The Book of English MagicA guide to England’s rich history of magical lore and practice “for readers of works like Harry Potter who have grown up a bit into wanting to know more” (The Hermetic Library). Through experiments to try and places to visit, as well as a historical exploration of magic and interviews with leading magicians, The Book of English Magic will introduce you to the extraordinary world that lies beneath the surface. Magic runs through the veins of English history, part of daily life from the earliest Arthurian legends to Aleister Crowley to the novels of Tolkien and Philip Pullman, and from the Druids to Freemasonry and beyond. Richly illustrated and deeply knowledgeable, this book is an invaluable source for anyone curious about magic and wizardry, or for sophisticated practitioners seeking to expand their knowledge. “Playful and serious, respectful and amused . . . this will remain the standard work for years to come.” —The Sunday Telegraph “A magical mystery tour.” —The Times “Fabulous.” —Daily Express “Lucid and wonderfully easy to read . . . While it is indeed a perfect book for the ‘intelligent novice’ it’s far more than that—it’s a serious, in-depth survey of a massive topic.” —WitchVox “An accessible and immensely readable book . . . A fascinating insight into a hidden world.” —Booksquawk |
Contents
CHAPTER THREE STARCUNNING AND WYRDCRAFT | |
CHAPTER FOUR THE MATTER OF BRITAIN | |
CHAPTER FIVE SKINTURNING AND SPELLCRAFT | |
CHAPTER SIX TRANSMUTATION AND TRANSFORMATION | |
CHAPTER EIGHT THE SHAGHAIRD WIZARD OF PEPPER ALLEY | |
CHAPTER NINE THE ENGLISH MERCURY LOVER | |
CHAPTER TEN THE SPIRITS OF DEAD MAGICIANS | |
CHAPTER ELEVEN OPENING PANDORAS | |
CHAPTER TWELVE THE WIZARDS RETURN | |
Appendix | |
Notes | |
Acknowledgements | |
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Common terms and phrases
alchemists alchemy Aleister Crowley ancient angels Anglo-Saxon Arthur astrologer became began believed bookshop Britain British cave Celtic century ceremonies Chaos Magic charms Christian Church circle cunning-folk Dee’s developed Dion Fortune divination dowsing Druidry earth Elias Ashmole energy England English Enochian experience explore fairies fascinated feel Freemasonry Freemasons Gerald Gardner Glastonbury Golden Dawn Grail grimoires healing herb Hermetic Order hidden Holy idea images imagination influence initiation inspired John Dee journey Kelley King known ley lines lives London lore magic magicians Magus Masonic Merlin modern Museum mysterious mystical nature occult organised Ovates and Druids pagan person philosopher practice psychic Queen quest religion rites ritual Ronald Hutton Rosicrucian Ross Nichols runes Saxon scrying secret shaman Society spells spirit stone story symbols Tarot Templar Temple tradition treasure tree Wicca witchcraft witches wizard writing