Delving into [Witchcraft: A Secret History by Michael Streeter]

Doesn't this scream history?

This edition of Michael Streeter's Witchcraft is set for publication in March 2020. Per GoodReads the book was previously first published almost 18 years ago (wow, how time flies) in September of 2002. My sister is someone keeps her distance from anything witchy, demonic, or seemingly akin, a conservative and safe approach to the supernatural. The way I see it you have to know what it is you're looking to avoid. When I requested this book I suppose I did want to know about the history of witchcraft, though I thought it'd be presented with much less historic detail. Instead, Witchcraft is a progression from loose ancient precursors to European witch fever to modern day Wicca.

The inferior 2002 cover.

Witchcraft: A Secret History unravels the myth from the mystery, the facts from the legends. Meet all the witches of your imagination and discover the meanings of their rituals and rites, their lore, and their craft. Discover the significance of their sabbats and covens, their chalices and wands, their robes and their religion. Unlock the secrets of the legendary witches of mythology and folk tales and find out how these early stories influenced the persecutions and witch-hunts of the Middle Ages. Learn about the people who inspired the pagan revival and how their work in literature and magic rekindled the fires of the sabbats across Europe and the New World today.

The book aims to present an understanding of the factors that have led to the current forms of witchcraft, with emphasis on the western practice of Wicca, here presented as a decentralized religion. If you pick up this book expecting the secret mysteries of a mystery religion to be divulged you will be sorely disappointed. However if you're looking for an analysis and discussion of historic events and actors then you'll thoroughly enjoy this book. I might begrudgingly admit that some of my own views on witchcraft and Wicca have been questioned, for the worse and for the better. For how much I learned, I'm giving this 5 stars.