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It's the oldest religion in the world.
Is the most misunderstood religion in the Western World.
Has nothing to do with the fictitious Satan or Satanism!
A religion subjected to enormous propaganda.
"SSgt Crisp, your religion is immoral and probably illegal." Colonel John Stratford, Commander 1964th Communications Group, Ramstein Air Base, Germany
"A Witch is one who cures man and beasts and makes cars go when garages were baffled." from Punch, A British Magazine, September 1958
"Devil worship (or satanism), is not to be confused with modern Witchcraft or Neo-Paganism since these groups worship pre-Christian Gods." Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia
Wicca, an Old English word for a male Witch. Wicca maybe related to the Indo-European roots wic or weik means to bend or turn (reality). The Saxon Wicca for which this religion is named is a contraction of witega, meaning a prophet or wise man. Wicca is likely a prehistoric word. The word Wicchecraft, from the Canterbury Tales, written in the 1300's (Middle English) shows the changes of pronunciation of Wicca, to Wicche, to Witch (modern English). There is no connection with Satan or evil in the historical definition of Wicca. Witchcraft, a word contrived from Wicca had elements of evil added by AntiWitches in the middle ages, that originally were not a part of the word's definition.
No one knows when people began worshiping the Great Father and Great Mother. Untold years ago our European ancestors, the cave people had religious beliefs called primitive religion, nature worship, and Shamanism. I call these ancient religious beliefs Stone Age Wicca. Some of these cave people settled in the British Isles. Additionally, this religion spread throughout the entire world. Colonel J. Garnier in his book The Worship of the Dead says, the ancient religions of the "Egyptians, Chaldeans, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Hindus, Buddhists, the Goths, Anglo-Saxons, Druids (Wiccans), Mexicans, Peruvians, Aborigines of Australia,... must have all derived their religious ideas from a common source and a common centre." All these so-called separate religions are really just one religion - Stone Age Wicca.
The Stone Age Wiccan gave us at least four of our sabats,(1) our esbats,(2) belief in an afterlife,(3) magick circles,(4) magick, astrology,(5) healing herbs,(13) reincarnation, the Wiccan Rede,(6) Mother Goddess,(7) Horned God,(8) and much more. Most of our religious beliefs come from this era. Later in time the Gods and other religions merged with the religion of Stone Age Wicca.
Later several Indo-European Wiccan tribes settled in Europe. These noble savages brought the belief in democratic governments, individual rights, and contrary to what feminist claim - respect for women. Feminist's claim that these tribes degraded Goddess and women, but there is not a shred of evidence supporting their theory. The Great Mother Goddess and The Great Father God are coequal, and have been so since the beginning!
We now change our focus from all of Europe to the British Isles specifically and to the influences that formed Wicca there.
A real race of dwarf's (see chapter Fairies, Dwarf's, and Dragons, Oh My), a tribe of the Danaans (People of the Goddess Dana), and Trojans from Troy9 settled in the British Isles. Between 4000-2000 B.C. the Celts (one tribe of the Indo-Europeans) moved from the Caucuses Mountains (because of drought) (hence the term Caucasian) and settled in the British Isles. The Celts in the British Isles merged with the other cultures there.
Over time the Celt's settlements stretched from the British Isles, Spain, parts of central Europe, and even Turkey. With this expansion of the Celt's territory contact was made with other cultures, the Greeks, Jews,10 and others. The Celt's religion influenced and was influenced by the people they contacted. The religious beliefs of all these races on the British Isles were combined together forming Celtic-Wicca. The Celtic Wiccan gave us the Greek and Celtic pantheism, how to make iron, the magickal folks (fairies), ogham (a magickal form of writing), sacred trees, additional sabats, the Celtic myths of the sacred lore, the teaching that the soul is immortal, and more.
AD 43 the Romans occupied parts of England. The Romans usually left the religion of other peoples alone. But in Britain there is evidence that Wicca exchanged beliefs with the Romans and vice versa. The Roman Calvary adopting the Celt's horse Goddess Epona is one example.
Later Christianity became the state religion of Rome. The Church from Rome attempted to use military force to convert the other religions. As Americans we have been taught that the conversions of the Pagans were done through peaceful means - this is a sugar coating of history. The Church was able to destroy hundreds of ancient religions and several forms of Indo-European Wicca with violent forced conversion. Wicca was so widespread and the followers so devout the Church wasn't able to destroy Celtic-Wicca before the Roman Empire fell (which was defeated (c.410) by Indo-European Wiccans called the Visigoths) robbing the Church of it's military power; Which may explain why the Church is so hostile to Wicca.
The Roman Church as common with defeated peoples called their conquers devils. The term devil is purely an insult because the Church didn't invent the devil until (c.447) with Pope Leo I and the Council of Toledo, where they accused all other religions except themselves, even other Christians of worshipping the devil. In fact, all forms of Christianity today are worshipping the devil, according to the Council of Toledo! Because many people were still worshiping the Pagan Gods, who are far older than the invented Satan, the new Johnny come lately Christianity termed all our Gods and Goddesses to be the devil. The Witch as a devil worshipper is entirely a Christian invention having no basis in fact.
About 410 the Romans fearing their defeat withdraw from Britain to defend Rome. After Rome left the British Isles it was assumed that they had become "Romanized." But history tells another story. When Roman rule was lifted, the Celts returned to the old tribal practices. Celtic Wicca and Druidism survived through nearly 400 years of Roman rule.
The Church lacking military power then resorted to peaceful conversions until military power could be regained.
In the following centuries, Celtic-Wicca had a great influence on the young Christianity shaping most of their religious holidays and a significant number of beliefs. In the British Isles, Celtic Christianity formed quite separate from the Church in Rome.
Later Norse or Viking, Angle, Saxon, (Indo-European Wiccans) invaders came to the British Isles resulting in a blending of religious beliefs. These contributed runes, facing the altar north in the magick circle, and influenced our Yule sabat.
In 1066 William the Conqueror, the son of a Witch, defeated (c.1066) Harold for the kingship of England. This after Harold had broken his oath of loyalty sworn on two altars, one Christian and one Pagan, according to the Bayeux Tapestry. This oath on two alters shows that Kings often practiced both Christian and Pagan religions. The Roman Church did not hold significant military power to again force the conversion of other religions until the 1200s. In the 1200s, the Church began to regain it's political power over the European nations. But at the same time the Roman Church had other forms of Christianity break from it called the Reformation, weakening it's military force. Additionally, in 1534 Britain under Henry the VIII separated from the Catholic Church, forming the Anglican Church resulted in far less persecution of Wiccans in Britain than in Europe. During the reformation these various Christian groups began fighting for political power among themselves. A common tactic employed in this Christian war was the various groups began to claim that all others except themselves were devil worshipers (sound familiar) and applied the word Witch from Wicca to them (remember, it was Wiccans that defeated Christian Rome). In this way they could justify violence against the other Christians, which is prohibited by Christ. Later some people turned the crime of Witchcraft into a money making scheme. If a person was executed for Witchcraft their lands, titles, and money was taken by the Church or the local ruler(s). So it could be very profitable for a Church or political leader to drop a false accusation of Witchcraft. Most of the people killed in this Christian war were Christians, not Wiccans. In Britain, Celtic-Wicca to protect itself became a somewhat secret religion and did not involve itself in these Christian wars. Wicca did suffer in the cross fire of the Christian wars, so did many people. But Wicca was never totally suppressed, especially in the British Isles were persecutions were no where near as severe as on continental Europe. For example, torture was not allowed in England. There is evidence that many British Kings and Queens covertly supported Wicca. Most Wiccans of the time continued to worship the Old Gods and in Britain were generally left alone. For nearly 400 years the Christian continued killing Christian by charging them with Witchcraft or Heresy (which was the same thing as Witchcraft). Finally, during the Renaissance (brought about by Pagan influence) the Christians' military and political power eroded and they no longer had the ability to kill each other in mass. So it stopped. The laws against Witchcraft used to kill Christians themselves were repealed. With this, Wiccans in Britain who suffered the least became public. Dr. Gerald Gardener (1947) was the first. The fact that Dr. Gardener was not arrested and executed after he came out of the broom closet inspired others to become public. This public reappearance of Neo-Wicca has resulted in only what could be called a revival of Witchcraft. Nostradamus the great Prophet predicted the revival of Wicca in his century 2, para. 8 and century 3, para.76. But the old Christian term Witchcraft as devil-worshipper has survived. The various forms of Christianity who now lack the political and military power to kill Wiccans, now engage in a propaganda war. These propagandists are AntiWitches. Some have put forth the theory that Wicca evolved from the Druids. This is unlikely, in The Second Battle of Moytura, (an ancient Celtic myth) Witches and Druids are described as separate religious orders. Wicca evolved from many sources, some even date back to prehistoric times. Historical writers likely called a Wiccan at the time a Druid, which has caused some confusion. For example, one writer described Druids well dressed with the very finest clothes. Another writer said Druids (Wiccans) were common clothed and bare-footed. The following is a paraphrase from the U.S. Army Pamphlet Number 165-13. Since this investigation is from 1978 updates have been provided, but the basic information is the same. It says that Witchcraft is often confused with Satanism, but it is not Satanism. Witchcraft is a nature oriented religion based on the worship of God and Goddess, the observance of our sabats and esbats, and magick power. The sabats and esbats are established by the orbit of the sun, earth, and moon. Our ancient principle of "as above, so below," means that the otherworld is not too different from this world. The magick circle is cast at nearly all sabats and esbats. Witchcraft grew slowly from the middle ages until England repealed it's Witchcraft laws in the 1950s. A revival of Wicca has occurred in this century. There are many different traditions or denominations of Wicca and many covens are independent. The American Council of Witches was a collection of Wiccans that can trace their religious ancestry to medieval Europe. Secrecy is important for Wiccans, who sometimes lose their employment, friends, even marriage and children once their religion is known. Historical facts: Witchcraft is the indigenous faith of pre-Christian Europe. Wicca has no central organization, but was preserved through families. During the burning times (persecution of Witches) Wicca was an illegal religion and wasn't publicly practiced, (however Wiccans did publish books throughout the burning times). During the burning times Wicca survived in isolated locations. World leadership: Covens are independent and autonomous. There is no one leader or government body for Wicca. Origins in the U.S.: (Was already present with the Native American Indian). Brought to America by emigrants (and early English settlers). Wicca in America survived in isolated locations. American Witches starting in the 1960s to become less secretive and more public. The American Council of Witches (1974) formed temporary to developed the Principles of Wiccan Beliefs (in response to publicized AntiWitch superstition). How many are there: Unknown: (Wiccans in America number into the millions. One Sociologist now says that 1 in 10 Americans are an occultist). According to the Institute of American Religion, Wicca is the fastest growing religion in America. (About half the population of Britain is Pagan). Organizational structure: The coven with any number of members led by a High Priestess and High Priest. Leadership and role of Preist/ess: The High Priestess and or High Priest perform the rituals of the coven. Witches pass through three degrees to become a High Priest/ess: (1) Convert to Wicca, takes about a year and a day; (2) Continue to grow in faith and training, takes another year and a day; and (3) Training and experience for the priesthood for another year and a day and admitted to the High Priest/esshood. (Other traditions will vary). Who may conduct a sabat or esbat? A High Priestess, High Priest (or any Wiccan). Group worship is not required, many Wiccans worship solitary. Worship requirements: compliance with the Wiccan Rede and worship of the Gods. What equipment is needed for worship: None, but from ancient tradition a dagger (ritual knife), candles, cauldron, pentacle, chalice, water, salt, wand, and a sword. Several traditions require additions. Facilities for worship? Any location can do. Witches cast a magick circle and worship within it. The circle should be in a location to insure privacy. Dietary laws or restrictions: None. (But many Wiccans are vegetarians.) Religious holidays: Eight sabats: (1) Spring Equinox, March 21; (2) Summer Solstice or Midsummer, June 22; (3) Autumn Equinox, September 21; and (4) Yule or Winter Solstice, December 22; (5) Candlemas, February 2; (6) May Eve or Beltane, April 30; (7) Lammas, July 31; and (8) Halloween, October 31. Besides these eight, most Wicca groups meet either weekly or biweekly called esbats (on the full moon and new moon). A Priest/ess is not required at time of death and funeral and burial requirements vary. Status on autopsy, cremation, or specialized medical treatment? Up to the Wiccan themselves, but generally no restrictions. Position on service in the armed forces: Up to the individual Wiccan. Many Witches serve in the military. Many are conscientious objectors. Service in the military is an issue of some debate among Wicca. As our military moves from defending our nation to being the world's policeman; the Wiccan Rede only permits self defense. The new world policing role of the military is viewed by many not to be self defense and therefore prohibit military service. Are there any principles that conflict with military directives or practices: None. Basic teachings or beliefs: The DA Pam. 165-13 simply publishes the Principles of Wiccan Beliefs that were adopted by the American Council of Witches in 1974. (The following principles are not a result of the governments investigation, during the investigation they simply found that we Witches told the truth about what we really believed. So the government simply republished our principles). (1) We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the moon and the Seasonal Quarters and Cross Quarters. (2) We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility toward our environment. We seek to live in harmony with Nature, in ecological balance offering fulfillment to life and consciousness with an evolutionary concept. (3) We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than is apparent to the average person. Because it is far greater that ordinary, it is sometimes called "supernatural," but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all. (4) We conceive the Creative Power in the Universe as manifesting through polarity - as masculine and feminine - and that this same Creative Power lives in all people, and functions through the interaction of the masculine and feminine. We value neither above the other, knowing each to be supportive of the other. We value sex as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of energies used in magical practice and religious worship. (5) We recognize both outer worlds and inner or psychological worlds - sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the collective unconscious, the inner planes, etc. - and we see the interaction of these two dimensions as the basis for paranormal phenomena and magical exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment. (6) We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who have courageously given of them selves in leadership. (7) We see religion, magick, and wisdom-in-living as being united in the way one views the world and lives within it - a world-view and philosophy-of-life, which we identify as Witchcraft, The Wiccan way. (8) Calling oneself a "Witch" does not make a witch - but neither does heredity itself, or the collecting of titles, degrees, and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the forces within him/herself that make life possible in order to live wisely and well without harm to others, and in harmony with Nature. (9) We acknowledge that it is an affirmation and fulfillment of life, in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness, that gives meaning to the universe we know, and to our personal role in it. (10) Our only animosity toward Christianity, or toward any other religion or philosophy-of-life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be "the only way" and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practice and belief. (11) As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft, the origins of various terms. The legitimacy of the various aspects of different traditions. We are concerned with the present, and our future. (12) We do not accept the concept of "absolute evil," nor do we worship any entity know as "Satan" or "the devil" as defined by the Christian tradition. We do not seek power through the suffering of others, nor do we accept the concept that personal benefit can be only derived by denial to another. (13) We acknowledge that we seek within nature for that which is contributory to our health and well-being. The Principles of Wiccan Belief are not accepted by all Witches and other traditions will vary. Creedal statements and authoritative literature: Witches use two books (often combined), a book of spells and a book of shadows or book of ritual.12 Individual covens and traditions can use different books. Ethics and values: Stem from the Wiccan Rede, "An It Harm None, Do As You Will." Witches do not attempt to convert others into Wicca. Wiccans do welcome inquiries and often attempt public education efforts. Relationship with other religions: Respectful and cordial because truths exist in all religions. Exception: groups which persecute others and defame Wicca (AntiWitches). 1 According to Venerable Bede, the word Easter comes from the name of Eostre, the Anglo-Saxon Spring Goddess. There has been many archaeological finds of a Bird Goddess worshipped by prehistoric Europeans. Eostre is this ancient European Bird Goddess. A Neolithic temple discovered near Cambridge, U.K. aligns with the Beltane sabat. Stonehenge aligns with the Midsummer sabat. A Neolithic temple near Cambridge aligns with the Lughnassadh sabat. It is highly likely the Halloween and Yule sabats are prehistoric. 2 There is an ancient bas relief of Goddess holding a crescent moon with 13 cuts in it, symbolizing the 13 esbats of the year. 3 Graves of prehistoric dead have been discovered with tools, weapons, and food; for use in the afterlife. 4 Stonehenge and other ancient stone circles are magick circles. 5 Many ancient stone circles align with stars. In fact, Stonehenge is an observatory. 6 Confucius about 551-479 B.C. advocated a Rede-like ethic. On the other side of Asia, Moses about 1490 B.C. said, don't harm your neighbor in Leviticus 19:16. For the Rede to be so widespread at this early date, it certainly had to be prehistoric. 7 One of her statues discovered in now modern-day Turkey dates to 6,000 B.C. A carving of her is found in a French prehistoric cave dating to 25,000 B.C. In Barkshire, England, the iron age people carved out the White Horse of Uffington to symbolize her. 8 You can see his picture in Neolithic cave paintings in France dating to 45,000 B.C. In Dorset, England, the Iron Age people curved a huge image of him (Ole Horny) 180' by 45' out of chalk stone carrying a gigantic club and having an erect penis. 9 There is now evidence that Geoffrey of Monmouth's The History of the Kings of Britian and the exodus of Trojans to Britain may be true. There is evidence of Trojan socity in Britain. Celtic Lore, Ward Rutherford, Thorsons 77-85 Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith, London W6 8JB, 1995, pp.116 and pp. 161. 10 Galations, Ephesians, Proverbs, Acts 19:11-41, Jeremiah 44, and Jeremiah 10:1-15 address forms of Wicca. 11 In 1610 Giovanni Battista della Porta wrote Natural Magic, Thomas Middleton in 1605 wrote The Witch,Sir Reginald Scot in 1584 wrote The Discoverie of Witchcraft, and Paul Grillanus in 1547 wrote the Treatise on Witches. 12 The Apostle Paul (c. 56) confirms the Celts used ancient books of magick in Acts 19:19. From the Legends of Charlemagne (c. 800) Malagigi, Charlemagne's Wizard used a book of spells. Prospero in Shakespeare's The Tempest (c. 1622) also used a book of magick. 13 Medicinal herbs were found amoung the possesions of the Ice Man (c.3300 B.C.) . Thank you for visiting my page at Angelfire. Please come back and visit again!