David EP Dennis
This is a book for those who are Witches or followers of Wicca - or those interested in these crafts. The book contains a wide-ranging examination of the connection between hares and witchcraft, including the hare’s special nature, how it was hunted, its connection to the Devil, the moon and shape-shifting, marked by the Triskele symbol. There are chapters on witchcraft as a society, aspects of the hare and its rich folklore, how the hare evolved, the concern over ergot poisoning, the stealing of the Host from Mass for black magic purposes and the use of animals as ’familiars’. Then the book gives descriptions of a series of interrogations and trials where hares are involved in evidence against a series of witches in England and Scotland. These are the Pendle Witch Trials, Issobell Robie and the Hare Shape-Shifting Traditions of Scotland, The Case of Jean Thomson and the Hares of Dumfries. The Fairy Queen of Elphame and her kingdom are examined along with weather magic, elf shot, healing charms and the hidden machinery of the supernatural world, before the book moves on to its most terrifying aspect, the remarkable trial of Issobell Gowdie and the darkest visions of Scottish Witchcraft. We learn about her witch world and coven activities at Lochloy near Nairn. The book then describes her confessions at Auldearne, surely the very worst of all witch trial records in Britain - including the chapter titled: Becoming a Hare: The Most Famous Shape-Shifting Confession in British History. There follows a psychological inquest on Issobell Gowdie’s mind - why did she say what she did? Lastly, we examine the Calendar of the Seasons and the Moon Esbats - and the relationship between Wicca and the Hare and how Wicca could become the saviour of our natural environment. The Foreword is by noted eclectic Wiccan, Dianne Westray.
