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by Ruth Clydesdale (Author)
"A cogent, straight-talking and nuanced work to aid anyone who wants a solid understanding of the origins and evolution of witchcraft." - David Southwell, author and curator of @HooklandGuide
From ancient Greece and Rome to the birth of the New Witchcraft, the history of this enthralling subject is skillfully told in this richly illustrated full-color hardback. Witchcraft was once used to influence the unpredictable aspects of life such as crops, health and livestock protection. With people feeling powerless against ill fortune, it became easy to blame malevolent magic and the figure of the witch. Witchcraft today is a benevolent religion that is unrelated to the historic fantasy, but which often employs ancient magical techniques such as poppets and charms. This fascinating history enables the reader to see the timeline for how magic and witchcraft - and perceptions of it - has developed over the centuries. From the glamour of witches depicted in art, such as Circe, Medea, Morgan le Fay and Nimue, to famous historical incidents such as the witch trials and Christian suppression of Pagan temples, the reader will be led on a journey of discovery that is as visually exciting as it is informative. Beautifully illustrated throughout, this book provides a readable and fresh approach to the extensive and complex history of witchcraft and magic.Author Biography
Ruth Clydesdale (M.A, D.F.Astrol.S.) is a writer and astrologer, specialising in esoteric art history. She has published articles in journals in both the UK and the USA on various aspects of art, religion and philosophy. Ruth has lectured on the Renaissance philosopher Marsilio Ficino, as well as running seminars on the philosophy of astrology and the esoteric meanings of the planet Mercury. She teaches further education classes on the history of Renaissance art, and she has also conducted lecture tours of the National Gallery in London, highlighting cosmic symbolism in Renaissance paintings.
