The Real Witches of New England

“The Real Witches of New England offers illuminating insight into contemporary witchcraft’s place in New England’s larger Pagan community. Following an introductory section tracing the devastating evolution of the Western cultural construct of conspiratorial ‘witchcraft,’ Hopman conducts two series of interviews that mirror the divide between the historical persecution of purported Satanic ‘witches’ and today’s self-identified beneficent witches. This will appeal to both those who are simply curious about this widespread yet covert subculture and those who, having observed American Paganism from its youthful beginnings in the ‘Occult Revival’ of the 1970s, will see how adherents of today take up the cause now that the movement’s pioneers are in retirement or have passed on.”

“The Real Witches of New England is a truly fascinating and original approach to the subject. Hopman gives us a wide-ranging overview of the topic that covers not just historical witches but also their descendants, both actual family and some of the notables who practice Witchcraft in New England today. In someone else’s hands this might have been a dry recital of facts, but instead it is a fun and entertaining read from start to finish.”

“Hopman mixes a historian’s curiosity with a journalist’s zeal, resulting in a monumental achievement that bridges our own world with that of America’s earliest witches.”

“A fascinating read and a brilliant and creative approach to American witchcraft--with moving portraits of America’s first accused ‘witches,’ fascinating interviews with their descendants, and thoughtful insights from modern New England witches who redeem the label with dignity and spiritual depth. Who we remember will never die.”

“Ellen Evert Hopman took a discerning eye to accomplish this tome of knowledge. In our age of accountability this book is of its time, an account of the oppression of women and the incredible knowledge they so willingly shared. Witches all, we celebrate our heroes of the past.”

“A detailed and very well researched book focusing on witches and witchcraft in New England. Primarily dealing with Salem, Massachusetts, and historical and present-day links thereto, Ellen Evert Hopman has opened a window into some of the occult practices in this part of the country. An excellent read!”

"Most books examining history fail their readers. Either they err on the side of accuracy and burden the reader with excruciatingly dry facts and footnotes or they fall prey to a juicy story that doesn't hold up to critical scrutiny. The Real Witches of New England: History, Lore & Modern Practice succeeds where others fail by weaving a rich, detailed, and fascinating narrative reaching back to 1400BCE and connecting it to current witches and their practices."

“The Real Witches of New England was fascinating and elucidating. I was especially intrigued by what contemporary witches believe and do. They are very much Earth oriented, listening to the spirits of the ancestors and the Earth, so in they are Pagan, though some venerate other deities, often Celtic or Egyptian. I closely resonate with these beliefs in my practice and teaching of ecstatic trance.”