The Book of Forgotten Witches
Dark & Twisted Folklore Stories from Around the World
Let me invite you on a journey where every shadow tells a tale of witchcraft, persecution and persistence. In this beautifully illustrated volume, discover witches real and legendary, who once cursed, inspired, helped or empowered their communities, but who are now largely forgotten.
Monas Aequilibris
An alchemical essay
In 1564, Dr. John Dee shared with us his mysterious and enigmatic work, the Monas Hieroglyphica. A powerful symbol to remind us that our world is united and complete, even if it seems irreparably fragmented. Now, 450 years later…
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Dragon Sister
The fire roared in the hearth, yet Darvulia felt a chill as she approached the high, empty throne at the back of the hall. The figure standing at the arched window gazed out into the night…
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Benandanti – the “Good Walkers” of the Spirit World
The benandanti were witches in the eyes of the Church, but the inhabitants of Italy’s Friuli province regarded them as healers and guardians. Four times a year they entered a cataleptic state and left their bodies in the form of spirits to protect the harvest.
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The Green Rose
Rosa was barely six years old when Mama Maëlys had rescued her from the cold wintery streets. The old witch taught her shape-shifting magic, and it was all thanks to her that, after many years of practicing, she found herself in the baron’s service…
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On Witches and Witchcraft
There have been many attempts – usually by people in power – to quash our fascination with witches, but all have failed. Witchcraft is all around us, from the pages of novels to films to song lyrics, not to mention the growing number of practising witches.
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Stories from a Hidden Witches’ Library
While The Book of Forgotten Witches focuses on the wisdom of folk traditions, it also has two other layers. The narrator, the Keeper of a hidden witches’ library, tells us about the mysteries of the tarot and alchemy. Then, at the end of each chapter, there’s a short story that allows for deeper reflection on…
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Elder Mother
In Denmark, some people think that a person who stands under an elder tree on Midsummer’s Eve can see the Elf-King and his army. Others say that if you fall asleep under a blossoming elder tree, you will wake up in Fairyland…
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Thiess of Kaltenbrun
Lycanthropy was so strongly associated with witchcraft that being a werewolf was a common accusation at witch trials. Many believed that werewolves were witches who practised black magic. Despite their reputation, there were some who were respected heroes, such as Old Thiess of Kaltenbrun.
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Angeline Tubbs, the Witch of Saratoga
Angeline Tubbs was only 15 years old when she became engaged to a British soldier and sailed with him to America. After losing a battle, her fiancé abandoned her in the wilderness, where she knew nobody. Will she survive on her own?
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Marie Laveau, The Voodoo Queen of New Orleans
Though her great-grandmother was taken to Louisiana from Africa as a slave, Laveau was born a free woman in New Orleans. She first worked as a hairdresser, but she was also an expert in herbal medicine and soon became the spiritual leader of Louisiana Voodoo.
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