Full Description
Shortlisted for the The British Book Design Awards
'Every witch uses her magic differently. I use mine to heal people, while others ...'
'What do the others do!? Are there many different types of witches!?'
'Oh yes! Many...'
Join Lindsay, a young and curious 19th-century lass, as she meets Biddy Early, the famous 'wise woman of County Clare', and learns all about the magickal arts - from which plants can be used to make healing poultices and potions, to how people dealt with the social and political stigma of practising witchcraft.
Biddy Early, who lived from 1798-1874 in Ireland, was by no means the first-ever witch, but she was the first to appear on the historical record. Before her, fears and superstitions surrounding practitioners of 'the nameless art' were too strong. It is said that Biddy took an apprenticeship with the 'good folk', sidhe or faeries, when she was very young, and it was from them that she learnt her skill as a healer.
Never one to accept monetary payment for the help she offered, Biddy would often swap home-brewed alcohol for her services, which in turn made her ramshackle cottage in Feakle a hub for the local community. When her little corner of the county drew the attention of the Catholic Church and the local authorities, things became very difficult for this unusual woman...
Encompassing self-empowerment, feminism, dealing with stigma and eco-spirituality, as well as plant magic, traditions, and green wisdom, Witchcraft: A Graphic History is a fresh take on an endlessly fascinating subject.
Contents
HER MAGIC LIVES ON
Chapter 1 - p . 10
THE ENCOUNTER Young Lindsay meets Biddy Early, Ireland's most famous witch, and talks to her about different types of witches and magick.
Chapter 2 - p . 32
INVITATION TO MAGIC
Biddy talks about her origins
and her connection to fairies.
We discover the importance of the link
between magic and nature.
Chapter 3 - p . 52
HEALING MAGIC
Biddy explains that healing magic
can be performed through herbs
and Lindsay explains to Biddy that no magic
can cure her uncle's scepticism.
Chapter 4 - p . 72
WITCH HUNT
Where evil men want
to convict good women.
Chapter 5 - p . 98
THE TEACHER AND THE PUPIL
Young Lindsay is initiated by Biddy
into spells and the magical arts, but above
all she learns to make her own decisions.
Chapter 6 - p . 120
THE FUTURE
Where two women walk side by side.
