Witchcraft Today

Rating:
Summary: Slightly opening the robe
Review: I really need to be able to give this book two different ratings depending on the orientation of the reader. As a historical document regarding the history of Wicca in particular and Neopaganism in general, it should be on every bookshelf. As a source of insight into the actual practice, it is, by necessity, as others have pointed out, incomplete. I should mention that, as a Pagan, but not Wiccan, occultist with a keen amateur interest in the history of the Pagan and occult revivals, my own point of view partakes of both.

I found it fascinating to watch Gardner (GBG) alternate between the viewpoints of an anthropologist, describing the coven from an outsider's view, and that of an initiate, the latter view often introduced by the phrase, "when I was inside." When he describes ritual or places certain customs in context by reference to their effect on magick, he does not generally cite his own experience, but refers to "the Witches" as if he were not one. I suppose he is trying to project an image of objective scholarship, but it comes off more as coyness or ingenuousness to my eyes.

If you're an initiate of Trad Witchcraft, you already know much more than what GBG reveals here, and if you are not, you'll have to just respect the fact that he seems to have honored his oaths and not told any important secrets other than that the revived Craft existed (and, yes, according to the Ardanes, that is a protected secret), which I have to suppose was his intent, in which he succeeded, probably beyond his wildest imaginings.

My own current _theory_, based on extensive but by no means complete readings of the available material, is that GBG did indeed meet people who were practicing the Craft in what they thought was an ancient form, based on the available materials (which have since been cast into considerable doubt by scholars), and at some point he needed to decide between following and elaborating on Witchcraft or pursuing his previous project of reviving the O.T.O. in Britain. He obviously chose the former, and presided over the public launching of a creative and influential current in the Pagan and occult revivals.

Rating:
Summary: A "British Traditional" viewpoint
Review: I'll pass on to you what my elders have said to me: Take his (mostly outmoded) anthropological data with a large grain of salt, but pay close attention to what he says about his personal experience with Witches, especially since he is known for his understatements, double-edged comments, etc. A worthwhile book for Seekers (like me) if you look beneath the surface. Also interesting from a "history of Wicca" perspective.

Rating:
Summary: Gardner Starter Book For those into Gardner's tradition....
Review: Learning Gardner's ways is one of the best ways to learn where true wicca began. The history is interesting and the ideas are wonderful to read. Eventhough, this book is out of print, its not that hard to find if you know where to go to look.

Rating:
Summary: Dabbling Mundanes Need Not Apply!
Review: These days it seems the fashion to be a dabbler in the occult. People who are followers of the fashion, and not the religion, need not waste their money on anything by Gardner. If you want to don your "mystical" robe, flap your hands and recite "all-powerful" spells and incantations, *please* do NOT buy this book. There are too many serious students out there who need it more than you. You would do much better to buy a book of spells that has a really "cool" cover that your friends can Oooh and Ahhh over while you whisper that you're a *Witch*.

Meanwhile, if you are a serious student of the Craft, this book is for you. Many people say that it's a let-down because it doesn't spell out the how-to's of Wiccan ritual, or that its best quality is its historical importance. Yes, that's all true. It's also true that Gardner had a rather dry (if intriguing) writing style. However, better than giving the ABCs of writing a spell or ritual, GBG gives you an *understanding* of Witchcraft. This book makes you flex your gray matter and actually *think* about Witchcraft as more than just a Hollywood stereotype. There is a reason "Witchcraft Today" is on almost every recommended reading list for Groves and Covens: it is fundamental preparation for insights yet to come...

Rating:
Summary: Dabbling Mundanes Need Not Apply!
Review: These days it seems the fashion to be a dabbler in the occult. People who are followers of the fashion, and not the religion, need not waste their money on anything by Gardner. If you want to don your "mystical" robe, flap your hands and recite "all-powerful" spells and incantations, *please* do NOT buy this book. There are too many serious students out there who need it more than you. You would do much better to buy a book of spells that has a really "cool" cover that your friends can Oooh and Ahhh over while you whisper that you're a *Witch*.

Meanwhile, if you are a serious student of the Craft, this book is for you. Many people say that it's a let-down because it doesn't spell out the how-to's of Wiccan ritual, or that its best quality is its historical importance. Yes, that's all true. It's also true that Gardner had a rather dry (if intriguing) writing style. However, better than giving the ABCs of writing a spell or ritual, GBG gives you an *understanding* of Witchcraft. This book makes you flex your gray matter and actually *think* about Witchcraft as more than just a Hollywood stereotype. There is a reason "Witchcraft Today" is on almost every recommended reading list for Groves and Covens: it is fundamental preparation for insights yet to come...

Rating:
Summary: The Book That Started It All
Review: With Hollywood and other media hype making witchcraft and the occult the cool thing, author Gerald Gardner is relatively unknown. Why? From what I've seen with other witches and occultists they don't care what's in these books and they live their lives as they please. The more reality based witches these books are an easy referance for the do's and don'ts of the craft, and how to be really hardcore about it. This is hardcore if you take a look at the few pictures in this book there is a picture of a ritual room with a magick circle made in the fashion of the Key of Solomon. What I've seen in reality from other witches I technicly knew more about it and how it began and its practices and beliefs where they were kind of lost but knew just enough about it for me the expert I had to recognize them as a legitimate witch. If you are interested in the history of the craft this is the first real book on witchcraft that put it into a belief system and alternative religion.