Keepers of the Flame: Interviews with Elders of Traditional Witchcraft in America

By Morganna Davies and Aradia Lynch

Book Overview

Traditional witches have preferred to remain anonymous, quietly practicing their craft. These elders are growing older and the torches are being passed to a new generation. This book is not about the elders; it is a record of their opinions, views, and comments of what the craft was and what they think it will become in the future.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0970901305
• ISBN13: 9780970901309
• Release Date: November 2006
• Publisher: Hampton Roads Publishing Company
• Length: 216 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.8" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Destined to be a Classic

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and it was a refreshing change from the current trend of books on Wicca and Witchcraft. And as an Italian Witch, I was delighted to see the inclusion of Leo Martello and Lori Bruno in this book. I never had the privilege of meeting or corresponding with Martello, but have had the honor of chatting with Lori Bruno on several occasions. Reading 'Keepers of the Flame' was a delightful walk down memory lane, for which I am grateful to the authors. I first encountered the Craft Community in the San Diego area back in the summer of 1969. The stories, views, and musings in this book took me back to those wonderous days of the early Craft here in the U.S. and made me recall many fond memories of individuals and events.I highly recommend this book for people new to the Craft, and for those seasoned veterans as well. With this book, new folks can gain a better understanding of the Craft from those who cleared the brush along the path so many years ago, seeing here the foundation and the work that opened the way for this spiritual walk as it appears today. For those of us who have been around longer than we care to remember, this book provides an opportunity to remember the witch we once were, and to reflect upon the witch we've now come to be.I have no doubts that this book is destined to be a classic in the ongoing history of the Craft, and IMHO no personal library of any Witch or Wiccan should be without a copy.

Keepers of the Flame

How often have you heard the phrase, "You really had to be there."? Well if you were NOT there, then Morganna Davies and Aradia Lynch, may very well have produced the next best thing. FOR THOSE WHO ARE NEW: Respected Elders of various traditions of The Craft offer their perceptions of how it was, what it is, and where they think it may all be going. Through their eyes and words, one is given a rare glimpse into what the magical life was like before the dawning of The New Age. No "micro wave magick" in this book! It was not that long ago, and yet it was another life time. FOR THOSE WHO REMEMBER: This book invokes a look back through the words of these elders, some of whom sadly have passed, but have left their mark and helped change the course of magickal history in their own ways. As you read these words, you will smile as the "Deja Vu" washes over you. FOR ALL: An inmportant reminder of where we come from, and how true craft, regardless of tradition, was meant to be lived, in an effort to save "The Old Ways." Whether this book speaks to you of "The Good Old Days," or "Out Dated Ways," it will cause you to think, rethink, and hopefully learn. This book really needed to be written, and what a good thing it is that it finally was! You can almost smell the incense...

An Interviewee Says:

Having been interviewed by Morganna Davies, and included within the pages of this marvelous book, I find that there is not ONE WORD of it that I would change! It is a perfect way to have a warm fireside chat with the initiates and Elders of various traditions of the Craft that are currently being practised here in the United States. I know several of these people personally and the tone of their written "voice" is exactly the same as speaking with them personally....something many authours are unable to accomplish. Morganna and Aradia have done a marvellous job of keeping the information very REAL. I have personally been practising for more than 40 years, as have many of the others interviewed within these pages, and if you want to learn more of how the Craft was, and where WE think it is most likely to GO.....then DEFINITELY read this book! This is not a HOW-TO book, but it will deepen your understanding of what draws a multitude of fascinating people to such a spectacular religion....and what KEEPS them there!

Passing the Torch

This book is most timely. A vault of information and insight for anyone looking for information on Traditional Craft in America. Davies & Lynch have given us a book which will soon become a real treasure and A MUST-READ for anyone interested in Witchcraft. Much of Trad Craft is taught or passed on orally and/or through experience. It is often difficult for people outside of Traditional Witchcraft to gain access to these Elders, some of which have rarely given public interviews. This book provides valuable experiences by some of the best Elders Traditional Craft has to offer. They are some of the original Pathfinders in America, making it easier for the rest of us to follow. Sadly, 6 of the Elders interviewed in this book are no longer with us, which makes this book their last words to the next generation of Craft Elders. Their flames will burn bright in our hearts, and their contributions to the Craft in America will not be forgotten.

A book for Neophytes and Elders alike

Morganna and Aradia have compiled a series of interviews with Craft Elders, which I believe to be of enormous importance and utility. Because of the structure of the book, the viewpoints of the various Elders profiled can be easily compared and contrasted, and the reader will surely come away with a comprehensive understanding of the Craft today, yesterday, and tomorrow. I would *most* recommend this book to anyone recently interested in the Craft, especially those attempting to sort out the various Traditions. But those who have already found and walked their path for some time will also enjoy hearing the stories and various viewpoints of those that have walked beside them.Bright Blessings