Karl Herr

The book was written by a third generation "Hexenmeister". They practice a form a magick called "Pow-wow" that dates back to the early 1800s in America and draws inspiration from German grimoires from the 1500 and 1600s like, THE BOOK OF SECRETS by Albertus Magnus. Oddly, most of them are devote Christians. They don't see any conflict of interest in practicing magick. In fact, they see it as God working through them. "Pow-wow" is a weird hybrid of European witchcraft, Christian mysticism and a healthy dash of Native American beliefs. They use the bible like a spell book.

The book started out great. The author explained all about Pennsylvania Dutch hex signs. To this day they are often painted on the sides of barns or hung above doors and windows to ward off evil sprits or used as charms. Basically they're protective sigils or magickal seals that are hidden inside artistic designs and patterns. To the layman they look like ordinary pretty and colorful designs, but actually they're intricate geometric patterns designed for a specific effect. Unfortunately, after the chapter on hex signs the book went a little downhill, but still above average overall.… (més)