Wicca is a modern neo-pagan religious movement that emerged in the mid-20th century. It is rooted in ancient pagan practices and belief systems, particularly those of the Celts and other European indigenous cultures. Wiccans worship the Earth and believe in the inherent power of nature. One of the main principles of Wicca is the worship and reverence of nature. Wiccans believe that all of nature, including plants, animals, and the elements, have a divine essence and should be treated as sacred. They often engage in rituals and ceremonies that honor and celebrate nature, such as the Wheel of the Year, which marks the changing of the seasons.
Author Gary Cantrell speaks from personal experience with Wiccans of all ages and degrees of physical ability, bringing you an earnest examination of modern Wiccan beliefs and a practical guide to the Craft of the Wise.
I elected to reveal my practice of witchcraft publicly simply because I personally feel that the time for intentionally hiding ourselves has come to an end. But wearing witchy jewelry and casting a few spells does not make one a witch, for Wicca is a lifestyle and those who walk its path have solemnly dedicated themselves to the service of the Goddess and God.
They often engage in rituals and ceremonies that honor and celebrate nature, such as the Wheel of the Year, which marks the changing of the seasons. Another central principle of Wicca is the concept of polarity and balance. Wiccans believe that the world is made up of balanced opposing forces, such as light and dark, masculine and feminine, and active and passive.
Wiccan Beliefs & Practices : With Rituals for Solitaries & Covens
Modern Wicca is a vibrant, uplifting nature religion practiced by hundreds of thousands of people in the United States alone. But wearing "witchy" jewelry and casting a few spells does not make one a witch, for Wicca is a lifestyle and those who walk its path have solemnly dedicated themselves to the service of the Goddess and God.
Wiccan Beliefs and Practices was written for the solitary witch or non-traditional small coven. Written by a Wiccan High Priest and retired aerospace engineer, Wiccan Beliefs & Practices includes crucial information not found in other introductory Wiccan books, including:
- Ethics of a Witch, including the Code of Chivalry
- How to write and develop your own spells and rituals
- The physically-challenged Witch
- Out of the broom closet: is it right for you?
- Know your rights: the legal protection of Wicca as a legitimate religion
Author Gary Cantrell speaks from personal experience with Wiccans of all ages and degrees of physical ability, bringing you an earnest examination of modern Wiccan beliefs and a practical guide to the Craft of the Wise.
In the following excerpt, the author explains why he chose to "come out of the broom closet."
I elected to reveal my practice of witchcraft publicly simply because I personally feel that the time for intentionally hiding ourselves has come to an end. We are practitioners of a kind, gentle, and peace-loving religion. We are not the bloodthirsty or depraved, orgiastic fanatics all too often portrayed by the entertainment and news media. The general public has been misled about witchcraft for over a thousand years, and now with our numbers reaching an all-time high, possibly in excess of one million people worldwide, we need to stand up and set that record straight.
We are out there by the hundreds upon hundreds of thousands. We are in the arts, the sciences, and the humanities. We are law enforcement officers, engineers, builders, doctors, and farmers. We are a legally recognized religion under the protection of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, and our isolation from the rest of the religious community should and must come to an end. With the phenomenal growth of witchcraft since the 1970s and with the free and easy interchange of information afforded to us by things like the Internet, that time will come to pass and it will happen soon. It may be happening now.
I elected to reveal my practice of witchcraft publicly simply because I personally feel that the time for intentionally hiding ourselves has come to an end. We are practitioners of a kind, gentle, and peace-loving religion. We are not the bloodthirsty or depraved, orgiastic fanatics all too often portrayed by the entertainment and news media. The general public has been misled about witchcraft for over a thousand years, and now with our numbers reaching an all-time high, possibly in excess of one million people worldwide, we need to stand up and set that record straight.
They see these opposing forces as equally valid and necessary, and strive to maintain a balance between them in their own lives and in the world around them. Wiccans also believe in personal responsibility and accountability. Unlike some mainstream religious traditions that emphasize the concept of sin and forgiveness, Wiccans believe that individuals are responsible for their own actions and must face the consequences of those actions. They strive to live in harmony with themselves, others, and nature, and to be conscious of the impact they have on the world. Rituals and rites play a significant role in Wiccan practice. These rituals are often performed in groups, known as covens, but can also be practiced individually. Wiccans use spells, incantations, and ceremonial tools such as athames (ritual knives), wands, and chalices to create a sacred space and invoke spiritual energies. They believe that these rituals help to connect them with the divine and to manifest their desires and intentions. Overall, the main principles of Wicca are centered around the worship of nature, the concept of balance and polarity, and personal accountability. Wiccans engage in rituals and rites to honor and celebrate nature, and seek to live in harmony with themselves and the world around them..
Reviews for "The ethical considerations of casting spells in Wiccan traditions"
1. Jessica - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Wiccan principles and rites". I was expecting a more in-depth exploration and explanation of Wiccan beliefs and practices. Instead, the book felt superficial and lacked substance. The author seemed to gloss over important concepts and rituals, offering only a bare minimum of information. I would not recommend this book for someone looking to truly understand and connect with Wiccan principles.
2. Mark - 1 star - I found "Wiccan principles and rites" to be a waste of my time and money. The author's writing style is dry and uninspiring. The book lacked any sort of engaging narrative or personal anecdotes that would have made it more relatable and interesting. Additionally, the information provided was very basic and didn't go much beyond what can easily be found through a simple internet search. I was hoping for a more comprehensive guide, but this book fell far short of my expectations.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I struggled to connect with "Wiccan principles and rites". The author's explanations were often convoluted and hard to follow, making it difficult for me to grasp the concepts being discussed. The rituals described in the book also felt rigid and lacking in creativity. I was hoping for a more flexible approach that would allow me to adapt Wiccan practices to my own personal beliefs and circumstances. Unfortunately, this book did not provide the guidance I was seeking and left me feeling frustrated.
4. John - 1 star - "Wiccan principles and rites" was not what I was looking for. As someone new to Wicca, I was hoping for a book that would provide a comprehensive introduction to the religion. However, this book focused more on the author's personal experiences and opinions rather than providing a solid foundation of knowledge. I found it confusing and disorganized, with topics jumping around without clear transitions. If you're looking for a clear and informative guide to Wiccan principles, I would suggest looking elsewhere.
5. Emily - 2 stars - While "Wiccan principles and rites" had some interesting ideas, overall, I found it to be lacking depth. The book touched on various aspects of Wiccan beliefs and practices but never delved deep enough into any of them. It left me feeling like I had only scratched the surface of Wiccan spirituality. Additionally, the author's writing style was dry and monotonous, making it difficult to stay engaged. I would have appreciated more examples and practical exercises to help me apply the principles in my own life.