Wicca is a modern pagan religious movement that was established in the mid-20th century. While it is often associated with ancient pagan and witchcraft traditions, it is actually a relatively new religion. Wicca was initiated by Gerald Gardner, an English civil servant and amateur anthropologist, in the 1950s. Gardner claimed that he was initiated into a coven of witches in the New Forest region of England in the late 1930s. He spent the next several decades developing and promoting his own brand of witchcraft, which he called Wica (later changed to Wicca to avoid confusion with another group). Gardner's version of Wicca drew heavily from various sources, including Freemasonry, Romanticism, ceremonial magic, and traditional folk beliefs.
Majority Standard Bible
You must not allow a sorceress to live.
Jeremiah 27 9 But as for you, do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums, or your sorcerers who declare, You will not serve the king of Babylon. Leviticus 20 6,27 And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.
Gardner's version of Wicca drew heavily from various sources, including Freemasonry, Romanticism, ceremonial magic, and traditional folk beliefs. He incorporated rituals, spells, and other elements from these traditions into his new religion. One of the key aspects of Wicca that Gardner emphasized was the worship of a dual deity – a god and a goddess – who were seen as complementary forces in the universe.
The Seeking of Control
The dictionary defines witchcraft as “the art or exercise of magical powers, the effect or influence of magical powers, or an alluring or seductive charm or influence.” God’s Word goes even further to identify witchcraft as the universal, primeval religion of fallen humanity. When the human race turned from God in rebellion, the power that moved in was witchcraft. Different people groups practice distinctive forms of witchcraft, but certain elements are common to almost all of them.
In many parts of the world, the open practice of witchcraft has continued unchanged for centuries. In nations with a Christian history (primarily in the West), witchcraft has adapted itself to the culture and takes certain special forms. One purpose common to all forms of witchcraft is control. Whenever any religious activity seeks to control other people, the influence of witchcraft is probably at work.
The primitive practice of witchcraft normally contains a priest hood (witch doctor, medicine man, shaman), a ritual or liturgy (which may take various forms), a sacrifice(animal or human), some characteristic form of rhythm(often incantation or drumbeats), and some form of covenant binding the participants to one another and to whatever satanic being is the focus of their activity. The word coven (a gathering of witches) is derived from the same root as covenant.
- To propitiate a higher spiritual being, often regarded as capricious or malevolent
- To control the forces of nature, such as rain or good weather for harvest
- To ward off sickness and infertility, as in Africa, where almost every barren woman will go to the witch doctor for a potion or charm
- To control other human beings—to terrify enemies in battle or to produce sexual desire in one person toward another.
Gardner believed that Wicca was the survival of an ancient European pagan religion that had been suppressed by Christianity. He argued that his initiation into the New Forest coven had connected him to a long line of witches stretching back through history. However, there is little evidence to support these claims, and most historians and scholars of religion now view Wicca as a modern invention rather than the revival of an ancient tradition. Despite its relatively recent origins, Wicca has grown in popularity over the past few decades and now has followers around the world. It has also influenced and been influenced by other pagan and witchcraft traditions, creating a diverse and vibrant religious movement. Today, Wicca is recognized as a legitimate religion in many countries and celebrated as a form of spiritual practice by its adherents..
Reviews for "The Importance of Lineage in Wicca's Initiation Process"
- John - 1/5 stars - I found "Who initiated wicca" to be a highly misleading book. The author makes bold claims about the origins of Wicca, but fails to provide any concrete evidence to support these claims. Instead, it is filled with conjecture and speculation. The writing is also poor and difficult to follow, making it a frustrating read. Overall, I was highly disappointed with this book and cannot recommend it to anyone seeking accurate information about Wicca's origins.
- Emily - 2/5 stars - As someone who has studied Wicca for years, I was excited to read "Who initiated wicca" in hopes of gaining new insights. Unfortunately, I found the book to be lacking in depth and detail. The author touches on various theories about the origins of Wicca, but doesn't provide enough evidence or analysis to support these theories. It felt like a surface-level overview rather than a comprehensive examination. I was left wanting more and feeling unsatisfied with the book overall.
- Lisa - 1/5 stars - I regret purchasing "Who initiated wicca" as it turned out to be a complete waste of my time and money. The author's arguments and claims lack credibility and are not supported by any reputable sources. It feels like reading the author's personal opinions rather than a well-researched book. Additionally, it is poorly organized and difficult to follow. I was left feeling confused and frustrated. I would advise others to steer clear of this book if they are seeking reliable information on the origins of Wicca.
- David - 2/5 stars - "Who initiated wicca" left me feeling underwhelmed. While it attempts to tackle the complex topic of Wicca's origins, it falls short in providing a well-rounded and informed discussion. The book relies heavily on speculation and hypothetical scenarios rather than solid evidence. This made it difficult for me to fully trust the information presented. I was hoping for a more authoritative and comprehensive exploration of Wicca's history, but unfortunately, this book didn't deliver.