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The Cunning Craft: A Tortuous Path of the Wise Art
In The Cunning Craft, Frisvold strives to clarify in a hermeneutic manner the deeper levels of the wise arts, with a particular focus on their connections with the opposer, more commonly known as the devil, the mysteries of the night, and the crossroads where power, wisdom, and mysteries are found.
In The Cunning Craft, Frisvold delves deep into the hidden realms of ancient wisdom, shining a light on the enigmatic connections between the craft and its opposing forces, such as the devil, the mysteries of the night, and the powerful crossroads where secrets converge. This book unveils the cunning arts in all their forms, from the revered to the feared. Here, the devil stands as pivotal as any saint, and wisdom flourishes where others dare not tread. The cunning ones, adept in magical arts and aided by denizens from beyond, serve as conduits between worlds, their rituals and rites steeped in both peril and power. From the arcane teachings of Picatrix to the bold insights of Giordano Bruno, this book celebrates the rich tapestry of esoteric knowledge.
With rituals honoring both poison and healing, and nods to ancient figures like Master Cain, The Cunning Craft invites sorcerers, witches, historians, and the curious alike to explore the depths of mystery veiled by the celestial bodies and the shadowy figure of the devil.
In The Cunning Craft, Frisvold delves deep into the hidden realms of ancient wisdom, shining a light on the enigmatic connections between the craft and its opposing forces, such as the devil, the mysteries of the night, and the powerful crossroads where secrets converge. This book unveils the cunning arts in all their forms, from the revered to the feared. Here, the devil stands as pivotal as any saint, and wisdom flourishes where others dare not tread. The cunning ones, adept in magical arts and aided by denizens from beyond, serve as conduits between worlds, their rituals and rites steeped in both peril and power. From the arcane teachings of Picatrix to the bold insights of Giordano Bruno, this book celebrates the rich tapestry of esoteric knowledge.
With rituals honoring both poison and healing, and nods to ancient figures like Master Cain, The Cunning Craft invites sorcerers, witches, historians, and the curious alike to explore the depths of mystery veiled by the celestial bodies and the shadowy figure of the devil.
222 pages, Paperback
Published February 12, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 6, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Crossed Crow Books for this ARC!
The Cunning Craft is an information rich text about cunning folk and the history behind them. The subject is very well studied and well presented. As a practicing pagan, I appreciate the level of reverence on the topic. You will enjoy this book if you like well written text by authors who are well informed.
The Cunning Craft is an information rich text about cunning folk and the history behind them. The subject is very well studied and well presented. As a practicing pagan, I appreciate the level of reverence on the topic. You will enjoy this book if you like well written text by authors who are well informed.
December 17, 2025
'The Cunning Craft' is not a book that tiptoes—it strides straight into the Crossroads and dares you, taunts you to follow. Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold writes with an unmistakable devotion to Liminality: the spaces between, the thresholds where Magick, history, and Spirit converge.
This is a work steeped in the Author’s deep reverence for the Devil as initiator and illuminator, not as caricature, but as the archetypal Light Bringer—Venusian (there is also an entire chapter on Venus), radiant, and eternally transgressive.
Frisvold’s love for the Crossroads is palpable, framing them as Sacred points of transformation where the Wise Art is born, tested, and refined.
What makes this book especially compelling is that it is not mere Mysticism or Personal Gnosis masquerading as scholarship. The Cunning Craft is thoroughly researched and academically grounded, weaving together folklore, historical sources, Occult Philosophy, and comparative religious studies with precision and care. Frisvold connects proverbial dots across cultures and centuries, revealing a coherent lineage of Cunning traditions that have long operated in the Shadows of official history. The academic rigor never dulls the fire; instead, it fuels it, giving the reader both intellectual clarity and Spiritual provocation.
Ultimately, this book is illuminating in the truest sense—bright as Lucifer himself. It challenges comfortable narratives, dismantles moral simplifications, and invites the reader to stand at the crossroads and look both ways at once.
The Cunning Craft is demanding, confrontational, and deeply rewarding, offering not just information, but initiation through understanding.
It is a testament to the power of forbidden knowledge and a reminder that wisdom often arrives wearing the face of the Devil.
This is a work steeped in the Author’s deep reverence for the Devil as initiator and illuminator, not as caricature, but as the archetypal Light Bringer—Venusian (there is also an entire chapter on Venus), radiant, and eternally transgressive.
Frisvold’s love for the Crossroads is palpable, framing them as Sacred points of transformation where the Wise Art is born, tested, and refined.
What makes this book especially compelling is that it is not mere Mysticism or Personal Gnosis masquerading as scholarship. The Cunning Craft is thoroughly researched and academically grounded, weaving together folklore, historical sources, Occult Philosophy, and comparative religious studies with precision and care. Frisvold connects proverbial dots across cultures and centuries, revealing a coherent lineage of Cunning traditions that have long operated in the Shadows of official history. The academic rigor never dulls the fire; instead, it fuels it, giving the reader both intellectual clarity and Spiritual provocation.
Ultimately, this book is illuminating in the truest sense—bright as Lucifer himself. It challenges comfortable narratives, dismantles moral simplifications, and invites the reader to stand at the crossroads and look both ways at once.
The Cunning Craft is demanding, confrontational, and deeply rewarding, offering not just information, but initiation through understanding.
It is a testament to the power of forbidden knowledge and a reminder that wisdom often arrives wearing the face of the Devil.
January 5, 2025
The Cunning Craft by Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold is a deeply insightful and thought-provoking exploration of traditional witchcraft and cunning folk practices. Frisvold masterfully weaves together historical context, folklore, and practical applications, offering readers a rich tapestry of knowledge that bridges the gap between ancient traditions and modern practices.
What sets this book apart is its depth of scholarship and respect for the subject matter. Frisvold approaches his topic with reverence and a clear dedication to authenticity, which is refreshing in a genre often diluted by superficial takes. His writing is dense yet poetic, inviting readers into a world of mystery and power while challenging them to think critically about their spiritual practices.
The book does require some foundational knowledge of occult traditions to fully appreciate its depth, which might make it less accessible to beginners. Additionally, some sections feel overly esoteric or meandering, which could frustrate readers seeking a more structured approach.
Overall, The Cunning Craft is an excellent resource for serious practitioners and students of traditional witchcraft. Its blend of historical insight and practical wisdom earns it a well-deserved 4 stars. Highly recommended for those seeking to deepen their understanding of cunning craft traditions!
Thank you netgalley and Crossed Crow Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What sets this book apart is its depth of scholarship and respect for the subject matter. Frisvold approaches his topic with reverence and a clear dedication to authenticity, which is refreshing in a genre often diluted by superficial takes. His writing is dense yet poetic, inviting readers into a world of mystery and power while challenging them to think critically about their spiritual practices.
The book does require some foundational knowledge of occult traditions to fully appreciate its depth, which might make it less accessible to beginners. Additionally, some sections feel overly esoteric or meandering, which could frustrate readers seeking a more structured approach.
Overall, The Cunning Craft is an excellent resource for serious practitioners and students of traditional witchcraft. Its blend of historical insight and practical wisdom earns it a well-deserved 4 stars. Highly recommended for those seeking to deepen their understanding of cunning craft traditions!
Thank you netgalley and Crossed Crow Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2025
A factually thick reference guide, The Cunning Craft is full of citations and clear research done to help shed some light on the history and lore behind “cunning folk” and the iterations & trials of those who came before them. There are some gems of rituals and art thrown in, but a very rich study text!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews