Dear Diary, Today was a very eventful day for me as a witch. As I woke up, I could already sense the magic in the air. The birds were singing and the wind was carrying whispers of spells from afar. I couldn't wait to get started on my daily rituals and practices. First, I brewed a pot of herbal tea to help me focus my energy. I gathered the necessary ingredients from my garden - lavender, chamomile, and rosemary.
Alternative religions attract great public, academic and government interest in our apparently post-Christian society. Yet how did all the'alternatives'develop, what are their beliefs and practices and how significant is their impact in terms of the world's religions and society? This book presents a comprehensive introduction to the major forms of alternative religions: Cults, Sects, New Religious Movements, the New Age, Fundamentalism, Pentecostalism, Ethnic Religions and Quasi-religions. Stephen Hunt presents sociological insights into the rise of alternative religions, their beliefs and practices, their impact, who joins them, and how they are being classified and could be re-classified in the future. Public and legal controversies surrounding some alternative religions, such as the so-called'dangerous cults', are also explored. This book offers students insights into contemporary themes such as secularisation, post-modernity, links between religion, healing and and changes in our global culture.
It has been observed that the traditions, philosophies and beliefs that enjoy historical longevity are not those that remain static and unchanging, but rather those that evolve and adapt to meet the needs of different or changing societies. Although the majority of Pagans in the United States have abandoned the tradition of practicing in groups, little is known about these individuals or their way of practice.
I gathered the necessary ingredients from my garden - lavender, chamomile, and rosemary. The scent of the herbs filled my cottage, creating a calming and magical atmosphere. With my cup of tea in hand, I began my morning meditation.
The Feminist Book of Lights & Shadows (1976)
The practice of witchcraft regained its momentum during the 1970s Women's Feminist Movement. Before then, the use of witchcraft was done in private, and ultimately, there were little to no media coverage on profound witch activities in America other than the retelling of the Salem Witch Trials in late 17th century.
Zsuzsanna Emese Mokcsay, better known by her alias Z Budapest, is a Hungarian born hereditary witch. She gained the status from her mother who was a psychic and sculptor. Her mother's work mainly focused on the Roman Goddess Diana, who is known for being the goddess of the hunt, moon, and underworld. Budapest immigrated to Chicago in 1959. When her husband went on vacation with their two sons and his mistress in 1970, she knew that living as a housewife would not satisfy her. So, she took a trip to southern California and remained there, where she discovered her newfound religion.
Influenced by the traditions of Wicca (contemporary Paganism) and Budapest's maternal lineage, Dianic Wicca was born. Dianic Wicca incorporates Goddess-centered cosmology with feminist-focused spirituality. Similarly, it celebrates the eight annual Wiccan holidays based on the lunar cycle, called Sabbats. These celebrations serve to link the divine individual with the natural world. Budapest is best known for being the founder of the Susan B. Anthony Coven Number 1 in 1971. She gave herself the role of High Priestess within the coven, and their first official meeting was hosted inside her home and consisted of only seven women. As the coven grew to hundreds of members, Budapest expanded their meeting location to the Malibu mountaintops. The group gathered on Sunday mornings to honor the Goddess and discuss rituals for rites of passage such as naming newborns, healing from injury, finding love, etc. In addition, Dianic Wiccans practiced the use of "negative magic" by hexing and cursing men who cause harm unto women. Budapest boasted that "witches threw the best parties"; needless to say, they performed rituals that celebrated the sisterhood of their coven through food, music, poetry, drama, and psychedelics.
The spells and rituals that the group wanted to initially publish can be found here, in The Feminist Book of Lights & Shadows, along with explanations and listings of materials needed for the rituals. In 1979, the book was republished under a compilation of Budapest's other works, titled The Holy Book of Women's Mysteries. A year prior to publishing the book, Budapest was arrested for providing tarot card readings to costumers in her occult shop. This event allowed Budapest to gain nation-wide publicity, and it became a historical marker for feminists, witches, and fortunetellers. Budapest claimed herself as "the first witch to go on trial in 300 years." Her roaring coverage in the media laid the foundation for the California Supreme Court's legalization of fortunetelling in 1985.
Feminists like Budapest dedicate most of their careers to help women "liberate their souls and heal from wounds of patriarchy." However, as she considers transgender men and women as an injustice to spiritual womanhood, her 1970s feminist ideology is seen as controversial among modern witches and new-wave feminists. Today, Zsuzsanna Budapest is working on a television series called "Baba Boogie and the Berkeley Broads," where a conflicted immortal tries to find a new generation of feminists so she can die peacefully.
This 2nd edition (yellow cover) book is a rare find as it is no longer being printed.
This book can be found in Special Collections in McCain Library room 305. The library is open Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information about this title, contact Jennifer Brannock at .
Text by Jannie Nguyen, sophomore Political Science major
**Items of the Month featured in 2023 and part of 2024 will be the work of Southern Miss students who took HON 303, a seminar held in Fall 2022 focusing on archives and special collections.
Notes
Apel, Thomas. "Diana." Mythopedia, April 15, 2022. https://mythopedia.com/topics/diana (Accessed 3 October 2022)
Budapest, Zsuzsanna Emese, et al. The Feminist Book of Lights and Shadows. Feminist Wicca, 1976.
Netburn, Deborah. "This Feminist Witch Introduced California to Goddess Worship." Sep. 18, 2021, Los Angeles Times, https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-09-18/this-feminist-witch-introducedcalifornia-to-goddess-worship (Accessed 3 October 2022)
White, Ethan Doyle. "Wicca." Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2022, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Wicca. (Accessed 3 October 2022)
Wigington, Patti. "Dianic Wicca." Learn Religions, Sep. 9, 2021, https://www.learnreligions.com/what-isdianic-wicca-2562908 (Accessed 2 October 2022)
Young, Katherine. Her Voice, Her Faith: Women Speak on World Religions. Routledge, 2002: 243-279, EBSCOhost, https://search-ebscohostcom.lynx.lib.usm.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=e000xna&AN=421181&site=ehost-live (Accessed 2 October 2022)
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Folklore is one of the earliest journals in the field of folkloristics, first published as The Folk-Lore Record in 1878.
Folklore publishes ethnographical and analytical essays on vernacular culture worldwide, specializing in traditional narrative, language, music, song, dance, drama, foodways, medicine, arts and crafts, popular religion, and belief. It reviews current studies in a wide range of adjacent disciplines including anthropology, cultural studies, ethnology, history, literature, and religion.
Folklore prides itself on its special mix of reviews, analysis, ethnography, and debate; its combination of European and North American approaches to the study of folklore; and its coverage not only of the materials and processes of folklore, but also of the history, methods, and theory of folkloristics.
I sat comfortably on my worn-out cushion, closed my eyes, and cleared my mind. As I connected with my inner self, I could feel my magical powers strengthening. This was the perfect time to set my intentions for the day and visualize the outcomes I desired. After my meditation, I moved on to practicing spells and potions. Being a witch, I always strive to learn new spells and techniques, so I spent some time studying my grimoire. Today, I focused on a spell to protect against negative energy. I gathered the necessary herbs, crystals, and candles, and cast the spell with precise incantations. I could feel the energy shifting around me, providing me with a sense of safety and empowerment. As the day went on, I received a message from a friend who was struggling with a personal problem. Being a witch, I have always been the go-to person for advice and guidance. I met my friend at a secluded spot deep in the woods. We sat on the moss-covered ground and I listened attentively as she poured her heart out. I offered her a concoction of healing herbs and whispered an incantation to provide comfort and clarity. After parting ways with my friend, I decided to spend some time communing with nature. I ventured into the ancient forest, where old trees and mystical creatures welcomed me. Amidst the whispering leaves, I found a tranquil spot to connect with the energy of the earth. I closed my eyes and absorbed the magic and wisdom that surrounded me. It felt like a deep connection with the universe, renewing my energy and filling me with a sense of gratitude. As the day came to a close, I returned to my cottage with a heart full of contentment. Being a witch means living a life of magic, but it also requires responsibility and self-care. I completed my evening rituals - cleansing my space, grounding myself, and expressing my gratitude for the day's blessings. As I lay in bed, I reflected on the events of the day. Being a witch is not just about casting spells and performing rituals, it's about living in harmony with nature, connecting with the energy around us, and helping others along their journey. I am grateful for this magical path and all the experiences it brings. Until tomorrow, dear diary. Yours in magic, [Your Name].
Reviews for "A Witch's Journal: Navigating the Shadows and the Light"
1. Amy - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Diary of a Witch". The story lacked depth and the characters felt one-dimensional. I couldn't connect with the protagonist and found her actions and motives to be unrealistic. The pacing was also off, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. Overall, it just didn't live up to the hype for me.
2. John - 1/5 stars - "Diary of a Witch" was a complete letdown. The writing was amateurish, filled with clichés and predictable plotlines. The author failed to develop the magical world in a way that was believable or compelling. The dialogue was stilted and forced, making it difficult to genuinely engage with the story. I struggled to finish it and wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a nuanced and well-crafted fantasy novel.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I really wanted to like "Diary of a Witch", but it fell flat for me. The protagonist was annoying and lacked any real growth or development throughout the story. The magic system was poorly explained and inconsistent, leaving me confused and disconnected from the narrative. The romantic subplot felt forced and unnecessary, detracting from the overall plot. While the writing style was decent, the lack of substance and poorly executed elements left me feeling unsatisfied.
4. Mark - 2/5 stars - "Diary of a Witch" was a mediocre read at best. The story lacked originality and failed to offer anything new or exciting in the fantasy genre. The pacing was sluggish, and the plot twists were predictable. The world-building was sloppy, with inconsistencies and unexplained elements that left me questioning the author's attention to detail. While it wasn't the worst book I've read, it simply didn't live up to my expectations.