The New Witches of the West
Tradition, Liberation, and Power

This Element offers a comparative analysis of various forms of modern religious witchcraft, from Satanism to Pagan traditions like Wicca.

Ethan Doyle White (Author)

9781009472838, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 22 February 2024

80 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 0.6 cm, 0.252 kg

'The New Witches of the West is an important publication: it is highly intellectual and immersed in historiography; it is thoughtful and deserving of a wide readership; and it is accessible to undergraduate students and non-specialist readers. I recommend it heartily.' Carole M. Cusack, Wuhan Journal of Cultic Studies

The terms 'witch' and 'witchcraft' have been used to mean many different things over the years. In the twentieth century, some people began referring to themselves as witches and espousing esoteric new religions that they called witchcraft. Some of these new religions – most notably Wicca – were forms of modern Paganism, devoted to the veneration of ancient divinities. Others constituted types of Satanism or Luciferianism, embracing the early modern idea of the witch as a Devil worshipper. Recent years have seen growing numbers of Black Americans who practice African diasporic religions adopt the term 'witch' too. This Element explores why the image of the witch is so appealing to numerous people living in modern Western countries, examining how witchcraft offers people a connection to the past, a vehicle for liberation, and a means of empowering themselves in an often-troubling world.

1. Introduction
2. Tradition
3. Liberation
4. Power
5. Conclusions.

Subject Areas: History of religion [HRAX]