Wiccan is a term that refers to a person who practices the modern pagan religious movement known as Wicca. Wicca is a nature-based religion that places importance on worshiping the Earth and its natural elements. The word "Wiccan" is derived from the Old English word "wicca," which means "sorcerer" or "wise one." Wiccans believe in a polytheistic system, meaning they worship multiple deities. These deities are often associated with different aspects of nature, such as the sun, moon, and animals. Wiccans also believe in the concept of pantheism, which is the belief that the divine is present in all things and all living beings.

Wicca

: a religion influenced by pre-Christian beliefs and practices of western Europe that affirms the existence of supernatural power (such as magic) and of both male and female deities who inhere in nature and that emphasizes ritual observance of seasonal and life cycles

Wiccans also believe in the concept of pantheism, which is the belief that the divine is present in all things and all living beings. Wiccan rituals and practices are typically centered around the cycles of the moon and the changing seasons. They celebrate eight main holidays, known as Sabbats, which mark important points in the natural cycle.

Examples of Wicca in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Process of commercialization Commercialization started in the 1980s with the sale of how-to books on Wicca. — Helen A. Berger, The Conversation, 26 July 2023 The numbers of Americans who identify with Wicca or paganism has risen from 134,000 in 2001 to nearly 2 million, Helen Berger, a resident scholar at Brandeis University's Women's Studies Research Center, told the USA TODAY Network at the time. — Francisco Guzman, USA TODAY, 30 May 2023 Many neo-pagans, which are modern-day practitioners of various pagan religions including Druidism and Wicca, still celebrate Samhain. — Jessica Coulon, Popular Mechanics, 31 Oct. 2022 Neopaganism’s various branches include Wicca and Hellenic reconstructionism, a religion that focuses on the gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece. — Alyssa Beall, USA TODAY, 13 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Wicca.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

These holidays include events like the winter and summer solstices, as well as the equinoxes. One key aspect of Wiccan practice is the belief in magic and spellwork. Wiccans believe in harnessing the natural energies of the Earth and using them to affect change in the world. This can involve casting spells, performing rituals, and using various objects and tools, such as crystals, herbs, and candles. Wiccans also place a strong emphasis on personal responsibility and ethics. The Wiccan Rede, a key moral guideline in Wicca, states, "An it harm none, do what ye will," which essentially means that individuals should act in a way that harms no one, including themselves. Overall, Wicca is a religion that celebrates nature, promotes personal empowerment, and encourages individuals to live in harmony with the Earth and its natural elements. Wiccans strive to create a deep connection with nature and the divine, and to harness the energy and power of the natural world for their spiritual and personal growth..

Reviews for "The Principles of Wiccan Magic: Exploring Spells and Rituals"

1. Emily - 2 stars

As someone who is not familiar with the pagan and Wiccan traditions, I found "Meaning of Wiccan" to be quite confusing and hard to follow. The author assumes that the reader has a basic understanding of Wicca, which made it difficult for me to grasp the concepts and ideas presented in the book. Additionally, I felt that the writing style was dry and lacked depth, which made it even harder for me to engage with the material. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to someone looking for an introduction to Wicca.

2. Alex - 1 star

"Meaning of Wiccan" was a huge letdown for me. I was hoping to gain some insight into the spiritual practices and beliefs of Wicca, but instead, I found it to be filled with vague statements and clichéd arguments. The author seemed more interested in asserting their own opinions rather than providing the reader with valuable information. I also felt that the book lacked structure and coherence, jumping from one topic to another without any clear direction. I would not recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about Wicca.

3. Sarah - 2 stars

I was excited to read "Meaning of Wiccan" as an individual exploring different religions and spiritual practices. However, I found the book to be overly focused on the author's personal experiences and interpretations of Wicca, rather than offering a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The lack of objective information made it difficult for me to extract any meaningful insights or knowledge about Wicca. I would suggest looking for alternative resources if you are genuinely interested in learning about this spiritual path.

Wiccan Spells of Healing: Unlocking the Power of Energy Restoration