The Changling
Magazine · United States · Documented 1980-1984
Cover art by Johannes
Volume II, No. 4 · 1984
About The Changling
The Changling was an independently produced Pagan and occult magazine published in New York between at least 1980 and 1984 associated with the Circle of Naught, a self-described "pagan ceremonial magickal grove." The publication explored Witchcraft, ceremonial magic, Thelema, mythology, and Pagan spirituality through essays, rituals, poetry, original artwork, and correspondence.
Publication Details
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Title: The Changling
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Subtitle: None consistently identified
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Creator/Organization: Circle of Naught (associated with early issues)
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Author(s): Various
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Editor: Steven (Steve) Ritholtz (identified in 1982; editorial responsibility for entire run not established)
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First publication year: 1980 (earliest identified issue)
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Publication run: 1980–1984 (documented issues; complete run not established)
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Publisher: Circle of Naught (early association); O'Glean-na-Ngcalf (1984 copyright credit; publishing role unverified)
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Place of publication: New York, United States (Springfield and West Haverstraw addresses appear in early issues; New York City contact address in 1982)
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Language: English
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Frequency: Irregular; initially proposed at eight issues annually, later four, and eventually once annually
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Subjects/Tags: Paganism; Witchcraft; ceremonial magic; Thelema; occultism; ritual practice; Pagan spirituality; gods and goddesses; mythology and folklore; Tarot; invocations; poetry and creative writing; occult art and illustration; Pagan networking; Pagan organizations; Pagan publishing; correspondence; alternative spirituality
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Tradition(s): Paganism; Witchcraft; Thelema; ceremonial magic
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Document type: Magazine/Periodical
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Rights status: Copyright statements identified in issues reviewed, including Circle of Naught (1980) and O'Glean-na-Ngcalf (1984); permission for reuse not established
Publication History
The Changling's earliest issue announced plans for eight issues a year, priced at $2 each or $14 for an annual subscription. By its next issue, the proposed schedule had dropped to quarterly publication and the individual price had risen to $3. The magazine continued to adjust its plans as production costs and financial pressures mounted, eventually announcing a move toward annual publication in 1984. Surviving copies also reveal its unusually small print runs: the examined issues include individually numbered copies from editions of 50, 93, and 100. Together, these details offer a glimpse into the economics and practical challenges of producing an independent Pagan magazine in the early 1980s.
Curiosities
Two of the surviving issues examined for WAPPA contain Not Circle Network News, a satirical Pagan newsletter complete with its own title pages, editors, and rather cheeky commentary. Its name appears to be a play on Circle Network News, one of the more established Pagan publications of the time. Interestingly, The Changling had previously reprinted an article by Selena Fox from Circle Network News, offering a glimpse into the sometimes playful, interconnected world of early Pagan publishing.
Issues of The Changling were produced almost like limited-edition art prints, with each copy individually numbered by hand. The surviving digitized copies include No. 18 of 50 (1980), No. 7 of 93 (1982), and No. 10 of 100 (1984). Alongside the magazine's elaborate illustrations, decorative lettering, and unusual page layouts, these little details make the original copies especially interesting as physical objects.
The letters section of Vol. 1, No. 1 includes correspondence from Margot Adler and Gwydion Pendderwen. Adler wrote enthusiastically about the magazine and her growing interest in Thelema, while Pendderwen offered encouragement to its publishers.