| The Encyclopedia of Religion defines a religion as "the | | | | followers. In contrast, Wiccans are given the |
| organization of life around the depth dimensions of | | | | freedom to practice and adapt their religion to their |
| experience - varied in form, completeness and clarity | | | | lifestyles. The main focus of the Wiccan religion is the |
| in accordance with the environment of the culture". | | | | existence of the spirit in all of us. Every animate and |
| Practitioners of Wicca are believed to be | | | | inanimate thing is connected to each other by this |
| descendants of the Ancient Druids who were priests | | | | unifying spirit that exists in us all. So there is no |
| and healers who created an environment where | | | | worship of any Gods or spiritual entities. |
| people celebrated nature and believed that | | | | However, Wiccans use their magickal incantations to |
| everything in nature including humans were sacred | | | | create or manifest their wishes with the help of spirit |
| and powerful. | | | | guides. Wiccans believe that spirit guides exist in |
| This practice began in earlier times when human | | | | everything including the celestial objects such as stars |
| beings were hunter-gatherers. Their rituals were | | | | and planets. The spirit of the Moon is held in high |
| associated with Fire, hunting, breeding of animals, | | | | esteem and represents the Goddess. The Sun is the |
| preserving nature and healing. | | | | male entity that is invited to help with the |
| Wiccans are believed to have originated from the | | | | manifestations. These spirits are powerful and their |
| Celtic region (Western Europe and British Isles). They | | | | energies help us achieve our dreams. They are not |
| were persecuted by many cultures for their | | | | worshipped, but respected and revered for their |
| Witchcraft or Magickal traditions which included | | | | guidance and assistance. |
| celebrations such as Esbats and Sabbats which are | | | | The Earth is revered as the highest source of power |
| centered on lunar and solar cycles. | | | | and the four elements Fire, Water, Air and Earth are |
| Many millions were persecuted by the Roman, Saxon | | | | assumed to be powers that create our future in |
| and Norman invasions or killed by massive genocides | | | | accordance with the spirit's manifesting requirements |
| (Witch hunts) by Christians in the dark ages. | | | | (incantations). Wiccans also believe in negative |
| The Wiccan Rede is the rule that governs the | | | | energies that may thwart us in our manifestations. |
| behavior of the practitioners. It is usually summarized | | | | Before any ceremony, a sacred circle is cast which |
| in one line; "An' it harm none, Do what ye will.". | | | | keeps out the negative energies that may dilute or |
| One other rule of behavior refers to the Threefold | | | | negate the efficacy or our incantations. All negative |
| Law, which states that everything we do is returned | | | | energies are commanded to return to their origins |
| three fold. This generally dissuades the practitioners | | | | and stay away until we complete our rituals in the |
| of Wicca to do nothing that hurts another. It is similar | | | | belief that our thoughts and visualizations become |
| to the Law of Karma. | | | | manifest most effectively when the all the |
| Most religions teach specific rules of behavior to its | | | | surrounding energies cooperate and guide our spirit. |