The "Buckland Collection," which is comprised of over 500 artifacts from broomsticks to torture devices, seeks a permanent home in New Orleans. Raymond Buckland, witchcraft expert and noted author, started a collection of witchcraft and magic articles in the mid-1900s. Buckland's collection was once housed in New York at the Buckland Museum of Witchcraft. However, as book promotions and lecturing increasingly demanded more of his time, the museum was closed and the artifacts eventually sold to Monte Plaisance - high priest of the Wiccan¹ Church of Thessally in Holland. It is Plaisance who is raising money to re-open the museum in New Orleans.

The collection is said to demonstrate the growth of ceremonial magic and the history of witchcraft. A 200-year-old mandrake root used in magic to bring wealth, love, and fertility, and a broom (circa 1850) used to sweep away misfortune and bad luck are among the mysterious items. Visual documentation of the fear and hatred of witches is evident in European torture devices such as nail pullers and tongue extractors - used to force confessions out of witches. Historical documentation also sheds light onto the "burning times" when women were burned at the stake when suspected of witchcraft.

Monte Plaisance hopes that the re-opening of the museum will help to clarify the public opinion on witches. He stated, "The negativity we get stems from misconceptions, like that we worship the devil…most wiccans believe in reincarnation and that we are truly spiritual beings trapped in a physical body."

Riddled with crowded aboveground tombs, New Orleans is seemingly a perfect ingredient for a witchcraft museum.

By Allie J. O'Brien

¹ An alternative term for witch.

About Raymond Buckland
Titles of Buckland's books include: Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft, Practical Candleburning Rituals, and Advanced Candle Magik: More Spells and Rituals for Every Purpose.

Related Museums
Salem Witch Museum
Moyse's Hall Museum
Musee National De Gitega
Danvers Historical Society