Ray Buckland knows Witchcraft. He was the first person to bring Gardnerian Wica (also known as Wicca) to the United States and has written some of the most significant and popular books ever on the subject. Thirty years ago he wrote Witchcraft From the Inside, a book that surveyed the past and present of the Wiccan religion. Now Llewellyn is pleased to present the revised and expanded third edition of this classic.
The book begins with an in-depth study of the sources of Witchcraft, tracing it back over twenty thousand years to the Paleolithic Age and the appearance of the god of hunting. As civilization began to depend increasingly upon agriculture, the goddess of fertility gained prominence.
When the new religion of Christianity appeared, there was no immediate mass conversion to the new faith. Instead, it started at the top—the rulers and upper classes were converted (though frequently only superficially) long before the working classes, villagers, and country people. The Old Religion was still flourishing in the early Middle Ages, forcing Christian authorities to increasingly rely upon intimidation and even torture and execution to become the dominant faith.
The Old Religion may have faded, but it never truly disappeared. "A set of beliefs that had grown up and lasted over many thousands of years did not die that easily. Underground, in hiding the Wica still lived." The old pagan beliefs survived in folk customs that are still practiced today.
And then came something remarkable. One man, Gerald Gardner, was able to revive the ancient practice of Witchcraft. Today it is one of the fastest-growing religions in the world. To comprise his Book of Shadows, Gardner adopted a large variety of material from different sources, as well as Doreen Valiente's original compositions.
Witchcraft From the Inside describes the rituals of Witchcraft, the God and Goddess, and the magical tools used by Witches. You will learn about Witchcraft beliefs, including reincarnation, the law of three-fold return, and the understanding that "Witchcraft is a positive, nature-based religion of brotherly and sisterly love."
Today Witchcraft is an established religion. Estimates indicate that there are more Pagans than Quakers, Unitarians, or Buddhists in the United States. Witchcraft From the Inside discusses the future of Witchcraft, including the growing interest in the religion shown by teens and the relationship between feminism and Witchcraft. Well-known contemporary Wiccans including Ed Fitch (author of Rites of Odin) and Selena Fox (co-founder of Circle Sanctuary, a leading Wiccan organization) have also contributed articles, and an extensive bibliography gives resources for further study.
Ray Buckland has been part of Witchcraft since the very beginning of its renaissance here in America. This is truly an insider's investigation into the history of ancient and contemporary Witchcraft. Whether you an interested seeker, a curious student, or a practicing witch, this book should be part of your studies.
The sands of time cannot erase the ancient ways of the Middle East. Generations of selective history and the destruction of sacred sites cannot destroy them. Elusive, like shimmering heat from a sun-warmed mudbrick, the magic endures. Cast your eyes over the ruins glittering in the golden sun and embrace their foundation. The sun set on the... read this article
