Many of the Wiccan traditions are very well-known and well-established, such as the Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Reclaiming, or Dianic traditions. These trads have a history and documented background, giving them a strong sense of authenticity. And to be clear, I’m using the term “traditions” in the sense of different paths within Wicca, much like Christian denominations. I don’t mean “traditions” as in activities and rituals that they do regularly.
Who Was Gerald Gardner?
As the founder of modern-day Wicca, the life of Gerald Gardner is a very interesting and magickal one.
Gardner was born in 1884, in Blundellands, England. He was the son of a local justice of the peace, and had three brothers.
His family was no stranger to witchcraft. One of his ancestors was burned as a witch in 1610, and even Gardner’s own grandfather married a women who was rumoured to be a witch.
On Solitary Wicca
Let me first say that there is no solid answer to this question, and much of this article is my own opinion.
Wicca was created by Gerald Gardner in the early 1950s. In its original form, coven membership was required simply because that was the only way to learn about it. Today, many traditionalists continue to feel this way. That the religion is designed to be practiced in a group. Coven membership is simply part of how the religion is defined. Continue reading “On Solitary Wicca”
Top 6 Misconceptions about Wicca
Wicca, witchcraft and Paganism are victims of more misconceptions than most other religions. In particular, the new Wiccan religion is very much misunderstood by the general public. If you are confused about some of the things you are hearing about Wicca, here is a little more information to dispel those myths. Continue reading “Top 6 Misconceptions about Wicca”
Practicing Magick Skyclad
Going skyclad is a traditional expression for performing rituals naked, in the nude, in your birthday suit, in the buff, unclothed, disrobed… you get the picture. It’s not as common a practice today as it once was, but many traditional (Gardnerian) covens still operate this way. Continue reading “Practicing Magick Skyclad”
Your Pagan Label
This has come up so many times in conversation that I thought I would do a more official write up. The problem is that some people have great difficulty understanding what it means to be Wiccan, and get quite upset when someone tells them they are not.
The root of the issue comes from the mistaken idea that Wicca is about following your heart and creating your own unique spiritual path as you see fit. That would be a fine way to view Paganism in general, but not Wicca. Continue reading “Your Pagan Label”
How Old is Wicca?
I’ve noticed this can be a touchy subject among Wiccans and other Pagans: the history of the Wiccan religion. People (usually novices) often make statements about the ancient origins of Wicca, or how Wicca has been practiced for thousands of years.
Sorry folks, but this is simply not accurate.
The base of the confusion is that some people don’t distinguish between something that exists today, and its historical roots. Ok, that’s not very clear, is it? How about an example. Continue reading “How Old is Wicca?”