Clearing Up the Wiccan and 'Pagan' Faiths...

[Ariel Mae]

Okay, so, there's a lot of misconception out there as to what a Wiccan is, who they worship...so, not only am I calling out the Wiccans and 'Pagans' (Remember, Pagan is an umbrella term covering a variety of faiths, past and present) of this board, but I'm also hoping in calling them out, we can clear up the misconceptions.

Let me start.

We do not worship the Devil. Neither Pagans nor Wiccans believe in the Devil. The Devil is a Christian aspect.

Contrary to popular belief, to be a Wiccan, you don't necessarily have to be a Witch, whereas, it applies vice versa; You don't have to be a Witch to be a Wiccan. A
Wiccan can be a Witch, and a Witch may be a Wiccan, but neither are necessary to each other. (That made much more sense in my brain...)

Being Wiccan may be about Witchcraft to some, but it's not necessarily about such. Some Wiccans practice Witchcraft, others don't. (I, myself, believe spells and witchcraft to be false...nothing but coincidences...but, I myself, am not Wiccan. I started out as a Wiccan, but found the core tenets did not pull me in as much as simply pulling from the past and forming my own Eclectic beliefs, deeming me an Eclectic Pagan. Mostly, though, I attune to Green Witchcraft {Withcraft is used lightly here...see Ann Moura's series on "Green Witchcraft" for further information. I am not a witch, but am Witch...as defined by Ann Moura, the difference between 'witch' and 'Witch' is that a witch practices magic, and a Witch, capitalized, practices rituals and meditations. The difference between magic and ritual varies from person to person. To me, magic is about spells, magick is about the realm of witchcraft, and ritual is about attuning with nature.}. My Patron Goddess is Hecate, but the Goddess I dedicate myself to is Gaia, or Mother Earth. She is not only the Maiden, Mother, and Crone, she is the Daughter, the Savior, but not the Creator. I don't believe in Creationism. I believe in Evolution.)

Another common misconception is that Wiccans are all whiny teens rebelling against the 'norm'. Sure, there are some who exist and practice Wicca only as a form of rebellion, but, quite honestly, they're, in my book, at least, not Wiccans, but children playing around with religion. Most of us, 'Pagan' and Wiccan alike, do not, as commonly perceived, wear black all day, every day, putting us under the labels of 'goth' and 'emo'. Most of the time, you can't pick a 'Pagan' or Wiccan from the crowd, unless they wear their Pentacles, Pentagrams, or the symbols of their Patrons and Goddesses/Gods.

I'm going to pull some interesting information from this link. I suggest you look it out. "Common Misconceptions About Wicca and Witchcraft at everything2.com"

"The pentagram, a symbol Witches use, is symbolic of Satan." No it's not! Some Satanists DO use it, but to understand why, you have to know what it stands for. Each point of the star stands for an element, the fifth element being spirit. Satanists adopted it in order to show that the spiritual life is less important than the earthly life; they put the four points of the elements above the top point to show the earthly life's mastery over spirit. Wiccans in general and most Witches and Pagans like to use it right-side-up in order to show that the spirit is most important, though in some types of traditional Wicca the upside-down pentagram is used as a second-degree initiation symbol, to show the elements still have mastery over the mind until third degree initiation. The pentagram is a very inspiring symbol because it is a shape that shows the interlocking nature of all five elements (the spirit includes the God and Goddess). It is NOT evil.

Also, did you know that the cross, if reversed, upside down, is used by some Satanists?

"Witches have naked dancing festivals under the moon, cast spells, and chant over fires to honor their gods." Yeah, sometimes. But I'll have you know that MOST Witches do not practice naked (or "skyclad"), that there are a LOT of Witches that practice by themselves and indoors (although it's great to be outdoors!), and though fire is often present it is only one of the elements. And no, there's not a big sex orgy after every one, either, so don't try joining a coven because you think you'll get laid.

"Female Wiccans are Witches and male Wiccans are Warlocks." Nope nope, especially that part about the Warlocks. See, sometimes the word "Wiccan" and the word "Witch" are used interchangeably, and some people don't like that but it's so complicated I'm not getting into it here. Whatever female Wiccans are, male Wiccans are the same thing, there is no division. There might be slight differences in how males understand the religion from females, but there are individual differences anyway in everything. The word "Warlock" is generally considered offensive! From what I've read it is actually from a Celtic or Old English word meaning "traitor" or "oathbreaker." I can see why the definition got a li'l scrambled in translation but now that you know, don't go around using it.

I promise you, if you meet a male who calls himself a Warlock, he's been playing too much WOW.

"Witchcraft is a cult, not a religion." Wrong again. It is a recognized religion, and you can even be prosecuted in the United States for discriminating against someone for being Wiccan or a Witch. It is also not a cult, because . . . let's just say it's totally unlike the definition of a cult. (Cults usually focus around the fanatical worship of a central figure, hide away from the outside world and live just with each other in an attempt to be uncorrupted, and are encouraged to give their earthly possessions and other valuable things like time and services to the service of their specific organization. In this respect, Christianity is more of a cult than Witchcraft, though neither fits the definition--because it has Jesus as a central figure to worship, and some forms of it encourage giving up possessions and money to churches, and some weird strands of it try to remain uncorrupted by disallowing contact with the outside world.) Just because Pagan religions are not in the majority and you don't generally see cards for Yule in the Christmas card aisle does not mean it's really a cult.

"Wiccans are into sacrificing. They kill animals and sometimes people." WHAAAT?? Um, can you say "harm none"? A disproportionate number of Wiccans and Witches are vegetarians (myself included!) and wouldn't even kill animals to eat, much less to sacrifice. And murder is out of the question. Sometimes "sacrifices" are made, such as burying part of a meal or burning something or even just symbolic sacrificing, but no one is hurt, not even animals . . . Perhaps this myth comes from old practices in ancient times of sacrificing humans, but we get the bad rap for it because our religion draws so heavily on ancient practices in general. Every religion, if it's old enough, incorporated very primitive practices, and since ours is one of the ones that goes back the farthest, we seem to get stuck with a lot of those stupid misconceptions. Christians of the past were responsible for the Inquisition, the Crusades, and the Burning Times, but we don't pin on them the label of being bloodthirsty baby-killers. Give us the same credit.

Sure, we sacrifice, some of us, that is, apples and oranges and foods to the Gods/esses, but any life is sacred, and a daughter/son, even if animal, of the Gods/esses.

There's a bit more provided in that link, things I already said, but it goes into greater (and better) detail, better than I, a 19 year old, could ever portray.

Any questions on the faith, post here, and I'm sure you'll see answers.

Any questions on my faith, same as above. I will be happy to answer anything and everything I can.

 

[werty]

Okay, I'll bite: What's the deal with broomsticks?

 

[Ariel Mae]

The broomstick is quite commonly used in Wiccan Circles. It's a way of 'sweeping away' the negative energies within the circle.

Now, there's a special way of doing it, but, quite honestly, I can't tell you that, b/c I was never a devout Wiccan, and never really read the 'rules' fully. Widdershins or deosil, I believe. (Is Deosil a word? Meep, I think not...!).

Information from wikepedia...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broom#Brooms_and_witchcraft

Brooms have long been connected with witchcraft, almost universally portrayed as medieval-style round brooms and associated with female witches. Despite the association with women, in 1453, the first known case of claiming to have flown on a broomstick is recorded, confessed by the male witch Guillaume Edelin.[1]. There are, however, prior records of witches flying on sticks or similar objects, usually that had been first greased with a magical flying ointment.

I did not know that! Interesting what you can find!

Today the broom is included in lists of ritual tools in many pagan guide books, where it is often referred to as a besom. A broom is sometimes laid at the opening of some covens' rossets. Representing the Element of Air, brooms are utilized in the purification of areas. They are used to sweep ritual circles clean of negative energy. The high priestess or high priest walks clockwise, traces the cast circle and sweeps with the broom a few inches off the ground. This practice can be used in addition to or in place of incense to purify a ritual space. It is often employed by those allergic to incense, and during rituals practiced in smoke free areas. It is also a technique associated with "kitchen witches" who use what's on hand to work spells.

 

[RealMickeysGirl]

I know several Pagans and a few Wiccans - were you raised in this religion or did you find it on your own? How long ago?

Not trying to be sanrky or anything. Just wondering because I am curious. I have known people who were raised Pagan and some who found it in college and some who found it at 50.

Just to be totally honest with you so you know where I am coming from, I was raised Church of Christ but am now Unitarian Universalist (have been for about 12 years now).

 

[DVCLiz]

There was a great special on a few weeks ago - "My Unique Family." One of the episodes was about a Wiccan priestess. It showed her going about her religion and also her home life which, quite honestly, looked a whole lot like anybody else's. Even Wiccan priestesses have to do their laundry, it seems!

 

[mickeyfan2]

What are the basic tenets that make one a Wiccan or a Pagan?

 

[reeeoga]

But Wiccans and Pagon are going to BURN BURN BURN in Hell!!


Sorry just wanted to bump the tread wo I could read it easily.

Great Start by the way.

 

[Laura]

What are the basic tenets that make one a Wiccan or a Pagan?

Can't answer for Wiccans, but Pagan is too broad a term to really say. There is no one belief system for all pagans. http://www.religioustolerance.org/paganism.htm

 

[mickeyfan2]

1) How long were you a Wiccan?
2) What drew you to become a Wiccan?
3) How long have you been a Pagan?
4) What drew you to become a Pagan?
5) Can Mary be considered a Goddess or just Goddess-like?

 

[Crankyshank]

What are the basic tenets that make one a Wiccan or a Pagan?

There really isn't one because it's a broad term with various off shoots/traditions. What they do have in common is that it's a nature based spirituality, usually they believe in a god and a goddess, follow the wheel of the year (equinoxes and sabbats), follow the lunar cycle, and subscribe to a similar version of the Christian golden rule (be it "harm none" or the karmic rule of three)

 

[irishbosoxfan]

What are the basic tenets that make one a Wiccan or a Pagan?

I'll try to answer

Tenets isn't the best word neither is beliefs but it is the closest

General Traditional Wiccan Beliefs

The Goddess and God are revered-this is central to Wiccan thought

Human souls enjoy a series of incarnations in human form (reincarnation)(one of the most widespread Wiccan beliefs)

Power can be sent in non-physical form to affect the world in positive ways--accept both the practice of magic and it's effectiveness

What is done will be returned to the doer (IE do onto others as you would have done unto you)

The Earth is home,the Goddess-It's not there to abuse--ecological

Wiccans aren't evangelical-they have no need to go out and spread the word
but will answer questions

Wicca accepts that every religion is correct to it's adherents-ecumenicism must be the way of life

Wicca accepts members of both sexes,every race,national origin and sexual preference---Racism and prejudice in any form is anti-Wiccan

Wicca is a religion not a political organization

Wicca doesn't charge for private lessons or for initiation


Pretty much all Wiccans Suscribe to these beliefs--interpretation is up to the individual and can change as one grows in experience and understanding

Wiccan beliefs are the heart of Wicca

 

[Ariel Mae]

I know several Pagans and a few Wiccans - were you raised in this religion or did you find it on your own? How long ago?

I came into this religion around six years ago.

Not trying to be sanrky or anything. Just wondering because I am curious. I have known people who were raised Pagan and some who found it in college and some who found it at 50.

You're not being snarky. As I said, ask and I will answer.

Just to be totally honest with you so you know where I am coming from, I was raised Church of Christ but am now Unitarian Universalist (have been for about 12 years now).

Thank you for your honesty and your questions.

1) How long were you a Wiccan?
2) What drew you to become a Wiccan?
3) How long have you been a Pagan?
4) What drew you to become a Pagan?
5) Can Mary be considered a Goddess or just Goddess-like?

1: I was Wiccan for a year.

2: Quite honestly, stereotype drew me into Wicca. The witchcraft of Buffy drew me into Wicca.

3: I have been a Pagan probably six years.

4: What drew me to Paganism was the aspect of feminism in nature. When I see nature, I see Female.

5: It really depends on who you ask.

What are the basic tenets that make one a Wiccan or a Pagan?

For Wicca, the basic tenets revolve around the Wiccan Rede/Crede, which is basically the Wiccan Commandments. As for being a Pagan...the basic tenets vary from person to person, based on tradition.

What a smart post!!! You sound like a very level-headed person.

There was a great special on a few weeks ago - "My Unique Family." One of the episodes was about a Wiccan priestess. It showed her going about her religion and also her home life which, quite honestly, looked a whole lot like anybody else's. Even Wiccan priestesses have to do their laundry, it seems!

Very interesting!

Thank you, and I seemed to have missed that special.

 

[phillybeth]

I'm curious as to how are you going to clear up misconceptions about Wicca when you have already admitted you don't practice it and never studied it in depth? Now, if you started this thread so others who do practice can answer questions, great!

I do have a question for those who practice Wicca- how accurate/inaccurate are the popular media's presentations of your religion? I admit that Wicca is not a religion that I have studied more than in passing, so please forgive any offense, as it comes from ignorance, not intent.

 

[Ariel Mae]

I'm curious as to how are you going to clear up misconceptions about Wicca when you have already admitted you don't practice it and never studied it in depth?

Because I said...

Okay, so, there's a lot of misconception out there as to what a Wiccan is, who they worship...so, not only am I calling out the Wiccans and 'Pagans' (Remember, Pagan is an umbrella term covering a variety of faiths, past and present) of this board, but I'm also hoping in calling them out, we can clear up the misconceptions.

Also, I know a bit about Wicca, and will answer what I can.

I do have a question for those who practice Wicca- how accurate/inaccurate are the popular media's presentations of your religion?

It depends. What media presentation are we speaking of? "Charmed"? Well, in that case, wholly false. Wiccans don't fight demons. Some Wiccans do believe in, say, past lives coming back in the form of a misplaced spirit, and some do believe in an Underworld, but most do not believe in the "Charmed"-like demonics.

"Buffy"? Hmm...well, to be honest, some believe in telekenisis, others don't. Again, "Buffy" and "Charmed" are mostly about the demons and the Underworld, something that you will not find in traditional Wicca.

"Trading Spouses" did a pretty good show on Wicca, but, in my view, to be honest, that 'Wiccan' was more a spiritualist than anything. Just my view, though.

And that kid who was recently on CNN for being an abused Wiccan...seemed he was one of the 'whiny kids', but, again, that's just my view. He wore the traditional stereotypical blacks and that just leads me to (wrongly, perhaps) assume he wasn't in it for the religion, but more for the magical aspect. which is not a high part of the religion.

Now, if you started this thread so others who do practice can answer questions, great!

That, too.

 

[mickeyfan2]

So do I have this correct.

Age to 12 your religion is not stated
Age 12 - Wiccan
Age 13-19 - Pagan

I would guess your Wiccan studies were limited but you seem to tell us more about Wiccan than Pagan.

Who are the Pagan Gods/Goddesses?
What do you need to believe to be considered a Pagan?

 

[salmoneous]

2: Quite honestly, stereotype drew me into Wicca. The witchcraft of Buffy drew me into Wicca.

Interesting thread so far. This quote caught my eye. Joss Whedon is pretty darn hostile to organized religion. Wicca - like all organized religion - is pretty much slammed throughout the show. To be clear - Joss isn't so much hostile to the ideas behind religion, but to how they are commonly practiced today.

I'm sure there are various opinion and no clear consensus, but how are Buffy and Joss viewed within the Wicca community?

 

[disneymom3]

This is interesting. Thank you for sharing. While I don't agree with most of your beliefs, I really enjoy learning about other belief systems than my own.

 

[Fitswimmer]

I have friends that are Pagan. I was invited to several of their holiday parties-they have one on Winter Solstice and they usually have one for Summer Solstice as well. One of the couples had a ceremony where they were, for lack of a better word, "bound". They used a ribbon or cloth to tie their wrists together as a symbol of their joining as a part of the ritual. The whole thing was very pretty. I know that they are very into the earth, conservation and they believe in the power of the elements. I have seen their circle rituals and they are very reverent and sacred. Now, I don't know if this is common, but their group also places a high value on meditation and the flow of energy throughout the body. They spoke about chakras and energy blocks that can cause physical problems. Isn't that more Eastern philosophy?

 

[Ariel Mae]

So do I have this correct.

Age to 12 your religion is not stated
Age 12 - Wiccan
Age 13-19 - Pagan

Correct. I was raised into an Atheist family.

I would guess your Wiccan studies were limited but you seem to tell us more about Wiccan than Pagan.

I never said my Wiccan studies were thorough. I said they were limited. I reply only to what I can.

Who are the Pagan Gods/Goddesses?
What do you need to believe to be considered a Pagan?

My, loaded questions that cannot be answered, as there are many Pagan Gods/Goddesses, and there is no one set tenet to being a Pagan.

This is interesting. Thank you for sharing. While I don't agree with most of your beliefs, I really enjoy learning about other belief systems than my own.

No problem; Thanks.

Interesting thread so far. This quote caught my eye. Joss Whedon is pretty darn hostile to organized religion. Wicca - like all organized religion - is pretty much slammed throughout the show. To be clear - Joss isn't so much hostile to the ideas behind religion, but to how they are commonly practiced today.

I'm sure there are various opinion and no clear consensus, but how are Buffy and Joss viewed within the Wicca community?

Well, as I said, I was drawn to the floating of the pencils and stereotypical falseness like that.

And, I know in the Wiccan community, "Buffy" is far from revered...at least in the community, here. As I said, some Wiccans believe in telekinesis.

I have friends that are Pagan. I was invited to several of their holiday parties-they have one on Winter Solstice and they usually have one for Summer Solstice as well. One of the couples had a ceremony where they were, for lack of a better word, "bound". They used a ribbon or cloth to tie their wrists together as a symbol of their joining as a part of the ritual. The whole thing was very pretty. I know that they are very into the earth, conservation and they believe in the power of the elements. I have seen their circle rituals and they are very reverent and sacred. Now, I don't know if this is common, but their group also places a high value on meditation and the flow of energy throughout the body. They spoke about chakras and energy blocks that can cause physical problems. Isn't that more Eastern philosophy?

I've always learned it as Eastern Philosophy, yes, but, quite honestly, that does not matter. What matters is how our Faith is portrayed, and we push for it's portrayal in a more positive light, a more accepted into the 'norm' atmosphere.

It's really hard to answer anything for a group that is quite diverse...much like Christianity...

 

[Ariel Mae]

As I said, my belief 'revolves' around the tenets of Green Witchcraft, yet I am no witch, no magicmaker/performer. I do not believe in magic. Ritual and meditation, yes, but magic, no. The realm of magick...maybe. I'm still uncertain as to that. Hecate as my Patron Goddess, and Gaia as the Mother. That's my viewpoint, though, and, quite honestly, it's very Eclectic. I draw my beliefs from the ancient Celts/Druids/Egyptians.

I meditate, every day, if possible, as it is not only calming, but it soothes the unbalanced chakras. After a meditation, I always ground myself, which is a Wiccan practice, the only Wiccan practice I attune to thoroughly.