Witchcraft Today: An Encyclopedia of Wiccan and Neopagan Traditions [Library Binding]

James R. Lewis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1999

Witchcraft Today presents a concise survey of this fascinating movement, charts its development, and offers A–Z coverage of Neopagan concepts, rituals, practices, and practitioners ranging from African Religions and Celtic Tradition to Numerology and Theosophy. An excellent and thorough introduction that explains the origin and history of contemporary Wiccan and Neopagan beliefs and a chronology detail the development of these modern religions.

A documents section reprints texts important to the central belief system of Wiccans and Neopagans, including the text of Charge of the Goddess, and a bibliography and index complete this timely source.

Consult this work whether you need to know the characteristics of Wicca; the difference between Celtic, Alexandrian, and Blue Star traditions; the meaning of "skyclad;" the work of Emanuel Swedenborg; or the origins of Tarot.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

An excellent resource on the contemporary practice of witchcraft and on the ancient traditions that inspired it, this book features both short entries on terminology and concepts and longer articles on the development of various esoteric and neopagan organizations. A lengthy introduction by Lewis (religious studies, World Univ. of America) details the pivotal role that Margaret Murray and Gerald Gardner had in shaping the rituals and hierarchies still accepted by witch covens in Britain and America today. The text frankly demonstrates that much of what Gardner and Murray wrote was based on conjecture, fabrication, and spurious scholarship, but it treats the organizations that evolved (at least from Gardner's vision) with respect, documenting their influence on the ecological movement, the women's movement, and religious reform. The bibliography lists print and online resources, and two appendixes offer a chronology of the development of modern witchcraft. Unfortunately, the book rarely mentions differences in practices or beliefs among the many traditions that exist today, giving little practical information for a reader interested in choosing between one organization and another. Recommended for public and academic libraries.
-Vivian Reed, Long Beach P.L., CA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Book Description

The word "witch" calls up the image of a cackling crone hunched over a cauldron or riding through the air on a broomstick and putting evil curses on people. It may come as a surprise that groups of otherwise ordinary people refer to themselves as witches and demand recognition as members of a religion.

Product Details

• Library Binding: 377 pages
• Publisher: ABC-CLIO (December 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576071340
• ISBN-13: 978-1576071342
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,223,157 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book For Learning More About Modern Witchcraft, March 21, 2001

By 

J. Fairman "Esmerelda" (Big Bear, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Witchcraft Today: An Encyclopedia of Wiccan and Neopagan Traditions (Library Binding)

When people think of Witches and Witchcraft, the image of a cackling crone hunched over a bubbling cauldron of poisonous brew often comes to mind. Therefore I appreciated Lewis' presentation of Witchcraft as a bonafied religion, deserving of the same recognition and respect accorded other religious belief systems.

Terms covered include words related to Neopagan traditions, holidays and rituals; Craft tools, organizations and practices; methods of divination; and much more. All information is presented in a well organized manner which is easily understood and requires no prior knowledge of Witchcraft. I found the "See Also" and "Further Reading" suggestions included at the end of each reference to be extremely helpful aids that will greatly benefit those desiring to learn more.

The thorough introduction and informative appendixes are perhaps the most valuable part of this book. These include overviews of the origin and history of contemporary Wiccan and Neopagan beliefs; a chronology detailing their development; and documents important to Wiccan and Neopagan belief systems such as the "Charge of the Goddess," "Initiation Rituals," and "Craft Laws."

Overall, this is an excellent and informative piece of work but it does have some drawbacks. There are only about 284 terms covered so I felt more terms, "important names in Witchcraft," etc. should have been included. Also, some of the entries could have used a more thorough rendering. Common inconsistencies in spelling that might prove confusing to those not familiar with the Craft, such as "Caballa" and "Kaballah," should have been addressed. Finally, I feel the book is a bit pricey.

Although I wouldn't rely on Witchcraft Today as a main reference book on Wicca and Neopaganism, it would make a great companion to another reference book such as The Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft by Rosemary Ellen Guiley.