Wicca And Paganism

Wicca as a religion was introduced to the public by Gerald Gardner in the 1950’s. His tradition was secret. There were initiations and the followers were bound by oath. However, after a few years separate groups with new traditions were formed.

Today, many Wiccan groups owe their basic foundation to the principles laid out by Gardner. Wicca is not an ancient religion, but Gardner did integrate some old obscure knowledge into his original tradition. A lot of Witches and Pagans were perfectly happy to continue practicing their own spiritual path without converting to Wicca.

There is an unlimited deal of debate within the Pagan community about whether or not Wicca is truly the same body of Witchcraft that was practiced before. Nevertheless, many

It can include Wiccans, Buddhists, Druids, and Eclectic Witches in its description, to name but a few. The basic principles of Paganism are as follows: Pagans revere the Earth. Pagans are typically deeply concerned about the environment. Most Pagans engage in the celebrations of the changing seasons, and see time in cyclical rather than linear terms. Pagans tend to be fiercely individual, but tolerant of the belief systems of others. The Divine has made itself manifest through many Deities in different places and at different times. No one Deity can express the totality of the Divine. This is called polytheism. Pagans believe in balance between the Masculine and Feminine energies of the universe. Many pagans believe in Karma, and the Law of Return. It is no truer that all Pagans are Wiccans than it is true that all Christians are Methodists. Most Pagans accept or embrace the possibility of magick, though not all Pagans believe in or are comfortable with the concept. Many, though not all, Pagans are fond of altars and shrines. Altars and shrines are found in every religious and spiritual tradition in the world, and serve as a focus for personal or group devotions. Most Pagans also believe in reincarnation. Our life on Earth is one of many and the purpose of life is to learn and evolve. Reincarnation was an idea taught by the Druids as well as the more well-known Eastern religions.

Each system has its own unique set of beliefs and practice. Keep in mind that one Celtic Pagan may practice in a way that is completely different than another Celtic Pagan, because there is no universal set of guidelines or rules.

Some individuals in the Pagan community practice as part of an established tradition or belief structure. Those people are often part of a group, a coven, or whatever else they may choose to call their organization. The majority of modern Pagans today, however, practice as solitaries –meaning their beliefs and practices are highly individualized, and they typically practice alone.

Reasons for this are mixed. Often people just find that they learn better by themselves, some may decide they don’t like the organized structure of a coven or group and prefer to be alone, and still others practice as solitaries because it’s the only option available not having the availability of others