Hallowtide
A Dark Devotional
Hallowtide: A Dark Devotional explores the sacred days between Hallowe’en and Martinmas. It is a moment of the year which offers a deep well of dark magic. As the leaves yellow and fall, and pavements and forest tracks are covered in fairy gold, much that is strange and disturbing, yet exquisitely beautiful, emerges from the swirling mists. In the darkness, surrounded by the scent of decay, we feel keenly our own mortality and the presence of those who have died recently or long ago: family members, distant ancestors, friends and beloved animal companions. By indulging our emotions at this time, we embrace life with greater intensity. The book casts its spell through personal memories and reflections on joy and loss, woven together with a little of the history and folklore of these holy days. It includes spells, recipes and pathworkings. There are also nine Dark Devotions, powerful, tried-and-tested rituals which can be adapted to suit the tastes of the various streams of witchcraft and magical practice. They are perfect for the dark times but most are suitable for working throughout the year. Beautifully illustrated by Alice Kerridge-Crick, this book will make you laugh, cry, reflect on life and loss and embrace the melancholy of the season while always acknowledging that renewal, growth and blossoming will return.
Available in the following editions:
Paperback Edition: gloss laminate cover – to follow
Hardback Edition: – dust jacketed with gloss cover – to follow
Special Edition: a limited edition of 175 hand-numbered examples bound in black faux leather, gold foil blocking to front and spine, tan end papers and gold head and tail bands. 80gsm cream paper stock.
Size: All editions – 156mm x 234mm 168 pages with line drawings
Foreword by Candia McKormack
Introduction
Labyrinth Prayer
30th October: A Gathering of Community
The Ghost of Parties Past
A Bottle Spell for Hallowtide
31st October: Hallowe’en at the House of a Friend
Embracing the Orange and the Black
A Hallowtide Incense
Dittany of Crete
Black Cat
Ghost Tunnel
1st November: All Saints’ Day
Perfect Timing: A Tiny Miracle
Martyrs
At Lollard’s Pit
Coffin Nail
Mortui Vivos Docent
2nd November: All Souls’ Day: Sweet Cakes and the Ringing of Bells
For the Friends who have Died
The Chapel in the Mist – A Pathworking
Bone White
3rd November: And Still the Ghosts Walk
Scrying
Besom
Elder
4th November: Orb
In Praise of Beans
Earth
Rooted
Apples, Apples, Apples
In a Thicket of Blackthorn
5th November: Guy Fawkes’ Night
Sparkler
Hand and Glove
Dreamscape
Flame in the Dark
Hag Tapers
6th November: A Secret Betrayed
Secret
Clinging to Summer
Unburdening
The Angels Wept
7th November: Sitting Out
The Secrets of the Bones
Amber
A Curse Upon Those Who Do Me Wrong?
8th November: Seeking a Rose
A Prayer at the Crossroads
Rune
9th November: A Dumb Supper
Mound Sitting
The Source of the Curse
Mole Country
10th November: Honouring the Darkness
Pomegranate
What Ails Us?
Nine Dark Devotional Rituals:
- For Those Who Have Died This Year
- A Reflection On Our Blood Ancestors
- Creatures Loved and Lost
- Honouring Our Magical Ancestors
- Remembering Friendships Lost
- The Darkness Within
- A Ritual For Those Who Suffer
- Pathways
- Of Loss and Transformation
Memento Mori
11th November: Martinmas
A Vial of Tears
Bibliography
Paperback Edition
£14.50 plus shipping
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Dust Jacketed Hardback
£25.00 plus shipping
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Special Edition
£33.50 plus shipping
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