George Pickingill

George Pickingill, Cunning Man

George Pickingill (1816–1909) was an English cunning man and folk magician who became a prominent figure in the history of witchcraft and paganism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is often associated with the modern witchcraft movement and has been the subject of various legends and folklore.

Early Life

George Pickingill was born in the village of Hockley in Essex, England, in 1816. Little is known about his early life, but he came from a family with a long tradition of folk magic and cunning folk practices.

Career as a Cunning Man

Pickingill gained a reputation as a powerful cunning man and was known for his skills in healing, divination, and spell casting. He was said to have a deep knowledge of herbalism and folk remedies, which he used to help the local community. His services were sought after by people from various walks of life, including farmers, laborers, and even members of the gentry.

The Nine Covens

One of the most enduring legends about George Pickingill is his association with the "Nine Covens." According to folklore, Pickingill was the leader of nine covens of witches spread across East Anglia. These covens were said to practice a form of witchcraft that predated the Gardnerian and Alexandrian traditions. The existence of these covens and Pickingill's role in them has been a topic of much debate among historians and researchers of modern paganism.

Influence on Modern Witchcraft

George Pickingill is often credited with influencing the development of modern witchcraft and paganism. Some believe that his teachings and practices were passed down through generations and eventually influenced figures like Gerald Gardner, the founder of Gardnerian Wicca. However, there is little concrete evidence to support these claims, and much of what is known about Pickingill comes from oral tradition and folklore.

Death and Legacy

George Pickingill died in 1909 in Canewdon, Essex, a village also steeped in witchcraft lore. His legacy continues to be a subject of interest and debate among scholars and practitioners of modern witchcraft and paganism. While some view him as a key figure in the history of witchcraft, others see him as a folkloric character whose life has been embellished over time.

See Also

• Cunning folk
• Folk magic
• Witchcraft
• Paganism
• Gerald Gardner (Wiccan)
• Gardnerian Wicca
• Alexandrian Wicca