Can I call myself a Wiccan?

Question

I was born into a Christian family, but have decided to become a Wiccan. Even though I'm still new at this, can I call myself a Wiccan? I haven't been initiated and I haven't studied for a year and a day. But I really don't want to consider myself a Christian anymore because I don't believe in their teachings.

Answer 1

Honey, you can call yourself a member of the Holy and Hallowed Lodge of Hephzibah if you want to.

But if you want anyone who is actually IN the Lodge of Hephzibah to recognize you and acknowledge you, you'll have to do more than just declare it.

And i suspect that, based in the fact that you have decided to not be disingenuous about letting people continue to call you a Christian when you are not, that you'd feel pretty bad about misrepresenting yourself as someone who has been trained and initiated into one of the Traditions of Wicca when that is ALSO not true.

I'd recommend that you give yourself no labels at all....and explore as much as you wish to. I recommend that you do a lot of quiet meditation, and ask yourself what it is that YOU believe about the nature of the universe, our part in it, and so on.

Answer 2

As stated above you can call yourself simply "pagan" until you feel you are truly a Wiccan.

I had a similar problem last year when i was just starting in the Wiccan path, as soon as i had chosen to practice Wicca i had considered myself a Wiccan, i went around telling Everyone that i was a Wiccan, and it got me into trouble.
Their are people out there that have done all the studying and have Earned the right to call themselves Wiccan And when I being a "Wiccan" for only a week come in and start acting stupid, it kinda makes them all look bad.
The same way that those Christian protesters that carry the signs that say "God hates f*gs" (I don't like using that word)
Give All Christians a bad name.

So i think that out of respect for other Wiccans you shouldn't go around telling everyone your Wiccan, Unless you think you can do it without tainting their good names.

Answer 3

How about a person studying the Religion of Wicca?

I would advise strongly against calling yourself any Religion prior to, in the example of Wicca, understanding its teachings, beliefs, holidays, and self-dedication ceremony (where you officially dedicate yourself to the Lady & Lord of your chosen Pantheon).

But, you can call yourself anything you wish. Might seem silly to Wiccans who have spent 20+ y. on their Path though. You might prefer a 'not a Christian' label if you wish. Or a 'student of ...'.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Then call yourself non-religious. The minute you stopped believing in Christianity's tenets was the minute you stopped being a Christian. Simple as that. But you can't call yourself a Wiccan until you're initiated. At least that's what I've always been told.

Answer 5

um, you can call yourself whatever you like. just remember that whatever you choose will bring with it certain connotations and expectations. it sounds like you may still be feeling a little conflicted about your choices. you say you don't want to consider yourself christian any more. then don't. your beliefs are your beliefs. you don't have to have a label for them. if you're not comfortable calling yourself wiccan, then simply call yourself pagan.
best wishes on finding the path that is truly right for you.

Answer 6

I would say wait until you are of an age to make that choice without having to worry about your parents. Reputable coven will not take students under 18 to avoid legal complications should your parents get their knickers in a twist about you learning Paganism.

Wicca is a religion and a life path, simply declaring yourself one does not make it so.

Call yourself a seeker, look around, study up on as many spiritual paths as you can before you make a choice about which one. Believe me, an informed choice usually has less chance that you will choose a path you are not suited for.

Answer 7

There is little in a name. It is your true intent that matters. While you study, why not call yourself a Pagan? It is an honorable label held close to the hearts of many. I still call myself a Pagan, though I have officially been of The Lore for over 60 years and have held several pompous titles.

Follow your heart and a coven will soon take you to their bosom.

Answer 8

Call yourself whatever you like.
You do not need to call yourself Wiccan.
You do not need to be initiated either.
There is no dogma associated with Wicca but it does use specifics in rituals and spell work.
Try posting the same question in Mythology and folklore.

Answer 9

Then call yourself a seeker.

Study and know Wicca before you claim to be Wiccan. Please.

Answer 10

No one can tell you that, if you wanna call yourself that fine, if other wiccans say this, ask them "who are THEY to judge?" They are not the Lord and Lady. Only you can determine that not us.


This happens to be one of my questions, I think you find more answers there.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AktN4UesLseTq4pTb78irqrty6IX?qid=20070726070105AAVn1AK