Goth Craft: The Magickal Side of Dark Culture

Love this, I re got this book over 4 years ago, the first time I got this book 10 years ago was at the library when I was 13 an it changed my life introduced me to good music that I still listen too, (Also No One could call me a poser even though my Emo Friend constantly told me I couldn't be goth because I was too happy an bought some cloth at Forver 21 AFTER they found out that's where it was from because it did look super Goth) this book was a wonderful book when I converted from Lutheran Christian to becoming a Wiccan when I was 15, an before I got the Satanic Bible 3 years ago this book introduced me to Satanism an I'd read that small part over an over again till I got more books on Satanism an LuciferianismThis book also made me even more proud to be half black as it shows Voodoo symbols an people an also other African/African American Goths in the community. Not only does it cover Goths but also metalheads, Industrial/Cyber Goths, the Perky Goth (my favorite as a 13 year old) and most importantly Traditional Goths & Deathrockers. An more, This book is perfect for Baby Bat Goths, Gothlings, an to see if this Lifestyle is right for you.

The media could not be loaded. A serious and funny book of a topic that could been seen as silly. Very informative and useful. I hadn't read anything about Goth culture/sub culture ever, so this was my first introduction. I was surprised by the style, sophistication and light (in some places) and serious nature of the writing. The author deconstructed and tackled a topic I had no idea had such an extensive and diverse history.I enjoyed reading about the different types of goths listed, seeing photos of examples, reading about the origins (like the Bat Cave in England for Goth music), current trends, what it means to be goth beyond the music and clothes, but on a deeper level of the nature of existence, how it applies to your life, the way you see the world and respond and the character of the people whom tend to be goths. I was really taken aback by some of the deep and sometimes fun and funny reasons.I thoroughly enjoyed the part about goth and paganism. They aren't two peas in a pod, but by the way that goths think about the world and life, it is often they case that they adopt a pagan spirituality because it makes sense to them. The pagan spirituality speaks to their sense of logic, order and often trend to explore the dark/shadow side of self, life and the world (dark meaning shadow not evil such as nighttime currents, dark rooms with candles and blah). This allows them freedom to explore and be free from patriarchal arch types and be one with self and the universe.Great book, would recommend to anyone who is goth/thinking about it/ or just wants to know about Goth and Paganism!

Ok. I bought this book as a goof. First-I'm an old goth and have been around the scene off and on since it's beginning. Second I have been a practicing witch for over 40 years. I bought this to see how terrible it would be. Amazingly it's not THAT bad. There is some good basic occult information. BUT some of it is totally ridiculous. Incorporating doing your hair and makeup into some kind of ritual? Hahahaha. Yes I know that shamans and other cultures use masks and ceremonial dress in their practices, but come on! I got a very good chuckle on that subject. There is a lot of good basic information about Goth culture, and would be an excellent introduction to people who know nothing about us. This also would be a great source for Goths who are interested in the craft and are just starting out. So I guess it has something for everyone. BUT some of the information such as vampirism, death magic, etc. are just absurd. Like I said, some decent basic information on symbolism, tools, general beliefs and practices, etc. So I guess this isn't too bad of a book for what it is. But some of it is totally hysterical laugh out loud silliness.

In the book, "Goth Craft: The Magickal Side of Dark Culture," Raven Digitalis, a male self-professed witch (they don't seem to use the word warlock), tells you all about the Gothic subculture that has arisen in Europe and the United States since the late 1960s. The book starts with the historical Goths in Europe and works its way to the present, using a well-written, intellectual style that is quite readable. You learn that Goths are not drug-addled fiends or vampires trying to do others ill will or simply partying until they drop. As Digitalis tells it, Goths are spiritual beings interested in enlightenment and fulfillment, using an eclectic array of esoteric and occult interests, including Buddhist meditation, paganism, shamanism and Wicca. You name it, Goths seem to be interested in it! Digitalis goes into some detail regarding witchcraft, or the Craft as he calls it, though there's very little detail about how spells or potions are produced and used - only for positive purposes, of course. This book seems to be a very good overview of Goths, the people, and their current subculture.

A good reference book... but take much with a grain of salt. Not sure how accurate it is, however, good to add to a collection.

Prior to reading this book I had no idea that there were so many sub-groups of Goth. I really enjoyed the book altogether, especially the use of make up in a magical manner. My favorite over all theme would be his portrayal that there should be a balance in witchcraft. And more importantly that "dark" is not bad or negative. I highly recommend this book.

I bought this book for a school project. I must saythe fact that there are now books starting to be written geared to those interested in Gothic or dark Ware. Good articles, this is a great guideline for other Goth types who might be a little leary of the Goth crowd

Book as described, arrived promptly thanks very interesting book covering all goth genres

Oh, questo mi è piaciuto proprio tanto. Unisce due sottoculture che mi stanno molto a cuore, quella goth e quella neopagana, illustrando le caratteristiche della prima dieci volte meglio di libri che pretendono di parlare solo di questo, tipo quell'abominio inutile di "Goth Chic". Approfondisce il lato filosofico e psicologico di chi fa parte di questo mondo ed è qui che si intreccia con il discorso del paganesimo. L'autore ha una laurea in antropologia ma è evidente che sia molto portato anche per la psicologia perchè ne fa il fondamento di tutto il testo: ne è il punto forte.Affronta argomenti che mai prima d'ora altri autori pagani si erano sognati in includere nei loro libri, almeno per quel che ho potuto leggere io: i sentimenti, la depressione, l'accettazione di se stessi e degli altri, come incanalare a proprio vantaggio anche le emozioni negative... Come utilizzare a proprio vantaggio, psicologicamente e magicamente parlando, persino il vestiario, gli accessori e il trucco: detta così sembra una scemenza ma in realtà sono cose a cui non si pensa, ma che hanno una grande potenziale, se le si usa consapevolmente. Come usare la musica nel rituale, poi un capitolo su LGBT e su come sono visti all'interno dell'ambiente goth e pagano, ma anche di altre culture (antropologia all'ennesima potenza: mi piace). Fa anche un elenco dei vari strumenti per i rituali: voi direte "uff, lo fanno tutti, che ci sarà mai di nuovo?"... beh, di nuovo c'è che anche in quelle brevi descrizioni non è mai scontato. Infatti la bellezza di questo libro sta anche nel fatto che ti fa vedere le "solite cose" (per chi pratica già da un po', s'intende) in un modo completamente diverso e ti trovi spesso a dire "vah, non c'avevo mai pensato!"Un'altra ragione per cui ho amato questo libro è che, per la prima volta, qualcuno si è degnato di far notare da dove proviene il rede wiccan, ovvero dalla storpiatura della legge di Thelema. Accidenti, mi ci sono voluti quasi vent'anni e una montagna di libri neopagani per trovare finalmente qualcuno che avesse il coraggio di dire come stanno le cose. Perchè sai, se lo dico io, non mi si prende in considerazione, ma se qualcuno con più credenziali lo fa notare, magari anche gli altri cominciano a rendersene conto. Grazie Raven!Le uniche cose che non mi hanno fatto impazzire sono la lista di canzoni suggerite dall'autore che, per quanto bella (per chi come me ama la darkwave vecchio stile), è davvero troppo limitata... e l'ultimo capitolo sulla necromanzia: sarà forse perchè a me non interessa l'argomento, ma mi ha un po' annoiato.Ci sarebbero da elencare tanti altri argomenti toccati in questo testo, tutti molto validi e spiegati bene, ma non voglio togliere la suspense XDSicuramente è un libro da leggere, rileggere e consultare spesso.Un consiglio: lo so che molti si sentono intimoriti quando si tratta di leggere libri in inglese, ma non serve essere madrelingua! Lui scrive in modo semplice, chiaro e scorrevole e secondo me, anche se con l'inglese non ve la cavate tanto bene, vale la pena di fare un po' di fatica e spolverare il dizionario.Non è solo un libro per chi si sente "goth": dovrebbe leggerlo qualunque neopagano.

A gorgeous blend of Goth and Wicca for those of us Pagans on the dark side! Loved it! It's my bible!