Rating: 
Summary: A Classic Exposition of Mediaeval Sorcery
Review: Paul Huson, artist, actor, novelist, screenwriter and authority on Tarot and Mediaeval Magic originally wrote this book in 1969 and it has since established itself as a highly-regarded 'classic' in the field: it is not difficult to see why.
Firstly it is an exposition of Witchcraft in the purely pre-modern sense of that word, as a Craft (Anglo-Saxon 'Craeft' -'Power, Skill, Force') and he comprehensively expounds the technical knowledge and applied methods by which this innate 'Power' can be methodically tapped and projected by the Witch or Warlock for various pragmatic ends. In other words the term Witchcraft here is used in the same archaic sense as one would find it used in say the 17th century astrological works of William Lilly or William Ramesey when they say that the 12th House of the Chart is the 'House of Witchcraft' - they were not referring to a wiccan-style cult or alternative religion but quite simply meant the exercise of magical power to 'bewitch'. It is in this original and authentic sense that Paul Huson's book is a genuine manual of 'Witchcraft', putting aside the modern meanings which have become attached to that word.
The author presents an immensely skilful synthesis of magical lore and techniques from the traditional Magic of the Middle Ages and imparts a very workable body of spells, invocations, astrological herblore, incenses, philtres and image-magic: he draws upon and weaves together elements from the Solomonic cycle of grimoires, the teachings of Cornelius Agrippa, the 'enlinking' techniques using archetypal images used by Giordano Bruno, the use of Cabalistic kamea in arithmantic invocations etc. For example the invocation to Saturn in the chapter on binding magic is actually a translation/adaptation of the 'Magical Oration to Saturn' from the mediaeval Moorish text the Picatrix(Ghayat-al-Hakim). He blends these learned Hermetic-Cabalistic-Astrological esoteric currents with the rural myhthos of country folk-magic in old England. This is acheived in a way which is both authentic and effective. Indeed Traditional Magic is not subject to contemporary notions of 'progress' or 'improvement': the 'Invincible Magical Discipline' as Agrippa terms it, is timeless, always characterised by a tenacious conservatism and adherence to paradigmatic forms and Paul Huson's book accordingly delivers magical lore which is substantially pre-modern and traditional in flavour.
Yet another minor strain discernable in this book is that of Hoodoo, as seen in the use of certain substances found usually in 'Rootworking' and the creation of sachets which are themselves basically the Mojo Hands or Pacquet Kongo used in Vodoun, derived from the Nkisi of Kongo Magic. Such is the author's consummate skill these cultural elements are harmoniously blended into the brew in a very effective manner.
Furthermore the author's 'voice' throughout is very enjoyable to follow and the book is a great read, lively and expressed throughout with intelligence, stylistic panache and humour.It contains many fine illustrations in an atmospheric woodcut-like style which add a great deal to the text.
In many ways this book was several decades ahead of it's time - it prefigured the contemporary return to authentic mediaeval and renaissance magical lore and technique and provides the reader with a great deal of stimulating and potent material to engage practically. Here is revealed in full detail the true Way of the Warlock for those intrepid souls who would dare penetrate the twilit demesne of mediaeval sorcery and attain to Nigromantic mastery of the Black Art. This essential book contains a wealth of material which will be invaluable to the magical practitioner at any stage of development and is greatly to be recommended.
Rating:
Summary: A True Book
Review: "Mastering Witchcraft" is one of the comparatively few books out there that deals with witchcraft without being explicitly Wiccan (this is probably due to the fact that this book was published before Wicca became a fad). Still, it is based partly on Wiccan practice--Huson cites Gerald Gardner and Doreen Valiente (the first known Wiccans) among his sources. The book is well-researched, drawing from Wicca, medieval magical practices, and mythology. Ethical debates aside, the magical theory is sound (for example, reciting the lord's prayer backwards helps the deep mind to shed any remaining religious and moral codes that might prevent the witch from getting 100% involved in the practice of magic). If you just ignore the history in the introduction, and make note of the "hows" and "whys" of the spells instead of just the spells themselves, I think you'll find this book incredible useful and valuable. I know I have.
Rating:
Summary: Challenging
Review: A mixed blessing. Huson really delivers the goods if you want to quickly immerse yourself in a broad spectrum of magical practice, high and low. What I appreciate most is his enthusiasm, and his refreshing, brazen repudiation of 'karmic law'--if the Wiccan Rede or Law of Three strike you as incorrect in a universe in which compassion and savagery are constantly in play, then you'll appreciate Huson's superhuman attitude. His idea to initiate yourself by reading the Lord's Prayer in reverse is unnecessary, but maybe it's right for you, and it's oddly charming to find such a gleefully anti-Christian attitude in a book on witchcraft. Some people dislike the author's use of 'warlock' instead of male witch, or simply witch, but I think he relishes the concept of breaking faith with God. Why did you initially want to get involved in the occult? If you're a male practitioner, you might have to admit (as I did) that as a youngster, what you really wanted to do was conjure spirits and hurl fireballs at your enemies! This book narrows the gap in that respect, and has a certain aggressive, diabolical appeal that stands out in the current climate of feminized, politically correct new age literature. Huson has his share of preferences that forsake others, but the thinking practitioner has much to gain in examining this book.
Rating:
Summary: A Nice Change
Review: I really liked this book and I've noticed the people who didn't seem to like it tended towards the White Light Wiccan mode of thought. Firstly, this book is *not* about Satanism and it is not about Wicca. And it is not about some ancient celtic/nature religion. It is about Traditional Witchcraft as practiced in Europe in the Middle Ages. It doesn't claim to be ethnically pure or correct. Yes, it mixes ceremonial magick, etc. Research your Middle Ages Witchcraft and you'll find a lot of the pomp and circumstance that is found in this book. It is not a fluffy bunny white light book, don't kid yourself into believing Witchcraft was politically correct in that day and age.In my opinion (and this is all just that) the contents of this book is the closest thing I've seen to Witchcraft as presented in the Middle Ages, a time when they had less knowledge of the spiritual paths of indegenous peoples then we do today. Take for example the origins of the Black Mass. A Black Mass was originally a mass given by a Catholic priest for someone who had died. It was perverted by priests and performed against another priest who was alive and well (some kind of political enemy) in the belief that working the Black Mass for a living being would result in their death. Purely Witchcraft, and definitely not White Light or fraught with concern for the Law of Return. I don't take it all seriously, and I think those that do are making a huge mistake. I particularly love the History of Witchcraft that he gives us though I don't take it as gospel. (It seems a bit hard to swallow). But in spite of that, and maybe because of it, I found this book to be a nice change from the norm and as such a really good read.
Rating:
Summary: Worth the read
Review: I see a lot of debate here about "Mastering Witchcraft". That alone is good, because the more homogenized I see Wicca get, the farther I distance myself from it. I own a metaphysical store and give tarot readings for a living. I've been a high priest for over 20 years. This was the first book on witchcraft I ever read, and nothing since even compares to it. Yes, there are flaws - and you have to consider the time in which it was written. The late 60's. People did not have to be politically correct then, and they weren't. Paul Huson took the best information he had, and in step with his times, he presented it in a better way than anyone has since. It is a little arrogant sometimes. He doesn't back away from the dark side of magick or pretend it doesn't exist like a lot of Wiccan writers that followed him. Huson is not writing about Wicca, he is writing about practicing a craft that may or may not be attached to a religion, a crede, or a system of morals. I am not a child. I don't need my magickal instruction sugar-coated. His version of the symbology is used by almost every witch and Wiccan to this day, even thse who decry his "amorality". Huson has done a lot since. "Mastering Herbalism" is one of the best herbals out there - and he has a book on ESP, two books on the Tarot, and a good horror novel from 1979. As far as I know he's still alive. In the years following his books, he did a lot of producing and writing for television. "Family" with Kristy McNichol, et. al, and "James at 15" in the late 70's, "The Colby's" in the 80's (a spin off of "Dynasty"). The man is quite prolific and diverse in his talents...I am glad that someone put together what he did, when he did it because there's nothing like it now. He has compiled more solid, and yes - amoral - information in 256 pages than most people can do in a thousand.
Every practitioner of magick should have this book in a treasured place on their shelf. Learn from it, take what you like, reject what you don't, and enjoy the read and the concise reference.
Rating: 
Summary: White Meat, or Dark?
Review: If I had had to pay for this book, I may have been a little annoyed. It's not that it's the worst book in the world. Actually it has some very good, authentic lore in it (such as the dumb supper) which is why I considered giving it three stars. The problem I have with this book is that it portrays some of the antinomian aspects of witchcraft in a sophomoric way. While I think that antinomian practices can be magically valid, and in fact this is something I am very interested in, I think there is a fine line between true antinomianism and roving packs of bored teenagers who go out to parks and spraypaint pentagrams on things in order to scare themselves, or rebel against mom & dad. Not that Huson tells you to go and do that, but either some of the material in this book, or the way it is portrayed (such as reciting the Lord's Prayer backwards) is almost hysterically funny. If this is the cure to white-light occultism that is too fluffy, then I am concerned that the cure may be as bad or worse than the disease. No, I really don't think the witches of yore really thought about whether they were white, or dark. I don't think they would hesitate to curse someone if it was ethically justified, but on the other hand I don't think they would go around in a state of paranoia, cursing people just to prove that they weren't white light. Frankly, I don't think the idea of making a "light" or "dark" fashion statement really entered the lexicon of their magic. This is overcomplicating the real moral simplicity of magic, and I think it's just another product of the fact that the old religion was demonized and now pagans and occultists either have to prove that what they do is a Good Thing which isn't a threat to christianity, or conversely, that it is a Dark Thing which needs to be taken seriously because it is not fluffy like those darn white lighters. If the antinomian practices in this book had truly released the author's own pent-up energy regarding Christianity, then I doubt he would have come off this way. Then again, maybe it was intended to make you laugh and that's part of the antinomianism and I just missed that.
Rating:
Summary: Must have for any occultist
Review: Mastering witchcraft is an excellent book on many different aspects of witchcraft. There's a few disclaimers, however. As has been said *many* times before by other reviewers, this is not really a book on wicca, or spirituality/religion. Period. It *is* a book on pragmatic magical work. It's not precisely anti-wiccan, it's simply non-wiccan, and says precisely what it means. Also the book neglects a few popular types of spells: healing, success, money, and generic spell format. I would have also enjoyed it much more if it included more pragmatic information on summoning various types of entities (outside of vassago). I also found the history section to border between interesting and amusing. However, not many books can compete with this book. It covers a lot of topics lightly, and in laymen's terms. It plainly lays open a lot of valuable/thought provoking subjects (albeit, if one is truly interested in a type of magic, nothing can replace hardcore research into said subject). However, it's an excellent starter book for magic/k, as it doesn't try to force one to swallow a set of beliefs and ethics, and covers a wide range of material in a thoughtful, concise, and interesting, albeit dated, way. I would suggest that any occultist read this book. Regardless of one's religion, spirtuality, or ethical code, it is still a worthwhile book to read.
Rating:
Summary: The First and Best book on Witchcraft Ever!!
Review: Mr Huson is a Genius in my eyes. Mastering Witchcraft has nothing to do with Religious Witchcraft movements, it has nothing to do with Karma or the Three Fold Law, in fact it has nothing to do with the New Age Witchcraft movement of modern times. This book does not hold its punches back, the book is well balanced with both positive and negative magic, what New Agers label as Black and White Magic.
I am a big fan of Mr. Huson's work and enjoy his other books and novels. "The Offering" is a must read for those who want a Horror based on African Macumba (Vodou) magic, laced with Santeria.
But this by far has to be one of my favorite books of all time. While more receant books on Witchcraft have to do with Religion, and Karma, Mastering Witchcraft has to do with the ancient art of Witchcraft, leaving the religion aspect out of it. There is one part of the book though that made me laugh a bit. The "Our Father" backwards. Being Hispanic a Santero, Espiritista and a Brujo I often use the old Padre Nuestro, "Our Father" as is, because in itself it is a very powerful prayer in working Magic as are may Psalms. But besides the Our Father backwards, this is your choice if you use it backwards or not, the book is a must have for all Witches.
Many people ask me if I could recommend an English book on Brujeria as practiced by Hispanics, well this is as close to brujeria as you can get. Many people who gave it a negative are basically Wiccans. I respect Wiccans I just hope that they someday realize that all that is Witchcraft does not make it Wicca. One Wiccan reviewer talked like a Christian when he stated. "The Book tells you that in order to practice Witchcraft you have to sell your soul-- and that the book never tells you to whom. Basically as a Brujo we are taught that God rules over all things, Negative and Posative, Good or Bad. When you decide to practice Magic and Witchcraft you are in a sense selling your soul. Or dedicating your Soul. If you are a Christian Witch you sell your Soul to Yhvh, if you practice Lukumi you sell your soul to your Ruling Orisha. (Selling your soul is dedicating your soul.) In the same if you are a Satanist you sell your Soul to Satan. But all things are of God, evil and good. So if Satan is of God, and you sell your Soul to Satan, you sell your Soul to God.
Anyway this is a good book, a bit controversial, but a must read to all Occultists, Witches, and yes even modern day Warlocks, they exist in Spanish they are called Diableros.
I someday hope Paul Huson one day writes a second book on the subject, but until then, check out his other great books.
Rating:
Summary: True Witchcraft
Review: This is not a wiccan book at all. If you believe in wicca then stay away. This book is about true witchcraft as a practice, not religion. If you are interested in working with the spirits and practicing witchcraft then you have discovered your book. There is no mention of Karma here and there shouldnt be, karma is a hindu concept not a witch's.
Rating:
Summary: A must have!
Review: This is without doubt the best book I have read on witchcraft to date. Paul Huson has removed the phoney saccharine covering that so many modern day practitioners have encased their practices in. He gives an open and honest account of witchcraft, (not to be mistaken for goddess worship), provides information ranging from initiation through to forming a coven, and gives many examples of spells and rituals. He has avoided the "donkey chasing the carrot" techniques used by so many writers, and simply tells it as it is, thus refraining from alluding to "the mysteries" and then suggesting you go find it within yourself. Most refreshing! This book is a must for the solitary practitioner who is practicing witchcraft as a craft and not as goddess worship. Those who wish to blend witchcraft with their religion, whatever it may be, will also benefit from this book, provided they can for a while, put aside any dogma and restrictions that their faith may impose.
|
