- Joined
- Jul 3, 2023
- Messages
- 4,624
- Reaction score
- 21,771
- Awards
- 15
In occult literature, the Vestments of the Art Magical are poorly understood, principally because few save the body of initiates behold them. The robe, mask, hood, mantle, garter, and veil, constituting the exterior arrayments of the witch, trace their pedigree to a number of magical sources, each constituting a mystery of form and function.
These mystical underpinnings often possess a deeper arcanum, being both emblematic of specified witch-powers and serving a hidden ritual purpose. In The Devil’s Raiments, Martin Duffy examines the relationship of the sorcerer to that which clothes him, with particular emphasis on the witch-cult. Also explored is the modern perception of the witch as the Naked Enchantress, as well as the some of the older historical rationales for the portrayal of nudity in witchcraft.
Martin Duffy lives in Sussex, England and writes on the subjects of folk magic, mythology and the occult arts; in particular the manner in which they relate to traditional witch-lore and practices. He has most recently composed a series of articles treating foci and mysteries pertinent to the witch-cult. These works have appeared in the pages of THE CAULDRON and CLAVIS JOURNAL.
He also contributed an essay to an anthology published by Llewellyn, concerning the manner in which occult philosophy informs and permeates the working of practical folk-magic. Mr. Duffy’s first title for Three Hands Press is The Devil’s Raiments, treating the subject of traditional ritual vestments and attire, and their symbolism.
Buy:
