The Wiccan religion, also known as Wicca, is a modern pagan, witchcraft religion that was developed in the mid-20th century. It is based on pre-Christian traditions and beliefs, specifically drawing inspiration from ancient European folk practices and witchcraft. Wiccans worship a goddess and god, often referred to as the Triple Goddess and Horned God, respectively. These deities represent the various aspects of nature and the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. The Triple Goddess embodies the maiden, mother, and crone, while the Horned God symbolizes the masculine energy and wild nature. Wiccans venerate nature and believe in the divine presence in all living things.
Recent Examples on the Web Process of commercialization Commercialization started in the 1980s with the sale of how-to books on Wicca. — Helen A. Berger, The Conversation, 26 July 2023 The numbers of Americans who identify with Wicca or paganism has risen from 134,000 in 2001 to nearly 2 million, Helen Berger, a resident scholar at Brandeis University's Women's Studies Research Center, told the USA TODAY Network at the time. — Francisco Guzman, USA TODAY, 30 May 2023 Many neo-pagans, which are modern-day practitioners of various pagan religions including Druidism and Wicca, still celebrate Samhain. — Jessica Coulon, Popular Mechanics, 31 Oct. 2022 Neopaganism’s various branches include Wicca and Hellenic reconstructionism, a religion that focuses on the gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece. — Alyssa Beall, USA TODAY, 13 May 2023
Berger, The Conversation , 26 July 2023 The numbers of Americans who identify with Wicca or paganism has risen from 134,000 in 2001 to nearly 2 million, Helen Berger, a resident scholar at Brandeis University s Women s Studies Research Center, told the USA TODAY Network at the time. Berger, The Conversation , 26 July 2023 The numbers of Americans who identify with Wicca or paganism has risen from 134,000 in 2001 to nearly 2 million, Helen Berger, a resident scholar at Brandeis University s Women s Studies Research Center, told the USA TODAY Network at the time.
Wiccans venerate nature and believe in the divine presence in all living things. They celebrate the cycles of the seasons and the phases of the moon through rituals and ceremonies. Many Wiccans believe in magic and practice spellwork, which they use for personal growth, healing, and manifestation.
Wicca
: a religion influenced by pre-Christian beliefs and practices of western Europe that affirms the existence of supernatural power (such as magic) and of both male and female deities who inhere in nature and that emphasizes ritual observance of seasonal and life cycles
https://merriam.atlassian.net/browse/MWSITE-9211 --> Wiccan adjective or nounOne of the core tenets of Wicca is the Wiccan Rede, which states, "An it harm none, do what ye will." This principle emphasizes the importance of free will and personal responsibility while also promoting harmlessness and respect for others. Wiccans believe in the concept of karma and the Threefold Law, which states that any energy or action put out into the world will return threefold. Wicca is a decentralized religion, meaning that there is no central authority or hierarchy. Instead, individuals or small groups, called covens, come together to practice their beliefs. Initiations and rites of passage are common within Wicca, allowing individuals to progress in their spiritual journey and deepen their connection to the deities and the craft. While Wicca has faced misconceptions and stereotypes, it is a peaceful and inclusive religion that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds. It celebrates diversity and promotes the empowerment of individuals through personal transformation and spiritual exploration. In summary, Wicca is a modern pagan religion that draws inspiration from pre-Christian traditions and practices. It emphasizes the worship of nature, the cycles of life, and the practice of magic. Wiccans follow ethical principles, celebrate the seasons, and believe in the power of personal responsibility and spiritual growth..
Reviews for "Wicca and LGBTQ+ Community: Understanding the Acceptance and Inclusion in Wicca"
1. Mary Johnson - 2 stars - I found "The Wiccan Religion in Detail" to be quite disappointing. The book seemed more like a general overview of Wicca rather than a detailed exploration. The information provided was very basic and I didn't feel like I gained much insight into the religion. Additionally, the writing style was dry and lacked enthusiasm, which made it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive understanding of Wicca.
2. Robert Davis - 1 star - I was incredibly disappointed with "The Wiccan Religion in Detail". The book completely failed to deliver on its promise of providing an in-depth examination of Wicca. It felt more like a watered-down version of Wiccan beliefs and practices, with no real substance. The author's explanations were overly simplistic and lacked depth, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. I would not recommend this book to anyone serious about learning about Wicca.
3. Emily Thompson - 2 stars - As someone who already has a basic understanding of Wicca, I was hoping "The Wiccan Religion in Detail" would provide me with more advanced insights. However, I found the content to be repetitive and lacking in any truly detailed explanations. The author focused on the same basic concepts over and over, rather than delving into the more intricate aspects of Wiccan spirituality. I was left feeling unfulfilled and would not recommend this book to others seeking a deeper understanding of Wicca.
4. Mark Anderson - 2 stars - "The Wiccan Religion in Detail" fell short of my expectations. The book seemed to provide more of a surface-level introduction to Wicca, rather than the detailed exploration I was hoping for. The information provided was readily available in other beginner-level books on the subject. The lack of originality and depth made me feel like I wasted my time reading it. I would recommend looking for more comprehensive resources if one truly wants to understand the intricacies of Wicca.