Wicca - An Old And New Religion
By Dale Pindling
Wicca can be considered an old religion because its roots are in the past. During medieval times there was a form of Wicca in Europe. However, the Christian church attacked any shadow of witchcraft activity. The church had classified all forms of witchcraft as pagan and they perceived paganism as a counter effort to their work as Christians. Examples are the witch hunts in Salem, and the Spanish inquisition. Witchcraft suffered a lot of persecution which caused the movement to go underground for centuries.
In the twentieth century witchcraft began to arise again as many scholars began to study its historical tradition. As laws began to be repealed which were previously against the practice of witchcraft, many people began to practice the religion. This old religion then became a new religion which was interpreted for the modern day, mostly by Gerald Gardner. Wiccans also believed that with this modern interpretation of witchcraft they have rekindled a connection that was always on the under ground. However, reconnecting with such pagan hallowed places like the stone hedge in England, they give the appearance they are keeping important elements of the ancient tradition.
Wicca can be considered a new religion because of the innovations and form that it has taken in modern times. For example, women are featured in this religion, women are exhorted to lead out and find some sense of purpose and meaning from this community.The new age of Wiccan Neopaganism is practiced by women in the majority. In addition most of the books are targeted towards women. This gives the religion a new face and image as opposed to the male dominated one that was on display before its reinterpretation. During the middle ages men were the central forces in this movement, but today this seems to have changed.
Dale Pindling
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