Voices from the Ashes : Resurrecting the Wytch has been a true labour of love for all involved. It is an anthology of short stories that focuses on those tried as witches. The intention being to dramatize the individual stories, bringing to life the individuals involved. In many cases precious little is known of the men and women behind the accusations and trials, and this anthology breathes fresh life into what has, for far too long been little more than a list of names.
All the stories blend known historical facts (where applicable) with fiction, to bring you a heartfelt look at the lives of just some of the many tried for their beliefs or unorthodox behaviours. This book spans centuries, various countries and cultures and includes men, women, and children. It is in many ways an acknowledgement of their sacrifice and has been a journey for all involved. Sadly, even today people are still persecuted in many countries, with accusations of witchcraft being commonplace.
The stories in this book are emotive, and we have no doubt that you will scowl, smile, laugh and shed the odd tear. However, one thing we are very sure of, is that you will always remember them.
Voices from the Ashes: Resurrecting the Wytch
We often forget how fortunate we are as modern Witches and Pagans, there is little danger of imprisonment or death as a result of our beliefs in most enlightened societies. We will never know the true horror of the people, mostly women, who were tortured, tried and executed as Witches, as little remains except the records of the persecutors themselves. This book gives these victims a voice, recreating their stories using a combination of research and the authors imagination. There are 25 short stories with every single one worth reading, each author has researched their chosen Witch to bring them back to life to tell their real story. As modern Pagans we owe a debt to those that went before especially those that lost their lives. We can never say this will not happen again if we do not understand the reality of those times, so this is probably the most important book every Pagan and Witch should read. I consider it essential reading buy it soon!
Merlyn COA (Children of Artemis)
I finally finished reading “Voices From the Ashes, Resurrecting the Wytch” from Veneficia Publications while buried under blankets with my dog.
This book... it took me a long time to read it. It was so hard to read, but not because the poetry and prose within it’s pages was complicated.
It is beautifully written by multiple authors and compiled lovingly as a testament to the lives of the men and women resurrected in it’s pages.
It was hard to read because of the painful detail every author poured into each story and the emotions I felt as I turned each page.
There were times I had to put the book down and walk away from it because it was overwhelming to read the horrific accounts of torturous suffering that one human being could afflict on another.
These stories need to be told.
Each and every one of them has merit in today’s world of TikTok witches and Instagram esthetics portraying in vivid colors what people once died for.
If you dare to call yourself “Witch” you owe it to the men and women throughout history that had their lives brutally destroyed because of that title.
As you read this, keep in mind that the most current story of Ama Hemmah depicts her trial and death in 2010. This is not all ancient history, and at any time history could repeat itself.
To give credit where it is due, this book was compiled by Diane Narraway and Marisha Kiddle. They joined Earl Livings, Geraldine Lambert, Sem Vine, Fi Woods, Scott Irvine, Donna Hayward, Rachael Moss, Tarn Nemorensis, Issy Ballard, Lou Hotchkiss Knives, L. N. Cooper, Defoe Smith and Sam Geraghty in telling the stories of 23 men and women accused, tried and put to death for being witches. Jezebel PrideI absolutely love this book. It is a wonderful collection of short stories each of which draw you in so much. Its amazing. I wholeheartedly recommend it. Anita Harper