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For many people, the stereotypical image of a Wiccan is a vague picture of groups of naked people frolicking around a fire, brandishing swords, and dancing in some sort of bizarre, made-up ritual. Others see Wiccans holed up in tiny cabins happily brewing up love potions and casting spells. And sometimes those images are true. But is there more to Wicca than those familiar images?

Wicca is a gnostic type of religion which places an emphasis on personal experience and discoveries about the nature of its gods and the practitioner's own place in his or her universe. A Wiccan's personal journey to knowledge and understanding may lead to insights and revelations about nature, respect for life, and a sometimes profound understanding of the way the universe operates. As an example, while many people work to overcome nature, Wiccans often actively look for ways to live with nature.

Wiccans claim to be adherents of the so-called "Old Religion." It is true that in the dawn of time, our ancient ancestors worshiped nature, sometimes adopting totems or gods they thought might help them in times of need, but who needed propitiation through rituals and sacrifices. And undoubtedly, there were as many variations on the rituals and rites as there were shamans. It is also true that since those rituals were not recorded, but were usually passed down from shaman to apprentice, there is no way to determine exactly how old some of the so-called ancient rituals actually are. Some of the major holidays observed by Wiccans, however, such as Samhain and Beltane, can be traced back for thousands of years, and descriptions of at least some of the rites survive today.

Wiccan has a particular appeal to women. In certain other major religions, women tend to be kept on the periphery, seen as not quite equal to men, or in some cases, treated as though their very presence demeans the entire community. The idea of the existence of a goddess who is co-equal with a god raises the status of Wicca's women practitioners, who are frequently high priestesses in their communities and enjoy equal status with their male counterparts.

Wiccans are generally quick to share their information with anyone who might be interested. They write books and pamphlets sharing information and insights they have gathered along their journey. In this, they are no different than members of other religious groups, and particularly Christians, who produce informational and "wisdom" books by the score. Some of the Wiccan books contain much useful information, others simply rehash old stories and tales with a few spells or recipes.

Some Wiccan practitioners I have known display a what's-in-it-for-me attitude. They cast spells, burn candles, or complete rites designed to attract love, wealth, or anything else they may want. They pay lip service to rites and rituals, but are more concerned with their own lives and desires. These practitioners seldom move beyond the moment, and seem uninterested in learning more. Others explore deeper, both within themselves and without, genuinely seeking knowledge and enlightenment. Some display an astonishing understanding of themselves and their world.

In the end, just as in any other religion, Wicca can be as deep or shallow as the practitioner is willing to go. This is no less true of any other religious belief. If a practitioner is willing to continue to read, experiment and explore, he or she will almost certainly find some truth leading to a deepening of belief. For others, the ability to cast spells or concoct brews is enough. In the end, Wicca, like any other religion, is what its believer makes of it.

Learn more about this author, Mary Gindling.
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