Witchcraft today is a subject that has garnered much interest and intrigue in contemporary society. Gerald Gardner, often referred to as the "Father of Witchcraft," played a significant role in popularizing and shaping modern witchcraft. Gardner was a British civil servant and amateur anthropologist who claimed to have been initiated into a coven of witches in the New Forest region of England in the 1930s. Through his writings and teachings, Gardner sought to revive and legitimize witchcraft as a valid spiritual practice. Gardner's book, Witchcraft Today, published in 1954, was groundbreaking in its exploration of witchcraft as a living and viable practice. He argued that witchcraft was an ancient, nature-based religion that had survived centuries of persecution and oppression.
This spell draws upon the latent planar energy of the caster’s surroundings, allowing her to temporarily infuse a creature with the plane’s power. The touched creature gains that plane’s basic infusion for the spell’s duration. This spell has no effect if cast on the Material Plane, and it ends as soon as the spell’s target leaves the plane with which it has been infused. Details on planar infusions can be found in each plane’s Infusion section.
The only difference I can see to doing this instead of just casting the spell is that creatures other than you can essentially cast your spells for you. So many of our ancestors around the world strew salt at the entrances of their homes and sacred temples to ward off evil spirits and protect the sanctity of the space.
He argued that witchcraft was an ancient, nature-based religion that had survived centuries of persecution and oppression. According to Gardner, witchcraft was rooted in the worship of a Horned God and a Great Goddess, representing the masculine and feminine divine forces. Rituals and ceremonies were performed to honor and connect with these deities, as well as to tap into the natural energies of the earth and the seasons.
Bestow Planar Infusion I
This spell draws upon the latent planar energy of the caster’s surroundings, allowing her to temporarily infuse a creature with the plane’s power. The touched creature gains that plane’s basic infusion for the spell’s duration. This spell has no effect if cast on the Material Plane, and it ends as soon as the spell’s target leaves the plane with which it has been infused. Details on planar infusions can be found in each plane’s Infusion section.
Once a creature gains the benefits of bestow planar infusion I, it remains attuned to that plane for 24 hours. Additional castings of bestow planar infusion I during this time bestow the same infusion that was granted by the initial casting that day. Planar infusions that can be used a limited number of times per day are not refreshed by multiple castings of bestow planar infusion I.
Bestow Planar Infusion II
This functions as bestow planar infusion I, except that the touched creature gains the improved infusion of the current plane.
Bestow Planar Infusion III
This functions as bestow planar infusion I, except that the touched creature gains the greater infusion of the current plane.
Section 15: Copyright NoticePathfinder Roleplaying Game Planar Adventures © 2018, Paizo Inc.; Authors: Robert Brookes, John Compton, Paris Crenshaw, Eleanor Ferron, Thurston Hillman, James Jacobs, Isabelle Lee, Lyz Liddell, Ron Lundeen, Joe Pasini, Lacy Pellazar, Jessica Price, Mark Seifter, F. Wesley Schneider, Todd Stewart, James L. Sutter, and Linda Zayas-Palmer.
First thing I did was whip out my phone, pull out the compass app, and mentally note the location of the 4 directions from our space. Knowing where the sun rises and sets in relation to where we live is a deeply grounded ancestral practice. Our first night in the house, we walked into every room and said hello, letting it know we lived here now and would be making it out home. We walked outside in our backyard (being dug up by landscapers) and said hello and let the land spirits know our promise to steward this land and infuse life and joy back into it. We’ve been taking time to notice the animals, birds, and critters coming along. We watch the tree across the street, which seems to be a meeting point for the local blackbirds and squirrels. We listen for coyote howling at night and the difference between the morning and afternoon birdsong. We have greeted every spider who seems to enjoy our downstairs bathroom and will continue to do so, because this work of introducing ourselves may take years. Transitions are rarely hasty (and the hasty ones rarely go well).
One of the key aspects of contemporary witchcraft influenced by Gardner is the concept of Wicca. Wicca is a modern pagan religious movement that incorporates elements of witchcraft, nature worship, and ceremonial magic. It places an emphasis on personal experience, inner transformation, and living in harmony with nature. Wiccans often practice in small covens or as solitary practitioners, following a set of ethical principles known as the Wiccan Rede, which promotes the idea of "an it harm none, do what ye will." Today, witchcraft and Wicca continue to evolve and adapt to the changing times. The movement has gained popularity and recognition, and witches are no longer seen solely as evil or devil-worshipping individuals. Many people are drawn to witchcraft for its emphasis on personal empowerment, connection with nature, and spirituality outside of traditional religious institutions. The practice of witchcraft can include spellcasting, divination, herbalism, and other forms of magic, all aimed at harnessing personal power and manifesting desired outcomes. However, it is important to note that witchcraft is a diverse and multifaceted practice, with many different traditions and paths. Not all witches identify as Wiccans, and not all follow the teachings of Gerald Gardner. Some may incorporate elements of other spiritual practices, while others may focus on specific aspects such as herbalism or healing. Ultimately, witchcraft today is a vibrant and dynamic movement that continues to evolve and grow, offering individuals a unique and personal spiritual path..
Reviews for "The Witches' Revival: Gerald Gardner's Role in Popularizing Witchcraft Today"
1. Samantha - 1/5 stars - I found "Witchcraft Today" to be highly disappointing. Gerald Gardener's writing style was convoluted and difficult to follow. The book lacked structure and coherence, jumping from one topic to another without any clear direction. Additionally, I felt that Gardener's claims and explanations were baseless and lacked evidence. Overall, I found this book to be a frustrating and confusing read, and I would not recommend it to anyone interested in witchcraft or the occult.
2. Robert - 2/5 stars - As someone who has a keen interest in witchcraft, I was excited to dive into "Witchcraft Today." However, I was left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied after reading it. Gerald Gardener's writing was dry and lacking in depth. I felt that he merely scratched the surface of the subject matter, failing to provide any substantial insights or unique perspectives. Additionally, the book was riddled with inaccuracies and misinformation, which further added to my disappointment. Overall, I was expecting a much more informative and engaging read, and unfortunately, "Witchcraft Today" failed to meet those expectations.
3. Lisa - 2/5 stars - I must admit that I was quite intrigued by the premise of "Witchcraft Today." However, I found it to be a rather dull and tedious read. Gerald Gardener's writing style was dry and academic, making it difficult to maintain my interest throughout the book. The information provided was also quite basic and lacked depth. I was expecting more insight into the practice of witchcraft and the surrounding beliefs, but instead, the book felt more like a history lesson. While it may be suitable for those new to the subject, I believe there are much better resources available for those looking to delve deeper into the world of witchcraft.