Was there actual Ancient Wiccan Clans?

Question

Like I said, I want to know if there were actual Wiccan Clans alive and thriving in the past, or some descendents today. I'm a teen witch trying to learn as much as possible. I'm doing my best to seperate fact from fiction. If anyone knows, I would really like to know information on everything related to it. Thank you all in advance! <3

Answer 1

While I believe many of their rituals are based on ancient beliefs, the origins of modern Wicca can be traced to a retired British civil servant, Gerald Brousseau Gardner (1884–1964). Gardner spent most of his career in Asia, where he became familiar with a variety of occult beliefs and magical practices. He also read widely in Western esoteric literature, including the writings of the British occultist Aleister Crowley. Returning to England shortly before the outbreak of World War II, Gardner became involved in the British occult community and founded a new movement based on a reverence of nature, the practice of magic, and the worship of a female deity (the Goddess) and numerous associated deities (such as the Horned God). He also borrowed liberally from Western witchcraft traditions. Following the 1951 repeal of England's archaic Witchcraft Laws, Gardner published Witchcraft Today (1954), founded his first coven of followers, and, with input from its members, especially author Doreen Valiente, developed modern witchcraft into what today is known as Wicca. It spread quickly to the United States in the late 1960s, when an emphasis on nature, unconventional lifestyles, and a search for spirituality were especially in vogue.

I'm not Wiccan myself, though I have many friends who are -- some belong to a coven (not clan), others are solitary. Personally I follow a solitary Celtic path. You should do a lot of research before deciding what is best for you. There are many paths open to you.

Answer 2

No. Wicca is a modern religion (usually referred to as neopagan as part of a larger movement). Some individuals or groups do claim to be carrying on ancient traditions that predate the 20th century; however, there is no evidence to back up such claims.

Regardless, many Wiccans (and neopagans in general) do try to revive older beliefs and practices, so some elements of their rites and dogma could be considered ancient (but not continuous). However, given how poor the documentation of these ancient beliefs are, in absolutely no instance do the beliefs or rites as practiced in modern neopaganism (including Wicca) accurately and faultlessly reflect the original beliefs and rites. This is for the simple reason that no one knows perfectly what the ancient beliefs and rites actually were (it would be like trying to describe an elephant to someone if you had never seen such a thing and only had its tail to go off of).

Though I don't share your particular beliefs (not a wiccan myself), I certainly applaud your efforts to "learn as much as possible" and to "seperate fact from fiction."

Answer 3

Straight up, Wicca went public in 1947, but was being promulgated for several prior years. The word Witch did not exist in its present meaning until the 15th century. The crafts--physical, mental, spiritual and Magickal have existed as long as there has been sentient humans. The Romany have more of a claim of Ancient Clans than any Witch or Wiccan, as can those of the Crafts.

Answer 4

Like everyone else said, Wicca it pretty new. It's a case of a=b b=c, but a does not = b. Wiccans are pagans. Not all pagans are wiccan. Not everyone considers themself a witch either (though many do. I think I'm in denial myself. lol)
Do a lot of research on different paths and you'll find one that you feel drawn to. I know I was run off a cliff in a past life for practicing the old religion. Dern those christians. lol (I actually have respect for christians, I just like teasing them if they have a sense of humor lol)

Answer 5

Um. It is all perspective. The truth is that "Wicca" is a modern "religion" or set of practices and beliefs. "Wicca" is a broad term which includes a lot of different beliefs and practices from various cultures (some ancient) that have now been consolidated. So yes, parts of the traditions you see in Wicca are probably being practiced by people who have had that knowledge passed down to them. Most have learned it through study.

Sometimes people make false claims. It's the same as with anything else. If they are bragging then they might be lying to try to impress you. You just have to listen and watch.

Have fun!

Answer 6

Absolutely not. Wicca is a 20th century religion. The idea of self-identifying witches is also a 20th century idea. While there were people who worked magic in older times, they would not have called themselves witches and would have taken offense at such a suggestion.

Answer 7

As usual Terry is correct, Wicca is indeed little more than 60 years old. However, there are many of us around who practice the "old religion" known by the more modern term "witchcraft" All of the practitioners I know are solitary and not associated with "clans" or covens, though I am sure there are probably some out there. My beliefs pre-date Christ. Very nature based, more into communing with and understanding the energy and power of the earth (inter-natural, not super-natural) and also very much into divination. Most of us are either psychic and/or empath. My particular path is known for communicating with animals and plants. If you decide to get some books, Scott Cunningham is a good source to learn herbal magick, candle magick and so forth, but PLEASE PLEASE AVOID Ravenwolf and all other books specifically aimed at teens, they are 99% fluff & BS and 1% useable information. Good luck young one!
BB
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Answer 8

As far as I know - Wicca can only be traced back to the 1920s. There were pagan clans that had similar belief structures that may be considered ancient.

Answer 9

"Wicca" was developed just in this century. So, no it would be impossible to have ancient "Wiccan" clans.

Were there people who believed themselves to be witches? Yes.

Were there people who believed they were more in tune with the Earth and the Elements?
Yes.

But the modern term "Wiccan" is actually quite modern.

Nothing against them, but it is the truth.

Answer 10

Of course. Look here.
http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=Ancient+Wiccan+Clans&fr=ush-ans