Can someone give me an overview of the Wiccan religion?

Question

I know very little about it. From the little I know, it seems to be a nature worshipping religion. Can anyone provide me with more information on it?

Answer 1

Wicca is only about 60 years old, with roots in Masonic practices, ceremonial magic, and the Romantic era's ideas of classical religions. It is in many ways a postmodern faith, and one that resonates powerfully for increasing numbers of people.

The central tenet of the Wiccan religion is the Wiccan Rede: "If you harm none, do what you will." This is a deceptively simple "commandment" which can take a lifetime to contemplate and to master.

Wiccans honor Deity as both male and female, God and Goddess -- or at the very least as Goddess. We believe that the universe is the body of God/dess, and therefore that all things contain Divine energy and that the world itself is sacred. Some Wiccans are polytheists (many God/desses); others are duotheists (God and Goddess, of whom all other Gods and Goddesses are simply aspects); others are monotheists (God and Goddess Themselves are simply aspects of an unknowable Source).

Wiccans do not believe that God/dess is separate from the world; therefore, we have no concept of salvation, since God/dess is present to all and always. Many Wiccans believe that God/dess is too big to fit inside one religion -- all religions/spiritual paths are ways of reaching the same goal, and atheism and agnosticism are honorable perspectives on the mystery of life.

Wiccans do not have a holy book, although there are several pieces of liturgy that are commonly accepted and used. As far as we're concerned, the universe itself if the "holy book" of the God and Goddess. Individual Wiccans and covens may have what's called a Book of Shadows, which is a collection of hymns, liturgy, ritual forms, spells, recipes, and other information that the individual or coven bases his/her/its practices upon.

Each Wiccan operates as their own priest/ess. We do not have a distinction between clergy and laity. Therefore, each Wiccan is responsible for their own personal development and for forging their own relationship with God/dess.

Wiccans do not usually have churches. We create sacred space as and where needed, by casting "circles" of energy which function as temples. When inside those circles, we invite the spirits of the four Platonic elements (air, fire, water, and earth) to join us, as well as the Goddess and the God (or at minimum the Goddess).

Many Wiccans practice witchcraft, which we see as working with the Divine energy that permeates the world to bring about change. In accordance with the Wiccan Rede, the vast majority of Wiccans will not curse or perform magic to bring harm upon anyone else.

A relatively objective (non-Wiccan) set of articles on what Wiccans do and believe:

http://www.religioustolerance.org/witchcra.htm

Answer 2

Here is the definition for a Wiccan and the difference between them and a witch. This site has really good Wiccan newsletter
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.
http://paganwiccan.about.com/cs/whatiswicca/a/wiccanwitch.htm

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGIH,GGIH:2006-46,GGIH:en&q=wiccan+religion

Answer 3

It's not really nature "worship" in what most people think of it as.

They don't bow down and worship trees. They do, however, recognize the seasons, have a general reverence for the ebb and flow of life, etc.

In Traditional Wicca, there's a God and a Goddess, though some newer branches (like, Dianic) are Goddess centered.
Most believe in the Three Fold Law, that what you give out, will come back to you, three fold.
Most follow the Wiccan Rede (rede means advice), a sort of golden rule, "If it harms none, do what you will". Basically, don't hurt other people for the fun of hurting people.
There is so much more to the religion, I can barely scrap it here.

I do recommend reading "Paganism: An Introduction to Earth Based Religions". It'll help you understand pagans in general, with some information on Wicca.

Answer 4

Wicca is a Neopagan religion and a religious movement found in various countries throughout the world. It was first popularised in 1954 by a British civil servant named Gerald Gardner[1] after the British Witchcraft Act was repealed. He claimed that the religion, of which he was an initiate, was a modern survival of an old witchcraft religion, which had existed in secret for hundreds of years, originating in the pre-Christian Paganism of Europe. Wicca is thus sometimes referred to as the Old Religion. The veracity of Gardner's claims cannot be independently proven, and it is thought that written Wiccan theology began to be compiled no earlier than the 1920s.[2] Various related Wiccan traditions have since evolved or been adapted from the form established by Gardner, which came to be called Gardnerian Wicca. These other traditions of Wicca each have distinctive beliefs, rituals, and practices. Many traditions of Wicca remain secretive and require that members be initiated. There is also a movement of Eclectic or Solitary Wiccans who do not believe that any doctrine or traditional initiation is necessary in order to practice Wicca. The 2001 American Religious Identification Survey estimated that at least 134,000 adults identified themselves as Wiccans in the US... There is more info in the link.

Answer 5

Wicca was born in my lifetime as an "organized" Religion. It is synthesized from many older religions that were mostly Celtic. It's feminine emphasis is the reverse of the Christian male emphasis. Covens are no more or less than the congregations of Christianity. The Wiccans do not proselytize.

Answer 6

Due to the huge amounts of satire at my disposal I will keep this short out of respect.
Wicca is the religion of Witchcraft. It was the revival of some of the Old religion from Europe. You might want to check out http://www.witchvox.com
I can't believe I did that and didn't say one negative thing!!!!!!
Thank you Jesus.

Answer 7

It's very bad, don't join. It's like witchcraft, similar to the druids. They believe in powers of nature that can be harnessed and used by people.

Answer 8

Traditions and Paths ...
59 Essays/Articles posted to date.
Sorted: Alphabetically by Name

http://www.witchvox.com/_x.html?c=trads

Just the first page. Any idea what you were looking for?

Pagan, pagan, what are you seeking, Through all of the days of your long earthly tread?Your sunrise and moonrise what chances are bringing?Where will your travelling footsteps be led?(From "The ... Posted: January 10th. 2001 Views: 6,541 - [ Full Article ]


The '1734' Tradition in North America - Chas S. Clifton [Witchvox Sponsor]

Although he never crossed the Atlantic, a key figure in the British Craft of the 1960s had a broad effect on American Witchcraft in its formative years.He was Robert Cochrane, magister of the Clan of Tubal Cain, described ... Posted: March 18th. 2001 Views: 42,590 - [ Full Article ]


The Alexandrian Tradition - Elders of the Alexandrian Tradition

What is Wicca?Alexandrians define Wicca as a Pagan Mystery faith that is initiatory, oath bound and experiential in nature, with ancient roots originating in the British Isles. However, the term Wicca has been co-op ... Posted: November 14th. 2004 Views: 13,631 - [ Full Article ]


Appalachian Granny Magic - Ginger Strivelli

The Appalachian Granny Magic Tradition of Witchcraft is one that is only recently being heard of. Though the tradition is a very old one, dating all the way back to the first settlers of the magical Appalachian Mountains who came ... Posted: January 8th. 2001 Views: 44,818 - [ Full Article ]


Ar Afalon Tradition - Lady Calliean

History:Launched in May 2001, Ar Afalon and the Avalonian Institute of Magickal Arts are the creations of four close friends - ny'Raia, Seraphina Spellweaver, Calliéan and Amanda Rain. What began as a series of onli ... Posted: May 23rd. 2004 Views: 7,468 - [ Full Article ]


Ár nDraíocht Féin: A Druid Fellowship - Isaac Bonewits [Witchvox Sponsor]

The Origins of Ár nDraíocht Féin 3.0Copyright © 1983, 1999 c.e., Isaac BonewitsÁr nDraíocht Féin: A Druid Fellowship, Inc., or "ADF, " has now been around over 16 years. Just as interesting historical documen ... Posted: January 8th. 2001 Views: 29,756 - [ Full Article ]


The Ara Tradition and the Temple of Ara - Phyllis Curott and the Temple of Ara

History The Ara Tradition is a core shamanic Wiccan tradition that was founded in 1983 by author and activist H.Ps. Phyllis Curott with the birth of the Circle of Ara. The Ara Tradition traces its roots to the Minoa ... Posted: November 6th. 2005 Views: 3,639 - [ Full Article ]


Artemisian Faerie Faith - Artemisian Faerie Faith Tradition [Witchvox Sponsor]

History:To begin our history with that of the Artemisian Faerie Faith (AFF) line seems a bit presumptuous. Instead, we will begin with the original lines from which our Tradition has evolved and work our way forward ... Posted: June 1st. 2004 Views: 9,362 - [ Full Article ]


Asatru - Manny Olds

History: Ásatrú is the modern revitalization of the indigenous religion of Northern Europe.This religion was almost completely displaced by Christianity in the Middle Ages. Although the religion was no longer practi ... Posted: January 8th. 2001 Views: 39,505 - [ Full Article ]


The Assembly Of The Sacred Wheel - Arcta Fire Bringer

Blessings to those who come in the name of the Goddess and the God! May Wisdom, Understanding, and Beauty guide our actions in this and all other worlds.-- The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel is a progressive Wiccan tr ... Posted: July 24th. 2005 Views: 4,964 - [ Full Article ]


The Avalonian Tradition - Jhenah Telyndru

History The Ways of Avalon have not been forgotten -- they have slumbered, perhaps, in the psyche of all women, awaiting a time when they can re-emerge -- a time when they can, once again, serve as a path of healing, o ... Posted: August 23rd. 2002 Views: 26,750 - [ Full Article ]


Blue Star Wicca - Catalina Castells

(written by Cat Castells and Amy Douglass)IntroductionBlue Star Wicca is a centuries old Pagan tradition founded in the mid-1970s. Originally established as a single coven in Pennsylvania, Blue Star evolved over ... Posted: May 26th. 2001 Views: 59,676 - [ Full Article ]


British Druid Order - Greywolf

HistoryDruidry is an indigenous, earth-ancestor spirituality rooted in the islands of Britain and Ireland. Just as Native American, Maori, Aboriginal and African cultures are understood to have ancient spiritual tra ... Posted: March 18th. 2001 Views: 27,924 - [ Full Article ]


Celtic Reconstructionist Paganism - The CR Essay Collective

Composed by: Erynn Rowan Laurie, Kathryn Price NicDhàna, Aedh Rua Ó Mórríghan, Kym Lambert ní Dhoireann and John Machate, ed. by Erynn Rowan LaurieHistory: The idea of reconstructionist P ... Posted: August 3rd. 2003 Views: 43,725 - [ Full Article ]


Central Valley Wicca: The Kingstone Tradition - Kalisha Zahr

What is Wicca?I define Wicca as a Pagan Mystery faith that is initiatory, oath bound and experiential in nature, which has ancient roots that originated in the British Isles. However, the term Wicca has been co-opte ... Posted: February 23rd. 2002 Views: 17,464 - [ Full Article ]


The Church of All Worlds - Iacchus

The Church of All Worlds (CAW) is one of the oldest incorporated Neo-Pagan churches in the United States. Among its members are people of various faiths, including the Abrahamic traditions. CAW has an international membership that ... Posted: April 27th. 2002 Views: 17,016 - [ Full Article ]


CUEW - Church Of Universal Eclectic Wicca - Kestra

CUEW is the Church of Universal Eclectic Wicca, or UEW, an incorporated church with tax exemption in the United States. History: UEW is not a "familial tradition" and does not claim existence from ancient times. We ... Posted: January 22nd. 2006 Views: 3,716 - [ Full Article ]


Dianic Nemorensis Tradition - Claudiney Prietto

HISTORY: The Dianic Nemorensis Tradition is the result of years of the Goddess religion’s existence in Brazil. We descend from a Neo-Pagan Path called Dianic. The term "Dianic" includes many Craft Traditions ... Posted: February 13th. 2005 Views: 5,528 - [ Full Article ]


The Dianic Tradition - Jade River

The feminist Dianic tradition is perhaps one of the most misrepresented traditions in Paganism. The unpleasant reputation of Dianics can be attributed to many factors. Among these are: A focus on solely female deity. ... Posted: March 19th. 2004 Views: 11,521 - [ Full Article ]


The Dianic Wiccan Tradition - Falcon River

(Contaning exerpts from WOMEN'S RITES, WOMEN'S MYSTERIES: Creating Ritual in the Dianic Wiccan Tradition, forthcoming from AuthorHouse in Fall of 2004)I hope here to address many of the questions asked of me ... Posted: May 7th. 2004 Views: 18,607 - [ Full Article ]


Discordianism/Erisianism - Irreverend Hugh, KSC

"If religion is the opiate of the masses, then Discordianism is the alcohol, caffeine, and something-or-other of the lunatic fringe."-Somebody Important at Some PointAnyone familiar with the Discordians k ... Posted: November 22nd. 2003 Views: 13,493 - [ Full Article ]


Dodekatheism - Carolyn

Dodekatheism is the reconstruction of ancient Greek religion. It has also been called Hellenism, Hellenismos and Hellenic Reconstructionism. The term refers to the 12 Gods of Olympos, which traditionally include Zeus, Hera, Athena ... Posted: January 29th. 2006 Views: 3,949 - [ Full Article ]


The Draconian Path - Lionrhod

'We strike a spark, against the Dark, that we shall see the way.'-- Beginning of circle casting in the Draconian PathHistoryAn amalgam of Welsh Celtic, Celtic Traditional Wicca and Wysard ... Posted: December 15th. 2001 Views: 29,310 - [ Full Article ]


The Dynion Mwyn Tradition - Rhuddlwm

Introduction to the Dynion Mwyn TraditionThe Dynion Mwyn tradition derives from Welsh and Pictish religious sources and from Druidic and Witchcraft magickal practices which were in existence around the time Christia ... Posted: April 3rd. 2004 Views: 7,258 - [ Full Article ]


EarthGuard Wicca - Enchanted Shop [Witchvox Sponsor]

History:EarthGuard Wicca is a tradition that began in 1998. Its founder, Lady Cara, a Gardnerian High Priestess for over thirty years, felt a calling to put Traditional teachings in a form that would benefit the mas ... Posted: July 10th. 2005 Views: 4,754 - [ Full Article ]

Answer 9

witchcraft, almost satanism. Its not a religion its more of a cult.

Answer 10

all I know is its pagan witchcraft - and why get involved in evil !