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.
What are ‘Lord’ and ‘Lady’ in Wicca?
Lord and Lady are titles of respect for any god or goddess, not specific names.
Do all Wiccans worship the same deities?
No, each practitioner chooses their own deities to represent the Goddess and Horned God.
What is the view of divinity among Wiccans?
Some Wiccans see divinity as having a real, external existence, while others see gods and goddesses as archetypes.
What is the focus of the second chapter of Wicca 101?
A basic introduction to herbs as they relate to Wiccan practice and magick.
Why are herbs important in Wicca?
Herbs are tools in the Wiccan ‘magick toolbox’ used for crafting magickal items, spells, and rituals.
What is a key tool for working with herbs?
A mortar and pestle is essential for crushing and mixing herbs.
What is the nature of individual Wiccan practices?
Each Wiccan practice is unique, with variations in traditions, spells, and potions.
What are some common herbs used in Wiccan magick?
Frankincense, Myrrh, Red Sandalwood, Cedar, Rose, Patchouli, White Willow, Nutmeg, and Poppy Seeds.
What does Frankincense represent in Wicca?
Frankincense represents the Sun and is used to bring forth success or power.
What is the significance of Myrrh in Wiccan practice?
Myrrh represents the Moon and enhances psychic abilities and intuitive guidance.
What does Red Sandalwood symbolize?
Red Sandalwood symbolizes Mars and is used for energy and courage.
What does Cinnamon represent in Wicca?
Cinnamon represents Mercury and is associated with memory and mental sharpness.
What is Cedar used for in Wiccan rituals?
Cedar is associated with Jupiter and is used for abundance and growth.
What does the Rose symbolize in Wiccan practice?
The Rose symbolizes Venus and brings blessings for love, beauty, and art.
What are the properties of Patchouli in Wicca?
Patchouli symbolizes Saturn and is grounding and protective in its magick qualities.
What does White Willow symbolize?
White Willow symbolizes Neptune and is used for inspiration and creativity.
What is Nutmeg associated with in Wiccan magick?
Nutmeg represents Uranus and is used for major change, transition, or health.
What is the significance of Poppy Seeds in Wicca?
Poppy Seeds symbolize Pluto and are used for increased inner knowledge and guidance.
What is the focus of Chapter 3 in Wicca 101?
The focus is on a basic introduction to crystals and minerals as they relate to Wicca.
Why do people love crystals?
People have loved crystals for centuries, with historical finds such as crystal amulets in ancient artifacts.
Which major religions and cultures have a history with crystals?
Hinduism, Christianity, ancient Rome, and ancient Burma are among the cultures that share a history rooted in a love for stones.
What do Wiccans seek in crystals?
Wiccans seek the energetic qualities and powers of crystals, beyond their physical appearance.
What are some common crystals used in Wiccan rituals?
Common crystals include amethyst, citrine, hematite, jade, jasper, obsidian, and quartz.
What are the healing qualities of amethyst?
Amethyst has calming and soothing effects, assisting in controlling harmful behaviors and enhancing psychic awareness.
What is citrine used for?
Citrine helps clear negative energy, provides focus, concentration, and promotes honesty.
What qualities does hematite provide?
Hematite offers protection, grounding, and balance for the mind, body, and soul.
What does jade enhance?
Jade enhances dream interpretations, confidence, and self-esteem.
What is ocean jasper known for?
Ocean jasper is favored for its travel-related qualities and comes in various colors for different purposes.
What properties does obsidian have?
Obsidian provides protection, mental clarity, and grounding.
What is the significance of quartz?
Quartz enhances the power of other stones and can clear the mind and energy.
What does rose quartz promote?
Rose quartz promotes love and happiness and is known for its protective properties.
How should you cleanse crystals?
Crystals can be cleansed by running water, smudging with sage, or letting them sit in the full moon.
What is one way to incorporate crystals into your spell work?
You can sleep with a crystal under your pillow to promote rest and relaxation.
How can you carry crystals for guidance?
You can carry crystals in your pocket or wear them as jewelry for extra guidance throughout the day.
What should you do with a spell or list of intentions and a crystal?
Place the crystal on top of the spell or intentions list to supercharge those intentions.
What are chakras?
Chakras are spiritual energy centers within the human body, translating to ‘wheel’ or ‘disk’ in Sanskrit.
How many chakras are there?
There are seven main chakras along the spine, from the base of the body to the crown of the head.
What is the first chakra?
The first chakra is the Root chakra (Muladhara), located at the base of the spine.
It is associated with safety and grounding.
What is the second chakra?
The second chakra is the Sacral chakra (Svadhishthana), located between the pubic bone and naval.
It is linked to sexuality, emotions, and creativity.
What is the third chakra?
The third chakra is the Solar Plexus chakra (Manipura), located in the naval region up to the breastbone.
It relates to self-esteem and personal power.
What is the fourth chakra?
The fourth chakra is the Heart chakra (Anahata), located next to the heart.
It represents love, friendship, and compassion.
What is the fifth chakra?
The fifth chakra is the Throat chakra (Vishuddha), located at the base of the throat.
It is associated with personal truth and communication.
What is the sixth chakra?
The sixth chakra is the Third Eye chakra (Ajna), located just above and between eye level.
It is linked to perception, intuition, and inspiration.
What is the seventh chakra?
The seventh chakra is the Crown chakra (Sahasrara), located at the crown of the head.
It represents wisdom and connection to spirit.
What crystals are associated with the Root chakra?
Crystals for the Root chakra include Obsidian and Smoky Quartz.
What crystals are associated with the Sacral chakra?
Crystals for the Sacral chakra include Carnelian and Fire Opal.
What crystals are associated with the Solar Plexus chakra?
Crystals for the Solar Plexus chakra include Pyrite and Zincite.
What crystals are associated with the Heart chakra?
Crystals for the Heart chakra include Rose Quartz and Kunzite.
What crystals are associated with the Throat chakra?
Crystals for the Throat chakra include Jasper and Aqua Aura Quartz.
What crystals are associated with the Third Eye chakra?
Crystals for the Third Eye chakra include Lapis Lazuli and Sodalite.
What crystals are associated with the Crown chakra?
Crystals for the Crown chakra include Kyanite and Topaz.
What crystal is used for chakra balancing or clearing?
Quartz is used for chakra balancing or clearing.
What crystal is used for chakra re-energizing?
Hematite is used for chakra re-energizing.
What crystal is used for activating chakras?
Moldavite is used for activating chakras.