Treading the Mill is a practical grimoire based on the methods used in modern Traditional Witchcraft. Drawing on traditions pre-dating the Gardnerian revival and other forms of current, neo-pagan practice, the author describes lore that has been passed on outside of the more generally known practices, deriving from an older stratum of belief and knowledge. This type of Craft has a completely different “feel” to it, being wilder, more primal and raw and less structured than other paths; it draws its inspiration, energy and ethos directly from the natural forces and energies of the Land, and works directly with the manifestation of these. The rites, techniques, recipes and methods given in this book are not drawn from only one path of Traditional Witchcraft – as these are many and varied – but are derived from various teachings given to the author by practitioners from different traditions and paths. They are part of an on-going, magical stream, outside of, but running alongside of modern versions of the Craft; some of these have their roots in the distant past but are here given a more modern expression. The author begins by covering techniques for setting up and creating your own working area, the tools used in Traditional Witchcraft for this and related purposes and lore concerning the Cauldron-Cup and sacred beverages. He then goes on to cover practical aspects of traditional spell working, herbal magic and practice, creating potions, charms and chants. The second half of the book is concerned with the more esoteric aspects of Traditional Craft and discusses methods of visualisation and trance, spirit projection, working with elemental and natural spirits, the energies of hearth and home, familiars and contacting and working with your fetch spirit. In the final chapter, the Gods of Traditional Witchcraft are discussed and techniques are offered for direct contact and communion with these powerful forces. This is a practical and approachable book, gathering together much diverse material, some of which has never been seen in print before. It sets out an alternative to modern Wiccan practice and gives a glimpse into a more arcane and archetypal working system.
Starting with explanations and definitions the book goes on to contain: Crafting the Compass - Introduction, Crafting the Compass, Tools, Calling the Directions, Content of the Rite, Closing Statement & Thanks, Honouring the Directions, Opening/Dismissing the Compass, Place of Working, Examples; WandCrafting - What is a Wand? Traditional Tree Lore, Dryads, Types of Wood, Tree Properties & Attributes, Cutting wood for magical purposes, Creating your Wand, A Hallowing Rite; Raising the Cup - Introduction, The Cup, Raising the Cup, Wines, The Recipes, Other Brews; and, Entering the Twilyte - In preparation, but will include techniques of focus, concentration, visualisation, raising energy, trance-work and projection.It also covers: SpellCrafting - What is a Spell?
Charms & Chants, Herbal Magic & Wortcunning, Simples Potions Oils & Lotions, Elemental & Nature Magic, On collecting plant materials for magical use; Spirit Working - Introduction, Spirits of the Natural World, Spirits of Home & Hearth, Concerning Familiars, The Fetch Body, The Ancestors & The Mighty Dead, The Elvenkind or Faerie-folk; and, Approaching the Powers - Introduction, The God (King of the Woodland, Lord of the Mound, Master of Light), The Goddess (Bright Queen, Dark Queen).
