Raymond Buckland

Raymond Buckland, born in London in 1934, was a prominent English author and High Priest within Wicca, recognized for his significant role in the tradition's history. He was initiated into Wicca in Britain and subsequently brought Gardnerian Wicca to the United States in 1964, establishing the first coven of that lineage there. Buckland also developed his own tradition, Seax-Wica, which draws upon Anglo-Saxon pagan symbolism. His prolific writing career, beginning in 1969, explored themes of Wicca, the occult, and the supernatural, making him a widely read figure in these fields. He passed away in 2017.

Buckland's contributions extended to establishing the First Museum of Witchcraft and Magick in the United States, inspired by Gerald Gardner's museum. This endeavor showcased his dedication to preserving and sharing artifacts related to witchcraft and magick. Throughout his life, Buckland continued to write, teach, and practice his craft, leaving a lasting legacy in the Neopagan and occult communities.

Raymond Buckland played a pivotal role in the dissemination of Wicca in the United States. After being initiated into the Gardnerian tradition in Britain by High Priestess Monique Wilson, he brought this lineage to America in 1964. His written works, notably "Witchcraft from the Inside" (1971), detail his experiences and contributions. Buckland claimed to be the first person in the US to openly identify as a Wiccan practitioner. He and his first wife, Rosemary, established the first Gardnerian Wicca coven in the US, which served as a significant center for Neopaganism for two decades and from which many American Gardnerians can trace their initiatory lineage.

Beyond his involvement with Gardnerian Wicca, Raymond Buckland created his own distinct tradition known as Seax-Wica. This path is characterized by its focus on the symbolism and spiritual aspects of Anglo-Saxon paganism. Buckland comprehensively documented this tradition in "The Tree: Complete Book of Saxon Witchcraft." To further propagate Seax-Wica, he initiated a correspondence course, which successfully attracted approximately a thousand members, demonstrating the appeal and reach of his unique approach to pagan spirituality.

Influenced by Gerald Gardner's own museum, Raymond Buckland established the First Museum of Witchcraft and Magick in the United States in 1968. Initially operating by appointment in his basement, the museum's collection grew, leading to its relocation to a larger space in Bay Shore. The museum garnered media attention and was the subject of a documentary. Following personal changes, Buckland moved the museum multiple times before its artifacts were eventually entrusted to various Wiccan organizations for preservation and display, with a portion ultimately finding a home in Cleveland, Ohio.