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'''Wicca''' was created in 1954 by Gerald Gardner, based on certain ancient pre-Christian [[pagan]] ideals. Etymology: likely from Old English wicca wizard, they affirm [[witchcraft]] and magic. <ref>[http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wicca Merriam-Webster -Wicca]</ref>

'''Wicca''' was created in 1954 by Gerald Gardner, based on certain ancient pre-Christian [[pagan]] ideals. Etymology: likely from Old English ''wicca,'' wizard, they affirm [[witchcraft]] and magic.<ref>[https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wicca Merriam-Webster -Wicca]</ref>

It can be very difficult to come up with a universal definition of what a Wiccan is.  Most Wiccans desire to live as one with nature, which could be adapted from [[Buddhism]] and other religions.  Wicca calls on the practitioner to act as their own priest(ess)/shaman, interacting directly with the spirit force sometimes in the form of a horned God and Goddess. <ref>[http://www.religioustolerance.org/wic_faq.htm FAQs about Wicca that people ask, Religioustolerance.org]</ref>  As a group, Wicca members are fully defended by [[liberal]]s. They are inclusive, they worship nature, they promote peace, they don't adhere to orthodox religious rules, no such thing as the devil. As such, liberals are willing to overlook the demonic side to Wicca, their bizarre sacrifice rituals, spirit world connections. They want the world to understand that they are an 'earth-based' religion.  

It can be very difficult to come up with a universal definition of what a Wiccan is.  Most Wiccans desire to live as one with nature, which could be adapted from [[Buddhism]] and other religions.  Wicca calls on the practitioner to act as their own priest(ess)/shaman, interacting directly with the spirit force sometimes in the form of a horned God and Goddess.<ref>[http://www.religioustolerance.org/wic_faq.htm FAQs about Wicca that people ask, Religioustolerance.org]</ref>  As a group, Wicca members are fully defended by [[liberal]]s. They are inclusive, they worship nature, they promote peace, they do not adhere to orthodox religious rules, and they believe in no such thing as the devil. As such, liberals are willing to overlook the demonic side to Wicca, their bizarre sacrifice rituals, and their spirit world connections. Wiccans want the world to understand that they are an 'earth-based' religion.  

   

   

==Wiccan Morality==

==Wiccan Morality==

Most Wiccans submit to two basic rules of morality; the Wiccan Rede and the Threefold Law.  ''The Rede'' states: "And it harm none, do as you will," meaning that you may do what you like, so long as you do not offer harm to others or to yourself.  The Threefold Law states that what you send out in both the mundane and magical planes will return to you, though not necessarily by three. The Rede has been criticized as license to do anything you want, however the Rede itself is a much more restricting rule than it first appears to be. Not harming anyone includes yourself, so behaviors such as unsafe sex, excessive drinking, drugs, reckless behavior, and even smoking are considered against the Rede as they harm the self.

Most Wiccans submit to two basic rules of morality; the Wiccan Rede and the Threefold Law.  ''The Rede'' states: "And it harm none, do as you will," meaning that you may do what you like, so long as you do not offer harm to others or to yourself.  The Threefold Law states that what you send out in both the mundane and magical planes will return to you, though not necessarily by three. The Rede has been criticized as license to do anything you want; however, the Rede itself is a much more restricting rule than it first appears to be. Not harming anyone includes yourself, so behaviors such as unsafe sex, excessive drinking, drugs, reckless behavior, and even smoking are considered against the Rede as they harm the self. Wiccan morality is still distinct from [[Bible|Biblical]] morality, which rejects such a rule.

Some Wiccans feel such a deep connection with nature that they refuse to consume animal products. Many Wiccans are vegetarian or vegan however there is no consensus among the Wiccan community and the requirement of abstaining from consuming meat is by no means universal. Virtually all Wiccans are, however, against cruelty to animals or needless destruction of a natural space, due in no small part to Wiccan beliefs.

Some Wiccans feel such a deep connection with nature that they refuse to consume animal products. Many Wiccans are vegetarian or vegan; however, there is no consensus among the Wiccan community, and the requirement of abstaining from consuming meat is by no means universal. Virtually all Wiccans are, however, against cruelty to animals or needless destruction of a natural space, due in no small part to Wiccan beliefs.

Sex and sexuality is a fluid topic for Wiccans; Wicca itself provides no mandates about sex and no rules to follow beyond the basic Rede. Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals often find acceptance among Wiccans and ideas of non-traditional relationships find root much more readily among Wiccan communities. Sex before marriage is not frowned upon and sex in general is often seen as a blessing.  

Sex and sexuality is a fluid topic for Wiccans; Wicca itself provides no mandates about sex and no rules to follow beyond the basic Rede. Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals often find acceptance among Wiccans, and ideas of non-traditional relationships find root much more readily among Wiccan communities. Sex before marriage is not frowned upon, and sex in general is often seen as a blessing.  

While Wiccans do perform magic and use spells to attempt to change the world around them, doing so for express personal gain or to harm someone else is taboo. Attempting to solve ones problems with magic and ritual before exhausting mundane means is also strongly frowned upon and a Wiccan who engages in this on a regular basis will quickly find themselves pushed out of the greater Wiccan community. Along with that, an extreme importance is placed on free-will and the ability of the individual to make his/her own choices. Anything that impinges on that is not accepted by Wiccans; including preaching religious beliefs and use of ritual magic on someone without their knowledge or consent.

While Wiccans do perform magic and use spells to attempt to change the world around them, doing so for express personal gain or to harm someone else is taboo. Attempting to solve one's problems with magic and ritual before exhausting mundane means is also strongly frowned upon, and a Wiccan who engages in this on a regular basis will quickly find themselves pushed out of the greater Wiccan community. Along with that, an extreme importance is placed on free-will and the ability of the individual to make his/her own choices. Anything that impinges on that is not accepted by Wiccans; including preaching religious beliefs and use of ritual magic on someone without their knowledge or consent.

A term that crops up among Wiccans (and some Pagans) is "[[fluffy bunny]]." A fluffy bunny is a Wiccan who is new to Wicca and is lacking some of the more extended understanding that time spent participating in and studying Wicca brings and as such they tend to make over-arching statements of fact for which they have no backing for, make outrageous claims of what they do, wear large amounts of jewelry to identify as Wiccan, talk at length about the Burning Times, carry their Book of Shadows openly, and complain about Wiccans being oppressed. These individuals usually have a mercifully brief shelf life as eventually they get bored of the theatrics and move on to something else or they discover more about Wicca and become more serious. Many Wiccans began their lives in Wicca this way, though most are embarrassed to admit it.

A term that crops up among Wiccans (and some Pagans) is "[[fluffy bunny]]." A fluffy bunny is a Wiccan who is new to Wicca and is lacking some of the more extended understanding that time spent participating in and studying Wicca brings, and as such, they tend to make overarching statements of fact for which they have no backing for, make outrageous claims of what they do, wear large amounts of jewelry to identify as Wiccan, talk at length about the Burning Times, carry their Book of Shadows openly, and complain about Wiccans being oppressed. These individuals usually have a mercifully brief shelf life, as eventually they get bored of the theatrics and move on to something else, or they discover more about Wicca and become more serious. Many Wiccans began their lives in Wicca this way, though most are embarrassed to admit it.

==Wiccans and Deities==

==Wiccans and Deities==

Wiccans are almost always polytheistic, with some directing their devotion towards a manifestation of divinity called the Spirit or sometimes the Godhead. Most Wiccans are duotheistic worshipping the God and Goddess with no specific other religious ideology attached. Celtic deity names and ideas are often incorporated into Wiccan practices. Nearly all Wiccans, however, subscribe to the idea of Spirit being divided into two polarities, the [[male]] and the [[female]]. <ref> Wicca for One by Raymond Buckland, page 28 </ref>  The male polarity is the God, or the Green Man; the female polarity is the Goddess, whom herself is split into the three parts of Maiden, Mother, and Crone.  They are also often called the Lord and Lady. They have been given so many names they have been called the Nameless Ones.<ref>Wicca a Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham, page 11 </ref>

Wiccans are almost always polytheistic, with some directing their devotion towards a manifestation of divinity called the Spirit or sometimes the Godhead. Most Wiccans are duotheistic, worshipping the God and Goddess with no specific other religious ideology attached. Celtic deity names and ideas are often incorporated into Wiccan practices. Nearly all Wiccans, however, subscribe to the idea of Spirit being divided into two polarities, the [[male]] and the [[female]].<ref>Wicca for One by Raymond Buckland, page 28</ref>  The male polarity is the God, or the Green Man; the female polarity is the Goddess, whom herself is split into the three parts of Maiden, Mother, and Crone.  They are also often called the Lord and Lady. They have been given so many names they have been called the Nameless Ones.<ref>Wicca a Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham, page 11</ref>

==Wiccan Holy Witch Days==

==Wiccan Holy Witch Days==

Wiccans usually celebrate the eight Sabbats, They are also referred to collectively as Wheel of the Witches Year. <ref> Wicca for One by Raymond Buckland, page 104 </ref>, and the thirteen Esbats.  The Sabbats follow the solar cycle, and are as follows:

Wiccans usually celebrate the eight Sabbats, They are also referred to collectively as Wheel of the Witches Year.,<ref>Wicca for One by Raymond Buckland, page 104</ref> and the thirteen Esbats.  The Sabbats follow the solar cycle, and are as follows:

*Imbolc (Feb. 1)

*Imbolc (Feb. 1)

==The Four Elements==

==The Four Elements==

Wiccan worship is conducted in a [[circle]] (sometimes with a pentacle), and the participants call on the four traditionally greek 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 pentacle), and the participants call on the four traditionally Greek 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==

==Wiccans and the Use of Spells==

==Wiccans and the Use of Spells==

Wicca as a religion does make use of magic and spells in it's practices. This is often differentiated by an alternate spelling of magic as "magick". This is to differentiate between the ritual magic performed by Wiccans and Pagans from the magic of illusions and card tricks. There is no universal agreement to the use of this term, it has been pointed out in the Wiccan community that a special spelling for magic seems more like a call for attention. Some individuals use "ritual magic" to differentiate between the magic of stage and of the circle.

Wicca as a religion does make use of magic and spells in its practices. This is often differentiated by an alternate spelling of magic as "magick". This is to differentiate between the ritual magic performed by Wiccans and Pagans from the magic of illusions and card tricks. There is no universal agreement to the use of this term; it has been pointed out in the Wiccan community that a special spelling for magic seems more like a call for attention. Some individuals use "ritual magic" to differentiate between the magic of stage and of the circle.

Magic and spells are almost always performed in a ritual setting in Wicca; it isn't something done on-the-fly or with no preparation. The exact mechanics of magic are debated among Wiccans, but the general consensus is that ritual magic either redirects certain universal energies or curries favor with the gods for a specific effect. A cornerstone of this practice is not mis-using it. Using magic or spells to directly harm another person is as close to sacrilegious as it gets in Wicca and very few Wiccans would be willing to be party to a ritual for the purpose of harming someone else.  

Magic and spells are almost always performed in a ritual setting in Wicca; it isn't something done on-the-fly or with no preparation. The exact mechanics of magic are debated among Wiccans, but the general consensus is that ritual magic either redirects certain universal energies or curries favor with the gods for a specific effect. A cornerstone of this practice is not misusing it. Using magic or spells to directly harm another person is as close to sacrilegious as it gets in Wicca and very few Wiccans would be willing to be party to a ritual for the purpose of harming someone else.  

Spells are often written custom for the event however certain "canned" spells are available. There is a booming trade among less reputable book publishers in the selling of books with dubious collections of spells that are supposed to be used to do everything from getting the user great wealth to the ability to read minds. In practice, most Wiccans ignore these books or use them as examples of what not to do.

Spells are often written custom for the event; however, certain "canned" spells are available. There is a booming trade among less reputable book publishers in the selling of books with dubious collections of spells that are supposed to be used to do everything from getting the user great wealth to the ability to read minds. In practice, most Wiccans ignore these books or use them as examples of what not to do.

==Wiccans and Evil Use of Curses==

==Wiccans and Evil Use of Curses==

==Wiccan Symbolism==

==Wiccan Symbolism==

Wicca makes heavy use of symbols and symbolism in it's rituals and practices.

Wicca makes heavy use of symbols and symbolism in its rituals and practices.

*The Athame- The athame is a dull dagger or knife used to cut bonds of energy during rituals. It is symbolic of the masculine and never used to cut physical things, as such the blade is almost always dulled deliberately. The athame is also used as a symbol for air.

*The Athame- The athame is a dull dagger or knife used to cut bonds of energy during rituals. It is symbolic of the masculine and never used to cut physical things; as such, the blade is almost always dulled deliberately. The athame is also used as a symbol for air.

*The Pentacle- The pentacle must be established as separate from a pentagram. A pentacle is a five pointed star within a circle with a single point of the star pointing up. A pentagram is the same symbol but inverted such that two points of the star are facing up. The pentacle is seen as a collection of elements; Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit, as well as a symbol of protection and identification. Many Wiccans as well as Pagans wear a pentacle. Pentacles are also considered a symbol for Earth.

*The Pentacle- The pentacle must be established as separate from a pentagram. A pentacle is a five pointed star within a circle with a single point of the star pointing up. A pentagram is the same symbol but inverted such that two points of the star are facing up. The pentacle is seen as a collection of elements; Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit, as well as a symbol of protection and identification. Many Wiccans as well as Pagans wear a pentacle. Pentacles are also considered a symbol for Earth.

*The Chalice- The chalice or cup is a feminine symbol, representing the womb of a female. The chalice and athame are often paired to represent a duality and a balance. The chalice is also a symbol for water.

*The Chalice- The chalice or cup is a feminine symbol, representing the womb of a female. The chalice and athame are often paired to represent a duality and a balance. The chalice is also a symbol for water.

==Basis in History==

==Basis in History==

A minority of Wiccans claim their beliefs can be traced back to an ancient religion, however the mainstream Wiccans understand that Wicca, as it sits today, was a creation of the modern age. Even though the specifics of Wicca are fairly recent, many of the ideas and some of the practices and symbolism within Wicca can be traced back to religions before Christianity and sometimes before recorded history. This is why Wicca has been called a new expression of old ideas.  

A minority of Wiccans claim their beliefs can be traced back to an ancient religion; however, the mainstream Wiccans understand that Wicca, as it sits today, was a creation of the modern age. Even though the specifics of Wicca are fairly recent, many of the ideas and some of the practices and symbolism within Wicca can be traced back to religions before Christianity and sometimes before recorded history. This is why Wicca has been called a new expression of old ideas.  

==Wiccan Murders In The News==

==Wiccan Murders In The News==

* [http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014970023_fatherstepdaughter06m.html Wiccan Murder-Suicide: Man and his stepdaughter died from gunshots to the head]

* [http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014970023_fatherstepdaughter06m.html Wiccan Murder-Suicide: Man and his stepdaughter died from gunshots to the head]

* [http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20100903/NEWS03/309039951/0/FRONTPAGE Manslaughter charges for Wiccan in boyfriends stabbing death, Watertown Daily, September 3, 2010]

* [http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20100903/NEWS03/309039951/0/FRONTPAGE Manslaughter charges for Wiccan in boyfriends stabbing death, Watertown Daily, September 3, 2010]

* [http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-20002025-504083.html Wiccan Woman Killed Man as Apparent "Sacrifice" Says Detective, CBS News, April 09, 2010]

* [https://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-20002025-504083.html Wiccan Woman Killed Man as Apparent "Sacrifice" Says Detective, CBS News, April 09, 2010]

* [http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/dailyweekly/2010/05/eric_christensen_accused_of_ki_1.php Eric Christensen, Accused of Killing Girlfriend Because She Was a Warlock, Seattle Weekly, May 26, 2010]

* [http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/dailyweekly/2010/05/eric_christensen_accused_of_ki_1.php Eric Christensen, Accused of Killing Girlfriend Because She Was a Warlock, Seattle Weekly, May 26, 2010]

* [http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/010377.html Wiccan found guilty in baby's murder]

* [http://www.covenantnews.com/newswire/archives/010377.html Wiccan found guilty in baby's murder]

{{reflist}}

{{reflist}}

==External Links==

==External links==

* [http://www.wicca.org Wicca Homepage]

* [http://www.wicca.org Wicca Homepage]

{{Liberalism}}

{{Liberalism}}

[[Category:Paganism]]

[[Category:Paganism]]