Precisely.

I know enough about older pagan religions to know that Wicca is a valid belief system. I have never studied Wicca itself, but I have studied some of the religions that Wicca draws from. Compared to most of the "newer" pagan religions, Wicca is a much truer, purer form of paganism. I really don't "recognize" many of the neo-pagan systems because they lack proper spiritual comprehension, almost as if someone just created a belief system in an attempt to cash in on Wicca's popularity.

By the way, there are some good Wiccan websites located in Europe. It's been a few years since I checked them out, but they were very good at explaining the religion while clearing up common misconceptions about all pagan religions, not just Wicca.

I think in a strict technical sense you're right. Gerald Gardner used the term "Wicca" to officially label his religion when going through the government bureaucracy to have it officially recognized by the U.S. government as a valid religion.

That bureaucratic process "forced" the religion to become a bit "dogmatic" (i.e. based on a specific doctrine). Mainly the doctrines that Gerald himself wrote up to describe the religion.

However, if you read many books that are written on the topic of "Wicca" they do not adhere strictly to the doctrines of Gerard Gardner, nor do they even use his pantheon in any absolute sense.

Most books and websites that you read about Wicca are far more abstract than this.

Christopher Penczak was fully aware of this and thus entitled his serious of books "Temple of Witchcraft" books, rather than "Temple of Wicca" books. He wasn't about to be confined to a governmental bureaucratic box.

I believe that most pagans who practice witchcraft either refuse to call themselves "Wiccans" altogether, or if they do associate with "Wicca" they do so in an extreme abstract sense.

The modern "Wicca Movement" (based on what can be seen on most websites that claim to be "Wiccan" web sites) tends to be far more abstract and less dogmatic than anything that could be seen to be tied down to precisely following Gerald Gardener's Book of Shadows, etc.

This is a problem with a religion that is so free from doctrine. To be free from doctrine entirely would appear from a bureaucratic governmental point of view to simply be non-existent, or undefinable, and thus could not be "officially recognized" as a valid "religion".

It's a truly tricky situation.

Define it precisely enough to make it recognizable to bureaucrats and it becomes dogma. Leave it as abstract as witchcraft natural was, and there's nothing concrete enough to register as a 'religion' as far as bureaucrats are concerned.

This is why I typically don't even bother with labels.

Am I a "Wiccan"? Well, that all depends on who's definition you go by.

I don't need to claim to be anything. I am that I am. And that's all I need to be.

I think Ruth posted a "Witch's decree" along those lines at one point.

The Witch's Manifesto


http://mingle2.com/topic/show/264407

Peace love and light. any spirit following where you houner the earth and love yourself is all right by me.

60 years old huh???? r4ead a book mmmkay

im sorry if this is a little off topic but I personaly find it very difficult to find a female partner thats is into and know as much as i do about wicca. more so bk on topic, i sugest solitare wicca, some covens r into intercourse.

Hello, I was wondering if anyone had any advice about finding a coven. I live in a small town in the country and I don't know of too many witches and the ones I do know aren't on the same page as me. So if anyone has advice, I'm all ears.

A good coven is very hard to find even in an area with lots of people. I suggest two things. First of all, cast a spell to attract like minded people to you. It really does work. Second, start participating in online groups. These groups can be very helpful and it may lead you to folks who are local.

Yep! Forgot about them...

I have been a solitary practitioner for nearly 19 years. I agree that Scott Cunningham is a good place to start as far as reading goes. May I also suggest Bucklands Complete Book Of Witchcraft. Do not feel like you have to belong to a coven just yet. I suggest studying for about a year before initiating to any coven, and most certainly do your research of the coven and what their practices are.

GREAT advice!

I'm new to wicca and tried to begin the practice after I turned 18 in august but I need help to find someone that can help me learn more about it and get into it more. I dont mean for this to get off topic if it is though. but does anyone have any suggestions of who I can talk to or meet to help me learn more about the wicca religion?

I'm looking for protection,love & herb magic advice!Help out a solitary
practioner. blessed be!

Do's enyone know how to fly without a potion?

Go to Hastings, they have an entire section for Pagans. A good starter book is Wicca for beginners. It gives a lot of background then goes into practical application.

Dont even think about Cunningham his wrightings will lead you to give up very long and boring if you want a good insite read from the neo masters Gardner and sanders as for crowley not a good iada

I have enjoyed Scott Cunninghams' writings and have held onto his books for some time.


OP, tis personal choice... Listen to your heart and go from there...

Best Wishes

hello
how are you