emphasis on ceremony. But there are certainly some influences from traditional witchcraft present on top of that, forming an unusual and complicated conglomerate of practices.
I have two major complaints about the book. One, as I said, the ABW system is similar to Wicca, except it's almost impractically complicated and unusually prescriptive. There are at least three initiatory-style rituals he recommends practitioners observe before they can effectively practice this brand of witchcraft, as readers must attune to different energies I haven't heard of in any other sources. This seems mostly unnecessary. Add to that some arbitrary renamings of common occult archetypes, and it all comes off as, frankly, made up information.
For instance, the Moon Goddess is referred to as She of the White Round, and he claims that her manifestation is specifically when the full moon is viewed through tree branches. The full moon isn't her manifestation alone -- specifically, it has to be viewed through tree branches in order to be truly considered the Goddess (he does refer to her as such).
He also incorporates what he calls "the Asthesia," which are the elements. He claims they differ from the regular notion of the elements in that they're the forces behind the literal figures, but that's precisely how modern occultism views the elements to begin with. This is just one of many instances where Occam's Razor applies.
I doubt that any but a few readers will abandon what they know for an obscure tradition that accomplishes basically the same things as its predecessors.
The other major issue I have with the book is that, while he cited sources near the beginning of the book, he sort of stopped after the first two or three chapters. The reader has no idea where any of his ideas might come from; instead, we're expected to trust that what he says is based on some arcane historical source.
It ends up being mostly self-referential by the middle of the book. He repeats that certain concepts are "known as" certain terms -- but by whom? The author? At some point I found myself saying "citation needed" at least once per page. He claims that many of the concepts are "very old" but never gives any context beyond that.
I understand that people can make up a new system, and that's cool, but if one makes claims that the system's super-obscure beliefs and practices are steeped in tradition then there need to be facts and sources to back that up.
That said, it was an interesting read, and I was able to discover some new techniques. If you're looking for a different flavor of structured, semi-religious witchcraft and don't mind going through a lot of trouble to start on that path, then this would be a worthy read. Otherwise, if you want to practice a mishmash of modern and traditional pagan witchcraft, I would say do your own research and make up your own system. At least then you'll understand why you're doing the things you're doing.
As an overview, this is a compendium of beliefs and practices of a magical system the author developed, which he calls Ash, Birch, and Willow (or ABW), prefaced by some lengthy research and analysis of the history of witchcraft.
The historical bits were interesting. I noticed that Grimassi had a bias toward Italian sources, which I've noted from his other books. Otherwise it seemed fairly sound despite some evidence of picking-and-choosing and reaching for connections that might not be there.
He claims that ABW is rooted in traditional witchcraft while incorporating modern influences, but it reads like rebranded Wicca with some new tools and creative names thrown in. The Goddess and God are present, along with the elements/quarters, the ritual circle, and an emphasis on ceremony. But there are certainly some influences from traditional witchcraft present on top of that, forming an unusual and complicated conglomerate of practices.
I have two major complaints about the book. One, as I said, the ABW system is similar to Wicca, except it's almost impractically complicated and unusually prescriptive. There are at least three initiatory-style rituals he recommends practitioners observe before they can effectively practice this brand of witchcraft, as readers must attune to different energies I haven't heard of in any other sources. This seems mostly unnecessary. Add to that some arbitrary renamings of common occult archetypes, and it all comes off as, frankly, made up information.
For instance, the Moon Goddess is referred to as She of the White Round, and he claims that her manifestation is specifically when the full moon is viewed through tree branches. The full moon isn't her manifestation alone -- specifically, it has to be viewed through tree branches in order to be truly considered the Goddess (he does refer to her as such).
He also incorporates what he calls "the Asthesia," which are the elements. He claims they differ from the regular notion of the elements in that they're the forces behind the literal figures, but that's precisely how modern occultism views the elements to begin with. This is just one of many instances where Occam's Razor applies.
I doubt that any but a few readers will abandon what they know for an obscure tradition that accomplishes basically the same things as its predecessors.
The other major issue I have with the book is that, while he cited sources near the beginning of the book, he sort of stopped after the first two or three chapters. The reader has no idea where any of his ideas might come from; instead, we're expected to trust that what he says is based on some arcane historical source.
It ends up being mostly self-referential by the middle of the book. He repeats that certain concepts are "known as" certain terms -- but by whom? The author? At some point I found myself saying "citation needed" at least once per page. He claims that many of the concepts are "very old" but never gives any context beyond that.
I understand that people can make up a new system, and that's cool, but if one makes claims that the system's super-obscure beliefs and practices are steeped in tradition then there need to be facts and sources to back that up.
That said, it was an interesting read, and I was able to discover some new techniques. If you're looking for a different flavor of structured, semi-religious witchcraft and don't mind going through a lot of trouble to start on that path, then this would be a worthy read. Otherwise, if you want to practice a mishmash of modern and traditional pagan witchcraft, I would say do your own research and make up your own system. At least then you'll understand why you're doing the things you're doing.
October 30, 2012
I've been reading and absorbing this book slowly over the course of several months, and although I haven't technically finished it, I've got through enough of it that I'm going to go ahead and call it as read so I can write my review.
The early portions of this book, in which Grimassi details his research into the history and theory of early European witchcraft, are fascinating. He delves into a lot of areas that other authors don't address, and confronts some well established myths of the origin of 'the Craft' that many people won't touch. Where it all falls apart for me is in the final section, which is dedicated to spells and rituals created by Grimassi for his Old World tradition. Nearly all of these workings require the practitioner(s) to have access to a rural setting (or at the very least highly secluded outdoor area), and thus are completely impractical for someone like myself who lives deep in the heart of the city. If you have the necessary ritual space I'm sure this magical system could be quite rewarding, but personally I find the lack of a more universally practical application rather disappointing.
Overall I still give this a high recommendation for students of Witchcraft, since in my experience it is a pretty unique piece of scholarship, but with a caveat to my fellow urban witches that there isn't much to put into practice here unless you're willing to do some serious reworking and adaptation.
The early portions of this book, in which Grimassi details his research into the history and theory of early European witchcraft, are fascinating. He delves into a lot of areas that other authors don't address, and confronts some well established myths of the origin of 'the Craft' that many people won't touch. Where it all falls apart for me is in the final section, which is dedicated to spells and rituals created by Grimassi for his Old World tradition. Nearly all of these workings require the practitioner(s) to have access to a rural setting (or at the very least highly secluded outdoor area), and thus are completely impractical for someone like myself who lives deep in the heart of the city. If you have the necessary ritual space I'm sure this magical system could be quite rewarding, but personally I find the lack of a more universally practical application rather disappointing.
Overall I still give this a high recommendation for students of Witchcraft, since in my experience it is a pretty unique piece of scholarship, but with a caveat to my fellow urban witches that there isn't much to put into practice here unless you're willing to do some serious reworking and adaptation.
February 6, 2017
FINAL RATING: 2.75 OUT OF 5 STARS
I did indeed love the chapters about the botanical spirits and plant magic (which I'll go re-read later and try to work with it), yet I'm not sure this book should be called "Old World Witchcraft" when most of the rituals are Wiccan-based.
I did indeed love the chapters about the botanical spirits and plant magic (which I'll go re-read later and try to work with it), yet I'm not sure this book should be called "Old World Witchcraft" when most of the rituals are Wiccan-based.
August 26, 2014
Loved the history throughout the book.
January 10, 2023
Off the bat I think it would be helpful to know before reading that this book is written in a long form essay format! I might have looked elsewhere before reading if I knew that.
I found the chapters on Christian deconstruction the most interesting in this book. If you have a traditionally Christian background and are researching spiritual/secular witchcraft for the first time I think you will also enjoy that information. It was very therapeutic for me to read about adopted practices from paganism/herbalism/witchcraft into Christianity to gather and retain followers. I really appreciated the author’s knowledge on those subjects and would love to read more about that from this author or others.
However, I am not interested in spirits, communicating with or binding the dead and I felt that a wide majority of this book was information on that. Perhaps the authors interest in “Old World Witchcraft” specifically has to do with that aspect of witchcraft?
There is a lot of speculation (acknowledged by the author) here on what witchcraft in old times would have looked like and I’m aware we can really only speculate on subjects like these with little documented evidence to go off. I did feel like while modern witchcraft (2011 at the time of publishing) was acknowledged to be very different from old world practice, the author’s encroaching modern beliefs felt present. Specifically, in my opinion, Wiccan tendency to gender and sexualize rituals, tools, gods and goddesses. I don’t relate to that on a personal level and I think this is something current generations are moving more and more away from. Gendering and sexualizing in this way speaks from a very specific time period and excludes a lot of people. Maybe a level of inclusivity I can’t or shouldn’t expect from this author…
I found the chapters on Christian deconstruction the most interesting in this book. If you have a traditionally Christian background and are researching spiritual/secular witchcraft for the first time I think you will also enjoy that information. It was very therapeutic for me to read about adopted practices from paganism/herbalism/witchcraft into Christianity to gather and retain followers. I really appreciated the author’s knowledge on those subjects and would love to read more about that from this author or others.
However, I am not interested in spirits, communicating with or binding the dead and I felt that a wide majority of this book was information on that. Perhaps the authors interest in “Old World Witchcraft” specifically has to do with that aspect of witchcraft?
There is a lot of speculation (acknowledged by the author) here on what witchcraft in old times would have looked like and I’m aware we can really only speculate on subjects like these with little documented evidence to go off. I did feel like while modern witchcraft (2011 at the time of publishing) was acknowledged to be very different from old world practice, the author’s encroaching modern beliefs felt present. Specifically, in my opinion, Wiccan tendency to gender and sexualize rituals, tools, gods and goddesses. I don’t relate to that on a personal level and I think this is something current generations are moving more and more away from. Gendering and sexualizing in this way speaks from a very specific time period and excludes a lot of people. Maybe a level of inclusivity I can’t or shouldn’t expect from this author…
October 26, 2011
Meditate for a few moments on the image of the witch. Tell me what do you think? Chances are it is one of two images, an old hag doing evil spells or a young pretty woman dedicated to the Goddess doing benificial spells with the blief of harm ye none. The Old Witch was nothing like that at all. Noted author Raven Grimassi for the first part of this book goes thorugh ancient historical text dating all the way to Greco-Roman Times to give us an accurate as possible mental picture of the ancient witch. Tracing a definition from the Greek work pharmokote which meant worker of plants. THe witch was someone who worked with the numen or life force of plants for various aims. THe opld withc was not bound by the three fold law or harm ye none creed. They could do good just as well as malevolent. It was not until the medievil times that the image of the witch became tarnished by the Christian priests eager for an enemy and to convert the population. Witches never called upon or worked with demons. In addition to calling on the spirit of plants they also called upon rather commonly on Goddesses such as Hekate, Diana and Prosperina. There is no direct mention of a male God. Witches also called upon stars adn planets for aid as well.
The second part of the book focuses on a new paradigm that is based on Ancient principle. From myu observations it is a practical paradigm that seems to be informed from Traditional British Witchcraft in part. There is some Wiccan practices and concepts brought into the paradigm. THe God is called the o"One of the 'Deep Forest' and the Goddess is called she of the rounded white. THe tools employed are besom knifes, wands, cauldron, chalice and mortar and pestle. In the grimouire section there are rituals, spells and instruction on how to connect to the shadow and other realms. THe paradigm is called 'Ash, Birch,Willow". It is practical and useable.
Over all excellent book. Some of the rituals I am uncomfortable with as they require pricking the finger and using your own blood. That is my personal preference. Also in modern times it is difficult to find a crossroads or even do a ritual publically at the crossroad. Later on the author does give you an laternative to finding a crossroad. Another ritual calls for bringing dirt from the crossroad and having it under your pillow for three night in a sachk of course. My question is of hygiene. How safe is the dirt. The book could use a few more picture and illustrations especially of the stang and the staff for the Goddess. It give this book 4 stars out of five. Buy it as this one book you will definitely use.
The second part of the book focuses on a new paradigm that is based on Ancient principle. From myu observations it is a practical paradigm that seems to be informed from Traditional British Witchcraft in part. There is some Wiccan practices and concepts brought into the paradigm. THe God is called the o"One of the 'Deep Forest' and the Goddess is called she of the rounded white. THe tools employed are besom knifes, wands, cauldron, chalice and mortar and pestle. In the grimouire section there are rituals, spells and instruction on how to connect to the shadow and other realms. THe paradigm is called 'Ash, Birch,Willow". It is practical and useable.
Over all excellent book. Some of the rituals I am uncomfortable with as they require pricking the finger and using your own blood. That is my personal preference. Also in modern times it is difficult to find a crossroads or even do a ritual publically at the crossroad. Later on the author does give you an laternative to finding a crossroad. Another ritual calls for bringing dirt from the crossroad and having it under your pillow for three night in a sachk of course. My question is of hygiene. How safe is the dirt. The book could use a few more picture and illustrations especially of the stang and the staff for the Goddess. It give this book 4 stars out of five. Buy it as this one book you will definitely use.
October 17, 2013
To be honest this is one of the first books I have ever felt a deep connection with. It explained so much and talked about how things changed from one religion to the next. I loved the beginning to the middle of the book most, the end, not quite so much. This is definitely an interesting book and will most likely change your perspective on quite a few things. It is one of the more "down to earth" books I have read so to speak on these type of topics; very explanatory which is nice. The intro and first few chapters do have a few chunks where they seem to repeat themselves a bit which can get a tad annoying but other than that this book was brilliant! I already have a few people lined up to read it. :)
July 30, 2015
This is the first book I have entirely read on the subject of witchcraft. I must say it's good way to be introduced to the subject. The way in which it was written depicts the known history humbly. Fortunately, It was not so preachy that it came across as dogmatic. It was more informative than meant to be persuasive. I enjoyed the ride as my curiosity drove me through to the last page.
It was also an interesting conversation starter, when I rode on public transit or read in public settings. I also found certain excepts that I thought were beautifully descriptive which I thought were universally true and could transcend across to other cultures and religions so I admired that.
It was also an interesting conversation starter, when I rode on public transit or read in public settings. I also found certain excepts that I thought were beautifully descriptive which I thought were universally true and could transcend across to other cultures and religions so I admired that.
November 8, 2013
A very interesting perspective, and one that definitely speaks to me more than most other books I have read on the topic. I disagree with Grimassi (and most writers I've read about witchcraft) about the necessity of keeping separate one's "mundane" tools and one's "sacred" tools. I tend to the think the mundane and the sacred are far too entwined for such separation to be possible. But overall I enjoyed this very much, and I will need to read more of his books.
August 27, 2014
Absolutely brilliant! This book has been one of the absolute best books that I've read on the Craft in the past decade. I am *SO* inspired by this book, and I will definitely be rereading and working with it for a long time to come!!
May 17, 2012
Extremely useful, especially about the uses of plants and trees for Magickal use and respect of nature.
September 11, 2012
Interesting...this book made me look at things that I'm familiar with in a totally different way.
October 3, 2014
Excellent so far, I love Raven's writing style and the material and presentation is just perfect for me. Looking forward to his next book "Grimior of the Thorn Blooded Witch"
March 8, 2016
Pretty repetitive at times, but a good read for anyone seeking a deeper and more ancient spirituality than what is typically offered in modern Paganism.
May 25, 2025
It’s noticeable but not really surprising that most of the info about old gods in this book focuses on Roman and Greek ones like Hecate Diana and Hermes. Makes sense when you realise the author has a strong connection to Italy and most of his research is based in that area
Because of that I’d say this book on traditional witchcraft feels quite regional. Pretty much all the herbs mentioned are strictly Mediterranean and you’d hardly find them growing naturally up here in Northern Europe where I live. Also the kind of witchcraft he describes doesn’t really line up with the traditional practices from this part of the world
Still it’s definitely worth reading as long as you keep in mind that it’s a local niche and not the most ancient form of European witchcraft like it claims to be
Personally I really liked the explanations of the earlier chapters. Even though I found the writing quite dry and couldn’t read more than ten pages at a time the info itself is interesting and the way he uses sources is actually quite refreshing. The ceremonial and dramatic way he talks about witchcraft doesn’t match my own path at all but that’s exactly why it gave me a fresh perspective
I’ll keep this book as a reference for some facts but I won’t be touching the grimoire part again. Bc it was honestly a struggle to get through
All in all: better than expected but less useful than I’d hoped. 3/5
Because of that I’d say this book on traditional witchcraft feels quite regional. Pretty much all the herbs mentioned are strictly Mediterranean and you’d hardly find them growing naturally up here in Northern Europe where I live. Also the kind of witchcraft he describes doesn’t really line up with the traditional practices from this part of the world
Still it’s definitely worth reading as long as you keep in mind that it’s a local niche and not the most ancient form of European witchcraft like it claims to be
Personally I really liked the explanations of the earlier chapters. Even though I found the writing quite dry and couldn’t read more than ten pages at a time the info itself is interesting and the way he uses sources is actually quite refreshing. The ceremonial and dramatic way he talks about witchcraft doesn’t match my own path at all but that’s exactly why it gave me a fresh perspective
I’ll keep this book as a reference for some facts but I won’t be touching the grimoire part again. Bc it was honestly a struggle to get through
All in all: better than expected but less useful than I’d hoped. 3/5
September 25, 2025
“Hear ye then how our fathers before us discover’d the Witche:
Mark well their manner, for it is quiet and assumeth naught. It is in peaceful tones they speak, and oft seem abstracted. Seeming to prefer the company of Beastes, they converse with them as equals.
They will dwell in lonely places, there better (as they say) to know the voices of the Wind and hear the secrets of Nature. Possessing Wysdom of the fields and forrests, the doe heals and arms with their harvests.
They concern themselves naught with idle fashion, nor doe worldly Goodes hold worth for them.
Be not so confused as to think only Womankynde harbour the gift in this manner. Of Men there be many that hold mickle power.” -Edward Johnston, Esq. Sudberry Suffolk 1645
Mark well their manner, for it is quiet and assumeth naught. It is in peaceful tones they speak, and oft seem abstracted. Seeming to prefer the company of Beastes, they converse with them as equals.
They will dwell in lonely places, there better (as they say) to know the voices of the Wind and hear the secrets of Nature. Possessing Wysdom of the fields and forrests, the doe heals and arms with their harvests.
They concern themselves naught with idle fashion, nor doe worldly Goodes hold worth for them.
Be not so confused as to think only Womankynde harbour the gift in this manner. Of Men there be many that hold mickle power.” -Edward Johnston, Esq. Sudberry Suffolk 1645
January 13, 2020
This book has unique views for which the author is well known. While I loved reading the book, I am concerned it's in print. This shows the lamentable state of things, that people must learn from books. That said, the author is a dear. It is best to learn from a teacher, your own good sense, and spirit.
February 10, 2020
I enjoyed the look at the historical context. I found myself connecting with many aspects although some of the rituals and chants did not quite ring true for me. This did make me think about my own approach to witchcraft and to formalizing some of my approach. definitely one to come back to.
February 15, 2020
A wondrous, mysterious tome, a brilliant resource of Old World magic, a perfect addition to any witch's library.
May 5, 2025
Not a favorite
November 7, 2014
This book has many interesting and original ideas in it and I appreciate the author's craft knowledge and ability in that area. However this book is poorly written. I struggled to get through it. I felt he was being overly wordy for the sake of it, and some of the historical references got jumbled. I feel that had the author gotten someone else to ghost write this book, it would have been better received. His new book Grimoire of the Thorn Blooded Witch is this book re-written. It's better. Read that, instead of this one.
I don't know why we assume that because someone is a religious/craft elder it automatically makes them an expert author. Perhaps the Pagan community needs to rethink how it approaches these things. I can sense a great book in the bones of this one. But it failed because of delivery.
I gave the Thorn Blooded Witch 5 stars, so you know I'm not a hater. Go read that new book.
I don't know why we assume that because someone is a religious/craft elder it automatically makes them an expert author. Perhaps the Pagan community needs to rethink how it approaches these things. I can sense a great book in the bones of this one. But it failed because of delivery.
I gave the Thorn Blooded Witch 5 stars, so you know I'm not a hater. Go read that new book.
July 17, 2013
This book is very well-written, and for the careful reader Grimassi does a pretty good job of separating newly created elements of his Ash, Birch and Willow (ABW) Tradition from the history of European folk magic. The book is divided into sections, with essays on the history and historical interpretation of witchcraft up front and a miniature grimoire of ABW in the back. The most valuable portion for me was in the middle: his description of the traditional magical plants of Europe and their uses.
September 8, 2016
This book had a lot of good information in it. I did however get tired of hearing the "I'm not claiming this, I'm just noting" type statements he made. I ended up skimming the end of this book, mostly because I like ritual ideas, recipes
Etc but I don't enjoy reading lengthy rituals word for word myself, I prefer theory that I can utilize and create into my own method.
Etc but I don't enjoy reading lengthy rituals word for word myself, I prefer theory that I can utilize and create into my own method.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
October 9, 2016gddgewhgs
December 4, 2012
Raven said it well
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfrdwA...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfrdwA...
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