Description:Published in English for the first time, this groundbreaking book by Radomir Ristic is a compilation of historical data, anthropological studies, and the authors own experiences and interviews with the Witches of the Balkans. Covering both theory and practice, the book gives a complete system of Balkan Traditional Witchcraft.Balkan Traditional Witchcraft is an ancient system from humanity's dawn that has survived into modern times due to the unique history of the region, and its practice can be applied to any culture, state or region in the world.Translated into English by Michael C. Carter, Jr., this book - a bestseller in its native Serbia - is an incredible look into the world of the Balkan Witch, covering ritual trance, tools, rites for healing, love, divination, defense and for making charms. It also explores the supernatural beings that Balkan Witches share their world with, deities, fairies and other spirits. There has never been such a deep exploration of the magic of this region available in English before.
This is one for the "traditional witchcraft" practitioners here. This is the true European folk magic and far removed from the fluffy Llewellyn stuff. I found this a fascinating book. The author covers the history of Balkan traditional witchcraft and describes workings and rituals in such detail that this is also a "how to" book. There is an extensive list of traditional Balkan herbs and their uses as well as the significance of numbers and sacred animals. There are traditional divination methods and some useful tips on flying for the beginner.As it has been translated into English from the original Serbian the style is a little awkward at times. Some of it was rather uncomfortable reading for me and I truly hope no one is inspired to create an amulet in the traditional way. They will certainly have the animal welfare charities after them . It does emphasis that there is a price to be paid for magic and that the price can be heavy.I have only skimmed the surface of it so far but there are workings and rituals here that I will certainly be adapting into my own trad practices.