Ancient Ways for Modern Days

In Old World Witchcraft, noted author Raven Grimassi covers totally new territoryin his work and in the world of popular witchcraft books published in the last few decades. This book is actually about "an enchanted worldview," one that has not necessarily been inherited from the beliefs and practices of any particular region and one which is available to us today.

The "Old World" in the title is actually about a magical view of the Plant Kingdom and the spirits attached to it. While Grimassi's previous books discuss the cultural expressions and commonality of witchcraft beliefs and practices in general, this book penetrates much deeper.

Old World Witchdraft reveals rarely discussed topics such as the concept of Shadow as the organic memory of the earth. Readers will learn rooted techniques that possess power because these ways have always been connected to it. They will learn methods of interfacing with the ancestral current and with the organic memory of the earth. Through these they can connect with the timeless arts and learn methods of empowerment directly from the ancient source.

Totally new information about familiar tools is presented. For example, the mortar and pestle is a tool for spell casting, a device that creates interfacing with plant spirits and with shadow, and a focal point for veneration of the Plant Kingdom. Grimassi also presents the art of using plant ashes for magical sigil work.

This book is for people who have had their fill of books that say the same things over and over, who want to take the next step, and who are eager for the more rooted ways that have remained largely hidden.

Review

"Finally, a clear, frank, and respectful look at the real roots of witchcraft. Grimassi doesn't need to invent a history to eloquently celebrate the compelling foundation of the Craft." -- Lon Milo DuQuette, author of My Life with the Spirits, and Enochian Vision Magick

"Grimassi (Encyclopedia of Wicca and Witchcraft) has written over a dozen books on neo¬paganism and witchcraft and is a selfstyled expert on nonCeltic European witchcraft. In this title, he refutes current concepts of what witchcraft is and has been, dismissing most scholarly work as dependent on either the testimony of tortured victims of the Inquisition or the writings of those seeking to justify their persecution of witches. He also appears to disdain Wicca as the fanciful imaginings of the Victorians. Having made these points, Grimassi moves on to share the plant magic that is the basis of the "Old World Witchcraft" taught to him by hereditary witches--whose teachings, apparently, emanated originally from the faery realm. (Take that, scholars!) He lays out a complex schema informed by an "Old World" understanding of the sacred hallow and the use of shadow, the organic memory of the earth. The second half of the book is full of detailed spells, charms, correspondences, and rituals. VERDICTReaders of this book will most likely be experienced witches looking to further their spiritual studies and dedicated to parsing the magical prescriptions to suit their own purposes." -- Janet Tapper, Univ. of Western States, Portland, OR, Library Journal, November 1, 2011 issue

About the Author

Raven Grimassi is a neo-pagan scholar and the author of 17 books about witchcraft and the occult, including Old World Witchcraft. He is an avid researcher on folklore and folk magic practices, particularly in European cultures. He is currently the codirector of Elder of the Ash, Birch and Willow System of Old World Witchery.

I was born in Pittsburgh, PA, to an Italian immigrant who married an American soldier at the close of World War II. My earliest training was in what I call a "peasant witchcraft" tradition, which consisted of Witchcraft and Folk Magic practices of Old Italy. Over the past four decades I have been a practitioner of several Witchcraft and Wiccan traditions. At present I am the directing Elder of the Ash, Birch & Willow tradition, which is a system of "Old Ways Witchcraft" not originating from any single region of Europe, but instead embracing what is held in common among many lands.

I currently have over 20 books in print and write on the topics of Witchcraft, Wicca and Magic. Many people seem to peg me as an author on Italian Witchcraft exclusively, but in fact only two of my books are about that specific subject. The primary focus of my work is about pre-Christian European beliefs and practices that appear in contemporary systems. In doing so I look to the commonalities of European traditions that appear in various regions instead of just one.

Raven Grimassi's living legacy will be preserved through the House of Grimassi and the Living Legacy Museum scheduled to open in Spring of 2021.