Can someone describe the basics of Wicca to me?

Question

I have a friend who is Wiccan and would like to understand her beliefs better.

Answer 1

There are many traditions in Wicca, so what one person says may not meld completely with your friends beliefs.
The basic tenents are respecting the Earth and all the inhabitants.
The rede "do what you will, harm none"
Three-fold law "what you do returns to you three times"

There are many types of Wiccans, you may want to ask her what type she is, then you could get a better sense of what she is.
A book I will suggest for reading is Scott Cunningham's "Wicca: A guide for the Solitary Practitioner" it is a great book for people just learning about Wicca.

Wicca, as one person stated is NOT an ancient religion, although it does follow some ancient Pagan rituals. Wicca was started in the 1900's by a man named Gerald Gardner.

Answer 2

There is a book entitled "Someone I love is a Witch", I don't remember who the author is but I HAV E read it myself. It explains Wicca to anyone who has NO knowledge about Wicca. It was written by a NON-witch so there is NO bias in it FOR or Against Wicca. Most Libraries will have it on their shelves. I highly reccoment it for someone who simply wants to know what it's about but NOT have to actually LEARN witchcraft for themselves.

Aslo, http://www.religioustolerance.org is a good place to find out the basics on Wicca as well as just about every other religion on Earth as well. Mosgt of the other sites that have been mentioned are GOOD but they are intended more for those who WISH to BECOME a Wiccan. The book I mentioned is a very short book and is probably the BEST layperson's guide to knowing and understanding Wicca without having to actually LEARN how to be a Witch. If your library doesn't have it, I'm sure that they can get it on an interlibray loan and very little time. Check with them.

Raji the Green Witch

Answer 3

Wicca is an ancient religion of love for life and nature. Wiccans/Pagans worship the Goddess and God. This is just a simplified answer, but there are a great deal of books and infomation out there. It is not a cult and they do not sacrifice animals like some believe. Ask your friend about it, I am sure she would love to discus her beliefs with you.

Answer 4

Well, ignoring the other dummies who are saying to stop talking to your friend...

http://witchvox.com/

... hrm. Most of my websites are missing. But if you search for it, I'm sure you'll find it.

... because of some of the dummies above... I feel the need to put up some stuff for you...


_The Wiccan Rede_

Bide within the Law you must, in perfect Love and perfect Trust.
Live you must and let to live, fairly take and fairly give.

For tread the Circle thrice about to keep unwelcome spirits out.
To bind the spell well every time, let the spell be said in rhyme.

Light of eye and soft of touch, speak you little, listen much.
Honor the Old Ones in deed and name,
let love and light be our guides again.

Deosil go by the waxing moon, chanting out the joyful tune.
Widdershins go when the moon doth wane,
and the werewolf howls by the dread wolfsbane.

When the Lady's moon is new, kiss the hand to Her times two.
When the moon rides at Her peak then your heart's desire seek.

Heed the North winds mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail.
When the Wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.

When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss you on the mouth.
When the wind whispers from the West, all hearts will find peace and rest.

Nine woods in the Cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow.
Birch in the fire goes to represent what the Lady knows.

Oak in the forest towers with might, in the fire it brings the God's
insight. Rowan is a tree of power causing life and magick to flower.

Willows at the waterside stand ready to help us to the Summerland.
Hawthorn is burned to purify and to draw faerie to your eye.

Hazel-the tree of wisdom and learning adds its strength to the bright fire burning.
White are the flowers of Apple tree that brings us fruits of fertility.

Grapes grow upon the vine giving us both joy and wine.
Fir does mark the evergreen to represent immortality seen.

Elder is the Lady's tree burn it not or cursed you'll be.
Four times the Major Sabbats mark in the light and in the dark.

As the old year starts to wane the new begins, it's now Samhain.
When the time for Imbolc shows watch for flowers through the snows.

When the wheel begins to turn soon the Beltane fires will burn.
As the wheel turns to Lamas night power is brought to magick rite.

Four times the Minor Sabbats fall use the Sun to mark them all.
When the wheel has turned to Yule light the log the Horned One rules.

In the spring, when night equals day time for Ostara to come our way.
When the Sun has reached it's height time for Oak and Holly to fight.

Harvesting comes to one and all when the Autumn Equinox does fall.
Heed the flower, bush, and tree by the Lady blessed you'll be.

Where the rippling waters go cast a stone, the truth you'll know.
When you have and hold a need, harken not to others greed.

With a fool no season spend or be counted as his friend.
Merry Meet and Merry Part bright the cheeks and warm the heart.

Mind the Three-fold Laws you should three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is enow wear the star upon your brow.

Be true in love this you must do unless your love is false to you.

These Eight words the Rede fulfill:

"An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"


^~~~ That is the basis for Wicca, really.

There's also a belief in Karma, the Threefold Law that says whatever you do comes back to you three/multiple times.


- 17 yo Pagan

Answer 5

Wiccan is a nature based religion. Its about honoring nature and giving back to the earth what it gives to us. They live by the wiccan rede, which reads "do what thout will, and harm none." I dont want to give much more in case im wrong, but here's the link to blue moon wicca, it should anwser all your questions.

http://bluemoonwicca.org/

Answer 6

Read a few wicca books. From what i remember wicca if a follow on from a religion orginating from pre-christian paganism of europe. Their core religious book is called 'the book of shadows'. They beleive in the natural powers of this universe. Power of the moon, stars sun etc.

Answer 7

Not me because I do not know what a Wicca is.

Answer 8

There are several sites on the net that explains all you need to know, here are a few. www.witchonthego.com www.homeearthlink.net or www.paganpride.org. Best of luck.

Answer 9

Why don't you ask her? She'd probably be more than willing to give you her views on Wicca - and it may strengthen your friendship.

Answer 10

Witchcraft