Wicca, a modern pagan witchcraft religion, traces its origins back to ancient pre-Christian beliefs and practices. While the exact origins of Wicca are difficult to pinpoint, many aspects of the religion can be traced back to ancient pagan traditions. The **primary influences on the development of Wicca** include Celtic and other European pagan folklore, as well as occultist movements such as the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and Freemasonry. Despite its ancient inspirations, the modern practice of Wicca as we know it today began to take shape in the mid-20th century. British civil servant and amateur anthropologist Gerald Gardner is often credited with founding modern Wicca in the 1940s. Gardner claimed to have been initiated into a coven of witches and incorporated various elements of folklore, ceremonial magic, and his own personal beliefs into the practice he called "Wicca," derived from the Old English word for witch.
A series that combines traditional approaches of political, legal, and social historians with critical syntheses of cultural anthropology, historical psychology, and gender studies, Witchcraft and Magic in Europe provides a modern, scholarly survey of the supernatural beliefs of Europeans from ancient times to the present day. Each of the six volumes in the series contains the work of distinguished scholars chosen for their expertise in a particular era or region.
A series that combines traditional approaches of political, legal, and social historians with critical syntheses of cultural anthropology, historical psychology, and gender studies, Witchcraft and Magic in Europe provides a modern, scholarly survey of the supernatural beliefs of Europeans from ancient times to the present day. A series that combines traditional approaches of political, legal, and social historians with critical syntheses of cultural anthropology, historical psychology, and gender studies, Witchcraft and Magic in Europe provides a modern, scholarly survey of the supernatural beliefs of Europeans from ancient times to the present day.
Gardner claimed to have been initiated into a coven of witches and incorporated various elements of folklore, ceremonial magic, and his own personal beliefs into the practice he called "Wicca," derived from the Old English word for witch. However, the religion did not gain widespread recognition until the 1950s and 1960s, with the publication of books such as Gardner's "Witchcraft Today" and "The Meaning of Witchcraft." These books brought attention to Wicca and helped establish it as a distinct religious movement.
Witchcraft and Magic in Europe, Volume 5
The roots of European witchcraft and magic lie in Hebrew and other ancient Near Eastern cultures and in the Celtic, Nordic, and Germanic traditions of the Continent. For two millennia, European folklore and ritual have been imbued with the belief in the supernatural, yielding a rich trove of histories and images.
A series that combines traditional approaches of political, legal, and social historians with critical syntheses of cultural anthropology, historical psychology, and gender studies, Witchcraft and Magic in Europe provides a modern, scholarly survey of the supernatural beliefs of Europeans from ancient times to the present day. Each of the six volumes in the series contains the work of distinguished scholars chosen for their expertise in a particular era or region.
The eighteenth century saw the end of witch trials everywhere. The authors chart the process of and reasons for the decriminalization of witchcraft, but also challenge the widespread assumption that Europe then became "disenchanted." Here for the first time are surveys of the social role of witchcraft in European communities, as well as a full treatment of Victorian supernaturalism and of the continued importance of witchcraft and magic as topics of debate among intellectuals and other writers.
Other volumes in the series Witchcraft and Magic in Europe:
Ancient Greece and Rome
The Twentieth Century
Biblical and Pagan Societies
The Middle Ages
The Period of the Witch Trials
The Decriminalization of Witchraft
—Brian Levack
Witchcraft after the Witch Trials
—Marijke Gijswijt-Hofstra
Witchcraft and Magic in Enlightenment, Romantic, and Liberal Thought
—Roy Porter
Bengt Ankarloo is Professor of History at Lund University, Sweden. Stuart Clark is Professor of History at the University of Wales, Swansea.
"Although the volumes are intended mainly for scholars, there is much in them to interest the common reader." —New Yorker
"Reminds readers of the extent to which science, reason, and skepticism failed to destroy the realm of arcane arts and nightmares." —History
The eighteenth century saw the end of witch trials everywhere. The authors chart the process of and reasons for the decriminalization of witchcraft, but also challenge the widespread assumption that Europe then became "disenchanted." Here for the first time are surveys of the social role of witchcraft in European communities, as well as a full treatment of Victorian supernaturalism and of the continued importance of witchcraft and magic as topics of debate among intellectuals and other writers.
Over time, various other authors and practitioners have contributed to the development and diversification of Wicca, resulting in different branches and traditions within the religion. It is important to note that the **ancient pagan traditions from which Wicca draws inspiration date back much further** than the modern manifestation of the religion itself. These traditions, rooted in the worship of nature, deities, and the cycles of the seasons, have ancient roots that can be traced back thousands of years across different cultures and civilizations. In conclusion, while the modern practice of Wicca as a distinct religion can be traced back to the mid-20th century, its influences and inspirations reach far back into ancient pagan traditions. The development of Wicca was influenced by various historical and cultural factors, combining elements of folklore, ceremonial magic, and personal beliefs to create a unique spiritual path..
Reviews for "Unearthing the Past: Mysterious Origins of Wicca Revealed"
1. John - 2/5: This book was a disappointment. I was expecting a detailed exploration of the origins of Wicca, but instead, all I got was a superficial overview that didn't provide any substantial evidence or historical context. The author seemed more interested in promoting their own beliefs rather than presenting a well-researched account. I was left with more questions than answers after reading this book, and I would not recommend it to anyone looking for an in-depth understanding of the history of Wicca.
2. Sarah - 1/5: "How far back does Wicca date" is a complete waste of time. I was hoping to learn about the historical roots of Wicca, but the author simply regurgitated outdated and inaccurate information. It became apparent that the author did not have a solid understanding of Wiccan history and relied on speculation rather than research. The lack of credible sources and scholarly references was disappointing. If you are genuinely interested in learning about the origins of Wicca, I suggest looking for a more reliable and well-researched source.
3. Michael - 2/5: I found "How far back does Wicca date" to be a shallow examination of Wicca's history. The author's writing style was confusing and disjointed, making it difficult to follow the narrative. The book lacked a clear structure and failed to provide enough context for someone new to Wicca. The author made several sweeping statements without backing them up with evidence, leaving me skeptical of their claims. Overall, this book left me unsatisfied and searching for a more comprehensive resource on Wiccan history.