Raymond
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Paganism, Witchcraft and WiccaThere seems to be a bit of confusion over what the differences are between Pagans, Wiccans and Witches.
It may sound complicated but really it's not.
I've attached a short definition I wrote a while ago that I hope clearly points out the differences.
Paganism.
Paganism is an 'umbrella term' usually describing the indigenous religious or spiritual practice of any given country or culture before 'organised' religion took hold.
Most forms of Paganism usually promote a 'living in harmony' with the natural habitat in which the practitioner lives.
Paganism usually observes, and in varying forms, 'celebrates' the lunar and solar cycles, changing of the seasons, weather patterns or other natural phenomenon.
Simple folklore is usually passed on in the form of stories about fictional folk heroes or 'gods' in accordance with these cycles and phenomenon.
Paganism is usually accompanied with the knowledge of how to use local flora and fauna (Plants and Herbs) to bring about helpful or harmful results. Simple 'folk magick' is normally practiced by the Pagan.
Paganism in itself is normally very 'loose' and rarely has any officially recognised dogma, teachings, heirachy or priesthood, unless practiced by very large communities. Even then, the accepted practice is usually passed on through local stories, folklore and songs rather than any form of 'strict rules'.
Paganism can be as individual as the practitioner.
Modern Pagans usually involve themselves in environmental or 'green' causes and/or politics.
It is not necessary to practice either Witchcraft or Wicca in order to lead a pagan life.
Witchcraft.
Once again the terms 'Witchcraft' and 'Witch' vary depending on the given culture or country in which they are used, ( For example, the practice of a person considered a 'Witch' in Europe can be very, very different to the practice of a person considered a 'Witch' in Africa).
Wherever Witchcraft may be found it is never normally considered a 'religion', more a philosophy or 'knowledge'.
A Witch is aware of and 'knows' how to raise, harness, form and direct the natural energy of the planet that is around and within everyone and everything to bring about helpful or harmful changes.
Witchcraft, in it's natural form is neither 'good' nor 'evil'. The intention of the Witch while forming this 'energy' denotes whether the outcome may be considered good or evil.
It is not necessary to observe or worship any god, goddess or deity in order to practice Witchcraft.
As with Paganism, Witchcraft has no recognised dogma, teachings. heirachy or priesthood. The concept of 'right' and 'wrong', 'good' and 'evil' is left to the conscience of the individual Witch.
It is not necessary to practice either Paganism or Wicca in order to be a Witch, however most modern Witches would consider themselves Pagan.
Wicca.
'Wicca' is the name of the religion invented by Dr. Gerald B. Gardner in Great Britain during the 1950's.
As well as other interests, Gardner was a folklorist with a keen interest in Pagan practices around the world before the onset of organised religions.
During the 1950's Gardner claims to have been initiated into a group of Witches in the New Forest area of southern England.
He was amazed to see Witchcraft was still alive and well that far into the 20th century.
He spent most of the 1950's travelling all over the UK collecting and organising stories of local folk heroes, local 'gods', superstitions and tales of anything that could be considered 'pre-Christian'.
Along with a few others he put all his studies together and eventually formed the religion of Wicca.
Many claims and counter claims have been made over the years as to the validity of Gardners' story, however, Wicca seems to have 'caught on' in a very big way.
Gardner, through the writing skills of Doreen Valiente, laid down very strict 'rules' and instructions that one must follow in order to consider oneself a 'Wiccan'.
Gardner introduced the concepts of priesthood, God and Goddess worship, secret 'oaths' and ritual nudity which ultimately formed the tradition known as 'Gardnerian Wicca'.
Other forms of Wicca have been invented since the 1950's, which vary slightly from Gardnerian Wicca, however almost all of them follow the same basic rules as originally stated by Gardner.
It would seem necessary to be a pagan if one wishes to follow a Wiccan path however it is not necessary to practice Witchcraft in order to be a Wiccan.
Many successful Wiccans never practice Magick or spellwork and prefer instead to concentrate solely on the religious aspect of Wicca.
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