10 Facts About Paganism and
Wicca
By Patti Wigington
"There's a lot of
information out there on Paganism, including but not limited to Wicca, in
books, on the Internet, and through local groups. But how much of it is accurate? How do you learn to separate the wheat from
the chaff? The fact is, there are
several basic things you should understand about Wicca and other forms of
Paganism before you make the decision to join a new spiritual path. Let's eliminate some of the misconceptions and
talk about actual facts... it will make your spiritual journey all the more
valuable if you understand these issues from the beginning."
1. Most Pagan Traditions
Have Rules
Sure, a lot of people think
that just because there's no Grand High Pagan Council that there must be all
kinds of magical carnage going on. Truth
is, there are some fairly standard guidelines followed by a number of different
Pagan traditions. While they vary from
one group to the next, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the
concepts. Learn more about the rules of
magic before you continue your studies.
2. Not All Witches are
Pagans are Wiccans
There
are dozens of Pagan traditions and as many different versions of Wicca. Not all are the same, and just because
someone is a Witch or Pagan doesn't necessarily mean they practice Wicca. Learn about the differences in paths found
among the umbrella term 'Paganism.'
3. There's No Pagan Dress
Code
Contrary
to what many popular movies might have you believe, you don't have to be a
teenage goth princess to be Pagan or Wiccan.
In fact, you don't "have to be" anything at all. Pagans come from all walks of life - they are
parents and teens, lawyers, nurses, firefighters, waitresses, teachers and
writers. They come from all different
walks of life, all socioeconomic groups, and all sorts of racial
backgrounds. There's no Pagan Dress Code that says you have to toss
away your polo shirt or khakis in favor of capes and an all-black
wardrobe. On the other hand, if you
prefer the goth look, go for it... just remember that goth and Pagan are not
synonymous.
4. Religious Freedom Applies
to Pagans Too
Believe it or not, as a
Pagan you have the same rights as
people of any other religion. Despite
the fact that some members of other faiths might disapprove of the existence of
Wicca and Paganism, the fact is that if you live in the United States, you're
entitled to protection just like anyone else.
It's against the law for anyone to discriminate against you because you
practice an earth-based faith. Learn
about your rights as a Pagan or Wiccan parent, as an employee, and even as a
member of the United States military.
5. It's Okay to Be Out of
the Broom Closet... or Not
Countless
numbers of Pagans have made the choice to "come out of the broom closet"... in other words,
they've stopped hiding their spiritual path from others. For many people, this is a huge decision. You
may feel that it's not in your best interest to make your religious beliefs
known, and that's okay too. If you feel
you could be in danger if you reveal that you are Pagan, or that it might put a
strain on family relations, going public might be something you should
postpone. Get all the pros and cons on
coming out of the broom closet.
6. Pagans Are Not Satanists
Ask
any Pagan about the cornerstone of their faith, and they'll probably tell you
it's a reverence for their ancestors, a belief in the sacredness
of nature, a willingness to embrace the Divine within ourselves, or an
acceptance of polarity between the male and female. It may be a combination of those
principles. It will not have anything to
do with the Satan, Old Scratch, Beelzebub, or any of the other names attributed
to the Christian devil. Pagans and
Wiccans aren't devil worshipers, Satanists or Diabolists. Learn more about how Pagans and Wiccans feel
about such an entity.
7. Join a Coven or Practice
Solitary?
Many
Wiccans and Pagans choose to join a coven or study group because it allows them
the chance to learn from like-minded people.
It's an opportunity to share ideas and get new perspectives on any
number of things. However, for some
folks it's just more practical or desirable to remain as a solitary
practitioner.
8. Parents and Teens
Nothing
will set a teenager at odds with a parent quite like coming into the house
wearing a giant pentacle, toting a candle, and yelling, "I'm a Witch now,
leave me alone!" Fortunately, it
doesn't have to be that way. Parents,
you may have some concerns about Wicca and other forms of Paganism... and
teens, you probably aren't sure how to talk to mom and dad about your new-found
interest. Rest easy, though. With a little bit of good communication, both
parents and teenagers should be able to find a happy medium.
9. You Don't Need a Lot of
Fancy Tools
Many
people think they need to stock up on hundreds of dollars worth of incense,
herbs, wands and candles before they can even begin to practice Wicca or
Paganism. That's simply not the case. While a few basic magical tools are nice to
have, the key element of most traditions are the beliefs, not the tangible,
physical items. If you'd like to gather
a very basic 'starter kit' of tools, there are several which are common to
nearly every tradition: bell, candle, broom, feathers, herbs... Go for a walk and see what finds you.
10. You Can Write Your Own
Spells and Rituals
Despite
a commonly held (and generally Internet-based) belief to the contrary, anyone
can write and cast a spell. The trick is
to recognize what the key elements are to successful spell crafting - intent or
goal, components, and putting it into practice are all key. Don't let anyone tell you that beginners
can't write a spell. Just like any other
skill set, it will take some practice, but with a little work you can become a
perfectly effective spell worker.
