Paganism FAQs

Q:  What is Witchcraft or Wicca?

A:  This is a nature-based belief system or religion. Not all "witches" follow the belief system. Some practice what is called the "old religion" which has its roots in pagan pre-monotheistic folk ways and beliefs and usually follows the seasonal cycles.  Many witches believe in a polytheistic deity structure, but some simply practice magick (often spelled with a "k" to differentiate it from stage magic).  Witches can choose to practice alone as solitaries or in covens which are more structured.  There are also family groups or traditions which trace their practices and beliefs within the same close group throughout several generations.

Q:  Why do some call themselves Wiccan or Witches and others call themselves Pagans?

A:  Since the terms Witch and Wiccan are often mistakenly interchanged, many simply call themselves "Pagans" or Neo-pagans when talking with others who may not be familiar wit the complexity of the different belief systems. Just as not all Christians are Lutheran or Catholic, so not all Pagans are Witches or Wiccan. Neo-paganism is a term used most often to describe people who follow an earth-based belief system or religion.  Druids, and the Norse tradition of Asatru who call themselves "heathens", are considered part of the "Pagan" tradition but their adherents are neither Witches or Wiccans.  Please do not confuse Neo-paganism with the "New Age" movement (which draws from many sources and esoteric spiritual techniques).

Q:  Do you worship satan?

A:  This question needs to be addressed because it is so often asked.  No we do not worship satan, actually we worship no monotheistic deity.  Satan is part of the Christian and Muslim religions.  Since Pagans are neither Christian nor Muslim, satan is not part of our deity structure at all.

Q:  What is the  significance of the petagram?

A:  The petagram is a five pointed star in which most pagans correspond it to the elements Air, Earth, Fire, Water and with the top most point being that of Spirit.  The pentagram in a circle may also represent a human with their legs and arms outstretched, surrounded by universal wisdom or the "Goddess" - humankind at one with the environment. Many Witches and other pagan practitioners do not wear the pentacle at all, but have other symbols of special meaning to them.

Q:  Do Pagans, Witches, and Wiccans cast spells?

A:  Spell casting is so often asked by those who are not familiar with the path the rest of us take. I find myself defending this question more than explaining it.  Spells are like prayers; we as pagans do spells to gain knowledge, insight or to acquire a better way of life for ourselves. While prayers are a petition to an external deity to create change, most Pagans believe that deity is present in everything including themselves.  Spells then are the channeling of our own divine selves and our own energies to create the change we want to create.

Q:  What do Pagans, Witches, and Wiccans do?

A:  We pretty much do and act like all other people; we are no different than the person living next door to you. Our belief in who we are, what we are capable of and how we choose to live ourlives is just a little more feely acknowleged than those of your neighbors or mine.  We do community work, we work for the government and we not only speak for our rights but we fight for them as well.

We celebrate our holidays with festivals and continue to study and explore our past while comtemplating our futures.  Many covens and groups meet once a month to worship together under the moon.  Pagans tend to hold circles out doors as we feel that being with nature brings us closer to the divinity who creates it. Pagans believe in free will and free choice and that an educated choice is always better than blind obedience to any religion or dogma.  We are not against other religions, we have simply made our choice to be Pagan and we we expect others to respect that choice as we respect theirs. We didn't come to this path lightly, this has been a long road for most and as yesterday, today and tomorrow there will be others who have found their way to our doorstep. We do not denigrate other religions for many of us are well versed in other religious beliefs we just choose to be who we are and where we are today.

This is just a few brief questions -  if you have a question you would like to see posted with an answer please email us with the question and we will give you an answer to the best of our knowledge.  We will frequently update the questions as they are presented to us.

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