Alpine Witchery: Austrian Folk Magic, Lore & Spellcraft

by Christian Brunner, Danu Forest (Foreword by)

Overview

Experience the Austrian Witch Trials through Authentic Stories and Spells

Uncover a hidden world of European folk magic preserved within trial documents from the Austrian Alps. Christian Brunner reveals nearly fifty spells and the captivating stories behind them, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of the accused. He also teaches you how to adapt these workings for your own modern practice.

Explore translated testimonies and enchantments originally recorded between the Renaissance and the Age of Enlightenment, a time before the Brothers Grimm standardized German grammar. Using the defendants’ and witnesses’ own words, Brunner paints a vivid picture of Alpine witchcraft, including the pressures, tensions, and influences of the times.

With riveting details about the witch trials and advice for making historic Alpine spells your own, this is an essential resource for those seeking to connect with the past and harness its wisdom.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780738777672
Publisher:	Llewellyn Worldwide, LTD.
Publication date:	11/08/2024
Pages:	280
Sales rank:	85,129
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 7.50(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Christian Brunner (Arlington, MA) has studied shamanic practices for more than forty years and naturopathic methods for almost thirty. These experiences encouraged his deep fascination for the Alpine lore and traditions in his native Austria. He has authored Mountain Magic and several articles for druid order journals, such as Touchstone, Druidenstein, and Trilithon. He is also a druid in the Order of Bard, Ovates & Druids. Visit him at ChristianBrunner.com.

Danu Forest is a traditional Celtic wisewoman who has studied on the Celtic path for over thirty years. She is noted for her many years of experience, her gifts as a natural hereditary seer, and her scholarly research. She lives in the wild marshes surrounding the legendary Glastonbury Tor and is the author of several books, including Celtic Tree Magic: Ogham Lore and Druid Mysteries. She holds an MA in Celtic Studies.

Table of Contents

Contents

Foreword—xi

Introduction—1

Chapter 1: Who Were "the Witches" Anyway?—9

Chapter 2: Making the Old New—33

Chapter 3: Some Witchcraft Practice—51

Chapter 4: Healing Magic—65

Chapter 5: Weather Magic—97

Chapter 6: Livestock Magic—131

Chapter 7: Love and Jealousy Magic—159

Chapter 8: Curses and Binding Spells—181

Chapter 9: Spells for All Kinds of Situations—219

Conclusion: So Mote It Be—249

Appendix: List of Ingredients—257

Bibliography—263

Editorial Reviews

"This book is a delicious fusion of impeccable research, fine scholarship, and deep vision. Brunner effortlessly combines history with practice in a fascinating and compelling manner that will have you glued to every page. I could not put this book down; every chapter contains jewels of information that has opened a new and refreshing door onto an Alpine magical landscape that you will never forget. The inclusion of historical spells with instructions on how they can be replicated in a manner applicable to 21st-century practice is sheer genius. What you have in your hands is sure to become a classic of central European magical history and practice."
—Kristoffer Hughes, Chief of the Anglesey Druid Order, author of The Book of Druidry

"An absolute treasure trove of historical magic, informed by a deep cultural understanding, this book is not to be missed. Rather than a dry recounting, the charms within are brought to life with suggestions for use today, as well as insights into the lives of those through whose words they were transmitted to us. An invaluable addition to any bookshelf, and certainly a work I will return to time and again."
—Moss Matthey, author of An Apostate's Guide to Witchcraft

"Brunner presents an in-depth historic and practical study of ancient and syncretic traditions from a region that has remained largely unexplored by the English-speaking world. The citations and analyses of the records of witchcraft trials provide the history and context for the cultural experiences of the Alpine peoples. The examination of the similarities and differences in beliefs and actions throughout the region demonstrate the value of Brunner's work, including to researchers in the Germanic diaspora. The uses, spells, and magical instructions serve as useful guides for the modern practitioner of magical systems, Germanic or otherwise. This is an excellent resource that is poised to serve as a reference point for Hexerei practitioners anywhere!"
—Robert Schreiwer, Heathen activist and manager of Huginn's Heathen Hof

"This is a fascinating book exploring court evidence of Alpine witchcraft. It's the most interesting witchcraft book I've ever read and is as likely to appeal to people interested in history and folklore as it is to practicing witches."
—Nimue Brown, author of Spirituality Without Structure

From the Publisher