History

This is a brief overview of major point in the tradition’s history. We always recommend the expansive works of Philip Heselton for more in-depth historical information.

  • 1938: Rosicrucian theater opened, as a project of the Crotona Fellowship.  Where Gardner joins and meets the individuals who would come to be known as the New Forest Coven. Members including; Edith Woodford-Grimes, Ernie and Susie Mason, Rosetta Fudge, Rosamund Sabine, and others.
  • 3rd of September 1939: Gerald Initiated into the New Forest “Coven” at the Mill House, Highcliffe.
  • 1940’s Gardner is claimed to have joined a Traditional witch Coven near St.Albans
  • 1940’s: Ye Bok of Ye Art Magical was created.
  • 1945: Gardner buys land to open a nudist club as cover for his coven meetings
  • 1946: Gardner is introduced to Crowley through Arnold Crowther, Crowley issues Gardner with a Charter to continue his order after his death.
  • 1949: Publication of High Magics Aid
  • 1950’s: Coven in Bricketwood
  • 1951: Repeal of the Witchcraft Act
  • 1951: Gardner was witch in residence of Cecil Williamson’s Folklore Centre of superstitions and Witchcraft, on the Isle of Man.
  • Midsummer 1953: Doreen Valiente initiated by Gardner and begins to rewrite large sections of the Book of Shadows, as well as including her own original works.
  • 1954: Witchcraft Today is published
  • 1950?: Patricia and Arnold Crowther are initiated
  • 1957: Doreen and Ned Grove leave Gardner’s coven due to disagreements about publicity.
  • 1959: The meaning of witchcraft is published
  • 1960: Rae Bone is raised to 2nd and 3rd degree by Gardner
  • 1962/3: Gardner initiated Monique and Campbell Wilson
  • 1964: Gardner Died at Sea while on a cruise
  • Late 1960’s: The term “Gardnerian” was coined by Robert Cochrane to mock initiates of Gardner’s
  • 1999: Doreen Died.