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The history of Wicca documents the rise of the Neopagan religion of Wicca and related witchcraft-based Neopagan religions. [a] Wicca originated in the early 20th century, when it developed amongst secretive covens in England who were basing their religious beliefs and practices upon what they read of the historical witch-cult in the works of such writers as Margaret Murray.
However, given that Wicca also incorporates the practice of magic, several scholars have referred to it as a "magico-religion". [142] Wicca is also a form of Western esotericism, and more specifically a part of the esoteric current known as occultism. [143]
There are two separate definitions of the term Wicca that have been used in Paganism and Pagan studies since circa 1980. [1] The first developed in England during the 1960s. Broad and inclusive, it covers most, if not all, forms of modern Pagan Witchcraft, especially if they share sufficient theological beliefs and ritual practices to be considered denominations within a common religious movement.
Wicca (English: / ˈ w ɪ k ə /), also known as "The Craft", [1] is a modern pagan, syncretic, earth-centered religion.Considered a new religious movement by scholars of religion, the path evolved from Western esotericism, developed in England during the first half of the 20th century, and was introduced to the public in 1954 by Gerald Gardner, a retired British civil servant.
Witches are traditionally seen as criminals, and witchcraft as a crime punishable by death, if nothing else as a last resort. [ 11 ] : 4-6 [ 12 ] [ 4 ] While some communities have passed laws specifically outlawing vigilante killings, traditional views of witches and witchcraft have largely remained the same into 20th century, [ 11 ] : 4–6 ...
This is a preliminary ritual to purify space and call upon the guardians of the four quarters, which is the origin of casting the magic circle in Wicca. As part of the Opening by Watchtower, the practitioner uses the each elemental ceremonial weapon (air dagger, fire wand, water cup and Earth pentacle) to summon the angels of the quarters.
The belief in witchcraft in the Middle East has a long history. Belief in witchcraft as malevolent magic is attested from ancient Mesopotamia . In ancient Judaism , there existed a complex relationship with magic and witchcraft, with some forms of divination accepted by some rabbis, yet most viewed as forbidden or heretical.
Medieval Europe also saw magic come to be associated with the Old Testament figure of Solomon; various grimoires, or books outlining magical practices, were written that claimed to have been written by Solomon, most notably the Key of Solomon. [11] In early medieval Europe, magia was a term of condemnation. [12]