Wicca 101 Flashcards
What is Wicca?
Wicca emerged in the early 20th century, combining ancient traditions, respect for nature, and psychic energy or intuition in a modern form.
Who was Dr. Margaret Murray?
A British Egyptologist who claimed that women believed to be witches in Europe during the 15th-18th centuries were followers of an ancient religion, not Satan worshippers.
What did Dr. Murray’s thesis contribute to Wicca?
Her thesis contributed to the popularity of the Wiccan Religion throughout England.
What aspects does Wicca combine in its practices?
Wicca combines aspects of folk magic, mythology, romanticism, and Druidism.
What do Wiccans believe about the divine?
Wiccans believe in a deity inherent in the universe, manifested in all living entities.
What is the central tenet of Wicca?
The central tenet is ‘if it harms none, do what you will.’
What does the central tenet of Wicca affirm?
It affirms the inherent right to freedom of action while acknowledging the responsibility associated with actions.
How do Wiccans view spirits?
Wiccans recognize a spirit in every living being, interconnected to all other spirits, forming a web of the divine.
What are some central tenets of Wicca?
Power through knowledge, progressive reincarnation, harmony, and serenity.
What methods do practitioners use to develop their spiritual lives?
Dream interpretation, drawing on the moon, tarot, astrology, and palmistry.
Do Wiccans worship the devil?
No, Wicca does not worship Satan and does not acknowledge the devil’s existence.
What do most Wiccans believe about God?
Most Wiccans do not believe in the Judeo-Christian concept of God but do believe in an ultimate deity.
What is unique about each Wiccan practice?
Each individual Wiccan practice is unique to the practitioners and covens utilizing the symbols.
How are practices or rituals tailored in Wicca?
They may be tailored to the specific needs at a given time and season.
What are some basic symbols associated with Wicca?
The Pentacle, Pentagram, Tri-Goddess, and Goddess.
What is notable about the symbols used in Wiccan practices?
The symbols and signs are rich in symbolic meaning often known only to those within the particular coven or practice.
What is a pentagram?
The pentagram is one of the most recognizable symbols in Wicca/witchcraft.
What does the term ‘pentagram’ mean?
The term ‘pentagram’ comes from the Greek ‘penta’, meaning ‘five’, and ‘gramma’, meaning ‘a letter’.
How many points does a pentagram have?
A pentagram always has five points, with one point pointing upward.
What does the upward point of the pentagram represent?
The upward point of the pentagram represents the spirit.
What do the other four points of the pentagram represent?
The other four points represent the elements: earth, air, fire, and water.
What is the difference between an upright and an inverted pentagram?
An upright pentagram has one point aligned upward, while an inverted pentagram has two points up.
What is a pentacle?
A pentacle is a pentagram enclosed in a circle.
What is the significance of the pentagram in Wicca?
The pentagram is associated with femininity, knowledge, and is seen as a symbol for good and protection against evil.
How old is the symbol of the pentagram?
The pentagram is a very old symbol, used as far back as in Babylon.
What is the Golden Ratio in relation to the pentagram?
The pentagram divides itself in accordance with the Golden Ratio, represented by φ, which is approximately 1.618033988…
What did tarot cards originally use before pentacles?
Historically, tarot cards had a suit of coins or discs, which were changed to pentacles in the 19th century.
What does the saying ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’ relate to?
This saying originates from the belief that the apple is symbolic of health, as a transversally cut apple reveals a pentagram.
What does the Tri-Goddess symbol represent?
The Tri-Goddess symbol, denoted by three moons, represents the maid, mother, and crone.
What does the maid (maiden) aspect represent?
The maid aspect represents childhood, beginnings, purity, and independence.
What does the mother aspect represent?
The mother aspect represents motherhood, protection, fertility, and growth.
What does the crone aspect represent?
The crone aspect represents old age, wisdom, transformation, and death.
What do the aspects of the Tri-Goddess represent in a cycle?
These aspects represent the cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth.
How is the Goddess viewed in traditional Wicca?
In traditional Wicca, the Goddess is seen as the Triple Goddess, with the Mother aspect being the most important.
What is the dualistic nature in Wiccan beliefs?
Wiccan beliefs revolve around a Goddess and a Horned God, regarded as equal and opposite divine forces.
What do the terms ‘Horned God’ and ‘Triple Goddess’ refer to?
These terms are types of godheads, not specific deities, and are descriptions rather than names.