Each rite contains beautiful black and white artwork that sets the tone for the ritual. Gemma Gary begins with an explanation of the concepts and the historical context for the traditions and tools that will be used. She then proceeds to tell how to perform the ritual yourself, giving instructions on where to go, what (or what not) to wear, what tools to bring, and what to say for the ritual. The words she asks us to speak are dark and sensual poems that exemplify and enhance the experience. These unnerving rites are filled with dark dedications in churchyards, dances to raise the Devil’s power, conjurations to awaken the spirit, and full nights spent alone in the woods.

As I read each rite I couldn't help but wonder how many, if any, people have performed these rituals. I began to think about making a trip to the woods myself and which ritual I might choose to perform. One rite asks the witch to find a secluded old barn where one would not be disturbed and draw a pentacle on the surface of the ground. After laying five candles around the points of the star you disrobe and lay nude alone and unmoving for an entire night. Eventually the fear becomes ever more consuming until you enter a trance where your spirit leaves the body and merges with the spirit of the Old One, becoming a vessel for the powers and wisdom of the night’s mysteries.

I shivered with exhilaration considering what it would be like to perform such a ritual myself. I also questioned why I found this all so exciting. There’s a reason many people enjoy the perverse pleasure that comes with fear. It’s why we seek out scary movies and haunted houses. People like being scared because it makes them feel alive. It reminds us that we’re human in a society that too often tries to make us into robots.