By David McMillan
Submitted 2012-01-27 19:42:19
Total Word Count: 770 Number Of Times Read: 15
One of the surprises of the last study on Americans' religious identity was with the collapse of Christianity, the growth of the so-called new religious movements espoused now 1.2% of the population - more than the Islam or Judaism. The label includes a large number of current from Scientology, there is no need to present the various sects Enckankar or UFO. Most commentators agree, however, to say that most of this growth is due to Wicca. It was on it that evangelicals pour their venom.
The increasing numbers of Wiccans grow so dramatically, thanks to the books of Scott Cunnungham from, the United States in 8000 in 1991 to 134,000 in 2001 and probably over a million today. Wicca began to influence popular culture, albeit often in a caricatured manner, and is starting to become visible in society, even a majority of Wiccans remain discreet or hidden, practicing their religion and Witchcraft spells in private. The Internet plays a significant role in its dissemination, making available his teaching but also by allowing solitary Wiccans, the majority today, to communicate. Recognized as a religion in 1986, with Dettmer vs. Landon stop in 1986, she was accepted by the military cemeteries, following threats of legal action. It continues, however, to face intolerance authorities heavily influenced by Christianity.
Wiccans believe in a God (often associated with Cernunos or Pan) and a Goddess most often considered a triple goddess and associated with Diana, Hecate, or lunar goddesses in general. These two deities are equal, although in practice the Goddess is often matched by the God. This often occurs duoth?isme form polytheistic, worshiping the Wiccan this or pantheons of gods or goddesses regarded as traditional aspects of the God or Goddess paramount.
The problem of the hereafter is not central to Wicca, what Wiccans prefer to focus on what happens in this life. The belief in reincarnation is common, however, with a passage through a transitional place often called Summerland. The practice of magic, Wiccan spells and Witchcraft spells, even if it is not universal, is universally accepted and recognized, at least until its goals are, at this point that Wicca is often referred to as a simple external witchcraft. Most Wiccans believe in the efficacy of magical rituals, at least to some extent, although they may give to the supposed efficacy of widely varying explanations.
Wiccan morality is defined by a short text called the Rede which states "as you do not hurt anyone, do what you want", which is usually interpreted as a call to freedom tempered by the need to accept the consequences of his actions and to minimize the damage caused to others. It is supplemented by the law of triple return, which says that any negative act - that is causing injury to others - reflect back to the one who caused it. This results in a flexible sexual morality, recognizing as morally valid any relationship between consenting adults.
Wicca is defined by its practices as well as by his beliefs, even if there is also great diversity. Wiccan rituals or Witchcraft itself are usually built around the creation of a symbolic circle in the middle which can be performed various rituals (prayer, marriage, celebration, magic act). They are always participatory. Originally, they were accomplished skyclad, ie naked, but only the most traditional perpetuate this practice. The rituals are described in a book called Book of Shadows, specific to each tradition and, in solitary practitioners - the majority, let us remember - becomes a kind of spiritual diary.
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Submitted 2012-01-27 19:42:19
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