Witchcraft for Tomorrow

by Doreen Valiente

Now reissued again due to popular demand, Witchcraft for Tomorrow answers many frequently asked questions about witchcraft 'How can I find a witches' coven?' and 'How can I become a witch?' Doreen Valiente tells you what the old religion of witchcraft has to offer the new age of Aquarius; how the age-old Craft of the Wise can be practised in the modern world; how to initiate yourself as a witch and found your own coven. The author, who was the leading figure in the establishment of the modern Wiccan movement, includes a new Book of Shadows (the witches' handbook of rituals and instructions) based upon ancient magical tradition but geared to the age of the future. There are witch songs, spells, incantations and practical advice on how to run a coven and how to acquire your own collection of magical implements; as well as methods of divination and other witch lore. The author shows how the oral traditions of witchcraft throw light not only upon the origins of the present-day witch cult and the activities of the witch leader George Pickingill and his covens, but also upon the mystery of the founding of the famous magical order, the Golden Dawn. Also discussed is the relationship between the witchcraft of Britain and Europe and the magical belief of the Far East. Do both traditions hark back to the legendary city of Shamballah and to the shamanistic practices of Asia? And why do the secret circles of the witches resemble those of the Tantric sex-magic of India?

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

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Doreen Edith Dominy Valiente was an influential English Wiccan who was involved in a number of different early traditions, including Gardnerian Wicca, Cochrane's Craft and the Coven of Atho. Responsible for writing much of the early Gardnerian religious liturgy, in later years she also helped to play a big part in bringing the Neopagan religion of Wicca to wider public attention through the publication of a string of books on the subject.
Having been born in south London, she first became involved in the Craft after being initiated into the Gardnerian tradition in 1953 in a ceremony performed by Gerald Gardner.
Subsequently becoming the High Priestess of his Bricket Wood coven, she helped him to produce many important scriptural texts for Wicca, such as “The Witches Rune” and the “Charge of the Goddess”, which were incorporated into the early Gardnerian Book of Shadows.
Splitting off to form her own coven in 1957, she went on to work with Robert Cochrane in his coven, the Clan of Tubal Cain, till the mid 1960s when she began working as a solitary practitioner. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s she penned a number of books on the subject of Wicca - which she always called "witchcraft" – including “An ABC of Witchcraft” (1973) and “Witchcraft for Tomorrow” (1978), as well as being an early proponent of self-initiation into the Craft.
Having had a significant influence in the history of Wicca, she has been referred to as "the mother of modern Witchcraft" and is today is widely revered in the Wiccan and wider Neopagan community.

Reviews

[Matal “The Mischling Princess” Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love Doreen Valiente’s writing style, and her book, “Witchcraft for Tomorrow,” is no exception. Like some of her previous books, the author includes a number of different photographs, and I particularly enjoyed Valiente’s inclusion of George Pickingill. After having read so much about him in the author’s previous (and current) works, it was interesting being able to see what he actually looked like.

Like some of her other books, the author includes references to ley lines, which is a fascinating idea. I also really like her “Liber Umbrarum” that is found at the back of the book. In this section, Valiente includes a number of different rituals for both individuals and groups, including initiations, songs, and etc.

This book is really a classic and I recommend it to any serious historian of early modern witchcraft. It’s hard to believe that it was published almost fifty years ago! However, this big is almost ageless and has much to offer in our modern era.

[julia ☆ [owls reads] · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historically significant, but it was not... quite for me.

[Steve Cran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen Valiente has written 3-4 classics on the old religion that are considered the bedrock for practicing Wiccans and Witches. In it she gives a basic over view and enough material for the promising witch to get started. In this book is the described history of Witchcraft gone over in some detail and a through comparison to other religious systems that hail from the far east. Religions from China and India that predate Buddhism and Hinduism have a mother goddess and a horned god. I have been skeptical of this theory but I feel that now there may be some firm basis to this hypothesis put forward by Dr. Murray. Doreen Valiente then goes on to discuss the ethics of Wicca who's foundation is "do what thee will but harm none" . She discusses Crowley's use of it and where he got it from. Doreen Valiente also discusses the theory that Gerald Gardner got everything from Crowley's OTO. She puts the theory on it's head by pointing out that Crowley was one time a member of George Pickinggills Witch cult maybe at around or the same time that Gardner was part of it. Crowley may have been expelled or left on his own. Either case Crowley was not deemed suitable for the group. He also was very sexist and did not like to be bossed around by women. Gardner only knew Crowley for a brief period of time and there is no way he could have copied from Crowley ye they come from the same source, George Pickingill's teaching. The rest of the chapters will discuss content similar to what one will find in a beginner's book on Wicca. Such items would include tools and clothing of the witches, the importance of a working site and the use of Witches alphabets like the celtic Ogham and Norse Runes. The book has a final chapter on Sex magick and using it to achieve magical goals and an ethical way to pursue the subject. The final part of the book has a book of shadows which gives good advice on how to cast a circle, certain spell craft and various chants and invocations to the God and Goddess. She gives a strong dose of her own opinion about the age of Aquarius and how we are ready for a new age. Her attitudes on sex are liberal but not promiscuity and she is in favor of naturism or nudity. A good book for someone contemplating following Wiccan teaching but if one were to get involved they would need to do much more exploration. The book is great fro what it is and the time period it was written. Cannot go wrong with this one.

[Elyse Welles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting, Stimulating Spirituality

This is not a Wiccan book, it explored all forms of witchcraft and occult magic. The infusion of many cultures was invigorating and reaffirming, I especially enjoyed learning more about the Qabbalah and how it connects too numerology and western European paganism. Valiente's tone and voice is friendly and focused, without straying from her point. In some ways this is the sequel to Gardner 's 'Witchcraft Today', in others is everything that book should have been. I love this book and recommend it to beginners, since it has a lot of info I wish I had had in my early years, and seasoned witches for Valiente's unique and revolutionary perspective. The book includes spiritual and magical insight, explanations and debate, but also practical rituals and altar/ritual space ideas. The chants and poems are my favorite part, I'll come back to those for years.

[Erik Akre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Witchcraft for Tomorrow is based on British traditions (not my strong interest); and this is definitely a British book. But regardless of my North American bias, I am happy to have read this.

What I liked very, very much was the style and sophistication with which Valiente writes. Her clear intelligence and her eloquent writing will freshen the stagnant air for anyone who's become used to more surface-level, shallower treatments of the Wiccan religion. Perhaps it might sadden us to see the difference in the literature since the late 1970's. (I like the new stuff, but I like it like candy... Valiente's book is hardy and nutritious.)

In any case, read this for a thorough exposition of Wicca, for folk-stories and lore, for good ritual poetry, for ethical discussions, for spells and Wiccan materials. And enjoy reading something more challenging, and rewarding.

[Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked:

Valiente is very sincere in her writing and straight foreword with where she found information, whether that was from Margaret Murray’s books, Gerald Gardner himself, or some other source. I do feel like I have a better understanding of the specific uses of different tools, such as the Athame, and where those ideas came from. Same with the ritual nudity that Gardnerian Wicca is particularly known for.

The book of shadows at the end was an interesting look at some rituals that might be used in initiatory Wicca for celebrations and initiations. The notes at the end were especially insightful

Didn’t Like:

I went into this book knowing it would be based fairly heavily around the witch cult hypothesis and the works of Margaret Murray, which have been debunked since the publishing of the book. However, Valiente takes it further and says that this witchcraft cult is the same as Hinduism and the shamanic traditions of Asia. Even going so far as to say that we should be taking rituals from Tantric traditions that is closed. All this without actually answering the questions posited in the books synopsis. Now I understand that European languages are rooted in the same language source as those from the Indian subcontinent as well as the Middle East (Indo-European), but these are distinct cultures that have developed relatively separately for thousands of years.

There is adult content in this book that is heteronormative and Valiente does make (cis-)women out to be something to be worshipped, which rubs me the wrong way. It’s the beginning of TERF rhetoric and while I don’t think that was Valientes intention, I did want to mention it for others. She never says anything against the queer community but she also never mentions them, which I find strange since she talks about sexual liberation during a time period where the LGBTQ+ community was heavily fighting for their rights in the United States and England.

And of course, there’s the conflation of witchcraft and Wicca. Though I don’t think it was being called Wicca until the ‘90s.

Overall Thoughts:

This book was really good insight into where some ideas that circulate the witchcraft and pagan communities are coming from. If you were to pick this up I suggest cross referencing anything historical, as much of it is out of date. In terms of Wicca, while I do think this has good insight into the founding of the religion and a few of their rituals, I wouldn’t say this is a book that represents the morals of the religion today. It is still evolving in terms of older moral ideas. I also would say that this book is not appropriate for minors, and Valiente even says that covens really shouldn’t be taking in anyone under the age of 21.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greatly enjoyed it. Valiente was a very well-read and talented lady. Her books are a pleasure to read, as is her poetry. The section on divination with stones is especially interesting, and her Liber Umbrarum has given me a number of new ideas to incorporate into my practice.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in pursuing the practice or study of Wicca. I think that it would be very beneficial to newcomers.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this author and all of her books. this book was a bit more dificult for me to understand. But, I have read it over again many times. Highly recommended.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so this is one of those classics that I should have read decades ago (last century). Doreen wrote the Charge, how have I not read one of her books in all my years of study? Lazy? Maybe. Going back and reading a basic 30 years in does have advantages. I had already read most of the works she cited in this book which made what she was saying very easy to digest. The intro to this book should be required for entry into any new circle (again, how have I not read this before?). The introduction is wonderfully researched and presented, which is easily done by someone so close to the start of it all. Most of Witchcraft for Tomorrow was hands down one of the best presented books on the subject I have read. There were things, here and there that just made me shake my head and pass it off as something from its time (published in the 1970's). Eh, they did things a little differently back in the day I guess. However, there were some no, no, nope sections of the book for me and my modern day sensibilities (she may have thought me a prude, but just no way on a few of these things). The last two chapters, do what thou will I guess, but that is not for me. I'm still confused by the depiction of the Wheel, I've never seen it backwards(?) like the one figure in this book, but maybe that is a printing mistake as my copy is a republish. Perhaps that is a simple thing someone a bit older than me can explain if it is in fact a thing, but as I said I have not seen this depiction before. Other than that, I have nothing but good things to say about this book. Witchcraft for Tomorrow is a classic and needs to be remembered as such when reading it. I have already highlighted works in the wonderful bibliography that I would like to pick up and marked off the ones I have already read. Great book, I'm glad it was recommended to me.

[saturn daughter ☾ · Rating 2 out of 5]

The main problem of this book is the bad history. Some sources used by Valiente in regards to Celtic History were pretty accurate, and some in regards to Medieval magic as well. But overall, Valiente assumes way too many things without giving the reader the sources and proofs!

I am not interested in Hinduism, and Valiente was often talking about it in this book and showing us that some practices from Witchcraft were also found in Hinduism. Okay, but you don't have to give me a bunch of details about their practises!

Some deep information about the symbolism of witches' tools and the pentacle were really interesting and useful. Most of these I hadn't even heard about.

The book is very interesting and might be useful for those who want to know more about the witchcraft practised in the earlier 1960s or by the Traditional Wicca or by the Traditional British Witchcraft. I think it is indeed extremely important, so you can know from where these early modern witches were getting their ideas from! Many of their beliefs were wrong, for example the Witch Cult theory for example. They believed that their religion practises were being handed down through centuries by witches from Pre-Christian era, which historians know that is completely wrong!

Anyway, I recommend for people who are interested in Traditional Wicca or just history of modern Witchcraft.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another “historically significant” read for book club. This was first published in the 70s and you can really feel it. There’s a lot of mentions of lay lines and Atlantis and other hallmarks of counterculture spirituality. Valiente is a better organized writer than Gardner and she’s entertainingly forthright at times about her beefs with other witches and occult figures. She goes off on Crowley for being “a male chauvinist pig of the crudest kind” for instance while also saying his character faults doesn’t discount the power and usefulness of his poetry and writings. Like most witches of her era, she has a tendency to see witch cults everywhere in history and brings up some pretty ridiculous examples that fall down at the slightest scrutiny (the list of famous groups in myths and legends with 13 members on p.52 that might possibly be secret covens had me rolling). There’s some interesting stuff in her “Book of Shadows” at the end but much of it feels outdated and not very inspiring (to me at least). A book that’s mainly interesting if you’re a practicing Wicca looking into the roots of the faith or if you’re interested in the history of new/invented religions and alternative spiritualities.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Doreen Valiente is considered an expert on modern witchcraft, so I bought her book to gain some insight on her perspective about the topic. She’s certainly knowledgeable, but what really sets this book apart is Valiente’s ancedotes about her experiences. She knew Gerald Gardner, who many Wiccans regard as one of the founding fathers of modern Wicca. Valiente provides trivia about other famous, or infamous, witches who were practicing the craft in secret, given that Britiain’s Witchcraft Act was not repealed until 1951.

I liked Valiente’s personal, informal style and learned quite a bit, but there were also places where I was left confused. Valiente’s references to the Order of the Golden Dawn, for example, were intriguing, but she offered no explanation as to who they were or how they functioned. Reading between the lines, it appears to have been (or might still be) a coven, but I wanted to know more. Happily, there is an extensive bibliography at the end for further reading and a useful index.

[Colubrina Laticauda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finalmente ho letto anche questo. Questo è un testo del 78 che come il precedente, ti dice di più o meno le stesse cose di tutti i libri moderni stampati in Italia negli anni 90, ma c'è di più. Vedi da dove anche autori italiani hanno preso informazioni. E qui ti spiega, quando può, ti dice il perchè delle cose. Io sono una persona che non prende al 100% nulla come buono e sono sempre disposta ad ascoltare alte versioni di una notizia, sia chiaro, ma almeno qui ti dice di più che in altri libri. Questo, come il precedente, li ho letti per pura curiosità e ne sono rimasta più che soddisfatta. C'è moto di quello che di trovava agli albori su internet, in inglese o in italiano, ma sempre senza citazione delle fonti (specialmente in italiano, mi dispiace ammettere).
Devo capire perchè sono stati tradotti così tardi, ma l'importante è che sia stato fatto.
Se vi interessa l'argomento stregoneria moderna e Wicca, è assolutamente da leggere.

[Charles Griggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Staple of a Witchcraft Library

This is a decent book by one of the founders of the Gardnerian Tradition of Witchcraft who outlines important historical events and concepts in one of the modern schools of thought in British Witchcraft. Valiente gives interesting history, though her language can at times be rather colonial---as should not be surprising when regarding the circumstances she found herself in. She, unfortunately, uses the concept of polarity, rather than complimentarity, to flesh out her magical theory, but besides that it is very good for a beginner. I question the utility of self-initiation given in Liber Umbrarum, however she presents a system that is both very workable and beautiful for novices and advanced practitioners alike.

[Yvonne Aburrow]

Interesting read. Doreen Valiente's style is engaging and pleasant. She puts Wicca and witchcraft into their cultural context, and tries to show links with other related religions. I like her attitude to sexuality and life in general. The book also has a book of shadows in it for people wanting to start their own coven.


[Cheyenne · Rating 3 out of 5]

CW: Romani slur

Interesting read. I didn't take many notes, but I starred several things. I am definitely not a Wiccan, so some things, like the requisite ritual nudity and heteronormativity bothered me. Interesting that she's a very British witch as well, I suppose I've only read American witchcraft books before, and they suit me better anyway.

[Michael Westbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

It can be a bit scholarly and dry at times and isn't the easiest read but it's a must-read for anyone wanting the history and perspective of one of Wicca's founding mothers (or rediscovering if you buy Margaret Murray's theory).

[Cristina Barberis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen Valiente sa condurre, come poche altre autrici di magia, all'interno della storia, della vita e della pratica della Magia.
Il libro è di facile lettura, le notizie storiche ghiotte e le pratiche spiegate interessantissime.
Assolutamente consigliato.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic by Doreen Valiente. A Must-read for anyone interested in the Craft by Britain’s head witch who was initiated by Gerald Gardner. Full of useful informations and answers to questions surrounding the practice of Witchcraft, and the future for where it is headed.

[Runafuego · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sin duda la mejor guía que existe sobre Wicca de mano de la madre de la nueva religión.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously not everything has survived the sands of time but there are still enough nuggets in this book to establish a witchcraft for tomorrow, used today.

[Oskar Majda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterpiece.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book mostly for the author's unique (woman's) perspective on early Garderian witchcraft and the revival of witchcraft in general.

[melody c · Rating 3 out of 5]

A staple for every Pagan’s library. This book is a good starting point for when you are beginning to learn about the history of Wicca and modern witchcraft.

[Adam Ringlund · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not a good intro to witchcraft imo. I think I could get more out of it now, but its supposed to be an intro and it didn't really give enough details to the actual practices it talks about

[Chicca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nonostante risalga a più di quarant'anni fa questo testo è ancora molto valido. Utilissimo a chi si approccia alla Wicca o ad altre forme di stregoneria moderna. I passi in cui Valiente parla degli antichi culti pre-cristiani risultano i più interessanti, perché fa dei riferimenti importantissimi al legame (ormai interrotto) che l'uomo aveva con la Terra: "un profondo sentimento di parentela, che dovremmo quindi manifestare nei nostri atteggiamenti e nelle nostre azioni".

Valiente riesce a inserire elementi di antropologia, sociologia e psicologia nella sua trattazione, cercando di fornire delle fonti affidabili anche per i più scettici. A volte questi tentativi non vanno in porto, e alcuni esempi sembrano poco convincenti. Avrei preferito una più ampia sezione storica o di recupero delle tradizioni storiche piuttosto che alcune di queste forzature.

Assolutamente da elogiare l'atteggiamento anti-escludente di Valiente che ridicolizza la spocchia di molt* praticanti contemporanei (spesso seguaci di Valiente stessa!), che tendono ad avere troppi pregiudizi nei confronti di chi approccia questi temi "in solitaria" e finiscono per emarginare l* neofit*. Chiunque dovrebbe avere il diritto e la possibilità di avvicinarsi alla stregoneria in piena autonomia senza aver paura di essere deris* o allontanat*. Per me, la stregoneria è uno stile di vita olistico, un mezzo per riappropriarci di ciò che il sistema positivista, capitalista, patriarcale e iper-razionalista ci ha tolto: il rispetto reciproco tra esseri viventi (non solo umani), il rispetto per la Terra, l'accoglienza, la comunità, la lentezza, la libertà di essere chi si desidera essere. Per questo Valiente andrebbe riletta e riattualizzata anche dalle persone che credono di conoscerla perfettamente.

Una nota di demerito per l'edizione che è valsa una stella in meno: pessima, orribile, inguardabile. Una traduzione imbarazzante (a partire dal titolo), un testo pieno di errori grammaticali e grafici. Veramente vergognoso pubblicare un libro in questo stato.

[Kosjitov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valiente's work in Witchcraft for Tomorrow is certainly above my expectations for a book published so long ago. It certainly gives a clearer idea of Valiente herself for those interested in the former Gardnerian priestess. She has quite a bit to say about just every practice involving witchcraft, so if anything, i would say she is highly opinionated (not necessarily a bad thing) but enjoys ferreting out details for the reader and presenting them in a sometimes overwhelming "beat you over the head with it" manner. I will say that I appreciate a good deal of her sentiments in the introduction, as well as the frank honesty and forethought.

I would recommend this as one of the seminal books of witchcraft to others, but I would pass along the reminder that the author is speaking in broad terms about witchcraft specifically, not Wicca in reference to her material in this book.

TLDR: Quality book, a bit dry and taxing at times, but one of the core materials for anyone interested in witchcraft.

[Gabriel Clarke · Rating 3 out of 5]

The problem with coming to Doreen Valiente after Ronald Hutton's Triumph of the Moon is the hundred and one details from the latter you just can't un-read. Then there's the clear inheritance threading throughout of those more "innocent" counter-cultural times before AIDS and a clearer understanding of just who really benefitted from a "liberated" sexuality. It's interesting and full of lots of intriguing, even inspirational moments (and you can tell why so many pagans have found her an inspirational figure) but it isn't personally the Wicca I'm looking for.

[Alexia ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, Doreen Valiente is an amazing writer and the way she writes not only teaches but also makes the reader feel and live what she is telling us.

The fact that she adds stories and adventures while, at the same time, she is teaching, is just amazing!

Definately recommend it!

[Wolfsong · Rating 5 out of 5]

called "The mother of modern witchcraft" Doreen Valiente was a very special lady, I have all her books, written in the 50s, 60s ect, she writes with a practical no nonsense style i found easy to read.

She has left a wonderful legacy behind her.