Gerald Gardner: Book of Shadows

Questions for Further Study

• 1. Historically, the word pagan has had negative connotations, associated with heathenism, ignorance, and even decadence. How do you think Gardner and his followers would respond to this view?
• 2. The origin of the word pagan is the Latin word paganus, meaning “country dweller” (as opposed to someone living in a city). How do you think the word came to be applied to polytheistic religions such as Wicca? Do you think that there is any logic to the application of the word to such religions?
• 3. Compare this document with The Voyage of Bran, another document that while in many respects Christian still incorporates pagan beliefs. What do the two documents taken together tell you about pagan beliefs and practices in the British Isles?
• 4. Compare the biography of Gerald Gardner with that of Allan Kardec, the author of The Spirits’ Book. Do you see any similarities? What influence might these similarities have had on the respective authors’ interests?
• 5. Wicca seems in many respects to be a “feminine” religion. Wiccans worship the “Goddess,” and rites are often conducted by “high priestesses.” While Wicca certainly includes men, discussion often centers on witches (female) rather than warlocks (male). Historically, the witches who have been persecuted have tended to be women more so than men. Why do you think Wicca in particular and witchcraft in general are associated so much with women?