The Cunning Craft: A Tortuous Path of the Wise Art, by Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold
Crossed Crow Books, 1959883933, 222 pages, February 2025
Sometimes, a book comes along that just, well, it makes you pause. The Cunning Craft: A Tortuous Path of the Wise Art by Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold is one of those. The title itself suggests something intricate, a journey perhaps not for the faint of heart, and the content certainly lives up to that. As someone with a long-standing interest in astrology and spiritual paths, the very concept of “cunning” as “to know,” especially “special knowledge of spiritual mysteries”1, immediately captured attention. It seemed to promise a deep dive into the practical and philosophical aspects of a craft that has often been, shall we say, misunderstood.
The author, Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold, approaches this complex subject with a clear scholarly background—degrees in psychology, anthropology, and cinema studies are noted. This is evident in the precise language and the historical breadth of the text. Frisvold unpacks what “Traditional Craft” truly means, distinguishing it from more modern, popularized versions. He’s pretty direct about it, too, explaining that early historical forms of witchcraft were, perhaps surprisingly to some, “intricately and intimately involved with and bound up within”2 Christian and other faiths of their time.
The book is structured thematically, with chapters delving into concepts like the crossroads, serpents, the “Mountain of Lady Venus,” and the sorcerous dimensions of the craft. Each section builds upon the previous, creating, I think, a comprehensive, if at times challenging, picture.
One aspect that truly stands out is the exploration of working “with both hands”3—that is, engaging with both what might be called the Left Hand Path (Maleficia) and the Right Hand Path (Beneficia). The author doesn’t shy away from the darker, more ambiguous aspects that have historically been linked to the cunning ones. This pragmatic approach, where the “Devil” figure is presented as a powerful initiator of knowledge, someone who “transcends this and His origin is far beyond just this planet, in the realms of the stars and beyond”4, offers a perspective not often found in popular texts. The text even quotes directly from a description of this entity, emphasizing its liminal, trickster nature:
“He is the firstborn from the Darkness of Night, but contains within Himself Night’s opposite—the bright and blinding Light. He is therefore a complete duality in Himself, both Dark and Bright, which exemplifies the liminal nature so prominent in the Witch themselves.”5
It’s a compelling, if somewhat unsettling, portrayal, one that asks the reader to really, I mean really, grapple with the idea of paradoxical truths.
The book also delves into the concept of Witchblood or Elven blood, suggesting a unique, sometimes otherworldly, ancestry for practitioners. This idea of a secret pedigree, stemming from ancient unions, gives the craft a profound sense of otherness that I found fascinating. It’s not just about inherited traits, apparently, but also about a particular kind of perception. Frisvold states:
“The presence of this unique essence manifests in a natural and arcane perception of the world that comes easily to ‘the other,’ who sees the world as enchanted, filled with possibilities and secrets.”6
This is quite different from some more modern, human-centric magical systems, offering, in a way, a deeper, more inherent connection to the “enchanted worldview”7.
The historical context is, in my opinion, meticulously researched. Frisvold traces the evolution of witchcraft accusations and beliefs, demonstrating how ecclesiastical interpretations and societal fears shaped concepts such as the Witches’ Sabbath and familiar spirits. The discussion on how the Church, in its own struggles, needed the “existence of witches and devils to sustain their hold on people and to validate their theology“8 provides a crucial historical lens. This isn’t a light read, certainly not for beginners in the field of magic or occult studies, but it is gratifying for those willing to engage with its depth.
The detailed ritual instructions, including The Masquerade of the True Cross, offer a practical dimension, allowing the reader a glimpse into the workings of cunning folk. The inclusion of these previously unpublished rites really gives the book a unique edge.
In conclusion, The Cunning Craft is a profound and thought-provoking exploration of traditional witchcraft and sorcery. It challenges popular notions and delves into the historical, philosophical, and practical intricacies of the wise arts. It makes you think about how we define truth, power, and the “other.”
This book is best suited for intermediate to advanced students and practitioners of esoteric traditions, as well as historians interested in the nuanced evolution of magical practices. It will likely encourage readers to look beyond superficial interpretations, to, in the author’s words, “look beyond the surface of things and look deeper, to challenge, to consider different realities”9.
The book is a testament to the idea that “Humanity’s modern psyche is a product of their belief in their greatness and loss of spiritual connection”10, offering, through its pages, a powerful antidote to that very modern predicament.
Ken is a professional Writer and Astrologer who was born in New York, went to school in the Berkshires, found his soul in Seattle, and now lives in Santa Ana, CA with his husband of 11 years and their two dogs, Pooh-Behr and Mr. FancyPants.
Ken’s passion for Astrology began in the mid-1970s and has only grown deeper throughout the decades. With a wealth of knowledge in Traditional techniques and methodologies, he offers insightful and accurate services through 4phases.com.