| Witchcraft, also known as Wicca, is growing more | | | | of conduct. Any actions they take are balanced |
| and more popular as a religion. Hand in hand with this | | | | against this belief. |
| rise in popularity is the curiosity about the religion. | | | | Tied intricately to this concept is the Law of Karma. |
| Being a Witch, or Wiccan, is not as simple as making | | | | Most people are familiar with the idea of karma. For a |
| the declaration of being so. Nor is it as simple as | | | | witch, this idea is usually expressed as the "times |
| lighting candles and casting "spells". It is a belief | | | | three" concept; whatever kind of energies you are |
| structure just like any other, with its own rules and | | | | creating and setting forth into the universe will return |
| acceptable behaviors. Most Wiccans out there readily | | | | back to you, times three. |
| adhere to the beliefs and strictures contained in this | | | | These two concepts are the foundation that Wicca |
| article. | | | | rests upon. It all meshes well with what has come to |
| However, Witchcraft has suffered for centuries | | | | be known as The Law of Attraction. If one strives |
| under a bad reputation. Its roots are found deep | | | | to cultivate positive energy in their surroundings and |
| within Europe, from a time that easily predates | | | | their relationships, then positive energy will come |
| Christianity. Though the church has played a large role | | | | back to them. However, the reverse is also true. |
| in creating the misconceptions that most people have | | | | In addition to these ideas, Wiccans also believe in a |
| about Wicca, Hollywood has had a hand in the pot as | | | | Deity known as The Goddess, as well as her consort, |
| well. | | | | The God. The two together are the basis for the |
| Wicca, Witchcraft and Paganism are in no way, shape | | | | Wiccan concept of Deity, or a higher being. The two |
| or form related to Christianity. Witches do not believe | | | | gods are often represented as a trinity, marking the |
| in the deities set forth by that faith, and therefore, | | | | cycles of life. For the Goddess, it is The Maiden, |
| do not worship them. Thus, Witchcraft and devil | | | | Mother and Crone, while the God is represented as |
| worship are different topics. This article is about the | | | | The Father, Son and Sage. |
| beliefs and guiding principles of Wicca. | | | | The holidays that witches celebrate, known as |
| Most religions have a "code of conduct" or a set of | | | | Sabbats, coincide with the trinity concept. In the |
| rules that its followers must adhere to in order to | | | | spring, witches celebrate the conception and birth |
| remain in the good graces of the belief system and | | | | related to nature coming out of its dormant winter |
| the community. In this way, Wicca is just like all the | | | | state. In the warmer summer months, the Father |
| others. In Wicca, this set of rules is known as The | | | | and Mother are honored as nature is in its prime |
| Wiccan Rede. It is a rather long incantation that is | | | | stage of growth. When the seasons turn colder, the |
| spoken as part of most Wiccan rituals. A part of The | | | | Crone and Sage are revered, as nature prepares for |
| Rede states, "If it harms none, do as thou will". | | | | the death of winter and subsequent rebirth the |
| For most Wiccans, this is the essence of their code | | | | following spring. |