what do people who are wiccan believe in?

Answer 1

Wicca is a henotheistic religion, which recognises its own specific gods, while not denying the existence of gods and goddesses from other pantheons. Wicca itself is a 'hard polytheistic' religion, meaning that Wicca see their deities as specific individual beings. The gods of Wicca are known as the Horned God and Great Mother, these are outer court references meant to be used as place holders for the real names of their gods until the Seeker is initiated and taught those names.

Wicca was founded by Gerald Gardner in around the 1930's, although the exact date is open for discussion, also open for discussion is whether Gardner founded Wicca entirely or whether it was an already existing spirituality which he merely re-introduced and re-invented, either way he is considered the founding father of Wicca. Gardner brought together Paganism with influences from many sources including the rituals and teachings of Freemasonry and Golden dawn resulting in a unique orthopraxic religion. Wicca embraces it's early Pagan roots in history, the history of Pagan faiths and the gods whom they followed and worshipped, Wicca also introduces eastern philosophy into it's primarily western path, along with this possibly one of Wicca's best known features, that of religious witchcraft.

Wicca is gaining much attention due to a change in peoples approach to religion and the increase in public awareness of the religion through media attention and with this attention there has come much change to the face of Wicca with many forms:


WICCA:
Wicca is an initiate only mystery tradition, or more precisely a priesthood, where one can trace their lineage back to Gardner. Initiation is the only way into Wicca, and is carried out by a Wicca coven, initiation into a coven requires formal training after which initiation and a system of degrees is followed.

Wicca follows a strong set of doctrines, one who takes on the name 'Wicca' is also taking on these doctrines as well as practices and beliefs of Wicca, the title of 'Wicca' implies more than that you are a member of Wicca, but also that you have worked long and hard to earn that title.
Seekers are those who wish to become Wicca however have yet to find a Wicca coven. Wicca covens can be hard to find let alone become a member of, often those whom are without a coven continue to study Wicca and surrounding subjects while seeking a Wicca coven to join.

Often Wicca is described as 'Traditional Wicca' or 'BTW:British Traditional Wicca'.


NEO-WICCA:
Neo-wicca is a new phenomenon, which is usually wholly eclectic, however like Wicca there are various different traditions. Neo-wicca often learn on their own terms, from books and other sources, but have little or no formal training and no initiation into Wicca. The beliefs of Neo-wicca are generally similar to that of Wicca however the details can often vary greatly as it follows the new age idea of personal belief/spirituality over formal religious doctrine. Neo-Wicca have varied views of the divine, either following soft-polytheism seeing all gods and goddesses as one god/goddess, polytheism working with gods and goddesses from various pantheons or pantheism working with a single divine present in all.

The 'Neo' in Neo-wicca refers to the New Age approach taken by Neo-wicca that puts emphasis on personal spirituality or belief over the organized religion of Wicca. It also refers to a new take on Wicca, this has less to do with the age of the religion but the idea that this is a belief system which may have come naturally from Wicca if it was allowed to evolve in it’s own time, media influences have brought about Neo-wicca, it develops paralleled to Wicca, but is not part of Wicca.

Often Neo-wicca describe themselves as 'Eclectic Wicca' or 'Solitary Wicca', although not actually Wicca.


Although Wicca is heavily influenced or based upon witchcraft it is not the main belief behind Wicca, the terms 'Wicca' and 'witch' are not interchangeable. The practice of witchcraft fits well with the Wicca way of prayer and ritual, which often involves a highly personal relationship with the divine, the witchcraft of Wicca also works well with how Wicca views the universe as working, however it should be noted that witchcraft can be practiced by many religions as well as by Atheists and Agnostics.

Wicca is not dogmatic, much of the morality and ethics of Wicca are in fact determined by the individuals take on a given situation. Often followers of Wicca will incorporate utilitarianism, which means that an act is carried out for the greater good or elements of their own morality rather then seek to find suitable behavior based on Wicca doctrine.

The rede plays a large part in the morality and ethics of Wicca, there are many takes and much documentation on the rede that can be found in many places, the rede however in itself can be clearly understood by the quote below given by Gardner himself.

"[Witches] are inclined to the morality of the legendary Good King Pausol, "Do what you like so long as you harm no one". But they believe a certain law to be important, "You must not use magic for anything which will cause harm to anyone, and if, to prevent a greater wrong being done, you must discommode someone, you must do it only in a way which will abate the harm." Gerald Gardner, The Meaning of Witchcraft, p 127 in the 1982 and 1999 printings

Another aspect of the Wiccan ethical philosophy is that of the 'law of return' often known as the 'three fold law' which is similar to that of western karmic philosophy, that anything you do either good or bad will come back to you. Law of return is often more closely associated with magic ethics rather than the everyday ethics covered by the rede or other Wiccan ethical beliefs, however is often thought of as cause and effect. This is also often referred to as the 'rule of three' or 'law of three'. For the most part these morals and ethics are held more strongly by Neo-wicca, within Wicca these are often only taught to new initiates and Seekers to help them learn responsibility for their actions, for the most part Wicca rely on personal moral and ethical philosophies.


WICCA LINKS:
http://amberandjet.spiralpaths.org - Amber & Jet
http://www.cyprian.org/Articles/gardchron.htm - Gardnerian Chronology and Bibliography
http://www.wargoddess.net/index.php - Enyo`s Workshop
http://wicca.timerift.net/ - Wicca: For the Rest of Us
http://www.homecircle.info - Homecircle
http://www.starkindler.org/ - StarFire Rising
http://www.asiya.org/ - Asiya`s Shadows
http://www.newwiccanchurch.net - New Wiccan Church International

Answer 2

There have been some good points brought up. I don't think anyone mentioned there are spirtual consequences to practicing Witchcraft, and I don't think that gets stressed enough by followers of the Craft (and I'm guilty of that too). Yes, some people do have bad expirences in Wicca, and other forms of occultism as well. Even if one person tells you they never have had a bad expirence, that doesn't mean you won't. No one can guareentee what you will or won't do or what mistakes you may make when you practice Wicca. This is not a game.

The Good Witch's Bible for instance does come with a disclaimer that the authors are not responsible for what happens to the user, even including spirit possession. That's one reason I reccomend it so much.

This is why I bristle when I see fluffies giving out spells online like candy. They'll mention the law of return (probably learned it from watching Charmed), and then turn around and give out a "an ancient Celtic love spell" that's minutes old. Arrgh.

If you really want to learn Wicca, you have to go to a real coven that practices skyclad (nude) and really has the great rite (tantric sex), and doesn't simply stick a blade in a chalice. If they're scared to take off their clothes, they're probably scared of real witchcraft too. If you're not 18 yet, your parents would have to sign a waiver to let you join a coven (a real coven anyway).

In order to become a Wiccan, you will have to be intiated via the Great Rite by a High Priest. You cannot do this by reading a book or a website (this isn't meant to be mean, it's just reality).

A lot of people will email you and offer to "train" you. Often times these types only know what they read out of a book or a website, and haven't actually been initiated. There are just somethings you have to do in person. So, just keep those things in mind.

Answer 3

We believe in the God and Goddess, Nature, Magick and our Rede. An it harm none, do what ye will. Meaning we don't want anyone to be harmed in any way, even ourselves. We do not believe in Satan becasue he is only found in the Christain faith. We do not believe in hurting people not just becasue of Karma but also we are kind people. {not all but most}

Bide the Wiccan Laws ye must In Perfect Love and Perfect Trust.
Live an’ let live - Fairly take an’ fairly give.
Cast the Circle thrice about To keep all evil spirits out.
To bind the spell every time - Let the spell be spake in rhyme.
Soft of eye an’ light of touch - Speak little, listen much.
Deosil go by the waxing Moon - Sing and dance the Wiccan rune.
Widdershins go when the Moon doth wane, An’ the Werewolf howls by the dread Wolfsbane.
When the Lady’s Moon is new, Kiss thy hand to Her times two.
When the Moon rides at Her peak Then your heart’s desire seek.
Heed the Northwind’s mighty gale - Lock the door and drop the sail.
When the wind comes from the South, Love will kiss thee on the mouth.
When the wind blows from the East, Expect the new and set the feast.
When the West wind blows o’er thee, Departed spirits restless be.
Nine woods in the Cauldron go - Burn them quick an’ burn them slow.
Elder be ye Lady’s tree - Burn it not or cursed ye’ll be.
When the Wheel begins to turn - Let the Beltane fires burn.
When the Wheel has turned a Yule, Light the Log an’ let Pan rule.
Heed ye flower bush an’ tree - By the Lady Blessèd Be.
Where the rippling waters go Cast a stone an’ truth ye’ll know.
When ye have need, Hearken not to others greed.
With the fool no season spend Or be counted as his friend.
Merry meet an’ merry part - Bright the cheeks an’ warm the heart.
Mind the Threefold Law ye should - Three times bad an’ three times good.
When misfortune is enow, Wear the Blue Star on thy brow.
True in love ever be Unless thy lover’s false to thee.
Eight words ye Wiccan Rede fulfill - An’ it harm none, Do what ye will.
The poem has since been very widely circulated and has appeared in other versions, with additional or variant passages

Answer 4

From the US Army Chaplain's Handbook:

BASIC BELIEFS: Wiccans worship the sacred as immanent in Nature, often personified as Mother Earth and Father Sky (note from Tirya: they are most commonly referred to as "The God" and "The Goddess"). 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 these are often held secret by the groups.

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 entertainments. 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 non-members upon request.

Many, but not all, Wiccans believe in reincarnation.

There is much more information available here: http://www.religioustolerance.org/wic_usbk.htm

Answer 5

Try the following website: http://www.modernwiccan.com

Note to Jesus Freak: Wiccans do NOT believe in Satan. They don't think that Satan exists. Just how likely do you think it is that someone would worship a being that they do not believe exists? Get real. If you disagree with them, give reasons that are based on FACTS, not just what your preacher or favorite televangelist says.
.

Answer 6

It's an occult religion with a strong Celtic motiff.

It was mostly a sex cult started around 1950 by Gerald Gardner. He was a disciple of Aleister Crowley, a man who called himself "The Great Beast 666". Gardner plagarized many things from Crowley's writings for his book of shadows. Later Doreen Valentine re-wrote parts the BoS to try to hide this fact.
Wiccan Third Degree Initiation From The Gardnerian Book of Shadows

O Circle of Stars Whereof our father is but the younger brother
Marvel beyond imagination, soul of infinite space, Before whom time is bewildered and understanding dark, Not unto thee may we attain unless thine image be love. Therefore by seed and root, by stem and bud, by leaf and flower and fruit, Do we invoke thee, O Queen of Space, O dew of light, Continuous one of the heavens Let it be ever thus, that men speak not of thee as one, but as none; And let them not speak of thee at all, since thou art continuous.

Crowley's Gnostic Mass:O circle of Stars whereof our Father is but the younger brother, marvel beyond imagination, soul of infinite space, before whom Time is Ashamed, the mind bewildered and the understanding dark, not unto Thee may we
attain, unless Thine image be Love. Therefore by seed and root and stem and bud and leaf and flower and fruit do we invoke Thee. Then the priest answered & said unto the Queen of Space, kissing her lovely brows, & the dew of her light bathing his whole body in a sweet- smelling perfume of sweat; O Nuit, continuous one of Heaven, let it be ever thus; that men speak not of thee as One but as None; and let them speak not of thee at all, since thou art continuous!

It's no coincidence they are word for word.

Gardner was into S&M and a nudist. He also had a thing for knives. Coincidentally, he discovered Wicca, which had somehow escaped detection for thousands of years on a tiny island nation, and it just happened to also be into tying people up and flogging them while naked and having sex (as well as knives and swords).

The thing you need to know about Wicca is that it is a hoax. I have never met a Wiccan with magic powers. They're just people like everyone else who live a fantasy life to escape reality.

You can email me if you want more info.

Answer 7

For what I understand they can adapt pretty much anything. I am guessing that is the main concept of Wicca. I use to hear there was an emphasis on nature but never knew what to make of it. Like if there was a sole belief of mother nature and nature in general, like maybe no big bangs, bells and whistles like most religions.

Answer 8

We honor the Goddess and God and nature. We believe in the harm non and rule of three.

Answer 9

Another good site to check out is
www.witchschool.com
They have a basic course (for free) that answers many questions on Wicca.

Answer 10

A Goddess, a God, respect for nature, and the power of magick.

Answer 11

wicca is nature worship