The Wicca Religion
Wicca is a neo-pagan religion based on the formal use of witchcraft, which consists of spells, rituals, and magical traditions performed by a witch. The term Wicca itself translates to witch, stemming from the Scottish term wica, meaning wise ones. However, it's important to note that not all witches follow the Wiccan religion. Many pagans follow ancestral or self-taught beliefs and customs surrounding their practices.
Witchcraft itself is not a religion, but Wiccans use witchcraft to honor deities, nature, and the moon. They also follow The Wheel of the Year, a calendar reflecting eight seasonal sabbats, or celebrations, that connect to the four seasons. While witches have often been depicted as scary old women who curse townsfolk in fairytales, modern-day witches are generally ordinary people who care for the environment, practice plant healing, use the moon cycles to manifest their desires, and worship various gods and goddesses. Wiccans traditionally worship the triple goddess and the horned god, but many worship the Greek goddess Hecate, who was said to preside over magic and spell casting.
The Wheel of the Year contains the eight sabbats that Wiccans observe.
Wiccans follow a calendar called The Wheel of the Year.
The concept of a religion of witchcraft has been around for centuries, as witches, druids, healers, mystics, and seers all fall under the umbrella of pagan practitioners who use various forms of nature and deities in their practices. However, Wicca itself is an established religion. While most of the rituals and practices used today stem from pre-Christian European traditions, Wicca was formalized in the 1960s and became a recognized religion in the U.S. in 1986. Most believe the founder of the religion to be a man named Gerald B. Butler, a famous practitioner and author whose published works paved the way for neo-pagan worship and modern witchcraft in the United States and England. Using the information he gathered from his own coven, and that of Aleister Crowley, he helped make Wicca a recognized religion that is now estimated to have as many 1.5 million practicing followers in the United States alone.
Wiccan Beliefs
Wiccan practices stem from pre-Christian paganism, rooted in various customs and traditions from tribes in Europe. Groups such as the Celts, Vikings, Gauls, Scythians, and many more all looked to the stars for guidance; paid reverence to various gods affiliated with nature, war, and love; and used holistic practices, such as plant medicine, seasonal festivals, energy healing, dream interpretation, and more to navigate the world they lived in. However, the forced introduction of Christianity changed the face of spirituality in Europe. Pagan practices on the continent were condemned as blasphemous, leading to the death of many who were or were perceived to be witches. However, Christian groups took The Wheel of the Year and modified it to connect pagan customs to a growing Christian tradition, such as shifting Samhain to All Hallows Eve, Yule to Christmas, and Imbolc to St. Brigid's Day.
Most Wiccan practices and lore come from these ancient pagan traditions, with slight modifications for the modern world. While Wicca does not have a figurehead or traditional rules, there are moral codes all Wiccans pledge to live by.
Here is a list of the thirteen informal Wiccan rules:
1. We have a responsibility to nature, and we live as one with nature.
2. Rites are practiced in harmony. in accordance with the phases of the moon.
3. Witchcraft is practiced in accordance with religious practices and magic.
4. Witches have special powers that ordinary people do not possess.
5. The creative power that is practiced by men and women is equal, and sex is revered as a natural part of life.
6. There is a recognized connection between the physical and supernatural worlds.
7. Leaders are respected, but there is no recognized social hierarchy.
8. Only through actions, like living as one with nature and committing to do no harm to others, can one call themselves a witch.
9. Our emphasis is on living a fulfilled life that allows us to bring meaning to the greater universe.
10. Other religions are only criticized by us if they fail to respect religious practices unlike their own.
11. The history of witchcraft is not threatening; our concern is only with present and future practices.
12. There is no practice of evil and no making others suffer.
13. Nature can supply us with the tools to maintain health and to heal.
The foundation of Wicca promotes peace, love, and inner understanding by practicing rituals to connect witches to the natural world.
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Wiccan Holidays
Wicca uses a calendar derived from pagan seasonal celebrations stemming from Norse myth and Old Irish traditions, which some say pre-date the Celtics and Gauls altogether. Using The Wheel of the Year, Wiccans celebrate eight sabbats which reflect the changing of the seasons. Wiccan teachings dictate the celebration of these festivals, which honor different gods and goddesses, aspects of nature, and aspects of the self. The purpose of these eight celebrations is to keep one grounded and grateful, along with remaining in tune with nature and acknowledging that life is in constant flux. Essentially, while the external world changes, so too does a person's internal world change. All sabbats are initially celebrated at night, beginning at sundown, and are observed throughout the following day until the sun sets again.
Here is a breakdown of the eight Wiccan sabbats:
Yule
Yule is the formal name for the Winter Solstice, which occurs on December 21-22. This is the shortest day of the year and is celebrated with the knowledge that the days will get longer as time passes. For most Wiccans, this day brings in the new year, as the sun will return to fill the Northern Hemisphere with warmth and light; hence the connection to fire. The traditions of trees and yule logs stem from this pagan holiday, as fire was a large part of the pagan culture with the need to survive the cold winter months in Europe. Many Wiccans also believe their gods are reborn during Yule, and they are revered during this celebration as a symbol of new life.
Imbolc
Imbolc, also known as Brigid's day in Irish tradition, is the middle point between Winter and Spring. It occurs on February 1-2 and focuses on moving away from winter. With Yule, there is light and life, and with Imbolc, there is an emergence of animals and plant life. At this time, many Wiccans honor the Celtic goddess Brigid, who is seen as the goddess of fire and eternal life, one who could keep being reborn and starting over.
Ostara
Ostara is the formal name for the Spring Equinox, and it takes place on March 21-22. This is a time when nature is starting to reemerge, and humans, too, must come out of hibernation and focus on life. Practitioners should begin cleansing rituals within their homes and energetic fields, use flowers and herbs to decorate altars, and take stock of their goals for the coming summer months. Ostara is also a time to let go of the old and focus on the new, just as nature is producing new life all around.
Beltane
Beltane, also known as May Day throughout Europe and the U.S., takes place on May 1-2 and reflects the middle point between Spring and Summer. This is a time of love, passion, sensuality, mischief, and fertility. Just as the flowers and trees are blooming, so too is the depth of love within the human race. Symbolically, Wiccans believe this is the time where masculine and feminine energies come together and unite, which is sometimes reflected in Wiccan co-creation practices.
Litha
Litha is the formal name for the Summer Solstice and takes place on June 21-22. This date signifies the longest day of the year, serving as the opposite of Yule. Crops are reaching full maturity, which is reflected in the path of the triple goddess, moving from maid in the winter, to maiden in the spring, and now crone in the coming months. Many celebrate with bonfires, music, and eating fresh food from the garden.
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