10 Facts About Paganism and Wicca

By Patti Wigington, About.com

There’s a lotof information out there on Paganism, including but not limited to Wicca, inbooks, on the Internet, and through local groups. But how much of it isaccurate? How do you learn to separate the wheat from the chaff? The fact is,there are several basic things you should understand about Wicca and other formsof Paganism before you make the decision to join a new spiritual path. Let’seliminate some of the misconceptions and talk about actual facts… it will makeyour spiritual journey all the more valuable if you understand these issuesfrom the beginning.

1.Most Pagan Traditions Have Rules

Sure, a lotof people think that just because there’s no Grand High Pagan Council thatthere must be all kinds of magical carnage going on. Truth is, there are somefairly standard guidelines followed by a number of different Pagan traditions.While they vary from one group to the next, it’s a good idea to familiariseyourself with some of the concepts. Learn more about the rules of magic beforeyou continue your studies.

2. NotAll Witches are Pagans are Wiccan’s

There aredozens of Pagan traditions, and as many different versions of Wicca. Not allare the same, and just because someone is a witch or Pagan doesn’t necessarilymean they practice Wicca. Learn about the differences in paths found among theumbrella term “Paganism.”

3.There’s No Pagan Dress Code

Contrary towhat many popular movies might have you believe, you don’t have to be a teenageGoth princess to be Pagan or Wiccan. In fact, you don’t “have to be” anythingat all. Pagans come from all walks of life — they are parents and teens,lawyers, nurses, firefighters, waitresses, teachers and writers. They come fromall different walks of life, all socioeconomic groups, and all sorts of racialbackgrounds. There’s no Pagan Dress Code that says you have to toss away yourpolo shirt or khakis in favor of capes and an all-black wardrobe. On the otherhand, if you prefer the Goth look, go for it… just remember that Goth and Paganare not synonymous.

4.Religious Freedom Applies to Pagans Too

Believe it ornot, as a Pagan you have the same rights as people of any other religion.Despite the fact that some members of other faiths might disapprove of theexistence of Wicca and Paganism, the fact is that if you live in the United States,you’re entitled to protection just like anyone else. It’s against the law foranyone to discriminate against you because you practice an earth-based faith.Learn about your rights as a Pagan or Wiccan parent, as an employee, and evenas a member of the United States military.

5.It’s Okay to Be Out of the Broom Closet… or Not

Countlessnumbers of Pagans have made the choice to “come out of the broom closet”… inother words, they’ve stopped hiding their spiritual path from others. For manypeople, this is a huge decision. You may feel that it’s not in your bestinterest to make your religious beliefs known, and that’s okay too. If you feelyou could be in danger if you reveal that you are Pagan, or that it might put astrain on family relations, going public might be something you should postpone.Get all the pros and cons on coming out of the broom closet.

6.Pagans Are Not Satanists

Ask any Paganabout the cornerstone of their faith, and they’ll probably tell you it’s areverence for their ancestors, a belief in the sacredness of nature, a willingnessto embrace the Divine within ourselves, or an acceptance of polarity betweenthe male and female. It may be a combination of those principles. It will nothave anything to do with the Satan, Old Scratch, Beelzebub, or any of the othernames attributed to the Christian devil. Pagans and Wiccan’s aren’t devilworshipers, Satanists, or Diabolists. Learn more about how Pagans and Wiccan’sfeel about such an entity.

7.Join a Coven, or Practice Solitary?

Many Wiccan’sand Pagans choose to join a coven or study group because it allows them thechance to learn from like-minded people. It’s an opportunity to share ideas andget new perspectives on any number of things. However, for some folks it’s justmore practical or desirable to remain as a solitary practitioner.

8.Parents and Teens

Nothing willset a teenager at odds with a parent quite like coming into the house wearing agiant pentacle, toting a candle, and yelling, “I’m a witch now, leave mealone!” Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way. Parents, you may have someconcerns about Wicca and other forms of Paganism… and teens, you probablyaren’t sure how to talk to mom and dad about your new-found interest. Resteasy, though. With a little bit of good communication, both parents andteenagers should be able to find a happy medium.

9. YouDon’t Need a Lot of Fancy Tools

Many peoplethink they need to stock up on hundreds of dollars worth of incense, herbs,wands and candles before they can even begin to practice Wicca or Paganism.That’s simply not the case. While a few basic magical tools are nice to have,the key element of most traditions are the beliefs, not the tangible, physicalitems. If you’d like to gather a very basic “starter kit” of tools, there areseveral which are common to nearly every tradition.

10.You Can Write Your Own Spells and Rituals

Despite acommonly held (and generally Internet-based) belief to the contrary, anyone canwrite and cast a spell. The trick is to recognise what the key elements are tosuccessful spell-crafting — intent or goal, components, and putting it intopractice are all key. Don’t let anyone tell you that beginners can’t write aspell. Just like any other skill set, it will take some practice, but with alittle work you can become a perfectly effective spell-worker.