The Triumph of the Moon
by Ronald Hutton
Oxford Hardback. £25


Reviewed by Damh

I heard about this book some time ago and have waited for it in keen anticipation ever since. Itıs subtitle is: A History of Modern Witchcraft. When I was first searching for a Path I was really interested in the origins of the Craft. I like to know about the foundations of the subject I am studying. Nobody really could give me a satisfactory answer. I got everything from: ŒIt was invented in the 50s by Gerald Gardnerı to ŒIt was started with the first cave drawing in the Neolithicı. At last I now have something of substance to tell me the history of this wonderful Pagan path. Of course, there are going to be those who disagree and hold to their own personal constructs, and that is fine, also. In fact, in the opening chapter of the book Ronald reiterates that this is a history of modern Witchcraft, and not the history. With any mystery school, history is being written all the time, and when the subject is built around mystery, secrecy and illusion, there is always going to be new light shed.

The book is divided into two distinct sections. The first is the development of the Craft from the middle ages to present day. Through the demonic magic of the mediaeval period, the mysticism of the Rosicrucians, to the secret societies like the Freemasons. It was a revelation to me to read the links with freemasonry and the Craft, even down to the ŒMerry meet, and merry part, and merry meet againı and the ŒSo mote it beı ending of Craft ritual.

The second half of the book deals with the recent history, including more in depth investigation into the personalities who were at the forefront of the Craftıs (re)invention. Gerald Gardner, Margeret Murray, Nuinn, Doreen Valiente, are all mentioned and itıs wonderful to read, in one book, the way the Craft has evolved since the repeal of the Witchcraft Act in the 1950s.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the roots of this Pagan path. It is important also to realise that it does not matter that most of the Craft seems to stem from freemasonry and the personal interpretations of a few individuals. It is a valid and wonderful spiritual path, and I still believe that taking our inspiration from the Old Ways and using them in a distinctly modern form is far more effective than simply trying to imitate and reconstruct rituals that have no real relevance to our modern world. In other words, just because the Craft isnıt the pure Œhanded down through ancient generationsı religion that many say it is, doesnıt mean its not good.

  Review by Bryn Neacail

Some of the most perplexing of questions for those of us who are initiates of a Wiccan Tradition with British rootsand it could be argued that all traditions fall under this umbrella in one way or anothersurround the origin of our religion. The attempted unravelling of these questions often leaves one in a world of confusion, especially surrounding the events in New Forest, England. If one is able to come to a satisfactory conclusion it is often swayed within a brief period of time by new revelations. Our history is fragmented at best, through oral communication, journals, magazines, and books.

Triumph of the Moon explores the many varied aspects of the history of modern Pagan Witchcraft in the British Isles, including both pre-Gardner and post-Gardner history. Refreshing to note is that Gardners relationship with the Ancient Druid Orderof which the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids hived off fromis explored. While reassuring to Ŝnally see this aspect of Wiccas past in a text directed towards a more Wiccan audience, it would have been preferable to have this connection to Druidry explored more fully. Though Woodcraft organisations are mentioned, any references to Canadian-American author and naturalist Ernest Thomas Seaton, who mayaccording to John Michael Greer and Gordon Cooper in the article The Red God: Woodcraft and the Origins of Wicca published in issue No. 48 of Gnosis: A Journal of the Western Inner Traditionsalso have inŝuenced Gardner are missing. It is this writers opinion that due to the hypothesis made by Greer and Cooper, it should have been addressed directly.

Despite these inadequacies, Triumph of the Moon is the most complete and authoritative reference currently available on the history of Wicca. The references that the author has used are well cited and documented, and conclusions are not drawn where conclusions can not be made. While there are some startling revelations made, not all of the answers lie bound between the pages of this bookit is unlikely such a resource will ever exist. Compared to the offerings made to date, nothing else can compare. Triumph of the Moon would be a worthy addition to any library, and is highly recommended.