Women and Gender Issues in British Paganism, 1945–1990

Shai Feraro is an Adjunct Lecturer at Oranim College of Education, Israel. He has published two edited collections with Palgrave in the past: Contemporary Alternative Spiritualities in Israel (2016); and Magic and Witchery in the Modern West (2019).

“The very extensive material consists of published literature, ephemera from various archives and private collections, and sociologically obtained materials, such as interviews. Written in a compelling and easy-to-read academic language, Feraro has compiled his results in a way that makes this previously relatively unexplored area accessible to both students and researchers, as well as to the wider public. … This book provides an important in-depth understanding … . My hope is that Feraro’s book inspires researchers … .” (Magdalena Raivio, ARIES, Journal for the Study of Western Esotericism, Vol. 22 (1), 2022)“Feraro’s book is a welcome contribution to both Pagan and Gender studies. … Feraro’s book has the potential to become an authoritative volume on the intersections of modern paganism (Wicca) and feminist spirituality in Great Britain. Highly recommended.” (Pavel Horák, Religious Studies Review, Vol. 48 (2), June, 2022)“This book is a valuableresource about an important corner of Paganism’s history. It will be an important touchstone for this burgeoning subfield of modern Western Magick traditions.” (Damian Lanahan-Kalish, Nova Religio, Vol. 25 (4), May, 2022)

• 1. Introduction - The 1950s-1960s: Gerald Gardner and Alex Sanders.- 2. The Women's Liberation Movement and the Rise of Matriarchy Study Groups in the UK during the 1970s-1980s.- 3. The Arenas: Glastonbury, Greenham Common, Summer Festivals and London.- 4. Individual Case Studies of British Goddess Women and Dianic Witches Connecting British Wiccans and Feminism.- 5. Main British Wiccan Authors React to WLM and Feminist Witchcraft.- 6. Women and Gender Issues among 1970s-1980s Wiccans and Wiccan-derived Pagan: An Analysis of the Magazine Scene.- Conclusion.