Wicca is an earth-based spirituality founded by Gerald Gardner back in the early '50s, and on the pre-Christian belief system of European peoples, combined with modern concerns such as environmental issues and social justice. Because they are primarily an oral tradition, they do not have a formal book of religious law; however they do have some basic beliefs, including:.
"And it harm none, do what thou wilt".
At first glance, this seems pretty easy. But it can be a little more complicated than just making sure that when you put your car in reverse, you check to make sure someone isn't standing there. "And it harm none" refers not only to other people, but also to yourself, animals and the Earth Herself. We're connected to each other at a variety of levels - spiritually, ecologically and physically - and we must carefully weigh our actions with their consequences. This is not to mean that we never take action because we're too busy weighing out the consequence of stepping out the door in the morning, only that our actions should be guided by an awareness of the impact of our deeds.
"Lest in thy self-defense it be, ever mind the rule of three".
This one is a little easier - just think of karma, or of reaping what you sow. Wiccans believe that what you do comes back to you threefold, so if you send out bad energy in the form of a spell or action, not only does it backfire on you, you get three times the consequence! It's important to remember that just because those of us who may have been harmed by another person's deliberate actions may not instantly see the consequence in the other person's life, there will still be consequences. .
Most witches also believe:.
Deity is both male and female (i.e. God and Goddess), although there are some Wiccans who worship only the Goddess.
Goddess/God can be experienced directly without a priest or church. Although we may have leaders (high priests and priestesses) in our ritual groups (covens) that guide us and teach us, we are all priests and priestesses.
Wicca- the natural religion of the world; not a Christian religion. ... Followers of Wicca seek guidance from an endless number of deities. ... Popular culture has greatly affected the spread of Wicca. ... Wicca is the first and only religion that really honors women. ... In Wicca, the five points represent our basic beliefs. ...
Wicca is a religion that has roots going back to the dawn of man. ... Wicca is a joyous religion springing from our kinship with nature. ... Aside from the protection of the environment Wicca's central theme, called the Wicca Rede, is "if it does no harm do your own will". ... In order to understand Wicca it is essential to know its roots. ... He began what is now called the Gardnerian Tradition of Wicca. ...
Wicca is a legitimate religion and was acknowledged as such at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1994. ... It is a specific law in Wicca that "ye harm none" in magickal workings. ... Wicca is a highly individualistic religion, believing that the practice is what you make of it. ... They come together to celebrate the Esbats, the thirteen full moons of the year, and the Sabbats, the eight holidays of Wicca. ... The equal-armed cross is another symbol of Wicca, which represents many ideals, including the four seasons, the four directions, the four archangels, the four winds, ...
Wicca does not make such claims, nor does it try to recruit others to share in its beliefs. ... Wicca has long been viewed as satanic and evil. ... Wicca embraces nature and all of its elements. ... Wicca believes in reincarnation, so death is viewed as another beginning. ... Even though Wicca has been a viable religion for centuries, its believers are still viewed as outcasts. ...
In his book Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, Scott Cunningham writes "some use Wicca' and Witch' almost interchangeably" (iv). ... Opponents claim that Wicca is a cult or a secret religion. ... These statements stand for all that Wicca is about. ... For these reasons Wicca is not a cult. ... (Wicca...5). ...
The title of the book was Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner. ... Demon possession and loss of respect for Christian life happens to most in Wicca. ... The Complete Idiot's Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft. ... About Wicca, Wisconsin State Journal. ... Hate Literature: Wicca & Satanism & the Way Out. ...
