Last year I had the chance to read a great book. It answered questions I didn’t know I had, while also offering new information about the history of Witchcraft. The book is Witchcraft Unchained: Exploring the History & Traditions of British Craft, by Craig Spencer and with a foreword by Ian Chambers, and even though it focuses on the United Kingdom, I’m sure several readers will find it useful.
Cover to Witchcraft Unchained: Exploring the History and Traditions of British Craft, by Craig Spencer [Crossed Crow Books]
On June 22, 1951, the last of the Witchcraft Acts was repealed in the UK. This single action would lead to the rise of what would become the global Witchcraft revival movement. Despite another year marking the passing of this historical event, so much of our history still remains lost, misunderstood, or frankly inaccessible to the magical community at large.
There is a craving for better information about the more recent history of Witchcraft in the hopes that these gaps in knowledge may be filled, and it’s the author’s intention to make Witchcraft Unchained: Exploring the History & Traditions of British Craft the book that will do just that. By addressing the metaphorical chains that have found their way into our community and restoring what has been lost, misunderstood, or made inaccessible, the reader can become empowered with new thoughts which will allow them to connect with their magic on a deeper and more personal level.
Although some might consider it a bit short, I think it has enough information and then some!
Part introduction, part history lesson, Witchcraft Unchained is an examination of the origins of Witchcraft in England. Given its influence in Paganism and Witchcraft in general, I recommend it for anyone who wants to revisit those topics while also learning new point of views.
The author has a clear, concise style that makes it easy to follow all the concepts and examples he includes. While formal, it doesn’t feel distant, but quite the opposite: like a conversation with that well-studied friend that helps you understand what seems like a foreign language.
Spencer demystifies a lot of misconceptions by using a more historical and analytical lens. While it’s true that feeling and emotion are important, following your heart and what feels correct to you, it’s also important to know what was actually happening before and where some ideas came from.
I’ve seen so much questionable content on social media, especially by those who become the new trend. A lot of people are sharing their experiences and methods, and that’s amazing. However, the problems starts when they make it look like that’s the absolute truth.
For example, I think we all remember that group of Witchtokers that tried to hex the Moon and the Fae. If you don’t know about these cases, if anything, I’m sure it will be an interesting/entertaining (history?) lesson. Witchcraft Unchained is a no-nonsense remedy and prevention for cases like this, that much I can promise.
[Pixabay]
While I don’t agree with his chapter about Sacred Sexuality and the Great Rite, I can see the logic behind his explanation, just like I did in all the other chapters. He wasn’t vague or metaphorical or too factual, but a good mix between history, analysis, and a relaxed attitude, making the whole experience all the more enjoyable.
Whether a TikTok Baby Witch or a well-known Elder in one or more traditions, this an immensely useful book that deserves your attention. Witchy upgrade guaranteed!
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