Wicca (WICK-AH, WEECH-AH, or WEEK-AH)
The Anglo-Saxon term for witchcraft popularized by Pagan writers since the 1950's. The term usually refers to an Anglo-Celtic practice, particularly as interpreted by Wiccan leader Gerald Gardner. Wicca is an Anglo-Saxon word meaning "wise one," a term which came to label the craft as it was practiced in England, Wales, and the continental region once known as Saxony. Many good books have been written about Wicca and are easily found. Look for authors such as Raymond Buckland, Scott Cunningham, Dion Fortune, Diane Stein, and Doreen Valiente for solid, ethical presentations
What Is A Wizard?
(Anglo-Saxon) Includes both sexes; One who is born with naturally given talents, energies and great knowledge of Magikal practices. One who adheres to the pagan traditions. A wizard usually acts alone and is sometimes considered to be a semi-divine authority. Merlin would be a good example. However, this divine perception is often rejected and most often redirected to the proper deities by the wizard himself/herself.
Everyone is born with gifts and talents, however, a wizard is born with an inner instinct toward magikal practices. That person still has to make the 'choice' to use those gifts on the pagan path. A witch or wizard is making a choice to follow the principles and beliefs of the pagan path and exercise their given talents. They are not born with an all knowing wisdom. Just like everyone else; they have learning to do and wisdom to achieve.
What Is A Warlock?
(Scottish, Anglo-Saxon) Meaning 'Oath Breaker':
An ancient term often misused for a male witch. It is a term used in early paganism to represent a worker of evil. Loosely translated it means "liar" or "Oath Breaker". It is often offensive to most modern male witches.
(Norse) Meaning 'Wise Man' or 'Wise Wizard':
The Norse derivation derives from 'vardlokkur' which meant a man with the power of binding spirits using runes, calls and knot-magic. It was also used as the label for the Gate Keepers or Guardians who protected spiritual knowledge and wisdom. In Norse traditions, this label is still accepted and used today.
What is a Coven?
Many people practice within a group of like minded Practitioners . Often these groups follow the same tradition. These are called Covens, Clans, Groves and a few other labels. Click here to learn more about a Coven, Grove and Alike.
What is a Solitaire?
Not everyone who practices the religion of Witchcraft does so within a group. Whither by choice or because they have not located others in their area to form a group. People who practice alone, and walk on their own traditional path are called Solitaires.
What are Christo Pagans?
Christo Pagans is a relatively new designation for Pagans who have successfully merged the religious doctrines of Witchcraft and Christianity. They are also called Christan Wiccans in some sects.
Yes it is possible to merge these two religions together. Typically, these people believe in the teachings of the Christian Bible, but they stop short of believing that Jesus was a savior who died for their sins. Just as a pagan may chose a set of deities to honor (ie: the God, the Goddess, the Godhead), Christian Wiccans do the same thing. They see the God as Jesus, the Goddess as Mary, and the Godhead or Holy Trinity as Jehovah.
Don't confuse Christian Wiccans with Christian Witches. They're not the same thing. Witch is a label that is used in any religion to designate a person who practices the craft of magik, or the science of energy manipulation. Witches exist in all religions, including Christianity.
