What is Wicca?

Kneeling before a solitary woman in a long black robe, the gathered group, dressed in similar robes listens to the words the woman before them speaks. She is saying a prayer, asking for the blessings of the Great Goddess and Great God unto the coven. They are gathering to celebrate Samhain tonight (held on Halloween) and they begin by inviting blessings upon them. As the woman's prayer ends she says the sealing words �So mote it be!" The group responds and repeats the sealing words after her, finishing the prayer.

These people are a coven of Wiccans who call themselves witches; this practice goes back many years and is done by many people all over the world. Though Wicca has been around for several decades, is now a widely practiced and accepted religion in many places and is even listed in the US Army chaplains handbook, there are still quite a few people who do not know much, or anything about this religion. So, who are these Wiccans then? What do they do? What do they believe? Wicca is, in the simplest ways, an earth based religion centered on love, life and communion with the divine. It was introduced by Gerald Gardner in the mid-twentieth century. Gardner claims that the religion has been practiced by witches all over England for many years, and it is true there are people who call themselves Witches and Wiccans in England, and other places, that were practicing their religion for years before Gardner ever began writing. Though there is little evidence to support that there is an unbroken line of witches going back into pre-history, it is likely that Witches have been practicing their craft and religion for many centuries, with a bit of change coming in now and again.

Now, Wicca is far from the only pagan path out there, it does resemble some other pagan ways as it is based somewhat on other ways, the practices and religious beliefs outlined in Wicca seem to have been based on Druidic, Norse and other ancient practices, though the Celtic practices are most prevalently seen. Confusing things all the more is the fact that within Wicca itself has many different traditions which offer variations on the general theme. This is similar to the many different sects of Christianity which offer a slight variation upon the basic Christian principles. There isn't really a right or wrong Wicca there are just different kinds, a more in-depth look at the different traditions will be given later, but in brief there are roughly two different �kinds' of Wicca practiced. Traditional Wicca is the kind of Wicca that Gardner practiced and brought to light, this kind of Wicca is practiced in a set way and worships Gods and Goddesses as set out by the tradition. Many traditions exit and whole books could be written about them. The second variation is Eclectic Wicca, which is becoming much more popular. Eclectic Wicca basically takes ideas from many sources and mixes them together, to call themselves true Wiccans they still must practice the basic tenants in some way but they mix in many seperate elements, especially into magic, which Wicca is known for. Let's begin our little lesson today by talking about the basics of Wicca itself, these are the things that all Wiccans of all traditions have in common.

The Goddess and God: Wiccans revere a duality in nature, and divinity. That is, they see the divine as both masculine and feminine usually seen as a Goddess and God. There are many, many variations to this theme though, such as the fact that some revere only the Goddess but state that she has masculine energy inside her. There is also the idea that divinity is truly one being or even just a spirit, power, etc. and that this divinity is made up of masculine and feminine energies. This mixing of energy is seen as the creation and propagation of the universe, the energies mix, creates life which lives, dies and is reborn. So, in this way Wicca allows a great deal of personal interpretation and is one source of the many different traditions. Thought on the nature of divinity is one of the main focuses of Wicca, as is the communion and mixing with these powers to improve ourselves and even the world. Many Wiccans believe in a multitude of Gods outside of the Goddess and God. Much debate goes on within Wicca as to whether these deities are truly separate Gods and Goddesses or just aspects of the Lord and Lady. This is another part of divinity that causes some people to chose one tradition over the other. Neither are wrong, they just have a different belief.

The Rede: Wiccans live by an ethical code, commonly called the Wiccan Rede. This word is a form of the old-English word Raedan, meaning to council or advise, and is the source of Wiccan morality. The Rede is set in a poetic prose to help parishioners remember it better. The Rede is often only seen in small parts, most commonly "An' it harm none, do what thou whilst." It is basically saying, that you can do what you please, as long as it doesn't hurt anyone. The full scope of this meaning is often thought upon by Wiccans and is up to much debate. If you go by the most base meaning than you could do what you want as long as you don't inflict physical violence. Harm, though, comes in more than just physical ways though, and you could harm someone by stealing from them, cheating on them, lying to them and many other ways. It is similar to the ethical codes put out in Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism and most other religions. Another verse of the Rede, also quoted often is "Ever mind the rule of three, what comes out comes back to thee." So if you do good, three times good comes back and if you do bad, well three times bad is at your doorstep. Many Wiccans do not use the idea of three times good or bad coming back anymore. As the universe is a very subjective place it might be hard to gauge just how much truly is three times what you sent out. We suffice it to say that good brings good and bad brings bad, similar to ideas of karma in eastern religions.

Reincarnation: Another common belief in Wicca is the idea of reincarnating again and again so our souls will learn lessons and become more divine. There are several variations to this rule, such as the thought that we have two souls (or that the soul is the true divine in us and our spirits are what are more us) and when we die one soul goes on to reincarnate, taking with it the imprint of this life and the other goes to heaven, the Summerland, etc. to rest. This is another interpretation that marks traditions and certain beliefs are held by certain traditions. This is one of the Wiccan mysteries that we won't truly know until we get there.

Earth Based: Earlier in the brief summary of Wicca I mentioned that it is an earth based religion. What does this exactly mean though? We revere nature as part of divinity and respect the natural world. Many believe that one aspect of the great Goddess is Mother Earth, so we feel that taking care of the environment takes care of the Goddess. Some Wiccans have Animistic beliefs that are that every thing has its own soul, every rock, every tree, every mountain…everything. It is again a personal choice that you must figure out for yourself. Many Wiccans are vegetarians or vegans as they do not like to hurt animals, others see the predator/prey relationship as being natural and eat meat, it's just one of the many personal choice Wicca offers.

Respect for All Paths: Wiccans fundamentally believe that there is no one true path to the divine. We tolerate and accept all ways as being true to someone. There seem to be endless ways to the divine, almost as if the divine is willing to take on forms for our convenience. Some Wiccans do not practice this whole-heartedly; there have been a few debates between traditional Wiccans and solitary Wiccans, some traditions do not recognize all solitaries as �true Wiccans.' In the end, all paths, those Wiccan and those non-Wiccan are all valid, it is just the way you look at it that matters.

Some non-constants: For the most part, those things listed above are, in some way or another, involved in all true Wiccan practices. There are a few that are not though and I would like to take a bit of your time to discuss those that are semi- or quasi- Wiccan.

Witch: A lot of Wiccans, but not all or by any means even most, call themselves witches. I do, I believe that I am a witch and practice magic. Not all Wiccans do though; some dislike the negative associations with the word, after all witches were hunted and burnt for being Satanists. Some just find some more fitting word, like Wiccan, which they believe is a fine word to describe them, and it is. In the end, the words one uses as title is moot, Wiccans and witches are both valid choices as are druids, shamans, and many more.

Magick: Most all Wiccans perform some kind of rituals to honor the Goddess and Gods, called Sabbats. These rituals are used to honor the �wheel of the year' or turning of seasons. A lot of Wiccans also practice magick for a variety of other reasons; to improve themselves, to commune with the divine, to gain wealth, love or protection. There are as many reasons to do magick as there are people practicing. Not all Wiccans practice magic and those who do also do it in a variety of ways. The basic Wiccan ritual is a blend of ceremonial magicks, natural magick practiced by cunning people during the middle ages, druidism and more. You can practice just one form of these magicks, or blend them as many do. Personally I practice of blend of magicks based on the ancient ceremonialists, Jewish magick, druidism, shamanism and some things that just intuitively speak to me. That is my choice though and magick workings aren't for everyone.

Initiation: Most covens have a ritual to initiate a new member; many solitaries perform self initiation ceremonies or at least initiation meditations where they receive welcome from the divine. Some Wiccans are never initiated and never plan to be. It is not, as some people say, necessary to be initiated to practice Wicca or even witchcraft. I was initiated by myself and the Goddess and God, I enjoyed it and I am glad I did, but not everyone will or has to. Following the tenants of Wicca is what makes one Wiccan, not an initiation.

Now, the basics are out of the way, we can get down into a few of the most commonly asked questions to Wiccans. These are questions I have been asked and am aware of others being asked as well. I hope this little part will help clear up some questions you may be having. I'll also include a few myths about Wiccans

Why Wicca?: Wicca offers love, acceptance and a celebration of life. This is not to say other religions don't, but Wicca is not as judgmental as some religions and is very open to personal interpretation. It is also the religion that spoke most to me and speaks well to many others.

Who leads Wicca?: Wicca does not have a centralized practice with leaders recognized by large organizations. There are a few groups that provide Wiccans with knowledge and the chance to be ordained a Wiccan High-priest/priestess after a course of study. Wiccan covens of course have leaders but these leaders are not authoritative outside of the covens and have no power over other Wiccans and covens. This makes Wicca a very personal religion that takes much personal effort and responsibility to practice but offers many rewards for it.

How do you become Wiccan?: Simply by practicing the tenants stated above. To become part of a coven you may need to be initiated and take time studying the Wiccan religion and beliefs as well as various forms of ritual and magick practiced by said coven. Typical times of study are for a year and a day and passing from one �rank' in Wicca to another is sometimes marked by rituals or second, third and so on initiations. In the end though, there are no set rules for becoming Wicca, you just act in accord to the Wiccan beliefs.

How do you learn Wicca?: There are literally hundreds upon hundreds of books on the subject of Wicca, of course some are better written than others and it requires a bit of discretion when selecting a title. There are also classes that teach the basics of Wicca and witchcraft and many covens or solitaries are willing to teach students, sometimes for a price and sometimes for free.

Is Wicca expensive?: Wicca can sometimes include the use of ritual tools, which can be a bit pricey. You can often get a good deal on goods that you can adapt to be ritual tools at flea markets, specialty shops and even dollar stores. In a pinch substitution is acceptable. It should be noted that this is why many covens ask for membership fees, not to take your money for their own uses, but because this way they can share the financial burden together.

Isn't Wicca Satanism?: Not in any way, Satanism is the worship of the Christian devil. The religions and practices that make up Wicca are much older than Christianity or it's devil. We worship the Goddess and God in the ways mentioned above.

Don't you guys practice naked and have sex all the time?: Some do, some don't, I personally practice in a large robe. Some Wiccans chose to practice nude because it makes them feel closer to nature and is a more natural state. The second part of this is also untrue, though some people do have sex as a means to raise energy for spells this is not a pure Wiccan practice and is not even a majority practice. It is a valid way to raise magick, but not the only way. Wiccans do not stigmatize sex and accept sex between consenting adults. This makes many think that we are sex fiends, but this is not true at all. It also unfortunately draws many people to Wicca just to have sex or see nudity, which is the wrong reason to practice.

Do you sacrifice animals?: Not at all, in fact most Wiccans do not spill blood in ritual at all. Animal sacrifice is still practiced the world over by many religions and it is a choice those religious practitioners make. I do not kill animals at all, I eat meat but I don't do the killing.

No really, your Satanists right?: Still no, not in the least.

So there you have it, I have outlined the core Wiccan beliefs and ideologies. Of course there is much more to Wicca than just our Rede, or the way in which we chose to worship different Gods and Goddesses. There is a spiritual uplifting to Wicca that draws us all to the religion in the first place. There are many celebrations throughout the year, honoring the cycle of life and the continuation of that cycle. There are many deep mysteries in Wicca to be explored; life, death, divinity and much, much more. If you have interest please look deeper and find yourself some books or a teacher and go from there. Wicca is a wonderful religion full of love, joy and a celebration of life. Thank you for reading, I hope you have enjoyed yourself and also that you have learned something useful to yourself.