Contemporary Witchcraft

Today there is much misunderstanding regarding the different forms of modern pagan witchcraft, from the initiatory traditions, to various eclectic paths that are often labelled “Wicca”. In this book, Billinghurst addresses misconceptions and outlines the foundational history, beliefs, and practices that define the tradition of Contemporary Witchcraft, inherited from Gerald Gardner et al in the 20th century. This book highlights the origins of many concepts within the tradition, as well as offering interesting insights and explanations for them. If you are considering walking this path, or learning more about it, this book provides an accessible overview of the tradition and will introduce you to the tools for getting started on the path.

Contemporary Witchcraft is an informative, comprehensive and well written guide to the practice of Pagan Witchcraft in the Southern Hemisphere, but also contains a lot of valuable information which readers in the Northern Hemisphere could equally benefit from. The author uses the term “contemporary witchcraft” to describe the more traditional and initiatory practice of the Craft which can be traced back to Gerald Gardner and Alex Sanders, generally known as Wicca.

On reading the introduction, I was transported back 35 years to my own introduction to the craft, and it set the tone for the rest of the book. Contemporary Witchcraft Foundational Practices for a Magical Life is a great read as it is formed from, in my opinion, genuine teachings, and genuine research and workings. It is a refreshing change from so much information available that at best is questionable in origin.