"The Devil's Crown is the accolade of genius, awarded to poets, and leaders of men who would speak in riddles and puns the wisdom of ages. Whether Scop or Skald, the words inspired by the Muse live on in vibrant tradition under the shining aureole of the Holy Fool. It is the arcane mark of the 'other.' This book illuminates some of that light, sharing insights to the precious mysteries of the Robert Cochrane Tradition. His letters and works now collated finally into a single volume - The Star Crossed Serpent III: The Taper that Lights the Way, find further expression in this companion volume.' (Shani Oates) "If I call upon my ancestors, I call upon forces that are within myself and exterior ... now you know what I mean when I speak of the burden of Time." (Robert Cochrane) "The tree carried by a man wearing a red cap is a symbol of many things coalescing into two parts of the True and only Faith." (Robert Cochrane) "The first part is the masculine mysteries - in which is enshrined the search for the Holy Graal - and is the basis of the Arthurian legends. This is the order of the Sun - the Clan of Tubal Cain ... In the distant past, the male clan was lead by a woman who was their priestess and chieftain. This is the origin of the legend of Robin Hood ... and the tradition was followed through into the middle Ages when the Plantagenet Kings were officers of the masculine aspect of the Faith (The name 'Plantagenet' means 'The Devil's Clan'). The effect of the masculine mysteries upon the world can hardly be under emphasized ... Law-making ... and craftsmen's guilds ... The masculine mysteries were the direct creators of modern civilization as we know it now." (Robert Cochrane) "A New Classic. This is the best all-round book on Traditional Witchcraft I have found. The writing is clear and lilting and the research is strong. Ms. Oates gives the reader a peek into Traditional Craft beliefs and covine workings in more depth than I have ever seen elsewhere. I strongly believe that this book should be on every Traditional Witch's bookshelf" - Sage Sorcerer The Arcane Veil: Ten Discourses On The Craft And The History Of Magic "A True Classic. It has long been recognized by occultists and determined Seekers . . . that as the 20th century reached its troubled climax in giving birth to the 21st, many of the ancient secrets would have to be revealed of necessity. In this book, penned by one of those rarest of the rare, who has both sought & found a true Well of the Wyrd from which to drink, all of these secrets are firmly supported by the twin pillars of history and Tradition. Shani Oates, as an active adept within the inner circle of an authentic later day Mystery cult, preserves the inner Mysteries while still providing the real substance which makes the practice of the arcane arts a possibility to be actualized. She does so by literally parting the veil, and as such, she adds her name to the select roster of such rare authors as Paul Huson. Even as I write, . . . esoteric schools are investigating, maintaining, and teaching aspects of the ancient Mysteries that would otherwise have already been obscured or lost forever, laying buried beneath today's lamentable avalanche . . . empty fluff . . . This book provides much needed material in the form of Ten Discourses, all of which are composed delightfully while running over with the real thing . . . Shani Oates does anything but "go along" with this corrupting trend of foolish fantasy regarding the Craft. Consider it mandatory reading for all Seekers who wish to profit from rare and invaluable signposts along the often treacherous winding and crooked Path of The Cunning Folk, this path is the razor's edge itself in this, the Age of Iron, the time of quickening or failure. Shani Oates proves an authentic guide across a part of the sharp edge itself, from which so many topple endlessly, left forever cleaved in twain falling forever within the bottomless Abyss of error." Marcus L. Acacesius