Thousands Die as Witch Hunts Continue

Gary R. Varner, the author of eight books on folklore, symbolism and ancient traditions, has written a new book on the history of witchcraft and the continuing persecution of native healers, shamans, the elderly and disabled for witchcraft. The Dark Wind: Witches and the Concept of Evil, provides a survey of witches around the world, their prehistoric origin and how society has viewed them throughout history. Folklorist Gary R. Varner explores the use of magic, spells and curses among indigenous groups as well as state approved religions such as those observed in ancient Rome and Greece, and how even contemporary Christianity uses many of the same "magic" combinations. Also examined is the current "witch craze" in several countries where thousands are being killed as witches, the underlying reasons for this tragedy and the history of anti-witchcraft laws.

The Dark Wind is a book for everyone interested in anthropology, archaeology, ancient history, religion and the occult. Illustrated with contemporary woodcuts and drawings, The Dark Wind will be available everywhere at $15.95, March 2007. The author is a member of the American Folklore Society and the Foundation for Mythological Studies.

Other books by Varner include Sacred Wells: A Study in the History, Meaning and Mythology of Holy Wells & Waters; Menhirs, Dolmen and Circles of Stone: The Folklore and Magic of Sacred Stone; The Mythic Forest, the Green Man and the Spirit of Nature; Strangely Wrought Creatures of Life & Death: Ancient Symbolism in European and American Architecture, and a new book from New York academic publisher, Algora Publishing, Creatures in the Mist: Little People, Wild Men and Spirit Beings Around the World: A Study in Comparative Mythology.

Gary R. Varner is available for interviews and may be contacted at gary_varner@yahoo.com. Requests for review copies will be considered.

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The Dark Wind: Witches and the Concept of Evil
Published through Lulu Press
ISBN: 978-1-4303-1813-2

188 Pages, illustrated, bibliography, index