Why do people shun Wicca?
832546
Simply put, the people who shun Wicca have fallen victim to Christian propaganda.  It was this same propaganda that was behind the slaughter of millions during the Inquisition.  All one need do is read a translation of the original document "The Malleus Maleficarum (The Witch Hammer)," first published in 1486 to see the level hatred, pure evil, consummate lies and murderous intent that was showered upon those who did not believe as the early Christians did.\n\nIt is unfortunate that these profound lies are still in existence today.  One would think that humanity would have grown past the intellectual deficit that was prevalent during the 15th century but it seems it has not.  In truth...\n\nWicca is a modern day version of the Old Religion (read paganism) that was brought out of hiding in 1954 by Gerald Gardner after the British Witchcraft Act was repealed. In short, until that Act was taken off the books, those who followed the Old Religion had to remain in hiding.  During the Inquisition, they went underground otherwise face their immanent death at the hands of the loving Christians.  Still deeply prejudiced against, followers had to remain in hiding otherwise face the wrath of British law.\n\nThose who follow the Wiccan Way do not - my I repeat - DO NOT worship an entity known as Satan.  Satan is a Christian mythological construct - consequently, in order to follow this Satan character, you must first believe this character exists. The religion is peaceful, honors our Earth Mother, attempts to live in balance with the Earth (a lesson everyone can learn given the degradation of the planet's environment) and works with the energies all round us.  Thus the term, Magik.  This is not pulling a rabbit out of a hat nor is it anything along the lines of what the Hollywood movie machine churns out.  It is the acceptance that everything is energy in one form or another, with Wicca working with it in a positive way.  So, to get straight to the point...\n\nThose who shun Wicca by blindly believing the propaganda fed to them, are ignorant of the truth.  They would blend well with their 15th century Christian forebears.  Sad.  Truly and ultimately sad.
436182
I am a Wiccan and I am not angry at Christians.  To do so would mean I would not be talking to my spouse nor the rest of my family!  I have no problem with the path each person takes to their own Gods or Goddesses.  I have friends from all religious backgrounds and I have friends that are atheist and agnostic.  I will say that I don't like people from any religion who feel it is their mission to convert me because they feel I need "saving"; but, I am not impolite nor do I talk down to them when they try to do so.  I respect others beliefs and I expect the same in return.  And, even if I don't get it in return, I will respect your right to believe as you will.\n\nBlessed Be.
578416
Well since you're a Christian, here's what one Christian website respectfully says about Wicca.\n\nhttp://www.allabouttheoccult.org/wicca-spells.htm\n\nWicca 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 hollo
187944
The wiccan beliefs are very back to "nature" i.e. its in our nature to have sex, to drink, to do whatever feels good,\nto crave power, Wicca to me is essentially to worship of this world which is fallen. Teens like this thought because they see older people as "dictators" however as many of those who chose that path and then were saved by Jesus can testify to it ultimately leads to pain suffering and death.\nFor example, christian comedian Mike Warnke puts it this way.\n\n"I'd gotten hepititus 3 times from using dirty needles, my face was full of sores from doin crystal and then teens tell me when I say to repent "Hey easy for you to say you've had your good times" which is funny beccuase I can't remember any"
1000584
At the risk of receiving another letter from an offended practitioner of the Wicca religion, I'll offer this historical and Christian perspective on it with the disclaimer that it does not apply to everyone who calls themself a Wiccan.\n\n\nWicca 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 ribb
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.
448698
There are several Wiccans that do not belong to a coven and practice by them selves.  You do not have to be initiated.  And for the people who think that Wiccans are satanic....you have no idea as to what you are talking about.  You don't know, so don't judge as you are not supposed to do anyways.
853995
I don't find it curious at all.   Non-pagans object greatly to pagans and when someone posts an answer that shows pagans in a positive light, or one that shows that pagans are educated, intelligent and insightful, non-pagans will react to such things with antagonism.   It is an odd thing people fear pagans becasue they do not understand pagan beliefs.   However, they do not WANT to undestand pagan beliefs, nor do they want anyone else to understand them so that the fear, prejudice, and distrust against pagans can be prepetuated.\n\nIf fact I fully expect to get thumbs downs to this answer for that very reason....
401439
They're just wannabes, I doubt highly any of them here are real wiccans or even satanists. Right now Wicca is a big fad because of the goth look and publicity about "witches" \n\nMost here are just teenagers trying to upset their parents and scare their friends... been there, done that... wised up
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.
353579
People are afraid of things they dont understand. People who dont understand god, spend all their time trying to rationalize with logic why he doesnt exist, which will be a never resolving issue because god is too mysterious to rationalize.
1025399
Well that is the first time I've ever been called a threat to others.  First, Wiccans do not believe in the devil, satan or whichever name you want to call him - that belongs to another belief system.  Secondly, like others try to live best by their religious standards we try our best to live by the Wiccan Rede - "An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will". \n\nAlso not all Wiccans practice the Craft.  You can be a Wiccan without being a witch.\n\nPersonally I don't see where we are any more a threat to society than any other religious group.
228738
First of all, it's nice to hear from Christians that you should respect another's faith.  Secondly, to hear from some of you that your way was is the TRUTH, is nothing new to me.  I understand it is how your faith operates.  Also, I just wanted to point out being brainwashed must involve a collective group of people who believe exactly the same thing.  This is not what you will find in the Wiccan faith.  As 100 Wiccans who or what is "GOD" and you will get 100 different answers.\n\nNow for the real question at hand.  I am distressed to hear that one from our faith of respect and tolerance is trying to "convert" you.  Obviously this person has not done much reading on the actual basic principals of Wicca.  One of these being that we do not convert, we only educate when asked.  This faith is one, which should be sought out and found.  To offer it up freely would be an insult to those who really wish to spend time deciding for themselves where their spiritual path takes them.\n\nAs for how to deal with this, I feel you should be blunt.  Tell her that you are not interested in participating in any rituals with her.  If this is all she has to offer in your time together then apparently you two don't have much in common.  You don't have to be rude, but don't beat around the bush either.  Make it clear what your intentions are as friends.  If one day you decide to walk in this path then you already have a point of contact.\n\nI would like to also say, that I am sorry some of the people who have posted answer have not been very supportive.  No matter what you decide to believe, always know that not one person has the right to make or persuade you to believe otherwise.
176887
I am very interested in Wicca but the reason there are so many Christian questions on here is because there are so many Christians that have strong beliefs and convictions that they will get on here and state them.  If more believers in Wicca were to post their opinions and beliefs on here, and offered up more information, people would have a chance to understand and talk.  You started out great with your question, but then you too ended it with a nasty comment.  My advice (which you can take or leave) if you want people to be more open to your beliefs, trying being more open to theirs.  You don't have to embrace beliefs, but be open to listening and accepting that is what they feel and believe.  If all religions did that, maybe there wouldn't be so many wars over religious beliefs!
960058
Yes you can believe what you want. And not all wiccans do witchcraft. You can be a non active wiccan. And yes you can believe in what you want without your familiys permission or knowledge, i do. What you believe is what you believe and no one has any right to tell you what you can believe and what you cant. i hope that helps. \nblessed be
1100056
I wasn't a witch or a wiccan but I used to practice voodoo. I wanted to harm people like my high school biology teacher whom I hated for no particular reason. I think I harmed myself far more than I harmed him or anybody else. \n\nPracticing voodoo exposed and amplified the selfishness and evil in my soul. I can see that now. I look back and realize how foolish I was, though I didn't then. \n\nI praise and thank God that He brought me to Jesus and led me to repent and ask Jesus for the forgiveness of my sins. I was raised in a church but never particularly cared for God before. My parents were scared by my sudden conversion. They thought that I was brainwashed or hypnotized by some cult.\n\nI have to laugh when I read how some a-gnostic or a-theist or a---something claims that Christians are brainwashed. I know what I was like, and I was nasty, selfish, egotistic, arrogant, and headed for no good. Jesus cleansed me and saved me. If that's brainwashing, give me more!\n\nWhat if I hadn't been saved? What if I got frustrated with voodoo and tried something like poison, or knives or guns? What people who claim that Christians are brainwashed overlook is this: Don't compare two different individuals. Compare before-and-after. I know what I was like before. The world is better off with me the way I am now.\n\nI want to encourage everybody who has dabbled in the occult to give it up. Most of it is powerless. That part of it which is not powerless is not under your control; you are under its control. There's no such thing as the force of star wars which you can tap into and use to aggrandize yourself. By the time it starts to manipulate you, it may be too late to get away from it. \n\nJesus holds the true supernatural power in His hand. He is the One who can deliver you from evil, and from being evil, the way He delivered me. Call out to Him in trust and obedience today!
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