Modern Wicca
Modern Wicca started in England in 1939 following 
Gerald Gardener’s initiation by Dorothy Clutterbuck aka Old Dorothy, into a traditional British coven. He published books about the beliefs of British Wiccans and their practices because he feared the religion eas going to die out. To do this he broke the coven’s seal of secrecy and many people started converting to Wicca.
Many people argue that Wicca is the new religion or the old religion. Some argue that people have been practicing Wicca since the Ice Age, while others disagree, saying it is a 20th century neo-pagan faith.
I believe that Wicca is actually both. Modern witches follow the traditions of old and are the shamans and healers of today. Witches practice sacred magic from the ancient art in today’s world.
Witchcraft has adapted through the ages. It is still difficult for some to accept that witches are good and still fear them. Witchcraft has evolved since the Burning Times and witches are now learning to live openly once more. Witches no longer sacrifice animal or human blood for their spells. Witches love and respect all living beings and honor them.
Every Wiccan is a witch, but every witch is not Wiccan. Wiccan witches serve the Goddess in any way we see fit using our talents, abilities and personal circumstances. Wiccans decide for themselves how they conduct themselves by obeying The Wiccan Rede.
Being an Earth religion, Wiccans are open minded and accept diversities and consider all of us to be children of the same Mother. Different race, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientation, gender or status are not important to Wiccans.
There is no central organization, no governing body and no supreme leader in Wicca. We don’t have temples as such, only natural places of worship, whether it is a forest, a beach, a mountain, it really does not matter. Wicca is simply a collection of its witches with their beliefs and practices. Wiccans allow their children to decide for themselves if they choose to follow a religion. Being a child of a Wiccan witch does not mean they are automatically Wiccan, only if they choose to be.
There is no dress code in Wicca but many wear a pentacle, mainly for protection. Wiccans choose their own lifestyle and there is no restriction on food. Some are meat eaters, while some are vegetarians. Wicca is becoming a worldwide faith. Wiccans never try to convert anybody to their beliefs. We don’t knock on doors or ask for money.
Wicca is a belief, a way of life, an organic religion which celebrates Mother Nature.
Becoming a Wiccan is easy. If you have the belief in yourself, abide by The Wiccan Rede, and more importantly accept the Great Goddess into your life then you are welcomed with open arms. Only then will you be ready to perform real magic.
