Wicca Debate Guide

From PhiloWiki

1 Wicca Basics
2 Beliefs
3 In Society
4 Resources

Wicca Basics

Wicca is a Neopagan religion and a religious movement found in many different countries, though most commonly in English-speaking cultures. It was first publicized in 1954 by a British civil servant named Gerald Gardner[1] after the British Witchcraft Act was repealed. He claimed that the religion, of which he was an initiate, was a modern survival of an old witch cult, which had existed in secret for hundreds of years, originating in the pre-Christian Paganism of Europe. Wicca is thus sometimes referred to as the Old Religion. The veracity of Gardner's claims cannot be independently proven, and it is thought that Wiccan theology began to be compiled no earlier than the 1920s. Various related Wiccan traditions have since evolved, or been adapted from, the form established by Gardner, which came to be called Gardnerian Wicca (this, as well as Alexandrian Wicca, fall under British Traditional Wicca, which is strictly hierarchical and doesn't allow self-initiation).

Niki from Wikipedia

Types of Paganism: Reconstructionist vs. Neo-Paganism? Is Paganism polytheistic?
Do you think Paganism should be kept as in ancient times, or modified to fit today’s modern needs?
What important elements does Neo-Paganism lose as a modified religion?
What pitfalls are there to such modifications?

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Beliefs

It is commonly understood that most Wiccans worship two deities: the Goddess, often associated with Gaea or Mother Earth, and her consort the God (sometimes known as the Horned God). These two deities are usually thought of as equal complements to each other, and together represent all aspects of the universe. A significant number of Wiccans from various traditions do not claim to be dualist, but practice some form of polytheism, often with particular reference to the European pantheons, the paganisms of which Wicca partly draws inspiration from. It has been noted by some authors that Wicca is becoming more polytheistic as it is maturing; embracing a more traditional pagan worldview.[4] However, Wiccans may also be animists, pantheists, or indeed anywhere within the broad spectrum of Neopagan forms of worship.

Note: Wicca, including its Rede, was adapted by Gerald Gardner in the 1950s from writings of Aleister Crowley as well as Taoist and Jungian philosophies.

Wiccan Magick: Ritual steps: 1) Call quarters and deities, 3) Cast circle, 4) Spells, 5) Cakes and ale/Thank deities and quarters, 6) Close circle

Pagan Reclaiming Tradition: Reclaiming originated about 1980 in the San Francisco Bay Area, blending the influences of Victor and Cora Anderson's Feri Tradition of Witchcraft, Dianic Witchcraft as taught by Z. Budapest, and the feminist, peace, and environmental movements. Reclaiming is known among Neo-Pagans as an activist group. The group coalesced when early members met during anti-nuclear and other direct action protests of the 1980s, and a focus on world change remains integral to the group's mission.

Despite the popular negative connotations associated with witchcraft, Wiccans see their use of witchcraft as positive and good, and black or evil magic is viewed as antithetical to Wiccan beliefs and activities. In fact in all areas of behaviour, magical or otherwise, Wiccan morality can be summarised in the form of a text that is commonly titled The Wiccan Rede. The core maxim of that text states "An it harm none, do what thou wilt."

Niki from Wikipedia

Given the statement of karmic return, do today’s ‘Witch Wars’ seem hypocritical in this context? How does this help/hinder the community?
How do you feel about The Wiccan Rede being plagiarized from Crowley, as well as containing other outside philosophical influences (e.g. Jung)?
Do you think that an external statement of the Rede (i.e. written down as a rule), vs. leaving it as an inner confirmation (as Pagans believe) is necessary? Does this simply confirm the lack of Pagan knowledge in Wicca's audience?
According to Christian symbological study, how are Pagan beliefs entwined? In what ways has this been covered up by the Church?
How did the transition from male-dominated ('50s-'60s) to feminist coven structures ('70s) change the face of Witchcraft traditions?
With all Wicca's claims to be a laid-back, unstructured tradition, its magick actually is exceedingly structured. Is it right for a high magick tradition to label itself as the opposite?
How could the Wiccan Rede be applied to solve everyday problems in an ethical fashion? (give in-depth examples, both personal and political).
Wiccans believe in a mix of fate and free will. What do you believe, and what is your opinion on destiny?
How would belief in Wicca, without adhering to its tenets, potentially harm pagan society? Is this truly Wicca? Why or why not?
In context of the pagan Reclaiming Tradition, do you think that belief in a certain tradition is required in order to merge politics with spirituality? Why do you think Reclaiming is such a popular tradition?

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In Society

The following famous musical artists are Wiccan: Maynard James Keenan (Tool), Geddy Lee (Rush), Stevie Nicks and Tori Amos. How do you think their music reflects their beliefs? Lyrically? Stylistically?
What is your opinion on the Wicca mass-marketing phenomenon geared towards teenage girls? What perceptions of Wicca are they given, and how do you think these perceptions will harm them? How does Wicca misrepresent itself? Additionally, what part does this play in the ‘Witch Wars’?
Compare and contrast Wicca to other religions: Hinduism, Christianity, Judiasm, Islam.
Wiccans are often portrayed stereotypically as fervently anti-Christian. In truth, Wiccans, by principle, are disinclined to get involved in religious debates, and unlike Christians, don't proselytize. Does such uninvolvement protect or hurt their public image? Why or why not?
Is there a connection between Harry Potter and Wicca? What impact does the Harry Potter series have on society?
Who do you predict the next Wiccans to be? How will their positive endeavors aid today’s segmented pagan society?

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