After the British Witchcraft Act was repealed, the first details regarding wicca were revealed to the public when in 1954, a man by the name of Gerald Gardner stated that he was part of a religion, which had survived throughout the years.
He exclaimed that it was part of a witch cult from the past and that it had remained intake through hundreds of years of secrecy. Claiming that the religion existed before the pre-Christian Pagan times in Europe, he noted that the religion had thrived in many different countries. This religion, often called the Old Religion is what we know today as wicca.
Now that you have a brief historic mentioning of the religion, now you can familiarize yourself with some of the terms associated with wicca. In studies and research, you will find these helpful in obtaining a better understanding of what you encounter. Below you will find an assortment of terms and phrases to pay attention to, from coven to explaining what a witch, witchcraft, and of course further mention of what Wicca is.
Wicca: In the scheme of the history of religion, Wicca is a more recent religion that is based upon ancient European pagan belief systems that are connected to earth-based thoughts and ideas. A major part of this religion, which is the main focus of those looking from the outside, is the Wiccan practice of witchcraft.
witch: This is an individual that could be either a man or a woman, who practices witchcraft.
witchcraft: Witchcraft is the act of using or calling upon supernatural powers to control others or have influence on events or occurrences. These type of practices often deal with sorcery or magic. Another thing to clear the air, you should know that all Wiccans practice some form or another of witchcraft, while not all who are into witchcraft are Wiccans.
British Traditional Wicca: Also referred to as the BTW, this is another reference made towards Alexandrian Wicca, which differs from the more recent establishment of various traditions
broom: Unlike popular belief, this is not a tool used to fly through the air. This tool within the Wiccan religion is used to make a space pure before casting a circle.
hwata: Pertaining to Seax Wicca, this is the name given to the art of fortune-telling.
Tabard: In regard to Seax Wicca, this is the robe that is worn during rituals. On it, the symbol associated with the Seax Wiccan belief system is displayed. The name of the practitioner is also visible on the robe.
Traditional Wicca: Also seen as simply “TW,” this is the term used to make reference to various Wiccan covens that are associated with the teachings of Gerald Gardner. The traditional way of the Wiccan religion is highlighted by the establishment of covens and is less viewed as a solitary practice. These covens usually show a historic trail that can be traced back to Gardner. This type of Wicca is also referred to as Alexandrian Wicca when encountered throughout Europe.