Wicca is a neo-pagan religion that evolved from pre-Christian
traditions in Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The discovery of cave
paintings from more than 30,000 years ago points to the idea that Wicca
is actually much older. The religion is based on an awe-inspiring
appreciation of Nature and that the spirits of the One, Goddess and God
exist in all things – nature’s creatures, trees, flowers and oceans.
Everything on Earth is divine.
Many forms and branches of Wicca exist, but Gerald Brousseau Gardner
is most often credited as its founder. In the early 1950s he claimed
that he was a part of an ancient witches coven in Southern England and
his writings about witchcraft became the cornerstone for the development
of Wicca throughout the world.
Contrary to what has been popular belief, Wicca has nothing to do
with Satanism or evil. Throughout history, witches have been unjustly
hunted, chastised and murdered. During the medieval period, there were
many myths about witchcraft (all evil) and that connotation carried over
for centuries. Even in the early years of the American colonies, a lie
turned into the Salem witch trials.
In May 2007, the U.S. Veteran’s Administration allowed (after an
approximate 10-year delay) the pentacle to be placed on the headstones
of fallen Wiccan and Pagan soldiers. And the U.S. military does
recognize Wicca as a religion – people practicing the religion are
allowed the same religious rights as people of other faiths.
The most commonly worshipped god within Wicca (and there are many
variations) is the Horned God, who represents a masculine power. The
counterpart is the Triple Goddess, who represents a female power. The
Triple Goddess signifies the Maiden, the Mother and the Crone.
Wicca rituals, spells and magic are done for good and the benefit of
the whole. Magic is used by Wiccans to bring positive change to the
world and its people. Their belief is to do no harm, yet protect them
from negative or evil influences. It is believed that any action
performed, either good or bad, will manifest itself three times greater,
giving way to a boomerang effect. This is referred to as the Law of
Three. The magic and spells are also used for healing, fertility, love
and creativity.
The most common symbol is the pentagram, which symbolizes the five
elements of Wiccan beliefs: air, earth, fire, water and spirit. Wiccans
have a tremendous respect for the earth and the elements. They
acknowledge changing of the seasons, the lunar phases and cycles of
nature to gain spirituality and worship the divine. Most Wiccans
celebrate a cycle of festivals throughout the year, called Sabbats or
Sabbaths. There are eight of these celebrations and are collectively
known as Wheel of The Year. They are separated into six or seven weeks,
which correlate with the seasonal cycles of the earth.
Groups of witches are called covens (formal groups) in which they
practice their rituals and traditions. The traditions and teachings of
the Gods and Goddesses are passed on to its followers using a system
made up of three degrees. The first degree is for those newly coming
into the Craft. It is what is considered an initiation period. The
second degree marks the beginning of taking a deeper path within the
teachings. The third degree is granted to those who have gained the
knowledge and have obtained the status of elders within their covens.
They have become a High Priestess or Priest....<<<Read More>>>...
