~Paganism
Paganism and Wicca. How to discern the difference between the two? Some say the two beliefs are the same thing, those of us who practice know there is indeed a definite difference. The main difference being the practice of magick, and casting of spells. In this column I will discuss origins of both faiths, and the differences between the two. I will also discuss the way the two combine in obvious, and less obvious ways.
Paganism is considered to be one of the worlds oldest religions. It is also believed that many Christian based belief systems stem in some sense or another from Pagan beliefs and practices. Most of Europe consisted of Pagan societies in the time before the bible ever existed. Pagans lived in harmony, much like Native American Indian cultures, with the land and animals. They believed that you should never take more from the land than is needed, and should always give back some of what you taking by growing of plants, and breeding of animals. Pagans gave name to the spirits they believed inhabited the Earth. One of the most commonly known is Gaia, or Mother Earth. It is the Pagans that developed the calendar through astrology. They also had Sabbaths and Ebits according to the different seasons. Though traditional Pagans did not practice magick, they did perform ceremonies and rituals, as many churches do in modern times, for the symbolism evoked from them.
Paganism has long been practiced throughout the world. There are many different forms or “paths” in the Pagan belief system, though Paganism is not a highly structured religion. That is one of the main draws to Paganism; the relaxed state of it. Unlike Catholicism there are no structured prayers. There are no churches; Pagans prefer to worship in “natural temples” outdoors. They can call “the one” by any chosen identity of deity they feel most comfortable with. They honor their dead, and the ancestors before them. They revere women, so Paganism is an ideal break from the more male dominated faiths of this world. There is also the fanciful, or fantasy aspect involved in some sects of Paganism. Many who walk a Celt path believe in fairies, dragons, little people, and gnomes. This is a refreshing break from the norm, and adds a softness that does not exist in traditional Christian beliefs. It in no way detracts from the seriousness of the religion however; Pagans are some of the kindest and most respectful people around.
~Wicca/Wiccae
Wicca, or Wiccae as some call it, is a fairly new religion as far as being organized and recognized. It is however a very old practice and belief system. Wiccae, or witches, have been around for hundreds of years. Who can forget the famous witch trials in the United States? It made Salem Mass. a place of notoriety in American history.
Wicca, like Paganism, is an earth based religion. Witches hold a high reverence for nature. It is believed by most Wiccans that all things on earth hold an energy all it’s own. Plants, animals, stones, herbs, all hold an energy that can be borrowed from to assist in achieving a need, or acquiring information. Witches practice magick. They have long been the healers in villages and communities, with a strong understanding of the healing abilities of plants and herbs. They perform rituals and ceremony, as any other religion does, but theirs leans a bit more to the “theatrical” in a sense. Everything used in ritual is strong in symbolism. The tools of the witch vary from path to path, and beliefs. Almost all use candles, incense, herbs, paper, and most important; words.
Words are a powerful tool in any belief system. Catholics, Christians, and many faiths all use prayer as a means of communicating to their God and asking for the things needed most at that particular time. Words are used in all ceremonies, and rites, no matter the religion. Witches use words in a very similar manner. They weave words together to cast spells, induct fellow witches to a coven or circle, and use words in personal communication with their deities. They write their spells and evocations down to create a “Book of shadows”, which is basically a bible or spell book for a witch. It is a very valuable tool for a witch to have.
~The merging of the two
Many Pagans started to lean toward Wicca with the simple belief that the two are the same; except on uses a stronger sense of magick. They are a perfect combination to some, and to others are merely similar. Whether you practice one, the other, or both, you will be more enlightened and better in touch with nature and the natural energies within. The best way to decide the path that is best for you is to read, study, and decide what feels natural to you.
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