blue and tan cover with yellow and white text with skull and crossbones

Witchcraft and Secret Societies of Rural England: The Magic of Toadmen, Plough Witches, Mummers, and Bonesmen

by Nigel Pennick Author

This delves into the rich folk traditions preserved in the isolated rural societies of the British Isles, particularly in the Fens. It describes the secret rites, ceremonies, and initiation rituals of various guilds and fraternities, such as the Shoemakers and Horsemen, which used disguises like masks and blackface to evade persecution. The text combines scholarly research with personal insights into these living traditions, highlighting the magical practices and communal bonds that defined these societies. It also explores the significance of these customs in connecting individuals to nature and cosmic forces, and reveals the hidden aspects of rural life that have largely vanished.

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