Witchcraft Today

Witchcraft Today is Gerald Brosseau Gardner's groundbreaking classic—the book that first introduced modern witchcraft to the wider public in 1954 and laid the foundations for what would become the worldwide Wiccan movement. More than seventy years later, it remains one of the most influential works ever published on contemporary Paganism and the Western esoteric tradition. In this landmark volume, Gardner explores the history of European witchcraft, folklore, folk magic, and the infamous witch trials while presenting his controversial claim that a surviving tradition of witchcraft had endured into the modern age. Blending historical research, anthropology, mythology, and personal experience, he offers a compelling vision of witchcraft as a living spiritual tradition rather than a relic of superstition. Whether read as a historical document, a pioneering study of modern Paganism, or a cornerstone of esoteric literature, Witchcraft Today continues to inspire historians, practitioners, and anyone fascinated by the hidden currents of Western spirituality. This edition invites readers to rediscover the book that transformed public perceptions of witchcraft and helped shape the revival of modern Pagan religion. Perfect for readers interested in: The history of witchcraft and the witch trials Wicca and modern Paganism Folk magic and Western esotericism Folklore and comparative religion Classic occult literature About the Author Gerald Brosseau Gardner (1884–1964) was a British civil servant, amateur anthropologist, folklorist, and occultist. Widely regarded as the founder of modern Wicca, Gardner played a pivotal role in the twentieth-century revival of Pagan spirituality. Witchcraft Today remains his most celebrated and enduring work.