-
Aleister Crowley proposes the idea of forming a new religion based on pagan beliefs and traditions.
-
The first traces of Wiccan rituals can be traced to Margaret Murray. This can be seen in her book ¨The Witch-Cult in Western Europe.¨ It centered around medieval Europe and medical religions and focused on witch cults
-
Book of Shadows is released in the 1940s to the 1950s and is the most influential book of Wiccan spells and rituals that became central to Wiccan practice
-
High Magic’s Aid is released by Gerald Gardner and is considered one of the first standards of Wicca. This is also the year many historians claim that Wicca was born.
-
Gerald Gardner and Doreen Valiente meet and revise the Book of shadows for popular consumption and exorcise Aleister Crowley's influence.
-
The name ¨Wica¨ was first given in 1954 by Gerald Gardner in his book ¨Witchcraft Today¨ with inspiration from Aleister Crowley. The word is derived from Scots/English and means ¨wise people¨
-
The name was given an extra C in the 1960s
-
Alex Sanders found a new form of Wicca which later inspired the younger generation in the early 70s to embrace Wicca as an alternative lifestyle.
-
Gardnerian Brentwood Coven is the first Wiccan coven founded in America by Raymond Buckland.
-
In the early 1970s, Wicca was transformed into a more nature-based spiritual movement, with heavy tones of environmentalism and feminism. This feminist influence only became stronger with many of the members worshiping different female deities.
-
Laurie Cabot is declared the official witch of Salem after many years as well as opening one of the first occult stores in America.
-
Laurie Cabot finds the Witches League of Public Awareness.
-
Wicca became an official religion in law in the court case Dettmer v. Landon. which recognised that Wicca was protected under the first amendment.
-
Wicca now is seen as an alternative religion that is slightly popular with around 300,000 to 3,000,000 practitioners in America. It is also believed that the internet and social media platforms such as TikTok helped popularize Wicca even more.