If you've read a few occult or witchcraft books, you've probably noticed some are...not great. There are loads of books about spells and rituals, but not many dive into the history of Paganism and why practitioners do what they do. I remember my fascination when I first read Doreen Valiente's Witchcraft for Tomorrow. It was eye-opening. I highly recommend reading it if you want a solid understanding of Paganism, occultism, and witchcraft.
Here's some background on Doreen Valiente, often called The Mother of Modern Witchcraft:
One of the most influential figures in modern witchcraft and Wiccan circles was Doreen Valiente (1922-1999). She helped found some of the earliest covens in England and composed many iconic texts used in ritual and practice today. Her writings and research have helped shape contemporary paganism, witchcraft, and Goddess spirituality since the 1950s.
Valiente is best known as the high priestess of Gerald Gardner’s Bricket Wood coven and later established her own covens. She was an early initiate of Gardner’s tradition, which led to the rise of Gardnerian Wicca, but later branched off independently.
Her most significant written contributions can be found in her books, including Natural Magic (1975), An ABC of Witchcraft Past and Present (1973), and Witchcraft for Tomorrow (1978).
Witchcraft for Tomorrow
In Witchcraft for Tomorrow, Valiente provides an in-depth guidebook for practicing witchcraft in the modern age. She presents techniques for spell crafting, ritual, divination, and solitary practice to help witches old and new.
The book aims to carry on ancient witchcraft traditions powerfully into the dawning Aquarian Age. It covers topics like inducting new coven members, consecrating ritual tools, interpreting omens, creating incantations, and celebrating the Wheel of the Year.
Valiente balances both the practical and spiritual aspects of crafting ritual and magic. She also includes updated sections to meet the needs of a growing community of witches interested in feminist, non-hierarchical practices.
Importance of Her Work
Through her writing, Valiente provided practical resources while upholding the philosophical framework and reverence of witchcraft. She helped shape it into a relevant and empowering craft for the 20th-century practitioner and beyond.
Valiente’s best contribution was compiling and documenting the rituals, chants, and materials that became core to Gardnerian and British Traditional Witchcraft. She preserved the knowledge and made it accessible to new generations seeking an earth-based spirituality of their own.
Valiente's work continues on through the Doreen Valiente Foundation, which aims to protect Pagan and Witchcraft artifacts to be used for research purposes. I highly recommend you check them out.
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