Wicca, pronounced "wick-ah" is a modern religion, based upon the ancient Western European, pre-Christian
shamanic traditions. It is fertility, earth-based and nature oriented; Wiccans recognize and worship during the
change of the seasons and full & new moons. Wicca is a pagan religion, which means not Judeo-Christian in origin.
Pagan simply means "not of the city" or "country dweller" and should not be thought of as a negative term.
Wicca is unique in that is has no dogmas, docterines or set of rules. This can be confusing
for new practitioners because Wiccan practices are derived from within, are personal & individual and are not mandated
by one person, heirarchy or "bible". Many people brought up in an organized religion are not used to such an open and
free belief system.. It takes time to become comfortable in developing your religious practices from your personal experiences
and knowledge, but therein lies the beauty of Wicca.
Individuality is an honored trait for wiccans, therefore, Wicca is not a "cohesive" religion,
One can practice either with a coven or as a solitary, and they can worship in their own individual way. Also, some
people who belong to covens may branch out and form their own covens. This is totatlly acceptable and allows for a greater
sharing of beliefs and of the establishment of new ideas & pactices. Although Wiccan practices are unique to
the individual or coven, most Wiccans have more in common with other Wiccans then they do differences.
