Provides an overview of neo-paganism from the Goddess to magic and rituals, from history and ethics to the relationship of neo-paganism to Christianity.

Witchcraft and Magic Contemporary North America Edited by Helen A. Berger Magic, always part of the occult underground in North America, has experienced a resurgence since the 1960s. Although most contemporary magical religions have come from abroad, they have found fertile ground in which to develop in North America. Who are today's believers in Witchcraft and how do they worship? Alternative spiritual paths have increased the ranks of followers dramatically, particularly among well-educated middle-class individuals. Witchcraft and Magic conveys the richness of magical religious experiences found in today's culture, covering the continent of North America and the Caribbean. These original essays survey current and historical issues pertinent to religions that incorporate magical or occult beliefs and practices, and they examine contemporary responses to these religions. The relationship between Witchcraft and Neopaganism is explored, as is their intersection with established groups practicing goddess worship. Recent years have seen the growth in New Age magic and Afro-Caribbean religions, and these developments are also addressed in this volume. All the religions covered offer adherents an alternative worldview and rituals that are aimed at helping individuals redefine themselves and make their interactions with the environment more empowered. Many modern occult religions share an absence of dogma or central authority to determine orthodoxy, and have become a contemporary experience embracing modern concerns like feminism, environmentalism, civil rights, and gay rights. Afro-Caribbean religions such as Santería, Palo, and Curanderismo, which do have a more developed dogma and authority structure, offer their followers a religion steeped in African and Hispanic traditions. Responses to the growth of magical religions have varied, from acceptance to an unfounded concern about the growth of a satanic underground. And, as magical religions have flourished, increased interest has resulted in a growing commercialization, with its threat of trivialization. Helen A. Berger is Professor of Sociology at West Chester University in Pennsylvania. 2005 216 pages 6 x 9 ISBN 978-0-8122-3877-8 Cloth $49.95s £32.50 ISBN 978-0-8122-1971-5 Paper $24.95s £16.50 ISBN 978-0-8122-0125-3 Ebook $24.95s £16.50 World Rights Anthropology, Religion Short copy: In original essays the book explores both religions that incorporate magical or occult beliefs and practices and contemporary responses to these religions in North America and the Caribbean.

This book sheds new light on the ancient origins of religion to give Wiccans, Witches, and the Neo-Pagans a sense of where they belong in history.

Whether you're looking for information on blessings, the Green Man, divination, ritual components, or spellwork, you can find it all in the Encyclopedia of Modern Witchcraft and Neo-Paganism. Here is the ultimate source of information on all things Wiccan and Neo-Pagan, an indispensable tool for anyone wanting to learn about the history, traditions, and major figures of modern nontraditional religions. Organized alphabetically and designed to be both clear and comprehensive, this book provides definitions and detailed entries on a wide range of subjects -- including Witchcraft, Shamanism, Gaia theory, the Burning Times, Pagan festivals, Wiccan holidays, and much more. There are essays on Witchcraft and Paganism's influence on pop culture, including the crop of Wicca-inspired books, movies, and television shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Charmed, The Craft, and the Harry Potter series. From Altar to Otter Zell, and all points in between, the illustrated Encyclopedia of Modern Witchcraft and Neo-Paganism is the first and last Wyrd on nontraditional religion -- the ultimate reference for anyone interested in past, present, and practice. Book jacket.

This book marks twenty years since the publication of Professor Ronald Hutton’s The Triumph of the Moon, a major contribution to the historical study of Wicca. Building on and celebrating Hutton’s pioneering work, the chapters in this volume explore a range of modern magical, occult, and Pagan groups active in Western nations. Each contributor is a specialist in the study of modern Paganism and occultism, although differ in their embrace of historical, anthropological, and psychological perspectives. Chapters examine not only the history of Wicca, the largest and best-known form of modern Paganism, but also modern Pagan environmentalist and anti-nuclear activism, the Pagan interpretation of fairy folklore, and the contemporary ‘Traditional Witchcraft’ phenomenon.

Everything You Need to Know to Start Practicing Magic and Witchcraft "Witchcraft" is a word that, for some, may inspire fantastical images of women flying through the night sky on broomsticks and shooting sparks out of a glimmering wand. Others mistakenly associate people who practice Witchcraft with the dark arts-believing that Witches go around hexing people, or use other "black magic" to cause trouble for people they dislike. The truth is, Witchcraft is not fantasy, and is not inherently malicious. It's a vibrant, nature-based spiritual practice that is alive and well in our modern times, just as it has been for longer than we've been recording history. Nonetheless, due to the persistence of these misconceptions in mainstream society, some Wiccans do not consider themselves to be practitioners of Witchcraft, and don't identify as Witches. This is despite the fact that Gerald Gardner, the founder of what became known as Wicca, described the religious activities of his coven in exactly these terms-they were Witches practicing Witchcraft! Whether you choose to call yourself a Witch, a Wiccan, both, or neither, Witchcraft is an enormous topic that can be overwhelming for those who are just starting to explore it. There's so much to learn, and there are many differing perspectives on what is "correct" or "incorrect" in terms of knowledge and practice. Truly, it may be the one of the most confounding of all possible areas of spirituality! Modern Witchcraft and Magic for Beginners was created to provide a fact-based, neutrally-oriented context for launching you on your exploration. Whether you feel called to study Wicca with a practicing coven, learn as much as you can on your own about a branch of Traditional Witchcraft, or forge an eclectic practice that combines several approaches, this book will help you navigate the various opinions, definitions, and perspectives you'll find in the wide, wide world of the Craft. Foundations of Western Witchcraft Wicca has become the most well-known form of the Craft, but it emerged in tandem with other forms. Many of these other traditions were influenced by, and had influence on, what we now know as Wicca. A basic understanding of the wider realm of Witchcraft allows you to broaden your knowledge and enhance your practice. In these pages, you'll find: An overview of the historical and cultural contexts in which contemporary Witchcraft has evolved A debunking of common misconceptions about Witchcraft as it is practiced today Core beliefs and practices found among a variety of forms of the Craft Clear distinctions between Wiccan, Traditional, and Eclectic paths Core concepts underlying the "why" and "how" of magic A brief look at a few common magical techniques-visualization, invocation, and candle magic Some example workings for you to try, if you feel so inclined Suggested references for further reading for those who want to explore these topics further Whether your curiosity about the Craft is intellectual, spiritual, or both, you'll find plenty of useful information in Modern Witchcraft and Magic for Beginners. After reading this book, you should have a better grounding in this fascinating field, and hopefully a clearer sense of where you'd like to go next! If you're ready to learn about Witchcraft and start practicing magic, scroll to the top of the page and select the buy button. Readers will also be treated to an exclusive free gift!

Provides an overview of neo-paganism from the Goddess to magic and rituals, from history and ethics to the relationship of neo-paganism to Christianity.