Raymond Buckland

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2004-08-24 16:50:16

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RAYMOND BUCKLAND

In 1963, Gardner initiated Raymond Buckland, an Englishman, who lived in Long Island, NY. Buckland and his wife practiced their Craft quietly, but were criticized for their caution. People who did not want to wait for initiation simply started their own covens. Initially, Buckland kept his real name and address out of the media, but information was eventually published which focused attention on him as a spokesperson for the Craft. His first book, Witchcraft From the Inside, revealed absolutely nothing, but was very enticing.

In 1973 Buckland moved to New Hampshire where he founded a new tradition called Seax-Wica, based on Saxon mythology. It has a Saxon basis, but is not a continuation or re-creation of the original Saxon religion. Buckland admits readily that it was an invented tradition, with no hereditary claims. It is a more egalitarian and democratic tradition than Gardnerian Craft, with only one degree, not three. There is no ritual scourging or binding, and covens decide most ritual for themselves, including weather they wish to practice sky-clad or not. The HP and/or HPS are chosen in annual elections.

Buckland had two primary reasons for starting this tradition. Gardnerian witchcraft no longer fulfilled his spiritual needs, and he was dismayed by some of the ego and power trips exhibited within the Craft. In 1977, Buckland moved to E. Va. and established the Seax Wica Seminary, a correspondence school that grew to have more than a thousand students. A book, The Tree.' Complete Book of Saxon Witchcraft was published in 1974. In 1985, Buckland and his 3rd wife moved to CA, and the correspondence school was phased out. At the same time, Buckland's publication of the 'Complete Book of Witchcraft', which was largely a composite of his correspondence course, was highly criticized for revealing too much about the Craft.

When Buckland first brought Gardner/an Witchcraft to America, he had fertile ground -- for the sixties were the beginning of the infamous counter-culture, the Vietnam war, Catholic Church reforms, and probing questions about the validity of Christianity. 'GOD IS DEAD!' was one of the most startling covers Time Magazine ever published. Buckland holds a doctorate in anthropology from Brantridge Forest College in Sussex, England and has written additional books including fiction.

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