In reading Jordan Stratford's Are Witches Gnostic?, on his Ecclesia Gnostica in Nova Albion blog, I got to thinking a little about the absurdity of some proclaimed origin myths surrounding Wicca. I say 'myths' because that is truly what they are. I am in compliant conviction to the same truths Jordan shares as points of fact in Wicca's origin.

Over the past decade and maybe a half I have shared the pleasure of being a part of a fairly honest community of sincere Wiccans who were more than aware of the facts surrounding Gardner's association with Crowley among others and his membership and charter in the OTO. So, I suppose in many ways I was twice blessed not to be enchanted with fairytale descriptions of the revival of some ancient pagan religion or some other silly want-to-believe story.

I am also in complete agreement with his statement that Witchcraft, as it is exercised today in the context of Wicca is a deliberate expression of Gnosticism, via the Gnostic Revival Churches of the 19th Century, Theosophy, Thelema, and similar currents. Wiccans are already heirs to the legacy which many of them seek.

However much I might agree with Jordan and how much I do appreciate his perceptive comments, I get the impression that something is being overlooked by non-Wiccans (especially after reading some of the comments left on his post) who realize and recognize the same facts; There are many Wiccans who are very much aware of these truths, even to degree that that they fully understand that in many ways modern Wiccans are quite short of the ideal. With this I must also say, where you do not know a man, do not define his motives. Gardner is often played in the light of a fool or a flunky of Crowley's by many in Gnostic cliques and various Occult circles, and again, here I may not be in total disagreement, but the not-yet-end result is internally evolving into something I think neither or these old architects would have fathomed.

Let me make abundantly clear here that the OTO and its contemporary adherents are not the only bodies who can claim influence and contribution into Wiccan form and philosophy. There we might find a point of presence but certainly not the definitive reference of what Wicca has and continues to become.

Jordan says in comment that he finds modern Wiccan aesthetic disingenuous (by the use of) pretentious magical names, the disrespectful pillaging of myriad cultures, and irresponsible historical revisionism. I must say that this is a sad but fairly correct description in most individual cases, but certainly not descriptive of the whole, and most definitely not in those good folk who have found something else in Wicca altogether apart from what I think is being discussed in the post and in most discussions at that. To that end I must say that while Jordan is right on for he most part, this is a plague that is gradually withering away with successive waves of interest.

There are a good number of Wiccans, some of significant seasoning, who are growing profoundly in their understanding of an emergent natural theurgy which reveals itself in uniquely personal forms through regular observance of what has come down to us as Wicca which may be very deviant from what Gardner had envisioned, and what some just thirty years ago was believed to be the whole and heart of Wiccan thought and practice. Their almost elitist revision of Wiccan ideals exposes a philosophy and embryonic religion that is quickly becoming far removed from its foster parents to reveal something sacred and special where the former has seemingly lacked conception.... I digress. My post was about Wiccans not being in denial:

There are many Wiccans who have a distinctly different understanding of themselves, beliefs , and practices. These same Wiccans acknowledge and accept the truth of our origin. It is not an issue that needs debate or one in which these (apparently) few need defense. I just wanted to put it out there that this a good point of history, maybe even a solid argument to nature, but not quite at home with the living reality of what is in the midst of the modern Wiccan body. The dross being patiently drawn away will in time reveal the golden secret of that Soul amongst us.

Its late, I'm tired, and apologize if this post seems too scattered ;o)

Blessed Be.

In The Mystery I Remain...
Tangible








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