The enlightenment of the Wiccae refers to the spiritual awakening and growth experienced by individuals who follow the pagan religious beliefs and practices of Wicca. Wicca is often described as a modern witchcraft religion that recognizes the divinity in nature and honors the cycles of the seasons. The term "enlightenment" in this context signifies a deep understanding and connection with the divine, leading to personal transformation and a heightened sense of consciousness. Wiccae, or practitioners of Wicca, seek to tap into the mystical energy that surrounds them and transform themselves through spiritual practices such as rituals, spells, and meditation. Central to the enlightenment of the Wiccae is the belief in the interconnectedness of all things. Wicca emphasizes the concept of a divine feminine and masculine balance, often embodied in the Goddess and God, as well as the four elements - earth, air, fire, and water.
Wicca has no central authority. Its traditional core beliefs, principles and practices were originally outlined in the 1940s and 1950s by Gardner and Doreen Valiente, who was a writer responsible for writing early Wiccan liturgy.
The so-called Age of Enlightenment of the eighteenth-century has often been portrayed as a period in which much of Europe cast off the belief in witchcraft and magic under the influence of new philosophies, and advances in science and medicine. It should rather be seen as a period of subtler renegotiation between cultures, and a period when the relationship between private and public beliefs became more problematic and discrete, and therefore more difficult for the historian to detect.
Wicca emphasizes the concept of a divine feminine and masculine balance, often embodied in the Goddess and God, as well as the four elements - earth, air, fire, and water. Through rituals and spells, Wiccae strive to align themselves with these energies and gain a deeper understanding of their place within the universe. The path to enlightenment in Wicca is not a linear process but rather a personal journey that unfolds over time.
Wicca: Enlightenment, not Witchcraft
Attended the University of Memphis as a journalism major, where he edited the campus newspaper. He has contributed to StyleBlueprint, Salon, and At Home Memphis & Mid South. He is now pursuing an M.S. at UofM.
by Nick Lingerfelt
Steven Disney grew up in a Baptist household and began having more questions than answers his faith could provide. When he realized he was gay, that only made it more complicated. He looked into other faiths like Islam and Buddhism, but he ended up reading The Green Witchcraft series by Ann Moura that provided him the answers he was looking for.
“One book lead to another and to another until finally things started to make sense,” Disney said. “So why Pagan? I found some of the answers I was looking for — I found a path that has acceptance for anyone and embraces the LGBT community, which is a part of my core.”
Wicca, also called Pagan witchcraft, is a contemporary Pagan new religious movement that was developed in England during the first half of the 1900s and introduced to the public in 1954 by Gerald Gardner, a retired British civil servant.
Wicca has no central authority. Its traditional core beliefs, principles and practices were originally outlined in the 1940s and 1950s by Gardner and Doreen Valiente, who was a writer responsible for writing early Wiccan liturgy.
Wicca, and Paganism, is polytheistic. Wicca allows each person to practice in a way that is appropriate for them. Wicca is inclusive and welcoming of all peoples, regardless of sexual orientation, gender roles, race or lifestyle.
Disney volunteers with Pagan Pride of East Tennessee and said the group is the primary community organization in the region and has been studying witchcraft and Paganism for about 15 years. The one thing he appreciates most about his faith is its participants determine the rules they live by.
“I make my fate, I make my decisions, I walk beside my Gods and Goddesses and look to them for advice,” Disney said. “I walked the mountains and felt the rocks. I swam the rivers and felt the currents taking my life in new directions. The fire burned me with errors, and the cold left me weak. But each step is my own, and I stand here today because I understand that my path is not over and that it is my path, not anyone else’s.”
Omma assists a customer in her store, The Broom Closet, on S. Main in Memphis. Photo by Addie James
Emily Guenther, who also goes by Rev. Omma, owns The Broom Closet, which is a metaphysical store offering spiritual readings, workshops, events, services and supplies. She said her store caters to people who consider themselves spiritual rather than religious, people who practice magic, people who are curious about Paganism and Wicca and Pagans of all kinds.
“Wicca teaches us to see the God and Goddess in each person and honor them as having that divine spark inside them,” Guenther said. “Wicca and Paganism in general are personal paths, and each person is going to experience Wicca and the Gods and Goddesses in their own unique way.”
Guenther began practicing Wicca in 2010 when she found a local group that was practicing and was open to the public. She said she chose to practice Wicca for two reasons: it honors the Goddess and their liturgical calendar is built around the cycle of the seasons and encourages Wiccans to honor and take care of the Earth.
“Because we follow the cycle of the seasons, we have quite a few holidays and opportunities each month to honor the energy of the Earth,” Guenther said.
As Wiccae learn and grow, they may experience profound shifts in their perspectives and beliefs, allowing them to develop a greater appreciation for the natural world and their role in it. The enlightenment of the Wiccae is not limited to spiritual growth but also encompasses personal empowerment. Wicca encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own actions and choices, promoting self-reflection and personal development. Through their practice, Wiccae often find a sense of purpose and a deeper connection to their own inner wisdom. In conclusion, the enlightenment of the Wiccae is a transformative process that involves deepening one's connection to the divine and embracing the interconnectedness of all things. Through spiritual practices and personal growth, Wiccae seek to awaken their consciousness and attain a higher level of understanding in their lives..
Reviews for "Sexuality and Gender in Wicca: A Path to Liberation and Enlightenment"
1. Jennifer - 1/5 - I really did not enjoy "The Enlightenment of the Wiccae." The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard for me to connect with them. The plot was also very predictable and did not have any surprises or twists to keep me engaged. Overall, I found the book to be dull and uninspiring, and I would not recommend it to others.
2. Mark - 2/5 - I was looking forward to reading "The Enlightenment of the Wiccae," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The writing style was rather amateurish, with awkward sentence structures and redundant phrases. Additionally, the pacing was uneven, making it difficult for me to stay engaged throughout the book. While some scenes had potential, they were often overshadowed by lackluster dialogue and cliché plot developments. I was disappointed by this book and would not consider reading anything else by the author.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "The Enlightenment of the Wiccae," but it turned out to be a disappointment. The characters felt flat and lacked any real personality, making it hard for me to care about what happened to them. The plot was also weak and predictable, with no real surprises or twists that would make it stand out from other books in the genre. Overall, I found this book to be forgettable and lacking originality, and I would not recommend it to fellow readers.
4. Michael - 1/5 - "The Enlightenment of the Wiccae" was a book that I couldn't wait to finish. The characters were poorly developed, and their actions often felt forced and unrealistic. The dialogue was stilted and lacked authenticity, making it hard for me to become immersed in the story. The plot was convoluted and confusing at times, with unnecessary subplots that did not add any value to the overall narrative. I was left feeling disappointed and frustrated by this book, and I would not recommend it to others.