The Witches' Craft: The Roots of Witchcraft & Magical Transformation

by Raven Grimassi

Set foot on the well-worn path…follow the the time-honored traditions of the Craft as it was once practiced by the village witch. This meticulously researched reference guide preserves the authentic history and practices of Witchcraft, much of which has been forgotten, misplaced, or discarded through the years. Award-winning Wiccan author Raven Grimassi presents many aspects of Witchcraft never before seen in print, including the entire unedited method of constructing the witches' ladder. You will learn all the essentials of the art of Witchcraft, as well as how to strengthen your magickal power through self-discipline, patience, and perseverance. Also included is the author's correspondence with Doreen Valiente. Ancient and powerful, the traditions of the Witches' Craft must never be forgotten. Honor the memory of those who have gone before you, and take your own magickal practices further than you ever imagined when you return to the old ways of Witchcraft.

Genres: Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Wicca, Paganism, Spirituality, Reference

312 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2002

About the author

Raven 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.

Reviews

[Aurah Sage · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the first book I read on the Craft about 7 or 8 years ago. though I didn't feel I learned too much probably because I had already done some online research back then. It's very preliminary and kind of reads like a light desk reference with introductory summaries. It's presented in a way that I feel doesn't intimidate the reader and by giving them too much to take in since it only grazes the surface.The readers meant to see what interests them and look further into their topics of interest - I believe the author explains this at one point, too.
Because of its nature I wasn't able to sink my teeth into anything in particular. It's certainly meant to be an intro, and I may have enjoyed it more and given it a higher rating had I not spoiled myself with online research before reading The Witches' Craft...oops!
Having said that, I can think of a few groupings of books as well as some individual reads that would probably be better depending on if one is a beginner witch, considering Wicca, or wants to learn about the history of the craft and paganism from an academic standpoint.

[Avalon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of the first books on the craft that I purchased and read as a teenager.
Grimassi touches on a little bit of everything, making this a good primer. I liked this book for that reason, and I wish I had kept it!

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty decent book.
I don't agree with all that is written here, but I think the inclusion of the Valiente letters at the end really are a bonus to reading the book.

[Chandni Sahi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this seems to be one of the lesser known books by Grimassi, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I finished this book whilst reading the first few chapters of Triumph of the Moon (by Hutton). I could find so many instances where I felt like the author was making a direct rebuttal to the concepts and theories presented in Hutton's more "academic" work. Anyhow, it was an interesting perspective to have on the whole history of the Craft debate. I learnt a lot of interesting new things about the Craft, so I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the topic. I specially enjoyed the info on Italian Craft. I need to add that I didn't agree with everything that the author had purported.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember reading this book in my closet Harry Potter style because I didn't want my extremely Catholic mother finding me reading this book. I found this book at the Public library and it took all the courage to check it out under my name. I was 12-years-old. The Witches' Craft is a basic introduction to what witchcraft is. It mostly focuses on Wicca and it's types. There are sections on other kinds of Paganism, voodoo, santeria, and satanism.

[Wiccanmoon JulieJenks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this book by Raven Grimassi! A bit of everything. Touches on a bit of everything witchcraft from A to Z. Even includes how to make my own witches ladder. I've wanted to learn that since last spring!

[Morighan Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have learned quite a few things I did not know before!

[Gregory Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

The very best book on witchcraft I have ever read.