Wicca became known to the world at large, primarily through the work of Gerald Gardner,
immediately following the legalization of Witchcraft in England in 1951. Though the true history of
the craft goes back much further in time, the main usage of the term 'Wicca' or 'Wiccan' comes from the
popularization made by Gardner in his book “Witchcraft Today,” where he referred to 'Wica' but still
called the religion 'Witchcraft'. Gardner tells his audience and fellow coven-mates that he brought
'Witchcraft' into the light of general publication because he feared for its survival otherwise. Gerald
Gardner tells us that he was initiated into a true ancient coven called the “New Forest Coven” by
Dorthy Clutterbuck, whom later joined him in his coven “Bricket Wood.” Old Dafo, as Clutterbuck
was known, is said to have initiated Gardner in 1939. Though Dafo remained Gardner's friend she felt
she needed to leave his coven after he went public, because she feared for her own safety due to the
increased awareness of the public.
In the West, the practices of Witchcraft out dates Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and many other
large, very old religions. The true roots of the word Wicca stem back much further than the 1950's.
Wicca was originally known to mean “to bend or shape,” as it was in the early days of Christianity;
covens were called this or the “Wit,” the “Witta,” “Wicce, and also “Vitki,” by those early Christians.
A lot of the traditions held by Christians have roots in Paganism. When Christianity first began to mass
convert, they hired many Pagan builders to construct their temples for them; in so doing the Pagan
architects left many images and monuments to the old Gods including the Green Man and Guardi...
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...story shows the imbalance of mankind and the wars one sided opinions have
caused as well as the blood shed those wars and persecutions have wrought. It only makes sense that
peace and happiness be more truly found with a balanced approach toward Deity, if not evenly
balanced, at least it should include both sexes in its pantheon.
Works Cited
Magic Circle School Basic Wicca 101 A Brief History of Wicca Kristin Griffin
http://www.mistresskalpanasrealm.com/mod/resource/view.php?id=1506
2. Magic Circle School Basic Wicca 101 A Little More History Kristin Griffin
http://www.mistresskalpanasrealm.com/mod/resource/view.php?id=1507
3. Wikipedia History of Wicca From Wikipedia the free encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Wicca
4. Witchcraft Today Gerald B. Gardner (Rider & Co. 1954) pp.
http://www.clubs.psu.edu/up/silverc/witchcrafttoday.pdf
The history of Wicca is often debated by different people. It technically started in 1954, but was based on a mix of ancient religions. We will briefly cover the history of Wicca from caveman days all the way up to modern times in the following paragraphs. In 1908, a statue known as the Venus of Willendorf was found in a cave near what is now Vienna, Austria. Archaeologists believe that the figure comes from 24,000 and 22,000 B.C. Similar statues have been found in a large area of Europe
the most misunderstood due to the controversies surrounding its history and mystery shrouding its beliefs and doctrines. Due to a series of popular TV series that have shown Witchcraft in a positive light, such as Sabrina, the Teen-aged Witch and Charmed, the popularity of Wicca has grown, especially amongst teenagers; but sadly this popularity has not been partnered with a growth in understanding and respect (Kaminer). Although Wicca offers a nature-oriented, egalitarian belief system with a rich
grandmother, a few cousins, and an aunt practice Wicca, and when I was nine I took immediate interest. I quickly felt like I belonged somewhere and had a purpose. My nana took me under her wing and I studied and practiced under her supervision. My nana is a High Priestess, an equivalent to a Pastor or Priest, and was therefore qualified to instruct me in Wicca. Over the course of my adolescence I have learned a great deal about Wicca, and I devoutly practice Wicca each and every day. There are multitudes
Response 3 Wicca, Witch, Witchcraft By Erina Ibrahim special to The Suburban October 12, 2017 Do Witches still suffers from the prejudices and stereotypes? Among many Contemporary Pagan movements, Wicca is the best-known movements and practiced until now. Wicca is considered the modernisation of the Old Religion according to its followers. The practitioner of this religion is called wiccan. Wiccans believes that the religion began in prehistory. Wicca is a recognized religion although it's
Wicca Imagine you are walking through the woods, it’s chilly and from a distance you hear a chanting floating across the wind. The sound has an eerie lulling sound, urging you to follow the new melody. Your curiosity gets the best of you so you follow the noise. You enter a clearing and witness a group of individuals around a fire, chanting and dancing. What is your first impression? Have you stumbled upon a satanic cult? Or maybe are you witnessing a vibrant, misunderstood religion. Wicca, is a
Modern witchcraft attracts believers from all corners of society, all over the world. “They come together to understand the life, nature, evolution and the mysteries of the universe through witchcraft”(The History of Wicca partly real; partly imaginary). Wicca does not acknowledge the concepts of sinning, sexual restriction, animal sacrifice, or misogyny. Many would argue that Witchcraft is a democracy because there is no strict credo or disciplined regime, except for a simple basis: we should not
The truth about Wicca Wicca, commonly known as the “Craft” or “Old Ways” is an expression used to describe various traditions of contemporary Paganism, an earth-centered religion that shows a substantial amount of respect for nature; celebrating the changes in the season and lunar cycles (Mankiller, Wicca); As stated by Morrison Wicca celebrates, “the beauty of the moon, the stars, and the sun (5)”; and the worshipping of the deities (Morrison, 2001). Those who follow the path of Wicca are usually referred
From the medieval times to these modern ages, the Wicca religion is still confused with the unmoral religion of Satanism. The Wicca religion has been around for many centuries. The Christian religion has harmed Wicca’s reputation by spreading fear that Wicca is an evil religion; no better than the worshipping of Lucifer. From the witch burnings in the medieval period till now, Wicca has been classified as part of Satanism. Common witch lore and costumes around the time of All Hallows Eve depict witches
due to Wicca not being formally recognized as a religion until Gerald Gardner brought it to public attention in the 1950s, mention of witches has been seen in various texts throughout the ages, the earliest of which being in the Bible’s book of Samuel. Witches are often seen in popular culture as being evil old hags casting heinous spells and cursing poor unsuspecting princesses, this however, is an inaccurate portrayal of the Wiccan religion. Although there are many other aspects of Wicca such as
Though Witchcraft can be traced back several centuries for the purpose of this report, Wicca began in England with Gerald Gardener, a civil servant who had become fascinated by magical and polytheist practices and traditions as a young man in southeast Asia. Upon his return to England, he joined the Folklore Society, a Rosicrucian order, and was initiated into the New Forest Coven. He joined an order of druids and the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O) where he met Aleister Crowley. Gerald Gardner published
Wicca is a belief system and way of life based upon the reconstruction of pre-Christian traditions originating in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Witchcraft in ancient history was known as "The Craft of the Wise" because most who followed the path were in tune with the forces of nature, had a knowledge of Herbs and medicines, gave council and were valuable parts of the village and community as Shamanic healers and leaders. They understood that mankind is not superior to nature, the earth and its creatures
Buddhism is a beautiful religion that surprisingly shares many of the same beliefs as Wicca. They are both unique religions that share a lot in common but are strikingly different in their own respectable ways. Let’s get it straight though, when most people hear of “Wicca” they might think of a bunch of snickering witches brewing a concoction using a book of spells. Never the less, these stereotypes should not set an example for what the religion really is. So why do people even join these kinds
From Distant Days (Foster & Read, 1995) I just want you to remember when everyone thought the earth was flat. Please when you read this paper I am quoting from authors who I basically disagree with; I.E. Gerald Garner whom is claimed the father of Wicca. How about Alcester Cowley who alleged summon Satan(Churton, 2011), and all he did was copy Israel Regardie works.(Selby) Regardie was Cowley secretary which mean Cowley was of influence and had money. However when Regardie got sick and realize his
believing in one god, and atheistic who are disbelievers and non-religious. Most believers of Paganism find Paganism to be a religion within itself, where as others see Paganism as a belief system, which can be assimilated into other religions such as Wicca or Druidism. Historical Paganism was a religion of place, or a native religion. All Pagan religions are typically based on a connection and worship toward nature. Modern Paganism also known as "Neo-Paganism" is practiced among the Native Americans
Rituals, Beliefs, & Symbols Comparing Mormon with Wicca Contrasting with The Bible Is there one God or are there many gods? Is there God or are there gods and goddesses? What about the afterlife? What lies ahead for those who pass on from this world? Will they go through pearly gates, become a ruler of their own planet, or come back as a spirit guide to those left here on earth? Although the beliefs of the Mormon Church are comparative with other Christian religions, they also share