Discover the History of Wicca

 

Throughout history, witchcraft has been associated with a variety of spiritual practices and personalities. The public's perception of witches has shifted over time, with some viewing them as healers and others as feared and persecuted individuals. While witch trials were once characterized by fear and punishment, modern views of witchcraft have evolved, with many considering it to be a spiritual discipline. According to author Alex Mar, around 1 million Americans practice witchcraft, which is influenced by pre-Christian European faiths as well as Western occult and Masonic groups. As it evolves, witchcraft continues to embrace and adapt a wide range of cultural and religious influences and rituals.  

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A Dark period in Witchcraft's past

Perceptions of witches shifted starting in the 13th century, with growing suspicions of magical practices leading to widespread persecution for the next four centuries. The most well-known witch hunts occurred throughout Europe and in the United States, though fear and discrimination against practitioners exists to this day. In 1484, Pope Innocent VIII declared witchcraft "heresy," resulting in centuries of persecution of accused witches. He accused heretics of destroying crops and cattle with charms and incantations, as well as preventing marriages from being consummated. Heresy was a sin punished by death by fire. 

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Who was targeted ? 

The number of victims in the first trials of the 14th and early 15th centuries was very small, with the majority being males. According to Dr. Romany Reagan, a researcher of dark history and research fellow at London's Museum of the Home, "These were sorcerers of text-based magics, above the educational level allowed by most women." In the second part of the 15th century, a stringent group of Catholic friars known as "Observants" attempted to "purify" Christianity. They provided a scapegoat for the abnormally cold, severe weather and political instability: the actions of devil-worshipping witches.

"This is when the gender switch happens," Reagan adds. "From sophisticated male magicians... to the story of wicked women succumbing to the devil. And these ladies were not unknown intellectuals; they were their neighbours. She says, "The last 300 years of the witch trials were a sharpened knife held to the throat of all women," particularly widows and unmarried women. "They had to depend on charity. This is where the notion of a witch as an elderly woman came from. If a neighbor's cow died, they would recall when the widow requested for assistance and they did not provide it—and murdering the widow would alleviate the financial strain on the community," Reagan adds.

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The first accused 

Betty Parris, nine, and Abigail Williams, eleven, became ill in January of 1692. They were the daughter and niece of Reverend Samuel Parris, a fiery preacher. They contorted, shouted, made strange noises, and complained of being stuck with invisible pins. These unusual symptoms and assaults spread across the community, accompanied by suspicions of witchcraft. "The accusations made in Salem are primarily of spectral torments," Christ-Doane explains.

"A witch may possibly project a ghostly facsimile of herself outside of their corporeal body. That spectre may then harm individuals from kilometres distant."

As symptoms developed, so did anger and distrust, heightened by the stress and suffering the early society was experiencing: disputes with surrounding settlements, fighting between Indigenous peoples and French colonists, smallpox, and severe England winter. The settlers were highly religious and thought that such tragedy was caused by the devil or witchcraft. They blamed misfortunes on people they hated or had mistreated them, "like, I had a fight with you 10 years ago and then my husband got sick... clearly it's because you're a witch," Christ-Doane said. The first accused were low-income residents: a beggar, an old lady in need of medical attention, and Tituba, an enslaved South American woman. As the settlement's authority collapsed, up to 200 accused witches were imprisoned for months while they awaited trial.

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Regrets and Restitution 

Over the next few years, there were apologies, atonements, and some compensation. In 1697, the government declared a day of prayer and fasting for the courts' errors and misdeeds. Today, there are two public memorials in Salem, one on Proctor's Ledge, where the hangings occurred. However, it wasn't until 2022 that all of the accused were eventually cleared.

Salem, now known as "Witch City," attempts to remind us of the devastation that unrestrained ignorance and intolerance can inflict on a city. Christ-Done writes, "Salem has had a very tough time coping with its sad history. However, history sparks conversations... and it has undoubtedly contributed to Salem's open and tolerant culture.

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WICCA 

This type of witchcraft is protected religion under the First Amendment

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Wicca is a nature-based religion, originated in England in the 1950s and then expanded to the US in the 1960s. Practitioners worship both goddesses and gods, and they have a deep regard for the Earth and the environment. This faith is classified as "neo-pagan," as it adheres to concepts that differ from traditional world religions, such as nature worship. Wiccans do not believe in the devil, often known as Satan, as Christians do.

Wiccan ceremonies revolve around lunar phases, equinoxes, solstices, and seasons. Rituals may begin by honouring the elements of earth, air, fire, and water, and they frequently incorporate a fifth element called Spirit. While there are currently several branches of Wicca, most adhere to an ethical principle that permits you to practise anything you like as long as you don't harm others. Furthermore, many follow the "Rule of Three," which states that whatever energy you put out, positive or bad, will return to you threefold. Overall, Wiccans may be activists for the environment, animal rights, feminism, and inclusive to LGBTQ+ communities and non-monogamists. 

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Brujeria​

Latino witches honouring the past

The name "brujería" translates to "witchcraft" in Spanish, yet it has unique traditions and customs. It incorporates elements from West Africa introduced to the Caribbean and Americas by enslaved people. These were mixed with some aspects of Indigenous Native American traditions. 

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What does Bujeria involve?

​Brujería has been passed down through centuries, and modern practitioners respect and honour their ancestors and cultural heritage. They go to "botanicas," or spiritual supply stores, to buy candles, herbs, incense, oils, and other items needed to build altars, cleanse rituals, and cast binding and protective spells. A binding spell prevents someone from doing anything detrimental to herself or others. "The botanica provides a safe space that extends homeland traditions, especially for immigrants," explains Lorraine Monteagut, a Cuban-Colombian bruja and author of Brujas: The Magic of Power of Witches of Colour. "Usually, there is a spiritual practitioner available in the store] to dress candles and provide consultations for a wide range of physical, emotional, and spiritual problems." Monteagut enhances her rituals by writing in a diary anointed with oil on the New and Full Moons. She sometimes uses a tarot card as a visual trigger for her writing. 

One bruja, Mexican-born Valeria Ruelas, inherited her traditions from her great-grandmother. But she didn't fully step up to her calling until she was in college. There is an amazing quote told by her which I think holds a lot of power, "We are here as the blood and sweat and tears of our ancestors. We're going to have to live through what they died for."

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Mordern Witchcraft: Wicca Today 

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Wicca's origins are unknown, but in 1939, an English customs officer named Gerald Gardner claimed to have been inducted into a covert coven of witches who followed ancient pre-Christian traditions. In 1951, he established his own coven and developed initiations and rituals for what he called "Wica," which ultimately became "Wicca." He borrowed considerably from other occultists and witchcraft specialists. Doreen Valiente, Gardner's former high priestess, argued that Wicca and witchcraft in general, as practiced in the present world, are by definition the product of a lengthy period of evolution. It, like everything else, has evolved and changed throughout time. In reality, there are offshoots and younger Wicca traditions, including Alexandrian, Dianic, Feri, Minoan, and potentially hundreds more. And many practitioners today practise alone, without a coven, and may not necessarily adhere to stringent criteria. Despite its problems, Wicca has been recognised as a religion and protected by the First Amendment since 1986, as well as by the US military and criminal system. 

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Difference between solitary and communal practice

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Working in solitude: Many Pagans and Wiccans  begin their studies as solitary practitioners. When I initially started learning years ago, I had no idea who else was Pagan or Wiccan. This happens frequently; simply put, most people become interested in Wicca before meeting a coven they want to join. Working alone has perks, but it may also have problems.

Advantages

You can define your own standards and ethics. You can worship at your convenience, rather than according to a timetable involving several people. You're allowed to cooperate with whomever you choose, even if they're part of another tradition. You have no commitment to anyone except yourself and your deities.

Disadvantages

You may eventually be restricted in the type and quantity of knowledge you acquire. It is frequently difficult for solitaries to connect with other Pagans and Wiccans. Sometimes it's simply great to hang out with individuals who share your beliefs. If you're seeking to grow and learn spiritually, you may feel at some time you'd prefer a mentor or instructor, which you don't have as a single person.​ 

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Working in a group: Many individuals love group practice; in my experience, there is an energy that you don't receive as a solitary practitioner, and there are several advantages to joining a coven. On the other side, working with a coven or group introduces a whole new set of dynamics, which might lead to its own set of challenges.

Advantages

Working in groups allows you to learn from those who may have more experience and expertise than you. When you join an organisation, you have additional opportunity to network and meet people from the larger Pagan community. Coven activity is normally more structured and formal, with more intricate rituals, which some individuals find useful in their studies. A coven generally has a predetermined course of study, so instead of randomly reading books, you'll be following particular lesson plans as you progress through the levels of initiation.

Disadvantages

Coven work is often organised ahead of time to ensure everyone's availability. If someone is on a power trip, a coven may be a horrible experience for everyone involved. When you're part of a coven, there are various connections going on, therefore there might be concerns if one individual tries to make trouble. If you join an established coven, chances are that they're already set in their ways and may be unwilling to make concessions to fit your demands.

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It is entirely up to you whether you choose to practise alone or in a coven. Covens can be difficult to discover in certain regions, but they are achievable; just keep in mind that you may need to put in some effort and labour to do so. It is also very acceptable to be a lone practitioner. Regardless, the greatest course is the one that suits you.

 

Common Wiccan Rituals and their Meanings

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Wiccan festivals adhere to the seasonal Sacred Wheel of the Year. Four of these festivals, known as minor festivals, commemorate the solar solstices and equinoxes, while the other four, known as major festivals, commemorate agricultural and pastoral celebrations. The last four, known as Cross-Quarter days, occur midway between the solstices and equinoxes.

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The Sacred Wheel of Year: This is a yearly cycle that contains eight Sabbaths (solar feasts). Additionally, there are lunar observances known as Esbats. These revolve around the moon's four phases: new, waxing, full, and waning. Observations typically take place three days before and three days after each lunar phase. 

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Wiccan Magick (Spiritual Works): Because of the significant difference between the two sorts, Magic and Magick were separated early in the twentieth century. Magic has come to represent illusion or stage magic. Many Wiccan practitioners use a variant spelling to refer to transformation and change, which has nothing to do with illusion or fantasy. Wiccan Magick is not synonymous with magical thought. "Magical thinking" connotes believing in illusion and imagination. "Magickal thinking" means deliberately attempting to effect positive change in oneself and one's life. Most Wiccan spiritual activities include some form of magical practice. Its goal is to promote human development and a sense of "becoming." Marion Weinstein, in her book Positive Magic, states, "You cannot use magic[k] to help yourself if it harms another." Magick is working through prayer and meditation toward self-transformation.

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Pentacle: The Pentacle, Wicca's emblem, depicts an ancient belief that humans have the capacity to summon spirits to Earth. This applies to all aspects of life. The power to bring spirit to earth is the ability to make humans entire. Traditionally, each of the five angles has been associated with the five elements of nature mentioned above. One correspondence method is: The lower left-hand corner represents earth, which denotes stability and durability. Fire signifies boldness and daring in the lower right corner, while water represents emotions and intuition in the upper right corner. Air represents intelligence, thought, and the arts in the top left. The highest point symbolises spirit, the All and the Divine.

 

​Key Figures Who Shaped Witchcraft Over the Years 

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Marie Laveau (1801-1881) Laveau was a free Creole lady in New Orleans who most likely practiced a combination of Roman Catholicism, Vodou, and herbalism, now known as Hoodoo today. Laveau employed herbal magic to treat yellow fever sufferers, as well as to decorate shrines and pray with condemned criminals. She organised monthly spiritual rites in what is now Louis Armstrong Park, which white people sensationalised and misinterpreted as devil worship. Her name is still mentioned on tourist trinkets from the Crescent City, and her alleged grave is a stop on creepy cemetery tours. She was played by Angela Bassett in American Horror Story: Coven.

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Aleister Crowley (1875 - 1947) Crowley, sometimes known as "The Great Beast," was a controversial novelist, poet, and ceremonial magician known for his love of sex and narcotics. Crowley founded Thelema, a sex magic religion based on meditation teachings, with the creed "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law." He was a pioneer of yoga in Western culture, drawing inspiration from Eastern esotericism. His methods and words had an immeasurable impact on future witchcraft traditions. His concept of magic is widely quoted: "Magic is the science and art of causing change to occur in conformity with will."

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Gerald Gardner (1984-1964) Gardner, who began publicising his own coven and ritual practice in 1951, is credited with establishing the Wicca religion. "The Father of Modern Witchcraft" committed his life to Wicca, which was heavily influenced by Crowley's writings and conceptions of pre-Christian goddess worship. Despite his reputation for stretching the facts, Gardner left a legacy of more than one million Wiccans in the United States alone.

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Doreen Valiente(1922 - 1999) In 1952, Valiente approached Gardner about joining his Wicca coven after reading about it in a magazine. He initiated her at Stonehenge in 1953, and she eventually rose to the position of high priestess in his coven. However, she severed relations with him because to her doubts about the genuineness of his claims, his need for the spotlight, and the extent to which he had duplicated Crowley's books and rituals. She is referred to as "The Mother of Modern Witchcraft" and the author of the influential The Rebirth of Witcheraft, among other works. She was a public face of witchcraft during the feminist movement, which made it more accessible and acceptable to younger women.

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Raymond Buckland (1931-2017) Gerald Gardner inducted Buckland as a Wiccan high priest in 1963. After returning to his home on Long Island, he founded the first Wicca coven in the United States. He wrote numerous books about witchcraft, including Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft, and appeared on The Dick Cavett Show in 1971. He established a witchcraft museum on Long Island, which is today known as the Buckland Museum of Witchcraft and Magick in Cleveland. He later left the Gardnerian tradition and developed his own Wicca, Seax-Wica, which included Anglo-Saxon mythology.​

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To sum up, I would say that my experience with Wicca has been one of deep spiritual connection and self-discovery.  Wicca has been moulded into the open and varied path that it is today, emphasising individuality and community, by important individuals like as Gerald Gardner and Doreen Valiente. Wicca provides a framework for personal development via rituals, magick, and a close relationship with nature, whether practiced alone or in a coven. Its moral precepts, such as the Rule of Three, encourage accountability and regard for all living things. I take delight in my spiritual practice, respect the cycles of nature, and accept the knowledge of the past as I continue on my Wiccan path.

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