More Misconceptions Concerning Wicca

[Feridust]

I wrote an entry sometime back about common misconceptions concerning Wicca and other earth-based religions/spiritualities. But after recently reading an article on Google news I wanted to bring up this subject again. In this article I read, which was very slanted against Wicca, the author spoke of a radio interview that he’d heard where a man who is Wiccan was talking about the practices of the coven he belonged to. This man said that nearly every week the members of his coven took part in wild orgies, among other things. Either the author of the article misquoted this man or the man was a poor representative of Wicca.

Despite what some people may believe, taking part in orgies is not part of the practice of Wicca. But covens are only as good or ethical as the people who belong to them, so this may happen on rare occasions. But, as I said, it’s not a part of the philosophy or teachings of Wicca. At times, followers of Wicca may take part in certain ceremonies in the nude but this is not something that is sexual in nature. The nudity is referred to as Skyclad and it’s actually a sign of trust and honesty, or it may be symbolic of freedom from oppression.

Some other common misconceptions about Wicca include:

Wicca is a cult

This is not true. The definition of a cult is a group that usually focuses on the fanatical worship of a central figure, hides away from the outside world and lives just with each other in an attempt to remain “uncorrupted”. None of these ways of thinking are taught or ever encouraged in the true practice of Wicca.

The Pentagram is a symbol of Satanism

The pentagram, a five pointed star, is actually a symbol that represents the elements of earth, air, fire and water, with the fifth point representing spirit. People who practice Satanism do use a five pointed star, but it is inverted or upside down and represents something entirely different.

Wicca is anti-Christian

Most people who practice Wicca and other earth-based beliefs are pluralists, meaning they are open-minded of other beliefs and do not believe that there is only one “true” spiritual path to follow. There is no renouncing of Christ during the initiation ceremonies of Wicca and there is no hostile crusade against Christianity that goes on. Do some who practice Wicca and other earth-based beliefs have hard feelings towards Christians? Sure, there are some who feel this way. But those feelings are justifiable when you take into consideration the fact that some fanatical Christians tend to treat Wiccans, Witches and other Pagans in a hostile and cruel manner.

I also want to add a few other misconceptions that some people, even some misinformed Wiccans, claim about this spiritual practice.

Wicca is an ancient religion

I guess you could say yes and no. Gerald Gardner first introduced Wicca in the early 1950’s. It is considered a Neo-Pagan belief, although Gardner was inspired by various ancient spiritual practices used in Norse, Greek, Roman and Egyptian cultures.


Wicca is a Celtic based spirituality

This is a very big misconception shared by some Wiccans and non-Wiccans alike. There are modern-day Celtic spiritual beliefs such as Celtic Reconstructionism and Druidism that are practiced around the world and these practices are distinctly different than Wicca, although some people erroneously claim otherwise. For instance, Celtic holy numbers tend to come in threes and they do not recognize the concept of the four elements (earth, air, fire and water). Celtic Paganism also does not recognize the duotheism of God/Goddess but are instead polytheist. Celtic Paganism also does not recognize view the world in masculine/feminine polarities the way Wiccans do.

Wicca is a Shamanic practice

Wicca and Shamanism are two completely different spiritual practices. There are people who call themselves Shamanic Wiccans and I suppose if they want to call themselves this there’s no real harm. But I’m kind of a stickler about this, so bear with me. The word Shaman originated among the natives of Siberia, where it describes a specialized holy person. Today, there are Shamans in various cultures outside of Siberia and these people are highly trained specialists and masters of ecstatic trance journeys as a way to assist the community they are associated with. While we’re on this subject, Shamanism is often mistakenly attached to Native American beliefs and this is something that American Indians often find offensive. A shaman is not the same as a Medicine Man and Shamanism is not a Native American religion.

There are misconceptions that can be spread about any spiritual or religious belief. But before jumping to conclusions about any belief, it’s always important to ask questions and to learn from credible sources.

[Joenjohnsmom]

Mar. 10, 2008 at 3:46 PM Lol, I'm glad you wrote that so many people think that pagans are satan-worshippers and run around in black with spikes and chains! stupid stereo-types.

[lauchremi]

Mar. 10, 2008 at 3:48 PM Yes.... however, you must tell others that Wiccans participate in what the non-pagan would call demonic activities... seeing as you delve into witchcraft, summon spirits, use tarot cards, and have your own spirits that often affect those that are closest to you in ways that are at times almost tormentuous - i.e. nightmares, etc. 

[Feridust]

Mar. 10, 2008 at 4:07 PM lauchremi, no ethical Wiccan or follower of an earth-based religion would purposely cause harm to another person; it's not part of their philosophy.  This is why it's so important to learn the facts before jumping to the conclusion that Wicca or any Pagan belief practices "demonic activities."

(Original Poster)

[Triessence]

Mar. 10, 2008 at 4:32 PM

lauchremi Mar. 10, 2008 at 3:48 PM Yes.... however, you must tell others that Wiccans participate in what the non-pagan would call demonic activities... seeing as you delve into witchcraft, summon spirits, use tarot cards, and have your own spirits that often affect those that are closest to you in ways that are at times almost tormentuous - i.e. nightmares, etc.

I've only seen that portrayed in movies--i.e. nightmares, etc.  I've never known any wiccan to do that!  (And I know many.)

Interestingly enough, I was pondering writing a post about earth based religions vs. biblical based religions and seeing if anyone could tell the difference.  Let's see: The spirit of Creation moves in the water, the air, the earth and fire...that's biblical.  Take care of the earth and it's inhabitants.  (it was the very first duty, God gave man in the Bible.)  The spirit of the rocks and trees will praise Creation (psalms)  celebrate harvest time, new moons  (that's biblical as well)

There is more that makes mankind One than that which divides us.  Only misconceptions and false perceptions divide...the desire to make others wrong and separate from us only achieves that: it makes us separate.  Peace is about oneness.  About connectedness in Spirit.  : )

Feridust, I'm glad you're posting facts to educate truthfully.  : ) 

 

[Beadermom73]

Mar. 10, 2008 at 6:51 PM Feri - great post, thanks!  I hope this will continue to clear up misconceptions!

[krisr169]

Mar. 11, 2008 at 4:30 AM

Hah!  That, my dear, is why so many non-Pagan religions are losing all respect in the world!  lauchremi , those are your demons, not ours.

Great stuff B!  I'll admit I benefited from the Celtic bit, thanks!

[sherriet]

Mar. 11, 2008 at 8:45 AM Great post!