What is a Wiccan?

A Wiccan is a person who follows the religion of Wicca. It may also be defined a Witch that incoprates religion into magick and daily living. All Wiccans are Witches but not all Witches are Wiccan. Basically, not all witches incorporate religion into their practices, but all Wiccans do.

Because Wicca is a general term used to describe a variety of paths practiced by Witches as religion, I can only touch on some generalities here. Wicca is a new religion based on ancient ideas and practices that revere nature, the universe and the fact that the divine permeates everything and everyone.

Lore: According to Scott Cunningham in Wicca, a Guide for the Solitary Practicioner it was once believed that the Sky Father (the God) rained upon the Earth Mother (the Goddess), uniting with the Goddess, spreading seed over the land in celebration of her fertility.

If you look at the Deity family tree, you will find the One (The Universal Spirit of All) at the top. Then directly below on equal limbs are the Lord and the Lady. Here's where things start differing. If one has chosen a pantheon to work with, the "King" and "Queen" of that pantheon would be the Lord and Lady and the tree would branch out from there to incoporate the rest of the group. Others leave the Lord and Lady as equal deities who will manifest themselves into the God/Goddess who's aspects are needed at that time, not limiting themselves to one pantheon.

Today the Lord and Lady are still firmly rooted in Nature. It's often believed that the God emanates the Universal Energy, and the Goddess disperses it wisely. Thus, neither is more important than the other and both are perfectly necessary.

Just like there are several sects of Christianity, Buddhism, etc, there are also several sects of Wicca and Witchcraft; people who share an organized set of beliefs and practices. You will find a brief description of SOME of the paths below:

Alexandrian: A traditionalist practice founded in England in the 1960's by Alex Sanders.

British Traditional Witch: A mix of Gardenarian beliefs with Celtic influences. Structured co-ed covens that honor a degree process. The Red Garters are the most famous group of British Traditional Witches today and you will find info about them on the internet.

Celtic Wicca: Celtics can practice alone or in covens. There is a heavy amount of reverence to nature and the Ancient Ones and the witches use the Celtic Pantheon of Deities. Some ritual Gardnerian practices are found in Celtic Wicca.

Caledonii (Hecatine) Traditional Witch: Scottish originated craft that preserves the unique festivals and ways.

Ceremonial Witch: Any practictioner that uses a good deal of rituals and ceremonies in her practice.

Dianic Traditional Witch: Voiced by Margaret Murray in 1921 in The Witch Cult in Western Europe. Primary focus of this ceremonial craft is goddess worship and empowerment of female aspects.

Eclectic Witch: Some one who does't follow any particular tradition, but learns about several beliefs and practices and uses what they feel most comfortable with at that time.

Fairy Wicca: Witchcraft working with fairies and other little people.

Gardnerian Tradition: Organized by Gerald Gardner in England in the 1950's. He was one of the few who shared his beliefs with the public and media in an attempt to share his knowledge and beliefs with others. Gardnerian witches rely heavy on tradition and cermonial practice.

Hereditary Witch: One who learns from a living family member such as a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle.

Kitchen Witch: When I think of this type of witch, I think of a practical person applying spirituality and magick in practical ways, in all aspects of life. Many are herbalists and research and use natural remedies, having very little to do with rituals or ceremonies.

Pictish Witchcraft: Scottish Witchcraft attuning with all aspects of mundane nature. Solitary practice with little religion or ceremony.

Pow-Wow: A system based on Elite German magick, heavy in healing practices.

Seax-Wica: Founded by Raymond Buckland in 1973. A traditionalist practice more "user friendly" than Gardenarian practicies.

Solitary Witch: One who works alone.

Strega: An Italian Craft began in Italy around 1353 by a woman named Aradia.

Teutonic Witch: AKA, the Nordic tradition. Usually uses the Noric pantheon of deities, however b/c Teutons are defined as all that speak the Germanic languages (English, Dutch, Danish Norwegian, Icelandic and Swedish peoples) you will find a good mixture of people and practices under this title.