While I try to maintain my position on being a Non-Wiccan Witch, I do support assisting those who are interested IN Wicca to find their way. In a similar way to the "Witches" and "Traditional Witches" FAQ, I thought it was perhaps time to put up a "Wiccan FAQ". I hope this is helpful :)
1) What is Wicca?
Wicca is a 20th century religion, based on pre-Christian practices. It was created roughly between the 1920's-1950's by one Gerald B. Gardner, a British civil servant. Because of it's pre-Christian roots, many like to mistake Wicca for an actual ancient religion. I assure you that just because something is based on ancient practices does not mean that practice is itself, an ancient practice.
Wicca is a polytheistic religion. Polytheism suggests that the follower of polytheistic religions worship two or more deities (Gods). In this case, many Wiccans worship at least two deities, a God and a Goddess...both of whom are each other's consorts (lovers). Who these Gods/desses are can vary depending on tradition and personal preferences. They tend to follow deities that have called to them in some form or another. Typically, these Gods take the form of pre-existing deities, ranging from Celtic, to Norse, Roman to Greek, or Egyptian to Hindu. They then research such deities, learn about their history and understand suitable rituals and offerings to honor such deities. Such misconceptions surrounding offerings may include the idea of live sacrifices. I can assure anyone that this is not so. Because of the main ethic of Wicca: "An it harm none, do as thou will", many see any form of live sacrifice as unethical, therefore do not participate in it.
Wiccans see their Gods not as distant beings floating around on some distant cloud awaiting their followers to float up to them at the time of death, but see their Gods as interacting, and intertwining themselves in both this realm and the next. Another mistaken belief about Wiccans is that, because Wiccans view their deities as existing both here and in another realm; in everything, and in nothing, then this must mean that Wiccans worship nature. This is incorrect. Wiccans do not worship nature. They worship their Gods...they respect nature.
Going back to Wicca's main ethic called "The Wiccan Rede", "An it harm none do as thou will" does not say that one must live a completely harm free life, and that Wiccans must be pacifists and vegetarians. Seasoned Wiccans (those who have studied and practised Wicca for decades) understand that harm is inevitable. There is no way one can live an entire life without bringing harm to another. However, Wiccans try to live as harm free a life as possible (while maintaining the understanding that harm may be necessary at some point to possibly prevent a greater harm from happening). Wiccans, though, will stress personal responsibility. Anything anyone does is done by personal choice. We all make choices, the thing is, we must understand the possible outcomes or consequences of those actions and determine if those actions are worth the consequences, or if there is another way to resolve the situation. Wiccans do not succumb to concepts like "sin" and eternal damnation for being human and making mistakes. Any punishment for ill conceived actions is met on that person in this life, and is not eternal.
2) Is Wicca Witchcraft, Satanic or a Cult?
Let's look at the first path often connected to Wicca: Witchcraft.
-"Is Wicca Witchcraft?"
In a simplistic answer...no. Wicca is not Witchcraft. What is Witchcraft then? I hear you ask. Witchcraft is a non-religious craft of practical skills developed over time (years) through dedicated study and practice. What Witches do can vary depending on the personal practitioner. Generally though, most Witches WILL participate in crafts such as spell craft and herbalism. These crafts however, are not an integral part of modern Wicca. Many Traditional Wiccan traditions (such as Gardnerian and Alexandrian) do integrate Witchcraft into their religious practices. However, as Wicca evolved over the decades, many people have opted to remove Witchcraft from Wiccan practices (some determining that Witchcraft is a lower form of magic, and opt for the more spiritualistic "Ceremonial Magic") and choose to practice Wicca, merely as a spiritual religion, than a practical one. Witchcraft being a non-religious practice, implies that it may be practiced by anyone of any religion, or no religion at all. The choice lies in the personal Wiccan, and/or the tradition they follow
-"Is Wicca Satanic?"
In another simplistic answer...no. Wicca is not Satanic. The idea of a Satanic religion (excluding the actual religion of Satanism) suggests that anyone practicing something outside of those religions that actually believe in a deity known as "Satan", is automatically sided with their Gods adversary.
Contrary to this belief, those not of the Abrahamic belief systems (those who believe in this concept of "Satan"), do not believe in this concept, therefore one cannot worship something they don't believe in. To make such a claim, makes as much sense as accusing any Atheist of worshipping a God of any type. Atheists deny the existence of any deities. So to say Atheists worship the God of Christianity is comical, as well as erroneous. Wiccans do not succumb to the beliefs in adversarial Gods, whose sole purpose in existence is to punish, steal souls, or emit pure evil in the world.
-"Is Wicca a cult?"
In it's truest definition...ALL religions in the world are cults. What is a cult? Merriam-Webster online defines "Cult" as: 1) a formal religious veneration 2) a system of religious beliefs and ritual; also it's body of adherents 3) a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious. So in essence, yes, Wicca is a cult, just as is Christinity. However, in the context most familiar that one speaks of as "Cults"...no. Wicca is not a cult. In this context, one believes a cult to be an isolated gathering of people, made solely dependant upon their leader for quite literally everything by that leader. Wicca has no singular leader. Wiccans for the most part, depend on themselves for spiritual fulfilment, not a radical leader.
3) Is Wicca whatever you want it to be?
No. Many people mistake eclectic Paganism to full fledged Wicca, and this is incorrect. Contrary to popular belief, Wicca DOES have a form of structure within it's practices, it's just flexible enough to allow for some inclusion of other practices, yet maintaining it's religious practice. As stated above, Wicca is first and foremost a religion centering on the worship of a God and Goddess. Spells, rock/gem use, herbalism, tarot or other forms of divination, special mental or physical abilities, dreams, odd occurrences, whatever have nothing to do with the religion of Wicca. While these things are interesting, and nice to participate in, they are not integral parts of the religion. Integrating outside sources and practices does not automatically make those practices Wiccan. Most common mis-integration are what are thought to be common Native American practices, such as the use of totem and spirit guides. Incorrect usage or understanding of totems and spirit animals has also lead to people's misunderstanding of Native practices, thus making people think that by using these practices (however incorrectly) makes them also part Native (as a member of Native ancestry (Ojibwa) I hardly think so!!) Integrating outside practices into Wicca does not make it Wicca. It doesn't make it anything but a misconcepted mish-mash of nonsensical practices.
5) So, What DO Wiccans do??
Wiccans worship their Gods. Pure and simple. Worship of their Gods, especially in a solitary context can be individualistic. Typically, Wiccans will worship their Gods through rituals. What goes on in these rituals, again, depends on the individual. Examples, however can go like this.
Typical worship rituals begin with the casting of a circle. While the circle is not quite a literal thing, it is an energy form created by the individual, and is not actually quite a circle...more of a bubble, that goes through all things, including furniture and walls. This "circle" is created more or less as a barrier to keep things in, and the unwanted out. Misconceptions state that it's for protection...in a sense this could be true, but the misconcepted idea is that they're trying to protect themselves from something evil, and again, Wiccans don't believe in anything inherently evil. This protection they are trying to instill is from outside negative influence (say someone's disbelief, thus mocking, can be a hinderance to one's practice). Wiccans, when casting a circle are trying to create, more or less, a room in which to work; when done, they release whatever energies raised, to do their business.
After the circle typically comes calling of the quarters. I once heard the analogy that they are "bouncers" of the circle. Some could see them in this way, others could see them as adding energies of the four corners to the energies they themselves have raised. Again, individualistic.
After the circle and quarters, one calls in their deity. What happens next can vary from one Wiccan to another. Many will "Draw Down the Moon" in which they take the Goddess into themselves; sometimes they will merely recite texts dedicated to their deity. Some will perform various magical acts, (spells, etc), perform divination, pray, etc.
Once all this has been completed, a "feast" will take place in which libations and offerings are made, then usually a thank you and farewell commences to all that have been invited, the circle is taken down and ritual is complete. This is but a tiny nutshell peek into ritual. Many people will participate in grand rituals that can take days or even weeks to complete. That is their choice.
6) What can I, a non-Wiccan parent, do about my child's interest in Wicca?
Well, for one thing, I can tell you the worst thing to do is to put it down or degrade it. I mean, turn tables. You tell your parents you want to be Christian and they tell you it's a sure fire way to eternal damnation. That crushes you, and leaves you spiritually void, simply going through the motions of the religion your parents have chosen for you. This can lead to spiritual unhappiness, if not rebellion.
The best thing to do is to remain calm. Yes...it can be quite the shock to hear your child taking an interest in something that is way out in left field; a Pagan religion no less...something not mainstream, and contrary to beliefs you were raised with, and the subject of MANY a poorly researched teenage movie. But, the best thing to do is to support them by learning all you can about Wicca, from GOOD Wiccan sources (biased sources by Christian or other non-Wiccan authors offer stereotypical misinformation geared to make you fear Wicca, when there really isn't anything to fear at all). Good sources to read about Wiccan include Thea Sabin, Scott Cunningham, Ronald Hutton Margot Adler. They will give you an accurate depiction of Wicca, while at the same time alleviating your fears.
Once you get a proper understanding of what Wicca actually is, you can make informed decisions as to whether or not you wish to permit your child to practice.
If you DO choose to allow your child to participate in Wicca, study with them, and learn what they learn, to put at ease any fears you may have. I'm not saying you have to practice right alongside your child, but knowing what they know helps you to better understand what they're doing.
If you decide NOT to allow your child to practice Wicca, have a calm discussion as to why you don't wish them to participate in the religion. Calmly, discuss with them your concerns and reasons behind your decision. Any form of conflict will most likely result in them practicing Wicca in secret, and possibly with bad sources (these sources being whatever they can find that's free, and usually on the internet).
7) Are there any requirements for one to be Wiccan (i.e. dietary, male/female, sexually oriented, etc).
No. Wicca doesn't require much of their practitioners. Wicca doesn't require it's followers to be vegetarian. Revering animals can be done while still consuming them. Before a meal, simply sit and give thanks to the animal and the God/dess for this animals sacrifice to provide nutrition to you and your family. If you would like, place an offering (a piece of the meat) outside, to maintain that thank you. There are many happy omnivorous Wiccans out there.
Wicca also does not discriminate against people based on their sex. Anyone, be them male or female, are more than welcome to practice Wicca. Wicca centers on duality (God and Goddess)...to focus on one over the other throws off that duality and balance. Wicca also doesn't discriminate people based on their sexual preference. Wicca is thought to be a fairly tolerant religion...people of all races, sex and sexual orientations practice rather well, incorporating elements regarding these topics into their practice (some homosexual practitioners even worship homosexual Gods (yes there are homosexual Gods)).
8) Do Wiccans cast spells?
Yes and no. Typically that really depends on the individual Wiccan. In the starting days of Wicca, Gardner (being slightly naive and convinced that the writitngs of Margaret Murray were true, originally called his religion a "Wtich Cult" and regularly participated in spell work.
Today, many Wiccans choose to omit the use of spell work and focus more on the spiritual aspects of Wicca...the communion with the divine, building and maintaining of their relationship, etc. However...there are LOTS of Wiccans who do indeed incorporate Witchcraft AND spell work into their religious practices, and this isn't wrong. It just means that the practice of spell work is no longer integral or necessary for the practice of Wicca (at least in a non-traditional sense).
This FAQ at this point in time is by no means complete. Please, if anyone has other FAQ questions they would like to see here, OR wish to add or correct any information here, please feel free to email me. I hope this has been of help to you.
Blessed Be
Ma’iingan
