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You know it's England when they say it's sunny and the sky is completely cloud covered

My grandma was a Wiccan. I didn't know until now that the practices that she performed was considered witchcraft. As a child I witnessed her success in healing myself and other people. She was not an evil person . She was a loving giving lady. She helped people who lived in her town. A doctor was not always around. She delivered so many babies. She died in 1964. I miss her every day. Thank you for sharing this program!

I've seen Ronald Hutton in other documentaries, and I always like his presentation. I appreciate that he is highly knowledgeable and soft-spoken, with a gentle approach to other people.

Really fun seeing Ronald Hutton hosting this! Also funny how the script has him acting like he hasn't written multiple scholarly books on the subject.

He didn’t MAKE witchcraft. Witchcraft has been around for much longer than him.

correction: the man who created wicca, not witchcraft. witchcraft and paganism has been here way before him and even christianity.

I met my beloved husband 30 years ago. He was practicing Wicca and had an altar in his second bedroom. I asked about it and he just told me not to touch it, that it was religious. I ended up asking him 3 times before he handed me Raymond Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft (or, as several call it "Uncle Bucky's Big Blue Book.) I went through it and did all the exercises in a week, came back and asked for more. We did my dedication the night of Samhain (Halloween) we were handfasted (married by a priestess) and a year and a day later we did my initiation. I had a coven that worked through to third degree before we hived them off. I was a representative and assistant director of the biggest Pagan organization in Texas. I've pretty much stopped doing ritual because the exercise of the energies tires me out due to disability. But, I still do rituals in my head and heart, still honoring the God and Goddess and the Elements.

What a fantastic documentary. It was very informative. I had no Idea Wicca was born England. It was very well written and the presenters voice was lovely to listen to. Thank you

All our words. Everything we say is a spell. Words have power

I don't understand how people can be so bashful of wiccan cultures, it's a religion to some. It's not about satanism it's about connecting more to nature.

Spirtitualism is taking off in the west coast of the U.S. as well. So much that in Arizona certain Psychedelic plants, like Peyote are now legal for religious use. And in Oregon' magic mushrooms' are legal for therapeutic use, in " retreats", in the woods. I think useing these enthrohens is a big help in experiencing what the ancients got out of nature. They are like the telescope and microscope of spirituality.

Phallic handled daggers are actually very very common, it was something they did a lot in medieval times, even sometimes the hilt being shaped as testicles, so who knows the reasons for Gerald's knife being shaped like that, could have had more significance to him or maybe it just made him laugh

I love that this is done in such a respectful manner, its rare to find documentaries that aren't attacking

The host is very respectful of all of this and it's pretty heartwarming to listen too. I think I'll be watching more of his shows.

I was part of the campaign for the Pentacle on military graves! One of my favorite things I have ever worked for! Selena Fox is the leader of Circle Sanctuary in Wisconsin, USA.

Wicca pulled me out of a suicidal slump, honestly.

"Whereas other faiths say this is what you should feel about the divine, this one says this is how you can feel divine". Very telling that.

I respect this guy because unlike other documentors, he takes. The ritual seriously and does not joke about it. He respects the wishes of the wiccans.

This was much better than I thought it would be! Thanks!

This was a very good description of the wicca ways and I've decided to buy a couple of the books by Gardner and Hutton to get a better idea about this. Should be interesting

I'm a wiccan/witch and we only give blessings. This was quite educational for curious poeple :) bless it be 🌛🌑🌜

Just to clear on this All Wiccans are Pagan but not all Pagans are Wiccan. I am Pagan but I am not Wiccan.

He helped bring witchcraft back for those who needed and wanted it after such a horrendous demonisation of or from the church. Fantastic man and I love how the universe uses us all and some more so to open new paths ❤

Superb documentary! Thank you very much for sharing your research with us!

What we need to understand is that the conflation of Wicca and witchcraft is erroneous at best, and disingenuous at worst. It's true that Gardner referred to his tradition as "Witchcraft," but the fact of the matter is, they are two different things - Wicca is a religion, witchcraft is a practice that transcends religion. There are tons of witches out there who do not at all appreciate being equated with Wiccans. Therefore, no, Gerald Gardner did not invent witchcraft; he invented Wicca. Anyone who wishes to learn more about these things need to learn the difference between the two as early as possible in order to avoid confusion.

To be honest, I've been avoiding this documentation in my recommendations for quite a while, just because most films about the topic are incredibly biased and judgemental. Now I've finally given in, and I am glad I did! The host is so heartwarming and respectful while doing his best to present the topic as best as possible. It was so much fun watching. Thank you!

The people who taught me some aspects of what is called witchcraft, in 1972, 73, 74,were a family that emigrated to the U.S. in the mid 1800's . Theres lots of differences from Wicca and traditional family Witchcraft. But, some teachings and spiritual practices are very similar. Not the same but Gardner had resources.

I'm glad that Gardener paved the way, to help bring US our of the "broom closet". Blessed be .

Magic isnt a practice, its energy. Its understanding the flowing current of energy that is all around us and Wicca, paganism and occult religions all are tools to understand that.

20 years ago I was in Boot Camp at Fort Benning GA. On the first day the Drill Sergeant was yelling at us all. We were told Sunday mornings were our opportunity to go to church. If we were not religious we would stay in the dorms and clean. He then asked if any of us were Wiccans. One odd looking fellow raised his hand. Our Drill Sergeant leaned over to is counterpart and said "There's always one.” and giggled. He told the young man out loud "Well Sunday morning we'll put you in a room room by yourself and you can cut up a mattress or what ever you guys do". It was a good laugh before things got rough.

Love prof Ronald Hutton I've enjoyed many of his lectures would love to meet him in person one day.

Thank you without this program I would never have had the opportunity to get a glimpse of Gardener's original book of shadows. Thank you. Blessed be.

Most of us don't practice skyclad (naked) anymore. It's been found to interfere in people's concentration and it's pretty uncomfortable during Fall and Winter. Plus, we really love "donning garb", or getting all dressed up in rich garments and accoutrements.

People can bash Paganism all they like, it seems to me to be the most logical and archaic religion of all and I'm an atheist.

As a Catholic girl and as a person of part British ancestry, i initially found this somewhat "confronting & even scary". Why? Bec i know not enough about it, although i have tried to educate myself in the past. My Father did own a very interesting book about "white witches" & that, was my first introduction relating to this broader topic. I remember flicking through the many pages & was so intrigued, interested, albeit, somewhat shocked & wanted to keep reading, but unfort, i didn't. I don't even know, if he still possesses this book anymore. I've found this documentary both interesting & enlightening. It's an important part of English history and who knows......Perhaps one or more of my British ancestors, may have even dabbled in &/or formally practiced witchcraft. I'm still doing deep research on my NW European ancestry, so let's see what i can find out. Thanks for sharing this documentary. My best wishes sent to all.

41:00 this is beautiful, I lost someone dear to also was a soldier -he would have loved this❤️🙏❤️🛐☮️⚛️🕊⚡️🔥

I'm not a wiccan but I feel the most peace when I am in the forest...That's where i go to feel better...

This title is misleading. Witchcraft has been around for centuries of not millennia. Remember the church's campaign to kill witches?

As someone who has been a practicing Pagan for decades, I have to tell you, this whole documentary is wrong on so many different levels. Paganism has been around for many centuries. Wicca might be a subculture of Paganism, like Christianity is for Catholics, but that's about it. You can see Paganism all throughout the Bibles, even, if you look for it! Do your homework before you say things that you think you know more about than the people that actually practice it! BTW, as stated several times before, you don't have to practice witchcraft to be Pagan or Wiccan.

That was so good. I really enjoyed it.

I'm in a comparative religions class, and it's amazing to see the common threads the appear in most spiritual faiths, as well as some very key differences. At the core, I believe all people want to feel connection to each other, and also to something bigger than themselves.

Scientists have recently discovered 'Dark Matter', so now I'm connecting the dots. Dark Matter isn't necessarily good or bad. It is something that has always been in existence in the Universe. The intention of a particular person is different than the energy or resource of 'Dark Matter.' It is like asking the question if a knife is good or bad. It all depends on what are you going to use the knife for. So, in casting spells; people use it for good or bad, and in either case the energy will ultimately return to the original person who sent that energy. It is called the Law of Karma, Cause and Effect, Sow and You Shall Reap, Law of Attraction, etc. People make evil deeds, and they don't realize that they will pay the prize in triple form; in this life time or in a future life time. It is like trying to escape our own shadow. The payment method or payback isn't necessarily in the same way of how the evil deed was done. People wish ill or evil to others, but then they lose one of their relatives or they get into some kind of accident. Nobody gets away with anything; even if we think nobody is watching us. The universe doesn't take sides or has any favorites.

Thank you for posting this!

From what I’ve learned by talking to people practicing modern witchcraft, it’s mostly a connection to Mother Earth and nature.

Paganism has been around since far before christianity

Lady: "It's customary for wiccans that there are no observers" Camera Guy: *Sweating*

Very interesting this is. As an open minded but strong in my Faith different type of Christian. I never judge any type of religion or practice of faith. I love to learn and soak up knowledge. It's a type of common respect for ALL that I always give to my fellow humans, cryptids, beasts of the field, and birds of the air. The kicker here with me is my great grandmother from Portugal in the late 1800s was a legit medium and sweet. I get loads of paranormal in my 53 years of life that has and still does happen. Even have witnesses of ravens and crows flying within feet of me and cawing at me. Get why I'm a UN judgemental open but faithful Christian. I didn't really ask for all the paranormal I endure and encounter. But I accept it whole heartly. Again great video. Thank you. With love. God bless.

I love the way he was smiling walking into the woods with them

This man did not invent witchcraft. Yes, words matter.

I like that he asks questions and participates, and he really talks about things properly, I think this was a really well made documentary

I heard Professor Hutton talk to the Theosophical Society in Bristol a few years ago. He is a good speaker and a good person.

I'd like to join a Pagan or Druid group, I believe in connecting with nature, and to see a Witch on a broomstick flying across the night sky would be fascinating ...🤔

We don't have observers only participants. Cameraman: 👀

this is a high quality well articulated, balanced, mature documentary

Witch craft goes back to the begining of time . Even the Old Testament Bible mentioned witches. I read Bucklands book in the 90s . I fallow a different path , I'm solitary and do not do ritual , I walk the woodland path , a natural way of belief and life .

Wicca can not do that much alone but when You Partner It Up with Spirit & Love the Possibilities are Endless - The Counterclock Spiral is On & Gaia is Now with Us - This is how You can Feel Divine for All Things Permanently this Time Forever - and so It is - Blessings.

I'm so glad that they no longer kill us witches for our beliefs, not all of us are bad. I actually like this documentary.

"When Wiccans go to worship they don't go to a church or a temple, they go to somewhere altogether different" .... the bushes.

I found this programme fascinating

Does anyone know the music playing at @19:35 ? Such pretty and soft ethereal witchy music for spells. I am having trouble finding music this soft yet with female vocals.

Can we just take the time out to admire his hand writing 😍?? Forget the spells here

I love how he immerses himself in our traditions rather than patronizing or dismissing them like some other hosts do.

WHY I didn't know about this during my time in New Hampshire 🤔 Maby that's why it's still in my mind ❤️

*Dr Buza the great Spell caster* has taken over all the love blessings for his good work I love you sir.

For people who are interested in the history of Wicca: you should read "The Triumph of the Moon" by Ronald Hutton (the guy in this documentary, he's an historian). It's incredibly detailed and it blew my mind when I read it, it also helps to clarify exactly where Wicca comes from and how it came about.

Funny the presenter mentioned Harry Potter... he looks like he came straight out of a Harry Potter movie!

It all comes down to intention. Just like sending prayers. Good and evil are the same energy it only matters how it is used with intention.

Not all witches are wiccan

The changed graphic at 18.33 is very clever.

Witchcraft has been around for thousands of years.

Every "craft" is a energy manipulation under universal law. That's all

Speaking as a person who has been a practicing witch of the Germanic persuasion for nearly 45 years... I feel compelled to point out that witchcraft and religion are two entirely different things. Witchcraft can be a part of any religion, even Christianity, but doesn't need to be attached to any of them. As for Gerald Gardner and Wicca... I put him in the same category as L. Ron Hubbard and Scientology.

The happy chirpy music does make it palatable.

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This is the best documentary about Wicca I have ever seen. I love this! Blessed by, my friends.

I am a green witch myself. It's been an amazing journey for the last two years when I started practising. Like to learn more about all kinds of religions and beliefs. Great documentary about wicca and the founder. Bless his soul.

May our ancient traditions never be lost! Spirituality is universal and God is everywhere and had been expressing himself before religion . Spirituality is the essence of religion.

I really enjoyed the commentator as well. He is quite a character.

Just to let non wiccans know. Not many of us follow Gardnerian wicca these days. Wicca has evolved so much but it's always good to know the history

This is quite interesting to me!! I'm so glad you did this documentary, because, I've always been curious about the founder of Wicca!

Trade unions called Monday for the European Commission to impose maximum temperature limits for outdoor workers, after three people died while on shift in Madrid during last week's withering heatwave. While a handful of member states have legislation limiting working hours in excessive heat, the thresholds vary and many nations have no nationwide heat limits. According to research by the polling agency Eurofound, 23 percent of all workers across the EU were being exposed to high temperatures a quarter of the time. That figure rises to 36 percent in agriculture and industry and to 38 percent for construction workers. Previous research has linked high temperatures to a number of chronic conditions and an elevated risk of workplace injury. "Workers are on the frontline of the climate crisis every day and they need protections to match the ever-increasing danger from extreme temperatures," said Claes-Mikael Stahl, deputy secretary general of the European Trade Union Confederation. The ETUC said that most EU nations have no maximum temperature legislation for workplaces, although Belgium, Hungary and Latvia all have some curbs on activity. In France, where there are currently no working temperature limits, 12 workers died due to heat exposure in 2020 alone, the union said. Spain, where three workers died in extreme heat last week, does have temperature limits in place, but only for certain professions. A 60-year-old street cleaner on a one-month contract died in Madrid on Saturday, after he collapsed in the street from heatstroke while working the previous day. While a handful of member states have legislation limiting working hours in excessive heat, the thresholds vary and many nations have now nationwide heat limits

Magnificent!! Beautiful!! This is how you feel divine!

I have had two Wiccan girlfriends in the past (one was a stunning redhead) and they were the hottest, sweetest, and most sensual women I have ever met. I got a lot of hate dating supposed 'witches' as a Muslim but I feel that they're beliefs and practices played a large part in them being that way and I respected that. The break ups were sad but we parted on good terms. What I'm trying to say is that Wiccan chicks will rock your world.

I've been researching paganism and Wicca because it's my boyfriend belief and I've been wanting to understand it and learn it's history. I have to say it's really interesting and I see why he believes in it

love this video very tasteful

THOUGHTS - Lili If I could grasp a single thread And take it to my heart tonight And with that thread the fabric weave The secrets of tomorrow's sight And Lo! What would we learn from that What knowledge to be cast aside? By the ones who only think Of nothing but ambition, Pride Why share with them so they can laugh The knowledge given us with love To cast away, deride. So when the Masters come to teach The very things we seek to learn The treasures given to the few Are theirs for us, The clan's alone And we must cleanse our minds, anew Take the draught, submissive then, atone. If we absorb, the world is ours The universe, the stars The knowledge given us this night Will take us to all Nature's door We'll fly the world within our minds This world is ours Our Paradise. But nothings given without cost, we're special to the Gods If we're impure, of fleeting mind The Spirits won't impart One word of all we have to know So if sincere of mind and heart They'll give and give, accept the flow. Into a trance we share the cup, The salt, the water, blood Within that trance we all are one The Spirits, Coven, life sublime Hold hands and lift us from the ground And circle round lifes fire tonight The joy, the love this gives to us Fulfills our lives and grants us flight. And if perchance the Gods desire After we have shown our love The bodies of the Clan entwined They give the gift of ecstasy sublime They own our lives, our thoughts, our time.

Dude, you lost me at "Wiccans are notoriously secretive." Have you literally never been to a crystal shop?

While I understand the focus of this is to be on Gardner, but what about Doreen Valiente? She first spoke with him as a reporter covering a story about witches in England and ended up being his right hand priestess, refining, rewriting much of his material and adding her own material (she had a gift for poetry). She left her artifacts and writings to Belham-Payne, who is seen in this video as having Gardner's original book of shadows, so I was surprised he didn't mention her. Since Belham-Payne passed in 2016, wonder who has all that material now?

My family has a long line of history on my mother's side of maternal witches, 3 were hung during trials and witch hunts. Back then you could be executed over little things. If a women was deemed smarter than a man she was a witch. Some of the reasons are so simplistic it's shocking.

I was introduced to wiccanism by my mother in law and wife, and it resonates with me. Though just like any religion, it has subsections and I dont agree with everything, but thats okay. You're free to practice.

Wiccan's are "notoriously secretive"? Sure if you don't count social medial, public parks and gardens, coffee shops, book shops, candle shops, parades, clubs, bars, colleges/university's and every community billboard in almost every employer breakroom. We don't recruit , but we are out and proud almost everywhere!

I live near the New Forest and there is still a lot of Wicca practiced there

Does anyone know the name of the music that starts at 6:02 please?

You'll find more witches and pagans that are not wiccan than those that are. We often consider it "softcore" in comparison to other paths; a good starting position, or stepping stone, which can feel, to many, as too limiting. Our history goes way further back than Gardner.

Have you ever made a nice , healthy meal for someone who is ill, so they will feel better? Have you ever sincerely wished someone well? Have you ever smiled at a tree, and given it a pat? Well...you're a witch. Being willing to give of yourself, firmly choosing to be kind and helpful, spreading goodwill and support; you're a witch. Letting the Green into your life, trying to deal ethically with animals, being concerned about the world. Yup, you're a witch. And you don't have to take your clothes off or dance in the woods. Remember, "An it harm none, do as thou wilt." That means, if it harms no one do what you want. Don't hurt anyone in the pursuit of your happiness. That's Rule #1.

One should read Gardner, and the Farrars, but before doing so, read Agrippa, Three Books of Magic. A great deal of it will then be familiar.this is a well done presentation and as a student of the Artes ( not a practitioner of magic) I found it most interesting.

Intriguing, i always knew there was more to life and i have also been looking for a way to find not only protection but a way to be influential to the human society.

what is that music that starts at 6 mins in? sounds like Elgar?

I really like the guy who's presenting the programme. He seems very considerate and respectful of their religion. He seems to reserve any skepticism. I found this programme fascinating and extremely informative. It helped me to assuage some of my suspicions. I will not at any time subscribe to their religion but I think there should be many more shows like this that address different peoples' thought processes and beliefs. Just my 2c.