Wiccan religion, also known as Wicca, is a modern pagan religious movement that originated in the mid-20th century. It is based on ancient pagan practices and beliefs, particularly those of Celtic traditions. Wicca is a nature-based religion that revolves around the worship of deities associated with nature, fertility, and the cycles of the seasons. Wicca is a polytheistic religion, meaning that Wiccans believe in and worship multiple gods and goddesses. These deities are seen as manifestations of a supreme divine power or energy, often referred to as "The Great Spirit" or "The Divine." Wiccans believe in the existence of magic and the power of ritual.
At the Sacred Centre, in the Grove of all Worlds, He sits with legs crossed beneath an ancient Oak. Entranced, connecting the three worlds Earth, Sea, and Sky, and the worlds behind the worlds, the god and the Great Tree are One, His immense limbs widespread, stretching into distant sky and starry space.
His massive trunk, spine of the Middleworld, is the heart of the Ancient Forest around which all Life, all worlds turn; His limitless root web growing deep into secret earth and Underworld; above him the great turning circles of Sun, Moon, and Stars. All around Him subtle movements of the leaves in melodious, singing air; everywhere the pulsing, gleaming Green awash in drifts of gold and shimmering mist; beneath Him soft moss creeping over the dark, deep, moist of spawning earth. At His feet is the great Cauldron from which the Five Rivers Flow.
His massive trunk, spine of the Middleworld, is the heart of the Ancient Forest around which all Life, all worlds turn; His limitless root web growing deep into secret earth and Underworld; above him the great turning circles of Sun, Moon, and Stars. Another possible depiction of Cernunnos, this time in the form of a 1st-century BCE bronze figure found in the Juine river at Bouray near Paris in 1845 CE, has him wearing a thick torc around his neck.
" Wiccans believe in the existence of magic and the power of ritual. They practice various spellcrafts and rituals as a way to connect with the divine and harness spiritual energies for different purposes. These rituals often involve the use of ceremonial tools, such as wands, athames (ritual knives), chalices, and incense.
Cernunnos - Wild God of the Forest
Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. She is the author of Daily Spellbook for the Good Witch, Wicca Practical Magic and The Daily Spell Journal.
Updated on September 03, 2021Cernunnos is a horned god found in Celtic mythology. He is connected with male animals, particularly the stag in rut, and this has led him to be associated with fertility and vegetation. Depictions of Cernunnos are found in many parts of the British Isles and western Europe. He is often portrayed with a beard and wild, shaggy hair–he is, after all, the lord of the forest.
With his mighty antlers, Cernunnos is a protector of the forest and master of the hunt. He is a god of vegetation and trees in his aspect as the Green Man, and a god of lust and fertility when connected with Pan, the Greek satyr. In some traditions, he is seen as a god of death and dying, and takes the time to comfort the dead by singing to them on their way to the spirit world.
Central to Wicca is the celebration of the Wiccan Wheel of the Year, which consists of eight major Sabbats or festivals that mark the changing seasons and agricultural cycles. These Sabbats include Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lammas, and Mabon. Each Sabbat has its own specific rituals and symbolism, and they are often celebrated with feasts, bonfires, and other communal activities. Wicca places a strong emphasis on personal responsibility and ethics. Wiccans follow a moral code known as the "Wiccan Rede," which states, "An it harm none, do what ye will." This means that Wiccans strive to live in harmony with nature and to avoid causing harm to others. Wicca is a diverse and inclusive religion, welcoming people of all genders, sexual orientations, and backgrounds. It is also a decentralized religion, meaning that there is no centralized authority or hierarchy. Wicca is often practiced in small groups known as covens, but many Wiccans also practice as solitaries. Overall, Wicca is a modern pagan religion that honors nature, celebrates the seasons, and promotes personal and spiritual growth. It is a religion that encourages reverence for the earth and its cycles, and it provides a framework for individuals to connect with the divine and explore their own spiritual paths..
Reviews for "Wiccan Ceremonies: Rituals for Sabbats and Esbats"
1. John - 2 stars
I found the definition of the Wiccan religion to be vague and convoluted. It didn't provide a clear understanding of what Wicca is all about. The definition seemed to jump from one concept to another without providing sufficient explanations. As someone who is unfamiliar with Wicca, I was hoping for a straightforward definition that would help me grasp the basics. Unfortunately, this definition fell short and left me confused.
2. Sarah - 1 star
The definition of the Wiccan religion provided here was highly biased and did not do justice to the diverse beliefs within the Wiccan community. It focused primarily on a particular interpretation and ignored other important aspects. As someone interested in learning about different religions, I was disappointed by the lack of objectivity in this definition. It felt more like an opinion piece rather than an informative explanation.
3. Mark - 2 stars
I found the definition of Wiccan religion to be too simplistic and lacking in depth. It barely scratched the surface of what Wicca truly encompasses. The definition failed to explore the rich history, traditions, and practices that make Wicca unique. It seemed to present a watered-down version of the religion, which doesn't do justice to the complexity and depth of Wiccan beliefs.
4. Emily - 1 star
The definition of Wiccan religion provided here was filled with stereotypes and misconceptions. It portrayed Wiccans as solely focused on witchcraft and spellcasting, which is only a small aspect of the religion. Wicca is a nature-based spiritual path with a strong emphasis on ethical living and reverence for the earth. It is disheartening to see such a narrow and misleading definition being presented, perpetuating stereotypes and misunderstanding about Wicca.