Guest Grimr Posted December 29, 2009 Share Posted December 29, 2009 Caduceus Books I believe has published this little number about the history and lore of the Society of the Horseman's Word, as it pertains to information on the Cunning folk and Toad Witches of East Anglia (and Scotland) I was wondering if anyone has read this? I am interested and may add it to my stock anyways, but would be nice to have an enlightened critique. Here is a link to the book:http://www.horsemansword.co.uk/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rowan's Light Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 NO I have 'The Quest for the Original Horse Whisperers' by Russell Lyon (Luath Press Ltd) Which was a good read. If you do get it let know what it's like xx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michele Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 Hey Grim - No, I have not read this, but from reading the snippet from the link you provided, I wonder if it is haveing to do witht he toad ritual, like the One Golden Toad by ADC. Not sure if the two books are related or covering the same subject or not, as I haven't read the SoHW. But it sounds like it may be similiar to that. I know the Toad Ritual is a form of self-initiation and that it seems to have been very concentrated in East Anglia. If you're looking for the ritual, The Crooked Scythe has a good depection of it (and is a very inexpensive book) and the only difference that I noted between that and ADC's version was the use of whitethorn instead of blackthorn as the impaling (sp) implement (and possibly the three days/nights visits), but I would have to re-read both tCS and One to be sure. M :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LadyHawk Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 The horseman's word is still passed down here, in parts of the highlands...in fact I have a friend who was given it in ritual when he was 10 years old. I know little about this because it is still steeped in secrecy and not something that anyone who has the 'word' will talk about. I like that, there are too many old traditions being lost and although I'm interested there isn't any way that it will be passed to me! I have heard of the book and will ask around to get views. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marion Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 I'll let you know when I get my copy :) It should be back from the binders this week, Ben said (Caduceus' owner). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
circleofsnakes Posted February 15, 2010 Share Posted February 15, 2010 Just to resurrect this thread, does anyone have a review of this book? Thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Droghon Posted February 16, 2010 Share Posted February 16, 2010 I'm awaiting a copy .. there were some delays getting the books finished at the bookbinders. Hopefully will have it and be able to comment on it in the next few weeks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Oakbuchanan Posted February 21, 2010 Share Posted February 21, 2010 For those who are interested, 'Treadwells bookshop' are hosting this event on 1st March 10 (Monday) May see you there :) The Horseman's Word: Strands for Traditional Craft Ben Fernee (Caduceus Books)The Society of the Horseman's Word has been associated with Traditional Witchcraft and the Toad Bone Ritual. Tonight we listen to the voices of actual members of the Society, and to look at what its enemies had to say. If one expects simple Christian piety and conventional Victorian morality, then the picture that emerges is surprising. Members were horsemen rather than witches, but we do find that their teachings are relevant to some aspects of Traditional Witchcraft. Ben Fernee is proprietor of Caduceus Books, and has been selling occult books for over 20 years. More recently he has also published books under the imprint of the Society of Esoteric Endeavour. Price: ?7.00 Time: 7.15 for a 7.30 start Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marion Posted February 22, 2010 Share Posted February 22, 2010 Bugger! I'd love to go to that....already "spent" this month though, so it's a 'no go' for me :( Is anyone here going? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
circleofsnakes Posted February 22, 2010 Share Posted February 22, 2010 Thank you for posting that Oak. I would have been tempted to attend but i will be away on hols. Do feel free to review the event :) For those who are interested, 'Treadwells bookshop' are hosting this event on 1st March 10 (Monday) May see you there :) The Horseman's Word: Strands for Traditional Craft Ben Fernee (Caduceus Books)The Society of the Horseman's Word has been associated with Traditional Witchcraft and the Toad Bone Ritual. Tonight we listen to the voices of actual members of the Society, and to look at what its enemies had to say. If one expects simple Christian piety and conventional Victorian morality, then the picture that emerges is surprising. Members were horsemen rather than witches, but we do find that their teachings are relevant to some aspects of Traditional Witchcraft. Ben Fernee is proprietor of Caduceus Books, and has been selling occult books for over 20 years. More recently he has also published books under the imprint of the Society of Esoteric Endeavour. Price: ?7.00 Time: 7.15 for a 7.30 start Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marion Posted March 29, 2010 Share Posted March 29, 2010 Well, the book has finally arrived :) A VERY long wait, but the smell of real leather was obvious before I'd even unwrapped it fully. A very pleasant experience.I opted for the expensive version as a treat to myself and I'm glad of it now. The contents are a real mixture of articles, interviews and there's a comparison between the Horseman and the Miller societies.Aside from the poetry, prayers and ritual there are discussions of Freemasonry and Tubal Cain. It's a nice book, and the wage packet containing the horse hair knot/twist on the inside cover is a nice touch. I'll add a better review when I've read the contents, and I'll be very interested to hear from anyone else who has the book. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Droghon Posted March 29, 2010 Share Posted March 29, 2010 Excellent! I just got home to find a Royal Mail note to say they had tried to deliver a couple of packages, hopefully one of them is my copy. WIll let you know what I make of it once I get it and read it :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Grimr Posted March 30, 2010 Share Posted March 30, 2010 Well that settles it then - I believe I will have to send away for a copy! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marion Posted March 31, 2010 Share Posted March 31, 2010 Ok, I've read it now....LOVE the smell of it !!! Anyway, I was a little frustrated with the cut off point for detail eg, in a discription of the initiation ritual a horse is brought in a "demonstrations given" ...WHAT?!?!!?! THAT'S the bit I want to know!!! Grrr! Anyway, there is a bit of cross-referencing to the Miller's Word and also mention of an Order of Free Gardners, which I'd never heard of before. There's an extract of "The Magic of the Horse Shoe" which I recognised from a scan copy I have, plus a couple of newspaper articles which are from 1900 and 1920. There's a load of poetry and songs relating to the life of ploughmen. It's quite a mixed little bag, considering and although I didn't learn any tips on horsemanship I don't regret the purchase at all :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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