Magical Places: Malvern

The Village of Wyche in Worcestershire and the Malvern Hills

The village you’re likely referring to is Wyche (often called The Wyche locally), a small village and suburb of the town of Malvern in Worcestershire, England. It’s situated in the Malvern Hills area, within the civil parish of Malvern Wells.

Location and Setting

Wyche lies on the eastern slopes of the Malvern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s at a relatively high elevation compared to the lower parts of Malvern, offering scenic views over the Severn Valley. 

The village is divided informally into areas like Lower Wyche (to the north) and Upper Wyche. Its western edge is defined by The Wyche Cutting, a dramatic road pass cut through the hills.

This cutting has ancient origins—it was part of an Iron Age salt route (from Droitwich Spa’s brine springs toward South Wales), used by pack animals carrying salt long before modern roads existed.

History and Name

The name “Wyche” (or “Wych”) derives from Old English “wic” or “wich,” often linked to salt production or trading places (similar to nearby Droitwich, formerly Saltwic). The area has prehistoric ties, with evidence of Iron Age activity nearby, including hoards of iron currency bars found north of the Wyche Cutting.

Local folklore adds a layer of intrigue: stories connect the Wyche Cutting to witches, herbal healers, pixies (there’s a “Pixie Path”), and even 13th-century hangings or executions. While some tales tie into broader Worcestershire witch trial records from the 17th century, these are more legendary than directly historical for the village itself.

Wyche (or The Wyche) has a few local tales and pieces of folklore, mostly tied to its dramatic landscape around the Wyche Cutting rather than widespread ghost stories or major legends. These are more atmospheric folk beliefs than fully fleshed-out myths, often blending historical elements with supernatural associations.

The strongest recurring theme is a loose connection to witches and the supernatural. Despite the name “Wyche” coming from Old English for a salt-related place (not “witch”), locals and visitors have long assumed a link because of the area’s eerie feel. Stories of herbal healers or “witches” are common across the Malvern Hills region, including factual records of 17th-century witch trials in Worcestershire court rolls. This has fuelled speculation that the Wyche Cutting—where the road dramatically slices through the hills—was a spot for such activities.

Adding to the mystique is the aforementioned Pixie Path, a nearby trail that some say strengthens the fairy or supernatural vibe. Folklore suggests pixies (mischievous small beings in English tradition) might lead people astray or play tricks in the area.

One darker tale involves medieval executions: In the 13th century, criminals were reportedly beheaded at nearby “Sewet Oaks,” then hung on a “forest gallows” at the Wyche. Their bodies were allegedly carried up along what became known as the Pixie Path. This grim history has helped sustain a lingering association with the supernatural at the cutting, even today.

The village itself has remained small and residential, tied closely to Malvern’s growth as a spa town in the 19th–20th centuries.

Modern Day and it’s well worth a visit.

Wyche is a quiet, hilly spot with a population of around 300 (based on older census data). It’s popular with walkers and hikers due to its position on the Malvern Hills trails, including routes like those around Black Hill, Pinnacle Hill, and the Wyche Cutting.

Key local landmarks include:

•  The Wyche Cutting itself (a scenic viewpoint and road pass).

•  The Wyche Inn, a traditional pub with panoramic views over the Severn Vale—great for a pint while enjoying the landscape

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There’s also Wyche C of E Primary School, serving the local community. How cool would that be? To be a pupil a school with such a witchy name!

And, ironically, a Wyche church!

Malvern Hills : A place with magical charm

If you’re visiting Malvern, known for its beautiful scenery and amazing views be sure to keep a look out for some fascinating, magical places along the roadside. See if you can find the tiny fairy houses but don’t take away any of them or the slate and stones from them or face the displeasure of the fairies and you may take home more than you bargained for! Boggles protect these tiny houses and will wreak havoc on anyone who disrespects or damages them!

Also, see if you can find the natural spring wells . Take some of this wonderful fresh water home if you wish for Moon water etc. but of course only take what you need and leave a small token in gratitude to the guardians of the wells.

Infamous Books: Malleus Maleficarum

 

Malleus Maleficarum: 

The Hammer of Witches

The Malleus Maleficarum (Latin for “Hammer of Witches”), published in 1486–1487, is one of the most infamous and influential texts in the history of European witchcraft persecution. Written primarily by the German Dominican inquisitor Heinrich Kramer (also known as Henricus Institoris), it was presented as a comprehensive manual for identifying, prosecuting, and eradicating witches. 

Though Jacob Sprenger (a fellow Dominican and dean at the University of Cologne) was later credited as co-author in editions from 1519 onward, modern scholarship largely attributes the work to Kramer alone, with Sprenger’s involvement debated or minimal.

Two pictures there for you to throw darts at!!!

Historical Context and Publication

Kramer, an zealous inquisitor active in the Alps (particularly Innsbruck and the Tyrol region), wrote the book after facing resistance to his witch-hunting efforts. In 1485, local authorities and clergy rejected his aggressive methods, prompting him to seek greater legitimacy.

 He prefaced the text with the papal bull Summis desiderantes affectibus(issued by Pope Innocent VIII in 1484), which authorised Kramer and Sprenger to combat witchcraft in Germany. This bull deplored the supposed spread of sorcery and empowered inquisitors, though it did not explicitly endorse the Malleus itself.

First printed in Speyer, Germany, in 1486 (with wider circulation from 1487), the book benefited from the recent invention of the printing press, leading to at least 28 editions by 1600. It became a bestseller in its era, second only to the Bible in some regions, and was used by both Catholic and Protestant authorities despite never being officially adopted by the Catholic Inquisition (which condemned parts of it for procedural irregularities and inconsistencies with doctrine). Hate it seems sells well!!

Structure and Content

The Malleus is divided into three parts, structured as a scholastic treatise with questions, arguments, and refutations:

•  Part I: Proves the existence of witchcraft as heresy and a pact with the Devil. It argues that disbelief in witches is itself heretical. Witches (predominantly women of course!) are depicted as entering explicit demonic contracts, often motivated by carnal lust, revenge, or poverty. The text famously claims women are more susceptible due to inherent weaknesses like “loose tongues,” vanity, and greater susceptibility to temptation (echoing Eve’s role in original sin). It endorses any testimony against suspects, even from unreliable witnesses.

•  Part II: A catalog of alleged witch activities, including maleficium (harmful magic causing illness, crop failure, or death), sexual relations with incubi/succubi demons, flying to sabbaths (witches’ gatherings), shape-shifting, and raising storms. It includes sensational folklore and alleged cases, portraying witches as agents of Satan in a cosmic battle.

•  Part III: A legal handbook for trials. It outlines procedures for accusation, interrogation (including torture to extract confessions), conviction, and execution (typically burning at the stake in continental Europe). Torture methods are detailed, with judges advised to use deception (e.g., promising leniency) and to strip suspects to search for hidden charms.

The work draws on biblical injunctions (e.g., Exodus 22:18: “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live”), earlier demonological texts, and inquisitorial records, while codifying misogynistic stereotypes that portrayed witches as mostly female.

Influence and Legacy

The Malleus profoundly shaped the European witch hunts of the 16th and 17th centuries, providing a “scientific” and theological framework that justified mass persecutions. It influenced trials across the Holy Roman Empire, France, Switzerland, and beyond, contributing to tens of thousands of executions (estimates vary from 40,000–60,000 total in Europe). Its ideas spread to Protestant regions and even indirectly influenced cases like the Salem witch trials (1692–1693) through shared demonological traditions.

Despite its popularity, it (rightly!) faced criticism early on: the University of Cologne theologians condemned it for illegal procedures and doctrinal errors. By the 18th century, Enlightenment skepticism and legal reforms led to its decline, with the last major witch executions occurring around that time.

Today, the Malleus is studied as a chilling example of religious fanaticism, misogyny, social scapegoating, and the dangers of unchecked authority during times of crisis. Modern editions (e.g., Christopher Mackay’s complete translation) make the original Latin text accessible, while it remains a key primary source for understanding the intellectual underpinnings of the witch craze. Its woodcut illustrations from early prints often depict demonic pacts, sabbaths, and tortures, reinforcing its sensational impact.

Digital edition:

https://dn710003.ca.archive.org/0/items/Witcha/The%20Hammer%20of%20Witches.pdf

Deck of the week: The Practical Witch’s Spell Deck

 

The Practical Witch’s Spell Deck 

Cerridwen Greenleaf

100 cards and mini guidebook

First published 2019, RO Minis/Hachette Book Green oup 

This week i thought I would look at a deck that is something different and a great idea especially for new witches. This isn’t a tarot or oracle. 

The Practical Witch’s Spell Deck: 100 Spells for Love, Happiness, and Success) is a portable oracle-style deck and mini-guidebook set created by author Cerridwen Greenleaf.

The illustrations for this deck (and related titles like the later Practical Witch’s Love Spell Deck) are by artist Mara Penny.

The set comes in a sturdy keepsake box with a magnetic closure for easy storage and portability. 

It contains:

•  100 fully illustrated spell cards, each measuring about 2½” × 3½” ppppp(roughly tarot or oracle card size). The artwork is described as stunning and charming, making the deck visually appealing for display or daily use but if you’re expecting elaborate artwork like a traditional deck then you will be disappointed. The cards look and feel okay with the card backs nicely done but the card faces are just plain text.

•  A 48-page mini guidebook that provides an introduction to spells and magic, along with guidance on how to use the cards.

•  The compact format makes it ideal for beginners or anyone wanting quick-access magic without a large book.

The deck focuses on practical, everyday witchcraft—spells aimed at love, joy, prosperity, healing, self-love, happiness, success, and related areas like romance, wealth, health, and home harmony. It draws from modern reclaimed witchcraft traditions emphasising wisdom, empowerment, and positive intention rather than complex rituals. 

How It’s Used

Users can draw cards daily for inspiration, select one for a specific need (e.g., a prosperity spell when seeking abundance), or incorporate them into rituals. Each card typically features an illustrated theme or intent on one side and the spell instructions, incantation, or components on the other (or supported by the guidebook). The accompanying mini-book explains basic spellcraft principles, making it beginner-friendly while still useful for more experienced practitioners. 

Many spells involve simple, household or natural ingredients, aligning with “kitchen witch” or practical magic styles.

It is positioned as a tool for self-empowerment and adding “joy to daily life” through magic, rather than high ceremonial work.

Reception and my personal thoughts 

The deck generally receives positive feedback for its charming design, accessibility, and uplifting content. On Goodreads, it holds an average rating of around 4.34/5 based on limited ratings, with users appreciating the author’s approachable style. 

It’s popular as a gift for aspiring witches or fans of witchcraft aesthetics. It’s a worthy addition to your collection and there’s some decent spells included.

Overall, this easy, lightweight, visually engaging entry point into spellwork that emphasises positivity, healing, and practical results—perfect for anyone curious about incorporating a bit of everyday magic into their routine. You can find it at major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or metaphysical shops.

https://www.thepsychictree.co.uk/products/the-practical-witchs-spell-deck-100-spells-for-love-happiness-and-success-by-cerridwen-greenleaf

About the creator 

Cerridwen Greenleaf is a bestselling author and workshop teacher specialising in herbal, crystal, and candle magic.

She has collaborated with or learned from prominent figures in the spirituality and pagan communities, including Starhawk, Z Budapest, John Michael Greer, Christopher Penczak, Raymond Buckland, and Luisah Teish. 

She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and has written numerous books on practical magic, such as The Practical Witch’s Spell Book, Moon Spell Magic, The Book of Kitchen Witchery, and others in the Witches’ Spell Book series. Her work often bridges historical or folk traditions with accessible, modern applications. 

Witches and The Craft by Ronald Seth

 

Witches and their Craft

By Ronald Seth

First published 1967 by Odhams, London

Hardback. 256 pages

This is an interesting if dated book by British author Ronald Seth.

It appeared in U.S. editions shortly after, including from Taplinger Publishing in 1968 and as a mass-market paperback from Award Books in 1969 (253–256 pages depending on the edition). Some reprints or related editions came from Tandem Books. 

The book offers a historical and comprehensive survey of witchcraft practices, drawing on historical data to explore various aspects of the craft. It covers topics ranging from ancient rites and early beliefs through medieval and early modern European witch trials and persecutions, up to more contemporary (for the 1960s) manifestations of occult interest. 

Topics covered: 

Subtitles or descriptions in some editions highlight it as “a complete and unexpurgated account of witchcraft—from earliest rites to the Rosemary’s Baby practices of today,” nodding to the era’s cultural fascination with the occult (the film Rosemary’s Baby was released in 1968). It includes black-and-white illustrations and an index in the original hardcover.  These are generally well produced and serve as illustrations for the book’s subject matter. They are, of course black and white.

Contemporary descriptions and catalog entries portray it as an entertaining yet reference-style overview of witchcraft’s history and practices.

 It draws on historical records, trial accounts, and folklore without heavy promotion of modern Wiccan or revivalist interpretations (pre-dating or sitting alongside the rise of figures like Gerald Gardner in popular awareness- be sure to check out my article on him) .

One 1971 occult catalog called it “a reference work on ancient practices written in an entertaining manner.” It has been cited in academic or historical discussions of witchcraft for its compilation of facts, and some later fiction or sensational works appear to have borrowed details from it. 

I would agree that the book’s overall tone is that of entertainment rather than enlightenment but given its publication date this is forgiven 

The tone is generally straightforward and journalistic for its time—neither a skeptical debunking nor a full endorsement of supernatural claims, but a broad examination of beliefs, rituals, accusations, and cultural impacts across centuries and regions (with a strong focus on European traditions).

Reception and Availability

It is now a vintage/collectible title, relatively scarce in physical form, especially first editions or hardcovers. 

Pictured in this article is my own First Edition from 1967.

Copies occasionally appear on secondary markets like eBay, AbeBooks, or Etsy, often in worn paperback condition. It has limited modern visibility—no major recent reprints or digital editions seem widely available, and it lacks extensive contemporary reviews online (typical for mid-20th-century niche nonfiction). Readers interested in 1960s occult literature or historical witchcraft surveys may find it alongside works by authors like Margaret Murray or Montague Summers though Seth’s approach is more popular-historical than deeply scholarly or partisan. Articles on these authors are in the works.

ISBN 10

0800883756

ISBN 13

9780800883751

https://www.abebooks.co.uk/book-search/title/witches-and-their-craft/author/seth-ronald/

About the author 

Ronald Seth (1911–1985) was reportedly a British spy during WW2 and a prolific writer known primarily for works on espionage, intelligence history, and World War II topics (sometimes under pseudonyms such as sexologist Dr Robert Chartham). 

He had a varied career that included time as a lecturer and involvement in wartime activities. His interest in “hidden” or secretive subjects extended beyond spies to occult and folklore themes, as seen in this book and a follow-up like In the Name of the Devil (1969). He approached such material with a rationalist or archival lens rather than purely sensational or believer-oriented writing, though the 1960s occult revival context made the topic commercially appealing. 

https://bitsofbooksblog.wordpress.com/2014/12/27/albany-trust-access-peter-righton-dr-robert-chartham-aka-ronald-seth/