Buckland's Book of Saxon Witchcraft

by Raymond Buckland

Buckland's Book of Saxon Witchcraft was one of the first books to explore Wicca from a solitary perspective. Originally written 30 years ago to correct abuses he saw occurring in covens, Buckland offered Wiccan seekers an introductory text on Saxon witchcraft or SeaxWicca, which can be practiced alone. Buckland presents meticulously researched information on the time-honored tradition of Saxon witchcraft. He writes cogently and informatively about the history, mythology, spiritual practices, and witchcraft of Saxon England. Buckland's Book of Saxon Witchcraft includes everything the solitary witch needs to practice SeaxWicca,
An indispensable handbook for solitary witches or for witches in covens who want to explore Saxon witchcraft. Originally published as The The Complete Book of Saxon Witchcraft , this edition offers a new introduction by the author to guide a new generation of witches into the art and practice of Seax-Wicca.

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

176 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 1974

About the author

Raymond Buckland was a highly influential figure in the development of modern Wicca and the occult in the United States. Born in London, he became interested in the supernatural at an early age and was initiated into the Gardnerian Wiccan tradition in 1963 by Monique Wilson, a high priestess appointed by Gerald Gardner. After emigrating to the U.S. in 1962, Buckland introduced Gardnerian Wicca to the country, founding its first coven in New York in 1964. He later developed his own tradition, Seax-Wica, inspired by Anglo-Saxon paganism, and published The Tree: Complete Book of Saxon Witchcraft to make it accessible to all.
In 1968, he established the first Museum of Witchcraft and Magick in the U.S., which helped normalize and educate the public about Wicca. Over the course of his career, Buckland wrote more than sixty books on Wicca, divination, and the occult, including Witchcraft from the Inside and Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft, both regarded as essential texts in Neopaganism.
Throughout his life, Buckland remained a prolific teacher, writer, and practitioner. He continued to write and teach until his death in 2017, leaving behind a lasting legacy that shaped the spiritual practices of countless Wiccans and Pagans worldwide.

Reviews

[Chris Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published in 1974 as "The Tree," this work was groundbreaking in that it was the first published account of Craft rituals and perhaps more importantly, allowed for self-initiation, so those would-be practitioners of the craft far from a coven could participate too.

[Anie · Rating 2 out of 5]

A 2-star review may be unfair of me; it's clear that the book has historical importance, as one of the first books published in Wicca that included rites of self-initiation. I suppose that for me, the problem is that this is a Wicca book, not a book on Saxon witchcraft. If you wanted to actually learn about Saxon religion or real recreations of it, this isn't where you go (which Buckland himself clearly states). If, in the other hand, you wanted the brief outline of Wicca with a vaguely Saxon flair, this is it. For someone like me, who's decidedly not Wiccan, it's not super useful. For someone interested in Wicca, though, I'd very happily recommend it.

[Indigo Crow · Rating 1 out of 5]

Though I'm not Wiccan, I still enjoyed some of Buckland's other books. This one, however, was a huge disappointment.

The book shows its age. Perhaps Buckland didn't have a good means to collect accurate information for the book. This was written in the 70's, apparently, so it's not like he could use Google. Still, some of the information seemed questionable.

There isn't much to this, either. Mostly it's just a small book of rituals, a few recipes, and some songs. If it's information you're looking for, this book won't give you much. You'd be better off checking out one of the author's other titles instead.

[Bill Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly it is a good book, but I don’t agree with or understand some of the connections made. That could just be me and views based on Anglo-Saxon beliefs. I know Seax-Wica is separate, but it feels some of the stuff or views in the book are closer to the Norse outlook and Celtic outlooks. Still a great read and this could be a great path for others.

[Raven Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buckland's books are always a great read. This version of our craft is interesting as it might be my ancestors as I'm English. I do believe all followers of Witchcraft should buy Buckland's book, they're a great reference to have.

[urtheonlyonewhocanseeme · Rating 3 out of 5]

strange to "review" a religious book. very informative, but not for me.

[Wendy Matta · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my Favorite Unofficial Mentors

I very much enjoyed the Information shared... I am an Ordained Priestess Licensed to Marry in State of Hawaii... so the Handfasting is very useful for me... I hope to do a wedding soon... wendymatta19@gmail for info... best book ever... he gave me the knowledge to help myself find myself...

[Evie Polkadot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. As someone who preferred the early Saxon period, as opposed to the later, Christian times, this book was a great inspiration for my re-enacting. Even if it wasn't totally true to life!