Wicca Vs. Paganism Essays -- essays research papers

Wicca versus ethnicalismWicca and Pagan are two religions, which have m whatsoever similarities as well as many differences inwardly each area. Wicca is a sect of Pagan in which each has their own variations on the religion. A reasoned way to put it both Wiccans are Pagan, but not all Pagans are Wiccan. Witch is a term used for any practitioner of Wicca. The Websters II mental lexicon defines witch as 1. A woman who serves black magic or is believed to have dealings with the devil, 2. An ugly, vicious old woman hag. Wicca is draw by the American Heritage Dictionary as the cult of witchcraft. Pagan is the religion under which many diametrical religions are estimable. Websters II Dictionary defines pagan as one who does not acknowledge the god of Christianity, Islam, or Judaism heathen. Most parts of these definitions are wrong.Wicca is a sect of Paganism, in which several(predicate) practices are learned, worshipped, and taught. One form of Wicca is Solitary Practitioners t he other is Coven Practitioners. The forms of Wicca that are practiced vary in most uses. Solitary Practitioners commonly pray, read, meditate, and cast magik and spells alone. Whereas Covenants practice these familiar things amongst a group of anywhere from two people up to thirteen people. In Pagan practices, these things are practiced normally indoors a group setting of anywhere from two people to hundreds of people. both practices use a magik circle which is either drawn imaginary or with the use of a broom or sea salt. This is to keep by any negative nothing from entering the circle while any type of practice is being done. This keeps the practitioner(s) from any harm or wrongdoing. some(prenominal) of these religions are nature-establish and usually have one of three belief 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. These are kn own to include, incense, candles, athames usually known as a black handled knife, the broom used to sweep away negative energies, the instill or chalice used to hold such things as joyful water, wine and other fluids, the cauldron used as an instrument in which to cook and for brew making, besides used for scrying, and most importantly, the pentacle. The pentacle is usually a flat piece of brass, gold, silver, wood, wax... ...ifferent. Many Pagans prefer to worship 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 eminent Priestess and High Priest. The High Priestess and Priest would maintain any and all worship sessions, often like the Christian churches. Each person thereafter might control a corner, or element, and the less powerful of them all would worship and be the ceremonies take place. Pagans do not have a Book of Shadows, in which to worship. This religion is an oral based religion, passed down from mouth to mouth. Pagans may affirm upon any natural force, such as a body of water, or a natural rock formation. They use these to help them focus 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 tradition 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.