Wicca and Satanism are two distinct religious beliefs that have often been mistakenly associated with one another due to their shared use of occult practices and rituals. However, there are fundamental differences between the two that distinguish them in terms of their core beliefs, ethical principles, and worship practices. Understanding these differences can help dispel common misconceptions and promote a more accurate understanding of each belief system. Wicca, also known as Pagan Witchcraft, is a modern religious movement that emerged in the mid-20th century and draws inspiration from pre-Christian European traditions. Wiccans worship a female deity called the Goddess and a male deity known as the Horned God. Their religious practices revolve around nature worship, with a strong emphasis on the cycles of the moon, the seasons, and the elements.
"A zesty, opinionated assessment of how non-Christians should actually behave. With curiosity and openness, Wexler performs the action that he advocates: that is, making heard a 'cacophony' of voices in public life so that different viewpoints get brought to the fore."
In this fine book, Jay Wexler urges humanists, atheists, Satanists, and members of minority religious traditions to take advantage of a fascinating new phenomenon the opening of public space to a variety of beliefs and institutions. With curiosity and openness, Wexler performs the action that he advocates that is, making heard a cacophony of voices in public life so that different viewpoints get brought to the fore.
Their religious practices revolve around nature worship, with a strong emphasis on the cycles of the moon, the seasons, and the elements. Wiccans often practice magic, which they believe is a way to connect with their deities and manifest positive change in their lives. Wicca promotes a code of ethics known as the Wiccan Rede, which emphasizes doing no harm and taking responsibility for one's actions.
Satanism 101: The 'faith' behind the headlines
From efforts to install a monument at the Oklahoma Capitol to a controversial "black mass" at Harvard University, Satanists are all over the news.
But are they, along with Wiccans and pagans, all together in one non-Abrahamic lump?
Not at all, say experts on paganism and the major Satanist groups' websites.
"Paganism is an umbrella term for a wide variety of traditions outside the Abrahamic faiths. Wicca is the largest but there are countless others, from Druid to Heathen to people who are creating their own faiths even as we speak," said Laura Wildman-Hanlon, a Wiccan priestess and editor of Celebrating the Pagan Soul.
"Satanism is a different path," she said. "Most pagan faiths are polytheistic and probably just as diverse as all the forms of Catholic and Protestants who worship from the same book but approach it differently."
The headliner Satanists of the moment are followers of the New York Satanic Temple. This is the group behind the controversial "black mass" -- a mocking version of a Catholic Mass minus a consecrated host for the Eucharist -- held across the street from Harvard Yard on Monday evening.
According to The Harvard Crimson newspaper, the event originally planned for a campus site had only 50 people attending while hundreds went to a genuinely Catholic holy hour at a nearby church in protest.
In the Judeo-Christian tradition, Satan takes on a number of forms as the embodiment of evil -- as a snake who tempts Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, as the devil who tempts Jesus with promises of worldly power and as a dragon who is consigned to a "lake of fire and brimstone" of eternal damnation. Within Islam, Satan (or the devil) rejects God and fights alongside an army of mischievous spirits known as "jinn."
The Satanic Temple, which calls itself "an organized religion," has a track record of provocative public events, including:
- Attempting to install a monument on the Oklahoma Statehouse grounds, an effort currently held up in the state bureaucracy.
- Conducting same-sex wedding ceremonies at the Mississippi cemetery, where Westboro Baptist Church founder Fred Phelps' mother is buried.
- Raising funds online to adopt a New York State highway. That campaign stalled at a fraction of the $15,000 target.
The leader and frequent spokesman of the group, Lucien Greaves, could not be reached for comment Tuesday but makes frequent appearance at atheist and humanist groups to explain the goals of the Satanic Temple.
The group's website lists tenets that include:
- Encouraging benevolence and empathy, practical common and justice.
- Relying on the individual will, rational thought and the "best scientific understanding of the world."
- Respecting the freedom of others.
However, there are multiple visions of Satanism, including one that takes a very different stance. Anton LaVey founded a Church of Satan in 1966 that stresses Satanism as a reaction to Catholicism, including rebelling against the church and satirizing its beliefs.
In LaVey's view, Satanism is a philosophy, not a religion. Satanists don't worship a devil with horns and a pitchfork. Indeed, they don't worship anyone. They are atheists in an indifferent universe. However, Satan is seen as a "symbol of pride, liberty and individualism."
According to the Church of Satan, each person is a god and there's no room for others, including "Satan, Lucifer, Cthulhu or whatever other name one might select or take from history or fiction."
The church's rituals are described as "self-transformational psychodrama" designed to "purge oneself of unwanted emotional baggage."
That's not exactly paganism, in the view of Julie Fennell, assistant professor of sociology at Gallaudet University.
"As a pagan and a sociologist who has studied modern neo-paganism, I would say a pagan is anyone who self-identifies as a witch, who self-identifies as a Wiccan or anyone who follows a primarily Earth-based religion that holds the Earth is sacred and God has both a feminine and masculine quality.
"Wiccans have a very clear understanding that the universe cares what you do. Good or bad, it has consequences. They don't think it is an indifferent universe," Fennell said. "Satanists believe you are only answerable to yourself."
According to the Church of Satan, each person is a god and there's no room for others, including "Satan, Lucifer, Cthulhu or whatever other name one might select or take from history or fiction."
On the other hand, Satanism is a diverse umbrella term that encompasses various religious and philosophical worldviews centered around the symbol of Satan. While there are different branches of Satanism, the most well-known is LaVeyan Satanism, founded by Anton LaVey in the 1960s. LaVeyan Satanists do not worship or believe in the existence of a literal Satan; instead, they see Satan as a symbol of rebellion, individualism, and personal empowerment. LaVeyan Satanism promotes self-indulgence, rationality, and the pursuit of personal desires. The Satanic Bible, written by LaVey, serves as a central text for LaVeyan Satanists, outlining their beliefs and rituals. Despite their contrasting beliefs and practices, Wicca and Satanism have both faced criticism and misunderstanding from mainstream religions and society. Both have been labeled as "devil worship" or associated with harmful practices. However, it is essential to recognize that Wicca and Satanism differ significantly in their core beliefs, with Wicca focusing on spirituality, nature worship, and ethical responsibility, while Satanism emphasizes individualism, personal empowerment, and skepticism towards supernatural beliefs. In conclusion, while Wicca and Satanism may share certain superficial similarities, they are distinct religious beliefs with divergent ideologies, principles, and practices. Understanding these differences is crucial for fostering accurate representation and promoting religious tolerance. By dispelling misconceptions and stereotypes, we can cultivate a more inclusive and accepting society that respects each individual's right to practice their chosen religion freely..
Reviews for "The Light and Dark: Understanding the Concepts of Balance in Wicca and Satanism"
1. John - 1 star
I was really disappointed with "Wiccan vs Satanism". The whole premise of pitting these two belief systems against each other felt completely unnecessary and only served to perpetuate harmful stereotypes. The documentary lacked depth and relied on sensationalism rather than providing any real insight into these practices. I expected a more nuanced and respectful exploration of these religions, but instead, I was left feeling frustrated and misunderstood.
2. Emily - 2 stars
As someone who practices Wicca, I had high hopes for "Wiccan vs Satanism", but unfortunately, it fell short. The documentary failed to accurately represent Wicca and instead portrayed it in a negative light, perpetuating misconceptions and misunderstandings. The focus on a supposed battle between Wicca and Satanism felt manufactured and forced. Moreover, the lack of diverse perspectives and voices from practitioners within these religions made the documentary feel one-sided and shallow. I wish the filmmakers had taken a more comprehensive and unbiased approach to exploring these belief systems.
3. Mark - 1 star
"Wiccan vs Satanism" was a complete waste of time. The documentary seemed more interested in stirring up controversy and sensationalizing these religions than in providing any meaningful information or analysis. The lack of reputable experts or scholars in the field was evident, with the film mostly relying on amateur opinions that only scratched the surface of such complex topics. I found it to be a shallow and shallow-minded attempt at pitting these two belief systems against each other for the sake of creating drama. I would not recommend wasting your time on this documentary.