Treading the Mill : Workings in Traditional Witchcraft by Nigel G. Pearson

Trade paperback.

First published as ‘Treading the Mill – Practical Craft Working in Modern Traditional Witchcraft’, this new edition of Nigel G. Pearson’s popular book is presented with a new chapter, revised text and is complimented with photography from the author and new imagery.  With a new introduction for the second edition, and the original introduction, the book’s chapters are arranged as follows: 

Hallowing the Compass; Tools, Calling the Directions, Content of the Rite, Closing Statement & Thanksgiving, Honouring the Directions, Opening/Dismissing the Compass, Place of Working, Examples. Wand Crafting; What is a Wand?  Aspects of Traditional Tree Lore, Dryads, Types of Wood, Some Native Trees, Cutting Wood for Magical Purposes, Creating your Wand, Finishing Off your Wand, A Hallowing Rite. Spell Crafting. What is a Spell? Verbal Charms and Chants, Herbal Magic and Wortcunning, Simples, Potions, Oils and Lotions, Elemental & Nature Magic. Censing the Sacred; History & Background, Practical Applications of Incense, Incense Burning, Incense Materials, Incense Blending, Formulae, A Rite of Offering. Entering the Twilyte; Some Definitions, Personal Protection, Focus and Attention, Accumulating Power, Trance Working, Soul Flight or Transvection. Spirit Working; Spirits of the Natural World, Spirits of Home and Hearth, Concerning Familiars, The Fetch Body, The Ancestors and the Mighty Dead, The Elvenkind or Faerie Folk. Approaching the Powers; The God, King of the Wildwood, Walking the Way, The Lord of the Mound, Entering the Maze, The Master of Light, Calling the Master, The Goddess, The Great Queen, Addressing the Dame, The Black Goddess, Watching the Stars Below, Approaching the Power, A Rite of Self-Dedication to the Old Power. Selected Bibliography and Suggested Reading List