An Egyptologist and anthropologist, she is primarily known for her theories on the Witch Cult. She posited that the witch trials were a brutal attempt to destroy a surviving pre-Christian religion, offering a unique perspective on historical persecution.
Focusing on the witch-cult hypothesis, this anthropological work posits that accusations of witchcraft in Europe stemmed from a genuine, secret pagan religion devoted to a horned deity. Published in 1921, it garnered interest following the popularity of Frazer's "Golden Bough," yet Murray's theories faced significant skepticism and were later discredited. The book explores the intersection of folklore, religion, and societal fears surrounding witchcraft during that era.
Challenging the notion of mass conversion to Christianity in Western Europe, Margaret Murray presents evidence that the majority of the population clung to ancient beliefs centered on Cernunnos, a horned god. This resistance led to centuries of conflict as Christianity sought dominance, often depicting pagan deities as evil. Murray explores the historical figures associated with the Old Religion, revealing their connections to witchcraft and pagan practices. This work is essential for those interested in the origins of Wicca and neo-paganism.