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| the history of wicca: Wicca Ethan Doyle White, 2015-10-01 The past century has born witness to a growing interest in the belief systems of ancient Europe, with an array of contemporary Pagan groups claiming to revive these old ways for the needs of the modern world. By far the largest and best known of these Paganisms has been Wicca, a new religious movement that can now count hundreds of thousands of adherents worldwide. Emerging from the occult milieu of mid twentieth-century Britain, Wicca was first presented as the survival of an ancient pre-Christian Witch-Cult, whose participants assembled in covens to venerate their Horned God and Mother Goddess, to celebrate seasonal festivities, and to cast spells by the light of the full moon. Spreading to North America, where it diversified under the impact of environmentalism, feminism, and the 1960s counter-culture, Wicca came to be presented as a Goddess-centred nature religion, in which form it was popularised by a number of best-selling authors and fictional television shows. Today, Wicca is a maturing religious movement replete with its own distinct world-view, unique culture, and internal divisions. This book represents the first published academic introduction to be exclusively devoted to this fascinating faith, exploring how this Witches' Craft developed, what its participants believe and practice, and what the Wiccan community actually looks like. In doing so it sweeps away widely-held misconceptions and offers a comprehensive overview of this religion in all of its varied forms. Drawing upon the work of historians, anthropologists, sociologists, and scholars of religious studies, as well as the writings of Wiccans themselves, it provides an original synthesis that will be invaluable for anyone seeking to learn about the blossoming religion of modern Pagan Witchcraft. |
| the history of wicca: Modern Wicca Michael Howard, 2010-09-08 An insider's look at the history of Witchcraft The evolution of Wicca is as dynamic and colorful as the Witches who helped shape it. One of the most enigmatic and progressive practitioners of his time, Gerald Gardner was arguably the most instrumental Witch in spreading the Craft around the world. Drawing on his decades of personal involvement with Wicca, Michael Howard offers an intimate portrait of Gerald Gardner's life and traces the history and development of modern neo-pagan Witchcraft. Howard reveals little-known facts and stories surrounding the men and women who shaped Wicca over the past sixty years, including Aleister Crowley, Alex Sanders, and influential initiates such as Doreen Valiente. From the Museum of Magic and Witchcraft on the Isle of Man to the origins of the Book of Shadows, Modern Wicca tracks the expansion of Wicca as it spread from the United Kingdom to the United States and beyond-and takes you inside the political controversies, behind-the-scenes rivalries, and once-guarded secrets of pagan ritual, Wiccan spells, and the Craft of the Wise. Praise: This is an extremely important book, representing an account of Wiccan history from somebody who has himself been a major actor in it.—Ronald Hutton, author of The Triumph of the Moon |
| the history of wicca: The Triumph of the Moon Ronald Hutton, 2001-02-15 Ronald Hutton is known for his colourful and provocative writings on original subjects. This work is no exception: for the first full-scale scholarly study of the only religion England has ever given the world; that of modern pagan witchcraft, which has now spread from English shores across four continents. Hutton examines the nature of that religion and its development, and offers a microhistory of attitudes to paganism, witchcraft, and magic in British society since 1800. Its pages reveal village cunning folk, Victorian ritual magicians, classicists and archaeologists, leaders of woodcraft and scouting movements, Freemasons, and members of rural secret societies. We also find some of the leading of figures of English literature, from the Romantic poets to W.B. Yeats, D.H. Lawrence, and Robert Graves, as well as the main personalities who have represented pagan witchcraft to the world since 1950. Densely researched, Triumph of the Moon presents an authoritative insight into a hitherto little-known aspect of modern social history. |
| the history of wicca: Wicca for Beginners Serena Crow, 2020-06-24 Interested In The Wiccan Spells and The History Of Wicca Magic? Then This is The Book For You! Get To Understand and Practice Wiccan magic faster than ever with the Help of this Guide which will take you from beginner to expert Wicca is a nature-based religion that has its roots in ancient Pagan beliefs. The central focus of Wicca is Nature with all its elements, particularly the Moon, honouring of whose phases helps us stay grounded and in touch with our own cycles of life. The concept of Mother Earth is particularly important for Wiccans and celebrating Sabbats, the 8 seasonal festivals, is a way of paying homage to the cycles of nature. At these times, Wiccans align themselves with the core life-giving energy of Nature. There are many ways to practice Wicca. You can do it as part of a coven, or as a solitary witch. You can join groups which focus on particular rituals or you can choose a tradition whose core beliefs resonate most with your own. However, regardless of the type of Wicca they practice, all Wiccans love and respect Nature and some form very personal relationships with animals (animal spirits), plants (spirit guides), or specific locations (the spirit of place) from which they draw energy, inspiration and guidance. Here Are Some of the Chapters and Things You Will Learn In this Book: - History of Wicca. The five sacred elements. Witches and Witchcraft. Deities. Wheel of the Year. Wiccan Holidays - Days of Power. Spiritual healing. Herbal, crystal, candle Magic. Proof of Reincarnation and much more. |
| the history of wicca: The Wicca Book of Days Gerina Dunwich, 2018-11-27 Celebrate significant milestones in pagan and ancient history each turn of the Wiccan Wheel of Days—from January 1st through December 31st. Researched and compiled by contemporary Wiccan expert and practicing witch Gerina Dunwich, this day-by-day calendar commemorates the pagan festivals and feasts, birthdays, and major events in Wiccan history, legend, and lore. Entries include the Roman festival of Carmentalia on January 11th, Whitsunday on June 4th, and the Chinese Festival of the Hungry Ghosts on August 18th. Highlighting Eastern, Western, and Native American holidays, feasts, and celebrations, The Wicca Book of Days is essential both as a Witch’s calendar and as a highly browsable history of pagan culture and folklore from ancient times to the present. |
| the history of wicca: Wicca for Beginners Lisa Chamberlain, 2020-08-18 For anyone seeking to learn more about Wicca and begin practicing it, this introductory guide by bestselling author Lisa Chamberlain is the perfect entry point. As Wicca grows ever more popular, interested novices wonder: How can I get started? Popular Wiccan author Lisa Chamberlain answers their questions in this concise, yet comprehensive guide that covers all the basics: the history of Wicca, its deities, the core elements of its rituals and holidays, setting up an altar, choosing the right tools, the principles of magic and spellwork, how to begin practicing, and much more. She’s also included a master spell suitable for beginners. |
| the history of wicca: Witchcraft Today Gerald Brosseau Gardner, 2023-11-23 The Meaning of Witchcraft is a non-fiction book written by Gerald Gardner. Gardner, known to many in the modern sense as the Father of Wicca, based the book around his experiences with the religion of Wicca and the New Forest Coven. He claimed he was allowed to tell more than ever before and cast light on the rituals and beliefs of witches. The book's main message was that neither the practices of witches nor their intents were harmful. The book tells the history of witchcraft in Europe. The author traces back to pre-Christian times, studies the rituals and beliefs of templars, and states that the belief in fairies in ancient, medieval, and early modern Europe was connected with a secretive pygmy race that lived alongside other communities. The preface to this book was Margaret Murray, who stated that witchcraft took its root in the pre-Christian religions and had nothing to do with spell-casting and other evil practices. Instead, Murray proposes to view witchcraft as the sincere expression of that feeling towards God which is expressed, perhaps more decorously though not more sincerely, by modern Christianity in church services. |
| the history of wicca: Celtic Wicca Jane Raeburn, 2001 An engagingly written and thoroughly researched book based on accurate historical information that guides readers in their quest for spiritual growth, learning the specifics of spellwork, meditation, invocation and divination. Includes an annotated bibliography. |
| the history of wicca: Wicca Scott Cunningham, 2010-09-08 Cunningham's classic introduction to Wicca is about how to live life magically, spiritually, and wholly attuned with nature. It is a book of sense and common sense, not only about magick, but about religion and one of the most critical issues of today: how to achieve the much needed and wholesome relationship with our Earth. Cunningham presents Wicca as it is today: a gentle, Earth-oriented religion dedicated to the Goddess and God. Wicca also includes Scott Cunningham's own Book of Shadows and updated appendices of periodicals and occult suppliers. |
| the history of wicca: Miracles of Our Own Making Liz Williams, 2020-05-11 A bewitching and authoritative historical overview of magic in the British Isles, from the ancient peoples of Britain to the rich and cosmopolitan landscape of contemporary paganism. “An absolute must for anyone interested in the development of paganism in the modern world. I cannot recommend this book enough.”—Janet Farrar, coauthor of A Witches’ Bible “At last, we have a history of British Paganism written from the inside, by somebody who not only has a good knowledge of the sources, but explicitly understands how Pagans and magicians think.”—Ronald Hutton, author of The Triumph of the Moon and The Witch What do we mean by “paganism”—druids, witches, and occult rituals? Healing charms and forbidden knowledge? Miracles of Our Own Making is a historical overview of pagan magic in the British Isles, from the ancient peoples of Britain to the rich and cosmopolitan landscape of contemporary paganism. Exploring the beliefs of the druids, Anglo-Saxons, and Vikings, as well as Elizabethan Court alchemy and witch trials, we encounter grimoires, ceremonial magic, and the Romantic revival of arcane deities. The influential and well-known—the Golden Dawn, Wicca, and figures such as Aleister Crowley—are considered alongside the everyday “cunning folk” who formed the magical fabric of previous centuries. Ranging widely across literature, art, science, and beyond, Liz Williams debunks many of the prevailing myths surrounding magical practice, past and present, while offering a rigorously researched and highly accessible account of what it means to be a pagan today. |
| the history of wicca: A History of Pagan Europe Prudence Jones, Nigel Pennick, 2013-10-11 The first comprehensive study of its kind, this fully illustrated book establishes Paganism as a persistent force in European history with a profound influence on modern thinking. From the serpent goddesses of ancient Crete to modern nature-worship and the restoration of the indigenous religions of eastern Europe, this wide-ranging book offers a rewarding new perspective of European history. In this definitive study, Prudence Jones and Nigel Pennick draw together the fragmented sources of Europe's native religions and establish the coherence and continuity of the Pagan world vision. Exploring Paganism as it developed from the ancient world through the Celtic and Germanic periods, the authors finally appraise modern Paganism and its apparent causes as well as addressing feminist spirituality, the heritage movement, nature-worship and `deep' ecology This innovative and comprehensive history of European Paganism will provide a stimulating, reliable guide to this popular dimension of religious culture for the academic and the general reader alike. |
| the history of wicca: Wicca Craft Gerina Dunwich, 1991 Traces the origins of Wicca and offers up a cauldron brew of spells, unusual recipes and fascinating Pagan lore. Also contains easy-to-follow rituals for the eight annual sabbats observed by Wiccans, an up-to-date listing of Pagan periodicals and sections on herbalism, tree magick and dreams. The author, a practising Witch, reveals the ancient secrets of magick and divination and offers her insights on Wiccan history, deities, tools, ethics and much more. |
| the history of wicca: The Lancashire Witches Robert Poole, 2002 A study of England's biggest and best-known witch trial, which took place in 1612 when ten witches from the forest of Pendle were hanged at Lancaster. A little-known second trial occured in 1633-4, when up to nineteen witches were sentenced to death. |
| the history of wicca: Wicca for Beginners Rebecca Hood, 2020-05-06 Interested in Witchcraft Tradition & Rituals? This Book Will Teach You Everything About Wiccan Beliefs, Potions, Spells & Magic! Are you curious about unleashing the hidden powers every single person has inside of them? Wicca can help you get closer to nature and bring positive experiences to your life! Wicca is an ancient practice that draws roots from paganism and Nature worship. When you mention witchcraft to people nowadays, they mostly think of casting spells and charms just like witches do in the movies. But, in reality, Wicca is slightly different. It is a reincarnation of the earliest religions, which existed for millennia before the advent of Christianity. Wicca is often referred to as the Old Religion. Witchcraft teaches how to establish a perfect relation with nature and unleash the great power of our ancestors. And, of course, there are spells and potions included! Spells are what set Wiccans apart from other mainstream religions. But, before you get to that part you must have a pretty good grip on the fundamentals and the rich history of Wicca. You also need to understand how to handle and benefit from your work with candles, crystals, and herbs. And, this book will guide you every step of the way! Here's what you'll discover inside this book: The history of Wicca learn how was Wicca created & who were the first worshippers A guide to becoming Wiccan what are the steps you have to take to become a Wiccan Wiccan Beliefs a beginner's guide to Wiccan belief & the five points of Wiccan belief Wiccan gods & traditions discover the secret Wicca traditions only few people know Self-dedication to Wicca daily devotions and practices of beginner Wiccans With the help of this book, you can learn about Wicca traditions, beliefs, and - more importantly - magic, spells, and potions. Discover how to become a part of this wondrous community today! This book is not only about the magick but also about achieving a wholesome relationship with the Universe. Become one with nature and live your life magically, spiritually, and wholly! Scroll up, click on Buy Now with 1-Click, and Get Your Copy Now! |
| the history of wicca: Wicca and the Christian Heritage Joanne Pearson, 2007-05-03 What is Wicca? Is it witchcraft, Paganism, occultism, esotericism, magic, spirituality, mysticism, nature religion, secrecy, gnosis, the exotic or 'other'? Wicca has been defined by and explored within all these contexts over the past thirty years by anthropologists, sociologists and historians, but there has been a tendency to sublimate and negate the role of Christianity in Wicca's historical and contemporary contexts. Joanne Pearson 'prowls the borderlands of Christianity' to uncover the untold history of Wicca. Exploring the problematic nature of the Wiccan claim of marginality, it contains a groundbreaking analysis of themes in Christian traditions that are inherent in the development of contemporary Wicca. These focus on the accusations which have been levelled against Catholisicm, heterodoxy and witchcraft throughout history: ritual, deviant sexuality and magic. |
| the history of wicca: The Witch-cult in Western Europe Margaret Alice Murray, 1921 |
| the history of wicca: The Occult Book John Michael Greer, 2017-10-03 Explore the occult from ancient times to the modern day with one of its most respected scholars and practitioners. Take an enlightening journey through occult history, exploring 100 dramatic incidents, arcane knowledge, and key historical figures from around the world. John Michael Greer delves into two millennia of tradition, from the earliest alchemists to pagan rituals; from the Philosopher’s Stone to Cabala, the first tarot, and the Knights Templar; and from the first horoscopes to fortune-telling trials and the birth of modern witchcraft, or Wicca. Each entry features a stunning image or intriguing item of ephemera. |
| the history of wicca: Witchcraft: A Very Short Introduction Malcolm Gaskill, 2010-03-25 Witchcraft is a subject that fascinates us all, and everyone knows what a witch is - or do they? From childhood most of us develop a sense of the mysterious, malign person, usually an old woman. Historically, too, we recognize witch-hunting as a feature of pre-modern societies. But why do witches still feature so heavily in our cultures and consciousness? From Halloween to superstitions, and literary references such as Faust and even Harry Potter, witches still feature heavily in our society. In this Very Short Introduction Malcolm Gaskill challenges all of this, and argues that what we think we know is, in fact, wrong. Taking a historical perspective from the ancient world to contemporary paganism, Gaskill reveals how witchcraft has meant different things to different people and that in every age it has raised questions about the distinction between fantasy and reality, faith and proof. Telling stories, delving into court records, and challenging myths, Gaskill examines the witch-hunts of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and explores the reinvention of witchcraft - as history, religion, fiction, and metaphor. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable. |
| the history of wicca: Wicca Unveiled J. Philip Rhodes, 1999-09 Complete introduction to the craft, its history and philosophy, its tool and many of its rituals and rites. |
| the history of wicca: Wicca Book of Shadows Lisa Chamberlain, 2015-09-30 Everything You Need to Know About Wicca, from Best-Selling Wicca Author Lisa Chamberlain It is estimated that there are over 1 million practicing Wiccans around the world today. But what is it that has made these people turn their back on the formal, structured religions that encompass the majority of the Western world? In our modern, high-pressured world, many of us fail to take notice the sheer beauty of the natural world surrounding us. In many ways, this is a travesty: the world we live in today seems so completely distant from the one our ancestors lived in, a world where humans and nature were at one, their existence intertwined in the natural cycles of life. Wicca is a new way of life, a religion that takes you back to a more simple time, before the invention of the high-tech gadgetry we see all around us. You will learn to live and appreciate the natural world that surrounds you, celebrating the intricate changes in the seasons and everything they bring - from the bounties of the Summer harvest, to the cold and darkness of the Winter months, as Mother Nature rests in preparation for the next explosive cycle of life that Spring brings. Wicca is a re-incarnation of the very earliest religions, long pre-dating Christianity. Wiccans celebrate and share many of the same beliefs that these early people held, and try to embrace their way of life, all while remaining fully-functional in today's modern world. Getting Started as a Wiccan If you're sold on this new, exciting, peaceful way of life, that's great! Good to have you on-board. Unfortunately, and despite this commitment, this is where many people get stumped. One of the biggest questions I hear would-be Wiccans ask: how do I start practicing Wicca? The truth is, there is no right answer. If you endeavour to learn as much as possible about this religion, follow the core principles (for example, the Threefold Law), and revere the natural world surrounding you, as far as I'm concerned, you're a Wiccan. If you're just starting out, I'm sure this vague answer is of little help to you! That's why I set out to write this mini-series of books, titled Practicing the Craft. In this particular book, you'll learn everything you need to know about Wicca Book of Shadows - what they are, their history, and what to include in your own Book of Shadows. Wicca Book of Shadows Practicing magic isn't compulsory for Wiccans, however many people are inevitably attracted to the religion by the potential to positively change their lives for the better. As such, spellwork is one of the most discussed parts of being Wiccan. For those wanting to start practicing magic, keeping a Book of Shadows is a good starting point. A Book of Shadows is the ideal place to document your Wiccan journey, write down detailed spell outlines, and write any other information that may help you going forward. Because it contains all of your spells, many Wiccans will take their Book of Shadows into the circle during spellwork, too. Having a beautiful, leather-bound book will make the spell crafting process far more authentic - though you can use any book you like for constructing your own book. Due to the contents, many Wiccans are very private about their Book of Shadows. As such, you will probably want to take proactive steps towards protecting your book. This guide includes several privacy tips, as well as a dedicated spell for protecting your book. In other words, Wicca Book of Shadows will teach you everything you need to know to construct your own Book of Shadows, today! Would You Like to Know More? Download now by scrolling to the top of the page and selecting the buy button. Readers will also be treated to an exclusive free gift! |
| the history of wicca: Faery Wicca: Theory & magic, a book of shadows & light Kisma K. Stepanich, 1994 Begin your apprenticeship in Faery Wicca. Now you can receive the wisdom of Witchcraft's most elusive branch in the first book ever to publish its teachings. Faery Wicca unveils the authentic beliefs and practices of Irish Faery Wicca, the ancient earth-centered religion that by oral tradition survived centuries of oppression and provided the basis for many forms of Celtic Wicca. Lessons cover Faery Wicca's history, evolution, philosophy, and mechanics in a format that facilitates learning. Because initiation can only be acquired under the direction of an Ollamh (Elder Priestess) of the Faery-Faith, instruction in this guide is presented by a traditionally initiated Ollamh and Faith expert. |
| the history of wicca: Witching Culture Sabina Magliocco, 2010-11-24 Taking the reader into the heart of one of the fastest-growing religious movements in North America, Sabina Magliocco reveals how the disciplines of anthropology and folklore were fundamental to the early development of Neo-Paganism and the revival of witchcraft. Magliocco examines the roots that this religious movement has in a Western spiritual tradition of mysticism disavowed by the Enlightenment. She explores, too, how modern Pagans and Witches are imaginatively reclaiming discarded practices and beliefs to create religions more in keeping with their personal experience of the world as sacred and filled with meaning. Neo-Pagan religions focus on experience, rather than belief, and many contemporary practitioners have had mystical experiences. They seek a context that normalizes them and creates in them new spiritual dimensions that involve change in ordinary consciousness. Magliocco analyzes magical practices and rituals of Neo-Paganism as art forms that reanimate the cosmos and stimulate the imagination of its practitioners. She discusses rituals that are put together using materials from a variety of cultural and historical sources, and examines the cultural politics surrounding the movement—how the Neo-Pagan movement creates identity by contrasting itself against the dominant culture and how it can be understood in the context of early twenty-first-century identity politics. Witching Culture is the first ethnography of this religious movement to focus specifically on the role of anthropology and folklore in its formation, on experiences that are central to its practice, and on what it reveals about identity and belief in twenty-first-century North America. |
| the history of wicca: Wicca for Beginners Thea Sabin, 2010-09-08 Due to the sheer number of Wicca 101 books on the market, many newcomers to the Craft find themselves piecing together their Wiccan education by reading a chapter from one book, a few pages from another. Rather than depending on snippets of wisdom to build a new faith, Wicca for Beginners provides a solid foundation to Wicca without limiting the reader to one tradition or path. Embracing both the spiritual and the practical, Wicca for Beginners is a primer on the philosophies, culture, and beliefs behind the religion, without losing the mystery that draws many students to want to learn. Detailing practices such as grounding, raising energy, visualization, and meditation, this book offers exercises for core techniques before launching into more complicated rituals and spellwork. Finalist for the Coalition of Visionary Resources Award for Best Wiccan/Pagan Book In her first book-length work, Sabin presents a first-rate, fresh, and thorough addition to the burgeoning field of earth-based spiritual practice volumes...written in a light, informative style that magically mines depth, breadth and brevity.—Publishers Weekly (starred review) |
| the history of wicca: Her Hidden Children Chas Clifton, 2006 A history of wicca and neopaganism in the United States focusing on the post-WW II period. |
| the history of wicca: A History of Magic, Witchcraft, and the Occult DK, 2020-08-18 Discover the beguiling history of witchcraft, magic, and superstition through the centuries in this stunningly illustrated title. A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult charts the extraordinary narrative of one of the most interesting and often controversial subjects in the world, covering everything from ancient animal worship and shamanism, through alchemy and divination to modern Wicca and the resurgence of the occult in 21st-century literature, cinema, and television. Providing readers with a comprehensive account of everything from Japanese folklore and Indian witchcraft to the differences between black and white magic, and dispelling myths such as those surrounding the voodoo doll and Ouija, the book explores the common human fascination with spells, superstition, and the supernatural. This riveting read on witchcraft further includes: - Engaging text and lavish illustrations with over 500 full-color images that bring the subject to life. - Special features on aspects of magic, such as oracle bones of ancient China, the Knights Templar, and magic at the movies, and “plants and potions”, such as mandrake and belladonna examine topics in great detail. - Quick-fact panels explore magic origins, key figures, key deities, uses in spells, structures of religions, and more. The perfect introduction to magic and the occult, it explores forms of divination from astrology and palmistry to the Tarot and runestones and offers key insights into the ways in which magic has interacted with religion. The most comprehensive illustrated history of witchcraft available, A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult will enthral and fascinate anyone interested in spiritualism and the occult. |
| the history of wicca: Wicca Harmony Nice, 2019-04-02 Witchcraft and Wicca for a modern world, from YouTube vlogger and Instagram sensation Harmony Nice Welcome to Generation Hex—an era where young Americans know that witchcraft isn't about devil worship and spooky curses, and instead are openly embracing meaningful Wiccan rituals that can enrich our lives in real-world ways. In Wicca, 24-year-old Harmony Nice—a YouTube and Instagram star with 700,000 followers—offers modern readers a guide to overcoming obstacles and maximizing happiness. She offers practical guidance on: using crystals, wands, tarot cards, and magical tools setting up an altar introductory spells for health and protection finding your own witchy path—solitary or with a coven With beautiful illustrations throughout, Wicca offers readers spiritual authenticity, a hint of glamour, and a perfect guide to infusing their lives with spiritual purpose, confidence, and resilience. |
| the history of wicca: Pagan Britain Ronald Hutton, 2014-05-13 Britain's pagan past, with its mysterious monuments, atmospheric sites, enigmatic artifacts, bloodthirsty legends, and cryptic inscriptions, is both enthralling and perplexing to a resident of the twenty-first century. In this ambitious and thoroughly up-to-date book, Ronald Hutton reveals the long development, rapid suppression, and enduring cultural significance of paganism, from the Paleolithic Era to the coming of Christianity. He draws on an array of recently discovered evidence and shows how new findings have radically transformed understandings of belief and ritual in Britain before the arrival of organized religion. Setting forth a chronological narrative, Hutton along the way makes side visits to explore specific locations of ancient pagan activity. He includes the well-known sacred sites—Stonehenge, Avebury, Seahenge, Maiden Castle, Anglesey—as well as more obscure locations across the mainland and coastal islands. In tireless pursuit of the elusive “why” of pagan behavior, Hutton astonishes with the breadth of his understanding of Britain’s deep past and inspires with the originality of his insights. |
| the history of wicca: Druidcraft: The Magic of Wicca and Druidry Philip Carr-Gomm, 2014-03-27 Druidry and Wicca, also known as the Craft, are the two great streams of the Western Pagan tradition. Both traditions originated in the British Isles, and both are now experiencing a renaissance all over the world, as more and more people seek a spirituality rooted in a love of nature. |
| the history of wicca: Contemplative Wicca Teresa Chupp, 2018-11-15 Contemplative Wicca provides an exclusively contemplative practice of Wicca based on science, the concept of Oneness, and the traditional Wiccan veneration of nature. It offers a monotheistic, pagan theology and a unique and forward-thinking viewpoint on which to base spiritual practice, extending the current discussion of Wiccan custom and belief. This book explores how Oneness provides the logical underpinning for contemplation and the spirit of unity, which is so essential to healing society today. Little formal pagan theology has been done to date, and doing it is necessary to further interreligious dialog and to establish paganism in general and Wicca in particular as legitimate religions. This book is intended to remedy this lack and contribute to the discussion of Wicca among pagan scholars and serious practitioners who may be seeking to incorporate contemplative ideas into their work and the construction of their faith. |
| the history of wicca: The History of Wicca Kathy Cybele, 2011-03-03 There is no one true history of Wicca. The history of Wicca is as varied as its current day practitioners. Some individuals believe that modern day Wicca stretches back through history in an unbroken chain all the way back to the cavemen. Some claim to be hereditary Witches with their lineages going back for hundreds of years. |
| the history of wicca: Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft Raymond Buckland, 1986 This complete self-study course in modern Wicca is a treasured classic - an essential and trusted guide that belongs in every witch's library.---Back cover |
| the history of wicca: The Witch Ronald Hutton, 2017-01-01 This book sets the notorious European witch trials in the widest and deepest possible perspective and traces the major historiographical developments of witchcraft |
| the history of wicca: A Brief History of Witchcraft Lois Martin, 2010-10-14 The witch in history is very different from the image of Harry Potter or the modern day Pagan. A Brief History of Witchcraft sets out to explore how the witch phenomenon began in medieval Europe and how it has continued to haunt us for the next 500 years. In her fascinating history Lois Martin's looks at how folk tradition and religion clashed with devastating effect - one of the greatest conspiracy theories of all and the most brutal regime of persecution ever seen. From early theories of the Devil, a new cosmology of demons and dark arts evolved; deluded old women were transformed into instruments of evil. This culminated in the Witch craze of the 16th and 17th century, which may have claimed the lives of up to 40,000 people. |
| the history of wicca: Wiccan Roots Philip Heselton, 2000 ...dispels many of the myths associated with Gerald Gardner and the development of modern Wicca. Heselton s research is excellent and his findings are well presented. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in, or practising, Wicca today. Graham King, The Museum of Witchcraft For those interested in the origin of Wicca this is a must-read book Wiccan Rede This book reveals a remarkable picture of the revival of witchcraft in England during the 1930s and 40s. Through years of research, the author has pieced together the story of how retired civil servant, Gerald Gardner, became involved in the worlds of naturism and folklore, which led him to discover a strange theatre run by an esoteric magical group known as the Crotona Fellowship. Here he made contact with a family of hereditary witches, whom the author has been able to identify, whose lineage dates back to Napoleonic times. The personalities of two key figures in the story, 'Old Dorothy' Clutterbuck, in whose house Gardner was initiated, and Dafo, his High Priestess, are brought to life, and photographs appear for the first time. Whatever the truth about Dorothy's involvement with witchcraft, extracts from her diaries, never before made public, reveal her as a pagan at heart. New light is shed on the momentous ritual the witches carried out in 1940 when invasion threatened, including the probable identity of those who gave their lives in the cause. Few witches, pagans or other students of modern religious movements will fail to be fascinated by the carefully researched revelations in this important book. |
| the history of wicca: Witchcraft from the Inside Raymond Buckland, 1995 The word Witchcraft has been misunderstood for centuries. In the past 500 years, millions of people have faced persecution, torture, and even death after being accused of practicing Witchcraft. For many people the word Witch still conjures up images of secret spells and diabolical midnight rituals. So what exactly is Witchcraft (also called Wica or Wicca), and how did it evolve into one of today's fastest-growing religions? Witchcraft From the Inside presents the history of Witchcraft-from its roots in ancient fertility religions, to the madness of the Malleus Maleficarum and the European Witch trials, to the growth of modern Wicca in Britain and the United States. Essays contributed by leading Wiccan authorities explore the present state of Wicca and provide a glimpse into the future of this peaceful nature religion. Author Ray Buckland studied Witchcraft under Gerald Gardner, the man largely credited for the revival of Witchcraft and the establishment of Wicca as a modern religion. Mr. Buckland was instrumental in bringing Gardnerian Witchcraft from England to the United States and is considered to be one of the leading American authorities on Witchcraft. In the following excerpt, Mr. Buckland explains the mundane truths behind the seemingly horrific ingredients of the legendary witches' brews. We know, from Shakespeare and other sources, that the Witches threw into their pots the most gruesome ingredients, right? There were things like the tongue of a snake, bloody fingers, catgut, donkey's eyes, frog's foot, goat's beard, a Jew's ear, mouse tail, snake head, swine snout, wolf's foot, and so on. Pretty disgusting by the sound of it-if you take them at face value! In fact these were all the most innocuous of ingredients: normal plants and herbs. Today all plants have a Latin name, so that they may be distinct and positively identified. Yet years ago they were known only by common, local names. A plant or herb might be known by one name in one part of the country and a quite different name in another part of the country. And these names were colorful ones, frequently given to the plant because of its looks, color, or other attributes. In the above list, adder's tongue was a name given to the dogtooth violet (Erythronium americanum); bloody fingers was the foxglove (Digitalis purpurea); catgut was the hoary pea (Tephrosia virginiana); donkey's eyes were the seeds of the cowage plant (Mucuna pruriens); frog's foot was the bulbous buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus); goat's beard was the vegetable oyster (Tragopogon porrofolius); Jew's ear was a fungus that grew on elder trees and elm trees (Peziza auricula); mouse tail was common stonecrop (Sedum acre); snake head was balmony (Chelone glabra); swine snout was the dandelion (Taraxacum dens leonis); and wolf's foot was bugle weed (Lycopus virginicus). So the seemingly fearsome concoctions that the Witches mixed up in their cauldrons were nothing more than simple herbs going into a cookpot! |
| the history of wicca: Wicca Wheel of the Year Magic Lisa Chamberlain, 2017-05-12 Everything You Need to Know About the Wiccan Wheel of the Year The ancients lived by a fundamental truth that is often lost in our fast-paced world-that time is circular as much as it is linear. Following the Wheel of the Year by honoring the eight Sabbats, or days of power as they're often called, helps us integrate this concept of circular time into our daily lives. The Wheel provides a sense of rhythm to the year, as the equal increments of days and weeks between the Sabbats allow us to feel the seasons turning in a beautiful symmetry. The Sabbats also provide a context for honoring the dynamic relationship between the Goddess and the God. As the seasons turn, the divine pair shifts from mother and child to co-creative consorts and then back again. We honor these shifting roles and aspects throughout the year, with each Sabbat representing a point in the overarching story. This close participation with the cycles of the season is what some Wiccans refer to as turning the Wheel. Perhaps because it's such a big topic all on its own, many introductory sources on Wicca tend to gloss over the Wheel, providing just a paragraph or two on each holiday. In Wheel of the Year Magic, best-selling author Lisa Chamberlain devotes a full chapter to each of the Sabbats: their significance within the context of the ever-changing seasons, the part they play in the mythological cycle of the Goddess and the God, and the spiritual themes they ask us to reflect upon as we celebrate them. So whether you're just starting out in Wicca or you're a seasoned practitioner looking for new perspectives, this guide can support and inspire your journey. And while the information here is rooted in Wicca, much of it is applicable to Pagans of all stripes, as well as anyone who is simply curious about the rich traditions surrounding these milestones of the Old Religion. For those who include spellwork in their practice, the energies surrounding the Sabbats make them excellent opportunities to work magic. In fact, many Wiccans and other Witches like to incorporate spellwork and/or spellcraft into their Sabbat celebrations. As with all of Lisa's books, the spells and other workings included in this guide can be followed as-is or adapted to suit your individual style. They can also be a springboard for more ideas about how to approach magical work on these special occasions. Foundations in Celebrating the Days of Power A dynamic, creative and evolving approach to connecting with divine Nature is at the heart of Wicca and other forms of modern Paganism. Wheel of the Year Magic was written in this spirit, offering insight and information that will help you to build your own unique relationship with these eight days of power. Whatever your experience level, you can build on your knowledge with the information in this guide, including: - The origins and development of the modern Wheel of the Year - The seasonal and spiritual significance of each of the eight days of power: Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lammas, Mabon and Samhain - The pagan history behind each Sabbat-the myths, beliefs and customs that have inspired our modern celebrations - Suggestions for creating your own Sabbat celebrations, whether you're a solitary practitioner or working with fellow Witches - Spells and other magical workings aligned with the seasonal and divine energies of each Sabbat When you choose to mark the Sabbats, you are participating in a timeless tradition of honoring the endless cycles of Nature and the divine workings of the Universe. As you grow in your practice from year to year, Wheel of the Year Magic will continue to be a trusted source of knowledge and inspiration. Enjoy the journey! |
| the history of wicca: The Book of Wicca Lucy Summers, 2001 This is a mini guide to the basic principles of wicca, its history and beliefs, the ceremonial tools and how to consecrate and use them for magical purposes. |
| the history of wicca: Witchcraft and Paganism in Australia Lynne Hume, 1997 Contributes to the growing literature on comparative religion and new religious movements. More specifically, it draws attention to a new religious movement. Using a multidisciplinary approcach, Hume describes the emergence of a controversial worldview which has roots in ancient ideas but whose ideology is rooted in the 20th century. |
| the history of wicca: Book of Shadows Gerald Gardner, 2014-08-04 A Book of Shadows is a book containing religious texts and instructions for magical rituals found within the Neo-pagan religion of Wicca. The first Book of Shadows was created by Gerald B. Gardner, (an author as well as an amateur archaeologist and anthropologist), in the late 1940's or early 1950's, which he used in his Bricket Wood coven and then in later covens which he founded. The concept was adopted by other traditions. The current Book of Shadows is a compilation of manuscripts found in his museum after his death. |
| the history of wicca: The Essential Guide to Wicca for Beginners Amythyst Raine, 2020-11-24 Welcome to Wicca for beginners--information, guidance, and spells for new witches There is no right or wrong way to practice Wicca; there is only your way. With The Essential Guide to Wicca for Beginners, you'll find everything you need to create meaningful magic, including fundamental knowledge, accessible spells, and magical learnings to help new witches grow. Discover your Wiccan power with practical guidance on how to center yourself, set solid intentions, and focus your energy before conducting rituals and casting spells. Then, learn how to write your own spells; unearth common Wiccan symbols; and practice indoors, outdoors, and in sacred space. You'll find helpful instructions on how to set up an altar, cast and close a circle, and use your magical tools. Finally, flex your magical muscles with a wealth of beginner-friendly spells. The Essential Guide to Wicca for Beginners includes: Intro to Wicca--Learn everything you need to know about Wicca for beginners, including key beliefs and practices like deities and observances, the four elements and Spirit, and the Wiccan Wheel of the Year. Wiccan history--Explore the roots of Wicca with comprehensive information about how it began and where it originated, the diverse Wiccan traditions, and influential figures in history. A range of spells--Acquaint yourself with Wicca for beginners using straightforward spells and rituals for attraction and affection, healing and harmony, binding and protection, and more. Start your Wiccan journey with The Essential Guide to Wicca for Beginners. |
History of Wicca Revised - Gerald Gardner
History of Wicca in England: 1939 to the Present Day by Julia Phillips Introduction to the 2004 Revised Edition by Julia Phillips This chapter is adapted from a talk I gave at the Australian …
Introduction to Wicca - Readers Library
A brief history of Wicca. Wicca is, by definition, a modern revitalization of an ancient belief system that far predates Christianity. By modern, we mean, less than a century. Much of the credit for …
A BRIEF HISTORY OF WITCHCRAFT - ia802901.us.archive.org
From the remotest known eras of human history up to the present day, every tribe, village and community had its "wise-person", either male or female; its "witch-doctor", the medicine man …
A Brief Introduc/on to Wicca - INFORM
History of Wicca. Wicca began to emerge in public in the early 1950s (after the repeal of the Witchcraft Act in 1951). It is widely accepted that Gardner, a retired civil servant, was …
Wicca: History, Belief, and Community in Modern Pagan Witchcraft
Wiccan Life. Part 1 traces the movement’s fictional and actual origins and influences through its geographical expansion from Britain to the United States and soon thereafter to the rest of, and...
Wicca Revealed: An Introductory Course - preterhuman.net
Professor Ronald Hutton, The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft. Welcome to the Class! By the end of the main part of the lesson you will know about witches’ …
BOP: Federal Bureau of Prisons Web Site
HISTORY Wicca is a diverse, decentralized religion that is part of the nature-based spirituality movement. Nature religions are rapidly re-emerging into public view after centuries of …
Chapter 20 Wicca, Witchcraft and the Goddess Revival: An
Chapter 20. Wicca, Witchcraft and the Goddess Revival: An examination of the growth of Wicca in post-war America. Caroline Ball. Preface. When dealing with a topic as unfamiliar as Wicca is …
Modern Wicca and the Witchcraft Movement - University of …
today, Salem boasts a flourishing Wiccan community. By exploring the history and practices of wicca and witchcraft, I will help breakdown stereotypes and misinformation. In this paper I …
Witchcraft / Wicca Profile - Watchman Fellowship
HISTORY. Though Witchcraft can be traced back several centuries before the coming of Christ, through the early Christian church period, the inquisition, early American colonies and finally …
WICCA Lessons in beginning in the Wiccan Tradition By Star …
Wicca was first made public by a man called Gerald Gardner back in the 1950 s and has since grown and evolved. There are many debates about where the practices originated from (if you …
Wicca - University of Missouri–St. Louis
Wiccan History. Modern Wicca entered the public eye in 1954 when Gerald Gardner published a book titled High Magic’s Aid. Gardner claimed much of the information he gained from a …
Fashioning Magic, Fashioning History: The Past and Present of …
8. I use “witchcraft” as a generic term but recognize that classification is complex and contested. In twenty- first- century Britain, Wicca tends to describe initiatory forms of witchcraft that follow …
Dealing with Demons: Witchcraft in England and Colonial …
Part of Cornell University Library’s Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell's Witchcraft Collection contains over 3,000 titles documenting the history of the Inquisition and …
Witchy Part 1 – Wicca for Beginners - School for Witches
Witchy Part 1 – Wicca for Beginners Please see listed below a quick reference guide as to what is covered in Witchy Part 1. Overview of Wicca and its philosophies
Tensions over 21st Century Fragmentation and Commodification …
A Brief History of Gardnerian Wicca Leading figures within Gardnerian Wicca are Gerald Gardner, Doreen Valiente, and the various High Priestesses that they initiated over the years within …
HISTORY 201: THE HISTORIAN’S CRAFT - Department of History
COURSE DESCRIPTION. the problem of magic in European society ca. 1400-1700. We will read a selection of landmark studies that chart the importance of illicit belief in ordinary people’s st. …
A History Of Magic Witchcraft And The Occult Full PDF
This ebook delves into the fascinating and often misunderstood history of magic, witchcraft, and the occult. From ancient shamanistic practices to modern-day neopaganism, it explores the …
Devil's Stones and Midnight Rites: Megaliths, Folklore, and ...
The origins of Wicca can largely be traced to the influence of the English Egyptologist, anthropologist, and pioneering feminist Margaret Murray (1863-1963). As she would relate in …
Similarities and Differences Between Heathenry and Wicca
explain the similarities and differences between Wicca and Heathenry in familiar terms, since the terms Heathens use when talking to each other may be quite confusing.
History of Wicca Revised - Gerald Gardner
History of Wicca in England: 1939 to the Present Day by Julia Phillips Introduction to the 2004 Revised Edition by Julia Phillips This chapter is adapted from a talk I gave at the Australian …
Introduction to Wicca - Readers Library
A brief history of Wicca. Wicca is, by definition, a modern revitalization of an ancient belief system that far predates Christianity. By modern, we mean, less than a century. Much of the credit for …
A BRIEF HISTORY OF WITCHCRAFT - ia802901.us.archive.org
From the remotest known eras of human history up to the present day, every tribe, village and community had its "wise-person", either male or female; its "witch-doctor", the medicine man …
A Brief Introduc/on to Wicca - INFORM
History of Wicca. Wicca began to emerge in public in the early 1950s (after the repeal of the Witchcraft Act in 1951). It is widely accepted that Gardner, a retired civil servant, was …
Wicca: History, Belief, and Community in Modern Pagan Witchcraft
Wiccan Life. Part 1 traces the movement’s fictional and actual origins and influences through its geographical expansion from Britain to the United States and soon thereafter to the rest of, and...
Wicca Revealed: An Introductory Course - preterhuman.net
Professor Ronald Hutton, The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft. Welcome to the Class! By the end of the main part of the lesson you will know about witches’ …
BOP: Federal Bureau of Prisons Web Site
HISTORY Wicca is a diverse, decentralized religion that is part of the nature-based spirituality movement. Nature religions are rapidly re-emerging into public view after centuries of …
Chapter 20 Wicca, Witchcraft and the Goddess Revival: An ... - Derby
Chapter 20. Wicca, Witchcraft and the Goddess Revival: An examination of the growth of Wicca in post-war America. Caroline Ball. Preface. When dealing with a topic as unfamiliar as Wicca is …
Modern Wicca and the Witchcraft Movement - University of …
today, Salem boasts a flourishing Wiccan community. By exploring the history and practices of wicca and witchcraft, I will help breakdown stereotypes and misinformation. In this paper I …
Witchcraft / Wicca Profile - Watchman Fellowship
HISTORY. Though Witchcraft can be traced back several centuries before the coming of Christ, through the early Christian church period, the inquisition, early American colonies and finally …
WICCA Lessons in beginning in the Wiccan Tradition By Star Danser
Wicca was first made public by a man called Gerald Gardner back in the 1950 s and has since grown and evolved. There are many debates about where the practices originated from (if you …
Wicca - University of Missouri–St. Louis
Wiccan History. Modern Wicca entered the public eye in 1954 when Gerald Gardner published a book titled High Magic’s Aid. Gardner claimed much of the information he gained from a …
Fashioning Magic, Fashioning History: The Past and Present of …
8. I use “witchcraft” as a generic term but recognize that classification is complex and contested. In twenty- first- century Britain, Wicca tends to describe initiatory forms of witchcraft that follow …
Dealing with Demons: Witchcraft in England and Colonial America, …
Part of Cornell University Library’s Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell's Witchcraft Collection contains over 3,000 titles documenting the history of the Inquisition and …
Witchy Part 1 – Wicca for Beginners - School for Witches
Witchy Part 1 – Wicca for Beginners Please see listed below a quick reference guide as to what is covered in Witchy Part 1. Overview of Wicca and its philosophies
Tensions over 21st Century Fragmentation and Commodification in Wicca …
A Brief History of Gardnerian Wicca Leading figures within Gardnerian Wicca are Gerald Gardner, Doreen Valiente, and the various High Priestesses that they initiated over the years within …
HISTORY 201: THE HISTORIAN’S CRAFT - Department of History
COURSE DESCRIPTION. the problem of magic in European society ca. 1400-1700. We will read a selection of landmark studies that chart the importance of illicit belief in ordinary people’s st. …
A History Of Magic Witchcraft And The Occult Full PDF
This ebook delves into the fascinating and often misunderstood history of magic, witchcraft, and the occult. From ancient shamanistic practices to modern-day neopaganism, it explores the …
Devil's Stones and Midnight Rites: Megaliths, Folklore, and ...
The origins of Wicca can largely be traced to the influence of the English Egyptologist, anthropologist, and pioneering feminist Margaret Murray (1863-1963). As she would relate in …
Similarities and Differences Between Heathenry and Wicca
explain the similarities and differences between Wicca and Heathenry in familiar terms, since the terms Heathens use when talking to each other may be quite confusing.
