Matthew Venus
Matthew Venus is a traditional witch, artist, and folk magician based in Salem, Massachusetts, whose craft is centered around a deep heart of animism and a dedication to ancestral and land-based traditions. Over the past two decades, Matthew has been sharing his teachings with students around the world through classes and courses that explore a diversity of topics related to witchcraft, herbalism, and folk magical traditions. His practice is further enriched by his role as Tata Ndenge in a lineage of Quimbanda Angola, and his experience as an aborisha in the Lucumí Orisha tradition.
Matthew is the owner and lead apothecary of Spiritus Arcanum, an online and brick-and-mortar shop that specializes in handcrafted ritual incenses, oils, and talismanic art. He is also the co-founder of the Salem Witchcraft and Folklore Festival, which hosts online and in-person events centered around magical education, community building, and activism.
Unlock the mysteries of poppet magic and fetish crafting with Ensouling the Effigy, a compelling guide that offers readers an in-depth exploration into the realm of spirit conjuration, spirit vessels, and otherworldly communication. This book is not just a manual; it's an invitation to journey into the heart of animism, where the witch and spirits are inseparable. Within these pages, you'll discover techniques for creating poppets, effigies, and spirit houses that serve as vessels for spiritual entities and magical power. Learn to craft your own ritual oils, incenses, washes, and smokes with a comprehensive formulary that provides the key ingredients and instructions to infuse your practices with authenticity and botanical magic. Written for practitioners of the Arte, this book's unique blend of traditional practices will captivate anyone interested in witchcraft, magic, or spirit work. Whether you're looking to expand your magical toolkit or deepen your spiritual connections, Ensouling the Effigy offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for your journey.
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-964537-03-0
Page Count: 220 | Dimensions: 6" x 9" | Format: Paperback
Paperback Publication Date: 10/7/2025 | Hardcover Publication Date: 11/28/2025