Wicca is a modern pagan religious movement that emerged in the mid-20th century. It is guided by the fundamental belief in the existence of a divine power that can be found in nature and within oneself. The word "Wicca" is derived from the Old English term for "witch" and is often associated with witchcraft, although not all Wiccans practice witchcraft. Being Wiccan implies a deep connection and reverence for nature. Wiccans view nature as sacred and believe in the presence of a divine energy that flows through all living things. They celebrate the cycles of the seasons and the natural world, honoring the earth, the sun, the moon, and the four elements - air, fire, water, and earth.

Baguette Magic ready to cast its spell on the peninsula

In November 2019, sisters Paula and Sam Kramer purchased Baguette Magic at 792 Folly Road. Since then, the duo has revitalized the bistro, creating a James Island staple voted Best Bakery two years in a row in City Paper’s Best Of awards.

When the Kramer sisters purchased Baguette Magic, though, they weren’t expecting to be hit by a global pandemic.

“We redid our dining room and went to Myrtle Beach,” Sam said. “And on the way back from Myrtle Beach, we got the message that all the dining rooms are getting closed.”

Despite the setback, they persevered and re-evaluated, setting up “Bag-ette” deliveries, providing weekly delivery services of kitchen essentials and groceries for Lowcountry residents from local farmers and purveyors like Legare Farms and Rio Bertollini’s.

And in the coming weeks, the Kramer sisters have their next project ahead of them — a downtown Baguette Magic location. The new location is slated to open at 73 Spring St. in the former WildFlour Pastry shop, which closed after 10 years in 2019.

This new endeavor has been on the sisters’ minds since they took over the original location, but to get a second location going, they needed the first one to generate capital, Paula said, adding that the cities of James Island and downtown Charleston also have different bureaucratic hoops to clear.

“We don’t have investors,” she said. “We’re just doing everything out of our profits, and so it is kind of like, we have to get the first thing open and then we can expand after generating some money. It’s been a lesson of learning, especially with bureaucracy. Overall, it’s been great though, and we have the best, most incredible contractors and architects. They have helped us along the way with floor plans and navigating some of these things because we’re just doing it all ourselves.”

Coincidentally, Baguette Magic beat out WildFlour Pastry as Best Bakery two years ago, but the coincidences don’t stop there. “Sam and I used to go to WildFlour for cinnamon rolls on Sundays and it was like a big thing when we both moved back to Charleston,” said Paula. “We were big fans. Our real estate agent — who’s also my best friend and convinced us to buy Baguette Magic — she put WildFlour in that building. So she was their agent for that when they signed the lease there. I called her and I was like, ‘They’re not doing anything with that space, it’s closed all the time. Can you reach out?’ And she said, ‘Oh yeah, I know the owner.’ And then she told me the story.”

Since securing the new site, the two have spent hours repainting and redecorating the former WildFlour space, building shelving and redoing the floor in the back.

The new Baguette Magic will be “significantly smaller” than its sister location on James Island and won’t carry the full Baguette Magic menu. The sisters say it’s going to be retail, coffee and pastries with grab-and-go options. “It’s been a huge transformation,” said Paula. “We’re so excited about it.”

Find Baguette Magic on James Island until their new location opens at 73 Spring St. baguettemagicchs.com.

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Menu for Baguette Magic in Charleston, SC

They celebrate the cycles of the seasons and the natural world, honoring the earth, the sun, the moon, and the four elements - air, fire, water, and earth. Wiccans also value personal responsibility and autonomy. They believe in self-discovery and self-growth, and often engage in rituals and practices to help them connect with their inner selves and spiritual truths.

Staff required to disinfect surfaces between visits Mask required Wheelchair accessible entrance Wheelchair accessible parking lot Identifies as women-owned Credit Card Payments Debit cards NFC mobile payments Quick visit Breakfast Dine-in LGBTQ+ friendly Read more

Unlike traditional organized religions, Wicca does not have a centralized authority or dogma, allowing practitioners to follow their own path and individual beliefs. Another key aspect of being Wiccan is the practice of magick. Wiccans believe in the use of magick as a way to create positive change in their lives and the world around them. Magick is seen as a natural part of existence and is used for healing, protection, and manifestation. Wiccans also have a strong emphasis on ethical behavior. They follow the Wiccan Rede, which states "An it harm none, do what ye will." This principle encourages Wiccans to act in a way that does not cause harm to themselves, others, or the environment. It promotes the importance of personal responsibility and accountability for one's actions. Overall, being Wiccan implies a deep reverence for nature, a personal journey of self-discovery and growth, the practice of magick, and ethical behavior. It is a spiritual path that encourages individuals to connect with their inner selves, the natural world, and the divine energy that permeates all existence..

Reviews for "The Role of the Goddess in Wicca: Embracing Feminine Divinity"

1. Jane - 1 star

I found "What does it imply to be Wiccan" to be a complete waste of time. The author fails to present a coherent explanation of what it means to be Wiccan. The book is filled with fluff and personal anecdotes that don't provide any real insight into the subject. I was hoping for a deep dive into the beliefs, rituals, and practices of Wicca, but instead, I got a superficial and disjointed collection of stories. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a serious exploration of Wiccan spirituality.

2. Mark - 2 stars

I have to admit, I was disappointed with "What does it imply to be Wiccan". While the book touches on some interesting aspects of Wicca, it lacks depth and fails to provide a comprehensive understanding of the religion. The author's writing style is also quite confusing, making it difficult to follow the main points. Additionally, I was hoping for more practical guidance on how to incorporate Wiccan practices into my life, but this book fell short in that regard. Overall, I found it to be a mediocre resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of Wicca.

3. Emily - 1 star

"What does it imply to be Wiccan" completely missed the mark for me. The author's perspective feels biased and lacks objectivity, making it difficult to trust the information presented. Moreover, the book seems more focused on self-promotion and selling a particular viewpoint rather than providing an authentic exploration of Wiccan beliefs. I was left feeling unsatisfied and questioning the credibility of the author's claims. I would not recommend this book to anyone genuinely interested in learning about Wicca.

4. John - 2 stars

As someone new to Wicca, I was excited to read "What does it imply to be Wiccan", but unfortunately, it left me underwhelmed. The book lacks organization and clarity, often meandering from one topic to another without providing adequate explanations. I frequently found myself confused and struggling to connect the dots. Additionally, the author's writing style is needlessly verbose, often obscuring the main points they are trying to convey. Overall, I would recommend seeking other resources for a more comprehensive understanding of Wicca. This book didn't deliver what I was looking for.

The Wiccan Rede: Exploring the Ethics of Wicca