Wicca is a nature-based religion, founded by Gerald Gardner in the 1950's.

Wicca or Wicce means "wise of the craft." Wicca attempts to align itself with nature and it sees all life as part of such. Wicca worships a deity who is divided into female and male aspects, as represented by the High Priestess and Priest.

Wicca has become synonymous with Witches since its inception by Gardner. Gerald Gardner was born in England in 1874, moved to Maylasia as a child, entered the British Civil Service, staying in the Far East until he retired. Gardner claims to have been initiated in a coven in the New Forest region in England in 1939 by a friend named Dorothy Clutterbuck.

Wicca is largely Gardner's creation, though it appears that he borrowed some information from others. In 1899, Charles Leland had Aradia, or the Gospel of Witches, a manuscript that was given to Leland by an Italian witch, printed. This book was a history of sorts concerning witchcraft in northern Italy. Another book that seems to have inspired Gardner is by Margaret Murray, A Witch-cult in Western Europe, printed in 1921. This book claimed that witchcraft was a fertility cult that survived for thousands of years and was very much alive today. While her thesis may have been proven false, her ideas have lived on. All of this led to Gardner's basic beliefs of what witchcraft should be. Using his personal knowledge of the craft and what he had read, he was able to create a tradition that lays claim to being thousands of years old, when in fact Wicca is less then 50 years old. Buckland, who was a protégé of Gardner's brought Wicca to America in the early 1960's. (Clifton, The Modern Witchcraft Movement, Witchcraft Today, pages 21- 38)

The primary difference between Witchcraft and Wicca is that Wicca has been in existence for 50 years, while Witchcraft is probably one of the oldest traditions known to mankind. Witchcraft is a "craft"; Wicca is a religion, which happens to have witches as members. Witchcraft does not necessarily worship known deities, while Wicca is a Goddess based religion. Last, Witches do not have a rede or any written code or doctrine to follow, while Wicca does.

Wicca, as any other religion, has many sects. While all groups agreed in principle with Gerald Gardner, not all felt it necessary to follow his doctrine. This led to a division of paths, much like the Christian Church experienced. There are more "sects" that will be covered in this text, but the main Wicca denominations are, Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Seax, Circle, and Dianic Wicca. Though there are many sects of Wicca, they do all have one thing in common; they all follow the basic Wiccan philosophy, "Harm none and do what you will."

Gerald Gardner founded Gardnerian Wicca; the main feature that distinguishes it from other denominations is that they are required to be skyclad, or nude.

Another feature about Gardnerian Wicca is that all of the coven High Priestesses can trace their lineage back to the original High Priestess.

Alexandrian Wicca was the creation of Alex Sanders, which is an offshoot of Gardnerian Wicca. The principle difference between the two is that being skyclad for rituals is optional. The are some other differences, but these are primarily slight differences in rituals, i.e. the use of the Athame. Alexandrian Wicca was not named after its founder, but rather Ancient Alexandria.

Raymond Buckland founded Seax Wicca after bringing Gardnerian Wicca to the USA. Founded in the 1970's, Buckland claims that this Saxon form of Wicca is different because of its democratic process and its open rituals (all of which can be obtained through your local bookstore). The main feature that makes this different from the previous two is that, either the Priest or High Priestess can lead the coven. Each coven can decide for itself whether or not to be skyclad during rituals.

Selena Fox founded Circle Wicca in 1974. Selena Fox describes Circle Wicca as: "Wiccan Shamanism, also sometimes known as Circle Wicca and Shamanic Witchcraft, blends together multicultural shamanic practices and Wiccan ways. Central to this path is communion with Nature. Practices include celebrating the cycles of sun and moon; spiritual healing; honoring ancestors; working with animal totems; plant spirits; and other Nature spirits; ritual work at sacred sites; drumming/sacred rhythm making; ritual dancing and chanting; work with dreams; visions; trance/meditations; and personal and collective mythology. "

"The Divine is honored as both Unity and Multiplicity (Goddesses, Gods, Elements, nature Spirits, Ancestors, Guides). Circle casting includes honoring seven directions and associated dimensions: North (Earth, physical realm); East (Air, mental realm); South (Fire, behavioral realm); West (Water, emotional realm); Above (Cosmos, universe); Below (Planet, biosphere); Center (Spirit, all that is). Although the term, Wiccan Shamanism, was coined by Selena Fox of Circle Sanctuary in the 1970's, this type of Wiccan/Pagan Witchcraft is the orientation of a variety of different groups and individuals in the United States and other countries."

Dianic Wicca is a tradition started by Ann Forefreedom, which primarily worships the goddess, not her consort. This religion, which does have both male and female practitioners, is matriarchal and does not use a male priest.

They are many other traditions in Wicca, some which will be discussed, in later chapters. However, all the modern day Wiccans are based, if somewhat loosely, on Gerald Gardner's original Wicca.

The Wiccan Rede is the main tenet of Wicca. "An' it harm none, do what thou wilt." Simply put, do whatever you want, but don't hurt anyone in the process.

The complete version of the Wiccan Rede is a poem. It is generally attributed to Doreen Valiente as the author in question, although this has not been proven. However when most refer to the Wiccan Rede they are referring to the shorter version. The rede means to counsel, advise or interpret. :

The complete poem is as follows:

THE WICCAN REDE

Bide the Wiccan Rede we must

In perfect love and perfect trust.

Live and let live

Fairly take and fairly give.

Cast the circle thrice about

To keep unwanted spirits out.

To bind the spell every time

Let the spell be spake in rhyme.

Soft of eye and light of touch

Desoil go by the waxing moon

Chanting out the Witches' rune.

Widdershins go by the waning moon

Chanting out the baleful rune.

When the lady's moon is full

Kiss your hand to her, times two.

When the moon rides at Her peak

Then your heart's desire seek.

Heed the North wind's mighty gale

Lock the doors and drop the sail.

When the wind blows from the South

Love will kiss you on the mouth.

When the wind blows from the West

Departed souls will have no rest.

When the wind blows from the East

Expect the new and set the feast.

Nine woods in the cauldron go

Burn them fast burn then slow.

Elder is the Lady's tree,

Burn it not or cursed you'll be.

When the Wheel begins to turn

Let the Beltane fires burn.

When the wheel has turned to Yule

Light the log the Horned One rules.

Heed you flower, bush and tree

By the Lady, blessed be.

When the rippling waters go

Cast a stone and the truth you'll know.

When you have a true need

Hearken not to other's greed.

With a fool no season spend

Lest you be counted as his friend.

Merry meet and merry part,

Bright the cheeks and warm the heart.

When misfortune is enow

Wear the blue star on your brow.

True in love ever be

Lest your Love be false to thee.

Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill;

And it harm none, do what you will.

The Wiccan Rede according to Gerina Dunwich is a " …simple and benevolent moral code of Wiccans that is as follows: 'An it harm none, do what thou wilt.'

The exact origin of the Wiccan Rede is not known, but some have suggested that it is the Pagan version of the Christians' "love thy neighbor." It has been interpreted as meaning: Be free to do (magickally or mundanely) what you feel in your heart is right, provided no harm be brought to anyone (including yourself) as a result. Most Wiccans live by the Wiccan Rede and believe that if they violate it, even unintentionally, they will have to contend with a negative karmic return." (Wicca A to Z)

The Rede along with the Principles of Wiccan Belief and the three-fold law, the Laws of Power and the 13 goals make up the basic philosophy of Wicca.

The three-fold law of return, as written by Scott Cunningham is:

Evermind the rule of three.

Three times what thou givest returns to thee.

This lesson well, thou must learn.

Thee only gets what thou dost return.

What this simple but elegant poem is saying is that whatever you do, good or bad, shall return to you times three. "What is done will be returned to the doer." (Cunningham, Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, page 136)

The Law of Three can also be described as a form of Karma, the Far-East religious philosophy of "cause and effect." Every action is met with a reaction.

Scott Cunningham wrote the basic laws for those who choose to follow a Wiccan path. Cunningham is quoted as saying "Virtually all religious organizations give their adherents a set of guidelines or rules of conduct. In such laws we often find the true nature of the faith, which can be difficult to determine from the actual behavior of most of its representatives."

Cunningham wrote the Law along with the Law of the Power and the Nature of Our Way as guides for the practicing Wiccan to follow.

The Law

We are of the Old Ways, among those

who walk with the Goddess and God

and receive their love.

Keep the Sabbats and Esbats to the

best of you abilities, for to do otherwise

is to lessen your connection with the

Goddess and God.

Harm none. This, the oldest law, is not

open to interpretation or change.

Shed not blood in ritual; the Goddess

and God need not blood to be duly

worshipped.

Those of our ways are kind to all

creatures, for hurtful thoughts are quite

draining and aren't worth the loss of

energy.

Misery is self-created; so, too, is joy, so

create joy and disdain misery and

unhappiness. And this is within your

power. So harm not.

Teach only what you know, to the best

of your ability, to those students who

you choose, but teach not to those who

would use your instructions for

destruction or control. Also teach not to

boost pride, forever remember: She/he

who teaches out of love shall be

enfolded in the arms of the Goddess

and God.

Ever remember that if you would be of

our way, keep the law close to your

heart, for it is the nature of the Wicca to

keep the Law.

If ever the need arises, any Law may be

changed or discarded, and new laws

written to replace them, so long as the

new laws don't break the oldest law of

all: Harm none.

Blessings of the Goddess and God on us all.

(Cunningham, Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, page 144-45)

Scott Cunningham wrote the Nature of Our Way as a guide for the solitary practitioner. This piece gives the Wiccan or the Newly introduced Wiccan and idea of the very Nature of Wicca.

The Nature of Our Way

As often as possible, hold rites in forests, by the seashore, on a deserted mountaintop or near a tranquil lake. If this is impossible, a garden or a chamber will suffice, if it is readied with fumes or flowers.

Seek out wisdom in books, rare manuscripts and cryptic poems if you will, but seek it out also in simple stones and fragile herbs and in the cries of birds. Listen to the whisperings of the wind and the roar of water if you would discover magic, for it is here that the old secrets are preserved.

Books contain words; trees contain energies and wisdom book ne'er dreamt of.

Ever remember that the Old Ways are constantly revealing themselves. Therefore be as the river willow that bends and sways with the wind. That which remains changeless shall outlive its spirit, but that which evolves and grows shall shine for centuries.

There can be no monopoly on wisdom. Therefore share what you will of our ways with others who seek them, but hide mystic lore from the eyes of those who would destroy, for to do otherwise increases their destruction.

Mock not the rituals or spells of another, for who can say yours are greater in power or wisdom?

Be wary of one who would dominate you, who would control and manipulate your workings or reverences. True reverence for the Goddess and God occurs within. Look with suspicion on any who would twist worship from you for their own gain and glory, but welcome those priestesses and priests who are suffused with love.

Honor all living things, for we are of the bird, the fish, the bee. Destroy not life save it be to preserve you own. And this is the nature of our way. (Cunningham, Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, page 112-13)

The Law of the Power was also written by Scott Cunningham, and was written as a companion piece with the Law to allow the Wiccan ethics for the use of magick.

They are as follows:

The Law of the Power

The Power shall not be used to bring harm, to injure or to control others. But if the need rises, the Power shall be used to protect your life or the lives of others. The Power is used only as need dictates.

The Power can be used for your own gain; as long as by doing so you harm none. It is unwise to accept money for the use of the Power, for it quickly controls its taker. Be not as those in other religions. Use not the Power for prideful gain, for such cheapens the mysteries of Wicca and magick.

Ever remember that the Power is the sacred gift of the Goddess and God, and should never be misused or abused.

And this is the Law of the Power. (Cunningham, Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, page 145)

Scott Cunningham in his attempt to bring Wicca to the uninformed derived that Wicca, as other recognized religions should have a set of goals. These goals allowed the Wiccan to be able to explain themselves better to the general public.

The 13 goals of Wicca are:

13 Goals of Wicca

Know yourself.

It is important that we understand ourselves completely. What motivates you? What are your limitations? Cunningham was stressing the importance of self-knowledge, for only by knowing can you grow.

Know your Craft

With so many traditions in Wicca it is important that you understand the right way to worship for you.

Learn.

Wicca, like life doesn't stop once you reach a level or a degree. It is constant, ever going forward.

Apply knowledge with wisdom.

What you know and how you use it. It is important that your knowledge is used properly and with wisdom.

Achieve balance.

Balance of the mind, the emotions, the body and the spirit are important to all.

Keep your words in good order.

Even words have magick, be careful of what you ask for; you just might receive it.

Keep your thoughts in good order.

When performing a task it is necessary that you understand why you are doing so. Check your reasons before you act.

Celebrate life.

Enjoy your life!

Attune with the cycles of the Earth.

Do not forget the Sabbats and the reasons behind them.

Breathe and eat correctly.

This does not mean that you should become a vegetarian, what it does mean is that all things should be done in moderation.

Exercise the body.

A healthy body allows one to enjoy a long life.

Meditate.

A healthy body, a healthy mind. Meditation is not reading a passage in a book it is clearing your mind of clutter and focusing your thoughts on matters that you wish to become more familiar with. It is way of communicating with the Goddess and God.

Honor the Goddess and God.

Honoring the Goddess and God is accomplished by following the goals, the rede, the Laws and the Principles in your everyday life. (Cunningham, Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, page 151)

The now disbanded Council of American Witches wrote the Principles of Belief for the modern Wiccan in 1974. The following is a copy of the Principles of Belief, as printed in RavenWolf's To Ride a Silver Broomstick, pages 6-7.

Principles of Belief

Adopted By The Council Of American Witches April 12,1974

"The Council of American Witches finds it necessary to define modern Witchcraft in terms of the American experience and needs.

We are not bound by traditions from other times and other cultures, and owe no allegiance to any person or power greater than the Divinity manifest through our own being.

As American Witches, we welcome and respect all life-affirming teachings and traditions, and seek to learn from all and to share our learning within the Council.

It is in this spirit of welcome and cooperation that we adopt these principles of Wiccan belief. In seeking to be inclusive, we do not wish to open ourselves to the destruction of our group by those on self-serving power trips, or to philosophies and practices contradictory to these principles. In seeking to exclude those whose ways are contradictory to ours, we do not want to deny participation with us to any who are sincerely interested in our knowledge and beliefs, regardless of race, color, sex, age, national or cultural origins, or sexual preference.

We therefore ask only those who seek to identify with us to accept these basic principles:

We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the moon and the seasonal quarters and crossquarters.

We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility toward our environment. We seek to live in harmony with Nature, in ecological balance offering fulfillment to life and consciousness within and evolutionary concept.

We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than is apparent to the average person. Because it is far greater than ordinary, it is sometimes called "supernatural," but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all.

We conceive of the Creative Power in the Universe as manifesting through polarity--as masculine and feminine-- and that this same creative Power lives in all people, and functions through the interaction of the masculine and feminine. We value neither above the other, knowing each to be supportive of the other. We value sexuality as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of Life, and as one of the sources of energies used in Magickal practice and religious worship.

We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological worlds-- sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconsciousness, the Inner Planes, etc.-- and we see in the interaction of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena and Magickal exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment. We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who have courageously given themselves in leadership.

We see religion, magick, and wisdom-in-living as being united in the way one views the world and lives within it -- a world view and philosophy of life, which we identify as Witchcraft or the Wiccan Way.

Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a witch -- but neither does heredity itself, or the collecting of titles, degrees, and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the forces within him/herself that makes life possible in order to live wisely and well, without harm to others, and in harmony with nature.

We acknowledge that it is the affirmation and fulfillment of life, in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness, that gives meaning to the Universe we know, and to our personal role within it.

Our only animosity toward Christianity, or toward any other religion or philosophy-of-life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be "the one true right and only way" and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practices and belief.

As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft, the origins of various terms, the legitimacy of various aspects of different traditions. We are concerned with our present, and our future.

We do not accept the concept of "absolute evil," nor do we worship any entity known as "Satan" or the "Devil" as defined by Christian Tradition. We do not seek power through the suffering of others, nor do we accept the concept that personal benefits can be derived by denial to another.

We work within Nature for that which is contributory to our health and well being".

Doreen Valiente is credited with writing the Charge of the Goddess. It is poem that gives a message from the Goddess to her children.

THE CHARGE OF THE GODDESS

Hear ye the words of the Star Goddess;

She in the dust of whose feet are the hosts of heaven,

and whose body encircles the universe:

I who am the beauty of the green earth,

and the white moon among the stars,

and the mystery of the waters,

call unto they soul: Arise, and come unto me.

For I am the soul of nature, who gives life to the universe.

From Me all things proceed, and unto Me all things must return;

and before My face, beloved of gods and of men,

let thine innermost divine self be enfolded in the rapture of the infinite.

Let My worship be within the heart that rejoices;

for behold, all acts of love and pleasure are My rituals.

And therefore let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion,

honor and humility, mirth and reverence within you.

And thou who thinkest to seek Me,

Know that thy seeking and yearning shall avail thee not,

unless thou knowest the Mystery:

that if that which thou seekest thou findest not within thee,

thou wilt never find it without.

For behold, I have been with thee from the beginning;

And I am that which is attained at the end of desire.

(Starhawk, pages 90-91)

Wiccans use an eclectic brand of magick, from folk to ritual. It is rumored that Gerald Gardner had Aliester Crowley write several ceremonies or rituals for him. Although the rumor is unsubstantiated, it does make for an interesting story. (Clifton, The Modern Witchcraft Movement, Witchcraft Today, pages 21-38)

Wiccans worship the One Power, which is composed of everything. Wiccans tend to see the One as being both female and male. In seeing the One this way, Wiccans are simply attempting to attune themselves with nature. This dual aspect of the One, both female and male, yin and yang balance out each other.

This dual aspect is often confused with a polytheistic approach, when Wicca is actually a monotheistic religion. All power is derived from One Source, though they may have several entities referred to as "Gods and Goddesses" representing this source.

The Goddess or Lady, is seen as Mother Nature and Mother earth, and sometimes is associated with the Moon. She is often represented as the fertility Goddess, of plants (Venus and Brigid), of animals (Diana and Epona) and of humans (Aprodite and Danu). The Goddesses power is at her peak during the "fertile half" of the year, from spring (May) to fall (October). She is often depicted as the protector of the cycles of life, birth and death, creation and destruction. Maiden, mother and crone often represent the female aspect of the One source.

The God, or Lord, is seen as the Sun, and is often placed in the woodlands. Sometimes he is depicted as the "Horned God", often going by the name Cernnous, Herne, or Pan. The God's power is at its peak from fall (October) to spring (May). He is Lord of the Hunt and master of the Wild Magick.

Wiccan's usually will worship various deities from the Celtic mythology, they are not worshipped in any particular order and the average Wiccan will call upon whatever deity she/he feels the closest to. Wiccan's also will use a Henotheism approach, calling upon gods from other cultural groups.

Wiccan worship is as varied as the different sects of Wicca. Wiccan worship is conducted on the Sabbats, or during a full moon. The actual ritual is usually personalized towards a particular Sabbat or with a specific goal in mind. The actual ritual also depends on whether it is a coven ritual or a solitary ritual.

Wiccan rituals are usually performed within a circle. Nudity, being skyclad, is also optional, depending upon the tradition. Though many Wiccan ceremonies are performed indoors, this is usually for privacy. It is preferred that they be performed in the outdoors, to be closer to nature.

Ritual according to RavenWolf in To Ride a Silver Broomstick is defined as "A focused mental/physical ceremony to either honor or thank one's chosen pantheon, or to perform a specific Magickal working." Each ritual is highly individualized and must be clearly defined and understood before being performed. Most Wiccans will use a Book of Shadows to organize their rituals.

The basic elements to a ritual are varied, but the following is some basic information that should assist any beginner in performing a ritual. Though most bookstores do offer a wide variety of New Age books, many of which would have complete rituals written out for the novice. The first thing one should do before engaging in any ritual, is to have a defined goal or purpose. Second, write out your ceremony. It is helpful to memorize this, to avoid interrupting the flow of the ritual. Third, decide when and where and to whom the ritual is dedicated. When, depends upon the Sabbats and the phases of the moon. Where, of course, depends upon the need for privacy, i.e. skyclad or not. Whom, if you are invoking a particular deity, certain formalities may be needed to be followed.

You will also need to gather all the appropriate tools. See chapter two on Magick. Invite whatever elemental, spirit or God/ess that you wish to invoke, open your circle, perform your ritual, close the circle. Record the ritual in your Book of Shadows.

The circle is where Wiccans and many other Neo-pagan traditions perform their rituals. The circle is used to protect those who cast it and to contain the focus of the caster. The actual casting and closing of the circle is just as important as the ritual that is performed inside the circle. Circle casting can be as complex or as simple as desired. This is also covered in great length by RavenWolf and by Buckland.

The circle also represents the cycle of life: life, death, rebirth and life again, never ending. The circle is a perfect symbol to demonstrate wholeness and perfection. It reminds us that everything is connected. The circle is the entranceway to the Otherworld, a place of power and of mystery. The continuous circle seemingly has no beginning or end, thus signifying that as one cycle or season ends, another begins-eternal life.

Wiccans will state they have no hierarchy, that all are equal, because all Wiccans are priests/esses. This is not necessarily true. First, there is the High Priestess who can trace her roots all the way back to Dorothy Clutterbuck (this is primarily a Gardnerian Tradition). The next level would be the High Priest, then the priests/esses, who are broken down into levels of three; Maiden, Mother and Crone. However this only pertains to those who belong to covens. There are the non-witch worshippers who are called cowan's. Though cowan's generally do not engage in the rituals and are not considered true members of the coven. (Buckland, page 54-55)

What are some good books to read to learn more about Wicca?

There are a lot of good books to read, actually too many to list them all. The ones that are listed were found to be helpful in researching this chapter. For a more complete listing use the bibliography in the back of the book.

Clifton, Chas S. Witchcraft Today: The Modern Craft Movement Llewellyn

Publications, USA 1993 ISBN# 0-87542-377-9

Cunningham, Scott Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner

Llewellyn Publications, USA 1998 ISBN# 0-87542-184-9

Cunningham, Scott Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner Llewellyn

Publications, USA 1998 ISBN# 0-87542-118-0

Starhawk The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Great

Goddess HaperCollins Publishers Inc., USA 1989 ISBN# 0-06-250815-6

What are some web-sites to visit?

The number of Wiccan web-sites is phenomenal, and it keeps growing .The

easiest way to find a web-site on a particular subject is to use your search

engine on the computer. Use the words, Wicca, Wiccan, Cunningham, Scott,

Witch and Witchcraft. Here are some sites that can help get you started on your

search. However because of the constant ebb and flow of the Internet these

sites may no longer exist, but as of December, 1998 they were still online.

Celtic Connection http://www.com/celtic/cc002.htm

Coven of the Four Corners http://members.xoom.com/COTFC/index.html

Wiccan Information Center, The

http://ww3.sympatico.ca/morgaine/welcome.html

Wicca & Shamanism http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Olympus/5987

Wicca & Spellcraft http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Ithaca/7441/index.html

PO Box 181088,  Utica MI 48318 USA

586-731-9025