What is Wicca?

Posted by Joanne E. Brannan Oct 26, 2009

I am often asked which Wiccan path I follow, and there are many paths indeed to choose from!

I am a solitary practitioner, meaning I do not have any formal affiliation with a coven or tradition, although I very much enjoy my many encounters and exchanges with other practitioners of Wicca, Paganism, Druidry and Shamanism.

All these traditions revere nature and celebrate both the mystery of the spiritual realms, and the beauty of the natural world, with joy and playfulness. All of these paths have something to teach us. For me it is the lack of dogma and freedom to sense directly the power of certain rituals, spells and customs that make spiritual exploration so inspiring.

The beautiful area in which I live, Suffolk, England was a stronghold of the Anglo Saxons who had a remarkable and evocative system of beliefs and ritual, described beautifully by Brian Bates in his book The Way of Wyrd. Reading this book felt like coming home. I am quite sure that every region of the world has its mysteries and traditions that can inspire and enthrall!

I have every respect for established traditions such as Gardnerian and Fairy Wicca, however I personally feel at home with my own eclectic tradition, based on my instincts, simplicity, along with the use of magical herbs colors, ritual tools and symbols. Take a look at, adapt and develop the ideas on these pages. Learn some of the basic techniques, such as using Wiccan Incense and Wiccan Candle Magic, and then explore and discover for yourself!

To all those who are inspired by, curious about, or committed to any of these traditions: enjoy the creativity of trusting your own instincts, while of course respecting any traditional wisdom that is available to you. Be playful, explore. And when you do strike a seam of power, show reverence and respect. You will know what to do.