An insider's look at the history of Witchcraft The evolution of Wicca is as dynamic and colorful as the Witches who helped shape it. One of the most enigmatic and progressive practitioners of his time, Gerald Gardner was arguably the most instrumental Witch in spreading the Craft around the world. Drawing on his decades of personal involvement with Wicca, Michael Howard offers an intimate portrait of Gerald Gardner's life and traces the history and development of modern neo-pagan Witchcraft. Howard reveals little-known facts and stories surrounding the men and women who shaped Wicca over the past sixty years, including Aleister Crowley, Alex Sanders, and influential initiates such as Doreen Valiente. From the Museum of Magic and Witchcraft on the Isle of Man to the origins of the Book of Shadows, Modern Wicca tracks the expansion of Wicca as it spread from the United Kingdom to the United States and beyond-and takes you inside the political controversies, behind-the-scenes rivalries, and once-guarded secrets of pagan ritual, Wiccan spells, and the Craft of the Wise. Praise: "This is an extremely important book, representing an account of Wiccan history from somebody who has himself been a major actor in it."—Ronald Hutton, author of The Triumph of the Moon

Traces the origins of Wicca and offers up a cauldron brew of spells, unusual recipes and fascinating Pagan lore. Also contains easy-to-follow rituals for the eight annual sabbats observed by Wiccans, an up-to-date listing of Pagan periodicals and sections on herbalism, tree magick and dreams. The author, a practising Witch, reveals the ancient secrets of magick and divination and offers her insights on Wiccan history, deities, tools, ethics and much more.

The past century has born witness to a growing interest in the belief systems of ancient Europe, with an array of contemporary Pagan groups claiming to revive these old ways for the needs of the modern world. By far the largest and best known of these Paganisms has been Wicca, a new religious movement that can now count hundreds of thousands of adherents worldwide. Emerging from the occult milieu of mid twentieth-century Britain, Wicca was first presented as the survival of an ancient pre-Christian Witch-Cult, whose participants assembled in covens to venerate their Horned God and Mother Goddess, to celebrate seasonal festivities, and to cast spells by the light of the full moon. Spreading to North America, where it diversified under the impact of environmentalism, feminism, and the 1960s counter-culture, Wicca came to be presented as a Goddess-centred nature religion, in which form it was popularised by a number of best-selling authors and fictional television shows. Today, Wicca is a maturing religious movement replete with its own distinct world-view, unique culture, and internal divisions. This book represents the first published academic introduction to be exclusively devoted to this fascinating faith, exploring how this Witches' Craft developed, what its participants believe and practice, and what the Wiccan community actually looks like. In doing so it sweeps away widely-held misconceptions and offers a comprehensive overview of this religion in all of its varied forms. Drawing upon the work of historians, anthropologists, sociologists, and scholars of religious studies, as well as the writings of Wiccans themselves, it provides an original synthesis that will be invaluable for anyone seeking to learn about the blossoming religion of modern Pagan Witchcraft.

Witchcraft and Wicca for a modern world, from YouTube vlogger and Instagram sensation Harmony Nice Welcome to Generation "Hex"--an era where young Americans know that witchcraft isn't about devil worship and spooky curses, and instead are openly embracing meaningful Wiccan rituals that can enrich our lives in real-world ways. In Wicca, 21-year-old Harmony Nice--a YouTube and Instagram star with 700,000 followers--offers modern readers a guide to overcoming obstacles and maximizing happiness. She offers practical guidance on: using crystals, wands, tarot cards, and magical tools setting up an altar introductory spells for health and protection finding your own witchy path--solitary or with a coven With beautiful illustrations throughout, Wicca offers readers spiritual authenticity, a hint of glamour, and a perfect guide to infusing their lives with spiritual purpose, confidence, and resilience.

Go beyond the basics of witchcraft and take your study of wicca to the next level: everything you need to know to have a deeper understanding of wicca, its teachings, and the meaning behind its rituals and practices. You’ve bought your crystals and cast your basic spells, planted your herb garden and smudged your home—now what? Wicca: A Modern Practitioner’s Guide takes you beyond the trendy witchy basics to the deeper roots the practice, with explanations of the traditions, beliefs, and rituals that make up the wiccan religion. Learn about Solitary Wicca, which teaches you how to practice wicca—whether you work with a coven or practice alone—and goes beyond the “how” of different practices to explore the “why”: for example, when should you create a sacred space rather than cast a circle? How and why do you purify yourself before a ritual? What is grounding, and why is it important for you to ground yourself before doing spellwork? For those who seek them, Wicca has all the answers.

Complete introduction to the craft, its history and philosophy, its tool and many of its rituals and rites.

“Eclectic Wicca is a breath of fresh air, both grounded in scholarship and deep knowledge and DIY ways to take what works for you and run with it.” —Cerridwen Greenleaf, author of The Witches’ Spell Book Are you seeking more contentment in your daily life? Could you use more abundance, including improved health, greater prosperity, and more love? This charmingly illustrated book will greatly enhance your every day with rites, secrets, and Wiccan wisdom from author Mandi See. Eclectic Wicca pushes past the notion of an aged crone in this book for twenty-first-century spiritual seekers. Longtime Wiccan Mandi See shows how the path of Wicca can be customized to suit your lifestyle. In her words, “This book is for anyone who has a personal desire to take control of their lives, connect with nature and understand why they do the things they do.” Brimming with lore from this wisdom tradition, Eclectic Wicca explores every aspect of “the good life” from: How to create an altar as your personal power centerWhich herbs and plants have properties to healCelebrations for Sabbats and high holidaysWiccan meditationsWiccan visualizationsWiccan spells and incantationsInstructive insights covering astrological aspectsPhases of the moonCandle color alchemyAnd, exactly which gods and goddesses to invoke Whether you are just getting started or want to add diversity to your spiritual practice, the inspired ideas in Eclectic Wicca will empower you to create a happy life filled with the best kind of magic.