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What is Wicca?

Nicole Hernandez89 · 2014-07-25T22:35:00+00:00

So, I’ve spent the last three hours falling down an internet rabbit hole researching this religion called Wicca—and honestly, I’m kind of hooked on what I’ve f…

Started by Nicole Hernandez89 · Jul 25, 2014 · 👁 4 views · 89 replies

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Gerald Hill Active Member

93 messages
joined Oct 2016

#41 · Oct 12, 2016

Jeremy James3 said:The total absence of suffering is far more significant than anything psychotherapy can offer.

Have you ever studied buddhism? It focuses specifically on the mind and its inherent tendencies. Suffering exists solely within our own minds if we choose to identify ourselves with the body, the spirit, or our desires. If you refuse to identify with any of those things, then suffering ceases to exist.

Goodness, man. Suffering doesn't just exist in our heads; it is quite real because it traps us psychologically. No matter what "spiritual practice" one attempts to use to escape it, that heavy suffering remains present, much like how turning on a water heater inevitably produces hot water. buddhism teaches that suffering arises from the desire to be satisfied—which is true sometimes when our ambitions are high and unmet—but often it isn't. For instance, if I were to break my leg and my arm, that pain wouldn't stem from a desire to be satisfied; it would result from an unfortunate accident. In that situation, I wouldn't be seeking pleasure; I would be seeking the removal of pain. To me, those are not the same thing. Seeking pleasure is more akin to hedonism, whereas the desire to remove pain is a fundamental physical and psychological necessity, whether the pain is bodily or mental. In such a case, identifying with the body would be of little help. Consider those born with physical deformities or medical conditions; identifying with their bodies won't help them. They don't want to identify with anything; they simply want to escape the suffering they endure.

Joshua Patel6 Member

39 messages
joined Dec 2009

#42 · Oct 12, 2016

Jeremy James3 said:And honestly, people are still doing stuff like that today, which might be why there's so much chaos in the world. And I don't think it's just about "ancestors"—nothing from that era truly died out. Personally, I can't stand witchcraft, especially the idea of trying to get something through magic by basically flattering some "god," because I truly believe the Almighty will eventually settle the score for all of that.
That’s why I think it’s much better to follow the path of buddhism to find liberation and just stay away from all that mess.
Since buddhism isn't about magic, you aren't doing anything to upset the creator; you're just working on clearing your mind so you can actually see reality for what it is.

I’m a bit lost here... are you suggesting that modern pagans actually share a direct lineage with those ancient, primal practices? 😁 And as for the animal sacrifices—good grief, please. You might find a few eccentrics out there doing something strange, but I fail to see how they could possibly be correlated with the massive amount of chaos in the world. They simply aren't that powerful...

Joseph Bailey41 Veteran

1K messages
joined Apr 2021

#43 · Oct 12, 2016

Let's be honest, we all kill animals. Even vegans aren't exempt from it. Every single time, some field mouse gets crushed under a combine harvester just so we can have food on our tables.

Joshua Patel6 Member

39 messages
joined Dec 2009

#44 · Oct 12, 2016

😁

Well, I suppose that’s just how the chips fall... life demands its sacrifices, otherwise, I don't think we'd even be here to talk about it.

Thomas Nelson25 Regular

582 messages
joined Jan 2021

#45 · Oct 12, 2016

Spirituality that’s all about being grounded in the country—if I'm not mistaken—goddesses and stuff. (though it uses the 4 elements too)
So what’s actually the difference between that and, say, shamanism?
I haven't quite figured that part out yet.

Jeremy James3 Newcomer

9 messages
joined Apr 2016

#46 · Oct 13, 2016

Joshua Patel6 said:I’m a bit lost here... are you suggesting that modern pagans actually share a direct lineage with those ancient, primal practices? 😁 And as for the animal sacrifices—good grief, please. You might find a few eccentrics out there doing something strange, but I fail to see how they could possibly be correlated with the massive amount of chaos in the world. They simply aren't that powerful...

Well, yeah. I suppose those old practices have just put on a new coat of paint, so anyone who isn't deeply familiar with them wouldn't ever connect the meat, the blood, and the fire back to pagan customs. It’s not even really about some "pagan tradition," because I think everything you do and everything you think just leaves its own mark on the universe for a while. It's pure knowledge. You really have to watch out for those types, though—most of the time, it's literally devilish business. There aren't many good witches out there, I think; most are just twisted people with wicked souls. And once you see that, you start to get a glimpse of who actually rules this country. But then again, I have a feeling you probably already know all that.

The only one worth praying to is the Almighty.

Thomas Nelson25 said:Spirituality that’s all about being grounded in the country—if I'm not mistaken—goddesses and stuff. (though it uses the 4 elements too)
So what’s actually the difference between that and, say, shamanism?
I haven't quite figured that part out yet.

Well, see, if you're just using the four elements for immediate perks—like, you know, asking for rain or a better harvest—then I guess that isn't really spirituality. A shaman uses plants to shift their perception so they can actually learn something about the Universe and themselves, rather than just hoping for a good crop tomorrow. A shaman changes themselves, whereas a witch tries to change the nature around them, basically forcing it to bend to their will. But a shaman submits their own will to nature. It's probably good to understand both ways, but I think it's vital to know how to submit to nature for when it eventually decides to take control again.. 😉

Joshua Patel6 Member

39 messages
joined Dec 2009

#47 · Oct 13, 2016

Jeremy James3 said:Well, yeah. I suppose those old practices have just put on a new coat of paint, so anyone who isn't deeply familiar with them wouldn't ever connect the meat, the blood, and the fire back to pagan customs. It’s not even really about some "pagan tradition," because I think everything you do and everything you think just leaves its own mark on the universe for a while. It's pure knowledge. You really have to watch out for those types, though—most of the time, it's literally devilish business. There aren't many good witches out there, I think; most are just twisted people with wicked souls. And once you see that, you start to get a glimpse of who actually rules this country. But then again, I have a feeling you probably already know all that.

The only one worth praying to is the Almighty.

Well, see, if you're just using the four elements for immediate perks—like, you know, asking for rain or a better harvest—then I guess that isn't really spirituality. A shaman uses plants to shift their perception so they can actually learn something about the Universe and themselves, rather than just hoping for a good crop tomorrow. A shaman changes themselves, whereas a witch tries to change the nature around them, basically forcing it to bend to their will. But a shaman submits their own will to nature. It's probably good to understand both ways, but I think it's vital to know how to submit to nature for when it eventually decides to take control again.. 😉

Alright, if I am following your train of thought correctly, you are referring strictly to pagans, witches, and their specific practice of animal sacrifice as a ritualistic act? So, you mean them and their specific rituals?
In other words, this doesn't apply to ordinary people who happen to eat meat (those who aren't vegetarians)?
I just want to ensure I've grasped your point accurately...

Jeremy James3 said:Well, yeah. I suppose those old practices have just put on a new coat of paint, so anyone who isn't deeply familiar with them wouldn't ever connect the meat, the blood, and the fire back to pagan customs. It’s not even really about some "pagan tradition," because I think everything you do and everything you think just leaves its own mark on the universe for a while. It's pure knowledge. You really have to watch out for those types, though—most of the time, it's literally devilish business. There aren't many good witches out there, I think; most are just twisted people with wicked souls. And once you see that, you start to get a glimpse of who actually rules this country. But then again, I have a feeling you probably already know all that.

The only one worth praying to is the Almighty.

Well, see, if you're just using the four elements for immediate perks—like, you know, asking for rain or a better harvest—then I guess that isn't really spirituality. A shaman uses plants to shift their perception so they can actually learn something about the Universe and themselves, rather than just hoping for a good crop tomorrow. A shaman changes themselves, whereas a witch tries to change the nature around them, basically forcing it to bend to their will. But a shaman submits their own will to nature. It's probably good to understand both ways, but I think it's vital to know how to submit to nature for when it eventually decides to take control again.. 😉

Yes, 🙂exactly.

Joseph Bailey41 Veteran

1K messages
joined Apr 2021

#48 · Oct 13, 2016

Jeremy James3 said:Well, yeah. I suppose those old practices have just put on a new coat of paint, so anyone who isn't deeply familiar with them wouldn't ever connect the meat, the blood, and the fire back to pagan customs. It’s not even really about some "pagan tradition," because I think everything you do and everything you think just leaves its own mark on the universe for a while. It's pure knowledge. You really have to watch out for those types, though—most of the time, it's literally devilish business. There aren't many good witches out there, I think; most are just twisted people with wicked souls. And once you see that, you start to get a glimpse of who actually rules this country. But then again, I have a feeling you probably already know all that.

The only one worth praying to is the Almighty.

Well, see, if you're just using the four elements for immediate perks—like, you know, asking for rain or a better harvest—then I guess that isn't really spirituality. A shaman uses plants to shift their perception so they can actually learn something about the Universe and themselves, rather than just hoping for a good crop tomorrow. A shaman changes themselves, whereas a witch tries to change the nature around them, basically forcing it to bend to their will. But a shaman submits their own will to nature. It's probably good to understand both ways, but I think it's vital to know how to submit to nature for when it eventually decides to take control again.. 😉

And if you ever stumble upon a gingerbread house while hiking through the woods, whatever you do, don't go inside. 🧐

Thomas Nelson25 Regular

582 messages
joined Jan 2021

#49 · Oct 13, 2016

Jeremy James3 said:Well, yeah. I suppose those old practices have just put on a new coat of paint, so anyone who isn't deeply familiar with them wouldn't ever connect the meat, the blood, and the fire back to pagan customs. It’s not even really about some "pagan tradition," because I think everything you do and everything you think just leaves its own mark on the universe for a while. It's pure knowledge. You really have to watch out for those types, though—most of the time, it's literally devilish business. There aren't many good witches out there, I think; most are just twisted people with wicked souls. And once you see that, you start to get a glimpse of who actually rules this country. But then again, I have a feeling you probably already know all that.

The only one worth praying to is the Almighty.

Well, see, if you're just using the four elements for immediate perks—like, you know, asking for rain or a better harvest—then I guess that isn't really spirituality. A shaman uses plants to shift their perception so they can actually learn something about the Universe and themselves, rather than just hoping for a good crop tomorrow. A shaman changes themselves, whereas a witch tries to change the nature around them, basically forcing it to bend to their will. But a shaman submits their own will to nature. It's probably good to understand both ways, but I think it's vital to know how to submit to nature for when it eventually decides to take control again.. 😉

First off, they're a doctor (and then a traveler to another realm)—so yeah, that's basically messing with natural flows, or what you'd call healing magic.

It seems like shamanism and witchcraft are pretty much the same thing (if you consider it the oldest form of human spirituality). Throw in Druids, then the Vikings and runes... as for Egypt, we can't say for sure.

Then on the flip side, you've got something like the Kabbalah—an abstract system that sits above those nine (or maybe fewer) dimensions—but even that has similarities, specifically with the four worlds. The real question is: have people actually evolved spiritually through patriarchal religions, or did those just overcomplicate everything?

The big question remains whether we as humans can move beyond trance states, or maybe even deep meditation. (Which kind of implies all religions are just fairy tales used for political and economic agendas)

David Fowler86 Member

14 messages
joined Oct 2016

#50 · Oct 13, 2016

Jeremy James3 said:And honestly, people are still doing stuff like that today, which might be why there's so much chaos in the world. And I don't think it's just about "ancestors"—nothing from that era truly died out. Personally, I can't stand witchcraft, especially the idea of trying to get something through magic by basically flattering some "god," because I truly believe the Almighty will eventually settle the score for all of that.
That’s why I think it’s much better to follow the path of buddhism to find liberation and just stay away from all that mess.
Since buddhism isn't about magic, you aren't doing anything to upset the creator; you're just working on clearing your mind so you can actually see reality for what it is.

Hating people who follow a different spiritual path and declaring their way inherently wrong—that is always a sign that someone doesn't fully understand their own spirituality.

I have immense respect for the sanctity of Buddhism, just as I respect the sanctity of any other religion. It is precisely because of that respect that I feel compelled to respond here. Anyone trying to prove that another person's faith or spiritual journey is invalid—or worse, anyone harboring hatred—is essentially insulting themselves.

There isn't one single, indisputable way to interpret the divine. There is only the right path or the wrong path for the individual...

David Fowler86 Member

14 messages
joined Oct 2016

#51 · Oct 13, 2016

Joshua Patel6;60701905 said:When I used to walk that trail—and honestly, I still find myself heading back there from time to time—I felt this deep, primal urge to connect with something ancient within myself. I found that connection in nature, sensing the presence of the Goddess, almost like the creative spirit flowing through everything around us. I would give names to other gods and spirits of the wild, feeling them deeply, though always as an extension of my own spirit—a personal interpretation, if you will. I never actually saw anything "concrete"... which is funny to me, because so many pagans claim they see visions or travel to different realms, and I just wonder... how does that even happen? Anyway, I never stuck to any prescribed rituals; I never really felt the need for them. It was just my imagination filling the space, and that was truly the most beautiful part. That’s why, even now, I still return to those moments whenever I can.

I’ve had several incredibly intense and beautiful spiritual experiences—some happened while I was performing rituals, while others just came to me while I was out in the woods or in other quiet moments. I wouldn't say I experienced a "different" world, per se... rather, it felt like experiencing a truer, more elevated version of this reality. It was as if I could see myself and the world around me with much more clarity and depth than the usual daily haze allows. It wasn't about seeing visions with my eyes, but more of a sudden realization—a state of being I entered not through sheer effort or overthinking, but simply through divine grace.
I genuinely love performing rituals, though I don't always find as much time as I'd like to dedicate to them. I've taken bits and pieces from various authors to craft my own personal ritual styles. I prefer to move slowly and precisely, letting the spoken words be guided by what I'm actually feeling in the moment.

Daniel Castillo11 Active Member

73 messages
joined Oct 2010

#52 · Oct 13, 2016

Sitting right above my computer setup on a shelf, I’ve got this little wooden carving of Green mana—which, if I'm being honest, immediately puts me in the headspace of the Rogonja from neo-paganism and Wicca. 🙂

Something along these lines:

It’s one of those mythological figures from pagan and neo-pagan lore that I’ve always found particularly fascinating.

For those of you practicing Wicca, how do you actually perceive the Rogonja? Do you view it through the specific lens that Wicca presents, or do you lean more toward the classical interpretations found in much older traditions—or perhaps even something else entirely?

Joshua Patel6 Member

39 messages
joined Dec 2009

#53 · Oct 13, 2016

That Green mana really is quite striking... 🙂

I haven't truly connected with it before... I've always found myself resonating more with the fae, or perhaps when I'm in a slightly more hedonistic frame of mind, with the god Dionysus 🙂

If I recall correctly, even in American folklore, there are mentions of figures like Jura zelen
To my mind, he serves as a representation of the universal god of nature...

Joshua Patel6 Member

39 messages
joined Dec 2009

#54 · Oct 13, 2016

David Fowler86 said:I have had several incredibly intense and beautiful spiritual experiences. Some occurred while I was performing rituals, while others happened simply while I was spending time out in nature or in other everyday situations. It isn’t so much that I felt I was stepping into some different dimension, but rather that I was experiencing a truer, more elevated version of this world—as if I were seeing myself and my surroundings with far greater clarity and vividness than what we experience in our daily lives. These weren't exactly visual hallucinations or visions in the traditional sense; it was more of an overwhelming realization, a state of being that I entered not through sheer willpower or deep meditation, but quite simply through divine grace.

Those sound like such wonderful experiences, 🙂 truly oplemenjujući for your spirit.

David Fowler86 said:I always welcome the opportunity to perform rituals, though I don't always find as much time as I would like. I've taken various templates from different authors and adapted them to create my own unique ritual forms. I prefer to perform them slowly and with great precision, making sure the words I recite are deeply accompanied by my own emotions.

If you don't mind me asking, where do you usually perform your rituals? I have always struggled with finding the right space. The idea of doing this in a cramped apartment just doesn't appeal to me; I find that such environments lack any real inspiration. For a long time, I didn't even practice them, partly because I didn't feel the need for strict structure and partly because I couldn't find the right setting. Consequently, I relied heavily on my imagination, as I mentioned before.

Thomas Nelson25 Regular

582 messages
joined Jan 2021

#55 · Oct 13, 2016

Dionysus

slycyclist26 Member

26 messages
joined Oct 2016

#56 · Oct 13, 2016

Cernunnos?

bluemason3 Veteran

1.1K messages
joined Jun 2016

#57 · Oct 13, 2016

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leshy 😁

David Fowler86 Member

14 messages
joined Oct 2016

#58 · Oct 14, 2016

How do you all view the Rogonja? Are you following the way Wicca presents it, sticking to more classical old-world traditions, or perhaps something else entirely?

I perceive the Horned Lord as the most "masculine" aspect of Divine Masculinity—it’s hard to put into words, but he represents that raw strength and courage... that primal masculine principle of fertility that's absolutely essential for balance and creation in our world. To me, he is the Horned Lord of all living things, especially animals and people alike. I see him as being deeply tied to the cycle of life itself. He is the one who initiates life, guides it through every storm and transformation, and eventually brings it to a close just to make room for something new. In that sense, he acts as the source of eternal change—the constant, driving dynamic of the entire universe.
I respect him as the Great Father, and I find myself turning to him in prayer or honoring him during rituals from time to time... I truly trust in his protection. I tend to feel more drawn to him during the autumn and winter months.

David Fowler86 Member

14 messages
joined Oct 2016

#59 · Oct 14, 2016

Can you tell me where you perform your rituals? Finding the right space was always such a struggle for me. I just couldn't imagine doing them in an apartment—the environment just doesn't spark any inspiration. I haven't actually performed them yet, partly because I didn't feel the need for a rigid structure, and partly because I simply hadn't found the right setting. Because of that, my imagination became my primary tool, as I mentioned before.

I always perform my rituals in my bedroom. That way, I have enough privacy and can truly set the mood properly.
In the early stages of my practice, setting up the physical space, preparing the tools, and creating the atmosphere meant much more to me than they do now. Back then, I had this habit of lighting dozens of candles—I’d illuminate the entire room using nothing but candlelight. I’d have an altar candle, four candles at the edges of the circle (one for each cardinal direction), a candle for the essential oil stand... It looked absolutely beautiful, but since I have carpet in my room and some pretty long curtains, there was always that nagging fear that a candle holder might tip over or something similar might happen. Because of that, I don't light all those candles anymore—for lighting, I just use a soft glow from a small lamp in the corner, and I represent the fire element with a single wand instead.
Before starting, I move my desk and chair out of the way so I have plenty of room to move. For an altar, I use a storage box where I keep most of my supplies, which is quite practical. I prefer working while sitting on the floor. Once, I tried sitting in a chair, but it just felt completely wrong. I sit in chairs constantly—on the subway, while eating, studying, reading, or grabbing coffee... but when I sit on the floor, I feel like what I am doing is something special and sacred.

Daniel Castillo11 Active Member

73 messages
joined Oct 2010

#60 · Oct 14, 2016

Joshua Patel6 said:That Green mana really is quite striking... 🙂

I haven't truly connected with it before... I've always found myself resonating more with the fae, or perhaps when I'm in a slightly more hedonistic frame of mind, with the god Dionysus 🙂

If I recall correctly, even in American folklore, there are mentions of figures like Jura zelen
To my mind, he serves as a representation of the universal god of nature...

Yeah, it’s a cool concept. You see them all over the place here in Washington, D.C., decorating building facades. Some have horns, others don't.

Thinker, alongside Dionysus, stands as one of the primary candidates for having directly influenced this specific motif found in medieval European cathedrals. It is a rather ironic twist of fate, considering those very same figures were later demonized and equated with the devil.

Thinker is also such a fascinating and compelling creature.

I hadn't heard of Joe Green before, which is interesting. I am aware, however, that the ancient American deity Volos was a horned god presiding over forests, waters, vegetation, and mystery. Much like Thinker, he was known for being quite temperamental—wild and untamed. These types of deities usually held an ambivalent relationship with societal structures of order, which meant they were simultaneously objects of deep reverence and genuine fear among the people.

Horned gods most frequently symbolize the wilderness, the raw power of nature, abundance, fertility, and regeneration—and not infrequently, our primal instincts and spontaneity.

Some of these associations feel neo-pagan, emerging from various sources by blending different horned deities together, while others have undoubtedly been present since the very beginning, stretching back to the early Neolithic era.

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