World Religion Report Wicca 000 - Wicca the modern religion...

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World Religions Report - Wicca
Religions of the World HUM/130

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Introduction Into Wicca
Wicca, the modern religion of witchcraft, is probably the most misunderstood of our
time. Wicca is believed to have an ethical system based on self-aggrandizement and
egocentrism. In truth, Wicca and witchcraft have their beginnings in the earliest human beliefs
and practices. The Wiccan moral system is based on the same rule ascribed to by the Christian
layperson. As for accusations of devil worship, this is an impossibility. Wiccan theology
maintains that a separate entity devoted entirely to evil cannot exist therefore there is no devil.
Humans are part of the natural, living world. Common western religious thoughts
maintain that humans are not part of the natural world they are above it. Humans are the master
and keeper of the earth. They have an authority and a divine right to rule lesser forms of life.
Wiccans believe that while humans have great influence over the natural world, they are no more
the master and keeper of the earth than any other being on the planet. Wiccans believe that we
should live in a peaceful co-existence with the natural world, and have a great respect for it.
There are varied reasons as to why one chooses to follow a Wiccan religion, just as there
are varied traditions and practices within Wiccan religions. Among these various traditions and
practices there are commonly shared beliefs such as respecting all life, the honoring of male and
female energies, a Father God and a Mother Goddess, and that all things within the universe are
interconnected. Wiccan religions also share an ethic of self-responsibility in doing as one
chooses, so long as it brings no harm to anyone or anything (Herne, n.d.).
Wicca is a deep appreciation and awe in watching the sunrise or sunset, the forest in the
light of a glowing moon, a meadow enchanted by the first light of day. Wicca is the fall
of colorful autumn leaves, and the softness of winter snow. It is light, and shadow and all
that lies in between. It is the song of the birds and other creatures of the wild. It is being

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in the presence of Mother Earth’s nature and being humbled in reverence. When we are
in the temple of the Lord and Lady, we are not prone to the arrogance of human
technology as they touch our souls. To be a Witch is to be a healer, a teacher, a seeker, a
giver, and a protector of all things. (Herne, n.d.)
Herne (n.d.) stated, “Wicca is a belief system and way of life based upon the
reconstruction of pre-Christian traditions originating in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. While
much of the information of how our ancestors lived, worshiped and believed has been lost due to
the efforts of the medieval church to wipe our existence from history, we try to reconstruct those
beliefs to the best of our ability with the information that is available.”
Herne (n.d.) stated, “We acknowledge the cycles of nature, the lunar phases, and the
seasons to celebrate our spirituality and to worship the divine.