wicca is the practice of enjoying a balanced life with all of nature. It is a peaceful, harmonious religion that promotes a oneness with divinity and everything else. Someone who studies the wiccan religion appreciates Mother Earth and practicing wiccans (also known as witches) who are teachers, healers, spiritual leaders, seekers and protectors. Other than following the basic tenants of Wicca, practitioners find this a deeply personal experience and some follow their beliefs alone, while others join covens of like-minded witches.
What is Wicca
the wicca belief system is based on pre-Christianity and stems from the pagan religions of Ireland, Scotland and Wales. During the medieval church’s attempts at religious conformity, much of the Wiccan religion was lost, but followers reconstructed the beliefs based on the information available. It is possible that the religion even dates back the Paleolithic people’s beliefs in gods and goddesses. If this is true, it makes Wicca the oldest practicing religion. It was previously known as the “Craft of the Wise” and practitioners were known as wise men and healers.
what wicca Is Not
People who practice wicca are not part of a cult. They do not worship Satan or summon demons as Hollywood stereotypes would have people believe. In fact, Satan is a Christian concept. This religion is about love and there are no animal sacrifices. The basic tenant of Wicca is “Harm None” and these practices violate that belief. There is also no supernatural aspect to the wicca religion. spells are not cast on others and any energy is derived from a personal relationship with nature.
The Basics Principals of Wicca
People who practice the Wicca religion believe in harmony, reincarnation, power through knowledge, the Law of Attraction. The deity they worship is the Goddess. It is an impersonal entity that transcends gender and human emotion. Reincarnation follows the principal that living is a learning experience. Reincarnation is not a punishment or reward for deeds performed in previous lives, but a system of knowledge. The Law of attraction is also known as the Law of Three. This theory means essentially that “birds of a feather flock together.”
wiccan spells and Rituals
Contrary to the film version of Wicca, incense, candles, herbs and wands are not necessary. They do have a basis within traditional Wicca though. The key to creating spells and rituals relies on belief instead. But, if you feel the tools are needed, a wand, a cauldron, a knife, a pentacle, a censer, a bell, candles and a broom can be useful for ceremonies. Spells can be written by anyone and only require the goals, the components and the practice. Timing may also be important to the spell in some traditions.
The individual core of Wicca is difficult to describe as each practitioner is touched in a different way. It is a spiritual belief practiced by scientific, educated people who follow the path of the Goddess. While Wicca is based on the pagan religion, all people who practice paganism are not Wiccan. To become a Wiccan, there are initial rituals. Some of these rituals are self-initiated and some are performed within a coven. People who practice Wicca recognize many of the same life passages that other religions honor and they are committed to spiritual love. There is still a lot of misinformation about the Wicca religion, but as it becomes more widely recognized it is becoming more popular.
