some info on wiccans

[Trouble]

The Beginning of Wicca
Thousands of years ago the dominant religion in Europe was Paganism. There was no one particular God that Pagans believed in, but instead they felt that all of nature was spiritual and that there were many gods and goddesses represented by nature itself. They observed the phases of the moon, the Summer/Winter Solstices and the Spring/Fall Equinoxes.
With the rise of Christianity, Paganism was driven underground because the beliefs of this new religion (Christianity) were very different from Paganism. This led to the burning of many Pagans in a time that came to be known as the Burning Times. For hundreds of years, Paganism remained an underground religion, almost lost completely. However, around 1940 a British man, named Gerald Gardner, rejuvenated and modernized Paganism and morphed it into the form we know today, Wicca.


Wicca Today
Just like their Pagan counterparts, Wiccans (the modern name for a witch) believe in the spirituality of nature. Wicca has become alluring for modern day women because its practices are deeply rooted in the belief that there must be a balance in the male/female roles in life. Therefore, they worship both gods and goddesses, not just a singular male God. However, Earth, which plays an important role in the Wiccan religion, is often referred to as Mother Earth.
Following the Wiccan faith does not mean that you sacrifice animals or practice dark magic. Many Wiccans today, especially young Wiccans, have taken a greater interest in the environment and actively protect what they believe is sacred. Learning more about the significance of herbs and essential oils, the power of crystals and all things natural, are all part of the modern Wiccan movement.


Wicca Goes Hollywood
Today there are a ton of cool shows and movies that explore the world of Wicca. And the great thing about these shows is that they have helped to redefine the image of the witch.
For instance, Sabrina the Teenage Witch can cast some pretty cool spells, without donning a pointy hat. The three sisters on Charmed, fight evil with their white magic, without a wart among them. And how could you ever forget the duo of powerful, stylish witches from Buffy, Willow and Tara. Of course, unlike on TV, just because you choose to practice Wicca, doesn't mean you will be able to turn that annoying boy down the road into a toad.

[Trouble]

Basic Facts


Wicca is an earth-based religion that is centered around the respect of all things living.

Goddess is Great Mother Goddess. That is her name to me; usually I just call her Goddess. To others she might be Aphrodite or Kuan-Yin. She is in everything, in every person or plant or rock. You can speak to her and pray to her.
She takes many forms. She is the moon, and is often thought of as the Triple Goddess as manifested in the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone. Her symbol is a full moon flanked by crescent moons. According to Wicca, there is both a Goddess and a God. (However, I only believe in a Goddess.)
The God is the Sun. He is the hunter and Green Man; the father.

Goddess and God Traditionally, the Goddess and God are lovers. They are equals. Almost anything can be categorized as either in the Kingdom of the Sun or the Kingdom of the Moon. They are in everything, according to tradition.DevilWiccans in no way worship the devil. In fact, Wicca as a religion does not even believe in a devil. Although pictures of God or Goddess may have horns, this was normal in ancient times and was not a sign of evil. It was common practice for conquering religions (in this case Christianity) to demonize the gods they replaced.

Pentacle/Pentagram
The point-up pentacle () is not the sign of the devil. The five-pointed star is called a pentagram, when inside a circle it is called a pentacle. The circular board that has symbols (such as pentagrams and triangles) carved into it is also called a pentacle. It is used by Wiccans as one of their magical tools. Hope that clears up all the confusion!

Laws/Rules
There are not many rules in Wicca, but one that most Wiccans follow is the Wiccan Rede (also known as the Wiccan Law, Wiccan Rule, etc.): An it harm none do what thou wilt -- meaning, do what you want, but don't harm anyone. Another law some Wiccans folow is the Threefold Law or Law of Three. It is that what you do, good or bad, will come back to you three times as strong. Others believe in Karma, which is similar to the Threefold Law, except that what you give comes back equally as strong. Personally, I think this makes sense; what you give is what you get.
However, each person must decide for her or himself. Threefold Law, Karma, neither, or something different altogether?

Other Religions
Wicca is not a coercive religion. Meaning, we do not try to convert or brainwash people. We respect other constructive religions and paths, the only problem we have is when a religion wishes harm upon us.

Magic vs. Magick
Many Wiccans and other Pagans spell magic with a k (magick). This is to differentiate it from stage magic. I choose to spell it "magic" simply because I prefer the spelling. Whatever you choose is fine -- some even spell it "magyk."

Warlock?
Wicca can be practiced by both men and women. Male witches or Wiccans are not called warlocks; The word warlock means "twister of truth" and is an insult to male witches.

Witchcraft vs. Wicca
Witchcraft and Wicca are sometimes used to mean the same thing. Usually, though, Wicca refers to the religious aspects, and Witchcraft refers to the practice of magick, etc.

"The Broom Closet"
When a Pagan, especially a Wiccan, speaks of "coming out of the broom closet," they are talking about revealing their religion.

Spirit Names
Often when Wiccans (and other Pagans) dedicate themselves to their path, they will choose a spirit name.

Wicca With Other Religions
Many people want to become Wiccan, but also want to be another religion. People have told them this is "against the rules." Please know that it is not. It is very possible to be Wiccan and another religion. HOWEVER, there are guidelines. You must, most importantly, follow the Wiccan Rede. Also, earth-loving is a necessity. If the religion you choose is Christianity, for example, it will be impossible to follow everything from Christianity. (There are passages that state, "You shall not suffer a witch to live.") But you can take what you want from each religion; don't let anyone tell you that you can't.

Solitary Wicca vs. Coven Wicca
When a Witch practices alone, she or he is called a "Solitary Witch." When she or he practices with a group (known as a coven), she or he is called a "Coven Witch." Some people say things like "It takes a Witch to make a Witch," but this is not true. The majority of modern-day Wiccans, in fact, are probably Solitaries. They either cannot find a coven near them, the coven does not fit their needs, they simply prefer to work alone, etc.

DietMany Wiccans choose to become vegetarian or vegan out of love for Earth and respect for all life. However, rest assured this is NOT a requirement for being Wiccan.

Stereotypes
Witches are not green-skinned, warty old crones. We are also not black-clad, pierced, and tattooed (though individual Witches might be). Anyone who threatens to turn you into a toad is probably not Wiccan.

Spells:
Black, Grey, and White Magic - Most Wiccans do cast spells. However, they are not at all like the ones depicted by the media. They are not instant, and there is a certain format that they follow. Also, interfering with someone's will counts as harming them, so spells that make another person fall in love with you, etc. are out. Almost all Wiccans try to practice what is commonly called "white magic." There are exceptions to the Wiccan Rede as it pertains to magic, as there are to any rule, but only in extreme cases. Even doing magic to benefit others without their permission is only "grey magic."

Who Are We?
Wiccans are not "born Witches." Although some of us have "inherited" the religion from our parents, we were not born with supernatural powers that others do not have. (Everyone has access to these natural, not supernatural, powers. Witches simply choose to use them. Being Wiccan is a conscious decision.
Becoming WiccanSeveral people have asked how to convert to Wicca. I have a dedication ceremony in my BOS, but I want to make the distinction between dedication and conversion. Most Wiccans don't convert, because we don't expect you to leave behind past beliefs. As long as you live by Wicca, you are Wiccan. Initiations won't make you truly Wiccan.

The Media
I've been avoiding discussing witches as portrayed in the media, but it had to be addressed eventually. I cannot stress enough, do NOT believe what you see on TV and in movies about witches. While some things are true, most is completely false. The Craft, Charmed, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer are not accurate representations of Wicca.

Pagan Lingo
Pagans have sayings that we use with eachother. One such saying is "Merry meet and merry part until we merry meet again!" (or "Merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again", etc.) Because of this we often greet eachother by saying "merry meet" and part by saying "merry part". We also say -- usually upon parting -- "blessed be" or "brightest blessings." (In Pagan chatrooms, these are often abbreviated to MM, MP, and BB.)AcceptanceThe Wiccan/Pagan community is open to everybody. Race, gender, past religion, sexual orientation, age, etc. are unimportant.

Sexuality
Wicca considers sexuality a sacred and powerful thing. We don't have rules against homosexuality, sex before marriage, etc. We believe those are personal choices, and must be wisely considered and decided. HOWEVER: that does not mean that we encourage "promiscuous" behavior. Sacred things must be treated with utmost care, and each individual needs to decide their own guidelines, including appropriate age. Also, a word about nude rituals: you may hear of Witches performing rituals "skyclad" -- naked. This is NOT forced, of course. Some solitaries and covens choose to perform ritual free of limitations. This is only covens of over-18 members.

interested in learning more?
go to this page and read some more
www.angelfire.com/realm2/amethystbt/ffbasicfacts.html

[Trouble]

The Wiccan Law
Bide the Wiccan Laws we must,
in perfect love and perfect trust.
Live and let live,
fairly take, and fairly give.
Cast the circle thrice about
to keep evil spirits out.
To bind the spell every time,
let the spell be spake in rhyme.
Soft of eye and light of touch,
speak little, listen much.
Deosil go by the waxing moon,
chanting out the Witches Rune.
Widdershin go by the waning moon,
chanting out the baleful rune.
When the lady's moon is new,
kiss the hand to her, times two.
When the moon rides at her peak,
then your hearts desire seek.
Heed the North winds mighty gale,
lock the door and drop the sail.
When the winds come from the South,
love will kiss thee on the mouth.
When the winds blow from the West,
departed souls will have no rest.
When the winds blow from the East,
expect the new and set the feast.
Nine woods in the cauldron go,
burn them fast and burn them slow.
Elder be 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 and the Horned Ones rule.
Heed ye flower, bush, and tree,
by the Lady, blessed be.
When the rippling waters go,
cast a stone and truth you'll know.
When ye have a true need,
hearken not to others greed.
With a fool no season spend,
lest ye be counted as his friend.
Merry Meet and Merry Part,
bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind the threefold law you should,
three times bad, and three times good.
When misfortune is enow,
wear the blue star on thy brow.
True love ever be,
lest thy lover's flase to thee.
Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill,
"An it harm none, do what ye will."



The Wiccan Rede:
"An it harm none, do what ye will."



The Law of Three:
"Whatever you do will come back to you threefold."



The Golden Rule:
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

[Trouble]

I just wanted to add a little bit of my own knowledge to this post, in the first part it states that wiccan is the new name for witch, that is not true. Witches and Wiccans today are two seperate groups. once they consisted of the same group, today they are seperated by the use of their magic.