Valiente’s Most Influential Work: The Charge of the Goddess

When we talk about the roots of modern Paganism, especially Wicca, the name Doreen Valiente inevitably rises to the surface. Often called the “Mother of Modern Witchcraft,” Valiente was not only a practicing witch but also a gifted writer and poet. While she authored several important books - including Witchcraft for Tomorrow and The Rebirth of Witchcraft - her single most influential piece of writing isn’t a full book at all, but rather a work within it: The Charge of the Goddess.

Why The Charge of the Goddess Stands Out

At first glance, it might seem odd to single out this one text. After all, Valiente published numerous writings that helped shape the practice of modern Paganism, providing ritual structures, ethical frameworks, and practical guidance for solitary practitioners and covens alike. But The Charge of the Goddess, first written in the 1950s and later refined across her books, stands as one of the most quoted, recited, and beloved liturgical texts in Wicca.

It is no exaggeration to say that Valiente gave the Goddess her voice. Where Gerald Gardner had drafted earlier rituals borrowing heavily from ceremonial magic and Victorian occultism, Valiente distilled the essence of the Pagan revival into something lyrical, inclusive, and profoundly spiritual. She transformed dry ritual instruction into living poetry, words that inspire connection and devotion.

A Timeless Invitation

The Charge of the Goddess is written as though spoken by the Goddess herself, calling her children to joy, beauty, freedom, and reverence. In it, the divine feminine is not remote or judgmental but loving, immanent, and intimately involved in the lives of her followers. The words reach beyond time and tradition, appealing to anyone who seeks a spiritual path grounded in nature and personal empowerment.

For many modern witches, hearing or speaking The Charge of the Goddess for the first time is a revelation. It affirms that the sacred can be joyous rather than dour, celebratory rather than restrictive. It reassures practitioners that the Goddess meets them where they are—whether in circle, in solitude, or in the quiet moments of everyday life.

The Influence on Pagan Literature

From a literary perspective, The Charge of the Goddess did more than provide beautiful ritual words. It set the tone for Pagan writing in the decades that followed. Valiente showed that Pagan texts could be poetic without being inaccessible, mystical without being obscure. Many of today’s Pagan authors—whether they realize it or not—write in the tradition she helped establish. Her phrasing, rhythm, and imagery echo in countless invocations, prayers, and rituals published since.

Moreover, Valiente legitimized the idea that Pagan traditions are living traditions. By rewriting, editing, and adapting the words she inherited, she modeled the creative process that keeps Pagan spirituality dynamic rather than dogmatic. In doing so, she empowered future generations of witches and Pagans to find their own voice in ritual writing.

Why It Still Matters

Even today, more than half a century after Valiente penned her words, the The Charge of the Goddess continues to be recited in circles around the world. It’s a reminder of what first drew many of us to Paganism: the promise of a spiritual path that celebrates life, honors the Earth, and embraces the sacred within ourselves.

Doreen Valiente left us many treasures, but perhaps none shine so brightly as the words of the Goddess she gave to the world. For Pagan writers, her example is clear: when we write from the heart, our words have the power to shape not only rituals, but entire movements.

Find out more at the Doreen Valiente Foundation.

The State of Publishing in 2025

If you’ve wandered into the Pagan or earth-based spirituality section of a bookstore lately, you might have noticed the shelves are far from empty. In fact, publishing in this space is buzzing along nicely, with new titles appearing every season. From beginner witchcraft guides to deep dives into mythology and land-based practices, there’s plenty to read — and plenty of debate about the best way to publish these books in the current climate.

How Are Sales Going?

While exact sales figures are hard to pin down (publishers tend to guard that data), interest in earth-centered spirituality hasn’t slowed. Books that weave together spirituality, healing, and empowerment continue to do well. Think titles like The Cauldron and the Drum by Rhonda McCrimmon or New Moon Magic by Dickens and Torok. Broader cultural trends — mindfulness, climate consciousness, and a hunger for alternative wisdom — are helping sustain demand. 

Who Are the Big Players?

If you’re an aspiring author in this space, you’ve probably heard of the major publishers:

Llewellyn Worldwide – Perhaps the most recognized name in Pagan publishing, with a century-long track record. If you’ve ever picked up a book on Wicca, tarot, or astrology, chances are it came from them.

Red Wheel/Weiser – Another powerhouse, especially known for occult and metaphysical titles. Their catalog covers everything from witchcraft to esoterica.

Inner Traditions/Findhorn Press – Specializing in spirituality, mysticism, and earth-based wisdom. Their books often have a global, cross-cultural flavor.

Collective Ink (Moon Books and O-Books) – UK-based, with a solid reputation for Pagan and mind-body titles.

Mandrake of Oxford – A smaller press with a strong occult focus.

On top of these, you’ll find vibrant indie presses like Avalonia, Rockpool Publishing, Green Magic, and others that keep the field fresh and diverse.

To Publish or Self-Publish?

This is the question many Pagan authors wrestle with.

Traditional publishing brings credibility, professional editing, great cover design, and built-in distribution. Getting published by Llewellyn or Weiser can help place your work squarely within Pagan communities.

Self-publishing, particularly through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing, offers higher royalties and creative control. You don’t need to wait for an acceptance letter — you can just upload your book and go live.

But there are trade-offs. Self-publishing means you’re responsible for editing, design, marketing, and finding your audience. And in a crowded Amazon marketplace, that’s no small task.

The Amazon Dilemma

Let’s talk ethics for a moment. Amazon dominates the ebook market, which makes it tempting — almost necessary — for indie authors. But Pagan readers and writers have been raising concerns:

Quality issues: Amazon is flooded with low-effort, AI-generated “witchcraft” books, which drags down credibility.

Reputation: Self-publishing can still carry a stigma. Some readers assume “self-published” means unedited or inauthentic.

Predatory services: A cottage industry of “Amazon self-publishing helpers” has sprung up, and not all are trustworthy.

Many Pagan authors find themselves torn: they want independence, but they also want their work to stand out in a sea of questionable content.

So, What’s the Best Route?

The truth is, there’s no one answer. Traditional publishers are still the best bet if you want community recognition and a professional finish. Self-publishing gives you freedom and potentially higher earnings, but you’ll need to put in serious effort to produce a high-quality book and get it seen.

Either way, the Pagan publishing world is thriving. Readers are hungry for authentic voices, diverse perspectives, and grounded spiritual practice. Whether you choose a trusted publisher or go it alone, what matters most is the heart you bring to the work.

Question for Readers

What do you think? If you’ve published (or thought about publishing) in this space, did you lean toward a traditional publisher, or did you brave the Amazon jungle?

Let us know in the comments below.