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F.A.Q.s
(Frequently Asked Questions)
What is Wicca?
Wicca is an ancient, earth-based religion that precedes most other religions. Recent evidence proves conclusively that witchcraft existed 25,000 years ago when archaeologists found ancient sigils painted on a cave wall in France, which means early humans recognized the divine in nature (an early form of withcraft). So as you can see it's been around for awhile.
Witchcraft deals with the four elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and the fifth Divine element of Spirit or also commonly called Akasha. Wiccans worship two main deities the Goddess and the God. These deities are both the manifestations of the same creative power just in a feminine form and a masculine form. I guess you could classify Wicca as an earth-based, polytheistic monotheism.
Do Witches worship the Devil?
Nope we don't. I don't care what you've been told, the truth of the matter is that we don't worship the devil and witchcraft isn't demonic. The Devil is a Christian term that was used to frighten people away from witchcraft and other religions. Now, it's just the stigma that's attached itself to the Craft. In Wicca, there is no such thing as the Devil, or any form of absolute evil for that matter.
What does the word 'Pagan' mean?
The word pagan, literally means "country-dweller." Back in the day around the 14th century, the word pagan was used describe the people who lived off of the land. Thus, it's not surprising that their religion was centered around agriculture just like their lives. Today the word of choice is neo-pagan, which means "new pagan"; this word is used to describe people who are involved in a modern earth-based religion or spiritual path. However I think it's silly to type neo-pagan all the time so I just use the word pagan, but since that word is so broad I try to avoid it.
Do Witches have their own holidays?
Yep, as you'll see witches celebrate 8 major holidays called Sabbats or Days of Power, which symbolize one full turn of the wheel (or year). You might be surprised to find out that many Wiccan Sabbats directly correlate with Christian holidays, because in Christianity's attempt to convert the early pagans they purposely adopted many of the Sabbats, but altered their names and meanings. As a result, there exists many similiarities between Christian and Wiccan holidays. Some examples are Yule and Christmas; Ostara and Easter; Samhain and Halloween,etc. Most of the holidays focus around agriculture, why you ask? Well because most of the pagans were, you guessed it, farmers.
Are all Witches women?
No, the term "witch" is used to describe any practitioner of Witchcraft, which is not limited women. There are many men who practice Witchcraft. Just a tip, I wouldn't call a male witch a warlock, because it's kind of demeaning. The word warlock means "oath breaker" or "one who goes against his word." I guess if you ever want to tick off a male witch, then calling him a warlock is the way to go.
How do I become a Witch?
It isn't a matter of how than it is should you become a witch. Because if you want to become a witch in order to have really cool powers like those shown in hollywood, hocus-pocus movies then you're in it for the wrong reasons. I hate to burst your bubble, but witches can't really fly through the sky. ; )
If you are genuinely interested, I suggest reading and I don't mean skimming a book until you get to the spells, I mean reading! And read everything you can get your hands on about witchcraft. I also suggest reading materials on other religions as well, and if Wicca is right for you, you'll know. In my case, I read a ton of books on Hinduism and Buddhism until I found what "felt right" with this religion. Before you start anything it is very important to do your homework and research, this step should take several months if not a complete year...or more! Then you can perform a dedication ritual to show God and Goddess your decision and affirmation in devoting yourself to this path.
Do all Witches cast spells?
Well most witches do, in fact, cast spells, but others however, do not. Some men and women follow Wicca because of the unique beliefs that can be found in this religion, but for some reason or another, never conduct spells. The important fact here to remember is that using magick doesn't make a person a witch, it's how they view the world.
Do love spells work?
I can't tell you, because I've never tried. Most people don't condone conducting such a spell that goes against the free will of others. Unless the spells being cast are healing spells, I wouldn't direct a spell at someone else. In other words, most spells should be about the person casting.
Is the pentagram a representation of evil?
Nope. Each point on the pentagram represents its corresponding element, where as the top point represents the divine element that connects all the others, hence the cirlce. Some people (not Wiccans) do however, use the pentagram for demonic purposes when they invert the sigil by having two points on the top and one point on the bottom. Maybe this analogy may help, the pentagram is to Wiccans as the cross is to Christians. So if you see a person wearing a pentagram around their neck (which is called a pentacle), don't freak out and make a scene (which I've seen happen), it's just a talisman of power and protection for the person who wears it.
Magick?...What's the extra 'k' for?
Well the extra 'k' on magick is meant to separate it from the other word magic, which implies an illusion. Magick on the other hand is not an illusion at all. Most people don't believe in magick or fear it because they don't understand what it's about. Magick is using natural energies in order to create change. With this concept you have to understand that everything contains energies (everything from rocks to colors) and magick is just the act of tapping into those energies and releasing it in a spell or ritual fashion. Sometimes you see other Wiccans who don't use the extra 'k', I don't know I like it.
Have any more questions you'd like to see answered, then drop me a line and I'll do my best to answer them.
This page was last updated on March 30, 2001.
