Basic Concepts of Wicca and Witchcraft
Witchcraft, also known as Wicca, is growing more and more popular as a religion. Hand in hand with this rise in popularity is the curiosity about the religion. Being a Witch, or Wiccan, is not as simple as making the declaration of being so. Nor is it as simple as lighting candles and casting “spells”. It is a belief structure just like any other, with its own rules and acceptable behaviors. Most Wiccans out there readily adhere to the beliefs and strictures contained in this article.
However, Witchcraft has suffered for centuries under a bad reputation. Its roots are found deep within Europe, from a time that easily predates Christianity. Though the church has played a large role in creating the misconceptions that most people have about Wicca, Hollywood has had a hand in the pot as well.
Wicca, Witchcraft and Paganism are in no way, shape or form related to Christianity. Witches do not believe in the deities set forth by that faith, and therefore, do not worship them. Thus, Witchcraft and devil worship are different topics. This article is about the beliefs and guiding principles of Wicca.
Most religions have a “code of conduct” or a set of rules that its followers must adhere to in order to remain in the good graces of the belief system and the community. In this way, Wicca is just like all the others. In Wicca, this set of rules is known as The Wiccan Rede. It is a rather long incantation that is spoken as part of most Wiccan rituals. A part of The Rede states, “If it harms none, do as thou will”.
For most Wiccans, this is the essence of their code of conduct. Any actions they take are balanced against this belief.
Tied intricately to this concept is the Law of Karma. Most people are familiar with the idea of karma. For a witch, this idea is usually expressed as the “times three” concept; whatever kind of energies you are creating and setting forth into the universe will return back to you, times three.
These two concepts are the foundation that Wicca rests upon. It all meshes well with what has come to be known as The Law of Attraction. If one strives to cultivate positive energy in their surroundings and their relationships, then positive energy will come back to them. However, the reverse is also true.
In addition to these ideas, Wiccans also believe in a Deity known as The Goddess, as well as her consort, The God. The two together are the basis for the Wiccan concept of Deity, or a higher being. The two gods are often represented as a trinity, marking the cycles of life. For the Goddess, it is The Maiden, Mother and Crone, while the God is represented as The Father, Son and Sage.
The holidays that witches celebrate, known as Sabbats, coincide with the trinity concept. In the spring, witches celebrate the conception and birth related to nature coming out of its dormant winter state. In the warmer summer months, the Father and Mother are honored as nature is in its prime stage of growth. When the seasons turn colder, the Crone and Sage are revered, as nature prepares for the death of winter and subsequent rebirth the following spring.
These are the basic tenants of Wicca. In essence, it is a peaceful religion the follows the cycles of nature and life.
If you want to learn more about Wicca and Witchcraft, please visit my site Beginner’s Witchcraft.
Author: Joshua Traversie
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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