It is a common question... What is Wicca? Are all witches Wiccan? Honestly, I am familiar with and can give basic answers to these questions, but I am not Wiccan according to the original definition of Wicca. I know, confusing, but I will try to explain.
To begin with Wicca, from my studies, only showed itself to be a religion in the early 1900's in England, then was popularized by Gerald Gardner. From my understanding Wicca is a belief system that stemed from Pagan beliefs. True Pagans, again from my understanding, are those who believe and worship many Gods and Goddess. Wiccan religion is based upon a belief in a female and male divine spirits commonly known as the Lord and Lady or God and Goddess. Please note that this is a basic explaination of the religion but not absolute. I am always open to discussions with others regarding this topic and would love to hear what you all think.
Now, there really is more on this subject, but this is a good place to begin. Much of Wicca has evolved from Pagan beliefs... and continues to grow. What I have found to be so interesting and wonderful about Wicca is that it allows each within to choose, grow, and practice without the ridgetity of absolute rules; thus, it becomes personalized. Religion should be a personal journey, in my opinion. It is wonderful to meet others of like minds and work, enjoy their presence, but truly a spiritual journey is an inner one. There are basic things common to Wiccans, but each Wiccan is an individual with thier beliefs. Sometimes a group of Wiccans come together forming covens sharing and growing as a group, but it all begins with the individual.
Gosh, this is a huge subject!
There are many elements that Wiccans have in common: the belief in a balance in male and female divinity, an appreciation of and working with nature, Harm None and do as thy will (Wiccan Reed), recognition of the Sabbats and Esbats, and a few others we can discuss...there just is so much and I wish to give only food for thought ... and encourage you to seek more on your own. ...and don't forget the belief in magical possibilities!
To answer the second question... are all Wiccans witches? No... but sad to say that most believe so. Wicca is a religion of which magic is part of; however, Wiccans do not have to practice magic, ritual or ceremonial. Also note that not all witches are Wiccans because not all witches believe as Wiccan. (Many witches are Pagan or otherwise) And, yep!...Pagans are different.
Well... for the beginners, that can be a lot to swallow or simply confusing. I would be happy to share more of myself and my beliefs...just ask. For now, I just wish to leave you all with this: seek, ask questions, study/read... find your spirit within and fly.
Until the next we meet.... Be safe and Blessed Be!
... thoughts from butterflimoon
To begin with Wicca, from my studies, only showed itself to be a religion in the early 1900's in England, then was popularized by Gerald Gardner. From my understanding Wicca is a belief system that stemed from Pagan beliefs. True Pagans, again from my understanding, are those who believe and worship many Gods and Goddess. Wiccan religion is based upon a belief in a female and male divine spirits commonly known as the Lord and Lady or God and Goddess. Please note that this is a basic explaination of the religion but not absolute. I am always open to discussions with others regarding this topic and would love to hear what you all think.
Now, there really is more on this subject, but this is a good place to begin. Much of Wicca has evolved from Pagan beliefs... and continues to grow. What I have found to be so interesting and wonderful about Wicca is that it allows each within to choose, grow, and practice without the ridgetity of absolute rules; thus, it becomes personalized. Religion should be a personal journey, in my opinion. It is wonderful to meet others of like minds and work, enjoy their presence, but truly a spiritual journey is an inner one. There are basic things common to Wiccans, but each Wiccan is an individual with thier beliefs. Sometimes a group of Wiccans come together forming covens sharing and growing as a group, but it all begins with the individual. Gosh, this is a huge subject!
There are many elements that Wiccans have in common: the belief in a balance in male and female divinity, an appreciation of and working with nature, Harm None and do as thy will (Wiccan Reed), recognition of the Sabbats and Esbats, and a few others we can discuss...there just is so much and I wish to give only food for thought ... and encourage you to seek more on your own. ...and don't forget the belief in magical possibilities!
To answer the second question... are all Wiccans witches? No... but sad to say that most believe so. Wicca is a religion of which magic is part of; however, Wiccans do not have to practice magic, ritual or ceremonial. Also note that not all witches are Wiccans because not all witches believe as Wiccan. (Many witches are Pagan or otherwise) And, yep!...Pagans are different.
Well... for the beginners, that can be a lot to swallow or simply confusing. I would be happy to share more of myself and my beliefs...just ask. For now, I just wish to leave you all with this: seek, ask questions, study/read... find your spirit within and fly.
Until the next we meet.... Be safe and Blessed Be!
... thoughts from butterflimoon
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