Old Tradition Crafte

[Black-Cat]

Found this book on a recommended reading list for Paganism and Witchcraft. I think it looks like an interesting read. Just wanted to throw it out there and see if anyone has read it or heard about it :)

 

"Old Tradition Crafte, The Practice of the Ancient Crafte, The Practical Earth Magick Series of Ancient Magickal Practices in Three Books by Joel Radcliffe (Editor), Robin Artisan (Translator)

 

Old Tradition Crafte presents authentic Witchcrafte of Scottish and English origin. The practices and rituals herein date upto and beyond the era of Dr. John Fian's demise at the hands of the Inquisitors and King James VI, in 1591.

 

Robin Artisan, with his translation from original materials, illuminates a complete system of Old Tradition Witchcrafte. This work demonstrates, amongst other topics, the strategy used by the witches of this era and area to survive "the burning times".

 

Being a complete system, this work presents itself in three books. Book One is Stone Magick. The primary foundation of Earth Magick, the Four Elements and the Seasons of the Sun and Moon, are elaborated on. Herein is a hands-on grimoire for the making of the ritual tools, starting with the tools for cutting stone, the cutting of the stones, the consecrations and blessings, and the Calling of the stones. The additional key of the witches' Rune alphabet is present.

 

Book Two is The Guild Book. This work unveils the survival mechanism put into place by a persecuted people to survive the Holy Inquisition. It takes on the form of the Trade Guild, or the economic entrenchment of Witchcrafte. Herein are the Laws, the Tools of the Trade and Guild, the Initiation, the Witches' Ring, the Grand Sabbat, the Old Gods, and the Herb Burnings.

 

Dr. Fian's Spell Book, being Book Three, delineates the ritual technical details of the Witch Work, divination by playing cards, dice and scrying. In addition, the Witches' Bottle and the Witches' Eye, Familiar Spirits, Thread and String Charms, Poppets, a Cauldron Spell and sundry curses & bindings. Indeed, such charming little ditties as love and lust spells, how to blight a neighbor's crops, how to avoid an unwanted love, and weather spells. In all, rather well balanced expose' of the practices of those of the Crafte. "

[Guest Grimr]

I have seen it at several Esoteric Conferences and Book Stores but have yet to buy it - it's printed by a bookbinding company here in Seattle. The Robin Artisan in question is not to be confused with Robin Artisson of Witching Way fame. Still, I find it interesting and really quite a beautiful printed book. If any others have read it, please illuminate what your thoughts have been...

[Black-Cat]

Here is a review I found from: http://paganbookworm.wordpress.com/2007/10/01/old-tradition-crafte/

 

 

 

Printed, bound, and Published by Ars Obscura in Seattle and compiled by a coven in the US who were known for publishing the traditional witchcraft newsletter Standing Stone. It purports itself to be Scottish witchcraft and a grimoire written by Doctor Fian (one of the North Berwick witches) translated by ‘Robin Artisan’ (not to be confused with Robin Artisson) in three books: Stone Magick, The Guild Book, and Dr. Fian’s Spellbook.

The book is pricy, but it is expensive because of the binding quality – it really is a beautiful little book. In the coven’s traditions they learn the craft alongside trades (think the trade guilds of the Middle Ages), as the magister is a master bookbinder, so is his covenmate, Joel Radcliffe, the owner of Ars Obscura. The book is not Llewellyn-esque at all, rather the opposite. It is full of genuine folklore and authentic old spells – although much of the ritual structure is modern.

I own the book and have researched it extensively and have also corresponded with Artisan and a previous aquaintance of his. It is well worth the money and the read. The reason I love it is that it is a practical working manual that can easily be integrated into practice. However in reading and using this book I think that it is important for the reader to be aware that the book is not what it says it is. I cannot verify 100% that the 17th century grimoire Artisan claims he pulled the information from is genuine as I have never seen it or talked to anyone who has – but I found many of the sources for the material used in the book with no doubt of the origin of the folklore presented. Artisan is also a specialist in 17th century calligraphy, printing & binding, and using the language of the time (he works in the film/props industry) which also let to my doubts as to its authenticity. It is a wonderful practical book full of genuine folklore and folk-magic with some amazing spells and workings, but in my own opinion, after researching, I believe that it is a modern compilation of his coven’s practices, not a translation of a centuries old grimoire as claimed. The coven has been around for a very long time and is still in existence, although it is much smaller now. Buy the book for its contents and it’s master-level binding & printing, but don’t buy the granny story. I recommend this book to those with an interest in Traditional Witchcraft, BTW, and/or folk-magic, but I wouldn’t recommend it to the general Neopagan audience.

[witchwood]

This certainly looks interesting. I would agree with the "don't by the granny story" warning though. However, a book of a whole system that avoids the neo pagan crap has to be worth investigation. I'm gettin gtempted to see if there are any copies left now.

[witchwood]

I got this book yesterday. It is certainly well put together. It looks quite interesting with loads of "how to" type information which is great for comparrison etc of how you are working at the moment. Looking forward to having the time to sit down and delve right in.

[Brigid]

Just curious Black Cat, not that we have many neopagans on this site, but why would you not recomend ot to them?

[nikkipurple]

I'm going to be looking into finding this book. Sounds very interesting to say the least. I am always looking to learn new things and expand my horizons.

[Black-Cat]

Sorry Brigid, I Wouldn't be able to say, since I didn't write the review. lol

[Brigid]

LOL got

it!

[witchwood]

I've just finished reading it. It doesn't take long. It is an interesting book. Basically an almost full guide on how to practise the art of Witchcraft by following the authors pattern. How old it is is hard to date. The initiation reminded me of when I joined the Masons rather than a non wiccan coven. I say non wiccan as a lot of thiers draws on Masonic practise. The second book on spells had some interesting bits in it and the first book was all about working with stones which was new to me in the format it was presented.

Overall it's worth a read. It's very nicely bound I have to say but whether it's worth the money binding to one side, is hard to say really. I'm happy with it but would I recommend it given it's price .........:confused: