Wicca facts for kids

A pentacle, a symbol of faith used by many Wiccans

Wicca, also known as the Craft, is a modern pagan religion. It became popular in the 1940s thanks to a British man named Gerald Gardner. He called it the "witch cult" or "witchcraft."

The word "Wicca" comes from Old English and means "Witch." People who follow Wicca are called "Wiccans."

What Wiccans Believe

There are many different types of Wicca. However, most Wiccans share some common beliefs. These include ideas about the afterlife, magic, and morality.

Gods and Goddesses in Wicca

Not all Wiccans believe in a god and goddess. Some Wiccans believe the god and goddess are equally important. Others think the goddess is more important than the god. Some Wiccans mostly worship only the goddess.

The god and goddess can also be seen as many different gods and goddesses.

How Wiccans Practice Their Faith

Special Altars for Worship

Many Wiccans have special places at home for rituals and worship. These places are called altars. Wiccans place holy and special objects on their altars. Here are some common items:

• A pentagram. This is an old symbol of a five-pointed star. A pentacle is a five-pointed star inside a circle. It stands for the five main elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit. A pentagram is a type of pentacle. A pentacle is anything that protects its owner, like a talisman.

• An Athamé. This is a special knife or sword used in rituals. It usually has a black handle. It is never used to cut things. Instead, it is used to 'cut' the air and guide energy. The athamé also represents men and the God.

• A Wand. This is usually made of wood. It can also be glass, metal, or clay. Wands might have decorations like crystals or ribbons. Like the athamé, it helps guide energy. It traditionally measures from your elbow to your wrist. It also symbolizes men and the God.

• A Chalice. This is a cup used during rituals and magic. People drink from it during ceremonies. It symbolizes women and the Goddess.

Some Wiccans also put other items on their altars. These can include statues of Gods or Goddesses, bells, candles, incense, and a broom. This special broom is called a besom. It is used to "sweep" away bad energy or spirits.

Wiccan Morality: The Wiccan Rede

The most important Wiccan teaching is called the Wiccan Rede. The word Rede means "advice" in Old German. The basic Wiccan Rede is: "An harm ye none, do what ye will."

This means, "Do what you want to do, but do not harm anything in the process." It teaches you to think about how your actions affect yourself, others, and the world. Many Wiccans believe their actions come back to them three times stronger. This is called the Rule of Threefold Return or "Rule of Three."

This rule can mean different things to different Wiccans:

• Some believe that whatever good or bad you send out will return to you three times.
• Others believe your actions can affect three levels: your mind, spirit, and body.
• Most Wiccans believe that actions return to the person in some way, even if they don't follow the "Rule of Threefold Return" exactly.

The Wheel of the Year: Wiccan Holidays

Wiccans celebrate eight main holidays called Sabbats or 'Holy Days'. These holidays follow the seasons and cycles of nature.

The Book of Shadows

Wiccans often keep a private book called a Book of Shadows. This book contains spells, rituals, potions, and special knowledge. In some types of Wicca, like Gardnerian Wicca, the book's contents are kept secret. Only members of their group, called a coven, can see it.

However, some versions of the Book of Shadows have been published. Parts of these published books, like the "Wiccan Rede," have been used by other Wiccans or non-Wiccans. Many Wiccans create their own personal books and keep them private.

Wiccan Music

Wicca music or Wicca rock is music inspired by the Wicca religion. It often focuses on nature and protecting the environment.

An early band called Themis Themis toured Canada and the USA. They sang and talked about Wicca. Their songs promoted Wiccan ideas, such as the sacredness of nature. They also sang about the Lord and Lady, who are the dual deities in Wicca. Their music shared ethical ideas similar to Wiccan philosophies.

Another Canadian group, Chalice and Blade, also performs original songs. Their music is based on Wiccan beliefs. They sing songs that show their respect for the Earth and the balance of the God and Goddess.

According to The Religion Newswriters Foundation, Wicca is becoming more common. It is breaking old stereotypes as the religion grows. Across America, Wiccans are forming groups and youth clubs. They are training leaders, doing charity work, and sharing parenting tips. They are also working to protect their civil rights.

Images for kids

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  Wiccan event in Minnesota, with practitioners carrying a pentagram symbol, 2006

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  Altar statues of the Horned God and Mother Goddess crafted by Bel Bucca and owned by the "Mother of Wicca", Doreen Valiente

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  Sculpture of the Horned God of Wicca found in the Museum of Witchcraft in Boscastle, Cornwall

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  Beltane altar

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  A Wiccan altar erected at Beltane.

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  Athame, ritual knife or dagger used in Wiccan practices

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  Painted Wheel of the Year at the Museum of Witchcraft, Boscastle, Cornwall, England, displaying all eight of the Sabbats

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  Bust of Diana wearing a moon crown

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  Handfasting ceremony at Avebury in England, Beltane 2005

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  A Wiccan couple getting handfasted

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  Imbolc altar

See also

In Spanish: Wicca para niños