I first read “Mastering Witchcraft” in the 1990s. It was one of the few witchcraft books listed in the card catalog at my local library. Unfortunately, it had been reported as missing, a pretty common occurrence with this type of book. However, I was able to special-order a copy from the local bookstore (remember when that was a thing?). I enthusiastically started the book, but as a born-and-raised Southern girl, I was much too scared to actually say the Lord’s Prayer backward or summon any demons as described in the book.

However, recently, I stumbled across this book again, surprised to find that it is back in print and available on Amazon. Curious and maybe a little nostalgic, I was able to get a copy from my local library, and re-read it.

“Mastering Witchcraft” is definitely not about Wicca or even Earth-based witchcraft. It is heavily anti-Christian, and the powers and spells in the book rely on defiance against Christianity in order to be effective. However, there is some excellent information contained within this now-classic read. The history of witchcraft which Huson presents goes back much further than most books on the subject. Huson discusses the Nephelim, who were the “Sons of God” or “Watchers of the Heavens”, who descended to Earth to intermarry with humans, thereby imparting their magickal powers to humanity. This narrative is a captivating departure from the more anthropological history of witchcraft presented in most books.

Huson describes practices such as the Square of Mercury and the conjuring of Vassago for divination. He presents both helpful and harmful uses of magick, and to his credit does not pull punches on the possible effects of using harmful magick. Huson includes incense recipes. sigils, and incantations throughout. Witchcraft is presented as a practice, not as a religion. “Mastering Witchcraft” is an excellent introduction to the practice of witchcraft for those who are not interested in the religious aspects of Wicca. But it is not for the faint of heart.

Did I find “Mastering Witchcraft” to contain anything useful to the modern Wiccan-minded witch? Absolutely. I copied the Square of Mercury, Square of Mars, and Square of Venus, as well as the summoning of Vassago, and the Vassago incense recipe into my Book of Shadows. I foresee there may be a time when these might come in handy.

I returned the book to the library, but will possibly purchase a copy for my personal library. The history alone makes it worth the purchase. I highly recommend “Mastering Witchcraft” for anyone who is serious about pursuing witchcraft as a practice, with the recommendation of taking the warnings of the author seriously before undertaking any of the rituals within.