Witchcraft: The Old Religion

by Leo Louis Martello

Most books written on Witchcraft are by non-witches. They discuss Witchcraft not as it really is but as it has been defined by the Catholic and other Christian Churches. Many are blatantly deceptive or totally ignorant of the truth. Dr. Leo Louis Martello writes about the roots of the Old Religion as practiced today by witches of many different traditions. He shows the differences between true Witches, Old Religionists, Pop Witches, Christian-defined Witches and Satanists. Witchcraft, or the Old Religion, is probably the only one that has not discriminated against women. In many branches the Goddess is superior to the male God, in others they are equal. Dr. Martello is an initiated Witch and elder in three other witch traditions besides his own. His views as both theorist and activist have often been controversial. He is founder of the Witches Liberation Movement, director of WICA (Witches International Craft Associates) and the Witches Anti-Defamation League. Dr. Martello believes that Witchcraft, the Old Religion, may be the faith of the future. Sacred cows are being challenged. Old terms are being updated. Modern witches are fighting for their civil rights.

Genres: Nonfiction, Wicca, Religion, Occult, Paganism, Magick, Witchcraft

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

Reviews

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

"...a Witch is someone whose entire being is permeated with the Craft of the Wise. This is both conscious and unconscious. Such a person is constantly studying, learning, adding and eliminating things, ever seeking new knowledge..."

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The very first time I saw the word Witch capitalized. The first time I understood what I was seeking was not a bad and shameful thing, but a beautiful thing with the same validity as any other religious belief.

[Michael Furie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read but the fact that it is a comparatively early work must be kept in mind. This not a how-to book but rather an examination of the foundation of the Craft with particular emphasis on Sicilian Witchcraft.

There is a rather intriguing chapter on Mother Shipton and some other legendary seers. There is also a chapter that delves into the symbolism of the SATOR magic square.

I enjoyed this book and the author's fierce conviction and unabashed guardianship of the Craft.

[Valerie]

I think this is the edition I read, except that the one I got hold of was a hardback, with a library cover.

If it is the one I read, it introduced me to a lot of concepts I hadn't realized before. I particularly liked the bit about the author's grandmother taking out a statue of the Virgin Mary, and threatening to worship her if the Goddess didn't grant the grandmother's wishes.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this better than "Witchcraft", the first book of his and the first book on occult lore that I read, somewhere around when I was 10 or so.