Wicca

Tools and Rituals

Some ritual items are common to almost every tradition, such as the athame (ritual knife) and chalice (ritual cup). Other items, that may be used by some traditions, but not all are:

The meaning of these items, their use and manufacture will differ among the various traditions and individuals.

Usually a ritual will involve some sort of creation of sacred space (casting a circle), invocation of divine power, sharing of dance, song, food or wine and a thankful farewell and ceremonial closing. Rituals may be held at sabbats or esbats or to mark life transitions such as births, coming-of-age, marriages also known as handfastings, housewarmings, healings, deaths or other rites of passage.

Forms of worship

Most traditions mark eight holiday sabbats in the wheel of the year, falling on the solstices, equinoxes and the four "cross-quarter days on or about the first of February, May, August and November. The names of the sabbats may differ between traditions. Many also mark esbats - rituals for worship in accordance with a given moon phase (such as the night of the full moon).

Although there is no one source for all of the many liturgical items, such as the methods for casting the circle, the "Charge of the Goddess", certain myths and formulaic expressions are common to many traditions. Some common formulaic expressions include hail and welcome or farewell, blessed be and the closing Merry meet and merry part, and merry meet again.

There is no one bible, or book of common prayer, for all the traditions. However, great value is placed on creativity, poetry and the artful integration of the different myths and ritual elements.

The Wiccan Rede and three-fold law

Wiccan ethics are seldom codified in a legalistic way but may be informed by some common expressions such as the "Wiccan Rede" and the three-fold law. According to most versions of the three-fold law, whatever one does comes back to one thrice-multiplied, in amplified repercussion.  One short, rhymed version of the Rede states eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfil: "An it harm none, do what you will".

Often none is interpreted to include the doer themselves - an analogy to the golden rule of the Christian faiths. There are no universal prescriptions regarding food, sex, burial or military service. So Wiccans, as a rule, discourage attempts to convert others to a different religion.

Videos

Wicca Ways Part 1

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Wicca Ways Part 2

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Wicca Ways Part 3

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