Wicca

Wicca is a modern, Earth-focused religion.

Scholars of religion classify it as a new religious movement. It is also considered a form of modern paganism. Because Wicca includes the practice of magic, some academics call it a magico-religion. Other scholars describe it as a mystery religion or a nature religion. Some academics place it within the New Age, though many Wiccans dispute this label. Wicca is an eclectic religion. This means it draws from many different sources rather than following a single reconstructionist path.

Theology in Wicca is very diverse. Many practitioners follow duotheism, which is the belief in two deities. These are often a goddess and a god. The goddess is sometimes viewed as a Triple Goddess. This triadic deity includes the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone. These stages represent virginity, fertility, and wisdom. The god is often called the Horned God. He is frequently linked to animals and the natural world.

Some Wiccans view these deities as facets of a universal pantheistic divinity. Others see them as many different historical pagan deities. Some even believe in a single, complex Supreme Deity or "Prime Mover." This entity is often described as being too complex for humans to fully understand.

Wiccan celebrations follow natural cycles. These cycles include the moon and the sun. Moon cycles are known as Esbats. These are commonly associated with the Triple Goddess.

Solar cycles are celebrated through seasonal festivals called Sabbats. These festivals mark the turning of the year.

Wiccans may use an altar to honor these times. They might use symbols like the pentacle. A pentacle is a symbol used to honor the elements and directions. Many Wiccans also follow the Wiccan Rede. This is a popular expression of Wiccan morality. It is often used in relation to the practice of magic.

Wicca developed in England during the first half of the 20th century. Gerald Gardner is often called the "Father of Wicca." He was a retired British civil servant. He introduced the religion to the public in 1954.

Gardner believed that persecuted witches were actually following a surviving pagan religion. However, this theory has since been disproved. Doreen Valiente joined Gardner in the 1950s. She helped build the liturgical tradition of beliefs and practices. These teachings were shared through books and secret oral traditions. The name "Wicca" became popular in Britain during the 1960s. It is borrowed from Old English terms for magic-workers.

There are many different types of Wiccan traditions. Some groups are referred to as British Traditional Wicca (BTW). These traditions strictly follow the initiatory lineage of Gerald Gardner. They may exclude newer, eclectic traditions from the label of Wicca.

Other traditions are more decentralized and inclusive. These newer paths are often called eclectic traditions. Scholars of religion often prefer a broad definition of Wicca. This definition includes many denominations that share core beliefs. Within these groups, members are called Wiccans. People who are not part of the religion are sometimes called cowans.

Terminology in Wicca can sometimes be confusing. In the 1950s, followers often called the practice "Witchcraft." Gardner also used terms like "the Craft of the Wise." The word "Wicca" was used to create a less controversial self-designation. It links the modern practice to the ancient, pre-Christian past. Some practitioners still use the term "the Craft" or "Pagan witchcraft." It is important to note that terms like "wizard" or "warlock" are discouraged.

Wicca is distinct from other contemporary paganisms. However, there is often "cross-fertilization" between these different faiths. This makes it difficult for scholars to draw clear-cut lines between them.

Today, Wicca is the largest and most influential form of modern paganism. It has been widely studied by academics. It relates to the broader field of Western esotericism. Specifically, it is part of the esoteric current known as occultism. While many Wiccans view it as a religion, some prefer the terms "spirituality" or "way of life." They do this to distinguish it from organized religion. Wicca continues to influence and be influenced by many other religious systems around the world.