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Wicca
Please note that most of this information only applies for orthodox Wiccans. Thanks. :)
This is a short post on the basics of the Wiccan religion. I, personally, am not Wiccan; just thought this would be a interesting post to type.
Wicca is a Neo-Pagan, duotheistic religion. Its ruling deities are the Triple Goddess, also known as the Crone or the Mother, among other things. Its male deity is the Horned God; who represents nature, sexuality and hunting as well as a few others. Very nature-orientated religion.
It first became popular in the 1950's, although existed before then, and was made popular by the likes of Gerald Gardner, Aleister Crowley, Doreen Valiente, and many more influential figures.
Most wiccans, if not all, abide by the Wiccan Rede, a poem containing their moral system. It's most famous quote is probably: 'And harm none, do what ye' will.' which is said at the end. This means that you can do whatever you wish, as long as it doesnt harm anything or anyone. Short extract:
''Bide ye Wiccan laws ye must, in perfect love and perfect trust. Live and let live, fairly take and fairly give. Form the circle thrice about, to keep all evil spirits out. To bind ye spell every time, let ye spell be spake in rhyme. Soft of eye, light of touch, speak ye little, listen much.''
They are the first six lines. A version I found is at this link:http://www.controverscial.com/The%20Wiccan%20Rede.htm.
Witchcraft and Wicca are different. Wicca is a religion that practices Witchcraft, whereas Witchcraft is the actual practice, hence the name Witch craft.
Rites and Celebrations
The eight major festivals of Wicca are called sabbats. These mark the changes and climaxes of the four seasons. Here they are in order:
Witches also honour their deities at monthly rites known as esbats.
Witches also honour their deities at monthly rites known as esbats, which are held on the Full Moon.
Sabbats begin at sunset and end at sunset the next day and most rites are held at night, lit by candles if indoors or by the moon, bonfires and lanterns if outside. For indoor rituals, some Witches have rooms set aside as temples containing in their houses, which they use for rites. Others use their ordinary living space.
Rites take place in a consecrated space, the circle, and even if there is a temple, the circle space is created anew for each rite. The space is first swept with a broomstick or besom to purify it (or often a other method of purification) and then blessed with the four elements air, fire, water and earth. The circle is then symbolically sealed by drawing a circle around it in the air with a wooden wand or a black-handled knife known as an athame. The four directions east, south, west and north are then honoured. Within the sacred space, the Goddess and God are invoked and magic performed. Rituals usually end with blessing a chalice of wine and cakes that are shared among the participants; or if solitary, ate by yourself. :3
'Christian' Wiccans
Saying you are a 'Christian Wiccan' is very contradictory in a lot of ways, although the religions do have similarities. Yes, it is possible to be one and many people are, but it is very contradictory to a few beliefs on both sides. That is my opinion on that, anyway.
Death and After
Wiccans believe in reincarnation, where your soul comes back in another form. They also believe that when back in that form, you meet up with people from your past lives. If the soul does not reincarnate, it goes to the 'Summerland', their version of paradise.
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Hope you enjoyed reading this, anyways!
~Fallen.