Natasha Sheldon
Freelance Writer
The Origins and Meaning of Roman Witchcraft
ISBN-13: 978-1900433129
(Published 1 May 2000 by Flying Witch Publications)
‘With my own eyes I have seen Canidia walk barefoot, her black dress tucked up over her knees, her hair undone. She and her elder sister Sagana were howling. Their pale faces made them horrible to look at.’ (Horace, satire 1.8.21-26)
Based on my BA dissertation, this work explores literary images of Roman witches as they appeared in the works of authors such as Horace, Lucan and Seneca. These images were more than effective literary devices; they reflected underlying attitudes to magic, women and ‘the other’ in Roman society.
Using contemporary texts, the book deconstructs a number of literary witches, demonstrating how they reflected not only actual magical practices but also embodied Roman social prejudices. It also explores what the Romans classed as ‘magic’, what they defined as religion and why. It considers magic’s place in Roman society and how an accusation of magical practice could be used as a weapon against political opponents and personal foes.
Roman Magic and Witchcraft in Antiquity. . (Published 1 May 1999 by Flying witch publications) IBSN-13: 978-1900433075 Expanding on the view of magic, religion and society explored in ‘The Origin and Meaning of Roman Witchcraft’, this book based on my master’s dissertation explores accusations of magic in a series of treason trials which pervaded both the eastern and western halves of the Roman empire during the fourth century AD. Late antiquity was a time of drastic change, with the division of imperial power, massive social change and the rise of Christianity not only as a legitimate religion but a political presence. Using Roman law as a basis, the concept of how the definition of magic mutated as society changed is explored, with especial reference to the rise of Christianity.
Roman Marriage (Available January 2009) ISBN 13: 9781900433181 A Roman style marriage ceremony, suitable for the present day is recreated using ancient sources for those who wish to celebrate their wedding Roman style.
The Origins and Meaning of Roman Witchcraft
Roman Magic and Witchcraft in Late Antiquity
