A Deed Without a Name: Unearthing the Legacy of Traditional Witchcraft

[dawnmedos]

Hey,

i have found this book and liked it,

it brings together many theories of recent scholars about the ecstatic and "shamanic" things,

that witches confessed in some trial records.

 

you can find a review of the book here:

http://throughthehid...without-a-name/

 

and here the link to the book:

http://www.amazon.co... without a name

[Whiterose]

I read this review and thought some of the topics looks intriguing, I get irritated when authors mentions something and don't go in to depth about it. I may check it out at a later date.

 

On another note though, I did read your blog and found some interesting tidbits that resonated with recent developments in my craft. :)

[dawnmedos]

i think in many topics it was not realy possible to go deeper into in on a theoretical level.

you can just go deeper if you try the things in the practice...

 

and thanks for the feedback to my blog...

[Aloe]

Looks interesting and it's cheap enough, I'll check it out. Thanks for the recommendation.

[Michele]

I read the review... the book sounds interesting and I may get it in the future, but right now I am not reading, lol. The fellow who wrote the review - I have read his stuff before and I find him quite interesting. I believe he is rather young, which actually makes it more interesting, lol.

 

M

[Cam]

After reading the reviews, I have grave doubts about the quality of the information in this book. In one review it stated "Lee Morgan may well do for Traditional Witchcraft what Starhawk did for feminist Wicca". That alone says it all to me - save your money. Along with bad spelling/grammar and using totally incorrect words (according the the blog review), for me, puts into question the correctness of the information in the book. I found it quite interesting that the author knows how our ancestors slept. But, I have not read the book, and I am only going on what has been written about it.

 

 

[Whiterose]

After reading the reviews, I have grave doubts about the quality of the information in this book. In one review it stated "Lee Morgan may well do for Traditional Witchcraft what Starhawk did for feminist Wicca". That alone says it all to me - save your money. Along with bad spelling/grammar and using totally incorrect words (according the the blog review), for me, puts into question the correctness of the information in the book. I found it quite interesting that the author knows how our ancestors slept. But, I have not read the book, and I am only going on what has been written about it.

 

I had that same thought about the sleep habits thing. :)

[Jevne]

Here you go.

[luceaschild]

Thanks for bumping the thread, Jevne.  I'm not sure why it didn't come up in my search.  Would you like me to delete my thread?  I'd be happy to.

[anjeaunot]

I agree with Autumn Moon’s post.  I haven’t read the book either, but my gut feeling is that some of the negative comments in the reviews may be justified.

 

I was wondering how to determine Lee Morgan’s background. Well…the phone rang. We all know about these “coincidences” in Trad Witchcraft!

 

Scott rang me to update me on his doings in Canberra. Of his own volition, Scott casually introduced the name Lee Morgan into the conversation.

 

Lee is based in Tasmania, Australia. She gives workshops on witchcraft. She is a dedicated fan of Robin Artisson. One may safely assume that some of Artisson’s concepts will be in Lee’s book.

 

Lee’s new teacher is Gede Parma, who is based in Brisbane. Gede has discovered the truth about Traditional Witchcraft! How about that? He says that the final truth coincides with what he believed initially!

 

No doubt Lee’s book also includes some of Gede Parma’s truths.

 

Lee’s book may well be worth reading but it is probably for beginners as one reviewer stated.

[Stacey]

I have this on hold at my library, haven't got it yet though. Here are a couple of links related:

 

http://andereanwitchcraft.yolasite.com/

http://annua-mycraftandsullenart.blogspot.com.au/

 

I'm interested in reading it, generally I find that reviews are personal opinions, some like stuff, others wouldn't - however I'm not going to make up my mind about it until I've at least given it a go.

[Jevne]

I have this on hold at my library, haven't got it yet though. Here are a couple of links related:

 

http://andereanwitchcraft.yolasite.com/

http://annua-mycraftandsullenart.blogspot.com.au/

 

I'm interested in reading it, generally I find that reviews are personal opinions, some like stuff, others wouldn't - however I'm not going to make up my mind about it until I've at least given it a go.

 

Those links have confirmed that I am not interested; however, I can respect your position, Stacey. 

 

I have to point out, though, that the picture in the first link looks like someone pissed next to the bowl of milk. 

 

Probably not the imagery they were going for.  Obviously, the people in that coven do not have the same warped mind that I do.

[anjeaunot]

It is definitely not my cup of tea.  I see Lee mentions my name in her link.  Scott kindly sent me the links for Gede Parma (pronounced G’day as in the Australian Greeting) and Lee Morgan.

 

I hadn’t read these links before I posted.

 

It should be a worthwhile read, Stacey.

 

Gede has been strongly influenced by Victor Anderson’s Feri tradition.  He is an author and has conducted workshops in the UK and the USA.  He runs a shamanic apprenticeship scheme.  It is obvious his shamanic theories influenced Lee Morgan.

 

There is a “New World” approach to the witchcraft stemming from Gede and Lee.  They have concepts and ideas that are certainly found in historical documents, plus overtones from the Feri tradition, Robin Artisson and Gede’s Shamanic expertise.

 

Strangely enough, this mishmash could have long term benefits.  Young minds in a new continent could evolve a viable form of the traditional Craft.  It is certainly possible.  I wonder if Stacey can see that.

[Jevne]

It is definitely not my cup of tea. I see Lee mentions my name in her link. Scott kindly sent me the links for Gede Parma (pronounced G’day as in the Australian Greeting) and Lee Morgan.

 

I hadn’t read these links before I posted.

 

. . .

 

Strangely enough, this mishmash could have long term benefits. Young minds in a new continent could evolve a viable form of the traditional Craft. It is certainly possible. I wonder if Stacey can see that.

Slightly off topic, but implying even indirectly that someone endorses your path / product is just rude. Lee is lucky that Bill is such a nice guy. Taking a bunch of stuff, read in books, but not earned or verified by those who walked it, and presenting yourself as the guru? That is the definition of egotistical. Edited July 2, 2013 by Jevne

[Whiterose]

Slightly off topic, but implying even indirectly that someone endorses your path / product is just rude. Lee is lucky that Bill is such a nice guy. Taking a bunch of stuff, read in books, but not earned or verified by those who walked it, and presenting yourself as the guru? That is the definition of egotistical.

 

 

I had a look at these links, one of which was this person's blog, in which, ironically, the topic of ego and Elder endorsement is addressed and looked down upon.   

 

I find it amusing that many so called Traditional Witches are following the same general "fame" path as those in the new age crowd.  I would imagine those with a working, viable tradition would want to keep it for themselves and their kin, not sell it or market it, to others who would rip it apart and change it in to something else.  I don't get the whole idea of marketing your spirituality. Teaching a skill, such as herbalism or card reading, yes, selling your tradition and spirituality, no. 

 

I don't see these Elders ever come out of hiding to market their tradition.  Its usually the rouge initiate in a group setting that hives off, copies the original and mashes in bits from other places and is now an expert ready to write a book, gain a following and be famous. Its happened many times since Gardener. 

 

This kind of thinking is not my cup of tea. 

I will stick to the shadows and follow the advice of the spirits, thanks. 

[Lynn]

God, what a farce

"The scholarly work of Carlos Ginzberg exposed the 'shamanic' element of witchcraft history and could be said to be to Traditional Witchcraft what Margaret Murray was to Wicca. "

She does know that Murray was a sham, right?   Right??

And for a writer, what's with the errors? Like saying "weaved" instead of "woven"? Hello?? Or am I way off here??

Yeah in a word Ick. or maybe it's the rum talking.

[Lynn]

Those links have confirmed that I am not interested; however, I can respect your position, Stacey. 

 

I have to point out, though, that the picture in the first link looks like someone pissed next to the bowl of milk. 

 

Probably not the imagery they were going for.  Obviously, the people in that coven do not have the same warped mind that I do.

Jev, even my non-witch husband looked at that photo and said "cat pee". Yeah, it's that bad, lol!

[anjeaunot]

Hi Lynn.  Yes, it’s even worse than I thought.  Lee Morgan coupled my name with Rosaleen Norton.

 

I am honoured to be linked with Rowie Norton, who was publicly outed as a witch before World War II. 

 

Rowie upset the establishment with her paintings, which were not allowed to be exhibited in public.  Her painting of a panther having sexual relations with a woman is notorious.

 

I never had the privilege of meeting Rowie Norton, but I respect her as a witch.  She was a devotee of PAN the Goat-God.

 

Rowie could heal or curse, and did not suffer fools gladly.  Her witchcraft was the very antithesis of the “hold hands, be loving, and filled with warm fuzziness” philosophy expounded by Gede and Lee.  Lee Morgan mentions in her blog (Luciferian Gnosis) that the four deities she honours were taken from the four images in Rowie Norton’s painting of Lucifer.

 

It is interesting that Gede Parma’s covens have the same four deities.  Poor Rowie would turn in her grave!

 

There were rumours that Rosaleen Norton had genuine links to the Traditional Craft.  No wonder Lee mentioned her.

 

Incidentally, I was amused to see a reference to the Pickingill Papers on Lee’s blog.

Edited July 3, 2013 by anjeaunot

[Scott]

..... DON'T GET ME STARTED ... ya rabble rousers! lol

 

Y'all just wanna see if I had read Sandy's blurb regarding some prickly moments a while back in here with regard to an author so I will NOT be provoked on this one!

 

 

..... Much ....

 

                ....... in public ......

             

 

                                                ..... today at least! lol

 

Scott

[Aloe]

Bought the book, started it, got bored. Didn't hold my attention and that's saying something as I got easily engrossed in a high school history textbook last night.  

 

So... that's my review. lol 

[melusine]

I'm currently reading this book while also reading Emma Wilby's book Cunning Folk and Familar Spirts, which i'm finding a lot of in Deed Without a Name... Morgan references her, Poc and Ginzburg and testimonies from witch trials and the books stated purpose is to, (to paraphrase), "bridge the gap between what we have learned from the trials and anthropological and historical findings and practical application."  It isn't a bad book, but not a lot of new information is in it.  The practical application... she gives very brief advice.  I was expecting the book to go into her particular brand of trad craft rather deeply. 

 

I purchased the book after listening to an interview with her on the Down at the Crossroads podcast.  The interview was very good.  The book is a bit disappointing.  It may be a good, light read for someone new to the subject.

 

Someone mentioned how she could know how 'our ancestors' slept... well its not 'ancient ancestors' that she is referring to... she refers to people in the early modern era and of centuries recently passed.  I knew what she was talking about because i've read recent articles discussing this very thing, about how people slept for about four hours each night, woke for an hour or two and did small tasks, had conversations, sex, etc. wrote or read, and then went back to sleep for approximately four more hours before waking for the day.  This information has been gathered from many sources such as journals written by the people in those times, and applied to somewhat recent studies conducted to see how this way of sleeping affects people.  (results show it to be rather beneficial)... but i'm off topic... so... Just trying to help a girl out on this point. ;)

[Weavingweb]

I actually have this book as a sample on my tablet. Personally I really didn't like the sample that I read and I'm just going to get rid of it and put another book in it's place.

[Kupala]

I got it for 99 cents on Kindle. however, I'd almost rather read blogs at this point, including Lee Morgan's blog. It's funny but in some cases a book feels "dead" while a blog feels "alive" and this is how I felt about this particular book vs the author's blog. Hope that made sense. Of course you should form your own opinion of it though as well.

Edited February 11, 2015 by westofthemoon

[Zombee]

I am reading " Deed without a Name" and just about finished. It has helped me get a concept for the differences in thought processes from what may have been back when the witch trials occurred and what is modern, western thought. I had read Ginzburg's "Night Battles" just prior, which was dry as dust. Morgan did okay by me. It's always hard for me to think in terms of another era and culture, so for this aid I am satisfied with the text.