Modern Wicca and Neopaganism

Question 1

Neopaganism

Answer 1

• An umbrella term that defines many beliefs and practices, acknowledging being in tune with gods and nature, and drawn from Hinduism.
• A general movement in the 19th century that sought to go back to traditional roots and react against industrialization.

Question 2

Ethnonationalism

Answer 2

Overwhelmingly male, 97% European, and a belief system that excludes what is perceived as foreigners.

Question 3

Broom closet

Answer 3

The act of hiding one’s identity as a witch and keeping it a secret.

Question 4

Coven

Answer 4

• A group of witches who come together as a family and engage in rituals and practices.
• A gathering of witches, often consisting of 13 members, who are initiated and follow a hierarchical structure.

Question 5

Wiccan

Answer 5

A specific category within Neopaganism, focusing on witchcraft and nature-based rituals.

Question 6

Myth

Answer 6

A narrative discourse that conveys important information and evokes sentiments, often used to construct society and reinforce social identity.

Question 7

Gardnerian Witchcraft

Answer 7

Founded by Gerald Brosseau Gardner, it is one of the varieties of Wiccan traditions, heavily influenced by Margaret Murray’s theories.

Question 8

Alexandrian Wicca

Answer 8

Founded by Alex Sanders, it is another variety of Wiccan tradition that borrows heavily from Gardnerian Witchcraft and emphasizes ceremonial magic and nudity in rituals.

Question 9

Theology

Answer 9

The belief system within Wicca, often centered around a duality of deities and the worship of a goddess.

Question 10

High Priestess

Answer 10

The embodiment of the Goddess and performs rituals such as “drawing down the moon.”

Question 11

High Priest

Answer 11

The embodiment of the God, although less common than the High Priestess.

Question 12

Esbat

Answer 12

A small-scale meeting held during the full moon, where various rituals like initiations and healings can take place.

Question 13

Sabbat

Answer 13

A large-scale meeting that commemorates different points in the year, such as equinoxes, solstices, and points in between. There are 8 Sabbats in total, 4 greater and 4 lesser.

Question 14

Wiccan Rede

Answer 14

A moral guideline that states, “and it if harm none, do what you will.” It heavily draws from Crowley’s teachings.

Question 15

Threefold Law of Return

Answer 15

The belief that the cause and effect of magic will return threefold to the practitioner. It is similar to the concept of karma.

Question 16

Magic

Answer 16

Considered morally neutral, it is seen as an energy or force that can be manipulated by individuals.