Wicca FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Wicca
This FAQ about Wicca was compiled and written by
rain@user2.teleport.com (Rain of Teleport) with numerous contributions
by others.
Hear ye the words of the Star Goddess; she in the dust of whose feet are
the hosts of heaven, and whose body encircles the universe:
"I who am the beauty of the green earth, and the white moon among the
stars, and the mystery of the waters, call unto thy soul: Arise, and
come unto me. For I am the soul of nature, who gives life to the
universe. From Me all things proceed, and unto Me all things must
return; and before My face, beloved of gods and of men, let thine
innermost divine self be enfolded in the rapture of the infinite. Let
My worship be within the heart that rejoices; for behold, all acts of love
and pleasure are My rituals. And therefore let there be beauty and
strength, power and compassion, honor and humility, mirth and reverence
within you. And thou who thinkest to seek Me, know that thy seeking and
yearning shall avail thee not unless thou knowest the Mystery: that if
that which thou seekest thou findest not within thee, thou wilt never find
it without. For behold, I have been with thee from the beginning; and I
am that which is attained at the end of desire."
- from Doreen Valiente's "Charge of the Goddess"
This list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is designed as an
introduction to Wicca and to this newsgroup as well as a reference for
those investigating the religion of Wicca for the first time.
This FAQ was first composed in March 1995 as a composite of three drafts
by different authors: Lleu (wizard@bga.com), fireyes@computel.com and
Rain@teleport.com. Thanks to Lorax (tyagi nagasiva), Ounce, Karen, Janice
Barlow, Anthony Thompson, Daniel Cohen, Balachandra, Bruce Jones and C.M.
Joserlin ("Raven") for their helpful and thoughtful comments at various
stages of this project. Their views have enriched it greatly.
1.1 What is this group for?- Established in December 1994, alt.religion.wicca is a ...
1.2 What is Wicca and how is it related to Paganism?- Wicca is the name of a contemporary Neo-Pagan religion, ...
2.1 What are some common, basic beliefs in Wicca?- In addition to its positive view of nature, many find Wicca ...
2.2 What god(desse)s do Wiccans worship?- Although some Wiccans focus on particular gods from particular ...
2.3 What tools and rituals do you use?- Some ritual items are common to almost every Wiccan tradition, ...
2.4 Is there a set liturgy or liturgical calendar?- Most Wiccans mark eight holiday sabbats in the wheel of the year,...
2.5 What is basic Wiccan thealogy?- Some myths and associations are common to many Wiccan traditions,...
2.6 What are Wiccan ethics, the "Wiccan Rede" and "three-fold law?"- Wiccan ethics are seldom codified in a legalistic way, but may ...
3.1 Can I be a Christian/ Jew/ Muslim/ Buddhist/ Taoist/ Astrologer/ Druid/ Shaman/ omnivore/ whatever and a Wiccan?- Since much of Wicca is more worldview and ceremonial practice ...
3.2 What are "dedication" and "initiation" in Wicca?- These things mean different things in different traditions. ...
3.3 Do all Wiccans practice magic/k?- That depends on what one means by magic. The occultist ...
3.4 Is Wicca the same thing as witchcraft?- The short answer is no. Many cultures have a negative word ...
3.5 What were "the Burning Times?"- The Burning Times is the term used by many modern Neo-Pagans ...
3.6 What are the origins of Wicca?- This is a matter of some debate within Wiccan circles. Some ...
3.7 What are the major traditions in Wicca and where do they come from?- Aidan Kelly argues that all of Wicca derives from Gerald Gardner,...
3.8 What is the "Book of Shadows?" Where do I get one?- The Book of Shadows (or BoS) is sort of a customized reference ...
3.9 What is a coven and how do I join one?- The coven is the basic, cellular congregation for some Wiccans, but ...
3.10 How do I witness about Jesus Christ to a Wiccan?- First of all, please don't do it here. Alt.religion.wicca ...
3.11 How do I learn more about Wicca?- Sticking around and reading this group is one way, as are books and ...
4.1 Introductory Books on Wicca- Margot ADLER, _Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-...
4.2 Other Wicca Usenet Newsgroups that may be of interest- alt.pagan soc.religion.paganism alt.religion.shamanism ...
4.3 Wiccan/Neo-Pagan Umbrella Organizations- Covenant of the Goddess, PO Box 1226, Berkeley CA 94704, United States....
4.4 Established Wiccan/Neo-Pagan Periodicals- Green Egg, PO Box 1542, Ukiah CA 95482-1542, United States....
4.5 Other Paganism Internet Resources- Other resource lists are posted to this group from time to time,...