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What is Wicca?

Wicca/Witchcraft or paganism is based on an ancient pre-Christian tradition that has had modern influence from people like Gerald Brosseau Gardner (1884-1964).

It is more than a system of magic, it is a whole religion and way of life based on worshiping the divine Gods and respecting their work in nature.

Witches may be solo witches or part of a coven (mixed sex or single sex covens exist). Modern witchcraft is often personalized by the individuals practicing it, the only real rule being do as you believe to be right and 'harm none- including yourself' as you do it.

Due to their respect for the divine gods and in nature witches usually celebrate and carry out rituals on eight special days in the year which are called the 'Eight Sabbats'. These rituals can range from an elaborate ceremony performed naked under the moonlight to a quiet prayer of thanks given during the day)

The witches year is as follows- Samhain (October 31/ November 1), Yule (December 21), Imbolc (February 1/2), Ostara (March 20/21), Beltane (April 30/ May 1), Litha/ Midsummer (June 21/22), Lughnasadh/ Lammas (August 1/2), Mabon (September 20/21).

Most witches do carry out spells to enhance their own lives and to help their friends, family and others. How exactly these spells are carried out depends on the individual and their way of practicing although colored candles, cord, herbs, flowers, wands and a whole range of 'magic infused' items can be used to enhance the power of these spells.

These are many books on this subject and it is always best to read further about this before practicing yourself. Witches also protect themselves before performing spells and it is wise to learn how to do this before practicing.

Many witches tend to keep a 'Book of Shadows'. This is a personal journal that contains their own spells, rituals, beliefs about wicca, the meanings of certain herbs, colors etc to themselves and to their spells and much more. It is often used as a personal development tool to record what they have learned. The book grows as the witch does and so it may be necessary to have more than one and to make many changes and alterations over years of practicing.

here ends the introduction to Wicca. There is so much more for those wishing to practice to find out and there are literally hundreds of books that are out there both to buy and also often in public libraries so it does not have to be expensive to find further information, There is also further information available on the web, but always exercise caution as there are very few regulations concerning what people can publish regarding wicca.

Blessed be!

("If it harms none, do as ye will"- the Witches Rede)

Learn more about this author, Evelyn Blaken.
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