Anonymous asked this question on 4/21/2000:
Several questions: 1) I've heard there are many sects to the wiccan practice. Does anyone know how many and why? Is this disunity? 2) Are all wiccans also pagans and vise-versa? I noticed many list themselves as "experts" in both. 3) How does your practice define the difference between the "soul" and the "spirit"? 4) How do you view the christian bible? Does it hold any truths/beliefs for you? I appreciate your time and effort, and value your opinions.
Strix gave this response on 5/3/2000:
Wicca, as any other religion, has many sects. While all groups agreed in principle with Gerald Gardner, not all felt it necessary to follow his doctrine. This led to a division of paths, much like the Christian Church experienced. There are more "sects" that will be covered in this text, but the main Wicca denominations are, Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Seax, Circle, and Dianic Wicca. Though there are many sects of Wicca, they do all have one thing in common; they all follow the basic Wiccan philosophy, "Harm none and do what you will." Gerald Gardner founded Gardnerian Wicca; the main feature that distinguishes it from other denominations is that they are required to be skyclad, or nude. Another feature about Gardnerian Wicca is that all of the coven High Priestesses can trace their lineage back to the original High Priestess. Alexandrian Wicca was the creation of Alex Sanders, which is an offshoot of Gardnerian Wicca. The principle difference between the two is that being skyclad for rituals is optional. The are some other differences, but these are primarily slight differences in rituals, i.e. the use of the Athame. Alexandrian Wicca was not named after its founder, but rather Ancient Alexandria. Raymond Buckland founded Seax Wicca after bringing Gardnerian Wicca to the USA. Founded in the 1970's, Buckland claims that this Saxon form of Wicca is different because of its democratic process and its open rituals (all of which can be obtained through your local bookstore). The main feature that makes this different from the previous two is that, either the Priest or High Priestess can lead the coven. Each coven can decide for itself whether or not to be skyclad during rituals. Selena Fox founded Circle Wicca in 1974. Selena Fox describes Circle Wicca as: "Wiccan Shamanism, also sometimes known as Circle Wicca and Shamanic Witchcraft, blends together multicultural shamanic practices and Wiccan ways. Central to this path is communion with Nature. Practices include celebrating the cycles of sun and moon; spiritual healing; honoring ancestors; working with animal totems; plant spirits; and other Nature spirits; ritual work at sacred sites; drumming/sacred rhythm making; ritual dancing and chanting; work with dreams; visions; trance/meditations; and personal and collective mythology. " "The Divine is honored as both Unity and Multiplicity (Goddesses, Gods, Elements, nature Spirits, Ancestors, Guides). Circle casting includes honoring seven directions and associated dimensions: North (Earth, physical realm); East (Air, mental realm); South (Fire, behavioral realm); West (Water, emotional realm); Above (Cosmos, universe); Below (Planet, biosphere); Center (Spirit, all that is). Although the term, Wiccan Shamanism, was coined by Selena Fox of Circle Sanctuary in the 1970's, this type of Wiccan/Pagan Witchcraft is the orientation of a variety of different groups and individuals in the United States and other countries." Dianic Wicca is a tradition started by Ann Forefreedom, which primarily worships the goddess, not her consort. This religion, which does have both male and female practitioners, is matriarchal and does not use a male priest. They are many other traditions in Wicca, some which will be discussed, in later chapters. However, all the modern day Wiccans are based, if somewhat loosely, on Gerald Gardner's original Wicca.
The average rating for this answer is 5.
Anonymous rated this answer a 5.
Thanks for your comments...you gave me the best answer so far. Most "wicca experts" have only given me a short and simple answer that barely scratches the surface. That leads me to believe that most of them dont really know the history of what they practice.