Goth Craft: The Magickal Side of Dark Culture

Goth Craft: The Magickal Side of Dark Culture by Raven Digitalis. © 2007 Llewellyn Publications. ISBN 978-0-7387-1104-11. Paperback. 300 pages. $16.95 US.

Upon beginning the book, we are instructed on what it Goth. We are shown the types of people who are considered Goth and what type of apparel they wear and music they listen to. After that we venture into the Craft. Some basics are mentioned here like what is a Witch, the types of Witches, and the different traditions (and the symbols of those specific traditions and while the author does tell that Satanism is not a form of paganism, it is will included since some in the Goth scene are attracted to it).

Part three consists of the Philosophies of the Dark Witch. Raven shows that "dark" does not mean evil but being willing to work with and acknowledge your shadow shelf/side. He continues to show the reader about attitude and personality, discipline and traditionalism, utilizing emotional energy, and using effigies as emotional channels. The following section is called the Dark Arts but unlike it's name has nothing what so ever to do with what some would consider darks arts (like cursing, necromancy and etc). Rather it discusses the clothing, makeup (including a very informative section on various makeup styles and how to achieve them), hair, and body modification (complete with a table of piercing correspondences). Section five, aptly entitled Sex, Drugs and Rock 'n' Roll, deals with the ways of making magic. Raven suggests using music, dancing, drugs and alcohol, and sexuality (includes a section on queer-friendly gods and goddesses). Section six discusses Magick: a list of useful tools, powerful symbols, ethics, craft names, ritual. Section seven talks about the Gothic fascination with death, including blood magick, vampirism, death magick, and necromancy.

Along with many colored photos (most taken by the author himself) and an awesome overall design, this book is a eye-opening view into the Gothic subculture and is much better than other books I have read on the same topic. If the darkness beckons you, answer the call with this.