How to Explain What Wicca Is

If you are just starting down the Wiccan path or just beginning to let people know that you are Wiccan, it can be an interesting situation. It can be difficult explaining what Wicca is to someone who knows nothing about it. It quite possibly might be easier to explain what Wiccan isn't. There are many misconceptions surrounding Wicca and when you mention Wicca to someone, you will undoubtedly hear at least one. It is important to not argue about your religion, especially if this is a family member you are speaking to. Try instead to explain what Wicca is not as well as what it is. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Dispelling the Myth
   
   Probably one of the most important and calming things you can do is to inform a curious person that Wicca and Satanism have absolutely nothing to do with each other. They will probably not believe you at first, but at least you have helped put some doubt in their minds about it. Most people strongly believe that Satanism and Wicca are the same, of course they are not. The Majority of Wiccans don't even believe in Satan, hell or Satanic principles.

2. Wiccans Do Not Bring Harm to Others
   
   There are those that believe that Wiccans are constantly putting hexes on people and casting evil spells. While a large amount of Wiccans do practice Magick, Wicca is not about causing harm to others. The Wiccan Rede or code itself says; An it harm none, do what you will. The Wiccan Rede simply states that you are free to live your life as you wish and do what you want, as long as you are not harming others. As you can see it is very similar to what most know as "The Golden Rule". This should also put to rest the myth that Wiccan's sacrifice animals and people for rituals.

3. Dispelling the Misconception that All Wiccans Take Part in Elicit Sexual Activities
   
   Some believe that all Wiccan rituals include sexual acts by the participants. While it can not be said what specific Wiccans (or non-Wiccans for that matter) do in their everyday lives, Wiccan rituals do not normally contain sexual activities. This myth may have been brought about because some covens choose to work skyclad. (Skyclad simply means that the individuals are clothed in nothing but the sky or rather, naked). This is said to be symbolic of casting off ones oppressions. It should be known that not all covens or even those practicing solitary (practicing on their own) work skyclad. Most choose to wear ritual robes or simply what they feel comfortable in.

4. Giving an Understanding of What Wicca Is
   
   While the mere mention of the word Wicca brings fear to some, it is very comforting to others. Wicca is not a religion to be feared; and is usually only feared by those who do not have any understanding of it. If you are explaining Wicca to a friend or loved one, you may have a hard time convincing them of the nature of Wicca. While it is named a modern religion, its roots are derived of ancient ways. Wicca is a peaceful religion. Those practicing Wicca have a very deep appreciation of the earth and what she brings forth to us. It is encouraged in Wicca to have an understanding of nature and of all living things. Wiccan's celebrate the phases of the moon and celebrate the cycles of the seasons.
   
   As was pointed out earlier, it is much easier to explain what Wicca is not, than what it is. As with most religions, Wicca is very personal and can mean different things to different people. When you are explaining Wicca to a friend or loved one, it can be much more useful to explain to them what Wicca isn't rather than what it is.

Tips & Warnings

• Remain calm.
• Try your best to explain what Wicca is but don't let yourself be put on the defensive.
• Remember that some people are NOT open minded and nothing you can say will change this.
• Never get into an argument with anyone about religion.

[baronessodd59]

on 4/3/2009 Thank you so very much. You've made it much easier for me to explain to others the path I have choosen.

[sailboat11]

on 1/16/2009 Interesting article, good job!
Religion can mean the same thing, depending on who's talking or asking, whom are we to say????
I sold stones for healing, well being, and simply a hope, some of which were religious stones, used in the olden days. God put the stones there and intended for us to use them, in our homes, in our yards, around our necks, wrists and fingers, in our bath water or on our Alter??? Pope's were the only person allowed to wear the Amethyst, for it's help in controlling over indulging or impulsiveness. This is history.
Just as God gave us all the powers of the mind and energy when we were born, that we unlearned through growth. At 1st it all came natural.
Chanting, energy work, magic, prayer, positive thoughts can any or all be very powerful in group, such as group prayer.
The problem starts, as you said, when people choose ill will. Prayers can be of ill will also

[Jcjzj5]

on 10/19/2008 Thanks.. Great article. :)