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Jacket Description/Back: The word Witchcraft has been misunderstood for centuries. In the past 500 years, millions of people have faced persecution, torture, and even death after being accused of practicing Witchcraft.

For many people the word Witch still conjures up images of secret spells and diabolical midnight rituals. So what exactly is Witchcraft (also called Wica or Wicca), and how did it evolve into one of today's fastest-growing religions?

Witchcraft From the Inside presents the history of Witchcraft -- from its roots in ancient fertility religions, to the madness of the Malleus Maleficarum and the European Witch trials, to the growth of modern Wicca in Britain and the United States. Essays contributed by leading Wiccan authorities explore the present state of Wicca and provide a glimpse into the future of this peaceful nature religion.

Author Raymond Buckland, Ph.D. studied Witchcraft under Gerald Gardner, the man largely credited for the revival of Witchcraft and the establishment of Wicca as a modern religion. Dr. Buckland was instrumental in bringing Gardnerian Witchcraft from England to the United States and is considered to be one of the leading American authorities on Witchcraft.

Publisher Marketing: Respected authority Ray Buckland gives you the insider's view of historical and modern Witchcraft -- how covens are formed and structured, the various branches of Wicca, rituals, sabbats and esbats and magic. Includes new material on teens and Wicca, feminist Wicca plus never-before-published photos of Gerald Gardner.

Witchcraft (also called "Wicca" or "Wica") is the fastest growing religion in America and, by some estimates, in the world. Through active involvement in goverment, education, industry, and religion, Wicans and other Pagans are changing the course of America. Now take a close look at "Witchcraft from the Inside" and find out why this movement is your concern! Experience the real action behind the scenes as leading Wican spokesman Ray Buckland exposes the quiet, powerful grassroots force behind the growth of Witchcraft in America. Find out why the "religion of the people" is destined to become the popular American alternative to Judaism, Christianity and Buddism.

Contributor Bio: Raymond Buckland:
Buckland introduced Gardnerian Wicca to the U.S. He is a leading authority on witchcraft, voodoo and the supernatural. He has retired from public work to concentrate on his screenwriting career.