Wicca is a modern pagan religious system that emerged in the mid-20th century. It is based on pre-Christian, folkloric and ceremonial traditions, drawing inspiration from various sources such as ancient European pagan beliefs, witchcraft, and ceremonial magic. The fundamental belief in Wicca is the presence of a divine dualism, which recognizes both a god and a goddess, often referred to as the Horned God and the Moon Goddess. One of the core principles of Wicca is the belief in the immanence of the divine, meaning that divinity is present and accessible in all aspects of the natural world. Wiccans revere nature and believe in the interconnectedness of all living beings. They often practice rituals outdoors, honoring the seasons and cycles of nature.
Similarly, I l C u b o (1961-1962) coincides with the start of the artist’s research into the elemental forms of Euclidean geometry and the geometric theme of solids, undermined, however, by his continuous splitting them up, running them through with signs, an approach that would recur in his later research, helping to define his own personal expressionist minimalism – or material abstraction – and corresponding to an immersion in the very codification of linguistic and historical expression.
Sometimes, I focused on studying all the lamellar structures within the bone; you wind up realizing some of them have an extraordinary internal texture, inspiringly so. Concreteness and utopia, sign and archetype, matter and vision, three-dimensional works and two-dimensional documents, sharing in the public space and personal research conducted in the studio and in the archive, all these things combine to form a continuum.
They often practice rituals outdoors, honoring the seasons and cycles of nature. Wicca also emphasizes personal responsibility and individual spiritual growth. Wiccans strive to achieve harmony and balance within themselves and with the world around them.
“Sphere Within Sphere” by Arnaldo Pomodoro
“Sphere Within Sphere,” also known as “Sfera con Sfera,” is a series of sculptures created by sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro. The sculpture depicts an enormous metal sphere with a cracked surface, revealing an intricate interior with another cracked sphere inside.
The internal layers resemble the gears or cogwheels of a machine that symbolizes the complexity of the world. The fractured cracks symbolize the fragility of our society.
Pomodoro began his series of spheres in the 1960s with Sphere no. 1 and has continued for nearly forty years designing the globe-like pieces, each depicting different maps of destruction.
“Sfera con Sfera” – United Nations building, NY
Each of the outer balls is fractured, revealing an intricate interior that unveils yet another cracking orb. The design of the internal layers mimics the gears of a clock or the inner workings of a grand piano, revealing the hidden complexity.
Pomodoro created the first version for the Vatican Museum in the 1960s and later began creating similar versions for many other institutions that can now be found in choice locations all over the world.
The artist’s initial vision was that the inner ball represented the Earth, and the outer ball represented our institutions.
Pomodoro has stated:
“A sphere is a marvelous object, from the world of magic, wizards, whether it is of crystal or bronze, or full of water…
It reflects everything around it, creating such contrasts that it sometimes is transformed,
becoming invisible, leaving only its interior, tormented and eroded, full of teeth.”
The spheres have been compared to a clock or a grand piano. The works have been interpreted as reflecting a continual process of self-destruction and regeneration.
The artist reflected:
“That’s what drives me to make the spheres:
breaking these perfect, magic forms in order reveal its internal ferment,
mysterious and alive, monstrous and yet pure;
so I create a discordant tension, a conflict,
with the polished shine: a unity composed of incompleteness.”
“Sphere Within Sphere” – Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland
One of Pomodoro’s enormous spheres, with its layers of complexity, has become the centerpiece in the Courtyard of the Pinecone at the Vatican Museum.
The structure can not be missed as it appears golden in the sun and measures 4 meters (13 feet) in diameter.
The sculpture’s round shape echoes the form of Earth, making clear what the artist’s intentions.
“Sphere Within Sphere” is also installed at the United Nations in New York, where the sculpture also makes clear that the complexity of our world can easily it can be torn apart.
“In my sculpture, the shape of today’s world contains within itself the form of the ‘ideal city’
as conceived by the artists of the Italian Renaissance.
This, in turn, contains my hopes and dreams, and those of countless other citizens of the world.”
They adhere to a moral code known as the Wiccan Rede, which promotes the practice of "harm none" and encourages ethical behavior. Ceremonial rituals are an important aspect of Wiccan practice. These rituals often involve the use of tools such as a ritual knife (athame), wand, chalice, and pentacle, which represent various elements and energies. Wiccans also celebrate eight festivals, known as Sabbats, which mark the turning points of the solar year. Contrary to popular belief, Wicca does not involve the worship of Satan or any form of malevolent practices. Wicca is a positive and life-affirming religion that emphasizes personal empowerment, spiritual growth, and the reverence for nature. Overall, Wicca is a modern pagan religious system that draws inspiration from ancient traditions and emphasizes the belief in a divine dualism, the immanence of the divine in nature, personal responsibility, ethical behavior, and the practice of rituals and celebrations. It is a religion that promotes harmony, balance, and reverence for the natural world..
Reviews for "Wiccan Rituals: Casting Circles and Calling the Quarters"
1. John - 2 stars
I found "Definition of the Wiccan Religious System" to be rather confusing and poorly organized. The author seemed to jump from one topic to another without any clear structure, making it difficult to follow along. Additionally, I felt that the information provided was quite basic and didn't offer much depth or insight into the Wiccan religious system. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others looking for a comprehensive understanding of Wicca.
2. Sarah - 1 star
"Definition of the Wiccan Religious System" was a letdown for me. The writing style was overly academic and dry, making it hard to stay engaged. I was hoping for a more accessible and engaging read, but instead, I found myself feeling bored and uninterested in the content. It lacked the personal stories and experiences that I was expecting, and instead, it felt like a textbook description of the Wiccan religious system. I don't think this book would appeal to those looking for an introduction to Wicca.
3. Michael - 2 stars
I was excited to dive into "Definition of the Wiccan Religious System," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The author seemed to make assumptions about the reader's prior knowledge of Wicca, which left me feeling lost and confused at times. The lack of clear explanations and definitions made it difficult for me to grasp the concepts being discussed. I was hoping for a more beginner-friendly guide, but this book seemed to cater to a more advanced audience. Overall, I was left unsatisfied with this book and would recommend seeking out other resources for a better understanding of Wicca.
4. Emily - 2.5 stars
While "Definition of the Wiccan Religious System" provided some useful information, I found it to be quite lacking in depth. The book seemed to only scratch the surface of the Wiccan religious system and failed to go into detail about certain aspects that I was particularly interested in. Additionally, I found the writing style to be dry and monotonous, making it difficult to stay engaged with the content. Overall, I believe there are better books out there for those looking to explore the Wiccan religious system with more depth and a more engaging writing style.