Meaning of Wicca (What is it, Concept and Definition)

Meaning of Wicca

What is Wicca:

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

The Wicca religion is related to white witchcraft practices and many tenets of ancient polytheistic religions. Therefore, monotheistic religions often link it with satanic practices. However, the figure of Satan is not part of the mythological imagery of Wicca.

The Wicca 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, as it accepts the existence of two gods: a female goddess known as the Moon Goddess or Triple Goddess, and a male god known as the "horned god".

The Moon Goddess or Triple Goddess represents the maiden, the mother, and the old woman. In turn, these symbolize the phases of the moon and the government of heaven, underworld, and Earth.

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

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

1. Traditional British Wicca abides strictly by the guidelines of Gardner and Valiente.
2. Eclectic Wicca, which 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 revolves around the following principles:

1. Nature is an object of worship. For Wiccans, nature is an object of worship, unlike monotheistic religions that worship the creator entity. As all the elements of reality are considered divine, they do not conceive of a separation between the divine and nature. Even in Wicca, it is presumed that each person houses the divinity within himself.
2. They believe in the Triple Law. Wiccans believe that everything that is done returns to the person tripled. Therefore, they do not use their magical rituals to do harm. The principle is summarized in: everything that does not harm the other is lawful and allowed. Therefore,
3. Truth and morality are relative concepts. This also implies that the contribution of each participant must be valued.
4. 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 rituals and esoteric practices.
5. They recognize equality between women and men. In this sense, they believe in duality and balance.
6. Organizational hierarchies are not recognized. For this reason, the Wicca ritual is celebrated in a circle.
7. The main celebration is known by the name of the coven, sabbat, or coven, generic names that designate the meeting of sorcerers.

 

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