Wicca and Satanism are two distinct belief systems, often confused or misunderstood due to their association with magic and the occult. While both involve rituals and incorporate elements of paganism, their ideologies are fundamentally different. Wicca, also known as modern witchcraft, is a nature-based religion that worships a goddess and god or a dual deity. Wiccans believe in the celebration of nature, the cycles of the seasons, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. They adhere to the Wiccan Rede, which promotes harm to none, and follow the Threefold Law, which states that whatever energy one puts out into the world will return threefold. Satanism, on the other hand, is a religion or philosophy that emphasizes individualism and rationalism.
The park included a small museum containing props from the film, some of which were co-owned by the Hollywood star and renowned collector Debbie Reynolds.
Actress Billie Burke, who played Glinda the Good Witch, holding the wand in a portrait she comissioned from MGM studio photographer Clarence Sinclair Bull Image Bonhams. Although the wand never appeared in the finished film, it is the only surviving example created for the production by the renowned costume designer Gilbert Adrian.
Satanism, on the other hand, is a religion or philosophy that emphasizes individualism and rationalism. While there are different branches of Satanism, the most well-known is LaVeyan Satanism, founded by Anton LaVey in the 1960s. LaVeyan Satanists do not believe in Satan as a literal being but rather use Satan as a symbol of rebellion and spiritual independence.
Glinda the Good Witch’s Wizard of Oz wand to auction at Bonhams
A wand made for Glinda the Good Witch in the classic film The Wizard of Oz will lead a movie memorabilia auction at Bonhams next month.
The wand will cross the block in Los Angeles as part of an auction celebrating Hollywood memorabilia from its “greatest year” of 1939.
Although the wand never appeared in the finished film, it is the only surviving example created for the production by the renowned costume designer Gilbert Adrian.
It was originally made for Billie Burke, who played Glinda the Good Witch of the North, and was likely used in behind-the-scenes wardrobe tests.
But when it came to filming, the use of new Technicolor film meant the production team had to re-think their designs (most notably by changing the colour of Dorothy’s slippers from silver to red).
The test wand was made using clear Rhinestones, which didn’t show up well in Technicolor, and it was eventually replaced with a multicolored version in the filnal film. (Image: Bonhams)
The prop department had originally created a silver wand using clear rhinestones, but when it appeared on-screen in glorious Technicolor it seemed to lose its sparkle.
To stand out against the vibrant background of Oz, a new wand was created for Glinda using a variety of multicoloured stones, and it was this design which ultimately appeared on-screen.
It might not have made it into the finished film, but the silver wand did appear in a portrait photo of Billie Burke in her famous costume, which the actress commissioned herself to celebrate her role in the movie.
Burke then returned it to the MGM prop department, and there it remained tucked away for the next three decades.
Then, like almost every iconic prop and costume from the film, the silver test wand was sold off in 1970 at MGM Studio’s now-legendary clearance auction.
Actress Billie Burke, who played Glinda the Good Witch, holding the wand in a portrait she comissioned from MGM studio photographer Clarence Sinclair Bull (Image: Bonhams)
Two multicoloured, screen-used Wizard of Oz wands were also sold during the auction, and became exhibits at a newly-opened North Carolina theme park called The Land of Oz.
The park included a small museum containing props from the film, some of which were co-owned by the Hollywood star and renowned collector Debbie Reynolds.
However, in 1975 a mysterious fire swept through the park, destroying the Emerald City gift shop and Amphitheater, and during the chaos the museum was looted.
A ‘Dorothy’ dress worn by Judy Garland was stolen, and the two wands are thought to have perished in the fire – leaving the present silver test wand as the only surviving example made for the film.
Following the MGM auction the silver wand spent the next 47 years in the same owner’s private collection, before being sold to the present consignor in 2017.
Back in 1970, only a handful of collectors (and apparently no MGM studio executives) placed any value on props from the Golden Age of Hollywood
But today they are highly prized, and items from The Wizard of Oz are amongst the most sought-after and valuable of all.
Notable sales in recent years have included a Dorothy dress worn by Judy Garland which sold in 2015 for $1.56 million; the Cowardly Lion costume worn by Burt Lahr which sold in 2014 for $3.1 million; a handwritten first-draft copy of the screenplay, which sold in 2018 for $1.28 million; and the hat worn by Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch of the West, which sold in 2010 for $200,000.
Although Bonhams hasn’t revealed the wand’s pre-sale estimate, experts believe it could easily fetch a six-figure sum, and sprinkle a little Hollywood magic on whoever owns it next.
‘TCM Presents…1939: Hollywood’s Greatest Year’ takes place at Bonhams in Los Angeles on December 10.
Two multicoloured, screen-used Wizard of Oz wands were also sold during the auction, and became exhibits at a newly-opened North Carolina theme park called The Land of Oz.
They advocate for self-empowerment, indulgence, and the pursuit of personal desires. Despite some similarities in their use of magic and rituals, Wicca and Satanism have contrasting moral frameworks. Wicca emphasizes the balance of nature, respect for all life, and the practice of magic for positive purposes. Satanism, particularly LaVeyan Satanism, is more focused on individualism, the rejection of societal norms, and the pursuit of personal gratification. It is important to note that both Wicca and Satanism have faced significant misconceptions and stigmatization throughout history. Many misunderstandings arise from the misinterpretation of symbols, rituals, and beliefs. Both traditions, like any religious or spiritual system, vary among individuals and groups, making it crucial to approach them with an open mind and a willingness to understand their unique perspectives..
Reviews for "Wicca vs. Satanism: Understanding the Role of Deities"
1. Sarah - 1 star - I recently read "Wicca vs Satanism" and found it to be extremely disappointing. The characters were flat and uninteresting, and the storyline felt forced and predictable. The author's attempt to pit Wiccans against Satanists seemed contrived and lacked depth. Moreover, the writing style was choppy and inconsistent, making it difficult to follow the narrative. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and well-executed story.
2. Michael - 2 stars - I was eagerly anticipating "Wicca vs Satanism" as I am interested in exploring different belief systems, but unfortunately, I was left unsatisfied. The portrayal of both Wicca and Satanism felt stereotypical and lacked nuance. The dialogue was stilted, and the characters lacked depth and development. The pacing was also off, and certain scenes felt rushed while others dragged on unnecessarily. While the idea was intriguing, the execution fell flat, and I would suggest looking for other resources to learn about Wicca and Satanism instead.
3. Jennifer - 1 star - I had high hopes for "Wicca vs Satanism," but it turned out to be a poorly written and shallow book. The author seemed more focused on sensationalism than providing an accurate representation of Wicca and Satanism. The characters were one-dimensional, and their motivations were unclear. The plot lacked coherence and failed to engage me as a reader. The constant attempts to create conflict between Wicca and Satanism felt forced and superficial. Overall, I was extremely disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to anyone interested in exploring these belief systems.