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Pagan is a general term while Wicca applies specifically to those belief structures that are descended or adapted from Gardnerian Wicca, which was founded by Gerald Gardner in the mid 1900s. Gardnerian Wicca is the first formal, Wiccan tradition that was known about publicly through media interviews and the publication of books by the members, with Gardner being the first to publish. There are other and newer traditions of Wicca that claim different, or even no, lineage at all.
Think of it this way, Paganism is a tree of which Wicca is a branch; in much the same way that Christianity is a tree of which Lutheran is a branch.
But it is not always just to label a Wiccan as a Pagan...
Though it is controversial in both the Pagan and mainstream religious communities, some people believe that Christian, Jewish, Muslim beliefs can be melded with Wicca to create Christian Wicca, Jewish Wicca, less often Muslim Wicca, so it is even unfair to say that all Wiccans are pagans, some believe themselves to be very much Christian, etc and would be upset to be identified as Pagan.
While this is controversial, it's not a new controversy, through the Middle Ages, many learned men (John Dee for one) pursued magic and alchemy and worked with calling angels and demons though they considered themselves to be very much Christian. The tradition of mysticism in even mainstream religions is a very old one that continues today.
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I have often explained it this way to my students and others who ask: Wicca is to Paganism as Catholicism is to Christianity... A sub-section of a larger belief system. Not necessarily the largest, or the one with the most followers, but the most recognisable to the outside world. And in my experience the ones with the most rules.
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What are some current Pagan religions?
Paganism is an umbrella term that encompasses all of the non-abrahamic religions. This means that every religion that has not descended from Judaism, Christianity, or Islam is pagan. Wicca, Ásatrú, Hellenic Polytheism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Shinto, and Taoism are all examples of pagan religions.
What are some different religions?
The world is full of many different religions. Some of those religions are Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Paganism, and Judaism.
Is Wicca a native American belief?
No, Wicca has no connection at all with native American beliefs. It is a modern pagan religion developed in England in the early 1900s.
What do witches look like today?
There is no single universal opinion that "we think" about witches in the present day. In the United States, the United Kingdom and most Western nations, Wicca and other forms of Paganism are recognized as a legitimate religions, and witches have the same rights as all citizens. There continue to be some countries that outlaw witchcraft; however, the targets of prosecution (and persecution) tend to be the victims of gossip, superstition and fear rather than actual practitioners of Wicca or Witchcraft.
What was King Herod's religion?
AnswerKing Herod was a pragmatist. He practised Judaism when in Jerusalem, but paganism when in Caesaria. A guide to his private views may perhaps be found in the paganism his sons practised.
Is wicca a branch of Christianity?
No it is a branch of paganism
When was wicca founded?
Wicca is a recent form of paganism. Wicca has only been around since about the 1940s, although it was first openly revealed in 1954. However, wicca stems from paganism, which has been around longer than the Egyptian pyramids. Wicca was arounf a while before that. It just vanished for a time. and then came back.
What do you call of the spiritual leader in Wicca?
well there are axially A LOT of gods and godesses for Wicca/Paganism. To many to name them ALL.
Is wicca and pagan the same religion?
no. paganism is a range of religions, like Christianity. Wicca is a type of pagan, but a pagan isn't necessarily a Wiccan.
Wicca a modern Neo-Paga?
Well, the meaning of the word "Pagan" is an old English word for "valley dwellers". I know what you mean, but I just wanted to get that out of the way. By standards nowadays, Paganism is a generalized term covering many different pantheistic religions and traditions, including Wicca. A good way to understand that relationship is this: Lutheranism is to Christianity as Wicca is to Paganism. So, simply put, the answer to your question is "yes".
Wicca a modern Neo-Pagan religion?
Well, the meaning of the word "Pagan" is an old English word for "valley dwellers". I know what you mean, but I just wanted to get that out of the way. By standards nowadays, Paganism is a generalized term covering many different pantheistic religions and traditions, including Wicca. A good way to understand that relationship is this: Lutheranism is to Christianity as Wicca is to Paganism. So, simply put, the answer to your question is "yes".
Is a wicca considered a pagan?
Yes. Paganism is an umbrella term just like Christianity and Hinduism, there are many different beliefs under each term.
Can a soldier who is a member of Wicca practice his faith on base?
Yes. In fact many bases are now designating areas specifically for the practice of Wicca and Neo-Paganism.
Where can you find wicca books?
Books on Wicca can be found in your library, new-age book stores, metaphysical bookstores, and even in the "big-box" bookstores, and on-line in the religion section filed with all the rest of the books on Paganism. FYI Wicca is a sub-section of the spiritual paths known as Paganism, much like Catholics and Baptists are sub-sections of Christianity.
What is the difference between pagans and wiccans?
Paganism, by definition, is any various religion outside of Christianity, Judaism, or Islam. Wicca is a type of Paganism, and falls under its umbrella. A comparison would be like saying Christianity is a religion, but Southern Baptist is a form of religion that comes under Christianity as a whole. More specifically, Pagan means "country dweller", where Wicca means "witchcraft". One does not have to participate in Wicca in order to be a pagan, but those who practice Wicca are all considered Pagans by default.
Is witch ture?
Of course witchcraft is real and of course it does work! Ever heard of Wicca or Paganism? Herbalism, perhaps?
How does Christian view wicca religions?
Christianity and Catholicism generally views paganism or wiccan with regards to satanism. True paganism is honoring and worshipping Gaea or Mother Earth. Alot of Christian views came from original Paganism, as well as other religions.
