The Wizard and the Witch: Seven Decades of Counterculture, Magick & Paganism

by John C. Sulak

Oberon and Morning Glory Zell are true pioneers of Paganism—in fact, they are responsible for popularizing the term Pagan! Here, presented in a unique oral history format, are the stories of their singular lives, including the founding of the Church of All Worlds, their controversial creation of living unicorns, the establishment of the Grey School of Wizardry, and Oberon's discovery of the Gaea Thesis.

Join Oberon, Morning Glory, and their influential friends as they revolutionize the modern understanding of spirituality and have a whole lot of fun while they're at it. Searching for real-life mermaids, embracing polyamory, living a life of sexual freedom, creating a worldwide community through Green Egg magazine—these are the stories of a remarkable couple who embraced the aberrant and the offbeat, and created a movement in the process.

Genres: History, Biography, Paganism, Nonfiction, Magick, Religion

434 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2014

Reviews

[Amanda Cowette · Rating 3 out of 5]

A deep dive into the life of Oberon Zell and his wife Morning Glory. I was not familiar with them before reading this book, mainly got it because of the cover(and it was cheap at savers) it was an interesting read, a little ling winded but keep me entertained with the crazy path their lives took. It has lead me to look up some other books mentioned in the book so that was a plus!

[Ernest Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's remarkable how science fiction influenced the Pagan movement.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ravenhearts are pretty fascinating, and I love an oral history. I just found this very long and in need of serious editing.

[Tepintzin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, which is taken from interviews with the participants, interspersed with Sulak's voice as "narrator". This gives the book a vivid, intimate feel. I found myself admiring the Zell's fearlessness in pursuing their vision while at the same time cringing at their repeated irresponsibilities. They are (in Oberon's case) and were (in Morning Glory's) true social and religious geniuses and such people are seldom easy to live with. Still, their creativity and joy comes through strongly through the pages.

[Joni Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanderlust in Real life. This was a eye opening foray into the world of the Wizard Oz and his soul mate the Pagan Goddess Morning Glory. This is a True account of their journey through life and all the lessons learned along the way. The Goddess herself Morning Glory has passed on as of 1 month ago may she forever be remembered as a Goddess in her own right. Hail Gaia Mother Earth and all her Children of the World and Beyond.

[Terre · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting oral history

Interesting oral history, but "narrator's" contribution was awkward and decreased my enjoyment and interest.
still, a good contribution to recent Pagan history.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readable, with a good attempt at objectivity and perspective. Especially after Morning Glory's passing, this is an important album of verbal snapshots, relevant to all who have been influenced by OZ and MG, whether they know it or not.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read. I enjoy the biographies/autobiographies of those at the forefront of Paganism in America. The book is an oral tradition created by cutting together a bunch of different interviews so the whole book has the feel of one big conversation.

[Aisling Van Dam LaBauve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!