Wicca is a modern pagan witchcraft religion that emerged in the mid-20th century. **The exact date of when Wicca started to be practiced is somewhat difficult to determine**, as it evolved from various earlier forms of witchcraft and mystical beliefs. However, **Wicca can be traced back to the early 20th century when influential figures like Gerald Gardner and Doreen Valiente began to codify and popularize the practices and beliefs of witchcraft**. Gerald Gardner, often referred to as the "Father of Wicca," claimed that he was initiated into a secret coven of witches in the New Forest region of England in the late 1930s. **He went on to write several books, including "Witchcraft Today" in 1954, which helped to spread the teachings and rituals of Wicca**. Gardner's work drew from various sources, including ancient pagan traditions, ceremonial magic, and folklore.
The negative association with paganism stems from the beliefs of the world’s major monotheistic religions. Historically, the term referred to anyone who wasn’t a member of an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion like Christianity, Judaism, or Islam, and it was used as a disparaging term to refer to an “uncivilized or unenlightened person.”
Neopaganism can be traced back to the 1800s, and versions known today were strongly shaped in the 1960s in the United States, United Kingdom, and Scandinavia as a revival of nature and fertility worship. As the definition of a Witch grows, and the societal views surrounding the practice become more positive, it is important that even those who do not practice Witchcraft understand what it means to be a Witch.
Gardner's work drew from various sources, including ancient pagan traditions, ceremonial magic, and folklore. Doreen Valiente, another prominent figure in the early development of Wicca, collaborated with Gardner to create an early version of the Wiccan Book of Shadows, a sacred text that outlines rituals, spells, and beliefs. **Her contributions helped to shape and popularize Wicca as a distinct religious movement**.
Wicca
Wicca is a Pagan Witchcraft tradition popularised by Gerald Brosseau Gardner. It emphasises spells and rituals and honours a Triple Goddess and a Horned God.
Since its emergence in the mid-20th century, Wicca has continued to grow and evolve. **It has become a recognized religion in many countries**, with various traditions and branches that reflect the individual beliefs and practices of its followers. **Wicca is often characterized by its reverence for nature, the inclusion of both male and female deities, and the practice of magic**. While the origins of Wicca may be traced back to the mid-20th century, **it draws inspiration from a diverse range of ancient and modern spiritual traditions**, creating a unique and dynamic belief system for its practitioners..
Reviews for "Hidden in Plain Sight: The Surprising History of Wicca"
1. Amanda - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to read "Since when has Wicca been practiced" as I am interested in learning more about Wicca. However, I was disappointed with this book. The information provided was very basic and felt like a rehash of information that can easily be found online. Additionally, the author's writing style was quite dry and lacked any real depth or insight. I would recommend looking for other books on this topic that offer a more comprehensive and engaging exploration of Wicca.
2. David - 1/5 stars - I found "Since when has Wicca been practiced" to be an incredibly disappointing read. The author clearly did not do enough research or have a solid understanding of Wiccan practices. The information provided was misleading and incomplete, leading to a shallow understanding of the subject matter. Furthermore, the book felt poorly organized and lacked any clear direction. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an accurate and detailed exploration of Wicca.
3. Stephanie - 2/5 stars - I was hoping "Since when has Wicca been practiced" would offer a fresh perspective on the history of Wicca, but unfortunately, it fell short. The author provided a very superficial overview of Wicca, offering little new information or insights. Additionally, the writing style was dull and uninspiring, making it difficult to stay engaged with the text. If you're already familiar with the basics of Wicca, I would suggest looking for a more in-depth and well-written book on the subject.