Customer Reviews

Gerald Gardner And the Cauldron of Inspiration: An Investigation into the Sources of Gardnerian Witchcraft

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
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The book Gerald Gardner And the Cauldron of Inspiration: An Investigation into the Sources of Gardnerian Witchcraft is a very in depth but easy to read sourcebook for anyone who wishes to understand and explore the roots of Garnarerian Witchcraft. He has done the research as an anthropologist, and a geneologist to show the true roots of the formation of modern Wicca.

His investigative ability and clear and concise writing style includes direct quotes from people as Doreen Valiente, Patricia Crowther, and others who actually were witnesses and participants in Gardner's search for the Roots of the Witch Cult, or Wicca.

He records and discusses the roots of High Magic's Aid, A Goddess Arrives, Witchcraft Today, and The Meaning of Witchcraft, including the true evolution, from fiction to non-fiction over the years of Gerald Gardner's Life.

Mr. Heselton debunks many of the myths surrounding this rather colorful man, (Gerald Gardner), and includes all the investigative notes to justify his opinions.

He includes research information and validation of Gardner's work with the original museum of witchcraft, and his relationship, (or lack of one), with Aleister CrowleyThe Confessions of Aleister Crowley : An Autobiography.

Some other interesting books on this fascinating subject are listed below.

The Rebirth of Witchcraft
What Witches Do
Covensense

Once again, a fantastic read, I give it 5 stars.

Alfred Willowhawk
[...].

If you are looking into getting into the Gardnarian "branch", this is a good book to read first. Written by a Gardnarian, proof is put forth showing that Gardnarian wicca is NOT older than the 1950's.

Drawing down the moon also comes to the same conclutions with this.

Philip Heselton's book is a fantastic read that will enlighten even those that have been on a Wican path for decades. The book goes into much new information that has been gotten from research and the aid of newly released papers. The book is an engrossing read as well as informative. It does drag a little near the end but that's a small complaint as well as a compliment to the first 2/3 of the book. Well worth the price. It's from a small publisher so this is likely the only way to get it state side.