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The Llewellyn Encyclopedia

Term: Thumb Screw

DEFINITIONS

Thumb Screw:

A torture device. Placed tightly around a person’s thumbs (or fingers), the device was cranked tighter, causing intense pain and eventually breaking, then crushing, a victim’s digits in an attempt to obtain a confession. It was one means to “question” a suspected Witch during the Inquisition. 




ARTICLES

Developing and Working with the Body of Light
After you have learned basic astral projection, the next step is for you to produce a Body of Light that can be used as your vehicle of consciousness on the inner planes. Unlike the basic training we adapted from Ophiel’s “Little ...
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How to Use a Pendulum
Learning to use a pendulum is both surprisingly easy and remarkably effective. However, there are a few steps needed to be successful Obtaining a pendulum: You can purchase a pendulum for a minimum price to one that costs hundreds of dollars or ...
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The Magick Wand
The extended right thumb between clenched fingers as the Magick Wand may be unique to the GBG. Other common substitutes for this tool are the right, or even the "power" index finger if left-handed, and the thumb and first two fingers clenched ...
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Vodou - An African Shamanic Tradition
At first sight, shamanism and Vodou - what Hollywood has introduced into the popular imagination as "voodoo" - seem to have little in common. The former seems based on peaceful co-existence with nature and the elements, while the latter, in so far ...
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Seeing the Aura
Mark Smith says that anyone can learn to see auras in only 60 seconds. In his book, Auras: See Them in Only 60 Seconds!, he breaks this instruction down into a few easy steps: Stand the subject eighteen inches to two feet in front of a bare white ...
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Review of the Faery Wicca Tarot
Summary: A complex deck that can lead to intense readings by intermediate and advanced readers, it is also appropriate for those following Kisma’s Faery Wicca tradition. The Irish names will take dedication to master, but the usefulness of extra ...
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Review of the Tarot of Mermaids
Summary: The Tarot of Mermaids is an enchanting Rider-Waite-Smith-style deck that can easily be used out of the box for anyone familiar with that system. It is also much more than that, inviting journeys into the murky depths of the waters of our ...
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Manipura - The Power Chakra
Element: Fire Color: Yellow Verb: I can Attributes: Power, will, energy, transformation Earth, water, fire. With our bodies grounded and our emotions flowing, we now move on to power, energy and will. This is our third chakra, a yellow lotus of ...
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An Introduction to Electional Astrology
Electional astrology is utilized in choosing the most appropriate time to begin something. The intent is to achieve a successful outcome, and the rules applied are very specifically set toward that end. Many of the rules have their foundation in ...
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Uses of Crystals
Perhaps the greatest value of crystals is their use in healing. They have long been known for their curative effects when used in the preparation of tinctures; for their protective characteristics when worn as amulets and talismans; and for their ...
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"The soul comes from without into the human body, as into a temporary abode, and it goes out of it anew…it passes into other habitations, for the soul is immortal." - Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-82) Have you lived before? The answer to that question is yes. As a human soul you have lived before; many of us have even experienced many lifetimes... read this article
Seven Flower Magic Rituals
A Quick Guide to Literary Character Creation with Mercury
Using Apatite in Your Crystal Spells
Exploring the Dark Side: Identifying 3 Types of Negative Paranormal Phenomena
Evolutionary Astrology: How Our Nodal Axis Defines the Soul's Path

Most recent posts:
Is the Wiccan Rede Ethical? (Part II)
I'd like to begin by thanking everyone who commented on my previous post concerning the Wiccan Rede. All of the comments received on it, save one,...

Is the Wiccan Rede Ethical?
Modern Paganism embraces a wide variety of spiritual traditions. One of the challenges of these traditions is that in some instances they are not...

Illuminati 9 of Swords
Each week this month, we are taking a look at the Tarot Illuminati by Eric Dunne and Kim Huggens. The 9 of Swords is not really my favorite to get...


One of the questions I often receive is a request for contact with an occult group, order, coven, etc. As a policy, I don't recommend such...



Llewellyn's 2013 Moon Sign Book Llewellyn's 2013 Moon Sign Book
Conscious Living by the Cycles of the Moon

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Llewellyn's 2013 Witches' Datebook Llewellyn's 2013 Witches' Datebook
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Llewellyn's 2013 Magical Almanac Llewellyn's 2013 Magical Almanac
Practical Magic for Everyday Living

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Llewellyn's 2013 Herbal Almanac Llewellyn's 2013 Herbal Almanac
Herbs for Growing & Gathering, Cooking & Crafts, Health & Beauty, History, Myth & Lore

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Llewellyn's 2013 Astrological Calendar Llewellyn's 2013 Astrological Calendar
Horoscopes for You Plus an Introduction to Astrology

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