Ecstasies: Deciphering the Witches' Sabbath

In "Ecstasies: Deciphering the Witches' Sabbath," author Carlo Ginzburg presents a well-researched tour de force on the history and practices of medieval witches in Europe. While some of the book's conclusions have been discredited since its publication, the work remains a valuable resource for those interested in exploring the history of the witches' Sabbath. Ginzburg argues that the practices of medieval witches can best be understood in the light of shamanistic belief systems inherited or borrowed from the central Asian steppe. While the book is a good read and brings many interesting elements to light supporting the author’s thesis, there are issues of methodology and a Considerable amount of speculation and confusion in the absence of properly delimiting shamanic elements from other pagan traditions. Despite some limitations, the book remains a valuable resource, providing an extensive and well-researched look at European folk religion and its antecedents.