Merry Meet
It is important for me to say here that most of the information contained on this page is of my opinion. I formed these opinions after many years as a Christian and after a time of learning, reading and studying the ways of Wicca and Paganism. However, much of the information provided here can easily be proven as fact if you read a little history. I think that it is just as important for me to say that I don't think that Christianity is a bad thing. Just as I don't feel like all Christians are out to convert the world. I feel that you should be able to choose your own path, and not be ridiculed for it.
There are many people out there who do not know what Wicca is. I am very new to Wicca myself, but I wanted to share my knowledge with others. Hopefully this page, along with the links that have been provided, will help more people understand Wicca, and other Pagan religions.
The main misconception about
Wicca, Druidism, and other Pagan religions, is the association with Satanism, or Devil worshipping. This could not be further from the truth. Satan is a form that was brought about by Christianity many, many years ago to scare people into conversion. Pagans do not believe in the "devil".
Wicca is an Earth religion. As a Wiccan, you understand the fact that there are certain energies about you at all times, and you respect these energies. These energies can be found all around you. Wind, water, the stones in your garden, the human body, and many more, are all energies that can be used to make your life better. They can heal your wounds of flesh and soul. You just have to know how to use them. And you have to respect and appreciate the energies that you use. Such the same as Christians respect and are empowered by the Bible and the cross.
Other than the fact that Wiccans use tools (stones, herbs etc.) for their energies and healing powers, Wiccans also believe in many Deities (Gods and Goddesses). Not all Wiccans "pray" to the same Deities. However, the Deities you worship, do not matter. This is a major difference in Wicca and Christianity. The sole purpose of Wicca is to unite with Deity, the Deity of your choice, not one that has been forced on you.
Here is a list of common beliefs among Wiccans. As I said before, the "rules" of Wicca are not set in stone, but these beliefs are usually universal among Wiccans.
Scott Cunningham comprised this list, and included it in his book "The Truth About Witchcraft Today". He was an excellent author of many books on Paganism and Wicca.
For hundreds of years, Wiccans have been forced into secrecy. Though in the United States, freedom of religion is a right, Pagans, for some reason, have not been included in that statement. There are many incidents in which Wiccans have been persecuted for their beliefs. Look back at the times of the Salem Witch Trials, and for something that seems more relevant to our lifetime; take a look at The Burning Times.
If you meet someone claiming to be a Wiccan, please be leery in the beginning. There are people out there who claim to be Wiccan, but they in fact are not! If someone tells you that they are Wiccan, and they practice any kind of living sacrifices, then they are not Wiccan. If someone tells you that they are Wiccan and they try to convert you, then they are not Wiccan. If someone tells you that they are Wiccan and they use magic for revengeful purposes, then they are not Wiccan! Wiccans use magic for good. Magic is not used on people without their knowledge.
Wiccans are not out to convert the world, and this page is not about converting either. The purpose of this page is to clear up some of the common misconceptions about Wicca and Paganism. Wiccans are not out to harm you, or use your babies for sacrifice. We live by this creed:
An if it harm none, then do as thou whilst.
There is one more thing to remember about Wiccans. We believe that whatever you do, be it good or bad, will come back to you three fold, this is called "The Rule of Three". In other words, what comes around, goes around. So, we aren't out to hurt you, because if we did, then we would feel your pain magnified three times.
Brightest Blessings