When an individual thinks of Wicca, often the first thing that comes to mind is a picture of a witch in a black hat. One like those seen going door to door trick or treating on Halloween. While it is true, witches were once seen as tricksters, many Wiccan Rituals were born out of modern day folklore. In Wicca, celebrants celebrate the God, Pan, a Horned Goat God, and the Goddess Diana, the Moon, among other deities at different times of year.
First developed in Europe in the early 20th century, the use of Wicca laws, rituals and tools were later introduced to the public by a British Civil Servant. The servant found the diverse set of hermetic motifs and other symbols most likely related to ritual practices in a theological framework.
There are other mystical aspects of spirituality found within Wicca, yet it is so diverse and vast that there is no real definition that encompasses the practice in its entirety. With eight Sabbats and different rituals from each tradition in each, it would take an entire dictionary in which to house such a long definition. For, like other religions, Wicca too has branched out into several different sects known as traditions.
Similar to different denominations found in the Christian faith, these splinter groups are often adhering to one ancient aspect, or another of the Wiccan religion. Christian churches send children and teens to church camp, Pagan groups often host festivals at Beltaine and Samhain, often considered the most sacred of the eight Sabbats to celebrate fertility at Beltaine, and the death of ancestors and loved ones at Samhain.
There are also local, national and international pagan gatherings that many of these individuals and local groups travel to on a regular basis. When this is the case, many take entire families to each event. During which, children and teens often unite with other like minded individuals of the same age, often forming bonds which can last a lifetime.
Pagan festivals often host a number of rituals along with vendors who sell various wares including ritual tools. Some ritual tools include a blade, or Athame, a cup or Chalice, a small bowl, or cauldron, and a candle or candles. The basic idea is to be inclusive of all the elements, most people then add incense for air. Any decent altar will have one of each of the above among other items which the owner considers sacred.
Perhaps a better description would be that of a Pantheistic Godhead, which host both male and female attributes. The oldest picture of a Goddess statue known to exist is that of an Androgyne, by the same name found Lanier Graham's book Goddesses In Art, in which there are pictures of this, and other associated Goddesses of the time. Professor Graham also teaches a distance learning class called "Goddesses In Art, " in which the book acts as the text for the course and is also available to the public through sites like Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and others.
Ultimately, the Wiccan Rede, or code as it is known today, is "Do what you will, harm none." Lately, some groups have edited the text to read "Do what you will, harm none, nor yourself, nor the environment..." though, a Rede which existed for centuries can simply be edited and replaced at will. A good place to learn more about this amazing religion is in the book Drawing Down The Moon, or online.
First developed in Europe in the early 20th century, the use of Wicca laws, rituals and tools were later introduced to the public by a British Civil Servant. The servant found the diverse set of hermetic motifs and other symbols most likely related to ritual practices in a theological framework.
There are other mystical aspects of spirituality found within Wicca, yet it is so diverse and vast that there is no real definition that encompasses the practice in its entirety. With eight Sabbats and different rituals from each tradition in each, it would take an entire dictionary in which to house such a long definition. For, like other religions, Wicca too has branched out into several different sects known as traditions.
Similar to different denominations found in the Christian faith, these splinter groups are often adhering to one ancient aspect, or another of the Wiccan religion. Christian churches send children and teens to church camp, Pagan groups often host festivals at Beltaine and Samhain, often considered the most sacred of the eight Sabbats to celebrate fertility at Beltaine, and the death of ancestors and loved ones at Samhain.
There are also local, national and international pagan gatherings that many of these individuals and local groups travel to on a regular basis. When this is the case, many take entire families to each event. During which, children and teens often unite with other like minded individuals of the same age, often forming bonds which can last a lifetime.
Pagan festivals often host a number of rituals along with vendors who sell various wares including ritual tools. Some ritual tools include a blade, or Athame, a cup or Chalice, a small bowl, or cauldron, and a candle or candles. The basic idea is to be inclusive of all the elements, most people then add incense for air. Any decent altar will have one of each of the above among other items which the owner considers sacred.
Perhaps a better description would be that of a Pantheistic Godhead, which host both male and female attributes. The oldest picture of a Goddess statue known to exist is that of an Androgyne, by the same name found Lanier Graham's book Goddesses In Art, in which there are pictures of this, and other associated Goddesses of the time. Professor Graham also teaches a distance learning class called "Goddesses In Art, " in which the book acts as the text for the course and is also available to the public through sites like Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and others.
Ultimately, the Wiccan Rede, or code as it is known today, is "Do what you will, harm none." Lately, some groups have edited the text to read "Do what you will, harm none, nor yourself, nor the environment..." though, a Rede which existed for centuries can simply be edited and replaced at will. A good place to learn more about this amazing religion is in the book Drawing Down The Moon, or online.
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