Travis Simpkins: High Priestess

Showing posts with label High Priestess. Show all posts

Monday, November 3, 2025

The Outer Temple of Witchcraft. Christopher Penczak

The Outer Temple of Witchcraft. Christopher Penczak. Wicca. Paganism. Magick. Occult

I'm enjoying "The Outer Temple of Witchcraft", Book Two in the highly regarded book series by Christopher Penczak.

This new edition of the award-winning Outer Temple of Witchcraft features enhancements, corrections, and a focus on inclusivity. As you enter the heart of witchcraft, you find at its core the power of sacred space. In Christopher Penczak's first book, The Inner Temple of Witchcraft, you found the sacred space within yourself. Now The Outer Temple of Witchcraft helps you manifest the sacred in the outer world through ritual and spellwork. The book's twelve lessons, with exercises, rituals, and homework, follow the traditional Wiccan one-year-and-a-day training period. It culminates in a self-test and self-initiation ritual to the second degree of witchcraft―the arena of the priestess and priest.

COVR Award Winner (tied) for Book of the Year and Winner for Best Magic/Magick Book

https://amzn.to/4hKJEbe

Friday, September 26, 2025

Eileen Smith. Lady Cara. Author. Gardnerian Wicca. Witchcraft. Ceremonial Magick. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

Eileen Smith

also known as

Lady Cara

Author of

The Witches' Heart

Gardnerian Wicca

by Travis Simpkins

Different Types of Wiccans

For more info, please visit:

bucklandmuseum.org

and

museumofwitchcraftandmagic.co.uk

Eileen Smith. Lady Cara. Author. The Witches' Heart. Gardnerian Wicca. by Travis Simpkins

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Maxine Sanders. Witchcraft. Alexandrian Wicca. Ceremonial Magick. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

Maxine Sanders

Author and Occultist

Co-Founder of

Alexandrian Wicca

Wife of Alex Sanders (1926 - 1988)

Key Figure in the Development

of Modern Pagan Witchcraft

Founder of

The Temple of the Mother coven

by Travis Simpkins

A Conversation with Maxine Sanders

Maxine Sanders Interview

For more info, please visit:

thewitchesalmanac.com/maxinesanders

and

museumofwitchcraftandmagic.co.uk

Maxine Sanders. Witchcraft. Alexandrian Wicca. Ceremonial Magick. by Travis Simpkins

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Book of Shadows. Phyllis Curott. Autobiography. Wicca. Witchcraft

I'm enjoying Phyllis Curott's autobiography "Book of Shadows."

When Phyllis Curott, a high-powered Manhattan lawyer began exploring Witchcraft, she discovered a spiritual movement that defied all stereotypes. Encountering neither satanic rites nor eccentric spinsters, she came to embrace the reconstruction of Europe's indigenous spirituality; the religion of the Goddess. Book of Shadowschronicles Phyllis' introduction and initiation inteo Wicca, her ascension to the position of Wiccan High Priestess, and her efforts to reconcile her newfound spirituality with her struggles as a woman rising through the ranks of the corporate world. Along the way, she relates the history of Witchcraft and shares many traditional Wiccan practices. Engagingly written and rich with detailed rituals, spells, and techniques, this inspirational book traces a modern woman's spiritual journey into a realm of extraordinary experience and enlightenment.

https://amzn.to/4a3kwaN

Thursday, October 5, 2023

Maria de Naglowska. Occult. Mysticism. Sex Magick. Brotherhood of the Golden Arrow. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

Maria de Naglowska

(1883 - 1936)

Sophiale de Montparnasse

High Priestess of Love of the Temple of the Third Era

Russian Occultist, Author, Journalist and Poet

Sex Magician

Founder of the

Confrerie de la Fleche d'Or

(Brotherhood of the Golden Arrow)

Author of "The Light of Sex"

by Travis Simpkins

The Commandments of the Third Term of the Trinity

For more info, please visit:

innertraditions.com/maria-de-naglowska

Maria de Naglowska. Occult. Sex Magick. The Light of Sex. Brotherhood of the Golden Arrow. by Travis Simpkins

Monday, July 31, 2023

Maxine Sanders. Witchcraft. Alexandrian Wicca. Ceremonial Magick. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

Maxine Sanders

Author and Occultist

Co-Founder of

Alexandrian Wicca

Wife of Alex Sanders (1926 - 1988)

Key Figure in the Development

of Modern Pagan Witchcraft

Founder of

The Temple of the Mother coven

by Travis Simpkins

A Conversation with Maxine Sanders

Maxine Sanders Interview

For more info, please visit:

thewitchesalmanac.com/maxinesanders

and

museumofwitchcraftandmagic.co.uk

Maxine Sanders. Witchcraft. Alexandrian Wicca. Alex Sanders. Ceremonial Magick. by Travis Simpkins

Saturday, July 15, 2023

Witchcraft Today. Gerald Gardner. Wicca. Occult. Magick

First published in 1954, "Witchcraft Today" was a landmark text that inspired a Revival. Written by Gerald Gardner, the Father of Wicca. Still an interesting read 70 years later.

An expanded edition of the quintessential Wiccan classic written by the father of the pagan renaissance.

First published in 1954, this landmark exploration of Wicca inspired a passionate revival of interest in indigenous British religion and led to the rebirth of a way of life. Encompassing an explanation of Wiccan rituals and tenents, as well as a comprehensive study of occult practices worldwide and throughout the ages, Witchcraft Today is a book that "belongs on the bookshelf of every Witch and every person . . . interested in the whole vast field of the occult" (Raymond Buckland, author of Wicca for Life).

This special expanded edition of the historic volume, reissued in celebration of its 50th anniversary, includes the original introduction written for the book by Dr. Margaret Murray, former president of the British Folklore Society and the author of influential books on Witchcraft. It also includes new material by contemporary practitioners and scholars:

- Judy Harrow, author of Wicca Covens and Devoted to You, discusses the context of Gardner's life and work and gives an analysis of his published sources as well as which later books carry on the major themes.
- Ronald Hutton, eminent historian and author of Triumph of the Moon, looks at Gardner's life and times.
- Wren Walker, coproducer of the Witches' Voice website, shares her observations about Wicca today.
- Graduate student Tara Nelson looks into the religion's possible future.

This audacious work is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the ancient practice of Witchcraft, or by its growing influence on contemporary culture, including references to the practice of Wicca on TV and in movies, and courses that teaches its principles in mainstream academic institutions. Combining an exploration of the often-secret past of Witches with a look at its current practice, Witchcraft Today is an essential tool to be used for study, reflection, inspiration, and transformative ideas.

Sunday, June 11, 2023

Maxine Sanders. Witchcraft. Alexandrian Wicca. Ceremonial Magick. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

Maxine Sanders

Author and Occultist

Co-Founder of

Alexandrian Wicca

Wife of Alex Sanders (1926 - 1988)

Key Figure in the Development

of Modern Pagan Witchcraft

Founder of

The Temple of the Mother coven

by Travis Simpkins

A Conversation with Maxine Sanders

Maxine Sanders Interview

For more info, please visit:

thewitchesalmanac.com/maxinesanders

and

museumofwitchcraftandmagic.co.uk

Maxine Sanders. Witchcraft. Alexandrian Wicca. Alex Sanders. Ceremonial Magick. by Travis Simpkins

Monday, May 22, 2023

Eileen Smith. Lady Cara. Author. Gardnerian Wicca. Witchcraft. Ceremonial Magick. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

Eileen Smith

also known as

Lady Cara

Author of

The Witches' Heart

Gardnerian Wicca

by Travis Simpkins

Different Types of Wiccans

For more info, please visit:

bucklandmuseum.org

and

museumofwitchcraftandmagic.co.uk

Eileen Smith. Lady Cara. Author. The Witches' Heart. Gardnerian Wicca. by Travis Simpkins

Friday, January 27, 2023

Maria de Naglowska. Occult. Mysticism. Sex Magick. Brotherhood of the Golden Arrow. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

Maria de Naglowska

(1883 - 1936)

Sophiale de Montparnasse

High Priestess of Love of the Temple of the Third Era

Russian Occultist, Author, Journalist and Poet

Sex Magician

Founder of the

Confrerie de la Fleche d'Or

(Brotherhood of the Golden Arrow)

Author of "The Light of Sex"

by Travis Simpkins

The Commandments of the Third Term of the Trinity

For more info, please visit:

innertraditions.com/maria-de-naglowska

Maria de Naglowska. Occult. Sex Magick. The Light of Sex. Brotherhood of the Golden Arrow. by Travis Simpkins

Sunday, November 27, 2022

Maria de Naglowska. Occult. Mysticism. Sex Magick. Brotherhood of the Golden Arrow. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

Maria de Naglowska

(1883 - 1936)

Sophiale de Montparnasse

High Priestess of Love of the Temple of the Third Era

Russian Occultist, Author, Journalist and Poet

Sex Magician

Founder of the

Confrerie de la Fleche d'Or

(Brotherhood of the Golden Arrow)

Author of "The Light of Sex"

by Travis Simpkins

The Commandments of the Third Term of the Trinity

For more info, please visit:

innertraditions.com/maria-de-naglowska

Maria de Naglowska. Occult. Sex Magick. The Light of Sex. Brotherhood of the Golden Arrow. by Travis Simpkins

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Maxine Sanders. Witchcraft. Alexandrian Wicca. Ceremonial Magick. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

Maxine Sanders

Author and Occultist

Co-Founder of

Alexandrian Wicca

Wife of Alex Sanders (1926 - 1988)

Key Figure in the Development

of Modern Pagan Witchcraft

Founder of

The Temple of the Mother coven

by Travis Simpkins

A Conversation with Maxine Sanders

Maxine Sanders Interview

For more info, please visit:

thewitchesalmanac.com/maxinesanders

and

museumofwitchcraftandmagic.co.uk

Maxine Sanders. Witchcraft. Alexandrian Wicca. Ceremonial Magick. by Travis Simpkins

Monday, October 24, 2022

Eileen Smith. Lady Cara. Author. Gardnerian Wicca. Witchcraft. Ceremonial Magick. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

Eileen Smith

also known as

Lady Cara

Author of

The Witches' Heart

Gardnerian Wicca

by Travis Simpkins

Different Types of Wiccans

For more info, please visit:

bucklandmuseum.org

and

museumofwitchcraftandmagic.co.uk

Eileen Smith. Lady Cara. Author. The Witches' Heart. Gardnerian Wicca. by Travis Simpkins

Thursday, October 6, 2022

Maria de Naglowska. Occult. Mysticism. Sex Magick. Brotherhood of the Golden Arrow. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

Maria de Naglowska

(1883 - 1936)

Sophiale de Montparnasse

High Priestess of Love of the Temple of the Third Era

Russian Occultist, Author, Journalist and Poet

Sex Magician

Founder of the

Confrerie de la Fleche d'Or

(Brotherhood of the Golden Arrow)

Author of "The Light of Sex"

by Travis Simpkins

The Commandments of the Third Term of the Trinity

For more info, please visit:

innertraditions.com/maria-de-naglowska

Maria de Naglowska. Occult. Sex Magick. The Light of Sex. Brotherhood of the Golden Arrow. by Travis Simpkins

Sunday, October 2, 2022

Drawing Down the Moon. Margot Adler. Wicca. Witchcraft. Paganism. Occult

Originally published in the 1970s, "Drawing Down the Moon" by Margot Adler has become a classic on neo-paganism and witchcraft.

The essential text and classic study of Neo-Paganism

Since its original publication, Drawing Down the Moon continues to be the only detailed history of the burgeoning but still widely misunderstood Neo- Pagan subculture. Margot Adler attended ritual gatherings and interviewed a diverse, colorful gallery of people across the United States, people who find inspiration in ancient deities, nature, myth, even science fiction.

In this edition, featuring an updated resource guide of newsletters, journals, books, groups, and festivals, Margot Adler takes a fascinating and honest look at the religious experiences, beliefs, and lifestyles of modern America's Pagan groups.

Friday, August 5, 2022

The Magick of Candle Burning. Gerina Dunwich. Occult. Divination. Wicca

Most of us, whether we realize it or not, utilize candles in a ritualistic sense for creating atmosphere in prayer and on special occasions. "The Magick of Candle Burning" by Gerina Dunwich offers a mystical and mindful approach to this ancient art, focusing on conscious color choice and methods of consecration.

Outlines the magical powers of candles, and explains the rituals, omens, and superstitions connected with them.

Gerina Dunwich was born on December 27, 1959. After discovering at a very young age that she possessed certain psychic gifts and the ability to make contact with spirits of the dead, she developed an intense interest in the world of the occult. In the summer of 1969 she was formally introduced to witchcraft and spiritualism by an older family member, and has since devoted her personal life and writing career to educating the public about the ways of the Craft.
As a teenager, Gerina Dunwich (using a different nom de plume at the time) began writing poetry, short stories, magazine articles, and stage plays complete with musical scores. Her first published newspaper article, His Voice was His Vehicle, was an interview with singer/songwriter Jim Peterik from the rock n’ roll group, the Ides of March (and later, Survivor). Co-written with her cousin, Barbara Williams, it was published in October 1976.
By the spring of 1980 Gerina Dunwich was publishing a small press literary journal called Golden Isis, a one-woman operation that specialized in Goddess-inspired poetry and offbeat fiction. Its international circulation grew to nearly 3600 and it attracted subscribers from places as far away as Puerto Rico, Australia, Italy, and Japan. Circle of Shadows - a collection of Gerina’s own poetry, was self-published a decade later.
After visiting Salem, Massachusetts, in April of 1984, Gerina relocated to the North Shore of Boston, residing first in Beverly, and then in Ipswich. In the winter of 1986, she purchased the historic Moses Day Homestead - a stately 17th century Colonial house in Haverhill that had been built around the time of the infamous Salem witchcraft trials. The house, which had been featured in a local television documentary about haunted houses in the Boston area, was a hotbed of paranormal activity. Soon after moving there, Gerina experienced a vivid dream in which the spirit of the late witchcraft author Sybil Leek appeared and whispered to her that her destiny as an author was "written in the stars." The dream proved to be prophetic when, in 1987, Gerina landed her first book contract with Citadel Press. (Appropriately, the contract was dated October 31st.) The following year saw the publication of her first book, Candlelight Spells, and the start of her successful career as a prolific book author.
In December of 1993 she moved into a century-old Victorian mansion located in the quaint and historic town of Fort Covington, New York. She soon opened a small shop on High Street called "The Country Witch" (later renamed "The Calico Cat Whatnot Shop"), which sold antiques, curios and various occult supplies. (Coincidentally, the antique shop run by Sybil Leek in the New Forest was also located on a High Street.) The business proved to be instrumental in bringing together many of the area's Pagans, including several who would later become Gerina's close friends and members of her coven.
In February of 1998 Gerina Dunwich received a ministerial license from the Universal Life Church. Ironically, the first handfasting she performed as a legally ordained minister was for the younger brother of the cousin who had introduced her to witchcraft nearly thirty years earlier.
Gerina has been a guest on numerous radio talk shows throughout the United States and Canada. She has lectured and presented workshops at festivals and gatherings across the country, including the CraftWise Pagan Gathering (Waterbury, Connecticut), the Real Witches' Ball (Columbus, Ohio), and Panpipes' Pagan Day Festival (West Hollywood, California).
She is a member of the International Ghost Hunters Society, the Author’s Guild, and the Fellowship of Isis. Her biography is listed in a number of reference works, such as Who's Who in the East; Who’s Who of American Women, Personalities of America; and Crossroads: Who's Who of the Magickal Community (published by The Witching Well Education and Research Center, 1988). She is also mentioned in Anne Carson's Goddesses and Wise Women, Raymond Buckland’s The Witch Book, and other works.
In addition to being an occult author and respected spokesperson for the Neo-Pagan community, Gerina Dunwich is a freelance paranormal researcher who specializes in ghost animals and animal-related hauntings. In 2005 she founded the Paranormal Animal Research Group, which investigates haunted places and researches animal sensitivity to paranormal anomalies.

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Moon Magic. Dion Fortune. Viven Le Fay Morgan. Lilith Le Fay. Occult. New Age

"Moon Magic" by Dion Fortune is the sequel to her best known novel, "The Sea Priestess." It was published posthumously using manuscripts and notes she had left behind upon her death in 1946.

Almost 15 years after she first appeared in Sea Priestess, Dion Fortune wrote about her heroine Vivien Le Fay again. In Moon Magic Vivien appears as Lilith Le Fay, and uses her knowledge of moontides to construct an astral temple of Hermetic magic. The viewpoint of Lilith Le Fay is purely pagan, and she is a rebel against society, bent upon its alteration. She may, of course, represent my Freudian subconscious... --'from the Introduction 'Dion Fortune's books sell! Sea Priestess has sold 32,000 copies and Moon Magic has 25,000 copies in print. 'First published in 1938 and 1956, neither Sea Priestess nor Moon Magic have been out of print and are enduring favorites among readers of esoteric fiction. 'New packages will update these classic novels and introduce them to a new generation of readers.

Sunday, July 24, 2022

Maxine Sanders. Witchcraft. Alexandrian Wicca. Ceremonial Magick. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

Maxine Sanders

Author and Occultist

Co-Founder of

Alexandrian Wicca

Wife of Alex Sanders (1926 - 1988)

Key Figure in the Development

of Modern Pagan Witchcraft

Founder of

The Temple of the Mother coven

by Travis Simpkins

A Conversation with Maxine Sanders

Maxine Sanders Interview

For more info, please visit:

thewitchesalmanac.com/maxinesanders

and

museumofwitchcraftandmagic.co.uk

Maxine Sanders. Witchcraft. Alexandrian Wicca. Alex Sanders. Ceremonial Magick. by Travis Simpkins

Thursday, July 21, 2022

Reclaiming the Power. The How and Why of Practical Ritual Magic. Lady Sabrina. Occult

"Reclaiming the Power" by Lady Sabrina is a great mid-level guide to Ritual Magick. The material is accessible, but slightly more advanced than a typical 101 style book. Sadly, it is out of print, but used copies can still be found easily.

This book is for anyone who has ever wondered about magic... ever wanted to try it... or even had a goal to achieve. Here, for the first time, ritual magic is laid out for the practical person.