Wiccans: What is the point?

Question

Your "religion" appears to be as imaginary as any other.........what is your fulfillment?.....what is the allure?.......what is the reason?

Outside of celebrating and honoring this and that, what is the point? What is something provable that legitimizes your beliefs?

This topic is new to me so please don't incorrectly assume that I'm baiting you.....I'm just seeking an understanding of your reasons and what your expectations are.

ok edhelosa----how does being a non-Wiccan witch differ from the Wiccan? Apply the questions above to your own situation if you would please.

isisjean---thanks for the link and the answer but I prefer to hear the thoughts of the individuals as opposed to the "official" explanation.

Answer 1

Seek indepth answers at www.religioustolerance.org

Wicca is a simple name for a complex meeting of many world religious and spiritual traditions ranging from Druid and Celtic practices in Europe to Esoteric practices of Ancient China to the mystery and magic of Ancient Egypt. There are Christian Wiccans, there are Jewish Wiccans, there are agnostic Wiccans. In general, there seem to be a few main points among all forms: that the God-head is infinite and creative but capable of destruction as well, that the God-head is feminine in nature (a Goddess) or without gender or sex, that nature is alive or abounding with spirit that one must respect and protect, that animals are kin, that humans are free and that all actions lead to specific consequences (Karma) so one should be wholy aware of what one does (Rule of Three). "And ye harm none" and "blessed be" are perhaps two of the most frequently heard/written Wiccan sayings.

Though it can be a way of life or lifestyle, it is also a religion as it professes a God and/or universal/supranatural spirit.

People are attracted to Wicca for as many reasons as others are attracted to other faiths: a need for meaning and self, a need for power and freedom, a need to sacrifice and surrender. Many Wiccans I've known (and I was one years ago) come in to it seeking the power in the feminine and the power in the natural and everyday. These are significant things that many more "conventional" religions and faiths do not offer.

Answer 2

Well, I don't know of any Wiccan rituals specifically for your 16th birthday, but you could write one if you feel so inclined. You could also try coming-of-age rituals, as someone else mentioned, although I have to say, I'm 20 and turning 21 this year and I still haven't done my coming-of-age ritual yet - I don't really feel like I'm "of age". I think I will wait until I get my Bachelor's Degree to do that. I was going to do it after my high school graduation, but I still felt too young then. But it's all up to you. When you think about it though, birthday rituals are inherently sort of Pagan and Witchy - you gather a group together to celebrate a yearly ritual of lighting candles and blowing them out while making a "wish" (which seems an awful lot like magic to me...), and there is singing, and then you all eat afterward (almost every Pagan ritual I've been to ended with food, lol). I'm not sure you necessarily need to build on that. I must also point out, the religion is called Wicca, not Wiccan; Wiccan is only for practitioners thereof. Also, it is not another word for Witch. You can be Wiccan and not a Witch, and vice versa. And while many seek knowledge, I would say the true definition of Wicca is honoring gods and goddesses, as it is first and foremost a religion.

Answer 3

Wiccans live in closer harmony with nature and the inner self, and are aloud more freedoms than in religions of christendom. It is also a nice place for newly realized free thinkers to start, as it is organized and has ritual and rule, just not as persecuting or close-minded.

I am not a Wiccan, these are simply the reasons I see and understand.There are many, may more than this, and at least their first rule is, harm none.

Wicca, unlike many other pagan paths and unlike traditional witchcraft, is indeed a religion. They have defined themselves as such and gained national recognition of such. Witchcraft is a way of life, not all witches are Wiccans, as Wicca was introduced in 1939 but witchcraft dates back to the druids.

Answer 4

I'm afraid I can't really explain to you why Wicca resonates for me, because words fall very far short of the visceral emotional appeal that the religion holds. I agree that it is as likely to be wrong as any other faith, and also fully acknowledge that unless you have a reason to pursue it there IS no reason for you to place any stock in it; the difference between Wicca and some forms of Christianity is that most Wiccans realize this, and believe that unless you are called upon to worship our God/dess, it is utterly pointless for us to try to sell our religion to you.

The closest I can come to explaining it to someone who isn't Wiccan is that I perceive a numinous quality to the world I inhabit, an inherent sacredness and Divinity -- the universe IS the body of our Lord and Lady, and They are there for anyone to access at any time. Worship of Them is not required; most Wiccans approach Them (assuming for the moment that They exist) out of a sense of joy and longing, of "coming home" to Their presence. Because this is a deeply personal and subjective intuition, it is simply not transferable short of telepathy.

I hope this answers your questions, at least in part. And I take no offense at your asking them.

Answer 5

I understand that the point of their practices is to be better in tune with reality itself. The earth, the sky, the elements, the anscestors, the spirits, reality itself. By being in harmony with everything, they can, hopefully, create positive change for the benefit of many. It's a matter of a personal spiritual path, how one's own spirit relates to the Spirit, instead of living how some book tells you to. It's a living faith that changes and adapts to modern needs. The point is spiritual fulfillment through harmony.

Answer 6

I am not a Wiccan but I can tell you very simply. Wicca is infinite and Christianity relies on a single person. Wicca is nature and Christianity is a raper of nature for profit.

Answer 7

It is a personal thing with me and do not have words that would explain to another. It feels a need and a void I guess. Wicca fits what I know and believe spirituality. It helps me go inside myself and communicate with Diety.
BB

Answer 8

Hey, it's better than Islam. At least Wiccans respect and revere women for the natural power we possess. Wiccans are cool with me, baby.

Any of ya'll wanna teach me a spell or two?

Answer 9

Pass the popcorn, I can't wait to see what kind of answers you get to this question.

Answer 10

It's true that they're more philosophical but they still think they can do magic.