Wicca is a modern pagan religious movement that emerged in the mid-20th century. Its followers, known as Wiccans, worship and practice witchcraft in accordance with their beliefs. The religion draws inspiration from ancient pagan traditions and emphasizes the worship of nature, divinity, and magic. Wiccans believe in a dual deity system, consisting of a God and a Goddess. These deities are seen as the embodiment of masculine and feminine energies, and they are worshipped and honored in rituals and ceremonies. Wiccans also believe in the existence of spirits and the power of magic, which they harness and work with in their rituals and spellcasting.
This fascinating and bizarre collection compiles the most unusual, obscure books from the far reaches of the human imagination.
With criminals, it was about being both a deterrent and a more symbolic punishment, to encase the outlaw with the very symbol of civilization the book. Chaldean Oracles lost, only exists in fragments While the original text has been lost, fragments of it are preserved in quotations from later authors.
Wiccans also believe in the existence of spirits and the power of magic, which they harness and work with in their rituals and spellcasting. Celebrating the cycles of nature is an integral part of the Wiccan religion. The Wiccan calendar is divided into eight festivals, known as Sabbats, which mark important seasonal and agricultural changes.
Rare texts on magic and the occult unearthed for Archives Alive event
This month’s must-see Archives Alive event will take audiences back in time to explore rare texts at McMaster University rooted in the very real tradition of magic and philosophy in western Europe.
BY Tina Depko, University Library
October 20, 2021
SHARELeather-bound books with ancient alphabets, pentagrams outlined in red paint on a floor, and hooded figures chanting incantations by candlelight; these are among the depictions commonly conjured in popular culture around magic and the occult.
But where do these concepts come from?
This month’s must-see Archives Alive event will take audiences back in time to explore rare texts at McMaster University rooted in the very real tradition of magic and philosophy in western Europe.
An image from the first edition of Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa’s De Occulta Philosophia libri III (1533). Photo by Myron Groover
The virtual talk, entitled, “The Operation of All Wonderfull Things:” Magic and the Occult at McMaster University Library, is on Thursday, Oct. 28 at 1 p.m.
“Here at McMaster, we have some of the original source materials from which those popular depictions take their inspiration,” said presenter Myron Groover, archives and rare books librarian at McMaster University Library’s William Ready Division of Archives and Research Collections. “Fictional depictions of occultism are inspired by the real thing — an extensive philosophical and practical literature of magic in the Western esoteric tradition.”
Among the texts that will be featured during the event is one of only six known manuscripts of the Liber Visionum — a beguiling medieval synthesis of demonology and Marianism.
An illustration (with manual annotations) from an undated edition of Le véritable magie noire, ou, Le secret des secrets. Photo by Myron Groover
Groover says that although the text looks benign to our eyes today, it was so controversial that it was officially suppressed in 1323.
“The work itself seems to be a series of complicated prayers or rituals that you undertake to attain a state of mystical and philosophical union with the Virgin Mary. Through doing so, the idea is that you would have access in your personal life to the Virgin’s infinite wisdom and compassion,” he said.
“The reason it is controversial is that it papers over an earlier medieval occult tradition that was entirely demonological in nature. It was a way of sanitizing a practice that was originally about manifesting, summoning, and communicating with demons in order to make it politically correct within the religious atmosphere of the day.”
Another book that will be highlighted is an obscure 19 th century copy of the Lesser Key of Solomon.
“This is a stereotypical-looking occult book, with many summoning pentacles and symbols,” said Groover. “What makes our copy significant is that it is quite heavily annotated. This could mean that someone who was studying and quite possibly practising the occult arts has read this as a practical textbook and has gone through it in pencil and made certain cross-references, correlations, and in some cases, corrections to the text, which is quite fascinating.”
Perhaps one of the texts Groover is most excited to share is a recently acquired first edition of Agrippa’s Three Books of Occult Philosophy dating from the 1530s.
“Agrippa is inspired by the period in which he’s alive, but he uses this inspiration to pull together the whole esoteric tradition which he believes is derived from classical antiquity,” said Groover. “It’s a very influential synthesis and something from which practitioners today still read and quote.”
In addition to delving into the rare texts, Groover will connect the dots to references in modern popular culture, making the event appealing to a wide audience.
“Anyone who has ever enjoyed TV shows like Supernatural or thought Giles from Buffy the Vampire Slayer was cool should definitely tune in to this event,” he said.
All are welcome to attend. Admission is free.
Archives Alive showcases the unique holdings of McMaster University Library’s William Ready Division of Archives and Research Collections. A wealth of resources exist which will delight and inform, from rare books created before 1800 to contemporary writers’ archives. Recognizing that archives can feel intimidating, these talks allow staff and researchers to share their knowledge with the community and introduce collection items housed within the library. Archives Alive is presented by McMaster University Library and McMaster Alumni.
Republish this Article for FreeThese Sabbats include celebrations such as Samhain, Beltane, and the summer and winter solstices. Wiccans also place a strong emphasis on personal responsibility and ethical behavior. They follow a moral code known as the Wiccan Rede, which states "An it harm none, do what ye will." This means that Wiccans strive to live in harmony with others and to avoid causing harm or ill-will. Wicca is a decentralized religion, with no central authority or governing body. Its practices and beliefs can vary widely among different Wiccans and covens (smaller groups of practitioners). While some Wiccans practice in solitude, others participate in group rituals and ceremonies. Despite the common misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding Wicca, it is a peaceful and nature-based religion that promotes harmony and respect for all living beings. Wiccans seek to connect with nature, gain wisdom, and create a balanced and fulfilling life through their religious beliefs and practices..
Reviews for "Embracing the Divine Feminine in Wiccan Spirituality"
1. John - 1 star
I found the definition of Wiccan religion to be thoroughly unconvincing. It seemed to be based on a mishmash of beliefs and practices that lacked any substantial theological foundation. The concepts of witchcraft, nature worship, and pagan rituals were simply thrown together without any coherent explanation as to why they are significant or how they fit within the broader context of spirituality. Overall, I am highly disappointed with this definition and would not recommend it to anyone seeking a clear understanding of Wiccan beliefs.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
While I appreciate the effort to define Wiccan religion, I found this definition to be overly simplistic and lacking in detail. It failed to adequately explain some of the core principles and practices of Wicca, leaving me with more questions than answers. Additionally, the definition seemed to focus too much on the stereotypical image of Witches and witchcraft, without delving into the deeper spiritual aspects of the religion. Overall, I think this definition falls short in providing a comprehensive understanding of Wiccan beliefs and practices.
3. Michael - 1 star
I was hoping to gain a better understanding of Wiccan religion through this definition, but instead, I was left confused and unsatisfied. The definition seemed to be filled with vague and abstract concepts that were difficult to grasp and lacked clear explanations. It also failed to provide any historical context or references, which would have been helpful in understanding the origins and development of the religion. Overall, I found this definition to be disjointed and unhelpful in providing a comprehensive understanding of Wiccan beliefs and practices.
4. Emily - 2 stars
I had high hopes for this definition as someone who is curious about different religions, but unfortunately, it fell short. The definition lacked depth and failed to delve into the rich history and diverse practices of Wiccan religion. It focused too much on the sensationalized aspects of witchcraft and didn't sufficiently explain the core beliefs and rituals associated with Wicca. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and would recommend seeking out more comprehensive resources for those interested in learning about Wiccan religion.