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

by John C. Sulak, Oberon Zell-Ravenheart

This is the stranger-than-fiction story of two soul mates who rejected the status quo and embraced higher ideals . . . and had a whole lot of fun while they were at it. Reclaiming Pagan as a spiritual identity--and living in an open marriage for over four decades--Oberon and Morning Glory Zell truly embody the freedom to think, to love, and to live.

Telling the stories of their singular lives in this unique oral history, Oberon and Morning Glory--together with a colorful tribe of friends, lovers, musicians, homesteaders, researchers, and ritualists--reveal how they established the Church of All Worlds, revitalized Goddess worship, discovered the Gaea Thesis, raised real Unicorns, connected a worldwide community through Green Egg magazine, searched for mermaids in the South Pacific, and founded the influential Grey School of Wizardry.

Join Morning Glory and Oberon as they share the highs and lows of their extraordinary lives, and explore the role they played in shaping the community of Witches and Pagans that thrives in the world today.

Includes a 16-page color photo insert.

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

432 pages, Paperback

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!