The Meaning of Witchcraft [Paperback]

Gerald B. Gardner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2004

Thought to be the father of modern witchcraft, Gerald Gardner published The Meaning of Witchcraft in 1959, not long after laws punishing witches were repealed. It was the first sympathetic book written from the point of view of a practicing witch. The Meaning of Witchcraft is an invaluable source book for witches today. Chapters include: Witch's Memories and Beliefs, The Stone Age Origins of Witchcraft, Druidism and the Aryan Celts, Magic Thinking, Curious Beliefs about Witches, Signs and Symbols, The Black Mass, Some Allegations Examined. The Meaning of Witchcraft is a record of witches' roots-and a tribute to a founding pioneer with the courage to set that record straight.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gerald Brosseau Gardner( 1884-1964) has been called the father of modern Wicca. His published works are supposedly the teachings of a coven in which he was a member--teachings passed down by word of mouth since early pagan times. Along with his written legacy, he was also the founder of the Museum of Witchcraft.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser (March 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578633095
• ISBN-13: 978-1578633098
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #830,013 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Serious Seeker's Must Have!, April 5, 2002

By 

"shera345" (the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Meaning of Witchcraft and Witchcraft Today (Paperback)

Gerald Brosseau Gardner found Witchcraft to be a beautiful, deep, and meaningful religious path. After his initiation into the New Forest coven in 1939, he dedicated his life and resources to preserving and promoting Witchcraft, which he feared was a religion on the verge of extinction.

GBG, with the help of Doreen Valiente, gave structure and form to what he learned. His followers have come to be called "Gardnerians", and it's a name they are proud to claim. Many traditions abound in Wicca, and all of them have gleaned something from GBG's writings. These influential books are a must have for any serious student of the "Craft", but a bit deep for those who only play at being "Witches".

It's only fair to warn you: Gardner's writing style can be dry and his organization a bit erratic. Sometimes it can be downright tedious reading his books. However, the information and opinions he gives are well worth the occasional headache! If you only want to play around and "cast spells" as a game, don't bother with his books. There are plenty of recipe-format spell books out there that will serve you just fine. If you are into the Religion of Wicca, then this book will find its way into your library ... one way or another. You might as well get it now! You'll thank yourself ... maybe not *while* you're reading it, but *after* you've (finally) finished!!!

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A bit of a history lesson, August 29, 2005

By 

Katsurina (NB, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Meaning of Witchcraft (Paperback)

Students of witchcraft are often advised to read the works of Gerald Gardener. It is true that he is the father of modern witchcraft and his writings are the core of modern practices. Upon reading this book it is clear that things have come a long way in the past 50 years.

This book is not meant as an introduction for aspiring witches, but as a history lesson for those who might persecute witches. The book is filled with old practices and superstitions that formed the basis of modern witchcraft, as well as the origins of witch prosecutions.

The Meaning of Witchcraft may certainly deserve some scrutiny as Gardner obviously has an agenda and occasionally leaps to a conclusion that supports his claims when the evidence does not offer as much support as he claims.

The book is a heavy read that may take some effort to get through if you are used to lighter modern writing. Gardner is primarily concerned with the origins of witchcaft in Britain, and witchcraft's future in Britain. The book has many local anecdotes that may lose meaning over time and distance.

The information I found most interesting was the history of the Christians moving into Britain, how they pushed out the native pagan beliefs, and how those pagans left traces of their beliefs.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent reading better than anticipated, August 29, 2005

By 

Erik "Mr. E" (Reno, NV, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Meaning of Witchcraft (Paperback)

I had never read any of Gerald Gardner's books before. Being more than a generation removed and being subjected to the formualted books on the subject I was suprised with the integrity of the subject matter.
It was unknown to me that Mr. Gardner was somewhat of an accomplished anthropologist and folklorist. This should be required reading of anyone with a serious interest in Wicca.
For those who haven't had the pleasure this work bears a resemblace to Star Hawks famously acclaimed The Spriral Dance,Sir James Frazier's The Golden Bough and Robert Graves The White Goddess.
It's also good reading for students of Welsh, Celtic and European-Arayan folklore in general.
I definitely intend to read all of his works.