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'''Wicca''' is a pagan [[religion]] which involves the practicing of [[witchcraft]]. It has many different sects and groups similar to many other religions. Unlike many other religions, however, Wiccans have no central body or governing organization. Instead, Wiccans either belong to and practice with small, local organizations called "covens" or practice "solitary", either out of choice or necessity, as there are many places in the country were Wiccan groups and organizations are persecuted.  Because Wicca encourages its followers to question what they are taught and develop their own practices, it can be very difficult to come up with a universal definition of what a Wiccan is.  However, most Wiccans do share a few core concepts, including a respect for and a desire to live in rhythm with nature, the worship of a God and/or a Goddess, and a basic code of [[ethics]].{{fact}}  Wicca calls on the practitioner to act as their own priest/ess, interacting directly with Deity rather than through an intermediary as members of the patriarchal religions do.

'''Wicca''' is a pagan [[religion]] which involves the practicing of [[witchcraft]]. While witchcraft has ancient roots, it has little to do with the modern incarnation called Wicca.  Wicca has many different sects and groups, but have no central body or governing organization, or a holy book. Wiccans belong to small, local organizations called "covens" or practice "solitary", as they see fit.  Because Wicca encourages its followers to question what they are taught and develop their own practices, it can be very difficult to come up with a universal definition of what a Wiccan is.  However, most Wiccans do share a few core concepts, including a respect for and a desire to live in rhythm with nature, the worship of a Goddess and/or a God, and a basic code of values.{{fact}}  Wicca calls on the practitioner to act as their own priest/ess, interacting directly with deity or spirit force.

==Wiccan Morality==

==Wiccan Morality==

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This is not a hard and fast outline, however.  The drawing down of the moon would generally only occur during an esbat (see above), just as the drawing down of the sun would generally only occur during a [[sabbat]].  A solitary performing a ritual, or a group performing a simpler ritual may not opt to do these things, just as they may not opt to invoke the ancestors or serve the Cakes and Ale.

This is not a hard and fast outline.  The drawing down of the moon would generally only occur during an esbat (see above), just as the drawing down of the sun would generally only occur during a [[sabbat]].  A solitary performing a ritual, or a group performing a simpler ritual may opt not to do these things, just as they may opt not to invoke the ancestors or serve the Cakes and Ale.

==Some History of Wicca==

==History of Wicca==

Although there are elements of Wicca which date back to ancient times (the Sabbat fire festivals, for example), most aspects of Wicca are modern and were come up with in the last fifty years.  Wicca was first popularized in England by Gerald Gardner after the repeal of Britain's laws banning Witchcraft.  Gardner was a noted [[libertarian]], and his politics were very [[conservative]]. 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), but 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.  Gardner was a noted [[libertarian]] with [[conservative]] politics. 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.

[[Category:religion]]

[[Category:religion]]