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Wicca is a religion - an earth-based Pagan religion. Like its
African counterparts, Wicca incorporates a magical system into its beliefs but
performing magic is not a requirement of the system.
Wicca is one of the newest forms of philosophy within the occult
community. Its origin was in the late 1930's and was started by a man named Gerald
Gardner (1884 - 1964). It has since branched into a wide range of beliefs and
practices.
The Army Chaplain's Handbook describes Wicca as:
Wiccans worship the sacred as immanent in Nature, often personified
as Mother Earth and Father Sky. As polytheists, they may use many other names
for Deity. Individuals will often choose Goddesses or Gods from any of the world's
pantheons whose stories are particularly inspiring and use those Deities as a
focus for personal devotions. Similarly, covens will use particular Deity names
as a group focus, and the groups often hold these secret. I
It is very important to be aware that Wiccans do not in any way worship or believe
in "Satan," "the Devil," or any similar entities. They point out that "Satan"
is a symbol of rebellion against and inversion of the Christian and Jewish traditions.
Wiccans do not revile the Bible. They simply regard it as one among many of the
world's mythic systems, less applicable than some to their core values, but still
deserving just as much respect as any of the others.
Most Wiccan groups also practice magic, by which they mean the direction and use
of "psychic energy," those natural but invisible forces which surround all living
things. Some members spell the word "magick," to distinguish it from sleight of
hand entertainment.
Wiccans employ such means as dance, chant, creative visualization and hypnosis
to focus and direct psychic energy for the purpose of healing, protecting and
aiding members in various endeavors. Such assistance is also extended to nonmembers
upon request.
Many, but not all, Wiccans believe in reincarnation. Some take this as a literal
description of what happens to people when they die. For others, it is a symbolic
model that helps them deal with the cycles and changes within this life. Neither
Reincarnation nor any other literal belief can be used as a test of an individual's
validity as a member of the Old Religion.
Most groups have a handwritten collection of rituals and lore, known as a Book
of Shadows. Part of the religious education of a new member will be to hand copy
this book for him or herself. Over they years, as inspiration provides, new material
will be added. Normally, access to these books is limited to the initiated members
of the religion.
This is a decent enough overview of the wide range of beliefs
that fall under the title of Wicca.
For a comparison of Wicca to Paganism, Witchcraft and other Earth-based
religions see Wren Walker's discussion @ Witchvox.com
Or read more at Religious
Tolerance.org
Blessings,
Tribble
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