Basic Wiccan FAQ


Basic Wiccan FAQ

Sabbats

13 Goals of a Witch

Wiccan Ethics

Witches Creed

Meaning behind the Pentacle

Divination Glossary

Dictionary of Pagan Paths, Traditions and Organizations

Pagan Dictionary

Meditation

Astrological Compatability

Feather Magick

Charge of the Goddess

Charge of the Horned God

Totem ~ Power Animal Qualities

UsArmy Chaplains Handbook Excerpt on Wicca

Outline of a Ritual for the Solitary Practitioner

Self-Dedication Ritual

Finding a Teacher

Altars for the Frugal Witch

The New Psalms 23



What is a witch?
A witch above all worships the Triple Goddess and her Consort, The Horned God, in one form or another.  A Witch works Magick within a definite code of ethics.  A Witch acknowledges and uses the male-female polarity in his/her rites.  A Witch takes total responsibility for her actions, herself, and her future.  

What do witches believe?
A witch is a person who believes in the 'Old Religion', that is, at present, called Wicca. This religion is one that emphasizes the unity of the natural world and the spiritual powers that it possesses. Witches believe that all living things have 'soul' and spiritual power and that the world is composed of a network of spiritual forces. These forces cause the rhythmic changes in all life, and the witch acknowledges these times of change by holding celebrations eight times a year. Wiccans worship a Great Goddess, who, together with her male consort, rules the universe. The goddess may be seen as being three characters, the young maiden, mother, and crone. The Goddess is pictured as ruling from spring until autumn, and her consort throughout the late autumn and winter.

Do witches cast spells? 
Yes, witches cast spells either alone or in the coven. Some spells are organized verbally, the word carrying the whole of the intent. Some involve the use of talismans that the witch must give to the person to be affected. Some use neither words nor specific objects but are simply made by a kind of projection of the imagination, known as visualization. The majority of witches concentrate upon spells that heal or protect or bring good fortune.

Do witches cast evil spells?
Some witches do. Although, most do not. It is a belief within Wicca that we must pay for our bad actions threefold. Most witches perfer to stick with spells of healing, and protection.

What is Wicca?
There are many differences between the various sects but on the whole Wicca is an ancient religion for love of life and nature.  The word 'Wicca' can be defined as 'the wise' or 'to bend', from a much older word 'Wicce'.  Wiccans believe in duality and the laws of karma, celebrating life through the seasons and the old Pagan season festivals.

What is Witchcraft?
Synonymous with 'Wicca' (although some traditionalists strongly disagree), the words 'Wicca', 'Wicce' 'Witchcraft' and 'Witch' all have the same basic meanings.

What is Magic?
S.L. Mathers, an occultist, defined magic as "the science of the control of the secret forces of nature." It may also be defined as the power which causes an event or change to happen on command without any apparent physical cause or use of the known laws of nature. In order to distinguish true magic from stage magick, a 'k' is added at the end of the word. The difference between stage magick and true magic is that in true magic what appears to happen has actually happened.

What is a Coven?
A coven is a group of members of the Craft who meet and work together. Traditionally, a coven should consist of thirteen people. The number 13 is symbolic because the Goddess is, in one of her guises, Diana the moon-goddess, and there are 13 moons in the year. In fact, however, many covens consist of fewer than 13 people. Covens are 'led' most commonly by a woman and a man, who are termed the High Priestess and the High Priest. The 'leaders' of a particular work or ritual may change from time to time, according to the situation. The coven must meet on all the Sabbats, and less regularly, when the moon is full. It usually has a set meeting place--it seems that in the past this was in the open air, on a moor, or heath. These days some covens have rooms used only for meetings, and these are often called sanctuaries of chapels, but many meet in the members' houses. Most covens meet for study as well as for rituals and for making magic.

Do Witches worship Satan?
No.  'Satan' or 'The Devil' is an 'evil' aspect of Christianity.  Wiccans do not believe in divine good nor divine evil, as divinity is always reflected through each individual.  The unfortunate claims that the male aspect of Wicca (usually in the form of The Horned God of the Wild) is the same as the Christian Devil, is a good chunk of the reason why many Christians and others harshly persecute and ridicule those of The Craft.

Is Wicca related to Satanism?
No, absolutely no affiliaton.  Once again 'Satan' is an aspect of Christianity worshipped by 'satanists'.  There are no similarities, much less equalities, to join the two paths.

Who do Witches worship?
Everything in nature to a Wiccan is a true aspect of deity.  However, the aspects most often celebrated are the Goddess and the Horned God.  These figureheads represent the duality (in gender and every respect) of everything in nature.

Can a Witch also be Christian?
No.  Craft folk believe in a beneficient universe, the laws of karma and reincarnation, and divinity inherent in every human being... where-as Judeo-Christianity incorporates concepts such as original sin, vicarious atonement, bodily resurrection, and divinity inherent in the Godhead alone.  Besides, you'd have to ask how serious a person who practiced two religions was about either one. Being Jewish is an exception, since it is a race and culture as well as a religion. There are many Wiccan Jews, but they practice Wicca, not Judaism.  

How do I become a witch?
One is not born a witch, nor does calling oneself a witch make one a witch.  Through attunement of nature, practice and ritual, one can learn the ways of the Wicca.  The peace, joy and love for everything in nature are the only required quality; the knowledge, mindset and satisfaction through Wicca are something that is learned.  Read a book, attend a festival, and open your mind.