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The district court for the Eastern District of Virginia decided in Dettmer's favor, although on appeal the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled that, while Wicca was a religion, he was not being discriminated against. This case marked the first legal recognition of Wicca as a religion. In Cutter v.
Many pagan traditions have been criticized on the basis that they bear little resemblance to the historical practices of which they claim to be revivals. Gerald Gardner , the founder of Wicca , claimed that it is a continuation of an ancient persecuted Witch cult , [ 15 ] a widely discredited notion.
On the contrary, Wiccan ethics, summed up in the Wiccan Rede "An it harm none, do as thou wilt", are interpreted by many as endorsing responsible sexual activity of all varieties. This is reinforced in the Charge of the Goddess, a key piece of Wiccan literature, in which the Goddess says, "all acts of love and pleasure are my rituals". [57]
Thus, magic in the Biblical context would be viewed as only an act of evil, whereas in literature, pretend magic is a morally neutral tool available to conduct both good and bad behaviors. In literature, magical abilities have many different power sources. Technological ability (science) can appear as magic. [37]
Pagan A person who believes in a non-Abrahamic religion. Synonymous with heathen. [132] Savage A member of a people the speaker regards as primitive and uncivilized. The term has also been applied to non-adherents of Christianity. [133] [134] Shiksa (female), shegetz (male)
Wicca, pioneered by Gerald Gardner, is the most influential. Drawing inspiration from ceremonial magic, historical paganism, and the now-discredited witch-cult theory, Wicca emphasizes a connection to nature, the divine, and personal growth. Similarly, Stregheria in Italy reflects a desire to reconnect with the country's pagan past. Many of ...
Magic was an important part of ancient Mesopotamian religion and society, which distinguished between 'good' (helpful) and 'bad' (harmful) rites. [1] In ancient Mesopotamia, the main way of thwarting alleged witchcraft (kišpū [2]) was by counter-magic, but the law codes also prescribed the death penalty for those found guilty of witchcraft. [1]
Some view suicide as a violation of the sanctity of life, and a violation of the most fundamental of Wiccan laws, the Wiccan Rede. However, as Wicca teaches a belief in reincarnation instead of permanent rewards or punishments, many believe that suicides are reborn (like everyone else) to endure the same circumstances in each subsequent ...