For many,
Witchcraft is more than just a
religion…it’s a way of life that truly adds a sense of balance and wholeness to
otherwise hectic lives. Those who choose this path often feel as if they’ve “come home”, and instantly feel connected to something much larger than themselves…and it’s true. You do come home.
Wicca is a
religion influenced by pre-Christian beliefs and practices of Western Europe that affirms the existence of
supernatural power magick and of both male and female deities who inhere in nature, and that emphasizes ritual observance of seasonal and life cycles.
The word ‘Wicca’ has been derived from the Anglo-Saxon word wicce, which means to have wisdom, so as to bend or shape, like a wicker for a basket. Wicca stands for a male witch, while a female witch is called ‘wicce’. With the passage of time wicca has gained currency for both male and female witches.
Initially the word wicca evoked sinister associations as it followers were considered to be evil-natured Satan worshipers. But these misconceptions and prejudices are gradually vanishing as more and more people are trying to return to the natural laws of simple living. Gerald Gardner, a British Civil Servant, is associated with reviving this religious belief in 1950s after the British Government repealed the anti-
witchcraft laws. Since then the Wicca has become a popular religious movement and is gaining strength by day. The believers in Wicca run into millions and are found in almost all the English speaking countries. United States constitution recognizes Wicca as a full-fledged religion and its believers have all the rights and freedom that are enjoyed by the followers of other religions.
Wicca is perhaps the most democratic religion of the world that represents the true spirit of independence of a modern man. It is a religion of a common man allowing him freest will to act or worship, as he likes so long as his action does not infringe upon the comfort of anyone else. There is no regimentation, no hierarchy, and no diktats from above, or a fear regime prompting punishments in this or the other world. This religion was not developed by priests, prophets or saints, but by the poets, philosophers and artists-- the fierce protagonists of freedom of human spirit. Therefore there is no Bible, no ten commandments, no dogma and no prohibitive creed
Wicca Quotes: "We are not evil. We don''t harm or seduce people. We are not dangerous. We are ordinary people like you. We have families, jobs, hopes, and dreams. We are not a cult. This religion is not a joke. We are not what you think we are from looking at T.V. We are real. We laugh, we cry. We are serious. We have a sense of humour. You don''t have to be afraid of us. We don''t want to convert you. And please don''t try to convert us. Just give us the same right we give you--to live in peace. We are much more similar to you than you think." Margot Adler
"If you take the Christian Bible and put it out in the wind and the rain, soon the paper on which the words are printed will disintegrate and the words will be gone. Our bible IS the wind and the rain." Herbalist Carol McGrath as told to her by a Native-American woman.
"I don''t think witchcraft is a religion. I would hope the military officials would take a second look at the decision they made." G.W. Bush (R), as Governor of Texas. Interviewed on ABC''s Good Morning America, 1999-JUN-24. He disapproved of Wiccan soldiers having been given the same religious rights as others in the military.
"We should educate people that ''Witch'' is not evil but ancient and positive. The first time I called myself a ''Witch'' was the most magical moment of my life".
Margot Adler.
Tis the witching hour of night,
Or bed is the moon and bright,
And the stars they glisten, glisten,
Sees to listen
For what listen they?John Keats (1795 - 1821)