Witches, Hippies & THE CRAFT: How Wicca Took Over Pop Culture

Overview

Wicca feels ancient. Its actual history? A lot more complicated. In this episode of CASSIE WORKMAN IS WITCHY AF, Cassie traces modern Wicca from Gerald Gardner and his mysterious encounter with a group of witches in England through the hippies, the New Age movement, the Satanic Panic, feminism, and the pop culture that introduced an entire generation to witchcraft. Yes, that means we’re talking about The Craft, Charmed, and, obviously, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Along the way, Cassie explores how a religion assembled from occult traditions, disputed history, and the work of figures like Margaret Murray, Doreen Valiente, and, inevitably, Aleister Crowley evolved into a living spiritual practice with a major influence on modern occultism.