Witchcraft: A Graphic History

<p><b>'Every witch uses her magic differently. I use mine to heal people while others ...'<br>'What do the others do!? Are there many different types of witches!?'<br>'Oh yes! Many ...'</b> <p/>Join Lindsay a young and curious 19th-century lady as <b>she meets Biddy Early the famous 'wise woman of County Clare'</b> and learns all about the magickal arts--from which plants can be used to make healing poultices and potions to how people dealt with the social and political stigma of practicing witchcraft. <p/><b>Biddy Early</b> who lived from 1798-1874 in Ireland was by no means the first-ever witch but she was <b>the first to appear on the historical record</b>. Before her fears and superstitions surrounding practitioners of 'the nameless art' were too strong. It is said that Biddy took an apprenticeship with the 'good folk' <i>sidhe </i>or faeries when she was very young and it was from them that <b>she learned her skill as a healer</b>. <p/>Never one to accept monetary payment for the help she offered Biddy would often swap home-brewed alcohol for her services which in turn made her ramshackle cottage in Feakle a hub for the local community. When <b>her little corner of the county drew the attention of the Catholic Church </b>and the local authorities things became very difficult for this unusual woman... <p/>Encompassing <b>self-empowerment feminism dealing with stigma and eco-spirituality as well as plant magic traditions and green wisdom</b> <i>Witchcraft: A Graphic History</i> is a fresh take on an endlessly fascinating subject.</p>