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Wicca
Wicca is a belief system introduced by Gerald Gardner in the 1950's and loosely based on the reconstruction of pre-Christian traditions. Wicca is a spiritual path that affirms the existence of supernatural powers (magic) and of both male and female gods who are inherent in nature. All practitioners of Wicca are witches, but not all witches are practitioners of Wicca. Wicca refers to the recognized religion but is not the sole example of pagan beliefs. The one discernible difference between Wicca and other various pagan paths is the practitioners strict adherence to the Wiccan Rede.
482 Questions
How is Wicca Islam Judaism and Christianity alike and different?
Like other religions, Wicca has holy days (holidays), a set of basic tenets, a cosmology that explains the creation and continued function of the universe, a deity (in Wicca's case a God and Goddess) that should be revered and honored by practitioners, prayer (though some Wiccans prefer not to use the word prayer for personal reasons).
Most similar to other religions, the practice and beliefs of Wicca differ from denomination to denomination and practitioner to practitioner.
Why are many wiccans vegetarians?
That is the same as asking if people in general are vegetarian. Some Wiccans are most definitely vegetarian or vegan, but a good number are also steak-lovers and burger fanatics. Just like everyone else. :-)
Are there wiccan stores in Pensacola?
Your best bet is to try the local new age/ pagan/ wiccan stores in your local area. Most will sell Pagan magazines with contact information of local organisations, along with notices in the windows and other useful information.
What are the best Wiccan beginner books?
Here are a few. Some of my favorite are (*). The most important ones to read are in bold:
Farrar, Janet & Stewart: The Witches' Bible (*)
Adler, Margot: Drawing Down the Moon (*)
Cunningham, Scott: Wicca - A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
Curott, Phyllis: Witch Crafting
Buckland, Raymond: Complete Book of Witchcraft
Eilers, Dana: Pagans and the Law - Understand Your Rights
Gardner, Gerald: Witchcraft Today (*)
Valiente, Doreen: Witchcraft Tomorrow (*)
Morrison, Dorothy: The Craft - A Witch's Book of Shadows
Russell, Jeffrey: A History of Witchcraft
Starhawk: The Spiral Dance
Serith, Ceisiwr: A Book of Pagan Prayer
Manoy, Lauren: Where To Park Your Broomstick: A Teen's Guide to Witchcraft (*)
Traditional Wicca was founded by Gerald Gardner, a British civil servant, who wrote 2 books on the religion in the 1950's. The best known is the first book about Wicca, being Witchcraft Today, published in 1954. It contains references to Celtic deities, symbols, seasonal days of celebration, etc. Added to this were components of ceremonial magic and practices of the Masonic Order. A more recent form is eclectic Wicca which involves a combination of Wiccan beliefs and practices, combined with other Pagan and non-Pagan elements. The various traditions of Wicca are part of the Pagan or Neopagan group of earth-based religions.
Are there any wiccan stores in wheaton Illinois?
Cleo's-Rockford Illinois 6957 olde creek road.
Or, Bell, Book, and Candle, Machnesney Park Mall.
Mystic Arts, Ltd.
817 SW Adams
Peoria, Illinois 61602
309-643-5638
2,000 sq ft.
There have been innumerable religions since shortly after mankind came into existence. However, the following information is the accepted origins of Wicca.
It is believed that Wicca started from an ancient religion called Shamanism. The Shamans were medicine people, the power wielders, male and female. They wrought magick and spoke to the spirits of Nature. (You can find all sorts of information about this with the Native Americans.)
From these primitive beginnings arose all magick and religion including Wicca. Though refined and changed, Wicca touches our souls and causes ecstasy and awareness shifts which unite us with Deity. Many of the Wicca teachings are of Shamanic origin.
Modern Wicca began in England in 1939, when Gerald Gardner was initiated into a traditional British coven by Dorothy Clutterbuck (Old Dorothy). He later broke the coven's seal of secrecy and published books about the beliefs and practices of British Wiccans, because he feared the religion would die out. This began a groundswell of people converting to Wicca.
Debate currently rages over whether Wicca is a new religion or the oldest of all religions. Some say that Wicca has been practiced continuously in Europe since the Ice Age. They cite paleolithic carvings of female figures, such as the Venus of Willendorf, as evidence of Goddess worship having been the origin of all religions. But, other say, Wicca is a neo-pagan faith of the 20th century.
Wicca has its origins deep within generalized Paganism. You can trace the roots back to Norse Magik, Celtic Magik, etc.
It is a philosophy that is practised by some people. Yes it is real, and no you need not fear a Wiccan. We are no more dangerous than Jehovah's witnesses. But at least we don't knock on you door trying to convert you.
Yes. I am a Wiccan. Please though, do not act like Wicca is evil because it really isn't.
What countries practice wicca?
Wicca started in England. It is widely spread in USA, and also in Australia. Wiccans live in so many countries, all around the world including India and Sri Lanka. Wicca is not limited to one country. You cannt say how many Wiccans are there in a country, because when wicca is not known to the general public of a country or if there is a negative stigma about Wicca in a country, Wiccans don't openly tell what their religion is. One other reason is, Wiccans do not point out other Wiccans to non Wiccans, or even to other Wiccans
Where did the word wiccan derived from?
The actual origin is said to come from a group of witches that Gerald Gardener was said to have been initiated by. The principles, acts, beliefs and general philosophy of Wicca however, stems back to pre-Christian paganism which used to be the general beliefs of the people during the time.
Is paganism considered satanist?
Absolutely NOT.
Wicca is a nature based religion based on the beliefs practiced by Pagans for thousands of years. Satan is a belief based on Judaio/Christian testaments and the practice of Satanism was taken from that belief.
Wiccans do not believe in Hell, heaven nor the original sin and therefore cannot worship
"the devil"or "satan".
There are Satanists, of course but they are not connected to Wicca.
It depends on the perspective. You are asking something like is Knife a good thing or a bad thing, or is Nuclear Power a good thing or a bad thing.
Witchcraft is a powerful tool which could be used for both good or evil. When used for good purposes it is a good thing, and when used for bad purposes it is a bad thing.
So the intention of the person who practice Witchcraft is the most important thing. Not that if Witchcraft is good or bad, but the purpose it is used for.
Some monotheistic religions deny Witchcraft labeling it as "Evil". This is purely misinterpretation of old scripts.
new answer: I think its nothing but bad and it is. It cant be used for good because the intentions are never good , just plain obvious. I mean, who would do such a creepy thing? It's pretty much just another word for black or dark magic, which is most definitely EVIL.
Do wiccan's believe in god or Satan?
Pagans worship neither the Christian deity known as "God" nor the one known as "Satan". Most new age pagans worship a Goddess and a God, representing the primal male and female forces that form the world around us all.
There are multiple pantheons of deities for pagans to choose from. However the generic "Mother Goddess" and "Horned God" are most common for anyone that has not chosen a specific pantheon or deities within a pantheon.
Are there any wicca supply stores in Ohio?
New Pagan Journeys is a Pagan Supply Store and Community Center located at 11945 SW Pacific Highway, Suite 306, in Tigard. They are in the Tigard Plaza at 99W and Hall, right next to the Dollar Tree. (503) 488-5486
"New Age books, crystals, music, incense, jewelry & related products. Space for rent, classes, workshops. Promotes speakers & events. " 2007 NE 39 Ave. Portland OR 503-284-6603
Atlantis Rising New Age books, crystals, music, incense, jewelry & related products. See calendar. 7909 SE Stark St. Portland OR 503-253-4031
Serenity Shop New Age books, crystals, music, incense, jewelry & related products. Promotes speakers & events. See calendar. 3212 SE Division Portland OR 503-235-3383
The Goddess Gallery New Age books, crystals, music, incense, jewelry & related products. See calendar. 3535 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Portland OR 503-239-7458
Inclusion Crystal, Gifts & Collectibles New Age books, crystals, music, incense, jewelry & related products. 2933 NE Broadway St. Portland OR 503-335-8942
The Energy Within New age retreat and conference center. Sponsors workshops and classes. See calendar. 155831 S.E. Division St. Portland OR (503) 761-2080
If The Broom Fits is an old world which shoppe with a modern flair filled with magickal habilments & whimsical wherewithal for both the novice and experienced witchery. Come see us for all of your witchy spell work items including handcrafted tools, jewelry, wands, candles and altar clothes created by local artisans. 8845 SW Commercial St., Tigard OR. 97223. (971) 777-1636
What is Halloween in wiccan religion?
As a general rule for non-mainstream pagan religions (more so wicca than any other) Halloween, or Samhain, is a time to honour and pay respects to those who have passed away in the course of the year.
In addition, for followers Celtic wicca, it is the start of a new year.
Is there a wiccan church in Arizona?
From a quick internet search, Wicca seems to be quite prevalent and common in Arizona. Incidentally, Wiccans meet in covens not "churches."
No Wicca is not bad, any more than any other faith in it's own construct is good or bad.
The Wiccan religion has an ideal of respecting everyone and everything, and sees this as evidenced by their belief that Deity is immanent everywhere.
What makes any religion good or bad, is not the doctrine or ideologies alone, but how people use or violate those doctrines.
There has been much hatred and misinformation given toward the Wiccan faith, much more so historically than many of the other alternative faiths.
The Wiccan faith teaches about revering and respecting all of life, including those who oppose to Wiccan practices tailored to symbolically identify with the "Mother" Earth.
Wiccans do not worship evil spirits, nor do they pray to Satan, nor are they evil. This does not mean that Wiccans are perfect. Instead it means that they are human.
Asking if a person's faith is bad can feel quite condescending. Is Christianity evil? Is Buddhism evil? Is Native American Spirituality evil? No. But the people within any faith can do either good or terrible deeds.
There indeed are some Wiccans who don't always abide by the Rede of harming none. Likewise there also Christians who don't always love their neighbors as themselves. There also Buddhists who will strike a blow against another at times rather than seek enlightenment. And history shows that Native Peoples have had their own conflicts.
Answer
Wicca is not evil -- the vast majority of us hold to a life of peace. We do not summon demons, devils, or spirits (and I think that, at least in the first two cases, such attempts would be foolish and dangerous); instead, we celebrate the seasons as they turn, give thanks for the bounty that the gods have provided, and (attempt) to 'walk small' on this great green earth of ours.
Answer
Wicca is NOT evil. The law of Wicca that we hold most important is: "An it harm none, do as ye will." In other words you may do anything you desire with magic and spells, so long as nobody is harmed as a result or in the process.
Furthermore, Wicca is NOT a form of satanism. Satanism and Wicca are UNRELATED. Wiccans do not even believe in a devil or supreme evil being. They believe in the God/ Goddess and value nature and life. They do not sacrifice anything.
The misconception that Wiccans are satanists began during the Roman Empire.
When Constantine the Christian General founded Constantinople and Christianity spread throughout the empire until it reached Rome and became the state religion, displacing the pagan religions that existed there. In order to maintain the empire by means other than military force and taxes, the church used religion to convert people and increase their loyalty.
When Christianity reached the British lands whose inhabitants were more Pagans who chose not to convert but did not fight against Christianity.
In order to scare people into converting the Church condemned Witchcraft and added it to the Bibles. (The rumor is is that witchcraft was not condemned until the Pagans refused to convert). The church even went a step further to say it was following Satan. This worked but did not convince all to convert.
Satan, the devil, Lucifer; whatever you call him is a Christian belief and has nothing to do with Wicca or its beliefs. Some satanists do use magic for power, but they are Satanists not Wiccans. A real Wiccan uses their power for protection, healing, good fortune, divination, etc. None of those are evil.
Can a Wicca celebrate birthdays?
Of Course! A Birthday is the celebration of someone coming into this life.
A birthday celebration isn't really a religious thing, unless it's like a Bar Mitzvah, so there shouldn't be an issue with Wiccans celebrating birthdays!
What are some supplies you need to start practicing Wicca?
1st you need to make a Book of shadows (BOS)
A Pagan Perspective.
Long before your Book of Shadows -which should be a collection of your own, handwritten spells, rituals, incantations, recipes, meditations, and observations; you need: time, the will to learn, and a knowledge of at least 7 books written by no less than 5 authors.
Having undertaken all that research, you will be well aware that the only tool a practitioner really needs is their MIND. The practice of magic/Witchcraft is the manipulation of naturally occurring forces by the hand and will of an ethical practitioner. After that, you will start to accumulate your "magical tools."
Start with a Chalice - it is a representation of the female. It is basically a cup, with or without a stem, made from what ever material strikes your fancy. You will need it in all you do, as part of your altar, in rituals (the small feast), and for holding you beverage while you work and research.
You will need an Athame - it is a representation of the male. It is a black handled (not sharp) double sided blade, which you will use to direct energies, not cut anything, it is NOT a weapon. It should be on your altar and is used in ritual to create your sacred space.
You will need a Book of Shadows. See the description above, and do NOT buy one that is someone else's magic.
Who were the goddess of wicca?
Most people involved in the modern Wicca believe in God and Goddess (which is just what they are called), and that they work in harmony. They are neither good nor evil, but neutral and natural.
What does a High Priestess do?
As a practicing High Priestess, I can only tell you what it means to me.
I was taught that every woman practitioner following a pagan path is a Priestess, the one who leads them in Ritual is a High Priestess.
When I first found my pagan path, I dedicated myself and started learning, from family members, from my shaman, from mentors, from personal study and from life. I was considered a Priestess when I started preforming Rites and Rituals. As a solitary Witch I started creating and writing spells, rites & rituals of my own. Eventually I was in a position to work with others and as my circle came together I was chosen as High Priestess. With that title came more responsibility, for teaching, organising and mentoring.
Then as that circle expanded members of the group "hived off" and when I moved from the area two more "hives" were created, I now have a fourth circle, here in my new home and can rightly claim the title if Witch Queen. I am still an active High Priestess, and I am still learning all that means.
There really isn't any main leader for the Wiccan religion since there is no centralized structure. Covens are led by a Priest or Priestess, but they only lead their groups and don't have the authority to lead other ones.
What are the gods and goddesses names of wicca?
The Wiccan Gods and Goddesses are derived from many different cultures around the world. But the majority of the most common names come from the Greek and Roman pantheons, with a large dollop of Egyptian Gods and Hindu Gods as well.
Below is a list of the common God and Goddess names used in Wicca.
Goddesses:
Amaterasu, Annapurna, Aphrodite, Venus, Artemis, Diana, Astarte, Athena, Bast, Baubo, Brigid, Cerridwen, Cybele, Danu, Demeter, Durga, Eos, Ereshkigal, Flora, Fortuna, Freya, Frigg, Gaia, Hathor, Hecate, Hestia, Hel, Hera, Inanna, Isis, Ishtar, Juno, Kali, Kore, Quan Yin, Lakshmi, Lalita, Luna Goddess, Ma'at, Maya, Minerva, Morrigan, Nut, Parvati, Pele, Persephone, Radha, Rhiannon, Rosmurta, Saraswati, Sedna, Selene, Shakti, Shekina, Sita, Sol, Sophia, Tara, Tiamat, Uma, Vest, Voluptas, Yemaya
Gods:
Adonis, Apollo, Anubis, Aten, Brahma, Coyote, Cernunnos, Dagda, Dionysus, Eros, Ganesh, Gopala, Govinda, Hades, Hephaestus, Hermes, Herne, Holly King, Horus, Krishna, Loki, Lugh, Mercury, Mithras, Oak King, Odin, Osiris, Pan, Ra, Rama, Set/Seth, Shiva, Sunna, Tammuz, Thoth, Vishnu, Zeus
Are there any wiccan convens in Pennsylvania?
Yes, there are several Covens in the state of Pennsylvania. There are several covens in the area that can be found by going to the witchvox website. Some of the coven locations publicized are in:
Westmoreland, Drexel Hill, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Springfield, Williamsport, and several other locations all around the state.
Are there any wiccan churches in Massachusetts?
Wiccans don't have churches. If you're looking for a coven search the site linked below.
