A Wiccan is a follower of Wicca, a modern pagan, witchcraft-based religion. Wicca was developed in the mid-20th century and draws on ancient pagan and witchcraft traditions. The religion embraces a nature-based spirituality and worships a goddess and god, often referred to as the Triple Goddess and Horned God. Wiccans believe in the existence of personal deities, but also recognize the divine in all aspects of nature. They celebrate the changing seasons and lunar cycles, often gathering in groups called covens to perform rituals and ceremonies. The rituals involve casting spells, chanting, and working with various tools such as candles, incense, and athames (ritual knives).
Witchcraft has been around a long time. But its promises are empty. Here is what you should know about Wicca.
Influence Your Own Reality The promise of being able to influence your reality sounds particularly appealing to teenagers who might otherwise feel powerless. He writes For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being.
The rituals involve casting spells, chanting, and working with various tools such as candles, incense, and athames (ritual knives). Wiccans uphold a moral code known as the "Wiccan Rede," which emphasizes the importance of harming none. They believe in the concept of karma, that any action, whether positive or negative, will be returned to the sender threefold.
Why Wicca Is A Misunderstood Religion
Friday, June 21 will be the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. And for one religious group it's a time to celebrate the Oak King falling to the Holly King.
We take a look at the often misunderstood Wiccan religion. Recently they’ve made inroads into popular acceptance, but practitioners still say there's more to be done. Owen Davies, author of the book America Bewitched, joins two local Wiccan practitioners, "J" and "Thorgo" to discuss the Wiccan faith locally and internationally.
First, Owen Davies talks about the history of the the Wiccan religion as an offshoot of Paganism, much like Heathenry or Neo-Druidism, although Owen Davies is quick to point out, "There is no continuous line of witchcraft from Paganism to today."
Modern Wiccan religion began in earnest in 1939 when Gerald Gardner was initiated into the New Forest coven. Often regarded as the father of the Wiccan religion, Gardner wanted to revive some of the Pagan practices of the Pre-Christian era.
From there Owen Davies has been charting Wiccan's steadily growing popularity through the alternative culture of the 1960s to the prevalence of pop culture witches in the 1990s with shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Charmed (First Episode Title: "Something Wicca This Way Comes".)
In terms of modern practices, both "J" and "Thorgo" are high priests/priestesses of their covens, and they have been involved in Wicca for a number of years. They spoke a great deal about the current practices of a typical Wiccan.
"Wiccan religion is all about self-empowerment. We believe that a deity is within us, but that we are responsible for our own actions," says J. "We don't think that magic is supernatural. In fact, it's just the opposite. Magic is a part of nature, and exists all around us."
"Casting spells is like saying prayers," says Thorgo. He also mentioned a Wiccan tradition of eating bread in place of the skin of a goddess and drinking juice or wine in place of the blood, which sounds very close to the Catholic communion practice.
And as you may have noticed, both also have unusual names. These are called "craft names," and they are partially used to protect their reputation, but mostly it's a matter of self-expression. "Choosing your name is just another way of creating your own personal identity within the coven," says J, whose craft name is Glenweaver Weird.
However, J and Thorgo were also interested in mentioning the practices they do not follow. "No blood is spilt during a Wiccan ceremony, not even symbolically," says Thorgo, "In fact, we're very family-friendly, and we love having kids at our ceremonies."
J says that she is tired of people confusing Wicca with Satanism. "Believing in Satan would require believing in at least some aspect of Christianity, and since Paganism holds no Christian beliefs, we would never worship a Christian figure like Satan."
There are many misconceptions about the Wiccan religion. As Owen Davies explains, "Nearly every modern religion has taken and mixed elements from Paganism and witchcraft."
"Even the names of the days and the months owe a lot to these Nordic and Roman Gods," says Thorgo, "even after 2000 years of a dominant Christian faith, a thread of Paganism runs through everything we do.
If you'd like to know more about Wicca or Paganism, there will be a national Pagan Pride Day on September 15th, where Pagans celebrate their culture and heritage. It boasts fun for both Pagans and non-Pagans alike!
Many Wiccans consider themselves witches and practice magic, which they believe is the manipulation of natural energy to bring about desired outcomes. They commonly use spells and rituals to bring healing, protection, love, and prosperity into their lives. Wicca has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among those seeking a spiritual path connected to nature and a desire to reclaim ancient traditions. However, there is significant diversity within the Wiccan community, with different traditions and approaches to the religion. Wiccans often partake in solitary practices, but also value the gathering of like-minded individuals for community and spiritual support. The religion does not have a central authority or hierarchical structure and encourages personal exploration and interpretation of spiritual beliefs. Overall, Wiccans are individuals who embrace the ancient pagan and witchcraft traditions while incorporating modern rituals and beliefs. They honor and connect with nature, worship deities, practice magic, and strive to live in harmony with themselves and the world around them..
Reviews for "The Wiccan Community: Finding Belonging in the Craft"
1. Sarah - 2/5
I found "Who is a wicann" to be quite disappointing. The storyline was confusing and seemed to jump around without any clear direction. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to connect or care about them. Additionally, the writing style was mediocre, with choppy dialogue and repetitive descriptions. Overall, it felt like a poorly executed attempt at a suspenseful novel, and I would not recommend it.
2. Jason - 1/5
"Who is a wicann" was a complete waste of time. The plot was extremely predictable, leaving no room for surprises or twists. The characters were extremely stereotypical, fitting into cliché roles that have been seen countless times before. The writing itself was amateurish, with grammatical errors and awkward phrasing throughout. I struggled to finish the book, and by the end, I was left feeling unimpressed and frustrated. I would advise others to avoid wasting their time on this lackluster read.
3. Amanda - 2/5
I had high hopes for "Who is a wicann," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The pacing of the book was off, with moments of fast-paced action followed by long stretches of dull, uneventful scenes. The concept of the story had potential, but the execution was lacking. The characters lacked depth and seemed one-dimensional, making it difficult for me to care about their fates. Overall, while there were moments of intrigue, the overall experience was underwhelming. I would not recommend this book to others who are looking for a captivating and well-crafted suspense story.