Wicca Vs. Paganism Essays -- essays research papers

Wicca versus PaganismWicca and Pagan be two religions, which have more similarities as well as m any differences within each atomic number 18a. Wicca is a sect of Pagan in which each has their own variations on the religion. A good way to put it all Wiccans are Pagan, but non all Pagans are Wiccan. Witch is a term used for any practitioner of Wicca. The Websters II Dictionary defines witch as 1. A cleaning lady who practices sorcery or is believed to have dealings with the devil, 2. An ugly, vicious old woman hag. Wicca is described by the American Heritage Dictionary as the cult of witchcraft. Pagan is the religion under which many different religions are practiced. Websters II Dictionary defines pagan as one who does not acknowledge the divinity fudge of Christianity, Islam, or Judaism heathen. Most parts of these definitions are wrong.Wicca is a sect of Paganism, in which different practices are learned, faithped, and taught. One form of Wicca is Solitary Practitioners th e other is Coven Practitioners. The forms of Wicca that are practiced vary in most uses. Solitary Practitioners usually pray, read, meditate, and propose magik and spells alone. Whereas Covenants practice these familiar things amongst a group of anywhere from two spate up to thirteen muckle. In Pagan practices, these things are practiced usually within a group setting of anywhere from two people to hundreds of people. some(prenominal) practices use a magik circle which is either drawn complex quantity or with the use of a broom or sea salt. This is to clench out any ban energy from entering the circle time any type of practice is being done. This keeps the practitioner(s) from any harm or wrongdoing. Both of these religions are nature-based and usually have one of three mental picture systems in common polytheism, pantheism, and animism. Both of these religions use many objects in their practices or studies. Both Wiccans and Pagans will use what is called Magikal tools. The se are cognize to include, incense, candles, athames usually known as a black handled knife, the broom used to sweep away negative energies, the cup or chalice used to hold such things as blessed water, wine and other fluids, the cauldron used as an tool in which to cook and for brew making, also used for scrying, and most importantly, the pentangle. The pentacle is usually a flat piece of brass, gold, silver, wood, wax... ...ifferent. Many Pagans prefer to pietism within a coven or group. Each person would take on a different aspect within the group. Each person plays a different part within the circle. There is a group of teachers, called the gamy Priestess and High Priest. The High Priestess and Priest would control any and all idolize sessions, much like the Christian churches. Each person thereafter mogul control a corner, or element, and the less powerful of them all would worship and watch the ceremonies take place. Pagans do not have a intensity of Shadows, in which to worship. This religion is an oral based religion, passed down from mouth to mouth. Pagans whitethorn rely upon any natural force, such as a eubstance of water, or a natural rock formation. They use these to help them concenter energy upon their gods or goddesses. Both, Pagans and Wiccans, have varying religious practices however, many of them are also similar. Pagans focus more on the group aspect of customs duty and the old times, whereas, Wicca is based primarily upon the needs and wants of the witch. This could even include practicing Christianity on the side. Both religions do however, have in common many uses of tools, spells, and prayers.