Modern Wicca developed publicly in twentieth-century Britain, particularly through Gerald Gardner and Doreen Valiente. It should not be presented as a demonstrably unchanged survival of a prehistoric European religion. Wicca is distinct from Paganism generally and from every form of witchcraft.
Religion or belief system
Wicca
A modern Pagan religion associated with reverence for nature, seasonal ritual, Goddess and God symbolism, ritual practice, magic and personal ethical responsibility.
Context and scope
Thinkers and influential figures
Doreen Valiente
Writer · 1922–1999 · Wiccan writing, ritual, poetry and modern Paganism
Doreen Valiente was an influential Wiccan priestess and writer who helped shape major ritual texts and the public identity of modern Wicca.
Gerald Gardner
Religious leader · 1884–1964 · Wicca, modern Paganism, ritual and religious writing
Gerald Gardner was the principal public founder and promoter of modern Wicca in twentieth-century Britain.
Scripture and primary texts
What Is a Wiccan Book of Shadows?
Gardnerian Book of Shadows · Gardnerian tradition
How should private or initiatory religious texts be evaluated and used responsibly?
The Charge of the Goddess
The Charge of the Goddess · Doreen Valiente-associated version
What authority should devotional experience have when making claims about reality?
The Wiccan Rede and the Principle of Harm
The Wiccan Rede · Common modern form
Is avoiding harm sufficient as a complete ethical rule?
Did Wicca Survive from an Ancient Witch Religion?
Witchcraft Today · Published 1954
Should a meaningful modern religion depend on proving an ancient and continuous origin?
Findings
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Articles
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Questions and answers
No questions have been linked to this belief system yet.
Quote verifications
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