The Meaning of Witchcraft
by Gerald B. Gardner
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Book Summary Information
Author: Gerald B. GardnerEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2004-03-01
ISBN: 1578633095
Number of pages: 288
Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser
Book Reviews of The Meaning of Witchcraft
Book Review: It is a good reference book, like a Latin Textbook
Summary: 3 Stars
The title is somewhat misleading - this is more a thesis on where witchcraft's roots are than the meaning. Almost 100 pages are dedicated to trying to "prove" Wicca is not related to Satanism (Black Mass, Some Allegations Examined parts I - III) which takes away a bit from the reading from the first few chapters where Gardner goes into his theroy of where Witchcraft comes from. While these chapters are good reading, they mainly imply what modern history texts have already - that trade routes existed and people traded culture / religion as well as goods.
He puts forth some good references to the early days of pre-Christian Britain, but apparently doesn't go into any of Ceasar's writings about pre-Christian Europe (evidently the author who invaded, conquered, and the wrote about the local people of the time isn't a good source of information?).
Gardner also has a few "I cannot state XYZ because of my oath" in this book as well. Nothing is more frustrating than someone trying to imply that they have more knowledge than the reader but will not share the information. A better way to "get the message across" to me would be leaving all references to xyz out of the text altogether. This would leave out any impression that the author is pointing out that he could give more information on xyz but the average reader is not worthy of the information. University Professors that taught this way (Differential Equations for one) did not come across as great teachers of knowledge but as arrogant and self centered people who enjoyed making fun of other people's lack of knowledge.
Take this book with a grain of salt - some of the theories Gardner puts forth in this book can easily be debated since none of it can be proven or backed up with writings from people like Ceaser. Read this book, but also read other reference books (like Ceasar's account of defeating Gaul) in order to form your own opinion of the origins of witchcraft.
Summary of The Meaning of Witchcraft
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.Wicca Books
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