How would you explain wicca and witchcraft to a family member or friend??

Question

Without throwing them in the deep end.

Answer 1

I would explain Wicca or Paganism as a religion with a very deep reverence for nature. A lot of people have the misconception that Pagans "worship" nature. They might bring that up. Also, the polytheistic element of the religion can be a little "off putting". If you're the type of person who sees the gods/godesses as symbolic, tell them so. Others believe the gods/godesses are "real", i.e. they exist in some physical/spiritual form other than archetype created by the collective unconcious. Explain your beliefs, but try to spin it in a way that doesn't seem too "out there". I always liked comparing the "Rule of 3" in Wicca to the Golden Rule. It's really basically the same thing.

Above all, let them know(if they bring it up, otherwise don't...) that Wicca is not an EVIL religion. It is about the love of the natural world, the turning of the seasons. If witchcraft or spellcraft comes up, let your relatives/friends know that spells are nothing but intention, not unlike prayers. There's just more symbolism tied to spells(ie the charms, crystals, candles, herbs, etc. that are used) than the average prayer. Same goes for divination, if you do that sort of thing(hardly knew a witch that DIDN'T do something!). It's not EVIL. It's an attempt at seeing a part of the possible future and then avoiding any nastyness that could arise by doing or not doing something.

You'll do fine if you're confronted. Just remember...your beliefs are just that. They can believe whatever they want, but it doesn't change you. If they think you've gone off the "deep end", pick out a book or two from your library (something really non threatening) and let them read it.

Answer 2

You don't that's how.

Look, Witchcraft has an important rule called the Witch's Pyramid, "To Know, To Will, To Dare, And TO KEEP SILENT". If you go around telling everyone, you're not a Witch. Secrecy is the most important part of Witchcraft! The less people who know, the better. Where I used to work there were 3 Wiccans besides me. Everybody could tell, because they wore Pentagrams the size of hubcaps, and ended every phrase with, "Oh, goddess". They read books on Wicca (if Ravenpoof can be called such) on their break and made sure they told everyone just to be sure. No one ever knew I was a Wiccan at work...ecspecially the 3 fluffies. Most people can't handle the secrecy of Witchcraft which is why most people aren't real Witches. People that want to be noticed are just doing it for attention.

Blessed Be!

Answer 3

My personal experience with "others" that don't understand wicca or the Craft or any of the Earth religions is that the less you tell them the better. If they are truly curious for their own knowledge then you could go into more detail, but...
Usually I just say that it is very similar to Native American practices.

When questioned about the "worship" of gods & goddesses, I reply that the gods & goddesses are just facets of the Creator, just as we wear different "masks" for different purposes.

Another thing I tell people is that it isn't necessarily "Nature worship", but appreciation and acknowledgment of all that the Earth provides us.
The seasons remind us of the agricultural growth cycle that was so important to the ancients, the rites (or spells) are no different than what you see in the Catholic church, and that spellcasting is like saying a really powerful prayer (which it is-you are asking for the cooperation of the Universe toward an intended outcome.)

You could also use the "science" approach-Wicca is science after all...
Describe energy and how it can be manipulated and directed, just like the electricity coming into our home through copper wires.

Those would be my short, simple (not off the deep end )answers.

Most people just smile and nod at me and walk away thinking I'm a weirdo, but for those that a re genuinely interested in the Craft for gnosis' sake, I find these answers to be just enough.

Hope this helps. Much luck to you!

By the way, I started studying the Craft over 20 years ago. I thought if my mother ever found out she would disown me. I was very pleasantly surprised that she was much more accepting than I thought she would be-and when I answered her questions, I found that for a staunch Lutheran, she actually agreed with most of my points on sprituality. Who knew?

Answer 4

Actually I am writing a paper for a religions class and I choose to compare Wicca and Christianity. I had to interview a person of that faith and I sent out a couple emails and one Bryan Lankford responded. He actually is the author of a book called Wicca Demystified a guide for practioners, families and friends and it is geared towards explaining the religion to people who are interested in knowing what the religion is about. It does not teach you spells or anything, just the basic belief system of wiccans Check out this website

http://www.wiccademystified.com/
This helps people get past the myths and such and explains the truth. This guy is a high priest and is very nice and upfront about his religion. He wrote this book when he could not find one that did not try to get you involved in the religion. It is made for people in your situation. I hope this helps you.

Answer 5

My mom is a solitaire Wiccan. She doesn't belong to a coven. She is a very wonderful person. She is very giving and friendly. Noone would ever guess she's a witch. So when she finally explains the symbols she wears (on a daily basis) people are stunned because they thought witches were of the devil. It's so funny to watch their faces. I get a kick out of it!! So does her mother, a devout 84 yr old catholic.
I would explain Wicca as earth worship. Appreciating, respecting and understanding nature. Their statement is "Harm None".

Answer 6

Wicca is a deep appreciation of many things, for example, watching the sunrise or sunset, the forest in the light of a glowing moon,the light and shape of the moon whether it be waxing or waning, a meadow enchanted by the first light of day. It is the morning dew on the petals of a beautiful flower, the gentleness of a warm summer breeze upon your skin, or the warmth of the summer sun on your face. Wicca is the fall of colorful autumn leaves, and the softness of winter snow. It is light, and shadow and all that lies in between. It is the song of the birds and other creatures of the wild. It is being in the presence of Mother Earths nature and being humbled in reverence. To be a Witch is to be a healer, a teacher, a seeker, a giver, and a protector of all things. If this path is yours, may you walk it with honor, light and integrity. It is something that touches your heart, opens your eyes and you no longer see in black and white, but you take notice and respect our earth and those around you. And to show appreciation, we do rituals giving thanks to Mother Earth etc for what we have, and we do spells to!, but nothing nasty. :)
Blessed Be

Answer 7

Wicca based largely on religious elements from the ancient Celt's wiccans generally consider themselves to be witches not all witches are Wicca.

Wiccan's are not the archetypal witch they do not:
Rides a broom
Have a black cat
Wears a pointed hat
Cast spells

They follow the ways of the accient herbalist who where considered to have magic powers thus became hunted and tales made up about them flying around at night on broomsticks.

Witches are different and I think the best explanation is through books or the net.

Answer 8

Wicca is worshipping Mother Earth. We believe in the power of the Earth and everything in nature. We do unto other as we would have then do unto us. We aren't that much different than Christianity, we just don't believe in a single God. It's a strong spiritual sense of belonging and loving. We are caring and respectful.

We would never push or religion on others and we don't want yours pushed on us.

Answer 9

Just explain that it is an earth religion and that you try to keep yourself balanced using nature. There is no need to start throwing in the names of gods and goddesses or anything they might not understand. If they are interested, tell them where they can look up more information.

Answer 10

I guess it would have to depend on the relationship with that person. I've tried explaining it to my family, but they still don't get it. I think the best way might just be to say that you are Wiccan and give them a printout of the Pricniples of Wiccan belief. Therefore they can see for themselves.