The sun rises to the height of its power on the summer solstice, and Midsummer Eve is filled with fairy mischief and magic. Anna Franklin reveals the origins and customs of this enchanting holiday with: -Myths and lore: The gods and goddesses of Midsummer, rolling wheels, the Midsummer tree, circle dancing, and torchlight processions -Midsummer magic and divination: Fairy contact, spells, empowering magical tools with solstice sun energy, Midsummer Eve pillow divination -Traditional summertime treats: Elderflower Fritters, Gooseberry Fool, Coamhain Soup, Strawberry Wine, Heather Ale, Clary Sage Tea -Seasonal rituals: Rite of the Oak King and the Holly King, Cornish Flower Ritual, Witch Rite for Midsummer Day, Drawing Down the Sun -Midsummer herb craft: Gathering and drying herbs for magical oils, incenses, inks, and teas; herb recipes, from Amun Ra to Sun Goddess Oil - First Runner Up for the 2003 Coaltion of Visionary Resources (COVR) Award for Best Non-fiction Book

    This is a encyclopedia of witchraft and Wicca, providing a history of belief and ritual practices of Neopagan Witches, an overview of the evolution and central tenets of modern Paganism and advice on rituals, poetry and magical ethics.

    It succeeds where many books have failed-fulfilling the longing for real Irish Witchcraft, while crafting the delicate balance between learning from the past and weaving a modern system based on truth and respect. Lora O'Brien is a genuine Irish Witch, making no claims of "fraudulent family traditions"-she is simply a woman who walks her path and shares her experiences, working closely with her heritage and land in a contemporary setting.Irish Witchcraft From an Irish Witch explores the past:Providing an investigation of the Witches' place in Irish mythology.Looking at Witchcraft and magic by examining the customs connected with the Sidhe.Examining historical evidence of the Witch trials that swept across the isle.And the present and beyond by:Working with Irish deities, landscapes, energies, and antiquities.Examining the wheel of the year, with its festivals, cycles, and seasons of Irish culture.Looking at ritual progression through a Witch's life: magical training, physical growth.Providing alternatives to the traditional stages of a child's life in modern Irish culture.

    This encyclopedia aims to dispel such notions, with a comprehensive guide to witchcraft throughout history and around the world.

    But what is magic, anyway? And are witches real? Where do I start if I want to build a deeper, more personal magical practice? (I mean…can I just make sh*t up?) Perfect for anyone who has wanted to get a little witchy but not known where to start, The Dabbler’s Guide to Witchcraft provides everything you need to discover more about modern witchcraft while forging your own magical path in a responsible and informed way. Fire Lyte takes us on a thoughtful, compulsively readable, and provocative journey, addressing topics such as: -Pop culture and witchcraft -The intersection of science and spirituality -Gatekeeping and inclusivity in the magical community -“Good” vs “bad” magic (spoiler alert: there’s no such thing!) -Why a coffee pot or Dutch oven is just as effective as a cauldron He also provides eleven spell canvasses, perfect for beginners and practicing witches alike to expand their spell-casting repertoire. Whether you’re just starting on your spiritual journey or recent events have inspired you to reexamine your current magical path, this humorous, practical, and insightful book provides a roadmap for anyone curious about enriching their practice.

    In the stories of ancient goddesses you will hear your own soul calling out to you.