Non-Wiccans, if you were looking for info about Wicca, what would you want to know?

Question

I'm putting together a booklet/book (depending on final length) describing Wicca in language non-Wiccans can understand. While its been done before, I think the result is often what Wiccans want non-Wiccans to know instead of addressing questions non-Wiccans would actually like answered.

Questions can be basic or complex. I'm running the whole spectrum. I'm also including the topic of magic in this, even though some argue that is ultimately a separate topic from Wicca.

Yogi - fair enough question! I persoanlly am Eclectic Solitary and thus have a relatively wide definition of "Wicca" which I do explain at the beginning, just so everyone knows the perspective. While there are some basic statements that can be said about Traditionalism, the specifics are generally unavailable... if I was privy to them I wouldn't be allowed to talk about them, and that's an important fact.

Atheist - Who said anything about gaining acceptance? I'm providing information. What people do with that information is up to them. I'm not trying to make a point. Quite the opposite, I want to offer something other than the usual "we're cute and happy and just want to love everyone" explanations.

Answer 1

I want to know what 'wicca' truly is.
If you are a 'witch' why can't you put a spell on people to change their mindset? Also is it true peopl who cast 'good spells' are rewarded and ones that cast 'bad spells' are punished? I read a lot about your group but I still don't quite get it.

Answer 2

I'd like to see a listing of the core values of Wicca. So many people feel that Wicca is "do whatever and call it Wicca". I'd like to see what the core tenets of the religion are.

What beliefs and practices make Wicca different from other neo-pagan religions such as Shamanism, Druidry, and Reconstructionist faiths? What differences are there between a Wiccan witch and a non-Wiccan witch?

What specific practices was the religion of Wicca based on and where were these practiced? (Something more substantial than "in olden times in Europe") I don't have any idea what an "olden" time is!

What is the reasoning behind taking oaths in some traditions?

Explain the degree system and more importantly the reasoning why it exists in some covens. What practices is it based on?

What core tenets cause Wicca to be considered an earth religion? What is an earth religion?

Why are there "Inner court" and "Outer court" teachings?

Why do some traditions not include the Rede?

Explain the many different laws of return (three-fold, seven-fold, equal, etc.)

What makes the Wiccan magical system different from non-Wiccan magical systems?

Explain what the god Mabon has to do with the Wiccan holiday by the same name. I've never understood this.

Are there any historical references to a maiden/mother/crone triple goddess? From which culture and when were they worshiped?

I've heard that some Wiccans believe in a Holly king/Oak king myth. Where did this myth originate? From what text was it translated from?

Explain Theban script and where it originated. What traditions use it and why?

What are some of the reasons that a High Priestess might draw down the moon? What is the difference between a Priestess and a High Priestess? What are some of the reasons that a coven might practice skyclad?

Answer 3

What it's all about, what you believe, who your god is, where the magic comes into the religion, where is started, why people become wiccan, references as to where one can find more information, a comparison to christianity, maybe?

I'm christian, and I always will be, but the occult and the entire spectrum of other religions fascinates me, and I have respect for all peoples beliefs. I think a booklet that describes wicca in language that I could understand would be great.

Answer 4

The rede and what it really means.

I have not yet found an explanation that I could really live with. Most have a touch of esoteric babbling that sounds like the writer really doesn't know, either; the rest sound so scientific that I get the feel it's explaining the letter, not the spirit of the law.

Answer 5

I'm not a Wiccan, so I'll ask a question. It's interesting that you mention that magic is sometimes considered a separate topic from Wicca. That seems to get at the question that I would bet a lot of non-Wiccans like me ultimately want answered:

Can the practice of Wicca actually help one to obtain what he or she desires, or is it more of a nice, harmonious meditation with nature that really can't help people get what they want...unless they happen to want a nice harmonious meditation with nature?

Answer 6

as a witch and part wiccan i would hope you would explain the basic tenants of the craft. the god goddess supreme force principle. the basic natue path . and dispel the myths that hav grown up about this religion.on which note look in any christian mass and see the amount of pagan ideas used by christanity which incorporated them to bring the populace in line

Answer 7

I think that people such as myself and all non Wiccans would be curious about what the names of the God and Goddess of Wicca are.

Answer 8

I am quite interested in how people came to Wicca. Was it taught by their parents--passed down from previous generations?

If not, then how did you (or others) come to it?

I would like to know the history of it and the cosmology and the beliefs, also.

Answer 9

Let's see, a short history, overview of basic beliefs, are there different sects (if so, quickie descriptions of what the major differences are), what is a typical week like (that is, how does the practice of Wicca integrate into a Wiccan's secular life), the role and meaning of ritual/major religious holidays (if any).

This is such a refreshing question. Thanks for asking it.

Answer 10

I am pegan (not wiccan), but I'm still learning.

Here are some questions I had while I was looking into everything.

How do you get magic to work?
What kind os spells can I cast?
What Gods do you follow?
What are the magical hollidays and when are they, and what are the traditions surrounding them?
How do you scry?
How do you use runes, tarrot cards, and other methods of divination?