Wicca
Overview
Wicca is a modern-day, nature-based pagan religion. Though rituals and practices vary among people who identify as Wiccan, most observations include the festival celebrations of solstices and equinoxes, the honoring of a male god and a female goddess, and the incorporation of herbalism and other natural objects into rituals. Wiccans practice their religion according to an ethical code, and many believe in reincarnation. (History Channel)
How to Become a Witch: a Beginner's Guide - while a more informal introduction, this W Magazine article provides some definitions that may be helpful in learning more about Wicca, as well as some more general info about the tradition
Reflection Questions
You may opt to reflect and respond to each of the questions below, or only those that stir a response in you. Make this reflective process your own and feel free to add any additional thoughts or information learned to your journal.
Make a note of any interesting facts you learned about Wiccan beliefs, practices, and/or holidays. Was this surprising to you? Are there elements that resonate with your own worldview?
One common saying amongst Wiccans is that if you ask 5 different witches about their beliefs, you will get 8 different answers. How does that help you in your understanding of the Wiccan tradition? How does it frustrate your understanding?
The term 'witch' is one that has been reclaimed by adherents in recent years. How does media reinforce stereotypes about witches as practitioners of black magic/dark arts versus a valid spiritual practice? More modern practitioners tout Wicca as a feminist movement of self-empowerment. How do you perceive the Wiccan tradition now based on what you read/watched?
One of the videos suggests that some practitioners of magic liken their spells to prayer. How do you react to that comparison?
Was it surprising to learn about some of the Pagan roots of the Christian celebration of Christmas? What response does this elicit in you?Reflection Questions
You may opt to reflect and respond to each of the questions below, or only those that stir a response in you. Make this reflective process your own and feel free to add any additional thoughts or information learned to your journal.
Make a note of any interesting facts you learned about Wiccan beliefs, practices, and/or holidays. Was this surprising to you? Are there elements that resonate with your own worldview?
One common saying amongst Wiccans is that if you ask 5 different witches about their beliefs, you will get 8 different answers. How does that help you in your understanding of the Wiccan tradition? How does it frustrate your understanding?
The term 'witch' is one that has been reclaimed by adherents in recent years. How does media reinforce stereotypes about witches as practitioners of black magic/dark arts versus a valid spiritual practice? More modern practitioners tout Wicca as a feminist movement of self-empowerment. How do you perceive the Wiccan tradition now based on what you read/watched?
One of the videos suggests that some practitioners of magic liken their spells to prayer. How do you react to that comparison?
Was it surprising to learn about some of the Pagan roots of the Christian celebration of Christmas? What response does this elicit in you?
Reflection Questions
You may opt to reflect and respond to each of the questions below, or only those that stir a response in you. Make this reflective process your own and feel free to add any additional thoughts or information learned to your journal.
Make a note of any interesting facts you learned about Wiccan beliefs, practices, and/or holidays. Was this surprising to you? Are there elements that resonate with your own worldview?
One common saying amongst Wiccans is that if you ask 5 different witches about their beliefs, you will get 8 different answers. How does that help you in your understanding of the Wiccan tradition? How does it frustrate your understanding?
The term 'witch' is one that has been reclaimed by adherents in recent years. How does media reinforce stereotypes about witches as practitioners of black magic/dark arts versus a valid spiritual practice? More modern practitioners tout Wicca as a feminist movement of self-empowerment. How do you perceive the Wiccan tradition now based on what you read/watched?
One of the videos suggests that some practitioners of magic liken their spells to prayer. How do you react to that comparison?
Was it surprising to learn about some of the Pagan roots of the Christian celebration of Christmas? What response does this elicit in you?