How old is Wicca?

[SacredWithin]

Some folks say Wicca is only about 50 years old that is based on Celtic and English folklore from way back in the day.

Does anyone have any sources in which I can find out how old Wicca is? any places I can check out for myself, any older threads? lol

[SacredWithin]

Ok, nevermind. After posting this thread MW found similar search results at the bottom. But if anyoen has anything to say, I don't see why not.


similar thread here (http://mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=40002)

[Lunacie]

I have heard that "The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft" by Ronald Hutton is very good for understanding where, when, how, who, and why Wicca got started. Some libraries carry this book, and Amazom.com might have a used copy for cheaper than the bookstore.

[Ben Gruagach]

Ronald Hutton's "Triumph of the Moon" is the best scholarly book on the topic of Wiccan history. Another one that is good is Isaac Bonewits' "Witchcraft: A Concise Guide."

Philip Heselton has a couple of books out too, "Gerald Gardner and the Cauldron of Inspiration" (the newer one) and "Wiccan Roots" that try to find clues that Wicca might have existed prior to Gardner. Interesting stuff, but nothing conclusive from what presented so far.

Of course, the idea of practicing magick, witchcraft, and Paganism in general do predate Gardner. It just looks like he brought the pieces together and made it into a religion that we call Wicca. Lots of people draw on things from the past and then use them to start their own new systems or philosophies.

[Equinox]

Well, it looks like you’ve gotten some great sources. I think it is important for any religion to put the truth ahead of revisionist history, even if that revisionist history makes the religion look better (or older or whatever). I don’t know how many times I get into discussions with Christians who think that all the books of the new testament were written by apostles right after Jesus died. Similarly, Wiccans who claim that all of Gardnerian Wicca is hundreds or thousands of years old just make us look silly (or worse - dishonest).

Of course, it is clear that at least some of the traditions (especially the really vague ones) go back pretty far. It is clear that humans were attaching significance (and probably spiritual significance) to the solstices and equinoxes thousands of years ago when the stone rings were built.

So when it comes up, I acknowledge that Gardner put a lot of it together recently, but that some vague ideas go back thousands of years. I usually put it this way: Wicca and Paganism are religions that have ancient roots, and modern branches. The tree metaphor fits nicely with nature-based religions.

[Ben Trismegistus]

Of course, it is clear that at least some of the traditions (especially the really vague ones) go back pretty far. It is clear that humans were attaching significance (and probably spiritual significance) to the solstices and equinoxes thousands of years ago when the stone rings were built.
I'm sure you mean that some of the aspects of Wicca go back pretty far. Using the word "traditions", with its double meaning in this context, can make that statement potentially confusing. :)

Just sayin'.

[Avalon]

Avalon adds her 2¢:

http://www.geraldgardner.com

:D

[Equinox]

some of the aspects of Wicca go back pretty far.


Right. Thanks Ben, and have a safe easy move!

[Galaxia]

Ω

[SacredWithin]

Thanks everyone. This post really helped me and it will make me think. Unfortunately, I doubt my library would have books on Wicca, but they don't seem to hate my or treat my badly when they see my pentacle. (Probably b/c I wear the ankh with it too and they might think it's a Christian symbol. Both sumbols were once accepted in the Christian church way in the begining. :kooky: lol)

[mucgwyrt]

Similarly, Wiccans who claim that all of Gardnerian Wicca is hundreds or thousands of years old just make us look silly (or worse - dishonest).

What's really amusing, is when you come accross a Wiccan who will get very very angry and violent when you try to suggest anything otherwise :lol: