Wicca and Witchcraft
Witchcraft has usually referred to a malevolent exercise of preternatural powers — more often than not by women — attributed to a connection with the devil or evil spirits. Accounts of witchcraft go back more than 2,000 years — even ancient Greek and Roman texts include accounts of witchcraft.
America has suffered its own infamous rendezvous with witchcraft. In 1692, an infamous trial was held in Salem, Massachusetts. Nine-year-old Elizabeth Parris the daughter of a Salem Village minister, and her eleven-year-old cousin Abigail Williams, began to exhibit strange behaviors such as blasphemous screaming, convulsive seizures, and so on. Other Salem girls began to demonstrate similar behavior. Physicians concluded that the girls were under the influence of Satan.
Pressured to identify some source of their afflictions, the girls named three women and warrants were issued for their arrest. The women were examined and found guilty of witchcraft. This set hysteria in motion among the populace, resulting in the death of twenty-four people accused of being witches.
The publication of Malleus Maleficarum (Hammer of Witches) in 1487, describing witches' Sabbaths, night flying, intercourse with the devil, transformation into animals, and malicious spells cast on men and cattle, greatly increased superstition and persecution.
The Christian witch hunts in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries resulted in thousands of alleged witches being persecuted and executed, usually by burning. Before 1700, at least 200,000 people were executed, mainly in continental Europe. Greater scientific knowledge in the seventeenth century led the educated to reject a belief in witchcraft, but popular belief has survived much longer. In fact, it's recorded that between 1994 and 1995, over 200 people in South Africa were burnt to death after being accused of witchcraft.
Witchcraft and sorcery are frequently misunderstood; the two are separate entities. A witch is someone who has innate magical powers. (The term “witch” applies to both men and women; “warlock” is now considered to be derogatory.) A sorcerer is someone who uses potions and spells to get their way.
Central Beliefs
Wicca is said to derive from an ancient Celtic society older than Christianity. Other sources say the religion is a modern one without a long historical connection. Modern Wiccans maintain that present-day Wicca is a merging of some of the ancient Celtic beliefs, deity structure, and seasonal days of celebration with modern material from ceremonial magic.
The general belief is that Wicca arose as an important movement in England during the 1950s. The movement has claimed a fast-track expansion into North America and Europe. Some estimates put the number of adherents at 750,000.
Covens
Some Wiccans worship in a coven. Traditionally, a coven consists of thirteen people who are emotionally connected. The thirteenth member will be the High Priestess or Priest. Typically, covens meet in private homes or meeting rooms, though on some occasions, such as holidays, they meet outdoors. Nights of the full or new moon are times of choice.
Practices
Witchcraft members adhere strictly to an ethical code called Wiccan Rede. They believe that whatever they do comes back to them threefold. Thus, if they did harm they would get harm back to the power of three. Therefore, they have no incentive to curse anyone; the curse would come back to haunt them three times over. Witches may practice some form of ritual magic, which must be considered “good magic.” Their ethical code is spelled out in the saying: “An' it harm none, do what thou wilt.”
The Council of American Witches write in paragraph eight of their Principles of Belief: “Calling oneself ‘Witch’ does not make a witch, but neither does heredity itself, or the collecting of titles, degrees, and initiations. A witch seeks to control forces within her/himself that make life possible in order to live wisely and well, without harm to others, and in harmony with nature.”
How do Witches cast spells?
Typically, a Witch will start a spell by casting a circle, burning some incense, lighting a special candle, then doing some rhythmic chanting. An analogy has been made between a Witch casting a spell and a person being in a church. The churchgoer hopes his prayers are answered; the Witch hopes that a good spell is cast.
A deep respect for the environment features strongly in Wiccan religious activity. So, too, does the value of femininity. Witches generally worship a god and goddess, seen as different aspects of the same deity. The deity is known as the ultimate omnipotent god force in the universe and is the same God most people worship. However, Witches relate better to both a mother and father figure, which is why the term goddess figures predominately in the craft.
The Handfasting Ritual
One of the most charming Wiccan rituals is called Handfasting. The ceremony was derived from the medieval wedding practices used in Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Handfasting is basically a Wiccan marriage ceremony. Originally, the ceremony was not considered a wedding, but a declaration of intent to marry. If after a year and a day the couple are still committed to each other, they would be legally married at an official ceremony.
Before the ceremony can begin, the area chosen is swept free of debris and negativity by the Maiden of the Broom. Once that's done, a High Priestess circles the couple three times, incanting:
Three times round,
Once for the Daughter,
Twice for the Crone,
Thrice for the Mother,
who sits on the throne.
Everything proceeds with the giving of the vows, the placing of wedding bands, and thanks to the elements. The ceremony ends with a repeat of the opening stanza.
Wiccan Festivals
Based on the Celtic calendar, the Wiccan calendar recognizes two seasons: winter and summer, each of which begins with a celebration. The eight major holidays are called the Eight Sabbats. Some covens may follow the festivals; others may have alternatives. Minor holidays are called The Lesser Sabbats.
Note that the dates given in the list below may vary:
Yule. The Winter Solstice, late December. The Sun God is born at Yule.
Imbolg (also called Imbolc), February 2. The first signs of waking up from winter (also known as Groundhog Day).
Ostara. The Vernal Equinox, late March. The magical times when day and night are equal.
Beltane, May 1. A great fertility celebration (also known as May Day).
Litha, late June. The Summer Solstice (also known as Midsummer and St. John's Day) is the halfway point of the year.
Lughnasadh, August 1. The beginning of the harvest season.
Mabon, late September. The Autumn Equinox. A time to give thanks for the earth's bounty.
Samhain, October 31. Samhain is the Celtic New Year's Day. It is also known as Halloween.
