About Coby Michael Ward

I am a scholar by nature, ever curious, my studies continue to lead me into new and exciting directions. I consider my spiritual path that t of a Modern Pagan, the definition of which is constantly evolving. I majored in Religious Studies with a focus on the pre-Christian traditions of Europe and the history of Christianity in its relation to the evolution of magic. My main area of interest has always been magic, witchcraft and occultism, and the historical sources that have contributed to its development in western esoteric traditions. My personal practice is a land-centered animistic practice rooted in European Paganism, including an exploration of classical witchcraft. The various branches of what has come to be known as "traditional witchcraft" includes imagery of the medieval witches' Sabbath, the folk practices of country-dwelling people, and the application of plants traditionally associated with witches and the spirits that ally themselves with them. The use of these plants in spirit work, soul flight, trance and spell craft has been called the Crooked Way, the Poison Path, and Esoteric Herbalism; and it consists of a collection of historical folk lore combined with modern occult practices and medieval alchemy producing a potent synthesis of practice. One cannot walk the Path of the Poisoner without coming into contact with the Old One, who is the horned master of the wild, teacher of the arcane arts and his partner the Witch Queen ruler of the other side and embodiment of the sovereignty of the Land.