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Neopaganism covers a wide range of belief systems which have emerged in the past 50 years, primarily in the UK, Europe, and the United States. This includes the better known Wicca, which is a synthesis of traditions from the British Isles, as well as many less visible groups which draw inspiration from other parts of the world. Based on folk-lore, traditional spiritual practices, anthropology, and a synthesis of esoteric systems, Neopaganism does not have any sacred texts of the same vintage as other religions, although unverifiable claims have been made in a couple of cases (e.g. Aradia, and The Gardnerian Book of Shadows). Rather, the books presented here are source texts of Neopaganism, and other books which deal with related topics. Many of these books contain outdated or speculative material, and some of the texts here are the product of the Renaissance witch hunters. As a whole, the books here are of historical importance rather than a roadmap to modern pagan practice, and shouldn't be construed as such. As always, we encourage readers to think critically. Descriptions of contemporary Neopagan practice and beliefs can be found in the Internet Book of Shadows section of this site. Twentieth Century
The Gardnerian Book of Shadows
The Witch-Cult in Western Europe [1921]
Victorian
Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft
by Sir Walter Scott [1885].
DruidsAlthough little is actually known about the Druids, that didn't stop 18th and 19th century intellectuals from building a romantic mythology around them. This was closely associated with the rebirth of Celtic nationalism, as well as the Romantic and Gothic movements. This body of fact and speculation later became a central source of modern Wicca and Neo-Pagan belief and practice.
Irish Druids and Old Irish Religions
by James Bonwick [1894].
The Veil of Isis or Mysteries of the Druids
By W. Winwood Reade [1861]. 277,613 bytes
The Religion of the Ancient Celts
by J. A. MacCulloch [1911] The Burning TimesFrom the 14th to the 17th Century a hysteria spread across Europe which involved torturing and executing people based on accusations that they were witches. Whether any actual practicioners of a pre-Christian pagan tradition were persecuted as the result of a witch trial is up for debate. These books and texts are period documents which illustrate the methods, rationale (such as it was) and history of this persecution. They shouldn't be taken as illustrative of Neopaganism, but as a warning about religious tolerance and the fragile nature of justice.
Dæmonology by
King James the First. [1597] With Newes from Scotland [1591]
The Witch-Persecutions,
Edited by George L. Burr [1896]. Miscellaneous
The Book of Hallowe'en
by Ruth Edna Kelley [1919]
Irish Witchcraft and Demonology
by St. John D. Seymore [1913]. |