Wicca

As was brought up in class following a discussion of the witches in His Dark Materials, I wanted to discuss and clear up many misunderstandings of Wicca, as Wicca and witches are usually quite misunderstood. My older sister is Wiccan, and so I have read many books on the subject. The foremost important motif that is always stressed in Wicca is "If it harm none, do what you will." As any witch will tell you, witches are not satanists. And even any sort of witches that practice black magic are an extreme minority, although of course, that is what Hollywood, horror movies, and the media like to focus on.

The Wiccan church defines Wicca as "a religion that emphasizes growth through harmony in diversity, knowledge, wisdom, and exploration." Important aspects of Wicca include the following:
I. Development
A. Starting in the early nineteenth century, a new natural religion gradually evolved. It gathered momentum in the mid-twentieth century.
B. Many authors and philosophers helped to develop the magical modern religion and to articulate parts of its belief structure.
C. The religion finds its roots in ancient ways. It has psychic connections and sympathy with those who were burnt in the medieval period, and indeed with all individuals who have been oppressed and killed in the name of religion.
D. The recent "festival" movement has enhanced the growth and diversity of the religion.

II. Literature
There is no official text; for the Craft is a religion of life and of nature, not of "the book."

III. Explicit Religious Doctrines
A. God (deity) is immanent and transcendent.
B. Every living entity has a spirit which is connected to and part of every other spirit. Humans are a part of nature.
C. Divinity manifests itself through all living beings. Nature itself is divine (but not something to directly "worship") as is the Cosmos as is each person.
D. God and goddess images are recognized as aspects of a greater divinity that is unknowable.

IV. Ritual and Worship
A. Observances may be group or solitary. Regular worship services are scheduled in harmony with the moon's phases by groups (covens or congregations) of members.
B. Each worship site is constructed anew on each occasion of meeting. It is defined by new consecrated circles, and may be located anywhere.
C. Only coven members are allowed to enter the innermost circle.

To expand your Wiccan horizon, go to http://www.wicca.org/