Frequently Asked Questions about Wicca

 
Q:
Do Witches worship Satan, the Devil, etc., or participate in Satanic rituals?
A:
No. Satan, or "the Devil," is a concept not to be found outside of Judeo-Christianity, Islam, and Zoroastrianism. A person must be working through the paradigm of a Holy Bible in order to believe in Satan. He is not a part of Native American religions, Shinto, Buddhism, Animism or (of course) Wicca.
Q:
Don't Witches participate in "strange" rituals?
A:
Define "strange"! Do you find brushing your teeth strange? Do you find your morning cup of coffee strange? Then why would greeting the sun every day be strange? Some people would be shocked to us using a camera on a daily basis to "steal souls."
Q:
Do Witches believe in God?
A:
Most Witches don't believe in the Christian concept of God. As one Wiccan teacher put it, "My God does not have a beard nor does it hate women." They believe in an unknowable Ultimate Deity. Witchcraft, being the oldest religion/philosophy on earth, has its own pantheon of Gods and Goddesses that are used in a way similar to the way Catholics use Saints. Please also refer to information from our Pantheist friend for more on this subject.
Q:
Isn't the pentagram (the five-pointed star enclosed in a circle) a symbol of the Devil?
A:
The pentagram in its correct state (one point up, standing on two points) represents the perfected human. The upside-down pentagram means the opposite. In Wicca, the five points represent our basic beliefs.
Q:
What are your five Basic Beliefs? Are they like the Ten Commandments?
A:
Sort of, except we only have one "commandment," the Wiccan Rede. It states, "If it harm none, do what you will." The other four beliefs in our religion are: (2) The Law of Attraction, (3) Harmony and Serenity, (4) Power through Knowledge, and (5) Progressive Reincarnation.
Q:
Are there different denominations of Witches like there are different denominations of Christians, such as Baptist, Catholic, etc.?
A:
Yes. Most of the information in this document applies to many Witches, while some is specific to our particular way. Furthermore, since the Craft is an individualistic religion in which many Witches practice without a formal coven, there are probably many thousands of different "denominations."
Q:
What does Wicca mean or stand for?
A:
"Wicca" is a word from an older version of English meaning "wise", among other things.   It is not an abbreviation. Before you ask, yes, Gerald Gardner worked with something called WICA which is different than what Gavin and Yvonne have learned about. For more information regarding Gardner and his teachings, we offer a couple of his books for sale in our catalogue (see below) and Triumph of the Moon is an excellent resource that reinforces the predominant cultural "history" of Wicca even though it is not complete. No book about the "history" of Wicca is going to get published without leaving something out.

Q:
I know a Witch in my town and he/she isn't at all like you are describing. Is he/she really a Witch?
A:
Although it has many tried and true rituals and ways, the Craft remains experimental and ever growing. In short -- if it works, we use it. Also, like all religions, we have a lunatic fringe element. Pick the explanation that best applies to the person you know.
Q:
Do you practice "black magic"?
A:
Magic is neither "black"/evil, nor "white"/good; rather it depends on the intentions of the magician. It also it depends on how you perceive good and evil. For example: if you use magic to bring a murderer to justice and he is given a death sentence, is that evil? After all, in effect, you killed him. We will teach you how to use magic; you will supply the responsibility to use it wisely.
Q:
Can I come to the School?
A:
Sorry, but no. Gavin and Yvonne are both in demand as speakers and do a lot of lecturing around the country. Most of the time they are not in at headquarters. Believe it or not, most of the work is done on the road. We conduct various seminars at different locations throughout the Country where we bring the School to our students.
Q:
How can I meet Gavin and Yvonne?
A:
Gavin and Yvonne travel all the time.  They teach on cruises as well as at festivals and generally make themselves very available to the public.  If you do not find an event in your area on our website, then contact a local event coordinator to see if that person will invite Gavin and Yvonne to a festival in your area. Click here to check out their travel schedule.
Q:
What is a "Warlock"?
A:
Warlock is another word for traitor.   It is not used to describe a male Witch. A male Witch is also a Witch or Wiccan.

Q:
I am under 18 and wish to study Wicca. How can you help?
A:
We recommend talking to your parents about Wicca and if they do not approve, please wait until you are older.  A change in religious path is not to be taken lightly and while one is living in one's parents' home, it is best to respect their wishes regarding religion knowing that you can open your awareness later on in life. We are happy to talk with concerned parents regarding Wicca at any time. We have a letter on our site that may answer some questions.
Q:
Can I buy a Book of Shadows?
A:
A Book of Shadows is your own personal Wicca journal that you create. We do not offer notebooks for sale, but even corner convenience stores, stands in flea markets and department stores may offer some kind of journal that you would find helpful. Of course, we would love to recommend notebooks or journals that are environmentally sound and may even be made from recycled paper!


Q:
What tools are necessary for a Wiccan?

A:
No tools are necessary for a Wiccan, but we recommend a number of tools when starting out on the path including: sea salt, your own home made athame, an ankh, a robe made from natural materials, and space to use for your private meditation practice. It is most appropriate to make all of your own tools since you will be using your personal energy in practice--another person's energy in your tools may interfere with your practice.

Q:
Have a question that isn't here?
A:
Email us at "school@citynet.net".




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