We have all heard of witches, witchcraft, paganism, magic and other such related terms. But how many of us know of their true origin, their true significance and their true meaning? The terms ‘witches’ and ‘witchcraft’ came from Wicca, a neo pagan religion that is based on nature-based beliefs and spirituality. It was rooted in the pre-Christian beliefs of the European people that integrated with the more modern and practical concerns of environmental and justice issues. Those who practice Wicca are called as witches, and witchcraft is a form of the Wiccan religion.
Wicca, essentially, is a very peaceful and harmonious religion and is more like a way of life. It completely reveres Nature and worships Mother Earth and all of her divine creatures. Wiccans have deep love and appreciation for even the smallest nuances of Nature. They believe and worship their own Gods and Goddess, and have rituals and prayers unique to them.
Wiccan traditions practiced across the world are varied and different. Every one of the Wiccan traditions may have variations in their spiritual paths. Let us discuss about some of the Wiccan traditions.
Alexandrian Wicca
This Wiccan tradition was a very popular tradition, especially during the time of modern Paganism. It was founded by Alex Sanders along with his wife Maxine. It is largely influenced by Gardner and is heavily inclined towards ceremonial magic. The High Priestess is believed to be the highest authority in the Alexandrian Wicca. Being a polarized tradition, it greatly emphasizes on the male and female sexuality in terms of polarity. Though this Wiccan tradition is much similar to Gardnerian Wicca, it is more eclectic and less stringent, giving much liberty to its practitioners.
Dianic Wicca
Dianic Wicca roots can be traced back to feminist movements and has long since been embraced by several women, especially by those seeking an alternative to all religions which are oppressive and patriarchal. This Wiccan tradition is sub divided into two main branches – the ‘Old Dianic’ branch and the Feminist Dianic Witchcraft. A common thread to both is that the worship only the Goddess, unlike, most other Wiccans who worship both a God and Goddess, believing in the fact that it takes both, a male and a female to procreate.
Celtic Wicca
This form of Wiccan tradition resorts to high magic and an eclectic Wiccan practice. It is lightly influenced by the Gardnerian Wicca. Practitioners of Celtic Wicca are known to have an immense knowledge about healing and magical properties of various plants, flowers, tress, and spirits. Celtic Wicca is also known as the Church of Wicca. It only just began to worship a Goddess as well. It was founded by Yvonne and Gavin Frost. The Church of Wicca is also termed as “Baptist Wicca”.
These are a few types of different traditions that are practiced in different parts of the world. But, how much ever different the Wicca traditions are from each other, their love and worship of nature and its spirituality is a common thread that binds all of them together.
The Wiccans understand the fact that man is in no way superior or in control of Nature and all its creatures, and are, in fact, just a small fragment of a much bigger picture. Man is not the centre of the universe. This is where it differed from the medieval Church beliefs, and that is the reason why the Church tried to put this nature based religion down, forcing several wiccans to convert in the process. The Church spread false and scary myths regarding Wiccan traditions, instilling fear among people in their endeavor to convert as many people from Wicca to the Christian beliefs.