Difference between a Wiccan and Pagan?

Answer 1

All Wiccans are Pagans by definition.

There is a set of religions called "Paganism."

Within that set there is a sub-set called "Witchcraft"

Within that sub-set there is a further sub-set called "Wicca".

A Witch is a woman or man who practices a life-affirming, Earth- and nature-oriented religion, honoring Divinity in female as well as (or instead of) male aspects, and practicing Magic (which some Witches spell "magick," to distinguish it from stage illusions). There are many different traditions of Witches, encompassing many beliefs in addition to these. Some traditions are practiced by women only, and recognize only the Divine Feminine, the Goddess. Others include men and recognize a male god in addition to the Goddess. Some traditions may date back to before the Spanish Inquisition, others have been in existence for only a few years. The strength of the Witches' religion (also called "the Craft" ) lies in its diversity; it is a living, growing religious tradition.

As a religion, the Craft is a revival and/or reconstruction of the pre-Christian religions of Europe, especially Northern Europe (giving us Celtic or Norse traditions), sometimes elsewhere (giving us Graeco-Roman, Egyptian, or Levantine traditions). Many of us have turned for inspiration to the still-living indigenous traditions of other lands, such as Australia, Asia, India, and the Americas. Some of us , recognizing that we are American Witches, work with deities and land-spirits of local Amerindian tribes, though we do not claim to be members of any Amerindian tradition. As Margot Adler, a Witchcraft authority, has written, "The real tradition of the Craft is creativity."

"Wicca" specifically refers to certain initiatory and lineage Traditions of Witchcraft. British Traditional Wicca (BTW) is the name we give to these denominations of Wiccans who have received (via initiatory lineage) and maintain an established body of lore and practice passed down from generation to generation. The best known of these are the Gardnerians, of which there are distinct British and American branches. Alexandrians, Mohsians and (California) Central Valley Wicca are also British Traditional.

Although in recent years the diversity of the people who call themselves "Wiccan" has made a comprehensive definition impossible, some general statements can be made: All worship a Goddess or Goddesses; most also worship a God or Gods. Practically all hold rituals inside a magic circle, usually at the time of the Full Moon and eight Sabbats. Practically all believe in and practice some form of magic.

These people, if they have not been initiated into one of the BTW forms of the Craft, should more accurately call themselves Witches rather than Wiccans.

Answer 2

You can be both a Wiccan and a witch, these two words are not the same. One of the biggest sore points among Wiccans is the improper usage of the terms "Wiccan" and "Witch". Too many people use the terms interchangably, presuming that they both mean the same thing. They do not.

Wiccan
Wicca is a religion, and someone who follows that religion is called a Wiccan. Sometimes it can be difficult to accurately define Wicca, and not all Wiccans will define themselves the same way. Observing the 8 Wiccan Sabbats, honoring the Gods and/or Goddesses, creating sacred space for rituals, to name a few. Many traditional Wiccans also feel that belonging to a coven is also a requirement and that those who practice their religion as a solitary, should not refer to themselves as Wiccan. Personally, I'm still not sure on that point. Typical Wiccans also practice magick, and therefore are also witches. You cannot be a "natural Wiccan" any more than you could be a "natural Christian".

Witch
The practice of witchcraft is not associated with any religion, therefore you can be a witch and yet also be a member of any number of religions (or none). Using the natural energies within yourself, along with the energies of herbs, stones or other elements to make changes around you is considered witchcraft. Though the skills and gifts that are part of witchcraft can be inherited from parents or grandparents, you aren't automatically a witch just because your grandmother may have been one. The use of magick takes practice, experience and learning. On a side note, a male witch is called a witch, not a warlock.

Pagan
Paganism refers to a variety of non-Christian/Jewish/ Islamic religions that are usually polytheistic and are often nature-based. Wicca is only one Pagan religion, but there are others such as Santeria, Asatru, or Shamanism. Many people do not necessarily identify with a specific religion, and just use the broad term "Pagan" to define their spiritual path. Pagan religions are distinct and separate from each other, and it should not be assumed that they are just different names for the same faith.

Answer 3

Pagan covers all belief systems that are not Christian, Jewish or Islam. It is an umbrella name. Wicca is a religion as is Witchcraft. But you do not have to be Wiccan to be a Witch. However generally speaking if you are Wiccan you are a Witch. Although some may argue that. Up until the 1980s There was no separation between being Wiccan and being a Witch. However there are other forms of Witchcraft that are not Wiccan. And other Pagan Religions that do not call themselves Witches, Such as Heathens and more.. You have to research it.... Good Luck

Answer 4

A Wiccan is a Pagan, but not every Pagan is a Wiccan. A Pagan may very well be a person who reveres many gods, or one prominent male or female deity, but this does not mean that they practice witchcraft the way a Wiccan would. Also, Wiccans follow a specific doctrine of Witchcraft. There are some people who are witches, who do not follow the specific religion of Wicca.

Answer 5

Pagan is an umbrella term, it applies to any religion that is Abrahamic, Jewish, Muslim, Christian, in origin. Wicca is a specific Pagan religion, however there are several traditions that fall under the definition of Wicca.

Answer 6

wiccan/pagan... major differences to some, not so major to others. wiccans follow the path of traditional wicca.. pagans can follow wicca as well or other paths being more eclectic or may chose a less eclectic path, it depends on the person. check out some websites.. such as witchvox.com, they have links to many great sites that can help .

Answer 7

Wicca is pretty much a denomination of the pagan religion. The both believe in multiple gods/goddess.

Answer 8

Paganism is one of any number of different religions that worship multiple, usually earth-based gods. Wicca is only one of many Pagan religions.

Answer 9

There isn't any. Any religion that isn't one of the Abrahamic religions (Christianity, Jewish, Muslim) is Pagan. A Wicca is a Pagan the way a Methodist is a Christian.

Answer 10

First read this-

http://www.sacredhearth.com/articles/whatispagan

Then read this-

http://www.sacredhearth.com/articles/whatiswicca