The Secret People

Much of what passes for ‘witchcraft’ today was everyday knowledge to our forebears, especially those who lived and worked in the countryside. Here were to be found practical household hints, remedies and family recipes that had been handed down from generation to generation, some still existing in the form of treasured journals and notebooks. There is, however, nothing fanciful or far-fetched about this information - in fact, The Secret People is a remembrance of times past and a preservation of ‘parish-pump witchcraft, wise-women and cunning ways’ adapted for use in the 21st century. It may also go a long way in helping those present-generation pagans in search of an identity and answer the questions: Who ... what am I?

Like new! Paper back

This book focuses on the knowledge handed down the generations as it pertains to running a household. Some of these ideas have become tradition in society, while much of it has been lost to history. Ms. Draco pulls from many other books and journals to compile a comprehensive source for the modern-day person to draw upon the old ways from.
This book is chock full of information. It hold recipes and remedies that are still used today. What I liked about this book was that it was not simply a list of ingredients and instructions. Ms. Draco includes historical context for each section. She also cites her sources so that the reader may research more. While I have admittedly not checked the authenticity of some of these claims, I appreciated that I would be able to follow Ms. Draco’s references trail. While some of the old ways have been proven wrong by modern science, I did not feel that they were presented as absolute fact in this book. More that while some of these tricks and tips are still useful, some need to be taken with a grain a salt. However, they were practiced widely throughout history and thus necessary for a complete context.
Many wise-women were simply natural healers. Common medicinal practices also included aspects of magic. This book is wonderful at relaying that accurately without swaying toward one belief system. It does not focus on one religion or even one sect of a religion. While this book does include chapters about divination and casting lots, it does not take away from the fact that at the core of many chapters are useful tools effective in today’s world. Whether is be a medicinal tea or the best chicken soup recipe. I was surprised that it also included ideas that I already employ in my own life. From the rinse I use on my hair to the proper way to clean silver to the vinegar mixture I use to clean my house. In fact, the instructions were nearly identical to those I found on Pinterest prior to reading this book.
This book does focus on mainly a natural lifestyle. With many people attempting to reclaim those ways, this book would be an excellent reference for them. I am not a pagan and even I benefitted from it. However, I do not think everyone will relate to the all natural approach. Modern science certainly without a doubt has its benefits. The old ways do too. I think this book is a good place to start in combining the two. Some may be put off by the pagan undertones. I think if they look deep in the book they will find a theme that our ancestor’s practices are worth remembering. Perhaps they are not all able to function in today’s society, but some still do. And you get a chicken soup recipe.