An Apostate's Guide to Witchcraft: Finding Freedom Through Magic

by Moss Matthey, Mhara Starling (Contribution by), Liam Gerrard (Read by)

Overview

Escape the Cult, Explore the Craft: A Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery

Join Moss Matthey as he recounts his uplifting transition from the confines of a fundamentalist Christian cult to an empowering Pagan coven. Weaving his lived experiences with a gentle introduction to Witchcraft, Moss explores what differentiates Paganism from cults and high-control religions, inviting you to shed oppressive spiritual experiences and find support.

Through his story of self-searching and religious liberation, Moss teaches that spiritual pursuits should be freeing and presents Paganism as one such path. He invites you to dip your toe in the waters of Witchcraft with a sampling of exercises and journal prompts inspired by Welsh and German traditions. A celebration of culture, authenticity, and spiritual recovery, this book will inspire you to question restrictive ideologies and develop a healthy practice of your own.

 

Includes a foreword by Mhara Starling, author of Welsh Witchcraft

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798874885168
Publisher:	Tantor
Publication date:	09/08/2024
Product dimensions:	5.30(w) x 7.50(h) x (d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Moss Matthey (Wales, UK) was an active, indoctrinated member of a fundamentalist Christian cult for two decades before he found Witchcraft and broke free. This newfound spirituality helped him heal and experience true freedom. Now he speaks at A Festival for Pagans and Witches and the Centre for Folklore Myth and Magic. He was also filmed as a member of the Coven of the Red Serpent for a Welsh-language documentary. Visit him at MossMatthey.com.

Mhara Starling was born in North Wales, raised on the Isle of Anglesey, and is a native Welsh speaker. She is the author of Welsh Witchcraft, and her witchcraft videos on TikTok have more than a million views. Mhara is also a celebrant and a coven leader, and she runs moots, gatherings, and open rituals. She was featured in the BBC Wales documentary series Young, Welsh and Pretty Religious. Visit her on TikTok @mhara_starling.

Table of Contents

Contents

Exercise List … xi

Acknowledgments … xiii

Foreword … xv

Introduction … 1

Chapter 1—Finding Witchcraft … 9

Chapter 2—How to Leave a Cult … 23

Chapter 3—Discovering Magic … 39

Chapter 4—Connecting to Culture … 57

Chapter 5—Coven and Community … 71

Chapter 6—The World of Spirits … 87

Chapter 7—A Nature-Based Faith … 111

Chapter 8—The Queerness of Witchcraft … 131

Chapter 9—Reclaiming the Devil … 147

Chapter 10—Contemplating the Divine … 165

Chapter 11—Embodying the Witch Within … 185

Conclusion—The End and the Beginning … 197

Recommended Reading … 201

Resources … 209

Glossary and Pronunciation Guide … 211

Welsh Glossary and Pronunciation Guide … 213

Bibliography … 215

Editorial Reviews

"This book is three things at once: a very good introduction to witchcraft and magic, a moving account of a personal journey, and—most remarkably—an effective guide to finding personal freedom."
—Ronald Hutton, historian and author of The Witch and The Triumph of the Moon

"An extraordinary blend of personal narrative and practical wisdom....Each chapter is rich with information, from understanding the role of spirits to the importance of community in witchcraft, all presented in an accessible and engaging manner. The exercises are thoughtfully crafted, inviting readers to actively participate in their own journey of liberation and empowerment....Matthey's compelling work stands out as a heartfelt and enlightening guide, offering a beacon of hope and a rich source of inspiration."
—Mat Auryn, bestselling author of Psychic Witch and Mastering Magick

"It's not enough to walk away from a bad religion. True healing requires finding something good and helpful to replace the void left behind....The empowerment, acceptance, and joy Moss found are available to anyone who will follow the steps in this straightforward and easily accessible guide."
—John Beckett, Druid and author of The Path of Paganism

"A deeply personal look at finding power and connection in witchcraft, designed to help others find their own footing on this often-ephemeral path...The exercises, meditations, and spells allow the reader to incorporate the book's message in practical ways and offer tangible methods to address the wider issues of overcoming and resetting past harmful spiritual beliefs. A unique and important addition to any witch's library."
—Morgan Daimler, author of Fairycraft and Living Fairy

"Moss writes so beautifully on a topic not often discussed....This book feels like the supportive rock amidst the crashing waves....It truly feels like a friend sharing their experiences and lending their wisdom and warmth."
—Ella Harrison, author of The Book of Spells

"A deeply personal work engendering a sense of power and triumph for finding one's way out of the mire of organized religion. Relatable on so many levels, The Apostate's Guide to Witchcraft is a song of joy, empowerment and victory, a reminder of our own worthiness and connection to the sacred. This will be an important book for all those who find their way to it's powerful healing magic."
—Coby Michael, author of The Poison Path Herbal

"An Apostate's Guide to Witchcraft sings sincerely with personal knowledge and experience, welcoming the newcomer into a witch's world of healing, growth, and remembering....A sheer joy, mixed with beautiful tears. Healing and honest."
—Fio Gede Parma, author of The Witch Belongs to the World

"Moss Matthey has written an inspirational book that takes the reader on a journey of freedom....I wish this book was available when I first escaped the thorny clutches of the church....It is full of exercises to heal, hold, and transform yourself into the witch you wish to become."
—Annwyn Avalon, author of Water Witchcraft

"A timely road map for those who are just beginning their quest for freedom, and those who have walked this path for many years...Examining the potential role of witchcraft for those leaving restrictive birth faiths, Matthey takes us on a journey through various areas of the modern witchcraft movement."
—Ben Stimpson, author of Ancestral Whispers

From the Publisher