Magic, Witchcraft and the Otherworld: An Anthropology

by Susan Greenwood

Anthropology's long and complex relationship to magic has been strongly influenced by western science and notions of rationality. This book takes a refreshing new look at modern magic as practised by contemporary Pagans in Britain. It focuses on what Pagans see as the essence of magic - a communication with an otherworldly reality. Examining issues of identity, gender and morality, the author argues that the otherworld forms a central defining characteristic of magical practice. Integrating an experiential ethnographic approach with an analysis of magic, this book asks penetrating questions about the nature of otherworldly knowledge and argues that our scientific frameworks need re-envisioning. It is unique in providing an insider's view of how magic is practised in contemporary western culture.

Genres: Anthropology, Nonfiction, Religion, Witchcraft, Paganism, Magick, Crafts

248 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2000

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Susan Greenwood - Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery

Reviews

[Sable · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reference this book in my book, The Witch's Eight Paths of Power. Susan Greenwood studies the world of the occult both as an anthropologist and a Witch. Her observation that learning the symbology of the occult is like learning the language of another culture, is a central "thesis" of my book and agree with her completely. Well worth reading both from an anthropological perspective, if you want to understand a bit about the occult culture as an outsider, and as a Witch or occultist learning about how our minds work when we are learning magick.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved the tidbits of daily reports she wrote to her supervisor and also shared with us, about her experiences. It shows some of the nicer sides of being involved in these communities, as well as some shady sides. The thesis that it is all about contact the otherworld was fascinating, but I do wonder if that is still the case anno 2021. I wish the book was just a bit more conclusive or epilogous about her own path after her studies. Is she still involved in these communities (back then) or was it eventually not her path? (I mean, given that she went on to publish more on the subject, it's the former, but it's not evident from the book.) Great pictures in it though!

[maja · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting from an ethnographic point of view but i find the anthropological theory suggested kind of bs

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

I never really got into this book. I think it was that Greenwood was writing too much from the perspective of the participant, rather than the observer for this to gell as a Sociological study, rather than a more informal "how I do witchcraft" text. YMMV