The Witch-Cult in Western Europe: A Study in Anthropology (Classic Reprint)

Description: This book delves into the intriguing world of witchcraft in Western Europe, challenging long-held beliefs and offering a fresh perspective on this historical phenomenon. The author meticulously examines legal records, contemporary chronicles, and other primary sources to unveil the intricate structure and practices of a previously unrecognized religious cult. By differentiating between operative witchcraft (charms and spells) and ritual witchcraft (organized religion), the author sheds light on a belief system that predates Christianity and revolves around a deity associated with fertility. This deity, often misunderstood as the Christian devil, was worshipped through specific rites and ceremonies, including nocturnal gatherings and symbolic acts. The book explores the hierarchical organization of witch covens, their initiation rituals, and their connection to ancient fertility cults and beliefs in fairies and elves. The author also addresses the controversial aspects of witch trials, including the use of torture and the influence of religious bias on the interpretation of evidence. Ultimately, this book provides a compelling argument for understanding witchcraft not as mere superstition but as a complex and enduring religious tradition with deep roots in European history and culture. By offering a nuanced perspective on the witch-cult, the author invites readers to reconsider their preconceptions and appreciate the cultural significance of this often-misunderstood practice. Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books.This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works. This text has been digitally restored from a historical edition. Some aesthetic errors may persist, however it has been deemed that any such will not detract from the work's significant historical value. The digital edition of all books may be viewed on our website before purchase.

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Location: New York NY

End Time: 2025-01-28T08:51:25.000Z

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