Wicca is a modern pagan, witchcraft religion that emerged in the mid-20th century. It is founded on ancient pagan beliefs and practices, predominantly drawing from pre-Christian European traditions. Wiccans believe in the worship of gods and goddesses, the practice of magic, and the celebration of nature. One of the main characteristics of a Wiccan is their belief in a duotheistic framework. **They worship a god and goddess, often known as the Horned God and the Mother Goddess**, respectively. These deities are seen as universal, representing the masculine and feminine forces of the universe.
For your second question: yes, but every witch, including the one getting the benefits, must have the coven hex.
We re here to walk or fly you through the steps to form your very own witches coven of like-minded and black-clad individuals - just in time for Samhain. Long gone is the need to head down to your local hardware store to buy brooms in bulk - your vacuum cleaner will do the job nicely for a flying visit who said witches weren t up with the times.
These deities are seen as universal, representing the masculine and feminine forces of the universe. Wiccans also believe in the existence of spiritual beings, such as fairies, spirits of nature, and ancestors. Another key characteristic of Wicca is the emphasis on nature and its cycles.
A New Coven: Witches in Contemporary Fiction
The dark and daring world of ‘WitchLit’ with Kirsty Logan, Juno Dawson, A K. Blakemore, Stacey Thomas and Rebecca Rideal.
This event takes place in the British Library and will be simultaneously live streamed on the British Library platform. Tickets may be booked either to attend in person, or to watch on our platform (online) either live or within 48 hours on catch up. Viewing links will be sent out shortly before the event.
Our panel of authors explore feminine resistance, historical injustice, identity, rebellion and hidden power. Their spellbinding stories are reinventing the much-maligned figure of the witch for modern readers. Enter the world of ‘WitchLit’ – the new genre of historical and fantasy fiction that is conquering 2023.
This event is part of the Festival of the Accused which summons a host of writers and performers who praise the witch. It tells the true stories of those accused through history. Day passes and individual session tickets now available.
With Kirsty Logan author of Now She is Witch, Juno Dawson author of the fantasy trilogy Her Majesty’s Royal Coven, A K Blakemore author of The Manningtree Witches and Stacey Thomas on her debut novel The Revels.
Chaired by historian, broadcaster and founder of HistFest Rebecca Rideal.
Kirsty Logan is a writer of novels and short stories. Her latest book is Now She is Witch is a medieval witch revenge quest. Her other books include Things We Say In The Dark, The Gloaming, The Gracekeepers, A Portable Shelter, and The Rental Heart & Other Fairytales.
Juno Dawson is a #1 Sunday Times best-selling novelist, screenwriter, journalist, and columnist for Attitude Magazine. Her books include the global bestsellers, This Book Is Gay and Clean. She won the 2020 YA Book Prize for Meat Market. Her first adult fantasy trilogy Her Majesty’s Royal Coven launched in 2022, becoming an instant best-seller.
A.K. Blakemore is a poet and novelist from London. She is the author of two full-length collections of poetry. Her debut novel, The Manningtree Witches, won the Desmond Elliot Prize and was shortlisted for the Costa Award for Best First Novel and The Royal Society of Literature Ondaatje Prize, among others. Her second novel, The Glutton, was recently released by Granta books.
Stacey Thomas is a contributor to Bad Form and an alumna of the Curtis Brown Creative novel writing course. The Revels is her debut novel.
Rebecca Rideal is an historian of early modern England, and the director of the history festival, HistFest. She is the author of 1666: Plague, War and Hellfire and host of the history podcast Killing Time. Rebecca spent over a decade working in specialist factual television where she developed and produced a wide range of programming, including Bloody Tales of the Tower, Adventurer’s Guide to Britain, Escape from Nazi Death Camp, and the triple Emmy award-winning series, David Attenborough’s First Life. In 2024, she’ll be tutoring 'That old and crafty serpent': Magic and Witchcraft in the Seventeenth Century at Oxford University's School for Continuing Education.
Follow @eventsBL on Twitter for the latest events updates.
If you’re attending in person, please arrive no later than 15 minutes before the start time of this event.
The British Library is a charity. Your support helps us open up a world of knowledge and inspiration for everyone. Donate today.
**Wiccans observe and celebrate the changing seasons, known as Sabbats**, which include the solstices, equinoxes, and other significant points in the agricultural year. These celebrations are marked by rituals, feasts, and the use of symbols like the pentacle and the four elements (earth, air, fire, and water). Magic plays an important role in Wiccan practice. **Wiccans believe in the use of magic for positive and ethical purposes**, such as healing, protection, and personal growth. Rituals and spells are performed to harness and direct this energy, often involving the use of tools like wands, athames (ritual knives), and cauldrons. Wicca promotes a code of ethics known as the **Wiccan Rede**, which states, "An it harm none, do what ye will." This essentially means that individuals are free to do what they please as long as it does not cause harm to others. It emphasizes personal responsibility and the belief in karmic repercussions for one's actions. **Wiccans often practice their religion in groups known as covens**, which are led by a High Priestess or High Priest. Covens provide a sense of community and support for Wiccans, allowing them to learn and grow within the framework of their beliefs. Overall, Wiccans are characterized by their worship of a god and goddess, their connection with nature and its cycles, their belief in magic, their adherence to an ethical code, and their preference for group practice in covens..
Reviews for "Explaining the Concept of "Drawing Down the Moon" in Wicca"
- John - 1 star - "I found the explanation of the characteristics of a Wiccan to be lacking in depth and accuracy. The information provided seemed superficial and failed to capture the essence of what it truly means to be a Wiccan. Additionally, the content was presented in a disorganized manner, making it difficult to follow and understand. Overall, I was disappointed with this explanation and would not recommend it to anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of Wicca."
- Sarah - 2 stars - "While the explanation of the characteristics of a Wiccan did contain some useful information, I felt that it lacked the necessary depth to fully grasp the complexity of this spiritual path. The content seemed to focus more on stereotypes and misconceptions rather than providing an accurate portrayal of Wiccan beliefs and practices. Furthermore, the explanation did not address the diversity within the Wiccan community, making it feel somewhat narrow-minded. Overall, I was left wanting more from this explanation."
- Mike - 2 stars - "I was hoping for a thorough explanation of the characteristics of a Wiccan, but unfortunately, this resource fell short of my expectations. The information provided was too general and lacked the necessary detail to truly understand the intricacies of Wicca. Additionally, there were a few inaccuracies and misconceptions presented, which further contributed to my disappointment. I would recommend seeking out more reputable sources for a better understanding of Wiccan beliefs and practices."