What is the difference between Wicca and witchcraft?
The answer varies greatly depending on who you ask. Some say Wicca is a modern-day interpretation of witchcraft; an updating of pagan rites that existed thousands of years before Christianity became a prominent faith. There are many different sects of Wicca, each with it's own cultural and ceremonial base. However, not everyone who calls him or herself a witch is Wiccan, even though the terms are thought of as being synonymous with each other.
Do Wiccans worship a Deity or higher power?
Yes, but not in the Judeo-Christian sense. Wiccans worship the "Goddess" and "God" as iminent sources of divinity and polarity that exist in every part of both the natural and supernatural universe, including within ourselves as human beings. There are many Goddesses and many Gods with whom specific attributes are associated. Some traditions call them by specific names; others refer to them simply in the collective, all-encompassing sense. Most Wiccans feel they are no less divine than the deities they believe in, and strive to tap into the inner and outer power characteristics of these deities.
Does Wicca have rules like other religions?
Yes, Wicca has a few "rules" or laws, which are epitomized in the Wiccan Rede, the short form of which is on the front page.
The principle concept of importance is "If It Harms None, Do As You Will". This speaks not only of actions, but of intentions as well. It is moreso your intentions than your actions that are ultimately returned to you, Wiccans believe, three times over.
But what about the self-defense part? Does that cancel out the rule of three?
No. If someone else's actions or intentions are not in one's best interests, a Wiccan has the right to "defend" him or herself magically by using protection or binding spells. This does not give license to add anger or ill-intent in return; that would still come back threefold.
Isn't this all a guise to hide the fact that Wiccans are evil Satan worshippers that practice black magic?
Absolutely not! Wiccans do not believe in the Christian concept of Satan. There are sects of witches who do worship the Devil, but Wicca is not one of them. Furthermore, "evil" is a relative term, as is "good". Most Wiccans believe that things are neither "good" nor "evil", but just are within the order of the universe. There is no true evil: just conflicting agendas.
Are men allowed to be Wiccan or is it exclusively for women?
Anyone, regardless of sex, race, or previous religious beliefs can become a Wiccan.
What about Magick? Is it real?
Many Wiccans practice Magick; and yes, it is very real. Magick is a means of focusing, gathering, and sending energy to achieve a desired result. The "casting" of Magickal "spells" usually takes place during ceremonies, or rituals, held to invoke and honor the God and the Goddess. The specifics of rituals and spells vary depending on the number of participants involved, the time of the month, and the time of the year. Wiccans construct their rituals and spells using various references (some of which are given in these pages) and record them in a Book of Shadows.
Aren't Wiccans afraid of what will happen to them after they die?
No. Many Wiccans believe that death is just a change in energy; nothing truly dies, it just changes form. Most Wiccans also believe that if they so choose they can reincarnate as many times as they wish. It is a divine right to do so, not a penalty for past actions.
Why have I heard so little about Wicca? Other religions seem more ambitious about recruiting converts.
Wiccans do not actively seek to convert others. There are many paths that lead to the same place, and each person has the right to choose his or her beliefs. However, most Wiccans will happily answer any questions posed to them regarding their faith.
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