Pagan Blog Project - Bucky's Big Blue Book

It is fondly remembered by many and has multiple names. Almost every Wiccan on YouTube has reviewed it. There are just as many blog posts about it. It has been revised and updated multiple times. Yes, I'm talking about "Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft."

Published by Llewellyn Publications, Buckland's tome of useful information first reached the public in 1986. It is touted as being able to take a beginner to a third-degree Gardnerian through its exercises and workbook-like structure. It quite possibly has nearly everything anyone would need to study The Craft, beginner or adept alike. It contains the usual gems: sabbat and esbat rites, herbalism information, and even information on ritual construction. Quite amazingly, it also has a chapter on practicing as a solitary which would seem counter-productive to the Gardnerian's previous initiation-only lineage.


I have to be honest and share my one complaint. It is often said that at times the book comes across as too dry and without emotion. I agree with that. However, as a whole, the benefits of this book far outweigh the random difficulties. It is a book that is meant to accompany a witch on their path. Its place isn't on a bookshelf collecting dust; its place is nestled next to the practitioner's Book of Shadows. It is available on amazon.com and other retailers, as well as libraries (as my mother would unhappily attest to).




Interested in another opinion on the same topic? A fellow PBP participant (Kelly at Pagan(isms) shares her views on this book. Go here.

Pagan Blog Project - B is for Buckland, Raymond

I'm still attempting to catch up on posts since my introduction to the Pagan Blog Project came a little late. As I'm sure you have surmised from the title and photo, Raymond Buckland is the subject of this post. I must admit that I started reading Buckland's books after getting my hands on and devouring some of the more frowned upon titles (gasp!). In fact, I still remember the look of horror on my mother's face when she picked up Bucky's Big Blue Book from my holds at the library. Talk about an interesting conversation!

Tomorrow's post will go into further detail on "Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft." For now, let me share with you a little bit about the man.

Raymond Buckland is often credited as being the man responsible for bringing Wicca from Europe to the United States. Born in London on August 31, 1934, Raymond developed an interest in spiritualism at a young age. His connection to Gerald Gardner seems to have started after he and his wide emigrated to the US in the early 1960s. He would eventually begin conversing with Gardner over the phone and via mail which led to his initiation into the Gardnerian tradition. Upon returning to the states, he and his wife established a coven. He would later develop his own tradition called Seax-Wicca.

Buckland's writing career began in 1969. He has written over sixty titles on a variety of subjects including Wicca, Witchcraft, candle rituals, and spirit communication, and has even tried his hand at a few fiction books. He is renowned for his place in Wicca's history among Gardner, Sanders, Valiente, and Monique Wilson. His contribution to the Pagan community will be felt for many years to come.

He moved to the state of Ohio with his wife, Tara, in 1992. It is rumored that he is working on an autobiography among a few other titles. While his website seems to have been nearly forgotten, he frequently posts updates to his Facebook account.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for a discussion on what is arguably Buckland's most popular titles.