Progressive Witchcraft: Spirituality, Mysteries, and Training in Modern Wicca

by Janet Farrar, Gavin Bone

This is the most radical work to date by Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone, arguably the world's leading experts on the subject of Modern Witchcraft and the Neo-Pagan movement. It is nothing less than their detailed analysis of the way Witchcraft has evolved into the worldwide religion that it is today...and their vision of its future. The authors do not create or endorse a specific Witchcraft tradition, but rather identify a system that is at the root of all of the existing paths within Witchcraft. They show how Wicca is a modern, non-dogmatic dynamic tradition still in a state of evolution-a Priesthood based on connection with the Divine and service to humanity. Here is a book for anyone interested in Wicca, from seekers just beginning on the path of the Old Ways to those thirsting for more knowledge about its inner practices.

Genres: Wicca, Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Paganism, Spirituality, Religion, Magic

288 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2003

About the author

Janet Farrar, along with Stewart, is author of many books on witchcraft, and a well known witch who has appeared frequently in the media. She currently lives in Ireland and regularly tours the U.S.A. giving lectures and workshops.

Reviews

[Wishmaster · Rating 1 out of 5]

Started out well enough, but the beginning of chapter 6 ruined it for me. I find it very disappointing that the authors feel the need to ignore all the historical evidence. The chapter explains how village witches would have been trained in the Middle Ages and the way children would have been taught to decorate the altar.

Come on! Haven't they read anything by Ronald Hutton? Considering the alleged pedigree of Farrar and Bone, it astonishes me that they came up with this nonsense. It is interesting to note the lack of references in this part of the chapter. I wonder why?

Speculation about the possibility of there being some form of hereditary practise is one thing, but to assert this as fact without citing any sources, primary or otherwise, is disingenuous and misleading.

I'm afraid my relationship with this book is over and I'll think twice before venturing to buy anything else by either author in future.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Currently reading this book after spending 4 days learning directly from the authors -- a 3 hour talk on the history of Witchcraft, a Lammas ritual, and a 2 day intensive workshop on the Inner Mysteries. The book is reinforcing and supporting what I have learned in these training and ritual experiences. So far it is pretty much blowing my mind wide open. Questions I have had for over 20 years have finally been addressed sufficiently. I have been disillusioned with Wicca as a religious path for a good 15 years now. This book explains why and tells me what Wicca really is and how it works. The history of witchcraft is fascinating. During the workshop I learned about the multiple levels of the magickal system, where Wicca is, what surrounds it (Ceremonial Magick and Shamanaism) and influences it. I don't know if I would be as excited by the book if I had not just attended 4 days of intense training in the mysteries, because I can be rather jaded about "Pagan books." This book actually explains why that is, and gives me a new frame of reference. I am really enjoying it.

[Jutrzenka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very romantic view of witchcraft.

[Stacy Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. This book is intended, I believe, for those who already have a good working knowledge of the craft. In that sense, we can take away from this book much more than someone just coming into the craft. A great read for those looking for more information than they have gotten in books for those just starting out. Some reviews on here state that the Authors ignore all historical evidence. To that I say, which version of history? True there may not be evidence of it in modern times, but that doesn't mean it never happend. The fact that such things as hereditary witchcraft are in the book is because the authors believed it happend. That's all any non-fiction book is, the beliefs and point of view of one(or two) people.

Overall a great book.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been on of the best books I could have read on this subject. I came across so many new facts I couldn't have even guessed existed. The sources were fascinating, the book wondefully written and not to mention the detail in which some themes are debated. Just wonderful. I dare say that this is from now on my new favorite Pagan book :)

[Kelly Lynn Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite Wicca books. It takes all the lessons of the early years of Wicca and proposes ways to move forward in the modern world, as well as practical ways to practice and observe Wiccan spirituality.

[Alecto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Full of cues on how to work with own energies and find a personal approach to the pagan path.

[Gaijinmama · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good overview of eclectic witchcraft. I wish we'd had this sort of common-sense, practical approach in print when I started learning about the Craft in the early 90's.

[Melissa]

Great book.

[Whisk Witch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A departure from earlier Farrar books with a move toward Wicca in the 21st century

[Desiree' · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book discusses the current witchcraft interest and growth patterns. Highly recommend as mandatory reading.