Wicca, a modern pagan witchcraft religion, was launched by Gerald Gardner in the mid-20th century. Gerald Gardner, an English civil servant and amateur anthropologist, is often referred to as the "father of modern witchcraft" and is credited with popularizing and reviving Wicca as a distinct religious tradition. In the early 1950s, Gardner claimed to have been initiated into a witchcraft coven in England, and he subsequently published several books on the subject, including "Witchcraft Today" and "The Meaning of Witchcraft." These books outlined the key beliefs and practices of Wicca, such as reverence for nature, worship of a duotheistic deity (the Horned God and the Goddess), and the use of ritual magic. Gardner is believed to have synthesized various pre-existing folk traditions, occult practices, and ceremonial magic into Wicca. He drew on cultural influences such as Freemasonry, Aleister Crowley's Thelema, and Margaret Murray's theories about witchcraft trials and the survival of a witch cult.
The book explains:
Previously published as Candle Magic , this new edition includes an extensive new foreword by Judika Illes, author of Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells and Pure Magic. The Power of Candle Magic shows how the magical use of candle energy can brighten your attitude, help focus your attention, create abundance, help you with healing, and draw more love into your life.
He drew on cultural influences such as Freemasonry, Aleister Crowley's Thelema, and Margaret Murray's theories about witchcraft trials and the survival of a witch cult. Gardner also incorporated elements from ceremonial magic, folklore, and folk magic. Gardner's efforts to launch and popularize Wicca were crucial in establishing it as a recognized religious movement.
The Power of Candle Magic : Spells and Rituals for an Abundant Life
Here is a thoughtful, accessible, hands-on guide to the increasingly popular practice of candle magic. Author Phillip Cooper offers techniques for training your mind and working with the energy of candles. The Power of Candle Magic shows how the magical use of candle energy can brighten your attitude, help focus your attention, create abundance, help you with healing, and draw more love into your life.
“The Power of Candle Magic contains practical information that can be put to excellent use by anyone. Transcending just burning candles, Cooper presents an entire system of magic with candle burning as its centerpiece. For those new to magical practice, Cooper’s system is effective, and you may find it a good place to begin. For adepts or those already on their paths, pan for the gold within these pages: take what works for you and integrate it into your magic.” —Judika Illes
The book explains:
- how to choose candles for magic
- the basics of creating candle rituals
- how to make and work with incense and anointing oils
- the importance of color correspondences
- how to use the planetary correspondences so you can harness the right energy for any endeavor
Previously published as Candle Magic, this new edition includes an extensive new foreword by Judika Illes, author of Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells and Pure Magic.
He organized covens and initiated new members into Wicca, believing that initiation was necessary for a person to become a witch. Gardner's influence extended beyond England, as his books and teachings spread to other parts of the world. While Gerald Gardner is widely acknowledged as the individual who launched Wicca, it is important to recognize that he built upon a foundation of earlier forms of witchcraft, paganism, and occultism. Wicca, as it exists today, has evolved and diversified since Gardner's time, with many different traditions and approaches within the broader Wiccan movement. Nonetheless, Gardner's contributions and vision played a crucial role in establishing Wicca as a distinct religious path..
Reviews for "Breaking the Chains: Examining the Freedom Fighters Who Launched Wicca"
1. Samantha - 2/5 stars - While "Who launched wicca" claims to provide an insightful look into the origins of wicca, I found it to be lacking in depth and detail. The author briefly touches on the history of wicca and the different individuals involved, but fails to provide a comprehensive analysis. Additionally, the writing style is dry and lacks engagement, making it difficult to stay interested in the subject matter. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to those seeking a thorough exploration of the origins of wicca.
2. Michael - 1/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Who launched wicca" as I am incredibly interested in the origins of wicca. However, this book fell short of my expectations. The information provided was sparse and did little to deepen my understanding of the subject. The writing style was convoluted and made it difficult to follow the author's train of thought. There was also a lack of proper citations and references, which left me questioning the accuracy of the information presented. Overall, this book was a disappointment and did not satisfy my desire for a comprehensive exploration of wicca's origins.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - As someone who is relatively new to the world of wicca, I was excited to read "Who launched wicca" to gain a better understanding of its origins. However, I was left feeling underwhelmed by this book. While the author briefly discusses the different individuals who played a role in the launch of wicca, the information provided was superficial and lacked depth. I found myself wanting more detailed explanations and historical context. Additionally, the writing style was dry and monotonous, making it difficult to stay engaged with the subject matter. Overall, I don't feel like I gained much insight from this book and would not recommend it to others looking to learn about the origins of wicca.
4. Benjamin - 2/5 stars - "Who launched wicca" is a brief and simplistic overview of the origins of wicca. While it touches on key figures and events, it lacks the depth and analysis that I was expecting. The author's writing style is straightforward but uninspiring, which made it difficult to stay engaged with the book. I also found the lack of references and tangible evidence to back up the claims made in the book to be concerning. Overall, this book is a light introduction to the subject but fails to provide the comprehensive exploration of wicca's origins that I was hoping for.
5. Sarah - 1/5 stars - "Who launched wicca" was a major letdown for me. The author takes a simplistic and shallow approach to the subject matter, barely scratching the surface of the origins of wicca. The information provided is basic and lacking in any real depth or analysis. The writing style is dry and unengaging, making it difficult to maintain interest in the book. Additionally, there is a clear bias present in the author's presentation of the history of wicca, which further detracts from its credibility. Overall, I was highly disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the origins of wicca.