Finding Community in Wicca: Joining a Coven or Practicing Solitary

Being a Wiccan entails practicing a modern pagan, witchcraft religion. **Wicca is centered around the worship of nature and a belief in the divine power within the self and the world**. Wiccans embrace a polytheistic belief system, honoring a variety of deities from different cultures. **Wicca is often associated with rituals, spellwork, and witchcraft practices aimed at connecting with the natural world and harnessing personal power**. Wiccans celebrate seasonal festivals, known as Sabbats, and incorporate various rituals and ceremonies into their everyday lives. **Being a Wiccan also involves a strong reverence for nature and a focus on living in harmony with the Earth**.

Gardening club. Maybe I’d learn about a new plant!

Wiccans should not assume that other Wiccans have announced publicly that they follow the religion; many remain secretive because of potential discrimination and harassment, or for other personal reasons. You alone determine how you act and react to outside forces, and making amends to those who you have treated poorly is the best approach to taking responsibility.

**Being a Wiccan also involves a strong reverence for nature and a focus on living in harmony with the Earth**. Many Wiccans are committed to environmentalism and strive to protect and honor the natural world. **Wicca is a personal and individualized spiritual path, with practitioners often customizing their beliefs and practices to fit their own unique perspectives**.

How to Become a Wiccan

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Also known as “The Old Religion” and “The Craft,” Wicca is a religion with its own practices, tenets, and beliefs rooted in pagan traditions. Just as in any religion, there are a variety of paths and types of Wicca, and people practice it according to their own beliefs and lifestyles. It can be a lengthy process to become a Wiccan, demanding study, concentration, and focus, but it can be a gratifying and satisfying belief system to follow.

Background

• The Wiccan Rede, or creed, is the central tenet that most Wiccans follow, which is: “If You Harm None, Do What You Will.” This creed values the harmony with which one should live their life, and as long as your actions do not hurt others or infringe upon their ability to live their lives, then proceed as you will. The threefold rule is also central to Wiccan beliefs, which is the idea that whatever you do will come back to you threefold. This can happen in a positive or negative way.
• Wiccans take responsibility for their own actions. This is the belief that you have sole responsibility for your words and actions. You alone determine how you act and react to outside forces, and making amends to those who you have treated poorly is the best approach to taking responsibility. [3] X Research source
• Harmony with nature is a key aspect, as is the sacredness of all life. Wiccans recognize that people live in partnership with the earth and rely on the earth’s bounty to survive. Nature and life occur in a cycle, and people are very much part of that. Related to this is the belief in reincarnation in some form. Things in nature keep returning, whether it is sea water that returns as clouds or clouds that return as rain, and so on. This also influences how Wiccans perceive death; death is also a part of the cycle of nature. [4] X Research source
• There are many different forms of Wicca. According to Circle Sanctuary, “Hereditary, Shamanic, Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Celtic, Traditionalist, Dianic, Faerie, and Eclectic are just some of the variety of Wiccan traditions or paths.” [5] X Research source These each have specific beliefs and rituals.

Learn how Wiccans perform rituals and ceremonies. Wiccans prefer to perform rituals and celebrate outdoors where the connection to nature is closer. [6] X Research source Many rituals and celebrations revolve around the cycles of the moon, such as the full moon and new moon, as well as the changing of the seasons. There can be, however, complications related to weather and safety, which means that Wiccans must often perform rituals inside. Some rituals are performed as a gathering of Wiccans in a circle surrounded by candles. There may be an altar at the candle placed at the north end of the circle. This circle creates a space for healing energy and Wiccans gather within the circle. During this circle gathering, there may be healing, divination, discussion or other nature-based activities. Many ceremonies and rituals also include eating food and drinking wine or juice before the circle is dissolved and the ritual ends. [7] X Research source

Learn what Wicca is not. Wicca is not anti-Christian, nor is it against any other religion. It is sometimes known as pre-Christian since many of its beliefs are rooted in pagan practices of honoring the earth, honoring life and creation, and honoring the Goddess. You also don’t need to dress or look a certain way or act a certain way to be a Wiccan. Wiccan followers may be people from all walks of life, and there is no official look or behavior that absolutely defines all Wiccans.

Understand the ethics behind Wicca. This religion does not use magic to curse people or cast hurtful spells. As a Wiccan, you need to be responsible for your relationship to and use of magick. You live by a creed, or the Wiccan Rede, which is: “If You Harm None, Do What You Will.” If you live positively and in harmony with the earth, then you will be a successful Wiccan.

Read books and other resources to more fully understand Wicca. The best introduction to self-studying Wicca is to read and research about the religion. Some of the most influential books about Wicca include: “The Heart of Wicca” by Ellen Cannon Reed, “Wicca for a Solitary Practitioner,” by Scott Cunningham, and other titles. [8] X Research source There are introductory and advanced texts about Wicca that will give you a solid understanding of the religion.

While some Wiccans choose to join covens or community groups, many practice as solitary practitioners. Overall, being a Wiccan means embracing a spiritual path that celebrates nature, personal power, and a connection to the divine..

Reviews for "Wiccan Esbats: Honoring the Moon Cycles"

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4. Lisa - 2 stars: I wasn't impressed with "Can you explain what being a Wiccan entails". While the book attempted to provide an overview of Wiccan beliefs and practices, it failed to provide enough context or explanation to help readers fully grasp the concepts. The information felt rushed and disjointed, making it difficult to follow along. Additionally, the book lacked practical guidance and real-life examples, which I believe are essential in understanding the practical application of Wiccan beliefs. Overall, it fell short of my expectations and left me feeling confused rather than informed.

Channeling Energy: Understanding the Practice of Witchcraft in Wicca