WiccaFrom TinWiki.org
Wicca is a neopagan, nature-based religion popularized in 1954 by Gerald Gardner. He said that the religion was a modern survival of an old witchcraft mystery religion that had secretly existed for hundreds of years that had originated in the pre-Christian paganism of Europe. Wiccans, the followers of Wicca, typically worship a god (traditionally the Horned God) and a goddess (traditionally the Triple Goddess). They perform ritual magic, follow a liberal code of morality, and celebrate eight seasonal-based festivals. There are various lineages or traditions of Wicca which grew out of the branch popularized by Gardner, which came to be called Gardnerian Wicca. Each lineage has distinctive rituals, oral traditions, and liturgy; most remain secretive and require that members be initiated. Other traditions, including Eclectic Wiccans, do not believe any doctrine or traditional initiation is necessary in order to practice Wicca. The term Wicca has various usages. Traditionally, Wicca referred only to initiatory witchcraft in the lineage of Gardner and the New Forest Coven (Gardnerian Wicca and Alexandrian Wicca), sometimes referred to as British Traditional Wicca in North America. Recently, Wicca has become more inclusive and encompasses a number of traditions inspired but independent of that lineage.
[edit] Core BeliefsAlthough Wiccan views on theology vary, the majority of Wiccans worship a goddess and a god. These are variously understood through the frameworks of:
In some pantheistic and duotheistic conceptions, deities from diverse cultures may be seen as aspects of the goddess or god. [edit] The God and the GoddessFor most Wiccans, Wicca is a duotheistic religion worshipping both a god and a goddess, who are seen as complementary. The god is sometimes symbolized as the sun, the goddess as the moon. The God Traditionally, the god is viewed as a Horned God of nature. He is seen as a god of sexuality, woodlands, and hunting, equated with the ancient pagan deities such as the Celtic god Cernunnos and Greek god Pan. At times, the god is viewed as the Green Man (a traditional figure in European art and architecture) or as a sun god. Another depiction of the god is as the Oak King and the Holly King. One rules over Spring and Summer, the other rules over Autumn and Winter. The Goddess The goddess is portrayed as a Triple Goddess with aspects of "Maiden", "Mother", and "Crone". Some Wiccans see the goddess as preeminent, containing and conceiving all; the god is the spark of life and inspiration within her, simultaneously her lover and her child. In some traditions, the goddess is seen as complete unto herself, and the god is not worshipped at all. [edit] AfterlifeBeliefs in the afterlife vary among Wiccans. Reincarnation is a traditional Wiccan teaching, but this belief is not universal. Many Wiccans believe in the ability to contact the spirits of the dead through spirit mediums or other divination tools. [edit] MagicWiccans believe in magic that can be manipulated through the form of witchcraft or sorcery. They cast spells through the form of ritual practices. [edit] Ritual PracticesWiccans use a variety of rituals when practicing magic, casting spells, and celebrating various festivals.
After a ritual has finished, the god, goddess, and guardians are thanked, and the circle is closed. Some Wiccans perform their rituals and practice in the nude, also known as skyclad. Most work clothed, in robes tied at the waist, Renaissance type clothing, or normal street clothes. [edit] MoralityWiccan morality is largely based on the Wiccan Rede which states: An it harm none, do what ye will At times, it is written: Do as ye will, as long as ye harm none This is usually interpreted as a declaration of the freedom to act along with the necessity of personal responsibility and minimizing harm to oneself and others. Another common element of Wiccan morality is the "Law of Threefold Return". This holds that whatever actions a person performs, good or bad, will return to that person with triple force. Many Wiccans seek to cultivate a set of eight virtues mentioned in "Charge of the Goddess":
[edit] The Five ElementsWiccans believe in the five classical elements; they are seen as symbolic as opposed to literal.
The five elements are symbolized by the five points of the pentagram. The pentagram is the most prominently used symbol of Wicca. [edit] Special OccasionsWiccans hold a wide range of occasions with religious reverence.
[edit] Rites of Passage
[edit] Symbols
[edit] Covens and Solitary WiccansLineaged Wicca is organized into covens of initiated priests and priestesses. Covens are autonomous, generally headed by a High Priest and High Priestess working in a partnership. A commonly quoted Wiccan tradition holds that the ideal number of members for a coven is thirteen, although this is not a hard and fast rule. Some covens are larger, some smaller. Initiation into a coven is traditionally preceded by a waiting period of at least a year and a day. Courses of study may be set during this time, and a dedication ceremony may be performed during this period before the initiation proper. This allows the person to attend certain rituals on a probationary basis. Some solitary Wiccans also choose to study for a year and a day before their self-dedication to the religion. Eclectic Wiccans are more often than not solitary practitioners. They may attend gatherings and other community events, but their spiritual practices are done alone. Eclectic Wiccans now significantly outnumber lineaged Wiccans, and their beliefs and practices tend to be much more varied. [edit] External Links[edit] Relevant discussion threads on AboveTopSecret.com |
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