BOOK REVIEW - Aradia or The Gospel of the Witches

Aradia or The Gospel of the Witches by Charles Godfrey Leland with an
Introduction by A. J. Drew © 2003 New Page Books 160 pages paperback
ISBN 1-65414-690-0 $10.99 (U.S.)

It is primarily in the Preface, Introduction, Commentaries, and "Final Word"
that this edition differs from earlier copies. Basically, this is a reprint
of Leland's original publication.

Although many of the younger generation of Witches (and, I suspect, most of
the Wiccans) will never have seen this book (or even heard of it), it is the
second copy of it that I have owned. My first copy was produced by Hero
Press with an introduction by Dr. Leo Louis Martello, well over a quarter of
a century ago. At one time it was considered required reading for all
students of the Craft. It forms the underpinning of much of the teaching
and mythology of Strega (in fact, it was often the first exposure many of us
had to that branch of the Craft).

The Witchcraft expounded in this small volume is not the White-light,
politically correct Wicca of the modern world. Witches, in this volume, are
encouraged to return good for good, but if someone slaps your face - punch
his lights out! No meekness or mildness here.

Published originally in 1899 (that's right folks, half a century BEFORE
Gardner, Valiente, et. al.) it contains the essence of "The Charge of the
Goddess," which Doreen Valiente later reworked in Gardner's Book of Shadows.
It contains conjurations in both Italian and English, as well as
commentaries throughout by Mr. Drew.

From a historical standpoint; from an alternate view standpoint, this book
belongs in the library of every Witch.