What do you think about the wiccan religion as opposed to the christian or other religions?
613681
Wicca is just as valid a religion as any other.  For the most part, I regard Wiccans as good people.  They aren't perfect, but nobody is.  Being of a similar path myself, I know what they deal with on a regular basis, especially around here.
939137
a)  Nope.  100% Neo-pagan, which makes sense since I'm Wiccan.  The next closest matches were New Age and Buddhism.\nb)  I've explored all three.  I was raised Protestant.\nc)  I'm extremely happy with where I am in my life.  I would advise anyone else to look at what they truly believe - not what they have been told to believe, but what they actually think "explains things" when they look at life and how it works.  I was very unhappy until I finally let go of the fear that I would be punished if I said, thanks Jesus, but I'm going over here.  Thus far, things have been much better since I realized I was on the wrong path.  Above all, I think maintaining a balance in life helps breed happiness.
651187
Im a Wiccan and yes it definately is a religion. We have collective worship in the form of covern meetings (although not essential as one can be a solitary witch) and a core central belief system in the form of the Wiccan Rede (an ye harm none, do what thou wilt.)\n\nSure we dont have the structure of other more mainstream religions but we have a strong sense of community and teach tolerance of other religions.)\n\nYou will probably get a few responses from the right wing Christian/Muslim factions saying we should all be burnt at the steak but i feel this is more a reflection at their own lack of faith rather than coherent argument.
319077
I briefly considered paganism when I decided to drop christianity, but I just couldn't get into it.  I don't think that paganism is just one religion, but I think the basic idea is that you revere, or even worship, nature.\n\nI just couldn't see myself praying to the sun god or whatever.  Why trade one god for another - or many?  I decided to go atheist instead because it made much more sense to me.\n\nBut anyway - I think they have a fairly good idea, being in tune with nature and whatnot.
525398
No, being Catholic is nothing like being Wiccan.\n\nThe Wicca you describe is polytheistic. It worships many gods, none of whom is the creator of all things. These gods may or may not care about humans and may change their minds at any time. Norse and Greek mythology is full of this behavior.\n\nCatholicism is monotheistic. It worships one almighty God, who created all things visible and invisible. God is constant in loving us as we are and only wanting the best for us.\n\nCatholicism does not worship saints. Catholics and most Christians believe in the Communion of Saints where all saints are intimately related to each other in the Body of Christ, a family. When you die and go to heaven, you do not leave this family. Everyone in heaven or on their way to heaven are saints, you, me, my deceased grandmother, Mary the mother of Jesus, and Mother Teresa of Calcutta.\n\nAs part of this family, you may ask your family and friends here on earth to pray to God for you. Or you may also ask the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Andrew, or your deceased grandmother in heaven to pray to God for you. \n\nThere are many other reasons why Catholicism and Wicca are very different.\n\nWith love in Christ.
270322
I've been Wiccan ever since I was excommunicated by the Catholic church for my views in Religion class.  That was in 1966.  \n\nFor quite a while, I never mentioned my religion to others, because I wasn't sure how they would react.\n\nHowever, when I went into the Navy in 1972 I was shocked to find that in a country in which freedom of religion is a cornerstone, I was forced to be a "Buddhist" for four years.  The Navy required we state a religion for our dog-tags, and Buddhism was the only non-Christian, non-Jewish, non-Muslim religion available on their list, and they flatly refused to add Wicca to the list.\n\nHappily, even the government has gotten better in this regard - the U.S. Army Chaplain's Handbook now has an entire chapter on how to deal with Wiccans - and it's surprisingly accurate.\n\nAnd just for the record - the reason I'm Wiccan and not Catholic now is responsibility.  I believe we are all responsible for our actions, and have to make amends for pain or damage that we inflict.  In real time - in a tangible way.  That belief fits well with Wicca, and doesn't fit Catholicism at all.\n\nAs a Witch, if I cause harm, I must make reparations.\n\nAs a Catholic, if I cause harm, all I had to do was go to confession, then say ten "Hail Mary's", a few "Our Father's", and all is forgiven, regardless of the enormity of the harm caused.\n\nIn my opinion the first is responsible - the second is a cop-out.
236713
Witchcraft (Wicca Craeft), is also called Wicca, or alternatively, The Craft. This previously underground religion has much to teach every human about survival and about the ethical use of natural innate powers.\n\n     The Craft is a way of life that investigates every potential that you have.  The Craft draws its strength from the diversity of Nature itself; indeed it rejoices in diversity. Your views and interests are just as valid as anyone else's, and we hope that you too will help to push back the artificial barriers that surround many religious dogmas.\n\n     As we will mention several times on this website, \nWitches are not Satanists. The negativity in that offshoot of Christianity is not for harmonious thinkers such as Witches.
27303
people who follow wicca also believe heavily in karma. And would not do something bad in fear of having it done three times worse to you. Wiccans generally are peace and nature loving people who are just like any religious person, with the one exception that they do not try to push their religion on other people.
991440
For me, it began in school when I was exposed to a lot of different cultures and religions.  I began to study many of  these so I could better understand others.  When I came across Wicca, the beliefs made sense to me.  It was everything I believed in but I never thought there was a name for it.  After a lot of study and soul searching, I decided to dedicate myself to Wicca.  \n\nThroughout the years I have practiced Wicca, I have questioned it as well as had it questioned by others.  Through each of  these situations, my beliefs have grown stronger and they have also changed.  For example, I now believe in the Law of Return as opposed to the more common Threefold Law.  I also follow the rede of the Lycian Tradition.  I think that by choosing a faith different from the one I was brought up in has made me want to actively study and participate in it instead of following blindly.\n\nI consider myself eclectic.  My practices are mostly deity oriented.  I have worked with with deities from Celtic, Greek, Egyptian, and Hindu belief systems but, I don't mix pantheons at a given time.  I have also worked with the more general God and Goddess as well as The All.  I think this practice stems from my interest in other cultures.
210854
Wiccans worship the sacred as immanet in Nature, often personified as Mother Earth and Father Sky. As polytheists, they may use many other names for Deities. Individuals will often choose Goddesses or Gods from any of the world's pantheons whose storeis are particularly inspiring and use those Deities as a focus for personal devotions. \n\nLot more info here:\n\nhttp://www.angelfire.com/realm2/amethystbt/whatiswicca.html
1182835
I disagree with djx_master.  We don't worship ourselves.  His answer is a classic one of closed mindedness.  Christians are taught to believe in one way & one way only.  I grew up Roman Catholic & know that all too well.  I also knew that Catholocism wasn't for me.  I had questions that no priest or other clergy member could answer.  So, I struck out on my own, spending time with Baptists & non-denominational Christians.  As for my Christian friends, I found some helpful information on the source below.  Witchvox has a lot of information on Wicca, Pagans, Shamans, etc.  What I did for awhile was put together a little leaflet that had information about Wicca & other Earth based religions to hand out.  I don't have the leaflet anymore due to a now gone virus.  I'd be happy to help you put one together if you'd like.  \n\n\nAlso, I'd like to add that Wiccans DO believe in an afterlife.  It's called Summerland.  It's similar to the Heaven that other religions teach about.  We believe in re-incarnation, rebirth & all that.  We don't believe in Satan or the Devil.  The pentacle represents Spirit, Earth, Air, Fire, Water.  When it has a circle around it, it's called a pentagram, which symbolizes that the elements are never ending.  We believe in a Goddess AND a God.  Our holidays are similar to Christian ones.  Ostara is like Easter, complete with eggs, bunnies, lambs, chicks, candy, etc.  Yule is Christmas.  We give presents, decorate a Yule tree & sing songs.  Our new year is Halloween, October 31st.  Some Wiccans celebrate both mundane & Wiccan/Pagan holidays.  I do.  I will for the rest of my life.
488385
My religion is Wicca although I was born to Christianity.  After soul searching and research I decided the Wiccan path was the right one for me.  I do not expect others to believe as I do ... there is more than one path to personal enlightenment and it is not up to anyone to say one is definitely right and all others are wrong.\n\nYes war generally is caused by beliefs be they religious or not.. most fight for what they believe in regardless of fact or fiction.\n\nI justify my religion because it is right for me.  I do not ask others to join me on my path.  I deeply respect the natural world around me and I respect the people who reside on it even when I do not agree with their opinions.  Human beings are meant to be diverse.  Yes I practice the Craft and people may have their own opinions on that also.  All I ask is that I am allowed to worship in peace.\n\nBlessed Be
336215
Magic in the Wiccan sense is real, so is pagan... but it is called Magick with a k... and i do believe... i am pagan... any further questions contact me at...\nblfittro@yahoo.com
839455
I honestly believe that many people are genuinely concerned about the well being of friends and family.  They believe that they are trying to save us.  The other, say ten percent, are only aware of the fact that they believe they are right, and that would make everyone else wrong.\n\nYes Wiccans believe in a Higher Power, and No, they do NOT believe in the Devil.\n\nHere are other questions about Wicca and WitchCraft and their answers.\n\n\nWhat is Witchcraft? Who are these Witches anyway?\nA practitioner of a nature-based belief system or religion. Not all Witches follow the same belief system. Some practice what is called the "old religion" which has its roots in pagan pre-monotheistic folk ways and beliefs and usually follows the seasonal cycles. These belief systems or "traditions" of Witches are often based upon the particular culture from whence they originated. Many Witches believe in a polytheistic deity structure (usually based upon the local gods and goddesses of the area of origin), but some simply practice magick (sometimes spelled with a 'k' to differentiate it from stage magic). Witches may practice alone as 'solitaries" or in covens. There are also family groups or traditions which trace their practices and beliefs within the same close group throughout several generations.\n\nTraditional Wicca:\nA modern form of Witchcraft is called "Wicca." Traditional Wicca is based on the teachings of Gerald Gardner, is coven based and each coven can trace its lineage (line of teaching passed on by initiated Traditional priests and priestesses) back to Gardner himself. There are offshoots of Gardnerian Traditional Wicca such as Alexandrian Wicca, Georgian Wicca and many others. Traditional Wiccans are considered a 'mystery' religion, require initiation by the coven and have a "degree system" or different levels of rank based upon coven training and the readiness of the initiate to accept the duties and responsibilities of that degree. They have a core of inner knowledge-often called the "Book of Shadows"-which is known only to initiated Wiccans. Most Traditional Wiccans believe in the balance of male-female divinity. Traditional Wiccans are seldom solitary except for those 'Elders'-usually former priests and priestesses-who may have retired from active coven involvement.\n\nOther Forms of Wicca:\nA newer form of Wicca has developed since the 1970's which is looser in structure and practice than the Traditional Wicca. These practitioners may follow a mixture of various or "eclectic' pagan and/or non-pagan beliefs. Some have formed 'traditions' or covens of their own, with or without a degree system, and have written a "book of shadows" outlining their own belief system and coven structure. Many are solitary practitioners who practice their beliefs and formulate their rituals in their own way.\n\nPagans:\nSince the terms Witch and Wiccan are often mistakenly interchanged, many simply call themselves "pagans" or Neo-pagans" when talking with others who may not be familiar with the complexity of the different belief systems. But just as not all Christians are Lutheran or Catholic, so not all pagans are Witches or Wiccan. Neo-paganism is a term used most often to describe people who follow an earth-based belief system or religion. Druids and the Norse tradition of Asatru (who tend to prefer the term 'heathen") are considered to be pagan belief systems, but their adherents are neither Witches nor Wiccans. Neo-paganism should also not be confused with the "New Age" movement as pagans are almost exclusively involved in distinctive nature religions or earth-based practices while New Age spirituality draws from many sources and esoteric spiritual techniques.\n\nQ: Are you a good Witch or a bad Witch?\nA: When you ask if someone is a "good" Witch or a "bad" Witch, it is
1057856
go to wikipedia.com and type in Wicca.  It's a religion that some call witchcraft or paganism.
357710
Wicca Spells - What is Wicca?\nWhat is Wicca and what are Wicca spells? While it is rooted in ancient pagan beliefs, the Wicca religion, as it is practiced now, is only about 50-years-old. Wicca is a belief system cobbled together in the 1940's and 1950's by Gerald Gardner from a variety of religious traditions and beliefs as well as Freemason rituals. Since Gardner published several books espousing his system of worship, many offshoots and variations of Wicca have sprung up. \n\nThere is no particular agreement between Wiccans, or "wise ones" concerning what they believe and worship. Some worship the "Goddess," some worship the "God," and some worship both. Others worship nature. Some Wiccans say they embrace Christian doctrine, while others reject it. Most promoters of Wicca believe in reincarnation. \n\nOne thing most Wiccans agree on is the fact that Satan is not a part of their pantheon and they vehemently deny Satan-worship as one of their practices. This is because they disavow the notion of moral absolutes. There is no such thing as good or evil, because it is all relative. Wiccans have only one law that they bind themselves to, called "The Rede." It simply states, "Do what ye will, harm ye none." In other words: "Do what ever you want to as long as no one gets hurt." The Three-fold Law governs consequences, and is a law of returns that states, "All good that a person does to another returns three-fold in this life; harm is also returned three-fold." \n\nWicca Spells - Mind Control\nWhat about Wicca spells? Not all Wiccans practice witchcraft (which they call "magick" to set themselves apart from illusionists and magicians). Magick is to Wicca what prayer is to Christianity. Wiccans claim that the practice of magick is simply using their minds to control matter, while Christians call upon God to heal people and to intervene and work in their lives. Because the Rede forbids harming others and the Three-fold Law sets forth consequences for those who do, Wiccans view themselves as "white witches" or "nature witches." \n\nWicca is basically a religion that is about minding your own business and living peaceably with your neighbors and environment. Wiccans are eager to draw parallels between themselves and biblical Christianity for the sake of earning credibility, but what does the Bible have to say about this religion? You won't find the word "wicca" in the Bible, so let's evaluate the beliefs in light of what God says about them. \n\nWicca spells are idolism - Romans 1:25 says, "They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served created things, rather than the Creator…" Who wants to settle for second best? In Isaiah 40, God paints a very cool picture of how much greater the Creator is than His creation. If you are worshipping anything besides the Creator, you are just spinning your wheels.\n\n\nWicca spells bring false hope - Hebrews 9:27 says, "…Man is destined to die once, after that, to face judgment." God says we get one chance at life, and that is it. There are no do-overs. If we don't accept God's gift of Jesus in our lifetime, He judges us as unwilling to be in His presence, and we are sent to Hell. \n\n\nWicca spells bring disillusionment - Mark 7:8 says, "You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men". God is God, and we are not. We have a decision to make. Are we going to take God at His word and adopt His worldview, or not? Knowing God is hard work that takes a lot of discipline. Wicca is a religion that takes a pack of lies, ties it in a romantic ribbon, and searches out a well-intentioned, but lazy and gullible mark to sell its hollow doctrines.\n\n\nWicca spells bring rebellion - Deuteronomy 18:10-12 says, "Let no one be found among you who… practices divination or sorcery, interpre
471558
Wicca, as most other religions, recognizes the existence of a 'First Cause',\nGOD or that from which all comes. Wiccans feel that this First Cause is so\nlarge and all encompassing that it is difficult for mankind to communicate with\nit. We can of communicate with that 'First Cause' through what is commonly\nknown as the 'Gods and Goddesses.' These Goddesses and Gods manifest to us\nthrough their works, such as the cycle of the seasons, the miracle of birth,\nthe joy of the first iris of Spring and the message of joy and hope from the\nrainbow, and through their Presence.\n\nPriests and Priestesses of our religion can be seen dancing in Neolithic cave\npaintings and our sacred objects rest in every major museum of the world. Wicca\nis a Living religion, as it has been since the first primitive hunting tribes\nsought to establish and affirm their relationship with the cycles of their\nMother the Earth, Her fertility, and that of the animals they depended on for\nlife and sustenance. We are a religion of life and vitality, and we hold all\nlife in respect and reverence. We do not own the Earth; we live on it by the\nlove and grace of Our Mother. We do not own the plants, animals or stones;\nthey are, as we are, the children of the Great Mother. They are our brothers\nand sisters on whom we are all dependent for life, shelter, and sustenance; and\nthey deserve our love and respect in return. Above all else, we choose to live\nin harmony and balance.\n\nWe do not claim an actual dogmatic descent as far back as Neolithic times.\nWiccans retain the spirit of the ancient ways of reverence, in a way similar\nthough not related to some Native American traditions and ideals. Although many\nWiccans do not claim dogmatic descent of the original, native European\ntraditions; many anthropologists, among them the noted Margaret Murray,\nconsider us a survival of that same original European religion, albeit\nup-rooted and driven underground by the spread of an intolerant, monotheistic\ncreed.