The Witch-cult in Western Europe: A Study in Anthropology

Delving into the tangled histories of witchcraft across Britain and its neighbours, this study sets aside sensational tales to let the original court records and contemporary chronicles speak for themselves. By juxtaposing English, Scottish, French and Flemish sources, the author uncovers a surprisingly coherent set of beliefs and practices that persisted long after the official church denounced them. The narrative balances scholarly rigor with clear explanations, inviting listeners to see how early investigators were often split between outright belief and outright denial, each side shaping the evidence to fit its worldview.

The book follows the cult’s inner life—from its ancestral deities and secret initiation rites to the organization of gatherings and the enigmatic roles of familiars and transformative rituals. Along the way, it offers fresh insights into the social functions of these gatherings and how they mirrored broader religious traditions. Listeners will come away with a nuanced picture of a hidden religion that once threaded through everyday life, long before the modern myths took hold.