An Introduction to... the Wiccan Religion
Wicca is a nature-oriented (not nature-worshipping), initiatory pagan
mystery religion based on the traditions and beliefs of tribal Europe,
with significant influence from Western magical traditions and a ritual
structure based on the writings and practices of Gerald Gardner and the
New Forest area covens. There are many 'traditions' (or denominations)
in Wicca.
Traditional Wicca
In British Traditional Wicca (or BTW), there is a clear lineage (line
of teaching passed on by initiated Traditional priests and priestesses)
directly back to Gardner and the New Forest region. From the New Forest
origins came various traditions such as Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Central
Valley Wicca, Mohsian, Blue Star, Proteus Wicca, and many others.
All forms of Traditional
Wicca are varients of a single 'mystery' religion - one that requires
initiation by someone who has been initiated in that particular Tradition.
Traditional Wicca has a "degree system" or different levels based upon
a system of training and the readiness of the initiate to accept the duties
and responsibilities of that degree or level. Traditional Wiccan covens
have a core of inner knowledge that is shared only with those initiated
in that Tradition.
Other forms of Wicca
There are other forms of Wicca that have developed in the last few decades.
Some of these are traditions that trace their origins back to British
Traditional Wicca but have changed their form of practice in such a way
that they do not conform to particular criteria necessary to be considered
Traditional Wicca. Others are combinations of Traditional teachings and
historical practices, publicly available practices and sources, and/or
personal gnosis.
Those following these forms of practice may form groups or not, may or
may not follow a degree system, and may or may not have a formal outline
of their practices and structure.
Defining Beliefs
Specific beliefs vary among the Traditions and practitioners, but there
are some generalities that can be made. Some of the defining beliefs are:
What ALL Wiccans believe:
- The single most common belief is the Wiccan Rede. 'Rede' is an old
English term that means 'wise advice', and it is a guideline that decisions
and actions are based on. The most commonly cited short form of the
Wiccan Rede is "An it harm none, do what ye Will."
- The second most common belief is the Law of Returns. Simply stated,
it is the belief that whatever you do comes back to you in some way,
good and bad.
- Wiccans have a high respect for Nature. We honor the Earth and try
to care for and protect her. We get in touch with Nature by honoring
it, by being aware of it and by educating ourselves about it.
- Wiccans believe that Nature is cyclical. We believe everything happens
in an ever-repeating cycle. We see this in the seasons: Autumn leads
to Winter, which leads to Spring, which leads to Summer, which leads
to Autumn. This cycle replays itself over and over. (Although it's more
of a Slinky than a circle - there are subtle changes with each revolution...)
Our holidays, the Sabbats, are celebrations of the solstices and equinoxes,
and the midpoints in between these cardinal points in the great Cycle
of Nature.
- Wiccans practice
magic. We see magic not as something supernatural (which means beyond
Nature), but as a natural part of the universe.
- Wiccans cast
Circles (create sacred space) during ritual and magic, and invite elements
or elementals into their working space during both.
- Wicca is an
Initiatory religion, which means that you must be initiated into it.
Traditional Wiccans believe that you must be initiated by someone who
was initiated by someone (and so on back to the New Forest Covens).
Some others believe that since initiations come from the Gods, a lineage
is not necessary for a valid initiation. Whichever belief is held, a
lot of study and practice is required both before and after initiation.
- All initiates are Priests and Priestesses. We believe that you need
no one and nothing other than yourself in order to interact with the
Divine. We have no need for a mediator, for there is no barrier between
Self and the Divine.
- Wiccans do
not seek converts. We feel that if Wicca is the right path for a person,
he or she will seek out proper training.
What MOST Wiccans believe:
- There are many roads to enlightenment, and each spiritual path is
unique. Each individual must walk their own path in their own time and
way, and all religions that do not seek to harm or control others are
valid for those that follow them.
- Most Wiccans are Duotheistic (that means they believe in a single
God and a single Goddess, with all Gods and Goddesses being aspects
of these two) or Polytheistic (that means they believe in many Gods
and Goddesses as individual entities). Some hold a Monistic view in
that they view the various Gods and Goddesses as separate, individual
aspects of a single Divine entity.
- Most Wiccans are pantheistic - they believe that all forces and manifestations
in the universe are part of the Divine. Deity is in everything and is
everything.
- Most Wiccans are also animistic - they believe that everything has
a soul that is separate from its physical being, including things that
are normally seen as inanimate like rocks and trees. The world and all
aspects of it are seen as living life forces: not inert, not dead, and
not our enemy to conquer; rather a sibling spirit to live with.
- Most Wiccans believe in reincarnation. Unlike the Eastern view of
reincarnation, Wiccans believe that we are born repeatedly in human
form in order to learn, to grow and to help others. It is a cyclical
view of life - the same things happen over and over again: birth through
death then rebirth. Death is not the end of existence, only the end
of that incarnation.
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By Sana Karine (Zanetta Wilson), with some source material from Cunina; copyright by Home Circle. This piece may be copied for educational use so long as it is not altered, it is distributed without charge, and this notice is included in its entirity. The most current version of this document is available online at www.homecircle.info/SRwiccanbeliefs.htm.