Herman Slater

Herman Slater (1938–1992) was an American figure in the occult community, recognized as a Wiccan high priest, proprietor of an influential occult bookstore, and a prolific author and publisher. Born in New York City, he pursued studies in business and liberal arts before a significant health issue forced him to change careers. In 1969, he began experiencing health problems, including bone tuberculosis, which required a lengthy recovery period.

Slater co-founded The Warlock Shoppe, later known as Magickal Childe, which became a central resource for witchcraft and neopagan communities in Brooklyn. Alongside his business partner Eddie Buczynski, he also published the periodical Earth Religion News, which garnered attention for its explicit content. Slater was initiated into the Gardnerian tradition of Wicca in 1974 and later led a coven. He was known for his public advocacy for witchcraft, including a notable appearance on the Today show, but also faced criticism and controversy regarding his practices and business dealings, earning him the nickname "Horrible Herman". Slater passed away from AIDS in 1992.

Herman Slater, alongside Eddie Buczynski, established The Warlock Shoppe, which evolved into the renowned Magickal Childe bookstore in Brooklyn. This establishment quickly became a vital hub for individuals interested in witchcraft and the burgeoning neopagan movement, serving as a primary source of information and community connection. Slater’s business acumen was instrumental in the shop's financial success. The partners also launched Earth Religion News, a magazine that, while popular, stirred controversy due to its candid subject matter and provocative cover art. Slater's involvement extended to editing and publishing works such as "The Magickal Formulary Spellbook" volumes, which drew upon the practical knowledge and potion recipes developed within the shop, gaining international recognition within witchcraft circles.

Slater's engagement with the occult extended beyond his bookstore. He was initiated into the Gardnerian tradition of Wicca in 1974 and eventually took on leadership of a coven in the late 1970s. He was an active public speaker, often lecturing at colleges and appearing on media platforms. Notably, he hosted a cable television show in Manhattan called "The Magickal Mystery Tour," which explored various facets of occultism, magic, and Earth religions, akin to a religious broadcast seeking donations. Despite his efforts to promote his beliefs, Slater's public image was complex. He was known for his assertive advocacy, once famously receiving an award from NBC on the Today show to protest negative portrayals of witchcraft. However, he also faced accusations of plagiarism, questionable business practices with customers, and controversies surrounding his magical abilities, leading to the unflattering moniker "Horrible Herman."