What exactly is the religeon Wicca?
597509
http://www.wicca.org/\n\nhttp://www.religioustolerance.org/witchcra.htm\n\nHere you go...enjoy.\n:)\n\nFor anyone reading and doesn't want to go to the site... here is what they say it is...\n"This previously underground religion has much to teach every human about survival and about the ethical use of natural innate powers.\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     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."
377208
Don't listen to all that mularkey about Wicca being not Godly.  We have more gods than Christians.  So we are MORE godly.  \n\nWhite witchcraft is a myth.  The intention of the user makes up the direction of the spell.  I am a firm believer that you should study your faith before practicing magick.  \n\nBecause you have to know where your energy comes from before you use it.  \n\nWhen I first started out, I read a whole bunch, here are some good books to start with.  Good Luck.
277890
That's a good question. Since Wicca is a catch all term for many different beliefs.  \n\nI would state it as such:\n\nWicca is a pagan religion based on the traditional Pre-Christian European faiths. It is NOT witchcraft although many Wiccans do consider Wicca to be a form of witchcraft, however Wicca has a distinct set of beliefs, ritual system and organizational structures that distinguish it from other forms of witchcraft. \n\nThe fundamental theology is a belief is a god and a goddess although Wicca tends to be more Matriarchal in nature. Wiccans observe the festivals of the eight Sabbats (festivals) of the year and the full-moon (Caled Esbats);have a code of ethics they live by and hold dear and use spells, herbalism, and performing other magic to bring themselves closer to their goddess and god as well as to their natural being. \n\nThe Morality of Wicca is simple and has been summarized in The Wiccan Rede and can be further condensed into "In it harm none, do what ye will." The idea is that so long as no one is harmed, everything is good. Wicca revolves aroung the idea of universal goodness and love. \n\nYou can also explain that there are a number of Wiccan traditions such as Faery Wicca, Alexandrian Wicca, Seax-Wica, Celtic Wicca, Kemetic Wicca and yes, even Christian Wicca. \n\nThat should help explain it to your sister. I hope this helps.
771560
ALL Wicca are priests/priestesses as Wicca is a religion without laity meaning that Wicca in itself is a priesthood. \n\nWhen someone first becomes Wicca then this is first degree when they are welcomed into their coven and taken their oaths so they are privy to the inner-court teachings [beliefs, practices, doctrines, gods and mysteries of Wicca]. Second degree follows where the person in question shares responsibility within the coven with the high priests/priestesses. Third degree is where a person has advanced both in the craft and in their ability to support and lead, they become high priest/high priestess and can hive off to form their own covens. In a very simplified view. \n\nThere is a very good guide to this on the Starkindler web site, here - http://www.starkindler.org/degrees.html\n\n[For someone to be Wicca they have to be initiated into a BTW coven - without this they are not Wicca]
324912
I guess that a cult requires people to follow without questioning, requires people to break contact wiht loved ones and a commitment of all the person's time and money.\n\nA religon is a faith that is freely chosen, the member is free to join and free to leave. Hopefully, the religon inriches the person's life and inspires that person to be a better human being and to help others.
254848
Overview:\nDepending upon how you look at Wicca, it is either one of the newest or one of the oldest religions in the world:  Wicca is a recently created, Neopagan religion. The various branches of Wicca can be traced back to Gardnerian Witchcraft which was founded in the UK during the late 1940s. \n Wicca is based on the symbols, seasonal days of celebration, beliefs and deities of ancient Celtic society. Added to this material were Masonic and ceremonial magickal components from recent centuries. In this respect, it is a religion whose roots go back almost three millennia to the formation of Celtic society circa 800 BCE.   \n\nA follower of Wicca is called a Wiccan. Wicca and other Neopagan religions are currently experiencing a rapid growth in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. This is seen particularly among some teenagers, who are rejecting what they feel is the autocracy, paternalism, sexism, homophobia, and insensitivity to the environment that forms part of some more traditional religions. Many North Americans of European descent, who are keen to discover their ancestral heritage, are also attracted to this religion.\n\n\n\nAbout deities:\nDepending upon one's point of view, Wicca can be considered a monotheistic, duotheistic, polytheistic, or atheistic religion:\n\n Wicca is monotheistic: Some Wiccans recognize a single supreme being, sometimes called "The All" or "The One." The Goddess and God are viewed as the female and male aspects of this single deity. \n Wicca is duotheistic (a.k.a. rarely as bitheistic): Wiccans often worship a female Goddess and a male God., often called the Lady and Lord. \n Wicca is polytheistic: Wiccans recognize the existence of many ancient Gods and Goddesses, including Pan, Diana, Dionysius, Fergus, etc.  \n Wicca is atheistic: Some Wiccans view the God and Goddess as symbols, not living entities. Depending upon which definition of the term "Atheist" that you adopt, these Wiccans may be considered Atheists. \nTerminology:\nTerms relating to Wicca are confusing, as they are with so many other religions:\nWiccans often refer to  themselves as Neopagans. The term "Neopagan" includes all faith groups which are based on attempted reconstruction of ancient, extinct religions. However, not all Neopagans are Wiccans. The umbrella term "Neopagan" includes followers of many other earth-centered faith traditions, like Druidism, and Asatru. \n Wiccans often refer to themselves as Pagans. Unfortunately, this term has at least six different meanings, some of which are rather negative. "Pagan" is often used as a general-purpose snarl word to attack others. In its positive sense, Paganism includes Neopaganism as well as many other religions. \n Some Wiccans consider Wicca and Witchcraft to be synonyms.  \n Others differentiate between Wicca, which they view to be a religion, and Witchcraft, which they perceive to be the practice of magick. Under this definition, Witchcraft is not a religion and thus can be performed by members of any religion. \n Most Wiccans practice magick. However, some do not and concentrate on the spirituality of the Wiccan religion. \n\nWicca and Satanism:\n"It seems to be necessary to preface every discussion of Witchcraft with an explanation that, no, Neo-Pagan Witches aren't Satanists. The Christian anti-God, Satan, has no place in Pagan pantheons, either mythologically or theologically." 1\n\nBecause of extensive religious propaganda dating from the late Middle Ages, Wicca has often been linked to Satanism. Wiccan beliefs and practices are no closer to Satanism than they are to Buddhism, Hinduism, or Islam.  In fact, Wiccans do not recognize the existence of an all-evil supernatural being similar to the quasi-deity Satan. He is found mainly in Christianity and Islam.\n\nHowever, there are three superficial points of similarity between Satanism and Wicca:\n\n Both use a five pointed star as a symbol. Satan
163755
It's a Pagan religion. There's a God and a Goddess who are equally important. There are 8 holidays. Halloween/Hallow's Eve/Samhain is New Years. Beltane/May Day (May 1st) is basically a holiday meant to be spent with the one you love for some passionate interactions (based on the union of the God and Goddess)... the religion is mainly dualistic, but, can be quite polytheistic if you allow it to. Many Wiccans perform magick, but, one does not have to if they do not want to. They believe in "An it harm none, do as thou will" and the Law of Threefold Return, where if you do something -- good or bad -- it'll come back threefold. Anything else you'd like to know?
1018174
Paganism is a general term referring to most earth-revering religions and ideologies that often also admire/worship multiple gods and practice magick.  Actually, neo-paganism more accurately describes most modern forms, but it's a bit cumbersome to say and write.  Pagans are those who see the earth as the giver of life, sometimes representing a spiritual being with the same purpose.  Pagans can fall into many categories.  One of these is Wicca.\n\nWicca is a religion that was started by Gerald Gardener in the middle of the last century.  Wiccans see the form of the Deity that controls everything as having two aspects, male and female.  It is a religion that teaches the balance among all things living.  Also, reincarnation is believed by most Wiccans because of the cycles of life, death and rebirth that occur in nature.  Wiccans believe, as many pagans do, in the power of our minds to influence the world around us through ritual and spells.  We appeal to the Goddess and God and the elements for help with this.  \n\nTo find out more, go to http://www.religioustolerance.org/witchcra.htm\n\nNow, agnostics believe that there is "something out there," but that no religions created by humans have the capability to fully explain what that is and what it wants from us.  Most believe that if they live good lives, that should be enough, which I don't see why it shouldn't be.  \n\nAtheists, btw, believe that there is NOT anything out there controlling the universe and its occupants.  They attribute everything to scientific explanations.
666068
I would love to join your group. I am a 24 male from the uk, Live in between avebury and stonehenge in wiltshire which is cool. I suppose i am just starting to try to be wicca but find it hard as i have a lot of christian friends. However, i respect the earth and i believe in mother nature :) my email is    shane_phil_uk@yahoo.co.uk    blessed be :)
876225
I admit I don't know a lot about wicca, so you are getting an answer based on the hype that is out there about your religion. From what I heard it is an earth religion with some good basic values.  I have never heard of any type of wiccan sacrifice!  I have heard of different rituals but none that involve sacrifice or any type of harm.  In fact, I always thought that wicca's main focus was to live without harming anyone or anything.
449972
A Wiccan is a witch, and Wicca is the practice of witchcraft. A Wiccan is someone who follows a pagan faith that involves the celebration of nature, magical rites and rites of passage. It can involve spellcasting, the making of charms and so on, but at its most fundamental is often described as being made up of two elements - the Wiccan Rede, and the Law of Threefold Return.\n\nThe Wiccan Rede is a rule of behaviour that says "As long as it harms no-one, do what you will". This might sound simple enough, but to apply it in life is difficult and teaches the development of forethought - you can only do what you believe will harm no-one.\n\nAnd the Law of Threefold Return underlies this with a belief that "whatever you give out, good or bad, comes back to you threefold". So Wiccans are encouraged through enlightened self-interest (rather than any concept of sin) to be good, positive influences in their lives, communities and nations.\n\nIncidentally, many Christian groups believe that Wicca is aligned with Satanism. It is not. The confusion comes from the fact that many Celtic and Saxon gods (revered by some Wicca), were depicted as horned beings (horns being the symbol of natural sexual energy). With the Christian Devil also having horns, they became connected in the minds of some Christians, but not in the minds of Wiccans.
168543
The present form of popular witchcraft, renamed wicca, follows a tradition of wisdom that is as old as Druidism, if not more. Without going into great detail, modern. Witchcraft was re-popularised by the late British civil servant Gerald Gardner in books he published in the 1940's. \n\n     Those who practice it say that witchcraft is the worship of a comprehensive Earth Goddess, whose religion began in the late stone age, refined during classical civilizations such as Egypt, Sumer, and Babylon, (and presumably also by European civilizations like the Greeks and Proto-Celts) \n\n    Wicca has been wrongly branded as Satanism by zealous  medieval Christians, They used lies to create fear inciting others to  violently hunt us to near-extinction. This  prejudice continues to this day. From what I know of mainstream Christianity their basic strategy is "kill what you cannot convert" (or get others to do it for them) Christianity is completely unaccepting of ANYthing that doesn't follow the bible. It is a mob mentality. \n\n   What was originally called "witch craft" has been renamed wicca. You get a totally different response to "I'm wiccan" than you would " I practice witch craft. But you are right There is NO Satan or satanic rituals in wicca  or the craft. If you want to learn more you can go to WitchVox.com The site is built around traditional craft practices and there are many types of witches. I myself am a solitary practitioner. AS was my mother and her mother and so on clear back to Medieval Scotland. Maybe farther, but that's all we know genealogically.\n    \n     People tend to shy away from and are frightened by anything "different" They make up lies to account for their ignorance and stupidity. This fear and behavior, I believe stems from Christianity..Historically they have been one bloody hoard from the beginning. Christianity has been responsible for more bloodshed than ALL the wars in recorded history. True fact. So with a threat of a certain grizzly and ghastly death to even question Christianity (piked, burned alive, boiled in oil exc..) Who wouldn't be terrified and go along with this madness? I find it odd that so many still follow this arrogant and ignorant belief system.
925890
Wicca is a religion, and just as with any other religion you need to make the choice and do the studies on your own. Wicca is a peacful religion about honoring the spirits of Mother Earth, it is not Satanic because it is not based on Christianity and Satan is a Christian character. Wiccans do not believe in "Satan". And just to be sure I feel the need to say that you should not be using a transition to Wicca as a way to rebel.\nYou need to research and find out if Wicca is right for you. For Wiccans, spells and rituals are equal to Christian prayers.\nThis is something you need to do on your own, no one can teach you.\n\nhttp://www.wiccanglade.com/leabwi.html\nhttp://www.religioustolerance.org/witchcra.htm\nhttp://www.wicca.org/\n\nGood Luck.
711875
Witchcraft is not a religion!  You do NOT have to be Wiccan to practice witchcraft! With that said, there are many types of magic that are forbidden in the bible, such as sorcery, trafficking in spirits, divination, poisoning, even ledger demain. However  there is one form of magic that is not taboo in the christian faith.  That type of magic is Theurgy, a type of magic in which you invoke the power of the divine and direct that power to accopmlish goals & aspirations.   A common form of theurgy is prayer, also healing circles, some pentacostal practices use a ritualized practice of theurgy which often results in strange occurances such as speaking in tounges, trance possession by the holy spirit, even siezure like activity.  This is all theurgy.  Witches use theurgy too, you dont have to "worship nature" to be a witch, you can worship or work with whom ever you want, to be honest! Including the Christian God, Jesus, Mary< the saints, pagan gods, ancestors, land deva's or land wights, what have you.  Theurgy invokes the power of the divine force,\nhowever you percive it.  If your perception of divinty is JHVH, or Jesus then you can practice theurgy and still remain a faithful christan.  You commit no sin in that aspect.  If you wish to practice other forms of magic that are taboo in the bible then confess your sins, do your penance, or simply ask God's forgiveness... He is supposedly a loving father after all... \n\nAs for the person who said "suffer not a witch to live"... You do realize that the bible was not originally penned in English? right?  It has been translated from hebrew to aramaic,  to latin, to german to english... and sometimes mis-translations occur.  The original intent of that statement was "suffer not a poisoner to live." Please try to educate yourself on your own religion before trying to force it down someones throat...
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.
922239
Wicca is a henotheistic religion, which recognises its own specific gods, while not denying the existence of gods and goddesses from other pantheons. Wicca itself is a 'hard polytheistic' religion, meaning that Wicca see their deities as specific individual beings. The gods of Wicca are known as the Horned God and Great Mother, these are outer court references meant to be used as place holders for the real names of their gods until the Seeker is initiated and taught those names. \n\nWicca was founded by Gerald Gardner in around the 1930's, although the exact date is open for discussion, also open for discussion is whether Gardner founded Wicca entirely or whether it was an already existing spirituality which he merely re-introduced and re-invented, either way he is considered the founding father of Wicca. Gardner brought together Paganism with influences from many sources including the rituals and teachings of Freemasonry and Golden dawn resulting in a unique orthopraxic religion. Wicca embraces it's early Pagan roots in history, the history of Pagan faiths and the gods whom they followed and worshipped, Wicca also introduces eastern philosophy into it's primarily western path, along with this possibly one of Wicca's best known features, that of religious witchcraft.\n\nWicca is gaining much attention due to a change in peoples approach to religion and the increase in public awareness of the religion through media attention and with this attention there has come much change to the face of Wicca with many forms:\n\n\nWICCA:\nWicca is an initiate only mystery tradition, or more precisely a priesthood, where one can trace their lineage back to Gardner. Initiation is the only way into Wicca, and is carried out by a Wicca coven, initiation into a coven requires formal training after which initiation and a system of degrees is followed. \n\nWicca follows a strong set of doctrines, one who takes on the name 'Wicca' is also taking on these doctrines as well as practices and beliefs of Wicca, the title of 'Wicca' implies more than that you are a member of Wicca, but also that you have worked long and hard to earn that title. \nSeekers are those who wish to become Wicca however have yet to find a Wicca coven. Wicca covens can be hard to find let alone become a member of, often those whom are without a coven continue to study Wicca and surrounding subjects while seeking a Wicca coven to join. \n\nOften Wicca is described as 'Traditional Wicca' or 'BTW:British Traditional Wicca'.\n\n\nNEO-WICCA:\nNeo-wicca is a new phenomenon, which is usually wholly eclectic, however like Wicca there are various different traditions. Neo-wicca often learn on their own terms, from books and other sources, but have little or no formal training and no initiation into Wicca. The beliefs of Neo-wicca are generally similar to that of Wicca however the details can often vary greatly as it follows the new age idea of personal belief/spirituality over formal religious doctrine. Neo-Wicca have varied views of the divine, either following soft-polytheism seeing all gods and goddesses as one god/goddess, polytheism working with gods and goddesses from various pantheons or pantheism working with a single divine present in all.\n\nThe 'Neo' in Neo-wicca refers to the New Age approach taken by Neo-wicca that puts emphasis on personal spirituality or belief over the organized religion of Wicca. It also refers to a new take on Wicca, this has less to do with the age of the religion but the idea that this is a belief system which may have come naturally from Wicca if it was allowed to evolve in it’s own time, media influences have brought about Neo-wicca, it develops paralleled to Wicca, but is not part of Wicca. \n\nOften Neo-wicca describe themselves as 'Eclectic Wicca' or 'Solitary Wicca', although not actually Wicca. \n\n\nAlthough Wicca is heavily influenced or based upon witchcraft it
1139076
Hey Colleen, \n I feel I should inform you that Wicca is a religion with a great reverence for nature. It is not a teen clique you can join, and learn to do "spells and stuff". If you are really interested in Wicca as a religion, you can do a search on the internet, and get the basic idea of what Wicca is all about. If all you want to do is "cast spells", please do not even consider Wicca. It is not for you.