Wicca is a modern-day pagan religion that focuses on the worship of nature and the practice of magic. It is based on pre-Christian traditions of Europe, particularly those of the ancient Celts. Wicca places a strong emphasis on the balance and harmony of nature, and practitioners strive to live in harmony with the natural world. Wiccans believe in the existence of a divine power, which they often refer to as the Goddess and the God. Unlike monotheistic religions, Wicca embraces polytheism, recognizing the presence of multiple deities and divine beings. The Goddess is often associated with the moon, fertility, and feminine energy, while the God represents the sun, the seasons, and masculinity.
The Goddess is often associated with the moon, fertility, and feminine energy, while the God represents the sun, the seasons, and masculinity. Central to the Wiccan religion is the celebration of seasonal festivals, known as Sabbats, and the phases of the moon, which are observed in rituals and ceremonies. Wiccans often gather in small groups, called covens, but can also practice as solitaries.
EllRay Jakes Is Magic - by Sally Warner (Paperback)
Third-grader EllRay, a "shrimpy, goof-up kid," discovers magic all around him when he and his schoolmates participate in the Oak Glen Primary School talent show and work together on a wedding shower gift for their teacher.
Book Synopsis
Small kid. Big Stage.
Does EllRay have a talent to put on show for the entire school?
When EllRay and his friends hear about the school talent show, they're not impressed. They're too old for that stuff. But their teacher, Mrs. Sanchez, isn't so quick to let her students off the hook. Five students absolutely must try-out, and EllRay somehow ends up being one of them. Now he has to figure out something he's talented at. like, maybe magic?
But now the pressure's on. It's up to EllRay to take the stage and show his classmates and the whole school that he's not only talented but magic.
Review Quotes
Praise for the EllRay Jakes series:
"Warner is a dead-on observer of playground politics, and has a great ear for dialogue."
--School Library Journal
". ideal for reluctant readers."
--Booklist
"Young readers can identify with EllRay, who is neither a bad seed nor a goody-two-shoes; he and his sense of humor are just right."
--Kirkus Reviews
Honors for the EllRay Jakes series: EllRay Jakes is Not a Chicken Junior Library Guild selection, Scholastic Book Club selection, Texas Bluebonnet Award 2012-13, 2013 California Collections selection, BPL's 2012 Summer Reading List; EllRay Jakes is a Rock Star Junior Library Guild selection, Scholastic Book Club selection; EllRay Jakes Walks the Plank Junior Library Guild selection.
About the Author
Sally Warner grew up in Connecticut and California. She then received her B.A. degree from Scripps College, and her B.F.A. and M.F.A. degrees in fine arts from Otis Art Institute. She worked as an artist (primarily charcoal drawings) for many years, exhibiting her work at galleries, small museums, colleges, and universities across the country. In 1995 she published her first book for young readers, and since then she has published more than 20 novels.
Visit Sally Warner at Sally Warner www.sallywarner.com.
Brian Biggs was born in Arkansas in 1968, moved to Texas in 1979, fled to New York City in 1987 to attend Parsons School of Design, lived in Paris France for a few years, ran away to San Francisco in 1993, and since 1999 he has lived in Philadelphia. Brian illustrated the covers for the first three EllRay Jakes books and also illustrates the Roscoe Riley series for HarperCollins.
Found in Children’s Chapter Books Even though he’s the smallest kid in class, eight-year-old EllRay Jakes can get himself into big trouble. This humorous and true to life series starring an African-American family is just right for boys and reluctant readers.
Magic is an integral part of Wiccan practice, and it is seen as a tool for manifesting intentions and bringing about positive change. Wiccans believe that each individual has the ability to harness this power and use it responsibly, following the principle of "harm none." Wicca places a strong emphasis on personal responsibility, self-discovery, and spiritual growth. It encourages individuals to develop their own relationship with the divine and find their own truth. Wiccan rituals often involve the use of tools, such as a ritual knife or wand, as well as symbols, like the pentacle or the triple moon. Despite common misconceptions, Wicca is not associated with Satanism or black magic. Wiccans do not believe in Satan or the devil, and their practice revolves around the worship of nature and the pursuit of personal growth and connection with the divine. Today, Wicca is recognized as a legitimate religion by many governments and organizations around the world. It continues to attract individuals seeking a spiritual path that honors and reveres the natural world..
Reviews for "Wicca and the Occult: Examining the Influence of Occultism on Wiccan Practices"
1. John - 1 star - The "Wiccan religion definition" that I found was completely misleading. It presented Wiccan beliefs as some sort of evil sorcery, which is far from the truth. Wicca is a peaceful nature-based religion that promotes balance and harmony. This definition only contributes to the misconception and prejudice against Wiccans. It's disappointing to see such misinformation being spread.
2. Sarah - 2 stars - As someone who practices Wicca, I was highly disappointed with the "Wiccan religion definition" I came across. It was vague, inaccurate, and seemed to focus more on the stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding Wicca rather than providing an educational and objective definition. It's important for accurate information about different religions to be easily accessible for those seeking knowledge, and unfortunately, this definition did not meet that expectation.
3. Michael - 1 star - I found the "Wiccan religion definition" to be incredibly biased and disrespectful towards Wicca. It failed to acknowledge the rich history, spiritual practices, and beliefs of Wiccans, reducing it to a mere superstition. This definition seemed to be driven by a personal agenda rather than providing an unbiased understanding of Wicca. I would strongly advise anyone to look for alternative sources if they are genuinely interested in learning about Wicca.
4. Emily - 2 stars - The "Wiccan religion definition" I stumbled upon was filled with inaccuracies and misconceptions. It portrayed Wicca as a dark and dangerous practice, completely disregarding its emphasis on love, respect for nature, and personal growth. I was hoping to find a comprehensive and respectful definition, but unfortunately, this was nowhere near my expectations. It's important to approach religious definitions with an open mind and seek information from reliable and unbiased sources.
5. David - 1 star - The "Wiccan religion definition" was a complete disappointment. It failed to capture the essence of Wicca and its core beliefs. Instead, it focused on perpetuating negative stereotypes and outdated myths. The definition lacked depth and understanding, presenting a shallow and inaccurate view of Wicca. It's important for anyone interested in learning about Wicca to seek information from credible sources that provide accurate and objective definitions.