Light from The Shadows By Gwyn - Book Reviews - The White Goddess

Light from The Shadows By Gwyn

Light from The Shadows. A Mythos of Modern Traditional Witchcraft.
By Gwyn (better known as Michael Howard of The Cauldron).

Pages: 248 pages
Dimensions: 20.2 x 14.4 x 1.4 cm
Publisher: Capall Bann Publishing.

This is a book I've re-read recently but is a few years old now, 1999 to be precise.

The blurb

'An inside account of traditional witchcraft as it is practised today by several covens and clans across Britain and how it compares with modern Wicca. Subjects include the working tools of the traditional witch; the Horned God and Witch Goddess; entering the circle and 'passing the power' in Hereditary and Traditional Craft; traditional forms of magick including healing, cursing and hexing, necormancy, shapeshifting, familiar spirits and spirit guides, working with elementals and psychic self-protection.

There are also chapters on the traditional Mythic Theme of the Wheel of the Year and the esoteric symbolism of the festivals. It concludes with a look at the relevance of the Traditional Craft in the 21st Century'.

Light from The Shadows By Gwyn

I found the book to be an enjoyable and easy enough read. A book to pick up and put down whenever you feel inclined. Not the most exciting nor thought provoking read I've ever had-more a "mmmmm... I'd like to know more about that" thing - interesting enough to remain on my bookshelf.

Whether the comparisons between Trad Craft and Wicca are successful I feel may well be debatable as to my knowledge many Trad Crafters remain quiet about who they are and what they actually practice. Certain covens may well allow some limited information into the public arena but limited will be the operative word here.

Still, the comparisons that are made may well be enough for the reader to see that there are no doubt differences, and in the book you will find many a snippet of info to keep you reading and likely send you off inspired to find out more.

This is'nt a 'how to' book. Magic (I don't use a K) is discussed but there are no recipes, rather a look at historical and modern way and means of working, tools used and differing focus and ethics between pagan groups.

A large part of the book focuses on the Wheel of the Year and lore associated with festivals.

Over all the book has lot's of info on the history of the craft and how it has evolved over the years-certainly enough to point you in the direction of further exploration if you're so inclined.

I'd recommend the book to those who are interested in the historical aspects of Witchcraft.

Review By Pyewacket