The Meaning of Witchcraft

The Meaning of Witchcraft presents Gerald Gardner’s account of witchcraft as a surviving religious tradition, drawing on his stated experiences as a practising witch. He discusses the witch cult in Britain, proposed Stone Age origins, Druidism and the Aryan Celts, and the place of magic within religious belief.

Further chapters consider witches’ memories and beliefs, signs and symbols, curious customs, the Black Mass and historical allegations surrounding witchcraft. Gardner also addresses witch-hunting, persecution and accusations of diabolism, setting these subjects against his interpretation of older British and European traditions. Published in 1959, the book is a significant primary text in the development of modern Wicca, while reflecting Gardner’s own claims and interpretations.