The Crooked Path: An Introduction to Traditional Witchcraft

📚 If you are genuinely interested in learning about Traditional Witchcraft (as opposed to Wicca or other modern paths), then "The Crooked Path: An Introduction to Traditional Witchcraft" is not just a book—it is the indispensable foundation you need. This work is a masterpiece of clarity, depth, and genuine wisdom, and it absolutely deserves its 5 star rating! ⭐️ What sets this book apart is its unflinching focus on the core concepts, history, and practice of the more cunning-craft and folk-magic stream of the craft. It avoids the fluff and New Age concepts often found in other introductory texts. Instead, it provides a rigorous, grounded, and intensely practical exploration of of many topics including: ● The Witch's Compass: Understanding the ritual space in a traditional context. ● The Land and Familiar Spirits: Establishing a deep, meaningful relationship with your local environment and the spirits within it. ● The Art of the Hedge: Detailed guidance on working with altered states of consciousness, astral travel, and spirit communication. ● Ethos and Practice: A sober discussion of the moral framework and core tools needed. 📚 The author’s voice is knowledgeable, respectful, and authoritative. They don't just give you a list of spells; they give you the philosophical and spiritual framework necessary help you become an even more traditional individual in your path! The book is dense with information, yet remains highly readable, encouraging thoughtful contemplation and slow, dedicated practice. ⭐️Pros: ● Authentic Focus: Purely focused on Traditional Witchcraft/Cunning Craft, not Wicca. ● Deeply Practical: Provides both theory and exercises for practice. ● Well-Researched and Grounded: Avoids sensationalism and fluffy concepts. ● Excellent Writing: Clear, engaging, and highly informative. 📚 If you are ready to walk the path less traveled and engage with a deeper, earth-based, and ancestor-informed practice, stop searching and buy this book! It's one of the only introduction you'll ever truly need. A modern classic and a mandatory read! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This book was a very thoughtful and thought-out take on traditional witchcraft. I really enjoyed the readability of the book. It was written out in a way that anyone should be able for follow along. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book.

I cannot believe all of negative reviews about this book. I am a seasoned practitioner having practiced for many years now and I found this delightful tome quite refreshing. Even after years of practice I learned quite a bit from Kelden. This book is not meant to be a college course in Witchcraft. It is an introduction. One of the great things about this book is that Kelden presents the Arte in a non denominational form and gives the reader all of the tools to begin forming his/her own personal tradition. Kelden really gets what “Traditional” means. I also love the way he settles this silly bickering between Wiccans and Traditionalists in a sound peaceful manner. I have read a countless number of books on the subject and this one really stands out. It is the very best book for the beginner. Kelden is wise far beyond his years, I highly recommend this book. I also suggest checking out his YouTube channel as well. Kelden is one to keep an eye on as I see great things to come. No matter how experienced you are you will gain something new from this book. For me, it gave me a new perspective. In fact I have anyone that asks me to teach them read this book first. What Scott Cunningham did for Wicca, Kelden has done for Witchcraft.

This book is a must have for beginners and advanced practitioners alike who need inspiration. I’m so glad I bought this! It’s easy to read with great exercises and lore. I cannot recommend enough. This will be a book I continue to come back to as I go on this journey.

I am currently still reading this book but so far I really like it. It's very informative without being stuffy and is written in a respectful way regarding different paths and ways of doing things. I would definitely recommend

Amazing book! This is such a good read for anyone who is a beginner or more advanced! It's so lovely! If you're thinking about getting it, DO IT!

I really enjoyed this book. It was an excellent, well-researched, well-presented overview and practical guide to Traditional Witchcraft that treated the reader with respect. Great information, both historical and magical, presented clearly and in a way that was interesting to read and follow. The author does a superb job of truly being unbiased and allowing the reader/practitioner to approach the material from a either a religious or non-religious viewpoint. If you are only going to read one book about Traditional Witchcraft, this would be my suggestion. Great either from a beginning standpoint - whether you are new to Traditional Witchcraft specifically or witchcraft in general - or an experienced one, and a great reference to have in your library in general. Highly recommended.

Kelden's "The Crooked Path" takes an accessible and all-inclusive look at traditional witchcraft for beginners. He casts his net large and wide to cover an expanse of information that gives readers the tools they need, not only to cognitively understand and appreciate traditional witchcraft, but to practice it in a way unique to their individual lives. In this way, "The Crooked Path" is full of springboard suggestions that allow the beginner to develop a magical practice that is meaningful and personal to them. Kelden writes as a friend and guide along the crooked path, and heavily emphasizes that readers do what works, take what they need, and leave the rest. While other authors in this genre can come off as elitist and stuffy or inauthentic and poorly researched, his voice is honest, fresh, and trustworthy. I could not recommend this more for those that are new to the craft or interested in practical spellwork.

Un livre très intéressant sur la sorcellerie traditionnelle des îles britanniques. Les informations sont de très bonne qualité et l'auteur revient sur la différence entre cette tradition et la tradition wiccane. Il aborde de nombreux sujets très variés (vérifiez la table des matières dans l'échantillon de Kindle). Le niveau d'anglais est abordable et le style est très clair. Ça se lit très bien, et en plus la mise en page est magnifique. Je recommande pour celleux qui souhaitent élargir leur pratique et leurs connaissances.

I learned a lot from this book. Basics are explained thoroughly and yet simply. No fluff, just a steady flow of digestible information. I especially liked that the author knows the difference between Wicca and traditional witchcraft and did no bashing of Wicca while also not mixing it in. I, personally, do not choose Wicca and just want the meat and potatoes on what has been around for a long time, and this book delivers on that, while also making clear what are more modern adaptations. The best book on traditional witchcraft that I’ve read. Loved the very clear exercises to follow. Highly recommend

I love the book, I’ve learned more about myself and so many doors have opened mentally and emotionally.

The Crooked Path has proved to be a really fascinating and informative work. I do not plan to become a traditional witch and certainly do not at all think of adopting practices such as treading the mill (I'm kind of scared); that, however, is not an impediment for me to appreaciate a book that taught me a lot I didn't know (and how can we decide upon the adoption of practices we don't know about?). And let's be fair: some of the practices in the book may not resonate with me, but on the other hand I did identify with several passages regarding feelings, attitudes and living in close contact with the natural world. The Crooked Path is very well written and organized, thus really standing out from most books I've read; the author is thoughtful and serious about the topic; plus, more than simply knowing his topic well, he knows how to address it and teach it. And on top of all the information he shares we can also find an extensive bibliography at the end, suggesting titles I had not heard about. The Crooked Path offers so much more than your average witchy book, and I am glad I purchased and read it.

This book capitvated me from the first chapter. It is including all main topics for beginners such as energy work, tools and ethics. Besides it treats topics as baneful + nature magick and the Otherworld. The best Part are the exercises with good guidance and check backs. My favorite beginner book so far.