Summary
Praise for the previous editions:
"Clearly the best reference work on the subject now available."—American Reference Books Annual
"Highly recommended for public and academic libraries."—Library Journal
"Highly recommended..."—Choice
Interest in witchcraft, magic, and the occult is strong, fueled by popular books and movies such as the Harry Potter series. Wicca as a religion has exploded in popularity in recent years, leading to a boom in books and products pertaining to spells, witchcraft, and the Wiccan lifestyle. Though witchcraft has a long history both in folklore and in practice, the truth about it has often been obscured by fiction and myth.
In more than 480 entries, The Encyclopedia of Witches, Witchcraft, and Wicca, Third Edition is an exciting update to one of the landmark references on the subject—by paranormal expert Rosemary Ellen Guiley. This edition provides unparalleled coverage of witchcraft practices around the world—spanning different time periods and societies—including entries on magic, shamanism, the occult, and wizardry. Now covering Wicca-related material not included in the previous editions as well as updates of contemporary biographies and Wicca material, this encyclopedia is perfect for casual readers and researchers, as well as those fascinated by this spellbinding topic. All content has been expanded considerably, providing updates and new information about the key topics of witchcraft.
New and revised coverage includes:
- Amulets
- Biographies of contemporary and historical figures
- Book of Shadows
- Charms
- Demons
- Familiars
- Folklore relating to witchcraft
- Hand of glory
- Historical cases of witchcraft trials
- The Inquisition
- Magic and Wicca
- Salem witches and other historical cases of witchcraft trials
- Spells
- Tools, such as altars, amulets, cauldrons, and charms
- Wicca practices, rituals, beliefs, and traditions
- Wiccan organizations
- Witches in entertainment: films, television, stage, and popular fiction.
Specifications
Black-and-white photographs and illustrations. Index. Bibliography. Cross-references. Further reading.
About the Author(s)
Rosemary Ellen Guiley is one of the foremost authorities on the paranormal. Psychic experiences in childhood led to her lifelong study and research of paranormal mysteries. A journalist by training, she has worked full time in the paranormal since 1983 as an author, presenter, and investigator. She has written 31 nonfiction books on paranormal topics—translated into 13 languages—as well as hundreds of articles. She has appeared on numerous television, documentary, and radio shows. She is also a member of the League of Paranormal Gentlemen for Spooked Productions, a columnist for TAPS Paramagazine, a consulting editor for FATE magazine, and writer for the "Paranormal Insider" blog. Guiley’s books include The Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits, Third Edition; The Encyclopedia of Magic and Alchemy; The Encyclopedia of Vampires, Werewolves, and Other Monsters; The Encyclopedia of Angels, Second Edition; and The Encyclopedia of Saints, all for Facts On File. She lives in Connecticut.