Old European witchcraft has always fascinated historians, occultists, and spiritualists alike. And when it comes to modern witchcraft and Wicca, few names stand taller than Doreen Valiente and Raymond Buckland. Yet, it's impossible to speak about either without addressing the godfather of the concept: Gerald Brosseau Gardner – often fondly referred to as the 'Father of Wicca.'
Born on June 13, 1884, in Blundellsands, near Liverpool, England, Gerald Gardner was an English civil servant, amateur anthropologist, and author who established the contemporary Pagan, witchcraft religion known as Wicca. Amid occult revivals, crown conspiracies, and two World Wars, Gerald cemented his legacy in the annals of witchcraft.
Gardner’s early life
Gardner’s early life was characterized by move and curiosity. Illness plagued him, and he was often sent to warmer climates to evade England's colder months. This exposure to diverse cultures and systems deeply influenced his formative years. As a young adult, he presumed several occupations, including tea plantation work in Asia. During his travels, he developed a strong interest in archaeology and folklore, which would later serve as the foundation for his anthropological exploration of witchcraft.
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