Once intended a sequel to "The Sorcerer's Handbook" by Joshua Free while writing as "Merlyn Stone" in the 1990's, his "notebooks" composing the historically legendary "1998 Book of Shadows"-and eventually "The Witch's Handbook"-were only released privately to members of his own Coven operating in Colorado, and other groups he networked with, during a peak period of development for the modern "New Age."
Among the many facets explored within these pages, you will also encounter the complete structure of the original century-old "Book of Shadows," illuminated for the first time with a new revolutionary never before published presentation of concise descriptions and references that uncover influential behind-the-scenes sources of many contemporary Wiccan and traditionalist Witchcraft movements. Rites of Initiation, Consecration Rituals, Tools, Herbs, Sabbats, Ceremonies, Ritual Magic, Spellcraft... It's all here!
From the Key of Solomon, to the Rites of the Golden Dawn and OTO, to the Aradian Gospel of Witches, to the relatively modern innovation of a "Neopagan Eightfold Year" by three men: a Druid (Ross Nichols), a Magician (Aleister Crowley) and a Witch (Gerald Gardner); an underlying story unfolds beneath and back of the 20th Century Witchcraft revival and no stone or pentacle is left unturned in this effective, yet candid, complete practical guide to the true "Arts of Witchcraft."
Long-standing and returning fans will celebrate the release of The Witch's Handbook as the "missing link" of a once proposed "Merlyn Stone" trilogy from the 1990's, which includes "The Sorcerer's Handbook" and "The Druid's Handbook"-both of which have been widely accepted in the underground "New Age" scene already.
This special premiere edition is dedicated by the author to Fairuza Balk and, as a bonus, features Joshua Free's tribute to "The Craft" movie, including his previously unpublished treatment of its practical witchcraft as "Nancy's Book of Shadows."