No 162 The difference between Witchcraft and Wicca

[@morgenoghmanann8746]

Gerald Gardner made up a lot of what he called "ancient" witchcraft. He spent his youth in Madeira, at the age of 16 moved to colonial (at that time) Ceylon, and from there in 1911 at age 27, moved to Malaya to work as a civil servant. During his years there (he didn't return to England until 1936, at the age of 52, to retire from civil service), he became fascinated by the magical practices and beliefs of the local Indonesians. He even wrote a book about the topic while he lived there. By his own account, he became obsessed with Malayan spirituality. In 1936, he lived in Cyprus for a short time, where he wrote a novel, "A Goddess Arrives". Then , upon his return to England, he became a Rosicrucian. He claimed that through them, her met "Old Dorothy" and she initiated him. According to many who knew him, however, local witches refused to talk to him. Being short-tempered by nature, he allegedly became so angry, he declared he would start his own tradition. He combined Rosicrucianism, Freemasonry (he became a member), and work from Aleister Crowley. As a matter of fact, he and Doreen Valiente got into it about just how much of Crowley's work was seeping into Gardner's work. Fun fact: The term "Book of Shadows" was appropriated by Gardner after he purchased a magazine that had run an article he had written for it. In that edition was an advertisement for a booklet about palmistry. The author entitled the booklet, "The Book of Shadows" - in reference to the lines in the hands. Always an opportunist, Gardner ran with it, then later tried to convince people that the booklet's author had instead stolen the title from him. Unfortunately for Gardner, the booklet had been in circulation for about three years at the time. THAT is the genesis of the "Book of Shadows" tradition. When an English physician suggested nudism to Gardner to improve his health, he added that to his "ancient" religion and declared that all true European witches had practiced "skyclad" for generations. Anyone familiar with English weather, especially during the colder months, might dare to disagree with the idea of sane people running around naked at night. I'm not a hater of Gerald Gardner. I'm just not a big fan of his pathological lies that led people to believe in the antiquity of a particular tradition that wasn't. Even the people who knew and LIKED Gardner said repeatedly that he knew what he was doing all along.

[@tylluanpenry3233]

Thank you so much for sharing all this - I agree with you about so much of it, too. There was a lot of fantasing amongst some of the 'founders' of Wicca... to challenge this is not to hate them. He even claimed to hold a doctorate which wasn't true.

[@perculiar_daughter]

Thank you Tylluan, I couldnt agree more. I think that the roots of ancient traditional witchcraft cannot be found in books, for the knowledge was passed orally down through centuries. Most who practiced the craft would have been illiterate, therefore it's impossible to know when or whom are the creators. No book, or constructed higherarchy is required, because those who were born to walk the ancient path, follow an inner knowing.

[@dawndaybreaker1003]

Very well said! I couldn't have said it better! 😊😊😊

[@kevinbeckenham3872]

Thank you for clearing up that subject and clear to me

[@m.pixley8413]

I totally agree! I had a woman tell me that everything comes back in threes. But she and I did not agree on what was going out. Not everything is tit for tat and while one person might perceive equal wrongs very often one wrong is a lot bigger than the retaliation!

[@CherryBerry48]

aww i love and adore you and your wisdom!! and love the snoring dogs, i think that is amazing! i used to love listening to my dogs snore and such, they used to whimper and i would cradle them and rock them gently while i hum ever so slightly. but i dont have any more animals, so i have to enjoy the world's animals blessings on you!!and i agree with you on this subject for sure!!

[@Banano91f]

Thanks for sharing

[@teapotsandtarot]

Thank you. I could hear snoring in stereo as my beagle snored all the way through my watching.

[@susannahnutkins7278]

susan garratt Hahahahahaha. I laugh because I relate 🐶

[@susanbuckminster282]

Thank you!

[@jamesruth199]

Ive only just found your series and its full of so much useful information and guidance! Thank you for sharing videos & please keep them coming 💜

[@ivythorne4236]

Very useful, and pleasant to watch! Thank you!

[@juliem3313]

Wonderful - needed to hear this today!

[@julieb2398]

Very well said! Thank you so much for sharing with us. In some circles the reason some say things about Wicca is because they want to feel superior to others. For example," I am a blood born witch so therefor I am more of a witch than you are" I have seen this play out many times. This of course then starts the argument of who is a witch and who isn't. Witchcraft to me is a Craft..something you learn.. but that is my opinion. Wicca is actually a nationally recognized religion in the USA. So as I try to explain to people that not all witches are Wiccan and not all Wiccans are witches.

[@marguerita555]

I have studied Alexandrian with Maxine but i am mostly a lone witch it is amazing how many similarities we have and it was good that you pointed out the difference of actually being a Witch Some folk do not know what they are doing! i used to love all of the D.Valiente books and also Uncle ~ Aliester ~ In my mind i feel i take what i want and leave the rest BB's 93's + Blessed be to all of the Novices and neophytes Merry Yule.....

[@tylluanpenry3233]

Merry Yule to you and yours too, Marguerita. I feel that down the ages there have been far too many people who want to tell us what to do, rather than sharing and inviting us to participate if we wish. It's important to read widely, wisely and well and see what there is that appeals to us. That can be our starting point and from there we explore further - it's great fun and a wonderful journey. Blessings, Tylluan :-)

[@BarefootintheRain]

Wise words as always ❤😊

[@maddie2781]

As always... the most perfect timing. You really are a witch. Lol. I’m a 2nd degree gardnerian initiate. I was supposed to be a 3rd degree/high priestess as of earlier this year. I decided not to go any further with the degrees. I stated that it’s because I’m happy at the level I am at. Truth be told... I’m trying to make a clean break from the coven. As you stated... I don’t agree with lots of things, the reed being one of those things. I find I do better work on my own with the way I do things. I’ve been stalling about leaving because I’m worried about hurting the coveners feelings (the high priest in particular). We have a 1st degree now and we’ll be initiating another around solstice. After that is when I’ll let them know that I’m out. My last time in circle was for Samhain (which I created ritual for and we all had the most amazing experience), but they don’t know that it was my last. I’ve been making excuses to not go to circle. I realize I have to let them know soon. So, as before.... perfect timing. Thank you. I always look forward to your videos and your wise input on everything 🙏🏼

[@brendaarchambault7014]

Thank you Tylluan it's wounderful to see your video's. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@2uconner]

I am a Christian but have a lot of natural gifts I would say healing magic and miracles and light energy s are all the same...I would like to say this thought be intelligent and wise

[@MyThecount]

Hi Tyullan very help full video

[@lovehopehope8238]

HEY IT'S been along time i been down had surgry but now better .You look beatuful as always ..💜💙💜💙💜💙💜💙💜💙💜

[@nicolemariecastillo5456]

Thanks for sharing 😊

[@Pagyptsian]

Awh Noah :') this differentiation I think is going to continue to confuse, with the addition body 'eclectic wicca'. And I do think it's a shame when some people think that something newer and non-ancient is somehow lesser? Excellent video thank you!

[@MerridethHawk]

Hi Noah Hi Daisy ❤️🐶❤️😊

[@tylluanpenry3233]

Woof woof! ;-) Blessings, Tylluan :-)

[@dianepirrmann1734]

I am so glad you do these videos. I have learned a lot. I have a question. There is a lot of talk about how one comes out of the broom closet. I know that's silly but how do you deal with people who may not be able to understand why you are a witch? I am a solitary like you and I don't feel comfortable with a coven. At this time of year, Yuletide I find myself feeling like I have to hide. Should I, as others have advised, be silent.

[@Seerwithinthedarkness]

Doreen Valiente wrote most of the sacred text for Gardnerian Wicca. She was the High Priestess of Bricket Wood Coven with Gardner. Who was the King of Witches? I heard something way back about they were going to 'conceive' a magickal child as it were. Maybe I'm thinking of another coven/story. Nice vid :)

[@notofworld2513]

I’m not Wiccan I’m a witch but i believe in karma but not threefold, and I believe in reincarnating and spirit world........I only do the four main Celtic sabbaths cause I’m Irish and full moons and always see goddess as mother.

[@HellsCanyonGirl]

Please accept my novice. If one places a hex, does that perpetuate ones Karma?

[@justinjones8278]

Hello is it possible to message you and talk ?

[@swagsukeuchiha7599]

Tbh we dont kmow how old wicca is. So neopagan is an odd term to describe wicca.