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Originally Posted by GenuineRisk
Somer, I respectfully disagree. I think Wicca as it's practiced today arose out of the fascination with spiritualism in the late 19th century-- making a connection between it and the ancient pagan religions is a bit of a stretch that I think some Wiccans like to do in order to give themselves a feeling of superiority over more mainstream religions ("But we're older!").
Which is not to detract from its legitimacy as a genuine faith. Christianity was once only 100 years old, too. Likewise Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, Hindu-- they all started somewhere.
And I've been a practicing Wiccan for 14 years.  There, I'm out of the broom closet. So much for my political career. |
Well, I know some Wiccans believe as you do, others prefer to trace their beliefs further back. I use the terms "witch" and "wiccan" interchangably while some folks would take offense at being referred to as one or the other. Gardnerian Wiccans would rightly trace their traditions back only a bit over 60 years while some practicing witch covens relate to the Craft which predates Christianity...a matter of personal choice. I guess some enjoy being part of something "ancient", myself I never really gave that aspect much thought. I would argue however that witchcraft has to predate the 12th century as that marked the beginnings of the Burning Times!