Wicca
There are two aspects to this question: what do I think of witchcraft and witches in general, and what do I think of the modern and spurious revivals. In its original form, true witchcraft was what remained after the dual forces of Christianity and barbarian invasions had demolished the mystery religions of Ancient Greece and Rome. Like much of Occultism, the practices went underground and survived only in a much diluted and heavily garbled form. So in this sense, I regard true and authentic witchcraft as present day residue of an ancient system in which local priests and priestesses took care of matters in-between annual visits from a High One.
backDespite romantic tales about certain chosen women keeping old traditions alive, all the evidence suggests that modern Wicca, like modern druidism, was revived, or re-invented, quite deliberately. I have already described, in my book The Secrets of Aleister Crowley, how my father helped the unscrupulous Gerald Gardner to develop his own brand of Wicca.
I accept that this was mercenary of my father, but he needed the money and, to make some sort of amends, he did a very good job of writing effective rituals. In the decades that have passed since then, this form of witchcraft has evolved and the people who practise it have changed in character. It is no longer a naughty pastime or merely a prop for feminism. Neither is it just a sort of spiritual omnibus for those who are less intellectually inclined and who do not want to explore more deeply. It is now a genuine religion.
backDo witches have any place in Occultism?
In former times, witches and sorcerers were the pagan equivalent of lay-preachers, that is to say, they were able to keep the faith alive when the main teacher was absent. They were the district nurses of Occultism and performed all manner of ritual or spiritual acts on behalf of the peripatetic Master. They kept things going by tending the needy and maintaining a sort of emergency service. They were taught at a central school, and their powers were topped up from time to time at seasonal festivals.
backDo you condemn Wicca or Witchcraft?
It is not my place to pass opinion, much less to pronounce judgement. In my eyes, it is a simple (in the sense of uncomplicated) rural religion. However, I condemn all spiritual hypocrites and impostors, and this goes too for all those pseudo-democrats who claim that it is perfectly normal for a person simply to stand up and claim shamanic status, druid status or whatever.
The gods have a say in such things, and if the gods have already set up a system whereby men may contact the Beyond, then it is arrogant and dangerous to ignore it.
backAlas, it is a common occurrence in all walks of life that when candidates are turned down for a job which gives them authority, some of them immediately 'retaliate' by arrogating a spurious authority for themselves. Thus, disappointed policemen become criminals, and rejected soldiers form mercenary gangs. The cause is thwarted ambition plus a heart bursting with pride, and the outcome can be an explosion. How often have we seen a 'dedicated and loyal' person turn traitor when the party denies them a favour?
I am fond of good Wiccans and, given that many aspects of Wicca are valid, it is easy for a Wiccan to embrace Occultism. I have students who are Wiccans-they have no problem with that and neither do I.
backIs Wicca valid as a 'preliminary step'?
Much depends on the qualities of the person leading the group. Quite sincerely, I have no wish to offend anyone when I repeat that I see (some, but not all) Wiccans in much the same light as Protestants might view lay preachers. They are half-way there, so to speak, but there are some things they are not yet qualified to do. I do not doubt their sincerity or their religiosity, but it has often been pointed out that Wicca is strong on practicalities but weak on theology and doctrine. That said, I am happy with my students who maintain their membership of Wiccan groups and I feel comfortable in the company of most other Wiccans who strike me as decent and worthy people. They have a few black sheep, of course, but then, who does not? People in glass houses .. and all that.
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