Because of Harry Potter, Bewitched, Charmed, and a plethora of other recent entertainment industry portrayals, many of us are familiar with magic. At least Hollywood’s version. However, there is an actual religion based on magic and spells. It’s called Wicca and has been practiced since the Middle Ages. The Roaring Times became intrigued and interviewed a Wiccan (who requests to remain anonymous) about his/her beliefs in this ancient religion.
RT: So what exactly is Wicca?
Wiccan: Wicca [to me] is a religion that is based on nature, your inner spirit and the four elements such as Earth, air, fire, and water.
RT: Do you have a god or gods?
Wiccan: Well it all depends on the Wiccan.
RT: A Wiccan, that’s what you call a person who practices Wicca?
Wiccan: Right. But like I said it all depends. We believe in deities; for example, let’s say I have a test the next day, I might pray to the Greek goddess Athena to bless me.
RT: Does this work?
Wiccan: Sometimes it does. If I meditate right and focus all my energy into prayer but I only do this right before I go to sleep and have studied. I’m not one of those people who believe if I chant a few words I will automatically get an A on a test I’ve never studied for.
RT: Right, I understand. So, is this a polytheistic religion?
Wiccan: No it is a Pantheistic religion.
RT: Huh?
Wiccan: It means that God and the Universe are one. So basically God is everywhere and in everyone. But unlike Christianity, there are two parts to one God. There is a God which represents the masculine side to life and then there is a Goddess which represents the feminine side to life, but together they are one.
RT: So do you do magic spells like on Harry Potter?
Wiccan: [Laughs] No. It’s not like that at all. Nothing flies into the air. And no, I don’t own a wooden broom. All my spells, which I call prayers, mostly involve candles and herbs. Nothing fancy like moonstone or flux weed. What? Why are you looking at me like that?
RT: Sorry. I’ve just never heard of moonstone or flux weed before. So how long have you been a Wiccan?
Wiccan: For two years.
RT: And what made you want to become a Wiccan?
Wiccan: Well I’m really into nature. Like I always have been and I never felt like I fit into the religion that I was born into. You know?
RT: Yeah.
Wiccan: So I did some research on different religions and originally I was interested in Buddhism but then I talked to my friends about it. They laughed, of course and said, ‘Just don’t join a Wicca cult.’ So I asked them, ‘What’s Wicca?’ And they told me it had to do with black magic and stuff.
RT: Is it black magic?
Wiccan: No, not at all. It’s not a cult either. I researched it for a while and found out that it’s just a religion centered on nature. There are a great deal of ignorant people out there that call religions they don’t understand a cult when actually it has nothing to do with sacrifice or the devil. But then again, I don’t know; there may be Wicca cults. I mean seriously, any religion can be turned into a cult, right?
RT: [Laughs] Yeah that’s true. But I did a little research on it too and there was something about a magic name.
Wiccan: Oh [laughs], I don’t do that. When you first become a Wiccan you’re supposed to change your name, but I don’t need to pick a name like ‘Moonshine’ to make me feel closer to the world.
RT: How do you become Wiccan? I mean is there any sort of ritual you need to do?
Wiccan: I’m sure there is, but I didn’t do it. Like I said, Wicca isn’t a cult. I just slowly began practicing the religion doing my prayers. Anyone can join. And no, I don’t have a Book of Shadows.
RT: A Book of Shadows?
Wiccan: Yeah, it’s basically a book for you to put all your favorite spells in. But it’s stupid. It’s so stereotypical; I mean really have you ever seen a movie about magic that didn’t have a ‘spell book’?
RT: I don’t think I have.
Wiccan: Exactly! But to each its own, I guess. That’s why I love Wicca because you can personalize it; there is no ‘standard’ form, no boundaries, and all the ‘spells’ are for healing purposes only. We’re not allowed to harm anyone and we don’t do curses. That’s more like Hoodoo.
RT: So what is the one thing you would tell someone who knows nothing about Wicca?
Wiccan: Do your own research on it before you judge it. It is not a demonic religion. It’s all based around serenity: the balance between the seasons, life, death, and nature. It’s super harmless. But I wouldn’t try to coerce them into joining the Wicca religion. Everyone must find their own path; mine just led me into Witchcraft.
RT: Why are you laughing?
Wiccan: It’s just so corny when I say Witchcraft out loud. But seriously, if you don’t feel right in your current religion, change it. It’s your life. You know what I mean? Why be miserable in celebrating it?
RT: Well thanks for sharing your Wicca story with me; it really is a fascinating religion.
Wiccan: Yeah, no problem. And I think more people should become educated on all the religions out there. It would make the world a lot less ignorant.