Witchcraft Today

Whether you love the book or hate the book (or the author), there's no denying that this book paved the way for modern Wicca and Witchcraft. It's one of the most well-known books published in the 20th century regarding Wicca and the Craft as we know it today. Without its publication, who knows where Wicca would stand today as it aided in drawing out those who practiced the Old Ways out of the shadows and into, well, let's be honest and just say a less intense shadow. It can't be a true Mystery Tradition without some shroud of mystery to it!Regardless of one's feelings about the author, the book was enjoyable to read. Personally, I'm a little biased when it comes to reading about history and this book is certainly peppered with history about the Knights Templar, the Salem Witch Trials, the Burning Times, and most anything related to occultism. Granted, this book is not a history book, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about some of Gardner's research into occultist history.In addition to historical information, Gardner inserted his perceptions and views into Witchcraft by either referencing his personal experience from an initiate point of view or his experience as being an observer. As you read, you may become slightly frustrated with how little information is actually given about his experiences within the Craft. He gives just enough information to draw you in. Almost like having an appetizer but skipping the main course. This is most likely due to his intense and utmost dedication to staying true to his Oath of Secrecy that he took when he was initiated into his tradition. He makes it clear throughout the book that he is trying to reach out to others of a like mind but inviting witches to write to him, to describe their rituals or what they are willing to reveal about their traditions, to commune with him on a personal level. I have heard that after this book was written there was an outpouring of just that!I believe this book has earned its place on every witch's bookshelf. It is a cornerstone to our community whether you identify as Wiccan, Pagan, or a Witch. It is an important part to our history and understanding the development of Wicca and the Craft today.

For anyone involved in or interested in the modern Wiccan revival, this is necessary reading. Wicca without Gardner is like pea soup without the ham bone.If you choose to follow this path in earnest, you will find that when you re-read this book from time to time along your way, you will uncover new riches each time that you did not notice before.The first time through, do not be distracted or unduly annoyed by Gardner's dated and sometimes inaccurate amateur speculations on history and anthropology. Just pay close attention to everything he says about the Witches he actually knew, and what they said and did.

Gerald Gardner is said to be "The Father of modern Wicca." Whether you agree or not his books are "must" reading for anyone wanting to learn Wicca.

What if witches have really been around all along?To me, that's the main theory proposed by Gardner, and, if true, would require the rewriting of a great many textbooks.When one hears the word "witch", one usually thinks of Europe.Although the vast majority of the book deals with Europe, Gardner offers up possible bits and pieces of evidence from Africa and the Middle East. While all these are of varying quality, it is nice to see that someone took the time to offer a broader picture.Gardner quotes numerous passages from his various sources to further strengthen his theory, but even with all this there is much to be desired.For one, much of Gardner's research is, like it or not, hearsay. He supposedly got in touch with some witches, but alas, they can't give him all the details. The irony is that if those witches had made an exception and broke their silence, perhaps Gardner's theory might have become reality.I found it shocking too that even this supposed group of witches didn't know the answers to "the real meaning of the Sabbath" (pg. 147) and "do not know the origin of their cult" (pg. 43).To Gardner's credit, he doesn't try and pass his theory as proof. There are literally dozens of times where he says "possibly", "perhaps", "maybe", "presumably" and other words common when the topic is in a hypothetical stage.However, there are some times where his "facts" are skewed or not very well documented.On page 33 he mentions the Biblical "Huldah the Sorceress" of 2 Kings 22:14 and 2 Chronicles 34:22.However, there is no Bible that I'm aware of that translates her occupation as such. In the New International Version (US and UK), King James, New King James, New American Standard and even the Luther 1545 Bible, all translate it as "prophetess"--a very different occupation.The next thing that struck me was his claim on page 151 (and elsewhere) that "about nine million people died by torture in one way or another during the persecution."I find this number hard to believe, for a couple of reasons. First of all, even allowing that the "Burning Times" were from 1300 to 1700 (a generous span of 400 years), a figure of 9 million would mean that every year 22,500 people were caught, tried and tortured/hanged/burned, or that for 400 years 61 people died daily as a result of the persecutions/inquisitions.Secondly, Gardner simply offers no documentation of these numbers.While definitely interesting, there is too much speculation and not enough hard evidence, making Gardner's idea of an old religion a witch's concoction that is hard to swallow.

A classic. It tells about Gerald Gardner's journey and discovery of Witches that already existed in England.

Great witchy fun! A fantastic book to read. Feels like being right there with Gardner while questing and immersed in direct encounters with the various tribes and cultures. Blessed be !

Shipped and arrived when expected, is what its supposed to be, does exactly what it should, no complaints.

So powerful! I wish everyone could read this.

Slightly worn used copy, but still great value. I can't wait to get stuck into one of the principal texts of the modern craft. Blessed Be.

Don't need to say anymore as previous reviewer, Brighid, nailed it.

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Fast delivery and excellent market price for a fairly expensive book.

Written by the father of Wica, Gerald Gardner, it's one of the first books that one should read. It was the first one written on the subject.