Modern Wicca in America

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Modern Wicca in America

Abstract

Wicca, an alternate and often preferred name for the religion of neo-Pagan witchcraft; a religion based, in part, on ancient northern European Pagan beliefs in a fertility Goddess and her consort, a horned God. Although the religion is a modern creation, some of its sources pre-date the Christian era by many centuries. Most Wiccans do not believe that their religion is a direct continuous descendent of this earlier religion. They see it as a modern reconstruction. Wicca may include the practice of magick1, which is defined as the process of causing change through the focusing of natural powers. The Wiccan Rede acknowledges the right of all people to choose their own paths, as long as their choices do not bring injury to another. "The term Wiccan Rede is derived from the old english terms Wicca ("witch") and roedan ("to guide or direct"). Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill; An' it harm none, do what ye will. (Encyclopedia of the occult, 1990, p. 363)

Wicca is a recently created, neo-Pagan religion. It is based largely on symbols, seasonal days of celebration, and deities from ancient Celtic society, fleshed out with Masonic and ceremonial magickal components. A follower of Wicca is called a Wiccan2. Wicca and other neo-Pagan religions are currently experiencing a rapid growth in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Many North Americans of European descent, who are keen to discover their ancestral heritage, are being attracted to this religion.

Wicca has long been shrouded in secrecy. Anyone interested in learning "the craft"3 had to content themselves with hints from books and articles. Growing numbers today are dissatisfied with traditional religious structures. Many are sea...

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...nningham, Scott, Llewellyn Publications. (First Edition 1988) Twenty Fifth Printing 2000. Wicca A Guide For The Solitary Practitioner . Pp. 11-30.

Dunwhich, Gerina, Carol Publishing Group, 1997. Wicca A to Z: A Modern Witch's Encyclopaedia. Pp. 22,23,24,38,78,84.

Encyclopaedia Of The Occult, Citadel Press 1990 pp. 363-370

Unknown, High Magick's Aide, 1949 p.33.

Wiccan Holidays retrieved from http://www.wicca.com/celtic/akasha/samhainlore.htm, http://www.wicca.com/celtic/akasha/imbolclore.htm, http://www.wicca.com/celtic/akasha/beltane.htm, http://www.wicca.com/celtic/akasha/lammas.htm, http://www.wicca.com/celtic/akasha/yule.htm, http://www.wicca.com/celtic/akasha/ostara.htm, http://www.wicca.com/celtic/akasha/litha.htm, http://www.wicca.com/celtic/akasha/mabon.htm. From www.wicca.com

Retrieved on [April 28th, 2001] Holidays by Akasha and Herne 1997-1999.

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