responsible for founding the Gardnerian Tradition. Anyone remotely
interested in Witchcraft or Wicca should educate themselves, even to a small degree, about his life and teachings. Gerald Gardner may refer to: Gerald Gardner (Wiccan) (1884–1964), English Wiccan and author; www.geraldgardner.com High Magic's Aid (1949). This is a novel which is set in Medieval England, based very closely on Margaret Murray's works and the magical system described in The Key of Solomon. Gardner sold copies of this book at his Witchcraft Museum on the Isle of Man. The fictional setting was necessitated by the harsh laws against witchcraft which were still on the books as of 1949, and (reputedly) secrecy requirements placed on him by the traditionalist coven which he had joined. Although High Magic's Aid may not quite succeed as a historical novel, it is quite readble and is a significant document in the evolution of modern Wicca.
Witchcraft Today (1951) and the Meaning of Witchcraft (1959) (Note: these books are currently out of print, but should be obtainable on the used book market). These books are non-fictional, popularized recitations of Gardners' evolving views on Wicca. After the repeal of the witchcraft laws in England in 1951, Gardner finally convinced his traditionalist coven to allow him to publish some of the details of their previously secret beliefs and practices. Or so the story goes; in any case, these are transitional books in which Gardner is weaving together the various strands of modern Wicca. These books created a sensation and Gardner became what amounted to the first Wiccan media star.
Alex Sanders: Alexander Sanders is credited with founding the Alexandrian Tradition of
Wicca.Alex Sanders (6 June 1926 – 30 April 1988), born Orrell Alexander Carter, was an English occultist and High Priest in the Pagan religion of Wicca, ritual cycle deals mostly with the division of the year between the Holly King and the Oak King and several ritual dramas deal with the dying/resurrected God theme. As with Gardnerians, the High Priestess is supposedly the highest authority. However, it is odd that the primary spokespersons for both traditions have been men. [*This material provided by Gillan]
Alexandrian Wicca is the creation of Alex Sanders (with his then wife Maxine) who claimed to have been initiated by his grandmother in 1933. It's principal proponents are Janet and Stewart Fararr whose books set forth most, if not all, of the Alexandrian tradition. Contrary to popular belief, the name Alexandrian refers not to Alex Sanders, but to Ancient Alexandria. Although similar to Gardnerian Wicca, Alexandrian Wicca tends to be more eclectic, and liberal. Some of Gardnerisms strict rules, such as the requirement of ritual nudity, have been made optional by Alexandrian Wicca. Mary Nesnick, an American initiate in Gardnerian and Alexandrian traditions founded a 'new' tradition called Algard. This tradition brings together both Gardnerian and Alexandrian teachings under a single banner. This was possible due to the great similarities between the two traditions.
Doreen Valiente: the author of the Wiccan Rede? It is sometimes said that
the "Wiccan Rede" was written by Valiente during her time with Gardner.
Actually, the origins of the Wiccan Rede are a little fuzzy. A version of it
was published in Green Egg magazine in 1975 by Lady Gwynne, and this appears
to be the first time the poem was seen in print. It's possible that Valiente
may have referred to the Wiccan Rede at some point, leading people to think
she had actually written it. Doreen Valiente:Author of the Famed Wiccan Rede
Doreen Edith Dominy Valiente (4 January 1922 – 1 September 1999), who also went under the craft name Ameth,[1] was an influential English Wiccan who was involved in a number of different early traditions, including Gardnerianism, Cochrane's Craft and the Coven of Atho. Responsible for writing much of the early Gardnerian religious liturgy, in later years she also helped to play a big part in bringing the Neopagan religion of Wicca to wider public attention through the publication of a string of books on the subject.
- Ray Buckland is credited with being the person responsible for introducing Gardnerian Wicca to the United States in 1964. He later began the Seax Wica Tradition.
www.raybuckland.com Official web site of Raymond Buckland, author of over forty books on many different aspects of New Age/occult subjects including Wicca, Gypsies, Spiritualism
Stewart and Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone
Stewart and Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone
- Buckland's Book of Gypsy Magic. Red Wheel/Weiser. 2010.
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