Information on early Witchcraft?

Question

Hi. Could somebody direct me to info on the history of real early Witchcraft and its roots?

Answer 1

There are tons of books out there....here is a write up and info on one of them
Tina

Origins of Modern Witchcraft: The Evolution of a World Religion
By Ann Moura
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications (October 2000)
Pages: 282 - Price: $14.95

Review by Lee Prosser - [e-mail]
Ghostvillage.com review

Ann Moura, also known by her Wiccan name of Aoumiel, is the respected author of several books including her Green Witchcraft series. She has been an active practitioner of Green Witchcraft for over thirty-five years and is a historian with both a BA and an MA degree in history. With her nonfiction work, Origins of Modern Witchcraft, she reveals the roots of Witchcraft and what has come about in its development.

It should be mentioned that Witch, and Witchcraft are capitalized at the beginning of each word, in the same manner that Christian and Christianity are capitalized at the beginning of each word. By doing so, Wiccans and Witches of all types have realized they are not so easily dismissed as a religion.

What makes Origins of Modern Witchcraft a standout historical document is that it goes back to the roots of Witchcraft and shows the actual development of Witchcraft. The book contains a well-written introduction with a note on dating, an author's note, and an interesting "Where Do Pagans Fit In?" There are eight chapters to the book.

Chapter One sets the stage and openly establishes the early connection of Witchcraft to India. Moura's research is impeccable.

What got started and what developed in India is important reading for all those who would like an honest approach to how and what Witchcraft is. Chapter Two discusses the foundational deities of pagan and non-pagan religions. Many themes and topics are covered in the first two chapters, such as the Vedic writings of Ancient India, Durga, Shiva, Parvati, and other deities of India. Ancient Egypt is mentioned for its contributions as are the contributions of groups such as the Celts.

As the book unfolds its documented and illustrated facts, other religions are discussed including Christianity and Buddhism. Dravidian and Dravidic topics are detailed. The Kabbalah and Islam are discussed. The Bible of the Christians is discussed and ceremonial magic is discussed for its importance. An important section on gypsies is included which will answer some questions about their origin and beliefs.

Clearly written, with a straight-ahead approach, factual, documented, and written by a Witch who knows of what she speaks, Ann Moura has put together an informative history. It is entertaining reading.

For those who are interested in other writings by credible Witches with strong research credentials, the reading audience should look into these authors: Gerina Dunwich, Sybil Leek, Raymond Buckland, and Scott Cunningham, Raven Grimassi, among others. Origins of Modern Witchcraft by Ann Moura will go a very long way towards dispelling the myths concerning Witchcraft, and Witches.

Answer 2

Well unfortunately until the 1950s there were anti-witchcraft laws in effect in England and elsewhere in the world so many text of old school witchcraft are lost. And before these times you have to look at a lot of persecution by the Church against witches. Even the slightest mention of witchcraft usually ended in the death of someone. Your best look at witchcraft of old would be to research the Stregheria.

After the 1950s, you will find a lot of information about modern day Wicca which is based on a lot of the early teachings of witchcraft but the world may never know just how closely it resembles the witchcraft of old without actual old text to compare.

Blessed Be )O(

Answer 3

Well, you might try starting with these sites. As with anything, you should double check any information, but these on-line texts are really a great beginning source. Of course if you like what you read you should go find the actual books and re-read them.

http://www.geocities.com/neverclan/OF/links.html

and

http://www.hermetics.org/library/Library_Ancient.html

These are at least a general starting point, and you'll find that many serious books on Witchcraft refer to many of the books and texts listed on these sites. Good luck and good reading!

Okay, I tried the geocities link and a lot of the links on that page are not working but I left it because some of them do still work.

Answer 4

Hrm...

Look for books by Scott Cunningham. There's a start for you. Books by Amber K as well.

Look up books on tribal religions, or religions predating Christianity. Even predating Judaism.

Should start you on the right path.

- 17 yo Pagan

Answer 5

there was a spiritualist revival around that time. figures like Madam Blavatsky and Aleistair Crowley rose to prominence in that era. it was mostly con-men taking advantage of the rich and curious. but prevalent? no.

Answer 6

The best site on witchcraft! http://usminc.org/Wicca/wicca.html

Answer 7

Look under the word Shamanism.

Answer 8

The fall of Satan, The spirit of Satan is the spirit of witchcraft