Éditions Danaé
Aradia - The Gospel of the Witches
If Gerald Gardner is considered the father of Wicca (as a movement), then Charles Godfrey Leland can legitimately be regarded as its grandfather, and this work, Aradia (which deals with witchcraft in Italy), the birth certificate of this movement.
Translated for the first time in full from English, in a complete and unique version, this work originally published in 1899 inspired major figures associated with Wicca, such as Gardner himself, but also Doreen Valiente and Theda Kenyon. Yet, Aradia has always been a controversial work, both among witches and scholars. Researchers question the truthfulness of its content. Is it fiction or a historical forgery by Leland? Witches & pagans opposed it for theological and ethical reasons, since some of the myths told in this work involve Lucifer and Cain, but also Diana and Aradia. A seemingly problematic syncretism.
Some of the spells it covers work by threatening or compelling deities and spirits, and in the revolutionary fervor of the time it was written, it does not even shy away from teaching that the poor and oppressed should use poisons to destroy their feudal overlords. Despite all this, it remains a magnificent, rich, and fascinating work for any wiccan, any pagan, any witch or wizard, or anyone interested in the origins of witchcraft...
This first version in our language is by Philippe Pissier, also a translator of Aleister Crowley. It is prefaced by Vincent Capes, filmmaker of experimental films and editor of Austin Osman Spare’s works in French, and illustrated by Anja Bajuk, a Croatian specialist in industrial music.
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Information & features
- Author: Charles Godfrey Leland
- Publication date: November 2018
- Size: 14.8cm x 21cm
- Weight: 282g
- ISBN: 979‑10‑94876‑29‑9
- Version:
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If Gerald Gardner is considered the father of Wicca as a movement, then Charles Godfrey Leland can legitimately be regarded as the grandfather of this tradition, and his work Aradia as the birth certificate of this movement. Originally published in 1899, "Aradia" explores witchcraft in Italy and inspired important figures in Wicca, such as Gerald Gardner, Doreen Valiente, and Theda Kenyon.
Translated fully into French for the first time by Philippe Pissier, this text presents controversial myths and practices, mixing figures like Lucifer, Cain, Diana, and Aradia. Leland describes spells that bind deities and spirits, and does not hesitate to teach radical methods for the oppressed to free themselves from their overlords, reflecting the revolutionary fervor of the time.
Despite the controversies, Aradia remains a fascinating and rich work for Wiccans, pagans, witches, and anyone interested in the origins of witchcraft. The preface by Vincent Capes and the illustrations by Anja Bajuk enrich this unique edition.
Charles Godfrey Leland (1824-1903) was an American author, folklorist, and journalist known for his work on magic and folklore. A graduate of Princeton University, he studied abroad before embarking on a literary and journalistic career. Leland is best known for his book "Aradia, or the Gospel of the Witches" (1899), which explores Italian witchcraft traditions. His work has had a significant influence on the revival of modern pagan practices. In addition to his folklore studies, Leland wrote on various subjects, including Romani culture and language.
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