Witchcraft

and Paganism

There has been a lot of talk about the witchcraft and paganism practiced by the Celtics. Actually that is partially true and mostly untrue at the same time.

Pentagon

Lets start with one of the main symbols - the Pentagon. It is used in the Wicca religion and certain other ancient Celtic ceremonies. It represents the four classical elements. These are earth, fire, air and water. The fifth "point" represents the fifth element of "Spirit or Self".

What’s the difference between Paganism, Wicca and Witchcraft?

By Patti Wigington, About.com

Wicca is a tradition of Witchcraft that was brought to the public by Gerald Gardner in the 1950s. There is a great deal of debate among the Pagan community about whether or not Wicca is truly the same form of Witchcraft that the ancients practiced.

Regardless, many people use the terms Wicca and Witchcraft interchangeably. Paganism is an umbrella term used to apply to a number of different earth-based faiths. Wicca falls under that heading, although not all Pagans are Wiccan.

The term “pagan” (derived from the Latin paganus, which translates roughly to “hick from the sticks”) was originally used to describe people who lived in the remotest rural areas. As time progressed and Christianity spread, those same country folk were often the last hold outs clinging to their "old" religions. Thus, “pagan” came to mean people who didn’t worship the god of Abraham.

So, in a nutshell, here's what's going on. All Wiccans are witches, but not all witches are Wiccans. All Wiccans are Pagans, but not all Pagans are Wiccans. Finally, some witches are Pagans, but some are not.

I hope that clears up any confusion you may have had!

The FACTS About Wicca And Paganism

There's a lot of misinformation and real information on Wicca and Paganism, in books, on the Internet, and even through local groups. Just how much of that information is really accurate? How does the average person know how to separate fact from rumor?

The fact is, there are several basics you need to understand about Wicca and Paganism before you make the decision to join a new spiritual path. In the next few paragraphs I will try to eliminate some of those misconceptions and talk about hard facts. That should make your spiritual journey all the more valuable if you understand these issues from the very beginning.

Even Wicca Has Rules

It seems a lot of people think that just because there's no "Grand High Wiccan or Pagan Council" that there must be lots of magical hooligans going on. On the contrary, there are some fairly standard guidelines followed by a large number of different Pagan traditions. While these guidelines will vary from one group to the next, I strongly suggest you familiarize yourself with some of their concepts. You should definitely learn more about the rules of magic before you continue your studies.

Not All Witches are Pagans nor Wiccans

There are dozens of Pagan traditions, and as many different versions of Wicca. Not all are the same, and just because someone is a witch, or Pagan, doesn't necessarily mean they practice Wicca. Learn about the differences in paths found among the umbrella term "Paganism."

Wicca is a Religion - Not A Fashion Statement

Religious Freedom Applies to Wiccans & Pagans Alike

Believe it or not, as a Wiccan or Pagan you have the same rights as people of any other religion. Despite the fact that some members of other faiths might disapprove of the existence of Wicca and Paganism, the fact is that if you live in the United States, you're entitled to protection just like anyone else. It's against the law for anyone to discriminate against you because you practice an earth-based faith.

Your rights as a Pagan or Wiccan parent, as an employee, and even as a member of the United States military.

Can you lose your kids, your job, or your home just because you practice an earth-based faith? Believe it or not, you have the same rights as everyone else in this country. Learn what you can do to reduce the chance that you'll be a victim of religious discrimination.

According to a study done in 2004, there were over 4,000 people in the United States Military, at that time, who declared themselves as Pagan. Over half of those folks declared themselves as Wiccans. If you or someone you love is an active duty member of the military, you need to be aware of your rights as a Pagan or Wiccan soldier.

To Come Out of the Broom Closet... or Not

Wiccans and Pagans Are Not Satanists

• It's a reverence for their ancestors,
• A belief in the sacredness of nature,
• A willingness to embrace the Divine within ourselves,
• Or an acceptance of polarity between the male and female.

It is more likely than not a combination of the above principles. It has nothing to do with the Devil, Satan, or any of the other names attributed to the Christian devil. Pagans and Wiccans are definitely not devil worshippers, Satanists, or Diabolists - even though modern literature, movies and TV shows try to "sell" us that they are!

Join a Coven, or Practice Solitary?