The witchcraft of our time, as introduced by Gerald Gardner, is a revival of ancient beliefs and practices known as Wicca. Wicca is a modern religious movement that draws inspiration from various pagan and witchcraft traditions. Gerald Gardner, a British civil servant and amateur anthropologist, played a vital role in popularizing and bringing attention to this form of witchcraft in the mid-20th century. Gardner claimed that he had been initiated into a coven of witches in the New Forest area of England in 1939. He subsequently went on to publish several books about witchcraft and became a prominent figure in the witchcraft community. The publication of his book "Witchcraft Today" in 1954 brought Wicca into the public eye and sparked interest and curiosity in witchcraft as a modern spiritual path.
The publication of his book "Witchcraft Today" in 1954 brought Wicca into the public eye and sparked interest and curiosity in witchcraft as a modern spiritual path. One of the main ideas of Gerald Gardner's witchcraft is the worship of the Goddess and the God, who are seen as the divine energies of femininity and masculinity. These deities are often represented as a Moon Goddess and a Horned God and are honored in rituals and ceremonies.
The Meaning of Witchcraft
Often called the father of modern witchcraft, Gerald Gardner's life and works were ground-breaking in opening the door for the modern revival of Wicca and neo-paganism. The Meaning of Witchcraft (originally published in 1959) was the first sympathetic book written from the point of view of a practicing witch.
"The foundation of magical beliefs," Gardner wrote, "of which witchcraft is a form, is that unseen Powers exist, and that by performing the right sort of ritual, these Powers can be contacted and either forced or persuaded to assist one in some way. People believed this in the Stone Age, and they believe it, consciously or not, today. It is now well known that most superstition is, in fact, broken-down ritual. The meaning of witchcraft is to be found not in strange religious theories about God and Satan but in the deepest levels of the human mind, the collective unconscious, and the earliest developments of human society."
The Meaning of Witchcraft is an enduring and invaluable source book for witches today. This Weiser Classics edition includes a new foreword by Pam Grossman, author of Waking the Witch. In it, Grossman revisits the historical role and mixed legacy that Gardner has played in the revival of witchcraft and magic in modern times.
"Those of us who use the word witch with all of the pride and fortification that it offers us do so thanks to Gardner's lucid, liberating vision." - Pam Grossman, author of Waking the Witch: Reflections on Women, Magic, and Power
Format: Paperback, 336 pages
ISBN: 9781578637898
Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser
Published: 13 December, 2023
Weight: 404 g
Dimensions: 229 x 146 x 37 mm
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Often called the father of modern witchcraft, Gerald Gardner's life and works were ground-breaking in opening the door for the modern revival of Wicca and neo-paganism. The Meaning of Witchcraft (originally published in 1959) was the first sympathetic book written from the point of view of a practicing witch.
"The foundation of magical beliefs," Gardner wrote, "of which witchcraft is a form, is that unseen Powers exist, and that by performing the right sort of ritual, these Powers can be contacted and either forced or persuaded to assist one in some way. People believed this in the Stone Age, and they believe it, consciously or not, today. It is now well known that most superstition is, in fact, broken-down ritual. The meaning of witchcraft is to be found not in strange religious theories about God and Satan but in the deepest levels of the human mind, the collective unconscious, and the earliest developments of human society."
The Meaning of Witchcraft is an enduring and invaluable source book for witches today. This Weiser Classics edition includes a new foreword by Pam Grossman, author of Waking the Witch. In it, Grossman revisits the historical role and mixed legacy that Gardner has played in the revival of witchcraft and magic in modern times.
"Those of us who use the word witch with all of the pride and fortification that it offers us do so thanks to Gardner's lucid, liberating vision." - Pam Grossman, author of Waking the Witch: Reflections on Women, Magic, and Power
Details
Format: Paperback, 336 pages
ISBN: 9781578637898
Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser
Published: 13 December, 2023
Weight: 404 g
Dimensions: 229 x 146 x 37 mm
"Those of us who use the word witch with all of the pride and fortification that it offers us do so thanks to Gardner's lucid, liberating vision." - Pam Grossman, author of Waking the Witch: Reflections on Women, Magic, and Power
Wiccans believe in the immanence of the divine in nature, emphasizing the sacredness and interconnectedness of all living beings. Another important aspect of Gardnerian witchcraft is the practice of magic or "magick," spells, and ritual work. Witchcraft is viewed as a means of harnessing and directing natural energies to manifest desired outcomes. Wiccans utilize various tools and rituals, such as casting a magic circle, invoking deities, and using herbs, crystals, and other correspondences to aid in their spellwork. Gerald Gardner's witchcraft also places a strong emphasis on personal responsibility and ethics. Wiccans adhere to the Wiccan Rede, which states, "An' it harm none, do what ye will," emphasizing the importance of not causing harm to oneself or others. The Law of Threefold Return, also known as the Threefold Law, suggests that whatever energy or action one puts out into the world will come back to them threefold. Gardner's witchcraft tradition has spawned countless offshoots and variations, with many individuals and groups adapting and evolving the practices to fit their specific beliefs and needs. Some adhere closely to Gardner's original teachings and rituals, while others have developed new traditions and frameworks within the overall umbrella of Wicca. In conclusion, Gerald Gardner played a significant role in reviving and popularizing witchcraft as a modern spiritual path. His witchcraft tradition, known as Wicca, places an emphasis on the worship of the Goddess and the God, the practice of magic, and personal responsibility. Gardner's contributions to the modern witchcraft movement have had a lasting impact, and his ideas continue to inspire and guide practitioners to this day..
Reviews for "Gardnerian Ritual Tools: Exploring the Implements of Modern Witchcraft"
1. John Doe - 1 star
I found "The Witchcraft of Our Time" by Gerald Gardner to be a complete disappointment. The book lacked depth and substance, and it felt more like a collection of ramblings rather than a well-researched exploration of witchcraft. Gardner's writing style is dry and unengaging, making it difficult to stay interested in the subject matter. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive understanding of witchcraft.
2. Jane Smith - 2 stars
While "The Witchcraft of Our Time" by Gerald Gardner had some interesting ideas, I was left feeling underwhelmed by its execution. The book seemed poorly organized, jumping from one topic to another without much coherence. Additionally, Gardner's views on witchcraft felt outdated and lacking in critical analysis. I expected a more insightful and thought-provoking examination of modern witchcraft, but unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations.
3. Robert Johnson - 2 stars
I found "The Witchcraft of Our Time" by Gerald Gardner to be a tedious read. The author seems more focused on self-promotion and self-importance rather than providing valuable information about witchcraft. The book is filled with repetitive anecdotes that do little to enhance one's understanding of the subject. Additionally, Gardner's writing style is pompous and self-indulgent, making it difficult to connect with the material. Overall, I was disappointed by this book and would not recommend it to others.
4. Sarah Thompson - 1 star
"The Witchcraft of Our Time" by Gerald Gardner was a complete waste of my time. The book lacked any real substance or useful information about witchcraft. Gardner mostly discusses his personal experiences without providing any practical guidance or deeper insights into the topic. The writing is convoluted and pretentious, making it inaccessible to those who are new to witchcraft. I would advise anyone interested in the subject to look elsewhere for more reputable and informative sources.