| Wicca is the art, science and neo-pagan religion of Witchcraft. Some people ask "What is the difference between a Wiccan and a Witch?" Many Witches prefer to call themselves Wiccans because the words "Wicca" and "Wiccan" do not carry the negative stereotypes that are associated with the words "Witch" and "Witchcraft". Those of us (myself included) who prefer to be called a "Witch" do so as an act of reclaiming that word, of restoring it to it's proper place, and dispelling the inaccurate "evil" connotations placed upon it by the Church in the Middle Ages. "Wicca" is a relatively new term coined for use by those who wish to avoid the word "Witch" and said connotations. Be aware that most people who prefer the term "Witch" do not consider themselves "Wiccan". As I said, I prefer the term "Witch", however I use both words interchangeably. So... there IS a difference, even if subtle.
Most Wiccans believe in the existence of both female and male energies in the Divine --- usually referred to as the Goddess and the God, or the Lord and the Lady (though in some Traditions, exclusively the Goddess is revered, but never exclusively the God). Some of the other major beliefs include reincarnation, karma, a reverence for Nature, and the Threefold Law of Return. Lastly - but most highly regarded is our only "law" or "commandment" that we all follow as closely as possible, to the best of our ability. That one belief is commonly referred to as the Wiccan Rede: the Wiccan Rede:"An it harm none, do as thou wilt." Basically what this means is that Wiccans believe that all people have the right to choose their own spiritual path and live their life as they see fit, as long as their choices do not bring harm or injury of any kind to another or to themselves. We do not believe in the concept of "sin" as many other faiths do. We do not consider any act, committed between consenting adults where no harm is being done, to be "sinful" or wrong. We believe in complete honor for our Mother Earth and loving and respecting all people.
In addition, to clear up one major misconception, Witches are not Satanists. Satan is part of the Judeo/Christian mythos and has no role in our faith. Witches do not believe in the existence of Satan, therefore we can not worship something we do not acknowledge as existent. As far as what happens after death, we do not believe in heaven, nor in hell. Most Witches believe in reincarnation, as well as a place we call Summerland, which is similar to Catholicism's purgatory.
More often than not, when Wiccans/Witches get together to celebrate (or plan to celebrate alone), a protective Magick Circle is cast - utilizing the Powers That Be - those of Nature, including Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit. One of the symbols of our beliefs is the five pointed star within a circle, known as the Pentagram. The five points on the Witches' Pentagram or Pentacle are each associated with one of these Elements. The left middle point is associated with the element of Air, the bottom left represents Earth, bottom right is associated with Fire, middle right is for Water, and the uppermost top point is represented by Spirit which encompasses all five when the circle is drawn around the five-pointed star. There are even special sigils/symbols assigned to represent the four major forces of Nature, and Spirit, as I have shown below. There are also colors, attributes, and one of the cardinal directions for the four main elements, as well as for Spirit
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