-Caveat Lector-
As far as the oral tradition being more prominent than written
documents, here's 2 things to consider:
1. Women were (and outside the Western world, still are) often
illiterate, and oral tradition was the only way for them to transmit
knowledge.
2. Until the 20th century, paper and ink were relatively expensive, and
were used for "important" things, and "important" was decided by the
powers that be, who were mostly men.
Since Wicca was mainly a phenomenon of women and the lower
socioeconomic classes, it is natural that its traditions would be
preserved orally rather than on paper. This does not make it any less
valid. Even the Bible was transmitted orally before being set to paper.
Christian author Josh McDowell, in his book "Evidence that Demands a
Verdict" (don't have the pub. info handy, but it's a mass-market
paperback that should be in any Christian bookstore) included a chart
showing the lag time between the first known oral transmission, and the
setting down on paper, for not only the various books of the Bible, but
also the works of Homer, Virgil, and other ancient writings. Even if
you don't agree with McDowell's religious perspective, the chart is an
interesting and valuable research tool.
Tenorlove
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Photos - Share your holiday photos online!
http://photos.yahoo.com/
<A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/">www.ctrl.org</A>
DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER
==========
CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic
screeds are unwelcomed. Substance—not soap-boxing—please! These are
sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'—with its many half-truths, mis-
directions and outright frauds—is used politically by different groups with
major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought.
That being said, CTRLgives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and
always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no
credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply.
Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector.
========================================================================
Archives Available at:
http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html
<A HREF="http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html">Archives of
[EMAIL PROTECTED]</A>
http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/
<A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/">ctrl</A>
========================================================================
To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email:
SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email:
SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Om
