Topic: Paganism and Wicca

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Wicca

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicca
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the duotheistic religion. For other uses, see Wicca (disambiguation).

Wicca (English pronunciation: /ˈwɪkə/) is a modern pagan, witchcraft religion. It was developed in England during the first half of the 20th century and it was introduced to the public in 1954 by Gerald Gardner, a retired British civil servant. It draws upon a diverse set of ancient pagan and 20th century hermetic motifs for its theological structure and ritual practice. The word witch derives from Middle English wicche, Old English wicce (/ˈwɪttʃe/) (feminine) "witch" and wicca (/ˈwɪttʃɑ/) (masculine) "wizzard".[1]

Wicca is a diverse religion with no central authority or figure defining it. It is divided into various lineages and denominations, referred to as traditions, each with its own organisational structure and level of centralisation. Due to its decentralized nature, there is some disagreement over what actually constitutes Wicca. Some traditions, collectively referred to as British Traditional Wicca, strictly follow the initiatory lineage of Gardner and consider the term Wicca to apply only to such lineaged traditions, while other eclectic traditions do not.
Wicca is typically duotheistic, worshipping a god and goddess traditionally viewed as a mother goddess and horned god. These two deities are sometimes viewed as facets of a greater pantheistic godhead. However, beliefs range from hard polytheism to even monotheism. Wiccan celebration follows approximately eight seasonally based festivals known as Sabbats. An unattributed statement known as the Wiccan Rede is the traditional basis of Wiccan morality. Wicca often involves the ritual practice of magic, though it is not always necessary.

Pagan religions
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paganism
"Pagan" redirects here. For other uses, see Pagan (disambiguation).


Pagan religions (also Paganism) refers to a group of historical polytheistic religious traditions—primarily those of cultures known to the classical world. In a wider sense, it has also been understood to include any non-Abrahamic, folk, or ethnic religion.

Modern paganism, also known as contemporary paganism, and neopaganism, is a group of contemporary religious movements influenced by or claiming to be derived from the various historical pagan beliefs of pre-modern Europe.[1][2] Although they do share commonalities, contemporary Pagan religious movements are diverse and no single set of beliefs, practices, or texts are shared by them all.[3] Since the 20th century, "Paganism" (or "Neopaganism") has become the identifier for a collection of new religious movements attempting to continue, revive, or reconstruct historical pre-Abrahamic religion.[4]

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What Is Wicca
http://wicca.com/celtic/wicca/wicca.htm

Contrary to what those who choose to persecute or lie about us wish to believe, Wicca is a very peaceful, harmonious and balanced way of life which promotes oneness with the divine and all which exists.

Wicca is a deep appreciation and awe in watching the sunrise or sunset, the forest in the light of a glowing moon, a meadow enchanted by the first light of day.   It is the morning dew on the petals of a beautiful flower, the gentle caress of a warm summer breeze upon your skin, or the warmth of the summer sun on your face.   Wicca is the fall of colorful autumn leaves, and the softness of winter snow.   It is light, and shadow and all that lies in between.  It is the song of the birds and other creatures of the wild.   It is being in the presence of Mother Earths nature and being humbled in reverence.   When we are in the temple of the Lord and Lady, we are not prone to the arrogance of human technology as they touch our souls.   To be a Witch is to be a healer, a teacher, a seeker, a giver, and a protector of all things.   If this path is yours, may you walk it with honor, light and integrity.

Wicca is a belief system and way of life based upon the reconstruction of pre-Christian traditions originating in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.   While much of the information of how our ancestors lived, worshiped and believed has been lost due to the efforts of the medieval church to wipe our existence from history, we try to reconstruct those beliefs to the best of our ability with the information that is available.

Thanks to archaeological discoveries, we now have basis to believe that the origins of our belief system can be traced even further back to the Paleolithic peoples who worshipped a Hunter God and a Fertility Goddess.   With the discovery of these cave paintings, estimated to be around 30,000 years old, depicting a man with the head of a stag, and a pregnant woman standing in a circle with eleven other people, it can reasonably be assumed that Witchcraft is one of the oldest belief systems known in the world toady.   These archetypes are clearly recognized by Wiccan as our view of the Goddess and God aspect of the supreme creative force and predate Christianity by roughly 28,000 years making it a mere toddler in the spectrum of time as we know it.   

Witchcraft in ancient history was known as "The Craft of the Wise" because most who followed the path were in tune with the forces of nature, had a knowledge of Herbs and medicines, gave council and were valuable parts of the village and community as Shamanic healers and leaders.   They understood that mankind is not superior to nature, the earth and its creatures but instead we are simply one of the many parts, both seen and unseen that combine to make the whole.   As Chief Seattle said; "We do not own the earth, we are part of it."   These wise people understood that what we take or use, we must return in kind to maintain balance and equilibrium. Clearly, modern man with all his applied learning and technology has forgotten this.   Subsequently, we currently face ecological disaster and eventual extinction because of our hunger for power and a few pieces of gold.

For the past several hundred years, the image of the Witch has been mistakenly associated with evil, heathenism, and unrighteousness.   In my humble opinion, these misconceptions have their origin in a couple of different places.

To begin, the medieval church of the 15th through 18th centuries created these myths to convert the followers of the old nature based religions to the churches way of thinking.   By making the Witch into a diabolical character and turning the old religious deities into devils and demons, the missionaries were able to attach fear to these beliefs which aided in the conversion process.    Secondly, as medical science began to surface, the men who were engaged in these initial studies had a very poor understanding of female physiology, especially in the area of a women's monthly cycles.   The unknowns in this area played very well with the early churches agenda lending credence to the Witch Hunters claims and authority.   The fledgling medical professions also stood to benefit greatly from this because it took the power of the women healers away giving it to the male physicians transferring the respect and power to them.

Unfortunately these misinformed fears and superstitions have carried forward through the centuries and remain to this day.   This is why many who follow these nature oriented beliefs have adopted the name of Wicca over its true name of Witchcraft to escape the persecution, harassment and misinformation associated with the name of Witchcraft and Witch not to mention the bad publicity the press and Hollywood has given us simply to generate a profit.

What Witchcraft is:
Witchcraft is a spiritual system that fosters the free thought and will of the individual, encourages learning and an understanding of the earth and nature thereby affirming the divinity in all living things.   Most importantly however, it teaches responsibility.   We accept responsibility for our actions and deeds as clearly a result of the choices we make.   We do not blame an exterior entity or being for our shortcomings, weaknesses or mistakes.   If we mess up or do something that brings harm to another, we have no one but ourselves to blame and we must face the consequences resulting from those actions.   No ifs, ands or buts and no whining...

We acknowledge the cycles of nature, the lunar phases and the seasons to celebrate our spirituality and to worship the divine.   It is a belief system that allows the Witch to work with, not in supplication to deities with the intent of living in harmony and achieving balance with all things.

The spells that we do involve healing, love, harmony, wisdom and creativity.   The potions that we stir might be a headache remedy, a cold tonic, or an herbal flea bath for our pets.   We strive to gain knowledge of and use the natural remedies placed on this earth by the divine for our benefit instead of using synthetic drugs unless absolutely necessary.

Wiccan believe that the spirit of the One, Goddess and God exist in all things.   In the trees, rain, flowers, the sea, in each other and all of natures creatures.   This means that we must treat "all things" of the Earth as aspects of the divine.   We attempt to honor and respect life in all its many manifestations both seen and unseen.

Wiccan learn from and revere the gift of nature from divine creation by celebrating the cycles of the sun, moon and seasons.   We search within ourselves for the cycles that correspond to those of the natural world and try to live in harmony with the movement of this universal energy.   Our teachers are the trees, rivers, lakes, meadows, mountains and animals as well as others who have walked this path before us.   This belief creates a reverence and respect for the environment, and all life upon the Earth.

We also revere the spirits of the elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water which combine to manifest all creation.   From these four elements we obtain insight to the rhythms of nature and understand they are also the rhythms of our own lives.

Because Witches have been persecuted for so many centuries, we believe in religious freedom first!   We do not look at our path as the only way to achieve spirituality, but as one path among many to the same end.   We are not a missionary religion out to convert new members to think the same as we do.   We are willing to share our experience and knowledge with those who seek our wisdom and perspective however.   We believe that anyone who is meant for this path will find it through their own search as the Goddess speaks to each of us in her time and way.   Wiccan practice tolerance and acceptance toward all other religions as long as those faiths do not persecute others or violate the tenant of "Harm None."

What Witchcraft is not:
More information about Witchcraft is available in the Frequently Asked Questions section, but in the interim, here are the main points.
Witchcraft or Wicca is not a cult.   We do not proclaim ourselves to be spokespersons for the divine or try to get others to follow us as their leaders.

We do not worship Satan or consort with Demons.   Satan is a Christian creation and they can keep him.   We do not need a paranoid creation of supreme evil and eternal damnation to scare us into doing the right thing and helping others.   We choose to do the right thing and love our brothers and sisters because it IS the right thing and it feels good to do it.   I suppose it is a maturity thing.

We do not sacrifice animals or humans because that would violate our basic tenant of "Harm None."   Anyone who does and claims to be a Wiccan or a Witch is lying.

We have no need to steal or control the life force of another to achieve mystical or supernatural powers.   We draw our energy from within, our personal relationship with the divine and nature.

We do not use the forces of nature or the universe to hex or cast spells on others.   Again, "Harm None" is the whole of the law.

Witches have a very strict belief in the Law of Three which states that whatever we send out into our world shall return to us three fold either good or bane.   With this in mind, a "True Witch" would hesitate in doing magick to harm or manipulate another because that boomerang we throw will eventually come back to us much larger and harder then when we threw it.

This is not to say that Witches are perfect, we are human too just like everyone else and make mistakes and errors in judgment.   Just as there are parents who love and nurture their children, there are parents who abuse their children.   As there are many who devote their lives to giving and helping mankind, likewise there are those who devote their lives to taking advantage of and using people for their own gain.   Unfortunately the same flaws in human nature applies to witches too.

Most of us continually strive to consider all potential outcomes of our thoughts and actions pausing to seriously consider the consequences before undertaking a ritual, spell or rite that could go astray.   It is when we follow the path with the love of the Goddess in our hearts and adhere to the basic tenant of the Reed that our works are beneficial and we achieve harmony and balance with all things.

The heart of Wicca is not something summed up into a few short words and can often take on different meaning to each since the Lord and Lady touch us in different ways.   To gain a fuller understanding of the Craft, I urge you visit the other pages on this site as well as following the links to a select group of exceptional Wiccan and Witchcraft sites.   Through the wisdom and words set down through the ages, you will find that you are able to understand the basis of our beliefs and how they may apply to you.   Your inner voice will also quickly let you know if the intent of what you are reading is for superficial purposes to benefit self instead of working to benefit the whole.   Remember to read with your heart, for it is when you see life and the world with your heart and spirit that you truly gain an understanding of what Wicca is.

Blessed Be!

Herne

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http://www.patheos.com/Library/Pagan.html

Paganism represents a wide variety of traditions that emphasize reverence for nature and a revival of ancient polytheistic and animistic religious practices. Some modern forms of Paganism have their roots in 19th century C.E. European nationalism (including the British Order of Druids), but most contemporary Pagan groups trace their immediate organizational roots to the 1960s, and have an emphasis on archetypal psychology and a spiritual interest in nature. Paganism is not a traditional religion per se because it does not have any official doctrine, but it does have some common characteristics joining the great variety of traditions. One of the common beliefs is the divine presence in nature and the reverence of the natural order in life. Spiritual growth is related to the cycles of the Earth and great emphasis is placed on ecological concerns. Monotheism is almost universally rejected within Paganism and most Pagan traditions are particularly interested in the revival of ancient polytheist religious traditions including the Norse (northern Europe) and Celtic (Britain) traditions. Many Pagan traditions are intentionally reconstructionist in that they aim to revive many of the lost rituals of the ancient traditions, including holy days and seasonal celebrations. Besides Nature, many Pagans also worship a variety of gods and goddesses, including spirits which can represent national and local heroes as well as deceased family members. In this sense, many Pagans try to honor their ancestry and ancestors. Some Pagan traditions include ritual magic, but this practice is not universal.

 

Quick Fact Details:

Formed: Since the religious traditions that contemporary Paganisms draw on and seek to restore are ancient, the early 20th century date reflects only the revival of the practices and the communities that are sustained by them.
Origin: The diversity of Pagan traditions includes myths, histories, and lore from a wide variety of pre-Christian sources, including northern Europeans as well as those of ancient Mediterranean communities.
Followers: The diversity of Pagan traditions has made a comprehensive census nearly impossible. Practioners also point out that social discrimination against Paganism has kept many from practicing openly.
 

Quick Fact Sources include www.adherents.com, www.bbc.co.uk/religion, The Oxford Handbook of Global Religions (2006), The Encyclopedia of Religion (2005), the Religious Movements Page at the University of Virginia, The Cambridge Illustrated History of Religions (2002), and the Encyclopedia of World Religions (1999).

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Wicca

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Growth_of_religion#Wicca

The American Religious Identification Survey gives Wicca an average annual growth of 143% for the period 1990 to 2001 (from 8,000 to 134,000 – U.S. data / similar for Canada & Australia).[58][90] According to The Statesman Anne Elizabeth Wynn claims "The two most recent American Religious Identification Surveys declare Wicca, one form of paganism, as the fastest growing spiritual identification in America".[91] The "Free Press Release Distribution Service" claims Wicca is one of the fastest growing religions in the United States as well.[92] Wicca which is largely a Pagan religion is primarily attracting the followers of nature based religions in the Southern United States which is contributing towards its growth.[93]

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I think one of the reasons for the growth of Paganism and Wicca is the internet. This, especially with the young, really got them out to find various internet communities and explore these religions fully. Another appeal which I feel is strongest is the Goddess. For example, many people felt God, being a woman, or maternal figure, is not only appropriate but logical.

It is true the oldest religion involved Goddess worship, that we could find, per Venus figures found and maternial big breasted statues uncovered. Per the age, it was determined Goddess worship is the oldest. But Christianity really silenced the Goddess when it became large and in charge. However, the Catholic Church, to answer for this, did exalt the Virgin Mary, as one who women could revere, in placement of the Goddess.,

I remember when I found Delphi, really the first forum-centered community I began writing on, I was in awe of how many pagans, witches and wiccans were on there. I think a) a maternal, Goddess figure was appealing, espeically to young girls and women. But also b) magic.

The ability to cause change in a positive way, and direct it, and control it, to conform to the will, definitely is appealing to many. Wicca, witchcraft, and various pagan groups offered this. Magic - wow, my will, direct energy, and I can cause change to my liking? Who would not want that?

Christianity, however, like they took up war with new age in past, is really at war with the witches right now. Stark condemnation of these religions is going on, like a new modern witch hunt. People are taking to the internet and writing all condeming things about the pagans and wiccans, seeing this as the result of the enemy being large and in charge. However, for the most part, paganism and wicca are basically earth-based, peaceful religions, and they have been working hard to clean up the image the Christians are purporting.

It does seem interesting however, how the Goddess is coming back, from being silenced for a long time. Perhaps she cannot be silenced, for long. I wonder when modern religions will be more accepting of her. and realize perhaps either God has a consort, or perhaps God is so multifaceted, the material God is still around.

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Here is a common view of the christians vs wicca and their views of it:

http://www.seanmcdowell.org/index.php/cults-religions/whats-the-big-deal-with-wicca/

what’s the big deal with wicca?
Once considered a fringe religion for social misfits, Wicca now has big appeal among teenagers. Thanks to an extreme makeover by the media (and a 1986 federal court ruling that Wicca is a legal religion protected by the U.S. Constitution), Wicca is now one of the fastest growing religions among teenagers. The influence of Wicca can be seen in video games, books, television shows, cartoons, and the Internet. According to the New York Times, Wicca is the fastest-growing, most lucrative subject in publishing today.

what is wicca?
“Wicca” comes from the word wicce, which means to bend or shape nature to one’s service. Also known as witchcraft, Wicca emphasizes worship of the earth, as well as living creatures and both the god and the goddess. It has spiritual roots in the earliest expressions of reverence for nature.

Wicca is a very individualistic and experiential religion with emphasis on personal responsibility. There’s no need to seek forgiveness from an outside authority (i.e., God). Rather, Wiccans are supposed to own up to their own actions, admit their mistakes, and make things right whenever they can. A rule called the “Rede” is at the heart of Wiccan belief. It says, “An ye harm none, do what you will.” Simply put, Wiccans have complete freedom to do what they think is right as long as they don’t hurt themselves or others.

Wicca is built around the worship of two deities, the god and the goddess and from them came the seeds of life. Wicca involves worship of the earth—seen as a living goddess—who cares for us and must be nurtured in return. As a nature religion, Wicca states that we are all one with the spirit, with people, with animals, with plants, and with the elements.

why are teens drawn to wicca?
Given the challenges of contemporary life, many teens are looking for direction. Young people are sincerely trying to make sense out of life and find a way to make it work. And many are looking for answers in the spiritual world. Many teens find belonging, purpose, and significance in Wicca.

The promise of personal power over others and the ability to control your own destiny seems irresistible to many teens. Wicca is revered for its concern for the environment and is seen by many as a female-friendly religion in contrast to a male-dominated Christianity. Since Christianity is often viewed as rigid and intolerant, many are drawn to the “live and let live” mentality of Wicca. One of the other big aspects of Wicca is the opportunity to create one’s own set of beliefs and moral framework for life.

Wicca is “buffet-style” religion that gives adherents the freedom to be their own god. Just as there are different denominations for Christians, there are various kinds of witches. Some witches follow traditions while others practice their own rituals.There are no central governing authorities, no physical leaders or spokesmen, no universally recognized prophets. It’s all about finding what works for the individual, what they like, relate to, and identify with.

the bible and wicca
Despite its popularity, there is much reason for Christians to be concerned about the spread of Wicca. Both the Old and New Testaments refer to the practice of witchcraft and sorcery. These practices are condemned in every instance in which it is mentioned.

The Old Testament prophet Micah warned God’s people from going to witches for direction in life: “I will destroy your witchcraft and you will no longer cast spells” (5:12, NIV). Revelation 21:8 warns about the fate of those who practice witchcraft:

But cowards who turn away from me, and unbelievers, and the corrupt, and murderers, and the immoral, and those who practice witchcraft, and idol worshippers, and all liars—their doom is in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.

Why does God so fiercely condemn witchcraft and similar forms of practice? This reason is that he wants us to rely on Him for guidance, power, and direction. He is our source of strength in life, not the forces of darkness.

what are the differences between wicca and christianity?
Before we look at the differences, it is first important to realize that Wicca and Christianity cannot both be true. If you start closely examining the beliefs, you will see that their essential concepts—God, truth, reality—are strikingly different.

WICCA   CHRISTIANITY
Life after death   Reincarnation   Judgment before God
Salvation   Nothing to be saved from, no God to
be feared   People have sinned and been
separated from God and are in need of salvation
Knowledge of God   Personal experience   Revealed truth from God (the Bible)
Worship   Creation   Creator
Jesus   An enlightened witch   God in human flesh
problems with wicca
Since Wicca and Christianity cannot both be true, you must choose which path you think is right to follow. Choose wisely and carefully weigh the facts. It’s not good enough to just be sincere in your beliefs. Sincerity will not take you very far when it comes to your eternal destiny or even your life right now. Consider some of the following challenges to Wiccan belief:

If we really design our own gods, as Wicca teaches, then our gods are actually weaker than we are. Logically speaking they would be of no real value or use to us. We need a God bigger than us, one who we can turn to in guidance and power to deal with the difficult issues of life. How big is your God? The Christian God is so big that the prophet Isaiah compared him to the number of stars in the sky, which is hundreds of billions (Isaiah 40).
Wiccans believe that somehow we obtain power from rocks, trees, and herbs. Think about it for a moment: Why would you look to rocks or herbs for power when you can grind them up or throw them in the air? Does it really make sense to seek power from created things when we have access to the one who made them? Romans 1:25 says, “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised” (NIV).
Wicca cannot offer divine love and forgiveness. How can you experience love from nature, a rock, or some “universal energy” in the cosmos? Or how about dealing with guilt? Wicca has no solutions to these questions and more. Only the God of the Bible can offer true love, forgiveness, and freedom from guilt.
Wicca is based entirely on feeling and experience. Think about it: do you really want to base your eternal destiny on feelings and experiences? Christianity is unique because there is historical evidence—fulfilled prophecy, eyewitness testimony, archaeological facts, scientific data—that confirm its truth.
The Bible makes it clear that the only path to God is not through religion, but through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus was unique because he was the only one who could bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful people. Honestly compare Jesus with other religious figures throughout history. When you do, there will be little doubt in your mind why you should choose to follow him.

Footnotes

See Steve Russo, What’s the Deal with Wicca (Minneapolis, Minn.: Bethany House Publishers, 2005), 12. This article is a summary of Steve’s book, which I highly recommend for further research on Wicca.
Fiona Horne, Pop! Goes the Witch (New York: The Disinformation Company, Ltd., 2004), 17.