Meaning of wicca (what is it, concept and definition)

What is Wicca:

The term wicca designates a Neopagan religion that had its origin in the first half of the 20th century in England. Its name is related to the modern English term witch , a derivation of the medieval word wicche or wicce , which can mean 'witch' or 'sage'.

The Wiccan religion is related to the practices of white witchcraft and many principles of the ancient polytheistic religions. For this reason, monotheistic religions often link it to satanic practices. However, the figure of Satan is not part of wiccan mythological imagery.

The Wiccan religion was introduced by the British Gerald Gardner in 1954 and continued by Doreen Valiente, who after being a member of a coven formed by Gardner, became a priestess of this religion.

It is a duotheistic religion, since it accepts the existence of two gods: a female goddess known as the Goddess of the Moon or Triple Goddess, and a male god known as "horned god".

The Goddess of the Moon or Triple Goddess represents the maiden, the mother and the old woman. These in turn symbolize the phases of the moon and the rule of heaven, underworld, and Earth.

The horned god synthesizes several ancient mythological figures, such as the Egyptian god Osiris, the Greek demigod Pan or the Roman Faun, among others, all of whom carry horns in their iconography and are linked to nature.

This religion does not have a centralized structure, which has generated a multiplicity of trends. At least two large blocks can be recognized:

1. Traditional British Wicca, which is strictly governed by the Gardner and Valiente guidelines. Eclectic Wicca, emerged from the 70s, where new elements are introduced according to the characteristics of the community. Each variety is named after its inspiring leader.

Basic principles of the wicca religion

Part of the beliefs of the wicca religion revolve around the following principles:

1. Nature is the object of worship. For the Wiccans, nature is the object of worship, unlike the monotheistic religions that worship the creative entity. Since all elements of reality are considered divine, they do not conceive of a separation between the divine and nature. Inclusively, in wicca it is presumed that each person harbors the divinity within himself. They believe in the Triple Law. The Wiccans believe that everything that is done, returns to the person tripled. Therefore, they do not use their magic rituals to deal damage. The principle is summarized in: everything that does not harm the other is lawful and allowed. Therefore, truth and morality are relative concepts. This also implies that the contribution of each participant must be valued. They believe in magic, which they call "magick". They introduce the letter "K" at the end of the word to differentiate it from illusionism. Wiccans believe that they can intervene in the natural order through esoteric rituals and practices. They recognize equality between women and men. In this sense, they believe in duality and balance. Organizational hierarchies are not recognized. For this reason, the wicca ritual is celebrated in a circle.The main celebration is known as the coven, sabbat or coven, generic names that designate the gathering of witches.

See also:

• Witchcraft, religion.