Basic Wiccan Beliefs

 

In just about all Wiccan Traditions or subgroupings, there is worship of both deities--the Goddess and God. The only exception is the female witches of the Dianic Tradition who solely worship the Goddess. The Lord and Lady, as they are also commonly called, form a bond that is found everywhere in Nature that keeps the universe and ourselves in eternal balance--winter and summer, death and rebirth, male and female, sun and moon,etc.

The Goddess is typically represented by the following:

Whereas the God is typically represented as this:

There are many Wiccan Traditions or Trads, found throughout the religion. One member of one tradition would not, however admonish another of a different Trad. All witches love their brothers and sisters, including practitioners of other religions. Wiccans never hassle another individual about their religion, because it is simply something we don't believe to be right.

So, you may be wondering how new witches are recruited into the Craft. That's the whole point, they aren't recruited at all. Wiccans don't go around attempting to proselytize our religion and throwing it in other people's faces, in order to convert them. We acknowledge the ways of the universe and if you're meant to become a Witch/Wiccan you will do so on your own accord. That is why many older Witches/Wiccans are hesitant to help minors, interested in the Craft, because there has been many parents who don't approve or care to understand. Proselytizing Wicca is explicitly forbidden, because it goes against the ways of the universe. There is nothing more annoying, to me at least, than having someone attempting to convert you, because you don't share that person's religious beliefs.  

In the Craft, it is up to each individual person to pick their personal deities. These deities will work with you and aide you in your magickal workings. This is one of the most amazing qualities of Wicca, I believe, because Witches don't grovel and cower in front of demanding, ascetic gods, but rather work with them, in order to better themselves.  Witches typically select one pantheon of Gods, but it is also acceptable to merge different Gods from different pantheons into one pantheon, specifically designed for you. Afterall, there is no right or wrong choice, when deciding, because all of these Gods represent the same creative power called the All. It is also acceptable not choose any pantheon at all and just work with the God and Goddess. Follow whatever is in your heart, and you'll be okay.

The Rule of Three is one of the most crucial laws and one of the most important when it comes to magickal workings, second only to the law of harming none. The Rule of Three states whatever magickal power you put out will return to you three-fold. So, if you sent out negative energy--watch out! That energy will return amplified by three and bite you in the .....well, you know where. However, if you send out positive energies you'll be basking in the glow of happiness for some time. This law sustains the ever-present karma that pervades the universe. The Rule of Three is as follows:

Ever mind the Rule of Three

Three times what thou givest returns to thee.

This lesson well, thou must learn,

Thee only gets what thou dost earn!

Another belief and custom in the Craft is the art of choosing a magickal name. Even though this isn't necessary, it's thought to be better when dealing with your magick, as it's a name chosen by yourself that best represents you to the God and Goddess. Some people keep their magickal name a secret from everyone and shared only with the Lord and Lady, while others share their chosen name openly. So great, let's say you decide you want a magickal name, but don't know where to look. I suggest looking at the elements, mythology, your favorite animals, plants, deities, colors, personality, etc., and after a long time of searching you'll find one.  Or you could be like me and decide that you don't want a magickal name.

 

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This page was last updated on March 31, 2001  Blessed Be!