The Wiccan Religion Michaela Ward

History of The Wiccan Religion The Wiccan Religion is a modern take on ancient pagan religion practiced in the Northern parts of Europe by the Celts. It began as ritual associated with fire, the hunt, animal fertility, plant propagation, tribal fertility and the curing of disease. It was a way to connect oneself with Mother Earth. The religion went “underground” for a very long period of time in order to avoid Christian prosecution during the “Burning Times”. During this period of time many witches lost contact with each other and their arts were lost. The Wiccan Religion is a modern revival of the old religion, and is not exactly like the ancient pagan religion. Charles Leland, Margaret Murray, and Gerald Gardner all played a part in the revival of the religion. However, Gerald Gardner is considered the “Godfather of the Wiccan Religion”.

Gerald Gardner Considered to be the founder of modern Wiccan beliefs. He was an archaeologist that studied around the world. In 1939 he returned to England where he met Dorothy Cutterbluck, who soon initiated him into witchcraft. He wrote many books such as Witchcraft Today. These books became the foundation for the new age religion. His teachings have since spread from England all across the world. Gardner essentially revamped the religion and overtime different symbols, ideas, and practices have evolved.

Misconceptions of the wiccan religion Wiccans do not worship the devil. In fact, they do not believe in the Devil because it is the Christian personification of evil. They are not Satanic. Wiccans do not sacrifice animals. Since they value Earth so greatly, it would make absolutely no sense for them to sacrifice. Wicca is not a fashion statement, it is a religion. People do not have to dress a certain way to be considered a “real Wiccan”.

Practicing The Wiccan Religion Wiccans can practice in groups or individually. Witches join covens in order to practice the craft as a group and meet on a regular basis. The High Priest and High Priestess are in charge of the coven. Becoming a Wiccan individually or in a coven. http://bluemoonwicca.org/initiation.html Every witch has their own way of practicing and the way of following the religion once initiated is very broad. There is no set belief system it is all about experiencing life alongside Mother Earth.

The 8 Sabbats 1) Samhain: October 31st, earth has died and gone dormant, a time to reconnect with anscestors and those who have died, spirit realm thin this time of year for easier contact 2) Yule, the Winter Solstice: rebirth and renewal, sun makes it way back to the earth 3)Imbolc: February, spring is on its way, magical energy related to the feminine aspect of the goddess, of fire, and most importantly- new beginnings 4) Ostara, the Spring Equinox: March 21st, celebration of the fertility of the land and the arrival of the spring season 5) Beltane: April 30th-May 1st, Mother Earth opens up to the fertility god and they bring new life (livestock, crops, etc.) 6) Litha, the Summer Solstice: Summer, longest day of the year, celebration of the sun’s power, healthy crops are growing and the soil is warm 7) Lammas/Lughnasadh: End of Summer, time to harvest 8) Mabon, the Autumn Equinox: September 21st, mid-harvest festival to honor the seasons changing, a time to give thanks for what we have, equal amount of day and night

Book of Shadows The first Book of Shadows was written by Gerald Gardner. Each coven used to only have one Book of Shadows and it was held by the High Priest. Now everyone in the coven is able to have their own copy. It is a book including religious texts and guidelines on how to practice the religion. It is not followed as closely as other religious texts such as the Bible. It is more like a textbook or notebook for spells, rituals, information on herbs, and ideas. People either buy the book, or they even make it themselves.

Tools Athame: double sided knife used to direct and manipulate energy at ceremonies, never used for cutting A wand used to cast a circle (a safe, high energy space used with witchcraft) A circle, made out of rope or rocks(9 meters in diameter) 4 candles for the outside of the circle (representing North, South, East, and West)

Tools Cont. Altar: focal point for energy, a reminder of beliefs and wishes, a home for the Divine Bowl of salt (represents Earth) Incense (representing air) 2 candles Bowl of water (representing the element water) A bell used to separate sections of the ceremony A pentacle (5 pointed star engraved on a disk) A goblet A cauldron (used for mixing herbs and essences) ***Each alter can differs a little depending on the person

Symbols Several symbols, and they keep increasing 2 most common: Pentagram 5 pointed star, symbol of protection 4 elements (Air, Fire, Earth, Water) Spirit represented on top point Traced in the air during ritual Commonly worn on jewelry Celtic knot: Known as Triquetra Mind, Body, Soul Earth, Sea, and Sky Triple Goddess

Gods Some Wiccans believe in multiple gods. However, most Wiccans believe in a god (Horned God) and a goddess (Triple Goddess). The Triple Goddess is a moon goddess who represents different phases of the moon (waxing, waning, and full moon). She represents childhood, adulthood, and old age. She is also related to fertility of the land. The Horned God represents the hunter and the hunted. He rules in winter when food is scarce and must be hunted. He is portrayed with horns growing from his head. Some Wiccans just refer to them as the God and Goddess.

The Wiccan Religion and Witchcraft Some people confuse real Wiccan witchcraft with what is observed in the media. It is not the supernatural material shown in Harry Potter, Hocus Pocus, American Horror Story: Coven or the show Charmed. The Wiccan Religion is a form of witchcraft. Wiccans use witchcraft (“magic”) to harness and redirect natural energy to effect change in the world around us. Wiccans use their tools in order to perform witchcraft individually and in groups. They use herbs and crystals, and usually are performed in a sacred circle. Anyone can practice witchcraft, not only the High Priest/Priestess.

Witches in Salem Today Starting in the 1960’s Wiccans began coming to Salem to live. They are real witches, unlike the innocent people that were hanged in Salem in the 1600’s. Fortunately today in Salem witches are accepted and even celebrated. They practice their religion and live normal lives. They are just like you and me! They are normal people! They run many boutique and shops. The shops range from tourist spots to places where Wiccans can go to buy the essentials needed for their craft. A lot of the Wiccans in Salem live normal lives and have normal jobs. http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/med/4968229462.html Job for Book of Shadows https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjyTYwbjdCU Ambush interviews with Salem Witches!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ei6-ww0i3s Tom the Tour Guide

Sources Cited http://www.religioustolerance.org/wic_hist.htm http://nordicwiccan.blogspot.com/2013/04/wiccan-recognized.html http://www.wicca-spirituality.com/misconceptions.html http://bluemoonwicca.org/initiation.html http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccaandpaganismbasics/tp/The-Eight-Pagan-Sabbats.htm http://www.free-witchcraft-spells.com/wiccan-altars.html http://www.wiccaspirit.net/zencart/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=14 https://www.pinterest.com/LavenderDruid/wands/ https://www.pinterest.com/celticsoothsaye/wicca-paganism/ https://www.pinterest.com/booboo132505/wiccan-jewelry/ http://wicca.cnbeyer.com/who-we-worship/ http://api.ning.com/files/nYJaxp*Ka2OskDYpopZIsiCXQ*DMYam2r89ZYV7Uf25gvImq5qIpuYMaDRPjpYRozPovglPuNOFy59dc0Tug1AQi3Xs3ILgX/TripleGoddess2.jpg