Wicca is a religion. It was founded by a man named Gerald Gardner in the 1950's. Since that time Wicca has evolved in belief and grown in numbers. Practitioners are based in different parts of the globe from the US to England, Australia to Finland and hundreds of countries in between.
Wiccans (the practitioners who follow this path) personalize it to fit their need and lifestyle. Some are Solitary, meaning they practice alone - while others belong to a Coven and celebrate their faith in a group setting. Despite the variation in practice there are several core beliefs. First is a rule of conduct called The Wiccan Rede which states, "An Ye Harm None." This means that Wiccans consciously try to refrain hurting others physically, emotionally or disagree with manipulating another's free will.
Another core belief is in the Threefold Law (also know as the Rule of Three). This is a belief in Karma, what energy you send out (positive or negative) you'll eventually receive back three times. The Threefold Law reminds us to treat others as we wish to be treated.
Wiccans do believe in a higher power. However, this "power" is broken into two equal omnipresent forms, The Goddess and The God. They are a central part of this religion. We honor them through rituals, prayers, and holidays (called Sabbats).
The Goddess (female deity) and God (male deity) are viewed differently by each practitioner so they take on the role of Mother, Father, Sister, Brother etc. Their energy is opposite but complimentary, two halves of a whole. There are many ways to express the role that the higher powers play in a Wiccans life, because The Goddess and God are found in almost every detail of this path.
Although, Wiccans don't go to a church or temple many have what's called an "Altar" This table or area is designated for prayer, celebration, rituals and magick. On an altar one may find symbols of the Goddess and God, candles, an offering plate, incense, and other useful tools.
Nature plays a strong role in this path, it is viewed as an extension of deity. Therefore, Wiccans feel that connecting to mother nature connects one The Goddess and God. Often practitioners have environmental concerns and strive to better the planet.
Myself and other practitioners believe that people should listen to their spirit and find the correct path/faith/religion on their own. So, Wiccans don't proselytize (seek to concert others) or preach "one true way." By creating this web page and writing my books I put the information out there to help educate. If you feel Wicca speaks to you, then there is bunches of info in this section for you. If you believe that Wicca doesn't seem right for you, then best of luck on your spiritual journey.
Quick Fact Check on Wicca
1. Wiccans believe in "Harm None."
2. Both male and females can be Wiccan.
3. Wiccans do not believe in Satan or the Devil.
4. We do not fly on our broomsticks, we sweep away negative energy with them!
5. Offerings are made up of trinkets, sea shells, poems, crystals, etc. not yucky stuff.
6. Although intuituion is a great power, not all Wiccans are psychic.
7. You don't have to be born into a Wiccan family to be Wiccan.
8. We don't perform curses or hexes.
9. Charmed, Buffy and Sabrina the Teenage Witch are great shows, but don't accurately potrary Wicca.
10. You don't need a "wise Wiccan mentor" or coven. It is possiable to learn on ones own.
