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OverviewEscape 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 Full Product DetailsAuthor: Moss Matthey , Mhara StarlingPublisher: Llewellyn Publications,U.S. Imprint: Llewellyn Publications,U.S. ISBN: 9780738777115ISBN 10: 0738777110 Pages: 264 Publication Date: 08 October 2024 Audience: General/trade , General Format: Paperback Publisher's Status: Active Availability: Available To Order ![]() We have confirmation that this item is in stock with the supplier. It will be ordered in for you and dispatched immediately. Table of ContentsContents 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 … 215Reviews"""An extraordinary blend of personal narrative and practical wisdom. This book is as much of a memoir as it is a comprehensive guide to embracing the transformative power of witchcraft. Matthey's journey from the restrictive bounds of a fundamentalist cult to the liberating world of magick is both inspiring and deeply insightful. 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. This book is a testament to what witchcraft can offer, making it an invaluable resource for both newcomers to the craft and seasoned practitioners alike. Matthey's compelling work stands out as a heartfelt and enlightening guide, offering a beacon of hope and a rich source of inspiration for anyone seeking to find freedom through the magick of witchcraft."" --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. In this book, Moss Matthey describes his escape from a fundamentalist cult to a path of nature, spirits, and magic--to witchcraft. 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" """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. This book is a testament to what witchcraft can offer....Matthey's compelling work stands out as a heartfelt and enlightening guide, offering a beacon of hope and a rich source of inspiration for anyone seeking to find freedom through the magick of witchcraft."" --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. A much-needed book for those who have renounced a manipulative past religion and are struggling to start their exploration of witchcraft and for those who have been witches for longer but still grapple with the beliefs they were raised with. 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 Mathey 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" Author InformationMoss 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 is the winner of the 2024 Kindred Spirit Award in the Rising Star category and was 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. ~ Tab Content 6Author Website:Countries AvailableAll regions |