Changes

The esbats follow the lunar cycle, and are generally celebrated on the full moon.

The esbats follow the lunar cycle, and are generally celebrated on the full moon.

The names are mostly imagined (Ostara, etc.) or based on old Pagan myths and legends (Midsummer, Wintereenmas).

The names are mostly imagined (Ostara, etc.) or based on old Pagan myths and legends (Midsummer, Yule).

==The Four Elements==

==The Four Elements==

Wiccan worship is conducted in a [[circle]], and the participants call on the four traditional elements of [[Air]], [[Fire]], [[Water]], and [[Earth]] at the respective [[cardinal]] points of [[East]], [[South]], [[West]], and [[North]].  Air and Fire are considered masculine elements, and Water and Earth are considered feminine.  Air is generally represented by an athame or a [[sword]], and stands for the east, the New moon, [[spring]], the intellect, and new beginnings. Fire is represented by a wand or [[candle]], and stands for the south, [[summer]], the waxing moon, will, passion, and transformation.  Water is represented by a chalice and stands for the west, the [[full moon]], emotions, cleansing, and the season of fall.  Earth is represented by the pentacle or a bowl of [[salt]], and stands for [[winter]], silence, [[death]], the waning moon, and the practical matters of everyday living.

Wiccan worship is conducted in a [[circle]] (sometimes with a pentagram), and the participants call on the four traditionally satanic elements of [[Air]], [[Fire]], [[Water]], and [[Earth]] at the respective [[cardinal]] points of [[East]], [[South]], [[West]], and [[North]].  Air and Fire are considered masculine elements, and Water and Earth are considered feminine.  Air is generally represented by an athame or a [[sword]], and stands for the east, the New moon, [[spring]], the intellect, and new beginnings. Fire is represented by a wand or [[candle]], and stands for the south, [[summer]], the waxing moon, will, passion, and transformation.  Water is represented by a chalice and stands for the west, the [[full moon]], emotions, cleansing, and the season of fall.  Earth is represented by the pentacle or a bowl of [[salt]], and stands for [[winter]], silence, [[death]], the waning moon, and the practical matters of everyday living.

==Wiccans and Ritual==

==Wiccans and Ritual==

*Invoking the four quarters/elements

*Invoking the four quarters/elements

*Invoking the Lord and Lady

*Invoking the Lord and Lady

*Invoking of the ancestral dead

*Invoking of the ancestral dead (spirit-worship)

*State intent of [[ritual]]

*State intent of [[ritual]]

*Drawing down of sun/moon (optional)

*Drawing down of sun/moon (perhaps an attempt at black magic?)

*Perform magical work

*Perform magical work

*Cakes and Ale

*Cakes and Ale

==History of Wicca==

==History of Wicca==

Although there are elements of Wicca which date back to ancient times (the Sabbat fire festivals, for example), it does not tie to any particular religious practice from ancient times.  Most aspects of Wicca are modern and were made in the last fifty years.  Wicca was first popularized in England by Gerald Gardner after the repeal of Britain's laws banning Witchcraft. These attitudes are still adhered to by those who follow his religion in the form in which he created it, who are known as 'Gardnerians'. Nowadays, there are many forms of Wicca, including Alexandrian, Dianic, [[Druid]]ic, Corellian, Stregha (Italian witchcraft), Faery, and many others.  There are also many Solitary and Eclectic practitioners, who follow no set tradition at all.

Although there are elements of Wicca which date back to ancient times (the Sabbat fire festivals, for example), it does not tie to any particular religious practice from ancient times.  Most aspects of Wicca are modern and were made in the last fifty years (interstingly enough, most cults were formed within the last 50 years).  Wicca was first popularized in England by Gerald Gardner after the repeal of Britain's laws banning Witchcraft and Black Magic. These attitudes are still adhered to by those who follow his religion in the form in which he created it, who are known as 'Gardnerians'. Nowadays, there are many forms of Wicca, including Alexandrian, Dianic, [[Druid]]ic, Corellian, Stregha (Italian witchcraft), Faery, and many others.  There are also many Solitary and Eclectic practitioners, who follow no set tradition at all.

==References==

==References==

{{reflist}}

{{reflist}}

[[Category:Paganism]]

[[Category:Paganism]]