I loved the writing style of this book, how easy and simple it is at all times. There are several chapters that deal with many topics that may seem difficult at first sight, and some explanations could have been challenging. However, Craig made sure to take it easy without that affecting the quality of the book. I was able to see and understand everything and follow his ideas with no problem.

NetGalley Review

Interesting read, Im an American so I can’t contest to its holding true and factual to the line as I can about most book. This book honestly was just a fun read and if anyone else wants to explore this topic in Britain I would recommend this book.

Extensive History of British Witchcraft

Craig Spencer discusses many of the witches in history, such as: CeCil Williamson, Gerald Gardner, Doreen Valiente, Raymond Buckland, Sybil Leek, and many more. He discusses many of the gods and goddesses, the Sabbats and why witches celebrate them.

The author discusses many facets of witchcraft, gatekeepers, and provides a simple ritual used to call upon the various Divine Gatekeepers.

This book is a gem in term of exploring witchcraft in Britain, and that learning about the history of the Qabalah in British occultism is very old, and for many, it has become deeply rooted in the fabric of British Craft. He discusses the different forms that this system has taken over the centuries and how Kabbalah and Qabalah are very different things.

This is a great book for anyone seeking to further their knowledge in British witchcraft.

I like that this included a lot of history as well as information. I enjoyed this and would probably return to this book often as I love learning about the history behind witchcraft as well.

I am grateful that I was able to get to read this as it has alot of useful and interesting information in it.

This book is a breath of fresh air. After so many years of different traditions and reasons for I finally feel I got the real lowdown on what Witchcraft was at its heart. First the history is presented in a way that is engaging and not boring at all. I have been interested in hidden sacred paths for many years and learned a lot of things I didnt know. I also put the book down understanding a lot that before I was unsure of. From the history it moves into the actual practice and gives a very doable set of practices and exercises as well as rituals to try. This book is upbeat and truthful IMO as to what to expect as well as what to disregard. Witchcraft Unchained is a solid start for anyone on the path.

What I liked
-Excellent organization and presentation of the material
-The bits on language and the history of some words were particularly interesting
What Didn't work as well for me
-The Section on Kabbalah and witches didn't feel like it fit within the text.
-British Trad Craft kinda just sounds like Wicca
Who I would recommend this title for

Witchcraft Unchained by Craig Spencer is an informative read on British Traditional Witchcraft that will be an excellent addition to the book shelves of modern practitioners.

For any spooky fans out there, this is the perfect fit. You have to read it. It diagnoses the witchcraft of Britain to its very depth. Craig does his best with the research and paints a wonderful picture for his readers. Lovely read for a light October morning.

Books on British Traditional Craft are not common here in the U. S. When I initiated into Wicca in 1991, I found myself at odds with many of the rituals and teachings. Someone recommended British Traditional Witchcraft, but there no known covens in the U.S. at that time and I could not afford to move to the UK. So I left it at that and walked away (or was pushed away) from Wicca. I wanted to practice magic based on my “witch power.” As Gypsy Ravish later told me, I wanted to practice witchcraft without the religion.

Still, this BTW book is an interesting contrast to Melusine Draco’s work. Her work is also full of good information, but it is oriented from the Coven of the Scales. That was another group I was not allowed to join die to my appearance of complete self-interest. However that may be, I still enjoy her perspective.

This book is very well laid-out and I really enjoyed it. I do wish the section on the rod and stang had been a bit longer. The use of the stang is found most often in BTW but very few can trace the true origins. A foray into uses and differences would have been greatly appreciated and good knowledge. Also, drawings of tools such as the besom, boline, etc. would have helped.

Overall, a great read.

This book claims to cover the recent history of witchcraft in the uk and starts with a chapter on witches through history however these witches are all Wiccan and the sets the tone for the rest of the book.

Next is a chapter in the etymology of words commonly used in witchcraft. Which is a great addition for any beginners to the craft and those wishing to gain a deeper understanding of these common phrases.

We then cover a chapter on the gods again from a heavily Wiccan perspective of maiden mother and crone and horned god, a chapter on the sabbats and esbats, and initiation.

What follows is an interesting chapter discussing gatekeeping in the craft from a practical and divine perspective followed by a list of liminal deities. The ritual that follows is deeply Wiccan in its nature.

The next chapter is one on the witches Kabbalah which is an interesting inclusion but feels a little misplaced somehow. Followed by a chapter on sacred sexuality featuring the great rite which is again heavily Wiccan.

Overall I would say there is some great information to be gleaned from this book and it goes deeper than most Wicca books in the history of the craft but the title is deeply misleading. I feel Wicca Unchained may be a more accurate title.

I really got into this book. I don't personally follow this path. However, the author broke down the history, the language, and the terminology and made it so easy to understand. I like to read varying works regarding magick. And I can truly say I have learned something new by reading this book. I highly recommend it! I voluntarily read this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

i’m a history lover and this book really delivered for me. There are many different stories on the history and foundations of the old craft, but they don’t always get into explaining things as well as Craig Spencer does. The best part of all is being able to have myths cleared up from fact and a list of terms that may not be familiar to you clarified.

Coming from British roots, this book is near and dear to my heart and has given me some clarity on my ancestors who came before me. It soothed my should and allows me to bring some of the older craft into my own modern day practices.

Proclaimed as a fearless approached the nuts and bolts of modern witchcraft — it starts with the history of the Craft and the occult in Britain. Lots of early books are referenced in this section, which sparked my interest in seeking those out. But the terminology section really grabbed me — by far my favorite section of the book. Dispelling some urban myths and current day misgivings. All aspects of the Wheel of the Year have always held my heart, but talk of Samhain has me already looking forward to Fall. 🍂🔮✨