The Clovenstone Workings: A Manual of Early Modern Witchcraft

by Robin Artisson, Molly McHenry (Illustrator)

The Clovenstone Workings is a manual of Witchcraft inspired by and based upon 17th Century reports of the operations, workings, and meetings of Early Modern Witches. Noted author and sorcerous practitioner Robin Artisson has assembled this work of practical guidance and instruction based upon research, occult exploration, and ritually channeled guidance gained over a period of time leading up to the book's publication. Found within are examinations of the nature of the entities who stood behind the historical arts of Witchcraft and the extraordinary relationships once gained by certain human beings with entities whose presence can still be encountered at rare times by men and women today. How this was accomplished in the past, and methods for how it might be accomplished now through the incubation of initiatory dreams, are both elucidated in great detail. The motivations behind historical Witchcraft, the nature of the Witch throughout history, and the difficulties that modern people face when attempting to integrate themselves with the spiritual current of the Despised Art are all given a thoughtful treatment. The heart of this work contains full instructions for basic and advanced feats of Witchery as they were reported in Early Modern sources, including the yielding of the legendary talismanic Green Oyl, the art of scrying in mirrors and dark surfaces under the empowerment of certain mystical formulas, petitioning and bargaining with spirits, Transvection or soul-flight, and sympathetic sorcery achieved through empowered images. The Clovenstone Workings is a readable and concise handbook of the Witchcraft of an older age, well-suited for adepts of the Strange Arts as well as for those seeking to begin their own practice.

Genres: Witchcraft, Occult

259 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2020

About the author

Robin Artisson has been studying folklore, mythology, and the interior metaphysics of sorcery and traditional witchcraft for over 20 years. His specialty areas of knowledge include spiritual ecology, occult history, herbalism and wortcunning, divination, and soul-flight or trance induction, along with a vocational interest in the extraordinary exploration of the eldritch dimensions of the mind, the soul, and the world.

Reviews

[dp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a marked improvement over Robin Artisson's earlier works - especially Letters from the Devil's Forest - which I couldn't finish due to the author's incessant narcissistic self-reference and boasting, his uncomfortably submissive and seemingly obsessive bent towards the Devil, whom he too frequently proclaims as "my Master" [sic], as well as nonstop tirades against the Abrahamic religions and modernity. He seems to have matured a bit since then. The Secret History was also noticeably less neurotic than the aforementioned text.

After much reflection, I happen to agree with Artisson's perspective on what witchcraft is as he defines it The Clovenstone Workings, and his presentation of the craft is imminently practical and often deeply stirring in its almost poetic presentation. He provides compelling historical and metaphysical material to contemplate and reflect on, as well as very straightforward sorcererous works for witches of all skill levels - ranging from initiatory oneiric formulae, methods of journeying to the Otherworld out of the body, to charms and potions of healing, and even cursing/hexing incantations.

One of the main issues that I have with this text is that I wish he would have provided more information on where he obtained the charms, enchantments, etc. from, as well as what some of the barbarous names for spirits invoked mean/who they refer to - pretty crucial info for summoning spirits if you ask me.

If witchcraft is your cup of tea, this isn't a bad place to look - but do keep in mind that Artisson is not without significant controversy, and reasonably so: https://wolfinthethorns.tumblr.com/po....

Maybe he's matured a bit? But it's very probable that the man is still unbalanced, and if so this will inescapably bleed into his work in some sense. Use your own discernment.

[Michael Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A profound and practical work which builds upon the material in 'An Carow Gwyn'.

Has more depth and experiential reality than most entire occult libraries.

Indispensable.

[Damian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book, but it’s important to say that it’s not for everyone. First, let’s acknowledge that this is a book about folkloric witchcraft, inspired by the late medieval period. We can’t categorically claim that anyone in that era practiced witchcraft exactly as the book describes. However, the author doesn’t assert this either, though this distinction could potentially cause some confusion.

The author clearly grounds the work in academic research, which is meticulously listed at the end of the book, and he mentions it in the opening chapters. At the same time, the book draws heavily on personal gnosis—but once again, the author doesn’t hide this; on the contrary, he makes it clear. This is not a book for Wiccan practitioners or followers of Neo-Pagan paths; it’s aimed at those interested in a more folkloric approach to witchcraft, with some elements of traditional witchcraft woven in.

It’s a very thorough book with many intriguing rituals. But I think what I enjoyed most were the explanations of certain concepts, such as the distinction between the folkloric Devil and the theological Devil, the respect for spirits, and a solid discussion on animistic spirituality.

It’s worth noting that at times the book can feel a bit dense and carries a dark tone. Personally, I found this to be in harmony with the subject matter, though I understand it might be heavy for some readers.

[Cara Gilray · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can't say much good about this book. Its like a amalgamation of Christian and Celtic lore infused with witchcraft.

Its mostly a waste of time.
It is a system of magical/faith losely based on fae lore and Christian concepts of satan of the devil. The author could have chosen a older name but I am not really sure what the author was going for.
More to the point there is very little substance in here and a lot of dream work and imaginative thinking involved. My experience has been if you are doing real magick you don't have to imagine anything. And you see the supernatual with tricking yourself into pretending you are.