Pagan vs. Wiccan?

[Magdalene]

OK, folks--a friend of mine here is thinking that maybe one of these paths is for her, and figured since I hang out at Ren Faire with people who practice these, I would know the difference.

Well, good little Catholic girl that I am...I have no clue. (So much for being amongst you heathens, :lol:) It doesn't have to be super in-depth, but if somebody could give general guidelines, and suggestions as to how she gets started on it, it'd be appreciated!

[Magdalene]

OK, folks--a friend of mine here is thinking that maybe one of these paths is for her, and figured since I hang out at Ren Faire with people who practice these, I would know the difference.

Well, good little Catholic girl that I am...I have no clue. (So much for being amongst you heathens, :lol:) It doesn't have to be super in-depth, but if somebody could give general guidelines, and suggestions as to how she gets started on it, it'd be appreciated!

[Will Tessa]

there is a good book out there by Scott Cunningham. It's called " Wicca: A guide for the solitary practicioner. " It gives a good background of Wicca without cramming a belief that you might not be sure of down your throat. It's a good place to start.

[Will Tessa]

there is a good book out there by Scott Cunningham. It's called " Wicca: A guide for the solitary practicioner. " It gives a good background of Wicca without cramming a belief that you might not be sure of down your throat. It's a good place to start.

[Ysobelle]

It's not one versus the other: Wicca is a form of Paganism. Though I'm sure one of the gals around here can get more in-depth on the explanation than I.

[Ysobelle]

It's not one versus the other: Wicca is a form of Paganism. Though I'm sure one of the gals around here can get more in-depth on the explanation than I.

[MacKahlia]

Wicca is generally considered a form of paganism. And Scott Cunninghams book is by far the best one out there!!!

Its hard to give a thorough answer to your question, because so many people define the religion of Wicca and Paganism differently. Really, you should have your friend read S C's book.... maybe that will help?

MacKahlia

Sorry i cant be more helpful.

[MacKahlia]

Wicca is generally considered a form of paganism. And Scott Cunninghams book is by far the best one out there!!!

Its hard to give a thorough answer to your question, because so many people define the religion of Wicca and Paganism differently. Really, you should have your friend read S C's book.... maybe that will help?

MacKahlia

Sorry i cant be more helpful.

[Galleywench]

Paganism is the broad term used to describe any religion or belief that is not Christian, Jewish or Muslim. Wicca is one of the more well known ancient pagan religions which has its roots in ancient folk ways and beliefs, usually following the seasonal cycle. Wicca is an earth based religion which worships the life force of nature on the planet and in the skies. Many forms of ancient Goddess worship were polytheistic. A "witch" meant different things in different societies. In some cultures they were tribal "witch doctors" or healers. Wicca of the ancient pagan religion is sometimes called the "Old Religion."

[Galleywench]

Paganism is the broad term used to describe any religion or belief that is not Christian, Jewish or Muslim. Wicca is one of the more well known ancient pagan religions which has its roots in ancient folk ways and beliefs, usually following the seasonal cycle. Wicca is an earth based religion which worships the life force of nature on the planet and in the skies. Many forms of ancient Goddess worship were polytheistic. A "witch" meant different things in different societies. In some cultures they were tribal "witch doctors" or healers. Wicca of the ancient pagan religion is sometimes called the "Old Religion."

[Antonio_della_furfante]

Paganism is the broad term used to describe any religion or belief that is not Christian, Jewish or Muslim. Wicca is one of the more well known ancient pagan religions which has its roots in ancient folk ways and beliefs, usually following the seasonal cycle. Wicca is an earth based religion which worships the life force of nature on the planet and in the skies. Many forms of ancient Goddess worship were polytheistic. A "witch" meant different things in different societies. In some cultures they were tribal "witch doctors" or healers. Wicca of the ancient pagan religion is sometimes called the "Old Religion."

Yep that pretty much sums it up.

[Antonio_della_furfante]

Paganism is the broad term used to describe any religion or belief that is not Christian, Jewish or Muslim. Wicca is one of the more well known ancient pagan religions which has its roots in ancient folk ways and beliefs, usually following the seasonal cycle. Wicca is an earth based religion which worships the life force of nature on the planet and in the skies. Many forms of ancient Goddess worship were polytheistic. A "witch" meant different things in different societies. In some cultures they were tribal "witch doctors" or healers. Wicca of the ancient pagan religion is sometimes called the "Old Religion."

Yep that pretty much sums it up.

[MacKahlia]

Paganism is the broad term used to describe any religion or belief that is not Christian, Jewish or Muslim. Wicca is one of the more well known ancient pagan religions which has its roots in ancient folk ways and beliefs, usually following the seasonal cycle. Wicca is an earth based religion which worships the life force of nature on the planet and in the skies. Many forms of ancient Goddess worship were polytheistic. A "witch" meant different things in different societies. In some cultures they were tribal "witch doctors" or healers. Wicca of the ancient pagan religion is sometimes called the "Old Religion."


Yes! Much better then what I could have gotten out! Well Put.

[MacKahlia]

Paganism is the broad term used to describe any religion or belief that is not Christian, Jewish or Muslim. Wicca is one of the more well known ancient pagan religions which has its roots in ancient folk ways and beliefs, usually following the seasonal cycle. Wicca is an earth based religion which worships the life force of nature on the planet and in the skies. Many forms of ancient Goddess worship were polytheistic. A "witch" meant different things in different societies. In some cultures they were tribal "witch doctors" or healers. Wicca of the ancient pagan religion is sometimes called the "Old Religion."


Yes! Much better then what I could have gotten out! Well Put.

[Ysobelle]

But though Wicca is based on ancient traditions, doesn't the religion itself as a movement date from the 1950s?


http://www.religioustolerance.org/wic_hist.htm

[Ysobelle]

But though Wicca is based on ancient traditions, doesn't the religion itself as a movement date from the 1950s?


http://www.religioustolerance.org/wic_hist.htm

[Katy Didde]

But though Wicca is based on ancient traditions, doesn't the religion itself as a movement date from the 1950s?


http://www.religioustolerance.org/wic_hist.htm

That sounds pretty much on target. None of my reading has turned up anybody who claims to have been initiated into a long-standing coven.

Another good resource for information on paganism in general and wicca in particular is at http://www.witchvox.org

[Katy Didde]

But though Wicca is based on ancient traditions, doesn't the religion itself as a movement date from the 1950s?


http://www.religioustolerance.org/wic_hist.htm

That sounds pretty much on target. None of my reading has turned up anybody who claims to have been initiated into a long-standing coven.

Another good resource for information on paganism in general and wicca in particular is at http://www.witchvox.org

[Morgaine]

The way I explain it to myself is:

Wicca is to Pagan as Catholic is to Christian.

Pagan is a general term that usually includes many groups and practitioners. Usually their common tie is a belief in many gods. There are many sects of Pagan - Wicca is just one, that happens to get the most press.

[Morgaine]

The way I explain it to myself is:

Wicca is to Pagan as Catholic is to Christian.

Pagan is a general term that usually includes many groups and practitioners. Usually their common tie is a belief in many gods. There are many sects of Pagan - Wicca is just one, that happens to get the most press.

[Galleywench]

But though Wicca is based on ancient traditions, doesn't the religion itself as a movement date from the 1950s?


http://www.religioustolerance.org/wic_hist.htm

Nikki...there may be a few women in Ireland a few hundred years before the bobby soxers that might take umbrage to that ! lol

[Galleywench]

But though Wicca is based on ancient traditions, doesn't the religion itself as a movement date from the 1950s?


http://www.religioustolerance.org/wic_hist.htm

Nikki...there may be a few women in Ireland a few hundred years before the bobby soxers that might take umbrage to that ! lol

[biker]

Paganism is the broad term used to describe any religion or belief that is not Christian, Jewish or Muslim. "

Wasnt Christianity considered pagan around 2000 years ago though??

[biker]

Paganism is the broad term used to describe any religion or belief that is not Christian, Jewish or Muslim. "

Wasnt Christianity considered pagan around 2000 years ago though??

[Nevada]

I believe christianity developed from a splinter group of the jewish faith that formed after the death of Jesus...mainly by the disciples and believers left behind.

[Nevada]

I believe christianity developed from a splinter group of the jewish faith that formed after the death of Jesus...mainly by the disciples and believers left behind.

[LashaLaRouge]

from what ive read (belive me ive read alot lol mabe too much...i think it made me a lil cookoo!) anyways, wicca was founded AS A RELIGION in the 50's however the practice is based on belifes form well long long ago...so a lil bit of both, the name itself is fairly new to the scene
as for paganism being anything not catholic christion or jewish, from what ive heard/seen/read, its more any nature based religion. Ie shamanism would be a form of paganism as would wicca, ect
I think that makes sence, im not much good at putting thoughts into letters...my mind works way to fast for my fingers to keep up and the train of thought often leaves without me...letting those left at the time to go ariy...that and i have hyperfixation (kind of like adult ADD so i wander wuite abit sometimes...hmm...
But yes, paganism is an 'umberella tearm' though im sure its used majorly for those spirutaullay nautre based rather than ALL that dont fall into the triplet category previously stated...
Hope i didnt offend anyone if that didnt quite come out right...

[Curben]

Modern wicca was founded by Gerald Gardner (http://www.geraldgardner.com/)


Many people think that being wicca makes you a witch and if your a witch your wiccan, etc

The best Essay i have seen on wicca was actually the page www.whywiccanssuck.com
Yes it sounds contreversial but it s a mature and seemingly well researched page on wicca and the differences between wicca and what all the self proclaimed wiccans practice. The site doesnt condemn wicca just the wiccans. Same shoe as the difference between christianity and christians. Christ said forgive, and he who is without sin throw the first stone. the avreage self proclaimed christian says "Your going to hell" Im christian dating a pagan girl, makes life difficult at times, esspecially when she proclaimes she hates christian, but . . . looking at them, so do i at times

*Looks up* hmm got derailed there

anyways read the sites for info, the gardner site i havnt read just heard of, and why wiccans suck is just an interesting reflection with many good resources (its his resource and links that cause for the page recomendation.

But yes Wicca is a Pagan religion, however its more specific then some let on. if you want to know what wicca is research it enough to know the diff between Wicca i have properly studied this resource books, and im gonna write a oook about wicca to make money resource books