Witchcraft and Secret Societies of Rural England

The Magic of Toadmen, Plough Witches, Mummers, and Bonesmen

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Folklore & Mythology, Religion & Spirituality, Other Practices, Witchcraft & Wicca, New Age
Cover of the book Witchcraft and Secret Societies of Rural England by Nigel Pennick, Inner Traditions/Bear & Company
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Nigel Pennick ISBN: 9781620557617
Publisher: Inner Traditions/Bear & Company Publication: April 9, 2019
Imprint: Destiny Books Language: English
Author: Nigel Pennick
ISBN: 9781620557617
Publisher: Inner Traditions/Bear & Company
Publication: April 9, 2019
Imprint: Destiny Books
Language: English

A comprehensive account of the rich folk culture preserved in the rural secret societies of the British Isles

• Describes the secret rites, ceremonies, and initiation rituals of guilds and rural fraternities such as the Shoemakers, Horsemen, Toadmen, Mummers, and Bonesmen

• Explains their use of masks, black face, and other disguises to avoid persecution

• Draws not only on scholarly research but also the author’s personal contacts within these still living traditions

Centuries ago the remote, marshy plains of eastern England--the Fens--were drained to create agricultural land. The Fens remained isolated up until the nineteenth century, and it was this very isolation that helped preserve the ancient traditions of this area, traditions ruthlessly eradicated elsewhere in the British Isles. These magical folk traditions also owe their survival to secret rural societies, from craft guilds and trade unions to Morris dancers and village bands.

Exploring the folk customs and magical traditions of guilds and rural fraternities such as the Shoemakers and Horsemen and the secrets guarded by the Free Gardeners, Witches, Toadmen, and Bonesmen, Nigel Pennick shows how the common working people of the Fens belonged to secret societies based on their specific trade. He details the hidden aspects of rural life that most historians ignore--the magical current that flowed through the lives of working people--and describes the secret rites, ceremonies, oaths, and initiation rituals of the guilds and fraternities to which the folk belonged.

Drawing not only on scholarly research but also his personal contacts within these still living traditions, Pennick explains their use of masks, black face, and other disguises to avoid persecution and describes how wise woman healers and witches in rural villages were sought-after for their remedies. He shares the secrets of the toad-bone rite, which gave the Toadman control over animals and members of the opposite sex, and explores the guardian spirits thought to inhabit the Fens, including those of the Wild Hunt.

Providing insight into a world that has largely disappeared, one whose magic still echoes in lore and legend, Pennick shows that the rites, customs, and ceremonies of guilds and rural fraternities connect individuals to a wider community and, through collective action, to the power of Nature and the Cosmos.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

A comprehensive account of the rich folk culture preserved in the rural secret societies of the British Isles

• Describes the secret rites, ceremonies, and initiation rituals of guilds and rural fraternities such as the Shoemakers, Horsemen, Toadmen, Mummers, and Bonesmen

• Explains their use of masks, black face, and other disguises to avoid persecution

• Draws not only on scholarly research but also the author’s personal contacts within these still living traditions

Centuries ago the remote, marshy plains of eastern England--the Fens--were drained to create agricultural land. The Fens remained isolated up until the nineteenth century, and it was this very isolation that helped preserve the ancient traditions of this area, traditions ruthlessly eradicated elsewhere in the British Isles. These magical folk traditions also owe their survival to secret rural societies, from craft guilds and trade unions to Morris dancers and village bands.

Exploring the folk customs and magical traditions of guilds and rural fraternities such as the Shoemakers and Horsemen and the secrets guarded by the Free Gardeners, Witches, Toadmen, and Bonesmen, Nigel Pennick shows how the common working people of the Fens belonged to secret societies based on their specific trade. He details the hidden aspects of rural life that most historians ignore--the magical current that flowed through the lives of working people--and describes the secret rites, ceremonies, oaths, and initiation rituals of the guilds and fraternities to which the folk belonged.

Drawing not only on scholarly research but also his personal contacts within these still living traditions, Pennick explains their use of masks, black face, and other disguises to avoid persecution and describes how wise woman healers and witches in rural villages were sought-after for their remedies. He shares the secrets of the toad-bone rite, which gave the Toadman control over animals and members of the opposite sex, and explores the guardian spirits thought to inhabit the Fens, including those of the Wild Hunt.

Providing insight into a world that has largely disappeared, one whose magic still echoes in lore and legend, Pennick shows that the rites, customs, and ceremonies of guilds and rural fraternities connect individuals to a wider community and, through collective action, to the power of Nature and the Cosmos.

More books from New Age

Cover of the book Boosting Intentions by Nigel Pennick
Cover of the book Clara Maynard, The True and the False: A Tale of the Times by Nigel Pennick
Cover of the book 司徒法正2018狗年運程寶典-兔 by Nigel Pennick
Cover of the book Sadness, Love, Openness by Nigel Pennick
Cover of the book UNVEILED MYSTERIES by Nigel Pennick
Cover of the book Seeing Paradise, Volume 4: Truth, Change,H2O, and a Palm Tree by Nigel Pennick
Cover of the book A Voice from Heaven by Nigel Pennick
Cover of the book Tiny Luttrell by Nigel Pennick
Cover of the book Emerald Tablet of Hermes by Nigel Pennick
Cover of the book Anthroposophy in Everyday Life by Nigel Pennick
Cover of the book Transformez votre vie by Nigel Pennick
Cover of the book Auras: 8 Fantastic Ways to See, Read, and Strengthen Your Aura by Nigel Pennick
Cover of the book A Brief Guide to UFOs by Nigel Pennick
Cover of the book Storia dei musulmani di Sicilia (Complete) by Nigel Pennick
Cover of the book Be Happy by Nigel Pennick
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy