A Very British Witchcraft

close
more_vert
tjj T
tjj Aug 19, 2013 00:24:18
Replying to Littlestone

Just watched that. Thank you for posting the link.
My understanding of 'ancient' witchcraft is that it was the practice of herbalism, healing and midwifery undertaken mainly by women - and that they were often persecuted/murdered by the male dominated, power based Church in past centuries. It is possible that the knowledge of herbs was sometimes misused, either by accident or design, as many are poisonous.

Although I like Ronald Hutton a lot, much of this programme made me feel uncomfortable. In some ways its content has a place in the history of 20th century culture and seems an anachronism in today's world. Although 'Wicca' is still widely practised in the form described in the programme it seems to me (and this is a personal opinion) as delusional as any other religion. Reverence for nature exists by itself for many people - who don't need to join or cult, sect or religion to pursue it.

One thing I did notice was that an illustration in Gerald Gardner's rare 'Book of Shadows' bore a remarkable similarity to the 'Foxhill Hill Figure' discussed on another thread. Could there be a link I wonder.

M Mustard
Mustard Aug 19, 2013 10:00:33
Replying to tjj

tjj wrote:
My understanding of 'ancient' witchcraft is that it was the practice of herbalism, healing and midwifery undertaken mainly by women - and that they were often persecuted/murdered by the male dominated, power based Church in past centuries. It is possible that the knowledge of herbs was sometimes misused, either by accident or design, as many are poisonous.
Well that's certainly one interpretation. The reality is though, like with much of history, we simply don't know. We don't even know whether "witchcraft" existed in the sense of a consistent set of beliefs and practices.

tjj wrote:
Although 'Wicca' is still widely practised in the form described in the programme it seems to me (and this is a personal opinion) as delusional as any other religion. Reverence for nature exists by itself for many people - who don't need to join or cult, sect or religion to pursue it.
Precisely.

S Sanctuary
Sanctuary Aug 19, 2013 10:20:48
Replying to tjj

tjj wrote:
Reverence for nature exists by itself for many people - who don't need to join or cult, sect or religion to pursue it.
Yep, that's me!

N nigelswift
nigelswift Aug 19, 2013 11:45:32
Replying to tjj

tjj wrote:
Reverence for nature exists by itself for many people - who don't need to join or cult, sect or religion to pursue it.
Indeed. From what I've seen that probably applies to most people here. But there is a financial downside to revering instead of worshipping, you don't get taxpayer funded free out of hours visits inside Stonehenge in small groups. (Unlike the group that was in there chanting Hail Satan a few weeks ago.)

So clearly we nature lovers should rebrand nature as a deity, Nora, and ask if we can be let into the circle for free to worship Her.