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Silent as the Trees: Devonshire Witchcraft, Folklore & Magic
Silent as the trees is a book exploring the old witchcraft, magical traditions and folklore nurtured amidst the village communities, hills, moors and ancient woods of Devonshire in South West England.
In this, her sixth book, Gemma Gary introduces Devon's witches and magical folk, examining their lives and their magic; from historical figures such as the 'white witch' Caulks of Exeter, the Devonshire 'toad witches' and an examination of the trial of the Bideford Witches, to more modern practitioners such as the 'cunning man' and witchcraft collector Cecil Williamson.
Old stories in Devon tell of the often troublesome encounters between ordinary folk and the world of witchery. These encounters give valuable insights not only into the strange and fantastical beliefs surrounding witches, but also the traditional methods of beneficial magic and 'counter cursing' via the experiences of those who sought the aid of the 'white witches' and conjurors to lift the maleficia of the 'black witch'.
Devon is a county particularly rich in folklore and mythology, in which we also often find the character of the witch, and the heady presence of Black Dog apparitions, the Wild Hunt and the Devil Himself. Many such tales weave their way around the plentiful strange stones and haunting ancient sites of this most mysterious landscape.
Within this book Gemma Gary also guides us through the fascinating witch belies of the region surrounding 'skin turning'; the old witch-arte of bestial shape-shifting, as well as the tradition of the familiar spirit and the witches' methods for gaining spirit companions.
Silent as the Trees is two books in one, for included within its pages is a 'Black Book of Devonshire Magic' detailing an extensive collection of genuine Devonshire spells, charms and magical rites.
Within this collection we find magical workings for power, spirit vision, cure charms for all manner of ailments and injuries, curse magic, protections and magical defence, love charms, good fortune, charms for animals, and traditional Devonshire toad magic.
In this, her sixth book, Gemma Gary introduces Devon's witches and magical folk, examining their lives and their magic; from historical figures such as the 'white witch' Caulks of Exeter, the Devonshire 'toad witches' and an examination of the trial of the Bideford Witches, to more modern practitioners such as the 'cunning man' and witchcraft collector Cecil Williamson.
Old stories in Devon tell of the often troublesome encounters between ordinary folk and the world of witchery. These encounters give valuable insights not only into the strange and fantastical beliefs surrounding witches, but also the traditional methods of beneficial magic and 'counter cursing' via the experiences of those who sought the aid of the 'white witches' and conjurors to lift the maleficia of the 'black witch'.
Devon is a county particularly rich in folklore and mythology, in which we also often find the character of the witch, and the heady presence of Black Dog apparitions, the Wild Hunt and the Devil Himself. Many such tales weave their way around the plentiful strange stones and haunting ancient sites of this most mysterious landscape.
Within this book Gemma Gary also guides us through the fascinating witch belies of the region surrounding 'skin turning'; the old witch-arte of bestial shape-shifting, as well as the tradition of the familiar spirit and the witches' methods for gaining spirit companions.
Silent as the Trees is two books in one, for included within its pages is a 'Black Book of Devonshire Magic' detailing an extensive collection of genuine Devonshire spells, charms and magical rites.
Within this collection we find magical workings for power, spirit vision, cure charms for all manner of ailments and injuries, curse magic, protections and magical defence, love charms, good fortune, charms for animals, and traditional Devonshire toad magic.
252 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 18, 2022
An interesting read, but I really wish Gemma Gary had had this professionally proofread. It's published by Troy Books, her own publishing house, so it's quite clear that she's acted as editor to herself. There are numerous instances where capital letters are missing from names, a lot of ungrammatical, awkward comma use, and even the odd paragraph that ends without a full stop. Sadly, it creates an amateur feel, which I don't think is representative of her as an author (and far from ideal in books which are comparatively expensive, even in paperback).
September 29, 2024
In Silent as the Trees, Gemma Gary offers an evocative exploration of Devonshire’s witchcraft, folklore, and magical traditions, weaving a rich tapestry of the region’s hidden, and often misunderstood, spiritual landscape. Gary’s deep knowledge of local lore and history is paired with her practical experience as a modern practitioner, resulting in a book that feels both scholarly and intimately connected to the living spirit of Devon’s magical past. For anyone with a passion for traditional witchcraft or an interest in the folk magic of South West England, this book is a treasure trove of both historical insight and practical wisdom.
Gary’s work delves into the lives and practices of Devon’s witches, both legendary and historical. Figures like the 'white witch' Caulks of Exeter and the notorious toad witches come alive under her pen, offering glimpses into the ways magic and witchcraft were practiced and perceived in Devon’s rural communities. The infamous trial of the Bideford Witches is revisited, not as a dry historical account, but through a lens that seeks to understand the cultural and magical currents at play during a time when fear of witchcraft was intertwined with daily life.
Where Silent as the Trees truly shines is in its treatment of the folklore that has long haunted Devon’s hills, moors, and ancient woods. Gary’s recounting of tales featuring black dog apparitions, encounters with the Devil, and the spectral Wild Hunt infuses the text with an eerie, otherworldly atmosphere. These stories don’t just function as entertaining folklore—they reveal the deep spiritual and psychological undercurrents that have shaped the region’s view of magic and the witch. Gary’s ability to link these tales to broader European magical traditions while maintaining their unique Devonshire flavor is a testament to her nuanced understanding of folk magic.
One of the book’s standout sections is its examination of the counter-cursing practices employed by Devon’s 'white witches'. Gary provides a window into the role these magical healers played in their communities, particularly in lifting curses and providing protection from the malefic magic of 'black witches'. The techniques described are often simple, yet they carry the weight of centuries of tradition, passed down through generations of cunning folk and magical practitioners.
The book is more than just a collection of history and folklore. Gary includes a “Black Book of Devonshire Magic,” offering readers a rare glimpse into authentic spells, charms, and rites practiced in the region. This section alone makes Silent as the Trees invaluable for practitioners of traditional witchcraft. From charms for protection and good fortune to love spells and cures for ailments, the collection reveals the pragmatic nature of Devon’s folk magic—magic born from the need to survive and thrive in a world filled with unseen forces. The inclusion of toad magic is particularly notable, as it highlights a tradition that has become largely obscured in modern magical practices.
Gary also touches on the mysterious art of skin-turning or bestial shape-shifting, a practice closely tied to the region’s magical traditions. Her exploration of shape-shifting goes beyond the typical myths, delving into the symbolic and spiritual significance of this ability within the witch-arte. This focus on bestial transformation, along with the detailed discussion on familiar spirits and how witches worked with these spiritual companions, adds depth to the book’s exploration of Devonshire’s esoteric traditions.
The practical value of Silent as the Trees cannot be overstated. Gary’s tone is both authoritative and approachable, making the book accessible to readers with varying levels of familiarity with folk magic. She offers enough historical context to satisfy scholars of witchcraft, but the practical spells and insights make it a working text for witches and magicians looking to incorporate Devon’s magical methods into their own practice.
For those who may not be familiar with the landscapes and spirit of Devon, Gary’s prose has a transporting quality. She captures the essence of the region’s misty moors, dark forests, and ancient stone circles, making the reader feel as though they are walking alongside the cunning folk of old. This grounding in place is essential for understanding the particular flavor of magic that Devonshire nurtures—a magic that is deeply connected to the land and the spirits that inhabit it.
Gary’s work delves into the lives and practices of Devon’s witches, both legendary and historical. Figures like the 'white witch' Caulks of Exeter and the notorious toad witches come alive under her pen, offering glimpses into the ways magic and witchcraft were practiced and perceived in Devon’s rural communities. The infamous trial of the Bideford Witches is revisited, not as a dry historical account, but through a lens that seeks to understand the cultural and magical currents at play during a time when fear of witchcraft was intertwined with daily life.
Where Silent as the Trees truly shines is in its treatment of the folklore that has long haunted Devon’s hills, moors, and ancient woods. Gary’s recounting of tales featuring black dog apparitions, encounters with the Devil, and the spectral Wild Hunt infuses the text with an eerie, otherworldly atmosphere. These stories don’t just function as entertaining folklore—they reveal the deep spiritual and psychological undercurrents that have shaped the region’s view of magic and the witch. Gary’s ability to link these tales to broader European magical traditions while maintaining their unique Devonshire flavor is a testament to her nuanced understanding of folk magic.
One of the book’s standout sections is its examination of the counter-cursing practices employed by Devon’s 'white witches'. Gary provides a window into the role these magical healers played in their communities, particularly in lifting curses and providing protection from the malefic magic of 'black witches'. The techniques described are often simple, yet they carry the weight of centuries of tradition, passed down through generations of cunning folk and magical practitioners.
The book is more than just a collection of history and folklore. Gary includes a “Black Book of Devonshire Magic,” offering readers a rare glimpse into authentic spells, charms, and rites practiced in the region. This section alone makes Silent as the Trees invaluable for practitioners of traditional witchcraft. From charms for protection and good fortune to love spells and cures for ailments, the collection reveals the pragmatic nature of Devon’s folk magic—magic born from the need to survive and thrive in a world filled with unseen forces. The inclusion of toad magic is particularly notable, as it highlights a tradition that has become largely obscured in modern magical practices.
Gary also touches on the mysterious art of skin-turning or bestial shape-shifting, a practice closely tied to the region’s magical traditions. Her exploration of shape-shifting goes beyond the typical myths, delving into the symbolic and spiritual significance of this ability within the witch-arte. This focus on bestial transformation, along with the detailed discussion on familiar spirits and how witches worked with these spiritual companions, adds depth to the book’s exploration of Devonshire’s esoteric traditions.
The practical value of Silent as the Trees cannot be overstated. Gary’s tone is both authoritative and approachable, making the book accessible to readers with varying levels of familiarity with folk magic. She offers enough historical context to satisfy scholars of witchcraft, but the practical spells and insights make it a working text for witches and magicians looking to incorporate Devon’s magical methods into their own practice.
For those who may not be familiar with the landscapes and spirit of Devon, Gary’s prose has a transporting quality. She captures the essence of the region’s misty moors, dark forests, and ancient stone circles, making the reader feel as though they are walking alongside the cunning folk of old. This grounding in place is essential for understanding the particular flavor of magic that Devonshire nurtures—a magic that is deeply connected to the land and the spirits that inhabit it.
November 2, 2019
This was a most interesting read. Such a unique perspective of old world characters and stories where the good a bad witches all share space within the pages. Each one with a story that leaves an impression.
I found the main point of focus, that being Cecil Williamson, to be a most interest read. Particularly considering his contribution to modern Witchcraft.
This was an interesting read.
I found the main point of focus, that being Cecil Williamson, to be a most interest read. Particularly considering his contribution to modern Witchcraft.
This was an interesting read.
December 23, 2017
An excellent collection of historical tales of Black Dogs, Wild Hunts, Witchcraft, magical traditions and folkways of South West England... aka Devonshire. Some of the lore was familiar and some was not so learned a few things. Enjoyable, factual and leading to other books of like topics.
July 16, 2018
A gorgeous little book on Devonshire folk magic and witchcraft, with wonderful sections on Devon witches, and a little black book at the back to boot- there is even a section on Toad Magic :).
March 10, 2019
With so many books about Cornish witchcraft, it was refreshing to read a book detailing some of the traditions and tales of Devon. Well written as always by Gemma Gary.
April 18, 2020
Really great stuff. And 4+ books from the appendix are going on my reading list now. Some of the stories and charms are very interesting and worth noting.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews