TRUE FACTS ABOUT THE WICCA RELIGION [ WITCHCRAFT]

[JEM]

WHAT IS WICCA? [ or WITCHCRAFT ]

//////////////////////////////

Wicca is an eclectic religious belief system centering around gods, goddesses, and nature worship. 

Gary Cantrell, a well-known Wiccan author says Wicca is based on "harmony with nature and all aspects of the god and goddess divinity."

1 Wiccan practice involves the manipulation of nature through various rituals in attempts to gain power, prestige, love, or whatever else a Wiccan wants.  It uses symbols in its ceremonies and follows the calendar in reference to Wiccan festivals. 

Its roots are in ancient agrarian Celtic Society.  It is considered Neo-Pagan (based on old European and pre-Christian belief systems). 

Wicca does not have a structure of clergy and/or congregations.  But it does have priests and priestesses which are in leadership positions within covens that have witches.  The varying traditions of Wicca have different requirements for attaining the level of priest and priestess.  Some of the more common varieties of Wicca are 1734, Alexandrian, Celtic, Dianic, Dicordian, Eclectic, Gardnerian, and Georgian.  Wicca is even recognized as a religion in the military.

One of the most common aspects of working theology is the teaching of reincarnation and karma. The purpose of reincarnation is to learn lessons through the various lives. “This process of reincarnation is repeated for numerous lifetimes until a development of the Spirit is reached where the Spirit can truly merge with the male and female balanced creator/creatrix entity. We are returned to the God and to the Goddess.”[Ibid., p. 27.] Karma is the law of cause and effect that "does not punish nor reward.  It is allegedly simply a universal law that reacts to causation until disharmony is illuminated.

2 Wicca does not claim to be the only way but says that all spiritual traditions and paths are valid to those who practice them

3  It accepts "the fact that all life is sacred, including plant, animal, and human."

4 Generally, Wiccans do not believe in the existence of a devil (they are not Satan worshippers).  They have no orgies or public displays of sexuality in their rituals (though some Wiccan traditions practice nudity and sexuality not open to the public), no bestiality, and no blood sacrifices.  They do not practice spells with the intention to harm people.  They deny that there are moral absolutes, believe that nature is divine, and seek to be in harmony with the earth/nature.
Is it recognized as a religion by the government?  Absolutely.
"Wicca is a bona fide religion, Mr. Barr. It has been recognized by the courts, and legal Wiccan clergy can be found in every state in the United States. We have chaplains in many American and Canadian prisons. Our guiding principle, the Wiccan Rede, admonishes us to harm none."

5 THE WICCAN REDE AND THE THREEFOLD LAW

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

There are two basic codes by which the Wiccans live.  First is the Wiccan Rede which states, "An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will".  This means that a Wiccan is free to use his or her magic as long as it doesn't harm anyone.  The second is the Threefold Law which says that all the good you do will return to you threefold in this life.  Likewise, all the harm you do will return to threefold as well.

The God and Goddess  There is an ultimate life force called "The One," or "The All" from which the male and female aspects of life emerged, i.e., the god and goddess. The Divine, god or goddess, depending on to whom you are talking, can have different names.  There can even be references to different gods from other theological systems: Hinduism, Egyptian, Buddhism, ancient Greece, Sumerian, Christian, etc.  In Wicca it doesn’t really matter what name is given to a person’s concept of God as long as you have one, or two, or more.

One Wiccan might consider God to be self-aware, another may not.  It all depends on the angle that an individual Wiccan takes in his or her theological construction of what best works.  It is a religion of self-design.  In Wiccan theology, because god can show different characteristics in different ways to different people, Wiccans can have different and even contradictory conceptions of God.  This is not a problem to them because they maintain that it is only the limited aspects of individual perceptions of god that appear contradictory.

“as Wiccans, we acknowledge and worshipped the old gods and goddesses in the form both pleasing to Them and meaningful to us…”

6 WHY IS WICCA ATTRACTIVE?

////////////////////////////////////

Wicca is attractive for many people who do not desire or appreciate absolute truths. In Wicca, a person is free to discover his or her own "path."  In other words, he or she is free to invent a religious system that suits his or her desires.

“If you are just beginning a study of paganism, you may need to evaluate many different traditions or paths before finding the one for which you are looking. Your chosen path in the old religion must be one that is uniquely suited to you as an individual and one that lets you speak to the Lord and Lady in your own fashion.”7

It should be obvious that Wicca is a religion of personal preference. In other words, you are free to invent, devise, and develop a religion that suits your personal wants and interests. Furthermore, in Wicca you may attempt to manipulate your surroundings and other individuals through spells and incantations.  This combination of developing a religion that suits your personal preferences and trying to influence others is very appealing to a lot of people.

Cantrell, Gary, Wiccan Beliefs and Practices, St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 2004, p. 20.

2.Grimassi, Raven, Encyclopedia of Wicca & Witchraft, St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 2003, p. 240
.

3.Cantrell, p. 9.

4.Drew, A. J., A Wiccan Bible: Exploring the Mysteries of the Craft from Birth to Summerland, Franklin Lakes, NJ: New Page Books, 2003, p. 32.

5."An Illogical Leap," The Washington Times, May 19, 2004, p. A16.

6.Cantrell, p. 18.

7.Ibid., p. 13.


IF YOU'RE A WICCAN, PLEASE READ THIS

//////////////////////////////////////////////////

If you are a Wiccan, thank you for reading this article. We at CARM want you to understand that we do not hold animosity towards you.  We are not afraid of Wicca, of the spells or the incantations, have not been wronged by any Wiccans, and we do not believe that you purposefully worship Satan. We understand that you seek to develop a personal and valid path with "The All" as you perceive it and that you seek to use the energies and balance of nature to achieve harmony, purpose, and influence.

Though we recognize that there may be some who claim to be Christians who are very bigoted, harsh, unloving, and even violent (in the past), we want you to know that this is not the teaching of Christ. Just because some people say they are Christians and then behave badly, it does not mean they are true believers in Christianity. Nevertheless, it is out of concern for your spiritual destiny that we write about Wicca.  Our desire is to help you.

Christians derive their spiritual authority and doctrine from the Word of God.1 According to the Bible, there are demonic forces as well as angelic ones. THE REASON THE BIBLE FORBIDS WITCHCRAFT IS BECAUSE THE POWER THAT COMES THROUGH THE INCANTATIONS AND SPELLS ARE DERIVED FROM DEMONIC FORCES, NOT FROM GOD. THESE FORCES ARE MANIFESTED THROUGH PEOPLE WHO CONTRADICT GOD'S TEACHING AND OPEN THEMSELVES UP TO THEIR DARK AND DECEPTIVE INFLUENCE. NOW, BEFORE YOU DISMISS THIS OUTRIGHT, PLEASE BEAR WITH US A LITTLE BIT LONGER.

How do you know that what you are contacting is good or bad? What standard do you have by which you can judge whether or not the results you are getting are from the God and Goddess or are instead from some demonic forces that impersonate various deities in order to deceive you?


If you answer that it is because good things come as a result of your efforts, so what?  The demonic forces are not dumb and can easily get people to believe that what they are doing is good all the while deceiving them into continuing with their occult practices.

If you dismiss this line of questioning, that is your privilege. But, the questions are valid questions that ought to be answered. We are all open to being tricked and none of us wants to be made a fool. Since eternity is a long time to be wrong, it is all the more important that we try and establish some way of verifying what is occurring in the spiritual realm and that what you contact is not a harmful force masquerading as something good.

At this point, we appeal to Jesus. T1.he Bible is a collection of 66 books written by about 40 different people. It claims to be inspired and it points to the person of Jesus. Jesus claimed to be God in flesh (John 8:58 with Exodus 3:14. He fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies, performed many miracles, raised people from the dead, died on the cross, and rose from the dead himself (1 Cor. 15:1-4). This means that what he says takes on incredible significance. If he said that there are demonic forces that trick people, then it is true. If he says not to get involved with séances, necromancy, divination, spells, etc., then we shouldn't.



But, you might say that the Bible has been corrupted. No, it has not been corrupted. The New Testament documents are more than 99.6% textually pure. In other words, they are incredibly well preserved and transmitted to us. Scholars translate the original documents into English and this is how we get our English Bibles.


Even though you may discredit the historical and theological accuracy of the Bible, it does not mean the Bible is not true. This is why you must continue to ask yourself what is it that you are contacting? How do you know that the theology of Wicca is true? How do you know there are not demonic elements that work through your occult practices?

Just because you can get results from spells and incantations, it does not mean that it is good. The Bible tells us that the devil can go around and deceive people, making them believe that what they're doing is right when it is not. Therefore, we must be very careful.  But, you might respond that you don't believe in the Devil.  Okay, but Jesus did!


The safest bet is to trust Jesus who has been to the other side and come back. The safest bet is to trust the Lord Jesus who died, was buried, and rose from the dead. He has authenticated the Old Testament Scriptures as being true and he appointed the apostles who wrote the New Testament. Therefore, the Bible as a whole is validated by Jesus and the Bible clearly states that mediums, channeling, séances, witchcraft, spells, and divination can only result in being deceived.


DARKNESS

////////////


Finally, there is one last comment. The further you get into Wicca, the further you will move into darkness. The further you move into darkness, the more hostile you may become to Christianity, the idea of the cross and its sacrifice, etc.  Oftentimes those who are involved in occult practices develop an attraction for dark things, the nighttime, skulls, various forms of rebellion, dark clothing, and a desire for power. These things are the fingerprints of the enemy that gradually overtake a person involved in occult practices.  Have you been touched by the enemy?  Do you desire these things?  If so, have you been touched by the darkness?


THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JESUS
/////////////////////////////////////////

The goTHspel is Greek for "good news." But, why is it good news? In the Bible we learn that God is absolute and never changing. This means that he cannot improve in his Majesty, glory, and wonder. Because he is absolute and unchanging, the standards of holiness and perfection are also absolute. Since God is not self-contradictory.  He cannot lie, steal, or bear false witness. He is perfect. Therefore, the standard of righteousness is also perfect. For example, lying is wrong because it is against God's holy and absolute perfection. Anyone who lies, as an example, has offended an infinitely holy God. The consequence is judgement.

This judgement is necessary because if God did not punish those who broke his law, then he is not dealing with the problem of sin and rebellion. If he does not deal with it, then he is approving of it since he is letting it go unpunished.  This is wrong.  Therefore, all sin must be dealt with.


Because all of us have sinned, all of us have either lied, or stolen, etc., we have all done something against the true God.  That is why there is a natural and proper judgement abiding upon all of us. That is the bad news.

The good news is that Jesus, who is God in flesh, lived the righteous law of God perfectly. He never sinned. When Jesus was nailed to the cross, our sins were "put upon him". In other words, they were given to him and he died with them (1 Pet. 2:24; 2 Cor. 5:21). He did what we could not do. He was able to fulfil the perfect law of God where we could not.


The good news is that if you trust what Christ has done on the cross for our deliverance from God's righteous judgement, then you can escape the judgement and enjoy eternal fellowship with God. There is no reincarnation. There is no karma. There is no Summerland. There is only eternity, and eternity is a long time to be wrong.


Isn't it best to trust the one who claimed to be divine, proved his divinity, performed miraculous deeds, and rose from the dead rather than trusting spells and incantations whose source cannot be verified?

Jesus does not lie. Please trust in him and ask Jesus to forgive your sins and to show you the true path. After all, Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father but by me," (John 14:6). If Jesus is the way just as he said he was, then he is THE only truth path


BELIEFS IN WICCA
///////////////////////

The following list of affirmations and denials are held by most Wiccans.  But because there are differences among Wiccan traditions, not every we can will affirm or deny every statement listed here.  Nevertheless, the list is accepted by almost all Wiccans:

1.Affirms

1.The existence of a supreme divine power known as "The One," or "The All."

2."The All" is not separate from the universe, but part of it.

3.That from "The All" came the god and goddess.

4.That the god and goddess are manifested in various forms in the universe.

5.Nature worship and, therefore, environmental concerns are high.

6.Divinity is within.

7.Biological evolution.

8.That there are different and valid paths to finding the truth about God.

9.That all creatures have a life force, a soul.

10.The male and female principles are in balance throughout the universe.

11.The equality of the sexes.

12.That each person has male and female aspects that need to be balanced.

13.Multiple reincarnations.

14.The teaching of karma.

15.The practice of rituals designed to attune Wiccans to the natural life forces.

16.That upon death a person is released back to a place called Summerland.

17.That different paths to spirituality are acceptable as long as they don't hurt anyone.

18.Personal responsibility for ones actions.



2.Denies

1.The concept of Heaven and Hell (Matt. 25:46).

2.The existence of the Devil and the worship of the devil, Lucifer, etc. (Matt. 4:1ff).

3.The existence of absolute evil (Psalm 34:14; 35:10).

4.The inspiration and authority of the Bible (2 Tim. 3:16).

5.A need for salvation (Rom. 3:23).

6.Moral absolutes (Exodus 20).

7.That Jesus is the only way to salvation (John 14:6).

8.The male headship presented by Christianity (Eph. 4:11; Eph. 5).

9.A religious authoritative hierarchy (Eph. 4:11; Eph. 5).

10.The concept that humanity is to subdue the earth (Gen. 1:28).



WICCA TERMS
//////////////////

1.Altar - a surface that has been prepared for the work of doing rituals and magick.

2.Amulet - an object that deflects negative energy. It is usually worn on the person.

3.astral projection - the practice of separating the spirit from the body and having that spirit move around the world.

4.astrology - the study of the stars and how their position affects personality and future events.

5.Athame - a short ceremonial knife, sometimes with a double edged blade. It is used to direct energy during the Wiccan rituals.

6.autumnal equinox - a day of the year in autumn when the night and day are of equal length.

7.Balefire - a fire used for magical purposes, often used in the ceremonies during Yule, Beltane, and Midsummer.
Beltane - a Wiccan festival celebrated on April 30 or May 1.

8.Between the worlds - the concept that a Wiccan Circle, when properly performed, exists between the physical and spiritual dimensions where people may contact other spirits.

9.Blessed be - a phrase used by Wiccans in both greeting and parting.

10.Blood of the moon - the time of a woman's greatest energy, usually during her menstrual cycle.

11.Book of Shadows - a book of rituals and spells. There is no single official Book of Shadows. Each book of shadows is relevant to the person who uses it and develops a set of spells and rituals used for gaining influence and power.

12.Burning Time, the - a time from the 1500s to 1600s where the Catholic church killed many pagans because they practiced older pagan rituals. 

13.candle magick - the use of candles in spells and rituals.

14.Centering - to focus your thoughts and energies.

15.Chakra - a location of energy focus and human body. Typically, there are said to be seven.

16.Chalice - a cup used in rituals that can contain wind, water, or other liquids.

17.Channeling - the practice of allowing another spirit to speak through you.

18.Chanting- the use of repetitious words and or rhymes designed to induce an altered state of consciousness.

19.Charge - to infuse energy into an object.

20.Charm - an object that has been charged with energy.

21.Circle - a group of people, usually Wiccans, who have been gathered to perform a ritual.

22.Cleansing - removing negative energy.

23.Coven - a group of Wiccans. A group of witches, usually numbering 13.

24.Cowen - someone who is not a witch.

25.Craft - another term for Wicca.

26.Crone - one of the three aspects of the goddess. Also, someone who has passed the stage of menopause.

27.Deity - a god or goddess, a particular view about a God or godess held by a Wiccan.

28.Deosil - Clockwise motion.

29.Divination - discovering the unknown by observing and interpreting random patterns are symbols through such tools as clouds, tarot cards, flames, smoke, etc.

30.Dowsing - the use of an object, such as a stick, to find something or someone, and sometimes to find an answer to a question.

31.Drawing down the Moon - a ritual for the invocation of the goddess done at the full moon where energy is drawn into a female witch.

32.Drawing down the Sun - a ritual for the invitation of God where energy is drawn into a male witch.

33.Earth Magick - magic that is centered around the energies of Mother Earth.

34.Earth Power - the natural energy that exists within the earth. Therefore, there is energy within plants, rocks, water, the wind, etc. Wiccans often try and tap into the earth power in their rituals and spells.

35.Elementals - creatures associated with the elements. Gnomes with the earth, Sylphs with the air, Salamanders with Fire, and Undines with Water.

36.Elements, The - the building blocks of the universe are the four elements: Earth, fire, air, and water.

37.Equinox - occurs two times a year on March 21 or Sept. 23 where the day and night are of equal length.

38.Esbat - a Wiccan ritual performed in a coven.

39.Evocation - calling up spirits and/or other non-physical entities.

40.Familiar - an animal that has a bond with a witch.

41.God - The male divine principle: horned God, God of the hunt.

42.Goddess - the female divine principle: Moon Goddess, maiden.

43.Handfasting - a wedding.

44.High Priest/Priestess - a witch who is the leader of a coven, sometimes a person who has received the third degree initiation.

45.Imbolc - a Wiccan festival celebrated on February 2 also known as Candlemas, Feast of the Waxing Light.  It celebrates the arrival of spring.

46.Invocation - a request to a higher power, god or goddess.

47.Lughnasadh - a Wiccan festival celebrated on August 1 which signifies the harvest.

48.Mabon - a Wiccan festival celebrated on September 21st, a celebration of the second harvest and preparation for winter.

49.Magick - a term first used by Aleister Crowley (a Satanist). It refers to any ritual or spell that is designed to bring about a change in a person or the environment. Magick allegedly works within natural laws and cannot violate them.

50.Merry Meet - a phrase used as a greeting.

51.Midsummer - the summer solstice that occurs around June 21. It marks the time when the sun is at the height of its power.

52.Neo Paganism - It is a bit broad in its meaning, but generally it is a group of religions based

53.out of old European and pre-Christian belief systems.

54.New Moon - the phase of the moon when it is entirely dark.

55.Old Religion - another term for Wicca.

56.Ostara - a Wiccan festival of March 21 that celebrates the beginning of spring.

57.Pagan - Generally it refers to those who hold to religious beliefs but are not Jews, Christians, or Muslims. Pagans are often polytheistic and/or pantheistic.

58.Paganing - a ceremony where on infant is presented to the circle and to the God and Goddess.

59.Pentacle - an object used in rituals upon which a pentagram (five pointed star in a circle) is engraved or inscribed.

60.Pentagram - a five pointed star.

61.Path - the particular religious journey that a person is on.

62.Quarters - north, south, east, and West. The four corners of ritual circle.

63.Reincarnation - in Wicca, the teaching that people souls continue on after death, go to a holding place (Summerland) where there lives are contemplated, and the decision into which location and time to be born occurs.

64.Ritual - a Wiccan ceremony where objects and movements are designed to bring about desired effects.

65.Runes - sticklike figures such as symbols that were once carved in rocks, play, candles, which are supposed to have energies that can be used during magick.

66.Sabbat - a Wiccan festival.

67.Samhain - a Wiccan festival celebrated on October 31, Halloween.

68.Scry - to look upon object intensely as in a meditative state and opening oneself up to visions.

69.Skyclad - Wiccan terminology for nudity.

70.Solitary - a Wiccan who practices the craft by him or herself.

71.Spell - a ritual designed to bring about a certain effect.

72.Summerland - A place of peace and paradise that all spirits go after death where they are rejuvenated and reflect upon their previous life before proceeding on to another incarnation.

73.Talisman - A ritually charged object designed to attract a specific energy.

74.Threefold Law - All the good you do will return to you threefold in this life. Likewise, all the harm you do will return to you threefold also.

75.Tradition - a particular type of Wicca that a person practices.

76.Underworld - the spirit realm of the dead.

77.Widdershins - movement that is counterclockwise.

78.Witch - someone who participates in magick, male or female.

79.Witchcraft - the practice of the earth based and pagan religion focusing on nature and its manipulation through rituals.

80.Wicca - A religion derived from ancient Celtic belief systems that focuses on the goddess and nature. It is sometimes referred to as witchcraft.


81.Wiccan Rede - "An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will" This means that as long as you don't harm anyone, you are free to do what you want in Wicca including casting spells.

82.Yule - a Wiccan festival celebrated on December 21 marking the rebirth of the sun god.1

83.1.Cantrell, Gary, Wiccan Beliefs and Practices, St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 2004, p. 35; (2) Drew, A. J., A Wiccan Bible: Exploring the Mysteries of the Craft from Birth to Summerland, Franklin Lakes, NJ: New Page Books, 2003, p. 138-139; and (3) Grimassi, Raven, Encyclopedia of Wicca & Witchraft, St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 2003


HISTORY AND ORIGINS OF WICCA
////////////////////////////////////////

There is no exhaustive or authoritative source that traces Wicca back through ancient times. Wicca is mainly a 20th century manifestation of ancient nature worship systems based out of northern Europe that existed thousands of years ago.

“Wicca is a religion rooted in the mists of Neolithic history… it is basically a fertility and agrarian society. It is a religion of nature worship and the subsequent interaction with nature that is dissented from that practice by the Celtic clans of Western Europe and the indigenous peoples of the British Isles, the builders of such monuments as Stonehenge.”1

“Wicca originated among the Celts and other peoples who lived in the area now known as Great Britain. Wiccans celebrate the Earth and believe all living things have a spirit. They espouse pantheism and claim to see the divine in everyone. Most celebrate monthly rituals, or "esbats," centered on the lunar cycles, and eight annual Wiccan holy days, or "sabbats," centered around the solar cycles, solstices and equinoxes.”2

These pagan oriented nature worship systems filtered down through history in countless ways, but were mainly practiced in secret (and still are today). The secrecy was especially necessary during the European dominance of the Roman Catholic Church.

Basically, these pagan traditions developed out of agrarian societies where the environment had a profound effect upon survival. Those who studied the seasons and the stars sought to predict and understand the influences of the environment upon crops, cattle, rain, etc. and in so doing also desired to be able to influence these factors. It was from the desire to understand and control nature that gave rise to the various pagan and earth based worship systems.  Therefore, we can see when we study ancient European pagan writings, that there are countless deities.

Additionally, an important aspect of nature worship deals with the woman.  It is the woman who was able to give birth to continue the race.  In cultures where offspring were needed to work the land, to hunt, and to care for the elderly, women were, of course, vitally necessary.  Therefore, the female became, in some cultures, mystically endowed with special powers and this mystical endowment was transferred into the various theological pagan worship systems.

At first, there were a great number of cultures located all over the ancient European landscape. Since Europe is a large area and since weather patterns, terrain, water supplies, temperature variations, animal types, etc., varied in those areas, the development of nature worship (Druids, Celts,) also took on aspects that reflected those variables. Therefore, the ancient systems could be polytheistic, monotheistic, feminine focused, masculine focused, ritualistic, calendar based, hunter based, etc.

Because of the multifaceted and buried background, the nature based worship systems were not codified and there is no "official" pagan tradition.  Nevertheless, today's Wicca is based upon these ancient and pagan roots.


THE BURNING TIMES
/////////////////////////

The Burning Times is roughly from the year 1000 to around the 1700s, where countless numbers of witches were killed through the misapplication of biblical texts. Perhaps the most commonly cited biblical verse supporting the killing of witches is found in Exodus 22:18, “You shall not allow a sorceress to live."  The Roman Catholic Church which was in power in the Middle Ages in Europe, was often very oppressive.  Wiccans today often identify themselves with the time of the witch burnings and judge Christianity based upon the atrocities committed by the Roman Catholic Church.  Unfortunately, many Wiccans did not realize that the Roman Catholic Church also persecuted Christians, torturing many of them for not submitting to the authority and rule of Roman Catholicism.  In Christianity, particularly in the Protestant Reformation, we refer to this time as "the Inquisition" which was begun by Pope Innocent VIII in 1484.  The point is that the Roman Catholic Church does not represent Christianity, and its atrocities committed upon both pagans and Christians is not the true representation of Christianity


WICCA TODAY
//////////////////

Aleister Crowley, an evil man involved in the occult, claimed to have channelled a book called "the book of the law."  It focused on a new era of spirituality governed by the Egyptian God Horus.  From this work, Crowley established the first group of modern witches.

It wasn't until recently that Wicca took formation as a loosely based system, mainly from the works of Gerald Gardner who formed the Wiccan tradition known as Gardnerian Wicca.  Through Gardner the idea of the God and goddess were "solidified" and Wicca became a religious movement.

Wicca is now growing: “scholars have estimated that Wicca is the second-fastest-growing religion in the United States (after Islam).”3

Cantrell, Gary, Wiccan Beliefs and Practices, St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 2004, p. 16-17.

2.Billips, Andrea, "What a Wicca Situation!" Insight on the News, Jan. 1, 2001, vol. 17, issue 1, 1051-4880.

3.Billips, Andrea, "What a Wicca Situation!" Insight on the News, Jan. 1, 2001, vol. 17, issue 1, 1051-4880; (2) "Religion Notes," Publishers Weekly, Aug. 28, 2000, vol. 247, issue 35; (3) www.pagangathering.com/historyofwicca.htm



MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT WICCA
////////////////////////////////////////

There are many misconceptions about Wicca. Let me list some of them so that we might more accurately understand what it is.  But please understand that CARM is in no way approving of any of the practices of Wicca.  We are trying to alleviate misconceptions about it since truth (and prayer) are the best weapons against lies.

Wicca is not Satanism. Wiccans do not acknowledge the existence of the Christian concept of the devil and they do not sacrifice to him.

Wiccans do not offer blood sacrifices.  A slight correction needs to be offered here because there are some of the lesser known Wiccan traditions that do offer animal sacrifices but it is done in order to harness the energy of the sacrifice.

Wiccans did not practice sex orgies. There are, however, certain Wiccan traditions where nudity and occasional sexual practices are used in their ceremonies, but these are not common in most Wiccan traditions and such practices are closed to outsiders. Wiccans do not fly around on broomsticks.

Wiccans do not intentionally cast spells on people in order to harm them.

Wiccans do not laugh in high nasal voices as they stir a cauldron and summon mystical clouds of smoke to be sent out to do their bidding.

Wiccans are not ugly old hags that look like the witch in the Wizard of Oz.  On the contrary, most Wiccans are normal people.

Wiccans do not believe that the magic they use is bad.  Of course, we Christians would disagree with this, but the intention of the Wiccan is not to perform harm. When dealing with Wiccans it is best to ask lots of questions, find out why they believe, what their practices are, and then respectfully discuss with them about their beliefs and actions. As Christians we are supposed to present the truth of the resurrection of Christ and his atoning sacrifice.   Don't hammer them with Jesus.  Don't try and pound them into submission.  Be loving and kind and present truth with Jesus in the centre.

It is a difficult task to convince a Wiccan to give up his or her occult practices. There is an attraction and a power in the occult and it has hooked many. Therefore, as Christians we must know the facts concerning Wicca and be ready to speak the truth to them in love.


MY INVOLVEMENT IN THE OCCULT BY MATT SLICK
///////////////////////////////////////


As a Christian researcher and defender of the faith, I delve into many areas of the occult, world religions, and Christian-based cults. From the Christian perspective, all non-Christian religions are false and are ultimately demonically inspired. But being false does not mean that they have no power.  The devil is active and powerful and he uses people to accomplish his desires.  So, the problem is knowing whether the power that comes from various religious systems is good or bad. Of course, as Christians, we would state that all things that are filtered through a false system are ultimately bad.

The reason I am divulging this information about my past, is because I know that there is a spiritual world out there.  The question is whether or not what we contact is good or bad. I present the following as my experience in the occult, before I was saved.  It is verification that those who seek to contact that which is unholy, will ultimately find it.


When I was a teenager, before I was a Christian, I was intrigued by spiritual issues. Christianity meant nothing to me. In fact, my younger brother who had been a Christian for a number of years, was constantly witnessing to me. I distinctly remember threatening him physically if he did not stop bothering me with this Christianity stuff. I was more interested in my attempts to contact the dead and to see things in the spiritual realm. I wanted results and the perceived droning of Christianity "morality and rules" did nothing but get in the way of my personal desires regarding spiritual pursuits. So, into the darkness I went.

My high school friends and I began to dabble with necromancy (contacting the dead), séances, Ouija boards, pendulums, table tilting, astral projection, and other such practices. We got results. What I'm going to tell you is true. I am not exaggerating anything nor making any of this up. The reason I'm disclosing my involvement is not to draw attention to it, but to convince people that it is real and that it is dangerous. You see, with success in the occult comes darkness.  And I am forced to ask a question.  What does Wicca come in contact with, the God and goddess manifestations or something else


Before I was born my mother would have dreams about a man coming to her. He would be dressed in a white long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up to about his elbows. He wore black pants and black shoes and sometimes a short brimmed hat. This dream would be so upsetting to my mother, that she would wake up. She then would sit in bed and look at the wall across from her and watch as the man materialized through the wall, approached the bed, and stared at her. She was so disturbed by this that she would wake up my father who could never see him but would go turn the light on at which time this figure would disappear. Now, you might conclude that my mother was seeing things, or on medication, or something like that.

   The problem with this is that the dreams occurred over a two-year period. My mother's IQ was genius level and she was extremely rational in everything she tackled (She passed away in 2004). This figure would follow her from house to house since my father was in the military and had moved several times during the two-year period.


After I was born, my mother said that one night she had the dream again. As usual, the dream woke her up and she waited in bed for him to materialize. He did. At this time, he went over to where I was lying in the crib and stood half in the wall and half out of it, looking down at me. My mother told me that there was something different about that visitation, but she did not know what it was. She nudged my father who got up and turned on the light. The figure disappeared. Soon after that, he stopped appearing altogether. As a young man I never told anyone about these "visions" my mother had because I thought it would be too "weird" and embarrassing and that my friends might think my mother was strange.


Later, when I was 17 years old and just beginning my involvement in the occult, I was trying astral projection. This is a practice where a person attempts to have his spirit leave his body and travel around. Now, I was never able to achieve that, but I was able to get various results including very strong sensations of movement, lifting, floating, and sometimes vertigo. Nevertheless, I was never able to fully succeed and when I told one of my occult-delving buddies about it, he said that he was able to do it regularly. My doubts were increasing so I offered him a challenge. I asked him to astral project over to my bedroom that evening and to take a look at my desk. On the desk I would arrange a series of pencils and pens and books in a certain pattern and then the next day when we were going to high school, he could tell me what he had seen after he astral projected over to my house. He said it wouldn't be a problem at all.


That night I arranged my desk and went to bed. The next morning my friend and I were heading off to school and I asked him if he was able to astral project over to my place and look at my desk. He told me he could not do it. Initially, I scoffed. But then he told the reason why. He said that as he was astral projecting towards my house a man dressed in a white long-sleeved shirt with rolled up sleeves, black pants, black shoes, and a black hat would not let them enter. To say the least, since I had not told him about my mother's visitations I was dumbfounded.


DEEPER INTO THE OCCULT
///////////////////////////////

The fact that my friend told me something he could not have known about was very intriguing.  We were encouraged and he and I and two other friends began to delve further into the occult.  I remember very clearly one night when all of us were together in a room, waiting for the spirits to manifest (I will not disclose how we did this). My three friends and I would see lights moving around in the air.  This got me further interested and so I tried to invite spirits to come in contact with me. At first, nothing happened.  But, I began to notice things like seeing a blue aura around someone, dreaming the same thing one of my friends would dream, hearing voices in the night when no one was around, etc.  I also remember very clearly the more we got involved, the more I was interested in dark things.  I distinctly remember getting posters of demonic creatures and hanging them up in my room and thinking that they were "cool."  Skulls became interesting as well.  Then, I started listening to heavy metal music that was definitely "dark" in its overtones. I also found more and more resistance to things of Christianity.


Finally, one night a friend of mine and I were in my room trying to contact the dead. We both watched as a ball of blue light materialized in a corner near the floor and began to grow in size. We watched it change its form and took the shape of a man in a crouching position. This man had a cape on and his back was to us. He stood and as he began to rise he turned to face us.  Right when he had fully faced us he disappeared and in place of him a yellow cross materialized in midair. Even as I write this now, I can still see it in my mind's eye. It was beautiful. It glowed and lit the room up and had that same blue colour emanating as an aura around it that had comprised the colour of the "man."  Then the cross moved. It did not accelerate. Instead, from a non-moving position it was suddenly moving at a constant velocity until it was right in front of us where it immediately stopped without decelerating.  It then hovered right before us, glowing, and lighting up my entire room. This manifestation was so profound that it scared my friend and me, and we immediately left. We did not know what to do.  We talked to some people who were involved in the occult and even they said that it was bad. We needed to stop.


That experience and the others spooked me enough for me to begin reconsidering everything that I was doing. After all, my friend and I had seen something very profound and very real. We were not drinking and weren't doing drugs (to this day I have never done any drugs at all).  But, the good news is that shortly after that time, the Lord saved me in a very real and dramatic way and I turned from all my occult activities.


Some people will not believe that these things occurred. If you don't believe me, that's up to you. But as the Lord is my witness, it happened. I bring this up because I know that there is a spiritual world out there and the people in Wicca will be able to contact spiritual forces. The question is, what are they?  How do they know if they are good or bad?


Those in Wicca are unwittingly contacting demonic forces and because of that, they gain a form of power. But, that power has a cost. The cost is darkness. I remember very clearly the anti-Christian attitude that gradually grew in me the further into darkness I went. I also remember the fascination with things of darkness such as skulls, pentagrams, the darkness of night, and a general defiant attitude. The more I got involved with that, the more these things increased. There is definitely a spiritual connection with the author of the power behind the occult.  Likewise, there is definitely a power that comes from the true and living God, Jesus Christ.  He has far more strength, clarity, and truth than anything Wicca can offer.  Though the occult is real, God is, too, and the only safeguard against the enemy is salvation in Jesus Christ



WHY WRITE ABOUT WICCA? by Matt Slick
//////////////////////////////////////////////////

CARM has written about Wicca because, like so many other religious systems, it is growing in popularity and is contrary to Christian theological truth.  It is the view of CARM that Wicca is a dangerous religion because it denies the claims and teachings of Jesus who said he alone was the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).  It is not dangerous in the sense that Wiccans are evil Satan worshippers who want to harm people (they aren't).  But, since Wicca contradicts Jesus, we conclude that Wicca is not authored from God, but finds its source ultimately in that which is contradictory to Christ.

The Wiccans who read this will disagree and will probably dismiss this article and the others here as coming from a possibly ignorant, bigoted, and maybe even hateful set of Christians, who are intolerant of anything other than their own beliefs. Though this type of complaint is common from the groups that CARM analyzes, the truth is that we do not deny the right of Wiccans to worship as they see fit. We simply disagree with their theological perspective and base our disagreement upon what the Bible tells us. We do not hate Wiccans nor would CARM practice any such condemning action, other than theological.  We do not seek to cause harm.

Of course, some Wiccans might claim that what is written against Wicca is harmful to them. They might even try a spell or ritual to undo what they consider to be harmful on this web site. But the simple fact is, truth is independent of what we want and what we perceive. If truth were dependent upon what we wanted or hoped for, then truth would be as variable as clothing styles. It is either true or false that Jesus is the only way. It is either true or false that he physically rose from the dead as the eyewitnesses stated.

Wicca on the other hand offers no historical resurrection, nor does it offer us a savior who claimed to be God in flesh (John 8:58 with Exodus 3:14), who performed numerous miracles, who raised people from the dead, and rose from the dead himself (1 Cor. 15:1-4). The truth of Christianity is tied to an event in history known as the crucifixion and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. In him, Christians have access to truth and power which is far greater and far more potent than anything Wicca has to offer.


Final comment
/////////////////////

Just to set the record straight, I have studied Wicca through Wiccan books and have had many conversations with Wiccans, some who were priests.  I have sought to be as accurate as possible in representing Wiccan teachings.  However, if there is any error in the information I present here, I take responsibility for that error and upon documentation, would be happy to make any corrections.  Second, I do not consider myself bigoted or hateful.  I do not hate Wiccans, nor am I afraid of them.



THE WICCAN SABBATS, OR HOLY DAYS by Matt Slick
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Since Wicca is derived from ancient European agrarian societies, the Sabbats (similar to sabbath) are closely tied to the seasons and the calendar.  Wiccans claim that the Sabbats have been followed for many thousands of years by ancient cultures such as Nordic, Celtic, Greek, etc.  Following is a list of the eight primary Wiccan Sabbats. The dates referenced here are generally accepted by all Wiccans.


Major Sabbats
///////////////


1.Imbolc, Feb. 2,

1.Imbolc (imbolg), which means "in milk", is a celebration of fertility and designates the middle of winter.  Milk was traditionally poured out upon the ground as a type of offering.  Associated with this are the colors white, pink, and red, the amethyst, turquoise, dill, Dragon's blood, frankincense, rosemary, and wildflowers.  It is also known as Groundhog's Day, Candlemas, Blessing of the Plow, Disting, Feast of the Virgin,  Festival of Milk,


2.Beltane, April 30 or May 1

1.Beltane is the first holiday of summer and signifies the approach of summer and the death of winter.  This is an ancient celebration of the return of fertility to the world after it passes through winter.  It divided the Celtic year into winter and summer.  It stresses human fertility.  Associated with this festival is Boodstone, sapphire, frankincense, honeysuckle, Jasmine, St. John's Wort, rosemary, green, yellow, and red. It is also known as Beltaine, May Day, Roodmass, and Walpurgis.


3.Lughnasadh, Aug 1

1.This festival marks the beginning of the harvest season and the middle of summer.  The word probably derives from the god Lugh, the Celtic lord of light. Associated with Lughnasadh is Crabapple, ginseng, grapes, potato, berries, green, orange, yellow, and red.  It is also known as Ceresalia, First Harvest, Lad Day, and Lammas.


4.Samhain, Oct 31

1.Samhain means "summer's end" and marks the beginning of winter.  For most Wiccans, this is the new year anytime of reflection where the oldest let go and the new is anticipated.  From ancient times it designates the end of the harvest season.  Associated with the festival are the colors black and orange, obsidian, Onyx, apples, catnip, corn, pears, squash, wormwood.  It is also known as Halloween, All Hallows Eve, Blood feast, Celtic New Year, Day of the Dead, Last Harvest, Winters Eve, etc.


.Minor Sabbats
//////////////////

5.Yule, Dec. 21 (Winter Solstice)

1.This is the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year.  The festival associated with it celebrates the birth of the new solar year.  The solstice is linked to the rebirth and renewal of the sun god, the lord.  Associated with Yule is holly, pine, evergreen, tree (Christmas tree), the gods Odin and Pan, Cedar, cinnamon, ginger, lemon, orange, sage, rosemary, Gold, green, yellow, white, red.  The Yule is also known as Day of Children, Midwinter, Mother's Night, Saturnalia, and Christmas.



6.Ostara (Spring Equinox), Mar 21

1.The day and night are of equal length. Ostara is name of the Scandinavian Goddess of spring and the festival deals with fertility, mainly of the animal kingdom and plants.  it celebrates the dead of winter and the beginning of the cycle of rebirth.  During this festival that was customary to exchange colored eggs.  Associated with this festival is Moonstone, rose quartz, daffodils, ginger, frankincense, Jasmine, nutmeg, sandalwood, rose, blue, pink, and red.  It is also known as Alban Eilir, Easter, Lady Day, and Waxing Equinox.


7 Midsummer Eve (Summer Solstice), June 21st or 22nd

1.The longest day of the year and designates a festival of thankfulness.  It celebrates the dissent of the sun because too much sun can harm crops.  Associated with it are the emerald, Jade, Tiger's eye, Apple, Daisy, turn, frankincense, Lily, oak, orange, thyme, green, yellow, and white.  It is also known as Litha, Vestalia, and Whitsuntide.


8.Mabon (Autumn Equinox), Sept 21

1.The day and night are of equal length.  This is a festival that designates the beginning of fall.  It marks the dissent of the Goddess into the underworld. Associated with it are amethyst, Topaz, acorns, corn, frankincense, great, oak, wheat, brown, and orange.  It is also known as Mabon, Alban Elfer, Harcest, Second, Harvest, and Wine Harvest.1

10.1.Cantrell, Gary, Wiccan Beliefs and Practices, St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 2004, p. 137-50; (2) Drew, A. J., A Wiccan Bible: Exploring the Mysteries of the Craft from Birth to Summerland, Franklin Lakes, NJ; New Page Books, 2003, p. 138-139; and (3) Grimassi, Raven,Encyclopedia of Wicca & Witchraft, St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 2003.


ARE WICCANS SATANISTS?
////////////////////////////////

It is a common error to accuse Wiccans of worshipping Satan. Wiccans do not acknowledge the existence of Satan the way Christians do. "Since the rise of Christianity, witches have been accused of worshipping Satan. This misconception remains alive even in modern times. In reality Wiccans/Witches do not subscribe to Judaic-Christian theology, do not recognize the existence of Satan, and therefore would have no reason to worship him."1 Therefore, if you were to ask a Wiccan if he worshipped Satan, he would say no.


However, from the Christian perspective we would conclude that the theology behind Wicca is not from God and that it is ultimately authored from Satan. Furthermore, Christians would assert that the God and Goddess worship offered by Wiccans is in reality an offering to the devil himself. From the Christian perspective, this would mean that Wiccans were worshipping Satan. But we must not confuse this with the idea that the Wiccans are knowingly or purposefully worshipping a being known as Satan. They do not do that.


ALEXANDRIAN WICCA
//////////////////////////


Alexandrian Wicca was started in England by a witch named Alex Sanders (1926 - 1988) and his wife Maxine (who was a Roman Catholic) in the 1960s. He was referred to as "The King of the Witches."  He had claimed to be initiated into Wicca at the age of seven by his grandmother but later admitted that this was not true.  There was controversy within Wiccan circles as to the motivation of Mr. Sanders in developing his tradition.  Some thought he was involved for the fame and influence.  But this only helped to increase his popularity.

Alex Sanders experimented with homosexuality, magick, claimed he could heal people, and is said to have even worshipped the devil for a while.  He had been initiated into the Gardnerian tradition and his Alexandrian Wicca reflects some of those aspects. However, Alexandrian Wicca does not require ritual nudity as Gardnerian Wicca does.

At first, the Alexandrian tradition grew but later declined when it was discovered that Alex Sanders had been dishonest about his
claim to be a hereditary witch. The Alexandrian tradition focuses on ceremonial magic and has elements of the Kabbalah.1


GARDNERIAN WICCA
//////////////////////

Gardnerian Wicca was founded by Gerald Gardner (1884 -1964), a British Civil Servant, in the 1950s.  Gerald Gardner was born in Liverpool, England June 13, 1884.  (Interestingly, that was Friday the 13th.)  Gerald suffered from Asthma and was allowed to travel to the Far East when young in an attempt to alleviate his condition.  While there, he became familiar with various Easter and occult philosophies.  He had an avid interest in archaeology and upon his retirement after seeing some ancient sites, became convinced of reincarnation.  He was initiated into a Witchcraft coven in 1939, met Aleister Crowley in 1946, and wrote a novel called "High Magic's Aid."  In 1951 England repealed the laws making Witchcraft illegal and this opened the door for Gardner to be more public.  He formed his own coven and included the various practices he had picked up through his travels, thus the beginning of Gardnerian Wicca.  Gardner published "Witchcraft Today" in 1954, and The "Meaning of Witchcraft" in 1959.  He considered the occult witchcraft practiced in England to be the remnants of ancient earth-based worship system.  His Wiccan tradition was his attempt to restore that ancient religious system.  He died in
 1964. Gardnerian Wicca was brought to America by Raymond Buckland whom he met in 1963.1
 Gardnerian Wicca is considered one of the oldest forms of Wicca and most Wiccans acknowledge it to be the beginning of the Wicca Movement.2

 "Although there is no question that Gerald Gardner should be credited with bringing our religion into the public eye in the 20th century, he did not invent Wicca.  it would be more by developing the tradition that bears his name, Gardnerian Wicca, from which many of the present-day myriad Wiccan traditions may have themselves evolved.  Gerald Gardner, Aleister Crowley, and Margret Murray have all made an indelible contribution to the revival of the Wiccan religion it [sic] exists today, and their part in our evolution must never be forgotten."3

As stated above, Gardner became interested in spiritual and occult phenomena early on and was initiated into an occult group before 1940.  He was a believer in the power of witchcraft and combined it with some Masonic practices such as "blindfolding, initiation, secrecy, and "degrees" of priesthood."  From his studies in occultism, he also included Tarot cards, wands, chalices, and the pentacle into his practices.3 Of particular interest is the inclusion of nudism into his Wiccan practices.  This is known as skyclad.

"Some Gardnerian innovations have sexual and even bondage-and-discipline overtones. Ritual sex, which Gardner called "The Great Rite," and which was also largely unknown in antiquity, was part of the liturgy for Beltane and other feasts (although most participants simulated the act with a dagger--another of Gardner's penchants-and a chalice). Other rituals called for the binding and scourging of initiates and for administering "the fivefold kiss" to the feet, knees, "womb" (according to one Wiccan I spoke with, a relatively modest spot above the pubic bone), breasts, and lips."4

Gardner "compiled a volume of spells, rituals and magical lore that he called the Book of Shadows."5   The Book of Shadows has become a very common staple among the various Wiccan Traditions, especially Gardnerian Wicca.  However, not all branches of Wicca follow the Garnderian Book of Shadows.  Basically, the Book of Shadows is a compilation of various spells, rituals, and incantations developed by various Wiccans according to the style of their tradition.  This book can be quite different among Wiccans.

The Gardnerian Wicca tradition focuses on the God and Goddess who are equally balanced, reincarnation, nudity during circle rituals, celebrate the eight Sabbats, etc.  Each coven is autonomous


GEORGIAN WICCA
///////////////////////

Georgian Wicca was founded by George Patterson in 1970, in Bakersfield, California. It was chartered by the Universal life Church in 1972 as the Church of Wicca of Bakersfield and later  in the 1980 it was rechartered as the Georgian church. The church has since disappeared but the tradition is growing in the United States, Europe, and Australia. It is a mixture of Gardnerian, Alexandrian, and British traditions. It is somewhat eclectic in that members are encouraged to develop their own rituals.  Circles are sometimes performed skyclad (in the nude).  They celebrate the eight sabbat


CELTIC WICCA
///////////////////
Celtic Wicca focuses mainly on Celtic traditions combined with ancient Celtic beliefs as well as more modern practices. Though it is not officially attributed to a single individual, there seems to be a connection to Gavin and Yvonne Frost. This tradition is mostly focused on the male aspect of Wicca but has recently begun to emphasize on the goddess aspect as well as the Gods and goddesses of ancient Wales, Ireland, and Scotland, emphasizing a balance between the God and Goddess.  Celtic Wiccans seek to be closely attuned to nature (Gaia). Therefore, they use herbalism and divination, revere women, seek a connection with the ancestors and land spirits.  This tradition also emphasizes poetry in its magick,

The old Celtic religious system was polytheistic and nature based with focus on meditation.  It uses three concentric circles of salt, sulphur, and herbs.  It is also known as Baptist Wicca.


DIANIC WICCA
/////////////////

Dianic Wicca, sometimes called Feminist Wicca, was begun by Zsuzsanna Budapest in California, and is named after the Roman goddess of the hunt, Diana.  It is a feminist tradition and often excludes the male God aspect and asserts that the female aspect is the true creative source of the universe.  Within the varieties of Dianic Wicca are polytheistic as well as monotheistic strains. Most Dianic traditions excludes male membership, but there are some that include males.  Often times lesbians are attracted to this tradition since it is internally supportive of women and women's rights, and provides emotional intimacy.  Nevertheless, the majority of its members are heterosexual.

Within Dianic tradition is the belief that ancient cultures were matriarchal in structure and passive in action.  Dianic Wicca maintains that it was not until the rise of patriarchal systems that war began.

Members of the Dianic Wiccan tradition are often involved in politics, were associated with the feminist movement of the 1960s, and seek to improve the position of women in society.  They focus on Sabbat celebration and various esbats including Winter Solstic, Imbolc, the Spring Equinox, Beltane, Summer Solstic, the Fall Equinox, and Samhain.1

The New Moon Chant for Diana:  "Waxing, waxing, growing, growing, Diana's power is flowing, flowing."2



ECLECTIC WICCA
/////////////////////

Eclectic Wicca is the practice of adopting whatever works for an individual from any of the Wiccan traditions.  The word "eclectic" means to select from a variety of sources.  A person who holds to Eclectic Wicca can adopt rituals and ideas out of Dianic, Gardnerian, Druidic, or Alexandrian forms, combine them, and then use them to accomplish whatever is desired.  Furthermore, this means that they can adopt any deity or any religious system whether it be Jesus, Zeus, Athena, Horus, Quetzalcoatl, Stirculius, Hermes, Brahman, Krishna, The Lord and/or Lady, Elementals, Ishtar, Thor, Apollo, etc.

"The Path of some identified as Eclectic-Celtic Wicca, which has taken what its practitioners believe to be the best from several Paths (Irish, Welsh, and Scott, and maybe even some Anglo-Roman influences), is exactly that and is perfectly acceptable."1

"Eclectic Wicca is that form where an individual adopts a mix of various Wiccan principles that he or she thinks are valid for his/her path.2

Eclectic Wiccans affirm personal responsibility, communion with nature, and are generally not into structured Wiccan traditions. They want to know what works and how they can use it for their benefit.


WHAT SHOULD CHRISTIANS DO IF THEIR CHILD GETS INVOLVED IN WICCA?
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

If you are a Christian parent and your child is getting involved in Wicca, what should you do? Should you become authoritative and deny your child the practice of Wicca? Should you let him or her get involved and trust that the Lord will work it out? Or, should you research it and learn about it so you might know how to deal with it? These and other questions are common from Christian parents who find that their children are involved in Wicca. Here's what you should do.


First of all, you need to read the Bible and pray regularly. You need to realize that this is a spiritual battle and that there are demonic forces involved. You cannot expect to win a spiritual battle if you are not praying.

Second, for what should you pray? Pray for the binding of the enemy, for spiritual insight, for protection in your home, protection for your children, yourself, your finances, your automobiles, your health, etc. I do not say these things lightly.
Once I began researching Wicca in order to write and expose it on this web site, within a two-week period several things happened. I had a nightmare so unpleasant that I woke up and immediately knew it was tied to Wicca.  I got a flat tire on the freeway, lost my medical insurance at work, was involved in a boating accident where I was injured (and am still recovering from it), have had two individuals attack me personally on the internet and published falsehoods about me, and my e-mail program I use for sending out the CARM newsletter, which has worked for several years, suddenly and unexpectedly crashed. My point is this. When you start tackling the occult, get ready for a ride. The enemy does not like what you're doing so you need to be prayed up.  At this point, I recommend CPR.  Confess (your sins), Pray (for guidance), and Read (the Bible).  It will keep you spiritually alive.

Third, seek the prayer support of others and the involvement, if possible, of the elders of your church in prayer as well.  In addition, see if you can find friends and family who are mature in the Lord with whom you can discuss the issue and obtain further counsel.

Fourth, you must not beat yourself up over your child's involvement in the occult.  Every parent makes mistakes in raising children and we can never predict accurately what results will come of our loving and guiding actions upon our children.  There is a dark influence in the world that seeks to ensnare anyone and everyone it can.  Don't go around thinking that you didn't do enough praying or go to church enough.  Just seek the Lord in prayer, confess any sins you may have committed in this area, forsake them, receive forgiveness from the Lord, and continue on.  Guilt can cloud your judgment and your prayer life.  Look to Jesus first.

Fifth, learn enough about Wicca (by reading CARM and other resources) so that you know what it is you're dealing with when you speak to your child about it.

Sixth, you need to realize that Wicca is not Satanism.  Wiccans do not practice human sacrifices, cursing, summoning demonic forces, etc.  Wiccans seek to find harmony in nature and try and use their influence for good.  Of course, that influence has a dark origin.

Seventh, don't scream and yell at your child for his or her involvement in Wicca.

Eight, speak to your child rationally, calmly, and intelligently about the choices he is making. Try to bring to his attention that there is no way for him to verify what he is trying to contact and work with is ultimately good or bad.  Just because something works it doesn't mean it is from God. If you are angry with your child and try and force him to comply with everything that you desire, it may backfire on you.  Resistance often results in rebellion and involvement in something ungodly.  This is why wisdom must be used when dealing with someone who is getting involved in or has been involved in Wicca.

Ninth, ask lots of questions.  You will find that the more questions you ask, the more you will earn the right to speak.  Also, you'll discover problems in those answers because those answers will not be rationally consistent.  At this point, you can carefully begin to point out various problems that you discover within Wicca.

Tenth, deal with the occult paraphernalia. This is where it gets more difficult. If you were to suddenly confiscate everything this may or may not work. Only you will know whether or not that is the right thing to do. In my household, if my child who was still in her early teens, got involved with something like this, I would first speak to her clearly and rationally about what Wicca is, the dangers that are inherent in it, etc. I would ask her to tell me how she knew that the source of what she is trying to contact is good or bad. I would then tell her that as a father who is seeking to be godly, I cannot permit her involvement in my home with something which is ungodly and unholy to begin with. I would say that she may not believe what I just said was true, but because I am the father in the head of the household, since I love her and want what is best for her, and since I pay the mortgage, I have the right in the home to remove from it that which I believe is harmful.

I would say all these things in a calm and loving tone while I am asking my daughter for feedback. I would further state that if, just if, what she was doing was indeed contacting something that was harmful, then she would be inadvertently putting her family at spiritual risk.

Now, the children-parent dynamic is different in every household and it is always difficult to know exactly what is the right thing to do and say. But you need to have a plan of action and you need to stick with that action.

Eleventh, don't shove Christian theology down their throats. It is not the adamant proclamation of doctrinal purity from a Christian perspective that is guaranteed to win Wiccans to the Lord. Preaching incessantly about the devil, the occult, d**nation, and "you should know better," is not as effective as a decent, calm, and rational approach presented in love.

Twelfth, trust God. Trust the Lord Jesus beyond your ability to comprehend. Lift your child to him in prayer and supplication and ask that He redeem your child, break the bonds of darkness, and bring him into relationship with Christ

WITNESSING TO THOSE IN WICCA
////////////////////////////////////////

Witnessing to those who are in Wicca can be a difficult undertaking. Wiccans are involved in the occult and such involvement brings a definite spiritual affect. There is a darkness that hides behind a veil of which Wiccans step through each time they practice their spells and incantations. The more they dwell in the darkness, the less they recognize the light. In fact, the brightness of truth often repels them.

This is why Christians must be careful when dealing with Wiccans because, in your endeavor to win them to Christ, you must overcome many hurdles as well as fight a spiritual battle. This is not easy to do. Nevertheless, there are some basic guidelines that we recommend Christians follow when dealing with Wiccans. We will list them out and expound on each one:

1.Pray

1.Wicca is deeply entrenched in occult practices. This means that Wiccans are unwittingly involved and in contact with demonic forces. Wiccans will dismiss this as nonsense, but the Christian needs to understand what he is up against. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary that you pray for the binding of any demonic activity, for the truth to be revealed, and that you would be both protected as well as used while you witness.

2.Be respectful

1.Just because the Wiccan is deceived and involved in the occult, does not mean that he or she should be insulted, maligned, or injured. The truth is that every human is made in the image of God and by default deserves proper treatment. You should show respect to Wiccans, not based upon their theological perspective, not because they are lost, but because they're made in the image of God. Show them respect as you would any other human being.

3.Learn what he/she believes in by asking questions.

1.There are different traditions within Wicca and what you learn from one may not necessarily agree in every aspect with another Wiccan. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary that you ask questions. There's nothing wrong with learning what it is that they do and why they believe what they believe. I find that asking questions is one of the best things you can do when talking to anybody in any different theological system. I ask questions, listen intently to the answers and then ask more questions. Invariably I begin to discover inconsistencies in their answers and I politely ask more questions around those inconsistencies. It does not take long for the person to start seeing that their belief system has serious problems. Remember, anything that is not based upon the Christian faith is false and will have errors which you can discover through asking questions.Don't call them cultists

2.This is equivalent to name-calling. It is one thing to write an article about cults and provide a list of various groups, but it is another thing to look some in the face you trying to witness to call them cultists. It puts up walls and breaks down communication.

4.Don't call them satanists

1.Calling a Wiccan a Satanist is also counterproductive. Since Wiccans do not acknowledge the existence of Satan all you will accomplish is irritating and alienating them.

5.Don't emphasize the male dominated church system since most Wiccans are women.

1.Since most Wiccans are women, it isn't a good idea to bring up the idea of a male dominated hierarchical church system of religious absolutes. It is best to slowly work into the conversation when a person is ready. You don't have to deny it but it is not necessary to bring it up right away in order to "set them straight.


QUESTIONS FOR WICCANS
////////////////////////////////

1.Do the gods and goddesses of Wicca actually exist?

2.If they actually exist, how do you know they exist?

3.If your tradition contradicts the tradition of another Wiccan, can they both be objectively true?

4.How do you feel about believing in the religious system where you cater your religion to your desires?

5.if you cater/construct your religion according to our desires, then isn't it nothing more than your own invention?

6.Is Wicca able to be shown to be false or is it all non-verifiable ideas?

7.If your spells and incantations produce results, how do you know that the power behind the results is good or not?

8.How do you know that there is not something more sinister behind Wicca?

9.Why do you think that rituals dealing with candles, knives, and such are able to affect nature?


IS WICCA FALSIFIABLE?
/////////////////////////////


After dialoging with several Wiccans and reading countless pages from Wiccan authors concerning their various traditions, I have come to the conclusion that Wicca is not falsifiable. In other words, Wicca cannot be proven to be false -- or true. Falsifiability is an important part of evidence and even of belief. Let me explain.


Years ago in San Diego there was a UFO cult called Heaven's Gate. About 40 members simultaneously committed suicide. They believed that on the other side of the approaching Hale-Bopp comet was a UFO. The members of this cult believed that if they were to die in a simultaneous manner coordinated with the arrival of that comet, their souls would be delivered from this earth plane by the aliens in that space ship.  Now, how do you prove their belief false?  Can you go to the other side of the comet and see if there's a UFO there or not?  No, you can't. This means you cannot prove their belief system to be false because there is no method of verifying their theological position. This is very important because the implication is that their theology does not rest in reality.


If I were to make up a theological system and try to get converts, I would not want my system to be able to be proven to be false. Therefore, I would need to arrange a theology in such a way that it cannot be disproved. I would avoid stating that a certain event happened at a certain place and time because that could be verified. I would make up a system that is vague and has no ties to anything that can be checked out. It could not be proven to be false and I would be free to get all the converts I could muster.

Wicca is like that. It cannot be proven to be false because there is nothing in it that can be examined so as to demonstrate that it is true or false. 

But, Wiccans may say that it can be shown to be true because their spells and incantations bring results. But the problem with that explanation is that other reasons can be given to account for these so-called results. For example, the spell or incantation could be coincidental with the result. It could be that there are demonic forces behind these occult practices and these demonic forces bring the results so as to deceive the Wiccans. It could be that the Wiccans are misinterpreting what they see as results in a hopeful self-fulfilling type manner, etc.  But various possible explanations cannot be verified within Wicca because, basically, Wicca is a subjective belief system based upon occult practices that have varying degrees of alleged results which could be explained in several different ways. Therefore, it is not falsifiable and the implication is that it does not rest in reality in that it has no event, objective truth, etc. that can be verified.  Wiccans believe it because they want to.


CHRISTIANITY IS FALSIFIABLE
/////////////////////////////////////
Christianity on the other hand is falsifiable. It can be proven to be false if, for example, the body of Christ was discovered and it was conclusively demonstrated that it was his body. If such an event occurred, that it would mean that Christianity is false because Christianity is based on the physical resurrection of Christ. The reason Christianity is falsifiable is because it rests in history. In other words, there were actual events that can be verified and the basis of Christianity, the resurrection, can be undone if the body of Christ can be discovered archaeologically.  The point is that Christianity rests in reality, not in unverifiable theory -- and that is hugely important.


The difference between Christianity and Wicca is that Christianity is based upon an actual person in history who performed many miraculous deeds in front of eyewitnesses, died, was buried, and rose from the dead. Christianity is based upon an event in history. Wicca, on the other hand, is not. It is based on subjective experiences and contact with powers that no one knows for sure what they are. Simply believing that these results come from spells and incantations from being in tune with nature and the God and Goddess, does not mean that those results are good or that Wicca is right.  Someone could just as easily state that the results come about because the witch is breathing properly and the breath harmonizes with the "universal life cycle." How would you know which is true and which isn't? You wouldn't.


Wiccans are definitely in contact with something and their theological system is arranged in such a way that its underlying theological premises cannot be verified or shown to be good or bad.  And this, of course, is dangerous.

But, the Bible says

But the Bible says that the source of the results wrought from spells and incantations is ultimately demonic. Is the Bible correct or not? Well, that is another discussion. But, the Bible is full of verifiable places and events as well as eyewitness accounts of the miraculous. Which would you want to put your trust in, a risen Messiah who performed numerous miracles, or the worship of gods and goddesses where you cast spells and summon the forces of who-knows-what in order to manipulate people and/or things to get what you want?  For me, I'll trust Jesus over spells and magick

WICCA AND THE YOUTH
////////////////////////////

In our postmodern world where moral absolutes are disparaged and truth statements are doubted, Wicca fits right in. It offers a subjective religious experience that is aided by your own invention.  Wicca is the religion of nature worship, of gods and goddesses, of spells and incantations designed to bring influence upon circumstances and/or people.

Youth sometimes get lost in that transition between childhood and adulthood, and often do not know what direction to go to find truth and meaning.  But this does not stop them from trying.  They seek to identify with groups, music, causes, and philosophies. It helps to give them purpose, meaning, and identity.  So too with Wicca.  It is a world religion based upon ancient agrarian religious belief out of northern Europe that allows them to cater their beliefs and practices to their own desires.  How satisfying!  Think about it. 

There is an attraction to the idea that you can construct a religious system that suits your preferences and use that system to gain control and influence.  That is why many of the youth of today are joining up with it.

In fact, so pervasive is this appeal among the youth that bookstores are now selling books on witchcraft aimed at the youth. “This New Age "spell' is among dozens of mystical exercises laid out, cookbook style, in Teen Witch: Wicca for a New Generation, a 250-page handbook that is flying off the shelves at Borders, Barnes & Noble, and other mainstream stores. Written for 10- to 17-year-olds by New Age author Silver Ravenwolf (a Wiccan pseudonym), it boasts everything a kid needs to become "a pentacle-wearing, spell-casting, completely authentic witch!" That includes instructions for such uniquely teen rituals as the Bad Bus Driver spell, the Un-Ground Me spell, and the Just-Say-No spell.”1

"Spellbound: The Teenage Witch's Wiccan Handbook" by Teresa Moorey (Ulysses Press, $12.95). "Witchcraft is not just for adults anymore," shouts the press release for this bright, upbeat book written by British astrologer and "experienced white witch" Moorey...The book explains how you, too, can become a very good witch. It tells you how to cast spells to capture a boyfriend or pass your driver's test. The book contains a fairly interesting history of witches (which witch is which!) and goddess worship through the ages. Yet it goes around the bend when it embarks on instruction in "The Craft," including magick spells, witchcraft crafts and how teens can celebrate major Wicca festivals."2

Wicca is a fast growing religion.  Some have said that it is the fastest growing religion in America.  Whether or not that is true, the fact remains that the number one source of numbers in the Wiccan ranks, are the young.  Please consider this small portion of transcript taken from an NPR (National Public Radio) report done on May 13, 2004.  The Profile was "Teen-age Wiccans" on All Things Considered.

"It's hard to know the exact numbers, but Wicca is believed to be one of the fastest-growing religions among high school and college students. This form of witchcraft, with its reverence for the earth and nature, appeals to young environmentalists. And Wicca's emphasis on a goddess, as well as a god, draws young girls. Today, the final part of our series on religious trends in America. NPR's Barbara Bradley Hagerty talks to teen-agers in Colorado about the lure of Wicca." 
"HAGERTY: Most teen Wiccans are not out of the broom closet. In part, because of that, it's hard to know how many teens are involved in Wicca. Estimates range from 50,000 to 150,000.
"HAGERTY: "The Craft," a little-known movie among adults, was a hit among teen-age girls, and changed the way they thought about witches.

"HAGERTY: The majority of young witches are girls, which may be why Mattel introduced Secret Spells Barbie at Halloween last year. The doll came with witch costume, cauldron and magic powder. For many young witches, their community is the Internet, where they swap e-mails, ideas and spells. The most popular site  . . . lists more than 250 college groups and nearly 400 teen-age groups. And there's been a veritable tidal wave of new books aimed at teen-agers interested in Wicca.


Can there be any doubt that our youth are at risk at being entrapped in the occult? It is a disturbing trend to see youthful exuberance and curiosity be turned into the dark paths of Wiccan theology, its witchcraft, it spells, and it's incantations. The same youth who seek to have influence, control, and identity, often lack the critical faculties to rationally examine the validity of philosophical system. But what would we expect in a post modern society where truth is not absolute? With the foundation of truth undermined by replacing it with subjectivity, there is no accountability, the responsibility, and no consequence. At least, that is what many people like to believe.


BUT WICCA WORKS!
///////////////////////

Just because something works, it does not mean that it is good. If a Wiccan believes that he or she is getting results through incantations done with candles, cards, crystals, or whatever, what would be the reason to give up such influential abilities? After all, don't we desire to be able to have things go our way? Of course we do. This is why Wicca has a following. But, we must ask the question, "what is the source of the power behind the results?"

Now Wiccans will tell you that it is the result of finding the truth of Wiccan principles in a God and Goddess and the manifestations of the deities found in history and in nature. But this does not mean that what they are saying is true. We certainly are not calling Wiccans liars. But what we are saying is that it is possible that we can all be deceived to some degree. If we acknowledge that and we look at our own belief system, then how do we find out if we are being deceived or not? Again, just because someone gets results in a séance doesn't mean that what they've contacted is good. Just because someone who's addicted to drugs and feels good while on them, it does not mean that the drugs are good. Just because someone feels good when they are drinking heavily, it does not mean that what they're doing is right. We should never determine truth by whether or not we feel good or whether or not certain results happen.

Instead, truth is determined by God and he has revealed himself in the Bible.  Truth is not dependent on us.  It is the result of God's work, not our desires.


1.Mulrine, Anna, "So You Want to be a Teenage Witch?" U.S. News & World Report, Mar. 1, 1999, vol. 126, issue 8.

2."Books on Jesus, Wicca Challenge Conventions," Detroit Free Press, Aug. 14, 2002

BIBLIOGRAPHY FOR WICCA RESEARCH
///////////////////////////////////////////////
1.Articles

1.Allen, Charlotte, "The Scholars and the Goddess," Atlantic Monthly, Jan., 2001, vol. 287, issue 1.

2."An Illogical Leap," The Washington Times, May 19, 2004, p. A16.

3.Billips, Andrea, "What a Wicca Situation!" Insight on the News, Jan. 1, 2001, vol. 17, issue 1, 1051-4880.

4."Books on Jesus, Wicca Challenge Conventions," Detroit Free Press, Aug, 14, 2002.

5."Forecasts," Publishers Weekly, June 12, 2000, vol. 247, issue 24.

6.Garrett, Lynn, "Religion Hums Along at Frankfurt Book Fair,"Publishers Weekly, 00000019, Dec. 11, 2000, vol. 247, issue 50.

7.Insight on the News, Dec. 6, 1999, vol. 15, issue 45, p. 14, 3p, 4c.

8.Mulrine, Anna, "So You Want to be a Teenage Witch?" U.S. News & World Report, Mar. 1, 1999, vol. 126, issue 8.

9."Religion Notes," Publishers Weekly, Aug. 28, 2000, vol. 247, issue 35.

10."Scooby-Doo's New Adventure: The Latest Mystery Facing His Friends Involves Wicca," The Dallas Morning News, 06:06:16, Wed., Dec. 22, 1999.

11.Tarnow, Noah, "Godsmack," Rolling Stone, 0035791X, Apr. 1, 1999, issue 809.

12.Winner, Lauren F., "Good News For Witches," Christianity Today, 00095753, Oct. 23, 2000, vol. 44, issue 12.

2.Books

1.Bowes, Susan, The Wiccan Handbook, New York: Sterling Publishing Company, 2002.

2.Cantrell, Gary, Wiccan Beliefs and Practices, St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 2004.

3.Cunningham, Scott., The Truth about Witchcraft Today, St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 2005.

4._____, Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 2004.

5.DiZerega, Gus, Pagans and Christians, St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 2001.

6.Drew, A. J., A Wiccan Bible: Exploring the Mysteries of the Craft from Birth to Summerland, Franklin Lakes, NJ; New Page Books, 2003.

7.Grimassi, Raven, Encyclopedia of Wiccan Witchcraft, St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 2003.

8._____, The Wiccan Mysteries, St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 2004.

3.Internet

1.http://www.pagangathering.com

2.http://www.themystica.com.

3.http://www.wicca.com.

4.http://www.witchcraft.org.

5.http://www.witchvox.com.

4.Radio

1.National Public Radio, report done on May 13, 2004.  The Profile was "Teen-age Wiccans" on All Things Considered