2006-06-23 03:42:47 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Wicca is a form of neopaganism. All Wiccans are Pagan but not all Pagans are Wiccan.
A Neopagan religion is a modern faith which has been recently reconstructed from beliefs, deities, symbols, practices and other elements of an ancient religion. For example, the Druidic religion is based on the faith and practices of the ancient Celtic professional class; followers of Asatru adhere to the ancient, pre-Christian Norse religion; Wiccans also trace their roots back to the pre-Celtic era in Europe. Other Neo-pagans follow Roman, Greek, Egyptian or similar ancient tradition.
Many Wiccans and other Neopagans refer to themselves simply as "Pagans." Unfortunately, the word has many different meanings -- some quite negative. The term "Neopagan" is less ambiguous.
2006-06-23 03:48:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The difference is the same as between Christianity and Catholocism. Paganism, like Christianity, is a general term that covers many different beliefs and practices that have a similar basis. Wicca, like Catholocism, is a specific "denomination" (for lack of a better word) that falls under the category of Paganism/Christianity.
2006-06-30 03:06:19 · answer #2 · answered by Pandora 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wicca is a pagan path, but paganism isn't necessarily Wicca.
Paganism is an umbrella term that encompasses many different paths. Think of it in terms of Christianity, which has many different "denominations" under its heading.
Just as a Christian may be a Southern Baptist, that doesn't mean that all Christians are. Wiccans are pagans, but not all pagans are Wiccans. Some are Druids, Celts, Native Americans, British Traditionalists, Feris, etc., etc.
Hope that makes sense.
2006-06-23 03:49:23 · answer #3 · answered by oaksterdamhippiechick 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wicca is a fairly new religion based on many ancient principles of paganism which had no "formal" name. I follow a "Wiccan" belief system, however I do not subscribe to all formalities of the "Religion". I prefer to practice as the ancients did, without the structure of "organizational" institution.
2006-06-23 03:50:51 · answer #4 · answered by woman of 2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Paganism is a generalized term for earth-based religions. Wicca is a specific pagan religion.
2006-06-23 03:46:46 · answer #5 · answered by Erin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Same thing, except Wicca employs more New Age things and does rituals and magic stuff. Rituals include drinking some nasty things.
2006-06-23 03:46:37 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wicca is a subsection of paganism
2006-06-23 03:46:19 · answer #7 · answered by sam21462 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The two are closely interrelated ... they both stem from an affinity with the Earth.
2006-06-23 03:47:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋