Frequently Asked Questions About Wicca
Q What exactly is Wicca?
A Wicca is an earth-based religion having the belief in two Deities: The God and The Goddess. They also honor
them in their many forms, such as Isis, Astarte, Demeter, Kali , Pan, Apollo, Zeus, Mercury, and so on. We
believe that all in the world is holy. From the proud eagle, to a rock on a trail, to a butterfly, and even trees. It is
a peaceful path, stressing that you should not only show respect for others, but for yourself and our earthly
mother.
Q How long has Wicca been around?
A The Wiccan religion, sometimes called the old religion, also known to many as "Witchcraft", has existed since
pre- Christian times. With the advent of the Christian system of beliefs, the followers of the old religion were
forced into hiding. The new Christian followers were attempting to convert the non-Christians, or Wiccans, to
their religion. Rumors of the old Gods being devils and therefore no good were quickly spread. The Christians
believed that anyone who chose not to follow their religion was a heretic and would be doomed to burn in a place
they call "Hell". The non-Christians were called "Witches" and were persecuted and thrown in jail for many years
because of the vicious stories created about them.
Q What is the basis of the Wiccan religion?
A Today with the freedom to choose any religion that one may want, some of the misconceptions created about
the old religion are finally beginning to be cleared up. The Wiccan religion is a nature-oriented religion. The
Wiccan, or "Witch" is concerned with preserving nature's beauty and trying to solve some of the present
problems of pollution. The Witch has a deep appreciation for nature and all of her wondrous woodland creatures
as well. With this focus, we are in agreement with one of our fellow pagan groups, the Amerindian.
Q Do Wiccans believe in God?
A The belief of most Witches is that "God" is a supreme force which is genderless. This image is hard to picture
in the mind's eye. Therefore, in order to create an image that is easy to imagine and relate to, the Wiccan pictures
a God and a Goddess as their source of worship. Just as there are male and female in most of nature's creatures,
so is there also a male and a female God in the Wiccan religion. The male God of Wicca has been named many
different names and according to the different traditions of Witchcraft. Some of the names are: Cernunnos, Pan,
Faunus and Osiris. Different names by which the Goddess is known by are: Aradia, Isis, Diana and Cerridwen.
Some Witches prefer to generalize by calling them "Lord and Lady", or simply "God and Goddess". The
nighttime and moon are attributes of the Goddess. The sun is associated with the God, hence the terms "Moon
Goddess" and "Sun God". The Witch decides upon the image of the supreme being or God and Goddess with
whom they feel communication flows most easily.
Q What holidays do Wiccans celebrate?
A Most Witches celebrate full moons and holidays that are called "Sabbats. These are times when natural Earth
energies are at peak. Sabbat gatherings are celebrational services acknowledging seasonal changes. In ancient
times, the common people used the forces of these periods to aid in the growing of their crops, which were
necessary for their survival.
Q What are some of the holidays?
A In order to help facilitate the in bringing of Pagans to Christianity, the Christians adopted many Pagan holidays,
such as what is celebrated as Easter, named after Eostre (one of the Wiccan Goddesses) in March, and of
course, Christmas. Wiccans celebrate the birth of the sun, not the son. December 21st, the day the sun comes
back to life, is called Yule. All of the non-religious items usually associated with Christmas, such as a tree, yule
log, and so on, were Pagan first.
Q What is Sympathetic magic?
A Wiccans use a type of visualization or meditation which is often termed "Magic(k)". One type of magic that
some Witches utilize is called "Sympathetic" magic. Sympathetic magic has been used for centuries. It is the
theory that like attracts like. It is believed that prehistoric man also used this type of magic for successful
hunting. As an example, the prehistoric man would make an image of a bison out of mud and sticks. He would
then hunt and kill the image with the thought that this is what he would do to the real bison. It was believed that
this ritual would bring them good luck. After the bison was killed, the prehistoric man would thank the spirit of
the bison for its gift. In the same way, some Witches may use a clay or wax image of the object they wish to
obtain, or a person who needs to be healed.
Q Are there other types of magic?
A Another type of magic used by the Wiccan is when he or she will picture in his or her mind the goal that is
wished to come true. The person will concentrate and/or meditate on this picture in his or her mind as if it had
ALREADY come true. This method of magic is often called "Creative Visualization".
Q How does the moon relate to Wiccan ceremonies?
A Whatever type of magic utilized, the ritual is performed according to the different phases of the moon. During
the time that the moon is waxing (growing larger) positive spells for increase, beginning a new job, good luck
and fertility are performed. During the time that the moon is waning (growing smaller) negative spells such as
for decrease, ending a job or breaking a bad habit are performed. Wiccans celebrate both the new and full
moons. So there are 13 of each, approx. every 2 weeks, plus the 8 Sabbats.
Q What do Wiccans use to do their spells?
A Wiccans use "tools" to help them with their magical practices. The tools are articles that help the Wiccan to
concentrate on what he or she is trying to accomplish. Tools such as the athame and wand are simply objects
through which the Wiccan and direct his or her energy for use during the ritual.
Q What does it mean to 'cast a circle'?
A An invisible circle is often drawn by the Witch with his or her tool of choice. The circle is drawn to mark the
sacred space where the ritual will occur. It is also believed that this invisible boundary will keep out all negative
vibrations, and condense the persons personal energies. The use of herbs, incense and candles are all means of
helping to "set the mood".
Q Do Wiccans do animal sacrifices?
A WITCHES DO NOT SACRIFICE ANIMALS OR PERFORM BLACK MAGIC OR ANY KIND OF HARMFUL
RITUALS!!!!!!. Hollywood movies and television both depict horrid scenes of people worshipping Satan and
performing black magic. Many people construe this as being the same thing as Witchcraft. There is a very
distinct difference between Witchcraft, black magic and Satanism.
Q The first law of Witchcraft comes from old English and states: "AN' IT HARM NONE, DO WHAT THOU
WILT" Do Wiccans worship Satan?
A Witches do not believe in Satan or perform fiendish acts of black magic. The followers of the old religion
believe in the three-fold law of karma. This law states that any type of magic being performed, whether for good
or evil, will eventually "boomerang" back to the sender three times as potent as whatever is being sent out. For
example: a spell performed to make a person sprain his wrist may come back to the sender and cause him to
break his leg, a fate considered three times worse. Likewise a spell performed to send a person good luck will
also come back to the sender. He may receive three times as much good luck as he or she has sent out in the
spell. A Witch would obviously not want to perform any evil spells for this reason.
Q Do Wiccans try to convert people?
A The goal of today's Witch is not to convert anyone back to the old religion. The Wiccan respects the fact that
everyone has his or her own religious choices and that everybody may or may not hold the same opinions as the
next guy. Witchcraft does not claim to be the ONLY way. Each person in every different religious tradition
interprets his or her own religion in a slightly different way then everyone else. This writing may not reflect the
EXACT feelings of all witches. It is only an explanation of the basics of Wiccan beliefs so that the religion may
be viewed for what it really is. The Wiccan religion is a natural, peaceful religion. For further information
concerning Witchcraft, please contact the following source:
The Witches League for Public Awareness
P O Box 8736
Salem, Ma
01971-8736
Q What is the difference between Pagan and Wiccan?
A All Wiccans are pagans, but not all pagans are Wiccan. You can compare it to saying, all Baptists are
Christian, but not all Christians are Baptist. Wicca is just one branch of Paganism, as are Amerindians, Asatru's,
Buddhists, Satanists, voodoo, etc.
16. Do Wiccans have Church?
A Wiccans meet in Covens, usually having 13 members in it, but that is not a rule. Thirteen is a manageable
number of people to contain within a 9 foot circle (or 13 foot). Wiccans meet in something called a covenstead,
which is usually a members home, different each time. However some covens meet in the Unitarian Universalist
churches, which are very friendly towards us.
Q Do Wiccans have funerals, baptisms and weddings and if so, how do they differ?
A Yes, we have all those. A wedding is called a handfasting,and may be legal or not as the people prefer. If not
legal, it is usually called for one year, and then performed again this time for 9 years if both parties wish to
continue. I have done many, both legal and otherwise. Baptisms are called Wiccannings, and are done when the
baby is new born, and then again, at age 13 or thereabouts, when the child is ready to commit, since we have no
right to commit a child to something he/she might not want as they grow older. We do have ceremonies for
weddings. Yes, we have funerals, sometimes an entire ceremony, or sometimes a high priest or priestess will
speak a few words at a Christian ceremony providing the minister/priest will let us.
Q Isn't this witchcraft? I have seen some spells posted here and there, and I've read in the bible that Witches
were evil and worshiped the Devil. Is this true?
A Okay first question. Is this witchcraft? To some degree yes. But not all Wiccans practice witchcraft and not
all Witches are Wiccan. Think of it as like this: Wicca is the Job, and Witchcraft is a tool used in that job.
Witchcraft is nothing more than prayers that use natural object to increase their force. In answer to the second
question... No, No.. no, no, no, and no. Wiccans do not believe in the devil/Satan. We believe that by giving evil
a name, it gives it power. Thus our reasons for not even paying a grain of sand's worth attention to this
devil/Satan guy. Satan is a Christian concept, and they can keep him.
Q So you hate Christians right?
A No. As a matter of fact, some of my very dear friends are Christians. Though I may not believe everything
they believe, I accept and respect that they have those beliefs and they do the same for me. What I do not like is
Christians who proclaim that Christianity is the only right and true path, and who constantly try to shove their
beliefs down my throat. All we ask is to be accepted, and we will do the same for you.
Q If you don't worship Satan, why are you wearing that Satanic symbol?
A This symbol is a pentacle. It is a five-pointed star encased in a circle. It represents the four elements (Earth,
Air, Fire and Water) and Akasha (Spirit). Upright (one point up). It is a positive symbol, just like the Christian
Cross, and the Jewish Star of David. Inverted (two points up) is much the same as an inverted cross, it is a holy
symbol corrupted by Satanists.
Q Are you Jewish?
A No, a Jewish star has six points, my pentacle has five.
Q Do you wear black everyday (is it required?)
A No. We wear black, purple, green, blue and even sometimes white. Black is not an evil color, it is a mixture of
all colors known, thus having the energies of all the colors. It is a calming, protective color.
Q Can you give me a love spell to make someone fall in love with me?
A Okay let me create a picture for you. Imagine the most vile person on the planet. You know the kind I'm
talking about. The kind that hasn't met the wonders of a shower in about 3 months, has greasy hair, pimples and
is totally rude and obnoxious. Lets call this person.. Frank/Sue. Well Frank/Sue has a HUGE Crush on you. Yes
you, my friend..... you. And one day he/she hops on the wonderful internet and finds him/herself a love spell.
Then casts it on you (oh the horror! THE HORROR!) and you fall madly head over heals in love with him/her.
And you get married and live happily ever after hand-feeding him/her grapes and popping their pimples. THE
END. Did I scare you? Good. This is why we do not do love spells. They control the will of others, and that is
against the rede. Which will lead to bad Karma.
Q Can you fly?
A Yes. On an air plane just like everyone else.
Q Can you shoot fire out of your hands?
A No. That is not humanly possible. Besides, if you could, wouldn't you get a massive third degree burn each
time you did it.
Q I want to be a king warlock. Can you help me?
A Yes, I will help you. I will educate you about some terminology. A warlock is not a male witch. Warlock
comes from the Scottish word for oath-breaker, and was bestowed upon people who ratted out members of
their Coven during the burning times. This is not a desirable title. In Wicca, men are also called Witches.
Q What is this "burning times"?
A The burning times happened when the Witch Trials of England, Salem and various other countries took place.
Millions were killed by being beheaded, hanged, crushed, and burned alive at the stake. And the sad thing is, a
vast majority of these people were Christian. But their "friends" had something against them, so they cried
"WITCH!" getting them murdered. This was a very scary time for Pagans and Non-Pagans alike. Much of our
teachings, books and other texts had to be burned to keep people alive. Thankfully oral traditions continued.
Q What exactly is Wicca?
A Wicca is an earth-based religion having the belief in two Deities: The God and The Goddess. They also honor
them in their many forms, such as Isis, Astarte, Demeter, Kali , Pan, Apollo, Zeus, Mercury, and so on. We
believe that all in the world is holy. From the proud eagle, to a rock on a trail, to a butterfly, and even trees. It is
a peaceful path, stressing that you should not only show respect for others, but for yourself and our earthly
mother.
Q How long has Wicca been around?
A The Wiccan religion, sometimes called the old religion, also known to many as "Witchcraft", has existed since
pre- Christian times. With the advent of the Christian system of beliefs, the followers of the old religion were
forced into hiding. The new Christian followers were attempting to convert the non-Christians, or Wiccans, to
their religion. Rumors of the old Gods being devils and therefore no good were quickly spread. The Christians
believed that anyone who chose not to follow their religion was a heretic and would be doomed to burn in a place
they call "Hell". The non-Christians were called "Witches" and were persecuted and thrown in jail for many years
because of the vicious stories created about them.
Q What is the basis of the Wiccan religion?
A Today with the freedom to choose any religion that one may want, some of the misconceptions created about
the old religion are finally beginning to be cleared up. The Wiccan religion is a nature-oriented religion. The
Wiccan, or "Witch" is concerned with preserving nature's beauty and trying to solve some of the present
problems of pollution. The Witch has a deep appreciation for nature and all of her wondrous woodland creatures
as well. With this focus, we are in agreement with one of our fellow pagan groups, the Amerindian.
Q Do Wiccans believe in God?
A The belief of most Witches is that "God" is a supreme force which is genderless. This image is hard to picture
in the mind's eye. Therefore, in order to create an image that is easy to imagine and relate to, the Wiccan pictures
a God and a Goddess as their source of worship. Just as there are male and female in most of nature's creatures,
so is there also a male and a female God in the Wiccan religion. The male God of Wicca has been named many
different names and according to the different traditions of Witchcraft. Some of the names are: Cernunnos, Pan,
Faunus and Osiris. Different names by which the Goddess is known by are: Aradia, Isis, Diana and Cerridwen.
Some Witches prefer to generalize by calling them "Lord and Lady", or simply "God and Goddess". The
nighttime and moon are attributes of the Goddess. The sun is associated with the God, hence the terms "Moon
Goddess" and "Sun God". The Witch decides upon the image of the supreme being or God and Goddess with
whom they feel communication flows most easily.
Q What holidays do Wiccans celebrate?
A Most Witches celebrate full moons and holidays that are called "Sabbats. These are times when natural Earth
energies are at peak. Sabbat gatherings are celebrational services acknowledging seasonal changes. In ancient
times, the common people used the forces of these periods to aid in the growing of their crops, which were
necessary for their survival.
Q What are some of the holidays?
A In order to help facilitate the in bringing of Pagans to Christianity, the Christians adopted many Pagan holidays,
such as what is celebrated as Easter, named after Eostre (one of the Wiccan Goddesses) in March, and of
course, Christmas. Wiccans celebrate the birth of the sun, not the son. December 21st, the day the sun comes
back to life, is called Yule. All of the non-religious items usually associated with Christmas, such as a tree, yule
log, and so on, were Pagan first.
Q What is Sympathetic magic?
A Wiccans use a type of visualization or meditation which is often termed "Magic(k)". One type of magic that
some Witches utilize is called "Sympathetic" magic. Sympathetic magic has been used for centuries. It is the
theory that like attracts like. It is believed that prehistoric man also used this type of magic for successful
hunting. As an example, the prehistoric man would make an image of a bison out of mud and sticks. He would
then hunt and kill the image with the thought that this is what he would do to the real bison. It was believed that
this ritual would bring them good luck. After the bison was killed, the prehistoric man would thank the spirit of
the bison for its gift. In the same way, some Witches may use a clay or wax image of the object they wish to
obtain, or a person who needs to be healed.
Q Are there other types of magic?
A Another type of magic used by the Wiccan is when he or she will picture in his or her mind the goal that is
wished to come true. The person will concentrate and/or meditate on this picture in his or her mind as if it had
ALREADY come true. This method of magic is often called "Creative Visualization".
Q How does the moon relate to Wiccan ceremonies?
A Whatever type of magic utilized, the ritual is performed according to the different phases of the moon. During
the time that the moon is waxing (growing larger) positive spells for increase, beginning a new job, good luck
and fertility are performed. During the time that the moon is waning (growing smaller) negative spells such as
for decrease, ending a job or breaking a bad habit are performed. Wiccans celebrate both the new and full
moons. So there are 13 of each, approx. every 2 weeks, plus the 8 Sabbats.
Q What do Wiccans use to do their spells?
A Wiccans use "tools" to help them with their magical practices. The tools are articles that help the Wiccan to
concentrate on what he or she is trying to accomplish. Tools such as the athame and wand are simply objects
through which the Wiccan and direct his or her energy for use during the ritual.
Q What does it mean to 'cast a circle'?
A An invisible circle is often drawn by the Witch with his or her tool of choice. The circle is drawn to mark the
sacred space where the ritual will occur. It is also believed that this invisible boundary will keep out all negative
vibrations, and condense the persons personal energies. The use of herbs, incense and candles are all means of
helping to "set the mood".
Q Do Wiccans do animal sacrifices?
A WITCHES DO NOT SACRIFICE ANIMALS OR PERFORM BLACK MAGIC OR ANY KIND OF HARMFUL
RITUALS!!!!!!. Hollywood movies and television both depict horrid scenes of people worshipping Satan and
performing black magic. Many people construe this as being the same thing as Witchcraft. There is a very
distinct difference between Witchcraft, black magic and Satanism.
Q The first law of Witchcraft comes from old English and states: "AN' IT HARM NONE, DO WHAT THOU
WILT" Do Wiccans worship Satan?
A Witches do not believe in Satan or perform fiendish acts of black magic. The followers of the old religion
believe in the three-fold law of karma. This law states that any type of magic being performed, whether for good
or evil, will eventually "boomerang" back to the sender three times as potent as whatever is being sent out. For
example: a spell performed to make a person sprain his wrist may come back to the sender and cause him to
break his leg, a fate considered three times worse. Likewise a spell performed to send a person good luck will
also come back to the sender. He may receive three times as much good luck as he or she has sent out in the
spell. A Witch would obviously not want to perform any evil spells for this reason.
Q Do Wiccans try to convert people?
A The goal of today's Witch is not to convert anyone back to the old religion. The Wiccan respects the fact that
everyone has his or her own religious choices and that everybody may or may not hold the same opinions as the
next guy. Witchcraft does not claim to be the ONLY way. Each person in every different religious tradition
interprets his or her own religion in a slightly different way then everyone else. This writing may not reflect the
EXACT feelings of all witches. It is only an explanation of the basics of Wiccan beliefs so that the religion may
be viewed for what it really is. The Wiccan religion is a natural, peaceful religion. For further information
concerning Witchcraft, please contact the following source:
The Witches League for Public Awareness
P O Box 8736
Salem, Ma
01971-8736
Q What is the difference between Pagan and Wiccan?
A All Wiccans are pagans, but not all pagans are Wiccan. You can compare it to saying, all Baptists are
Christian, but not all Christians are Baptist. Wicca is just one branch of Paganism, as are Amerindians, Asatru's,
Buddhists, Satanists, voodoo, etc.
16. Do Wiccans have Church?
A Wiccans meet in Covens, usually having 13 members in it, but that is not a rule. Thirteen is a manageable
number of people to contain within a 9 foot circle (or 13 foot). Wiccans meet in something called a covenstead,
which is usually a members home, different each time. However some covens meet in the Unitarian Universalist
churches, which are very friendly towards us.
Q Do Wiccans have funerals, baptisms and weddings and if so, how do they differ?
A Yes, we have all those. A wedding is called a handfasting,and may be legal or not as the people prefer. If not
legal, it is usually called for one year, and then performed again this time for 9 years if both parties wish to
continue. I have done many, both legal and otherwise. Baptisms are called Wiccannings, and are done when the
baby is new born, and then again, at age 13 or thereabouts, when the child is ready to commit, since we have no
right to commit a child to something he/she might not want as they grow older. We do have ceremonies for
weddings. Yes, we have funerals, sometimes an entire ceremony, or sometimes a high priest or priestess will
speak a few words at a Christian ceremony providing the minister/priest will let us.
Q Isn't this witchcraft? I have seen some spells posted here and there, and I've read in the bible that Witches
were evil and worshiped the Devil. Is this true?
A Okay first question. Is this witchcraft? To some degree yes. But not all Wiccans practice witchcraft and not
all Witches are Wiccan. Think of it as like this: Wicca is the Job, and Witchcraft is a tool used in that job.
Witchcraft is nothing more than prayers that use natural object to increase their force. In answer to the second
question... No, No.. no, no, no, and no. Wiccans do not believe in the devil/Satan. We believe that by giving evil
a name, it gives it power. Thus our reasons for not even paying a grain of sand's worth attention to this
devil/Satan guy. Satan is a Christian concept, and they can keep him.
Q So you hate Christians right?
A No. As a matter of fact, some of my very dear friends are Christians. Though I may not believe everything
they believe, I accept and respect that they have those beliefs and they do the same for me. What I do not like is
Christians who proclaim that Christianity is the only right and true path, and who constantly try to shove their
beliefs down my throat. All we ask is to be accepted, and we will do the same for you.
Q If you don't worship Satan, why are you wearing that Satanic symbol?
A This symbol is a pentacle. It is a five-pointed star encased in a circle. It represents the four elements (Earth,
Air, Fire and Water) and Akasha (Spirit). Upright (one point up). It is a positive symbol, just like the Christian
Cross, and the Jewish Star of David. Inverted (two points up) is much the same as an inverted cross, it is a holy
symbol corrupted by Satanists.
Q Are you Jewish?
A No, a Jewish star has six points, my pentacle has five.
Q Do you wear black everyday (is it required?)
A No. We wear black, purple, green, blue and even sometimes white. Black is not an evil color, it is a mixture of
all colors known, thus having the energies of all the colors. It is a calming, protective color.
Q Can you give me a love spell to make someone fall in love with me?
A Okay let me create a picture for you. Imagine the most vile person on the planet. You know the kind I'm
talking about. The kind that hasn't met the wonders of a shower in about 3 months, has greasy hair, pimples and
is totally rude and obnoxious. Lets call this person.. Frank/Sue. Well Frank/Sue has a HUGE Crush on you. Yes
you, my friend..... you. And one day he/she hops on the wonderful internet and finds him/herself a love spell.
Then casts it on you (oh the horror! THE HORROR!) and you fall madly head over heals in love with him/her.
And you get married and live happily ever after hand-feeding him/her grapes and popping their pimples. THE
END. Did I scare you? Good. This is why we do not do love spells. They control the will of others, and that is
against the rede. Which will lead to bad Karma.
Q Can you fly?
A Yes. On an air plane just like everyone else.
Q Can you shoot fire out of your hands?
A No. That is not humanly possible. Besides, if you could, wouldn't you get a massive third degree burn each
time you did it.
Q I want to be a king warlock. Can you help me?
A Yes, I will help you. I will educate you about some terminology. A warlock is not a male witch. Warlock
comes from the Scottish word for oath-breaker, and was bestowed upon people who ratted out members of
their Coven during the burning times. This is not a desirable title. In Wicca, men are also called Witches.
Q What is this "burning times"?
A The burning times happened when the Witch Trials of England, Salem and various other countries took place.
Millions were killed by being beheaded, hanged, crushed, and burned alive at the stake. And the sad thing is, a
vast majority of these people were Christian. But their "friends" had something against them, so they cried
"WITCH!" getting them murdered. This was a very scary time for Pagans and Non-Pagans alike. Much of our
teachings, books and other texts had to be burned to keep people alive. Thankfully oral traditions continued.
| Wicca FAQ's |
