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Review by Shani Oates

This invaluable addition to academic research into the hermeneutics of Witchcraft is opened with a foreword by the eminent Nigel Jackson. Precedents range from the archaic to the modern world that argue for anomalous diversity within a singularity of praxes, unchanged across 5000 years of shifting geography. Dr. Frisvold baldly re-examines the basics that convincingly demonstrate parallels between the extremes of this time frame, concluding the human condition as that which propagates and perpetuates its existence and survival throughout. Importantly, he asserts the craft of the witch to be independent of religion or cultic status. Subjects explore historical... More > god-forms, creation myths, cord wax doll magics, words of power, fetishes, astrology, sacred and profane sexuality and necromancy as tools and aids to assert the will upon fate. Drawing on his astonishing knowledge of the occident and oriental magics, supplemented by relevant quotations from primary sources, Dr Frisvold provides a fascinating insight into the origins of both Christian and Pagan festivals that have enriched our modern perception of the ubiquitous and ambiguous term – ‘Witchcraft.’ In particular he highlights the oft given term - ‘peasant craft’, alerting our attention to a better understanding of it within a classic three-fold categorisation that includes the roles of priest and warrior. Jewish folklore, Sumerian sorcery, Renaissance Hermeticism, Satanism, Wicca and Traditional practices are carefully analysed in order to understand the fatal attraction to their revival within modernity. Through his ability to expound the vibrant tenets of philosophy spanning the full spectrum of practise, myths of the devil and all his works are dispelled with ease. Appendices include dedicated chapters to Robert Cochrane, Set-Sutekh, Jung and the role of the Archetype, faith and dogma, to which a lexicon of terms completes this well considered tome. A worthy addition for the discerning reader and seeker of Truth. < Less