Glad I got to watch this! I grew up Christian and I never felt connected to it- plus my mom, sister, and me were bullied at church so I didn't feel the love or connection. This past week I stumbled upon your video of Wicca 101 and I was so DRAWN TO IT, and I realized that I was already practicing/living some of the Wiccan beliefs. I bought Scott Cunningham's books and I read them both within the week. I appreciate that the religion is based on sending love and positive vibes to the world; working alongside the deities, nature, and your own energy to create the reality you want so that you can also help others. I have to admit that I've never felt this centered and in tune until I started learning about Wicca. I'm doing my first ritual today and I'm excited to get to know the deities and have them get to know me. I was a little intimidated as I'm new to this, but I appreciate how Cunningham mentions that as long as your intention is true/pure and you're being yourself the deities will appreciate that. To have fun with it, but in a respectful manner. So I truly appreciate you talking about this because it just reinforced that I'm doing this for the right reasons :)
I grew up Christian as well and I never felt connected and it didn’t resonate with me I’m exploring my other options and Wicca and paganism I resonate a lot with
I grew up in a Wiccan home. I practiced for many years. After leaving for a few years and seeking and exploring other religions and paths, I now know beyond a shadow of a doubt, Wicca is perfect for me!
Your so lucky! I have to hide EVERYTHING or else. My parents have threatened to kick me out of the house. And they have before effectively stopped treating me human at one point until I "gave up" witchcraft. They don't even know I'm a Wiccan.
I grew up around Wicca. What I was raised to believe is that it’s a very open minded religion, where everyones path differs. I find it really upsetting when more traditional Wiccans tell others that they can’t be a Wiccan unless they follow certain rules. It’s like when a Christian tells another person that they’re not a true Christian unless they follow strict rules and believe everything that a “proper” Christian is meant to believe. I wish we could all just be open minded to each others beliefs, and allow everyone to practice in the way they choose. Religion isn’t a competition and you don’t have to fit into a mold of perfectionism in order to practice.
I wish someone explained this to me 15+ years ago when I first started. I started out Wiccan but I struggled for quite some time with the deities and ceremonial stuff, since that is not my cup of tea. There was very little access to info about this back then; no books, no youtube videos and a LOT of weird stares from people if you brought up witchcraft. It took me a while and a lot of research until I kind of settled in my ways and understood that yes, Wicca is indeed not for me, but I have found out what is. I see it as a good thing either way because during those 15+ plus years I read and researched and thoroughly enjoyed the process of discovery. Knowledge gained is never useless in my opinion.
I needed this video. I've been very interested in Wicca and I think it's an amazing religion, but I just couldn't connect with the idea of worshipping a god and goddess. I really tried, but it just felt like I was forcing it. I think it's time to step away. I will still watch your vids though, I really enjoy your content! 🖤🖤 Thank you for posting this!
Jax the Wolf oh really? Because I don’t believe in like gods but I do like knowing mythology gods and goddesses i dont know if I believe in them but I was wondering about that
Maybe Wicca isn’t the perfect thing for u as an atheist. If ur interested in witchcraft in general tho, there is always secular witchcraft, for people who don’t believe/don’t use deities or religion in their practice. If it still feels wrong u obviously don’t have to but u shouldn’t step away because others tell you how to practice, there’s no wrong way
@@laures8937 For many atheist wiccans, the gods and goddesses are seen more as symbols, archetypes or personifications. While other atheist wiccan don't go by them at all, it won't make your path any less valid. 😉
I super appreciate this. I was very curious about Wicca vs Witchcraft and after watching your other videos about it, I thought “huh, these ideals really resonate with me. I’d like to learn more because this might be my thing.” So after watching this video I have learned two things; 1) Wicca is not right for me. I grew up Christian and left it for its negativity, but I also realize that I can’t get behind “knowing” that a creator is out there. I love the symbolism of a god and a goddess, but I just don’t believe that, and it would be disrespectful to pretend I did. 2) I super respect Wicca’s philosophy and moral code. And while I might not believe as much in the deities and witchcraft, I do love the circle of protection ritual as a way of entering a headspace for meditation, so if I ever use it, I will be sure to refer to your tutorial to do it properly.
Thank you for this video! I've been looking into witchcraft for over a year and had been on the fence whether I feel comfortable with wicca. Turns out, it isn't for me. I feel much more spiritual than religious. The tips to find out what path might be right were really helpful :)
I feel the same way! I found Wicca at a young age and even been initiated to the second degree- but I just feel so much more spiritual. I think I am going to explore more about folk magic, which I haven't looked into much in depth but it might be more where my witchcraft can meet my spiritual side.
I subscribed because u can tell she is not emotionally providing an idea of what she thinks is the absolute way of Wicca...... She's listing facts and has a very open mind about different opinions. She says what she knows and is sharing that. Exactly what I need. Education on this new chapter in my life.
Glad this video popped up because I'm unsure if Wicca is what completes, it's like something is missing. I know for a fact that the pagan lifestyle calls to me but I am unsure which pagan path do I take. It all seems so disorganized to the point where I may consider combining religions that sync together with wicca if that makes sense. Druidry, asatru, kemeticism, Hellenicism, they all are interesting but don't know where to find a satisfying one.
Research them all. It's okay to not know what specific path to take. You don't have to pick only one and any person's path is constantly evolving. We all change and evolve as we learn new things and find what works for us personally and what doesn't.
Hello I'm stuck in the same boat as you happened to be in 6 months. Would yiu mind sharing your pagan path. I feel like hearing from others who happened to be in the same place as me will help me follow my path
That sounds very interesting, I am looking into similar directions. I personally found a liking for non-theistic paganism mixed with a few chosen wiccan and folk practices, but I am still very much looking into it. I found a great dislike for any hermetic influences, which pushed me away from most modern occult traditions, even from parts of Wicca, where it was influenced by those. I noticed nature religions are less impacted by that and while I keep off shamanism (it would feel like appropriation because i don't have those roots, nor is it historical on my continent) there are others to learn about :) It helped me a lot to find out what parts i struggled connecting with to realize I was less interested in esoteric and hermetic philosophies that are involved in most modern occult traditions, so I started to filter those out and it really helped to find the things I am interested in learning.
Thanks Ella! You’re a beautiful soul!! My boyfriend and I have recently decided that we feel more connected to the Wiccan religion rather than our Christian roots. Your videos have been extremely informational and inspiring for us! Thank you so much for making videos or such a personal subject ❤️
I grew up as a Christian, I never really felt that connection and I always felt like something else was out there. Wicca is cool it's very interesting and it does have a nice aesthetic BUT Ive felt like it's calling me. I heard about a few years ago but was too scared to learn but now that I'm older and looking for something with meaning in my life. Wicca has very much sparked something in me and now I'm trying to get into it and learn more. Along with wicca I've also found a spark interest in the Norse gods& goddess as well as the Greek. So I'm hoping I can incorporate that into my wiccan journey. 😊 So far nothing I've learned has turned me on, maybe research slightly because I'm a professional procrastinator but I'm enjoying learning about the wiccan religion. ❤️
Hey Ella.. I started on the Wiccan path many years ago but lost touch and I am hoping to regain my faith and religion. I came across this post and it helped so much. I know that wicca is my religion truely x
Thanks for this, Ella, I really appreciate this video and will be recommending it! There is so much more that could be said, and I look forward to seeing more of your videos. "Wicca is too nice for you" - I could develop so much more on this. I wish more people wanted to be "nice", or rather, that people didn't have so much distrust and lack of faith in "niceness", kindness and compassion. I think that fascination with dark paths that new practicioners have is really a sign of the times.
For old-school Wicca, I definitely recommend "witchcraft for tomorrow" by Doreen Valiente, "wicca" by Vivianne Crowley, and "witches bible" by Janet Farrar. A great book in regards to the sabbats is "The Sabbats" by Edain McCoy.
I think Scott Cunningham's book summed it up very well. He states that you can self initiate with the god and goddess rather than another human being initiating you into the religion "after all who is more qualified?" I think that's very true, I mean if we had to rely on other wiccans bringing us in then there really wouldn't be a religion, there's no covens or groups within a 100 miles of me and i'm sure it's the same for others. Also it's debated whether Gerald Gardner was ever really initiated. I believe that so long as you truly believe in the duality of the masculine and feminine deities, and you believe that everything has an opposite, you truly respect and love the nature around you, than you are probably Wiccan if albeit a "Neo-wiccan". I don't believe you even have to practice any form of regular ceremony or witchcraft to be Wiccan, you just need to have the core beliefs. The rest although truly amazing to practice and have, isn't completely necessary to worship the god and goddess. I think too many people get stuck on the aesthetics of needing to buy lots of merchandise and they must have the biggest well thought out ceremony of all time and in turn they think that will make them a better wiccan, you don't need to. Just be you. Worship the god and goddess and the nature they give us. ☀🌚💚
I believe in a higher feminine power and a higher masculine power. But i have a problem viewing them as either just a higher energy or as higher beings in the Summerland. I also agree with so much of the wiccan path. So I feel like I can identify as wiccan but, loosely wiccan maybe... im still on my year and a day journey though so maybe it'll be clearer eventually
Thank you so much for this video! I am many different things from different practices and whatever feels right will be my own. I love that everyone’s path is different, it makes it less daunting and scary to research traditions and pagan religions.
This video really confirmed that Wicca isn’t for me and the path I’m on is the right one for me. I think Wicca is interesting, but the ceremonial aspect really isn’t accessible to me as a disabled person. And while I’m not really into baneful workings, I like having the option. I really enjoyed this video, thank you.
Thank you too! I am happy I cleared it up - on the topic of disability, I think a lot of witchcraft practices will need to adapt more in that regard, as a lot of it is very focused on walking around etc. or raising arms and whatnot. Imo witchcraft should be accessible by everyone, and really every ritual or spell etc should be allowed to be adapted!
@@EllaHarrison exactly, for me the ceremonial aspect is timing of rituals, feeling like they can’t be put off or moved to a different date etc. But I completely agree with you.
I just want to say, I am not a Wiccan, but I am a witch & I love your channel so much!!! You have amazing energy as a creator and you provide information in an interesting way to me and I love learning about the topics that you share on your channel and I do apply a lot of it to my own practice (obviously this particular video isn’t like an “apply it to practice” sort of video lol but it was very interesting to watch and I sincerely enjoyed learning about the road blocks some people may find when considering Wicca & your takes on them!) But I just wanted to leave a compliment to brighten your day and I hope that it finds you well and the puts a smile on your face and that you have a lovely day! Blessed be 🥰✨❤️
I grew up in the mountains of of North Georgia in the US. We are Christian but there's a lot of spell work in my culture even in the Christianity here so I find your videos facilitating. Thank you...
This video is awesome! Thank You for making it :) It seems that many people jump on the Wicca bandwagon without actually taking time to go through the seeker phase and see if its the right for them. you raise a lot of really great points that people may not consider before labeling themselves as "wiccan" instead of just "witch"
I have just seen this video after exploring Wicca and i believe that it is the right religion and/or path for me. I am quite new to Wicca and enjoy being a solitary Wiccan. As Wicca is still quite unknown i am still hiding in the witches broom closet i love doing research especially learning new information by watching your videos. I really appreciate your dedication and love for Wicca, I believe that it is right for me as well, I hope you enjoy moving! Thanks for your videos!
Also a Wiccan I want ppl to know it’s mostly about the experience u gain from practicing it and how it fulfils u personally, also it’s polythestic so u can have as many or as little deities as u please.
You can do a self dedication to get into the wiccan practice. In the past it used to be more closed,but then it opened up. Lilith is not really a satanic figure....She was the original wife of Adam and she got demonized by christians. Shes an empowered woman in kabbalah and feminine spirituality....
I did a self initiation! It definitely is a lot more open now, and yes there are quite a lot of different opinions on Lilith, I personally don’t work with her but I know she has become more popular as sort of a feminist idol and standing for empowerment
If I may offer a small correction: Wicca isn't one of the ceremonial magic traditions, but It does draw on certain ceremonial practices. If people are researching Wicca this is a difference that's helpful. Ceremonial magic isn't witchcraft and the systems are a lot more complex. To avoid information overload I would avoid anything that says 'ceremonial magic' or 'high magick' when first starting out. ❤️
To spin off on this topic maybe do a comparison between Wicca and Druidry or Wicca and Asatru. That might also help people look into other forms of Paganism that could fit their beliefs better. Even looking into Slavic Paganism vs Wicca. So many places to take this topic. You've done wonders with this topic. Great video.
this is a little bit embarrassing, but when you said "if you think that wicca is your only path - you didn't do enough research"... i felt that. thank you for the tips!
Thank you for this video Ella. You always discuss very important topics and it shows in your videos that you are passionate and dedicated to this. You are beautiful and I love your videos. ♥️
Thank you so much for the video! It actually helped me a lot. Could you do another one about other types of pagan/natured-based/witchy paths? Wicca is really popular rn but i would love to hear about other believes in your channel :)
love this. self taught here, i believe the aether can bring you wisdom in ways nobody can understand, which is why i never loved the words 'witch, witchcraft, magic, spells'. i believe all of that is natural happenings being put into a labeled box for human consumption. we are more aware of it when young. it becomes harder to hone skills when distracted by modern noise.
Hi Ella! I am new to Wicca/Witchcraft, I bought the book "The Spiral Dance" and have been reading it as well as doing other research and your videos have been so helpful in my journey so far! I am still so new and learning more each day and this video just made me feel even more certain that Wicca is the right path for me personally. I was curious however, when you can claim to be a "Wiccan" as a religion, I don't ever want to offend anyone in the Craft or the Goddess or God and I want to always be respectful. Thank you so much for all your videos
I been practicing The Craft since 1998 words of wisdom nothing stays the same in time you will not feel connected to the path that you are on and want to venture out in to more occult knowledge. Occult meaning hidden un known or un seen. you will have to seek out this hidden information to learn more about your self on a deeper level and learn that we as practitioners are both shadow and light a balance of light and dark. We as witches need to accept the darker parts of us that we do not want to look at.
I saw a video about Gerald, and saw your video suggested in you tube, and then I noticed that you and I have the same last name, which I always find intriguing. This whole corona quarantine put me in the proverbial cave. I think we're going to be seeing a sudden influx of witches and yogis, fixing the world and saving it from lower vibrational doom.
Thank you for this!! When I first started out I thought I had to be wiccan to follow my spiritual path. Now I consider myself a panthesic pagan using different aspects of different practices that work for me :)
I didn't hear any "gatekeeping" in this video -- just basic facts about a religion that a lot of people seem to forget is actually a religion and not just a fashion aesthetic or marketing ploy. :-)
Thank you for your honest take on Wicca, I've been dabbling since 2003,by dabbling I mean that until recently I only celebrated some Sabbaths and only the full moon. I also spent about 8 years not practicing at all. I haven't been officially initiated into a coven so when asked I'll probably say I'm more pagan than anything. However, after my self initiation and tailoring rituals and celebrations for a solitary practitioner: I do find solace in Wicca's structure and belief system. I find that after those 8 years Wicca still resonates with a part of my soul that recognized the goddess worship within the Catholic religion. What with all the versions of Mary and all the female saints. The inclusion of the female aspect of deity just made more sense to me when I first learned about Wicca and they still make sense to me now. I enjoy the structure of ritual though I don't cast a circle for every little thing, and find magick in the mundane. Thank you for your honesty.
Initiation is absolutely not something common in many non-ceremonial paths - it usually is for either closed practices or practices that have some sort of initiation process to work up into a set system or hierarchy I love that your mom taught you about witchcraft!
Yesssss Thankyou!! I have so many people that come to me asking about witchcraft as more as a practice...and it’s surprising that when I start talking about oh this is my religion not necessarily just a practice..it’s more of a way of life. Some people are really turned off or think I’m gate keeping which I’m absolutely not at all it’s just I call myself Wiccan not just witch and I believe in this all being a process and a life style almost. You can just skip all the steps and ask the goddess for things when you don’t even know who the goddess is. so basically Thankyou for making a video I can now show people to put my thoughts into words! 😂
I like the nature aspect of wicca, most are very useful and enjoy practicing. But i do practice a very very dark path. Wicca helps balance (yin and yang) myself and not let me go down the rabbit hole into the dark. For myself, i like to be balanced.
I embarked on a Wiccan path in 1994 and the aesthetic element has been there at least that long. Charmed, The Craft, Practical Magic, and Buffy brought plenty of interest, but imo not many who stayed. I can remember when skyclad and sex Magick we're a draw for some to Wicca because they just wanted to see naked people and have casual sex, so I'd add those as reasons Not to become Wiccan. Such things are rare and not for titillation anyway. While I've known of a few who use shrooms for "inner journeys", Wicca is not about chemical highs. Thank you for this well done video
I recently started wanting to get back into my research of Wiccans since it’s been about four years (high school is a bitch) and I’m so glad I found your video first. I didn’t exactly know my mother was pagan until about middle school when I believed in the Christian religion but that was due to my influence of some of my religious friends. I can be very impressionable but my mom gifted me a couple books just so I can get some research in and just to learn about some of the things. Our town is a heavily Christian area and there’s not that many “out there” pagans or Wiccans, I think only people who practice Witchcraft, but I’m probably the only person interested in Wicca. We tend to keep it quiet because there are heavily christian people in our town and I personally don’t like to bombard people with a different religion that they are most likely against. At first I thought I was diving into it because it was an escape from Christianity and how it had this hold on me, but later realized that I was drawn to it. I had been drawn to it for a while. My strength with the deities has grown at this point after I had included Wiccan into a fanfiction (which a lot of my affection and energy goes into). It felt like I somewhat belonged after a while and it’s like a strange experience. I was looking into other paths at first but I didn’t really like how some were kind of care free and kind of liked having a structure to go off of. But it didn’t feel right at the time since I have a belief in angels, and the reason being that I have witnessed one in a mist form (which I believe to this day to be my late father) but I didn’t know if that fit or not, so you can understand where I got trapped. I still wasn’t sure even until now and still feel like I belong but it makes me want to continue learning and relearning, and memorize a lot of these things because at my heart, I feel this is it even after 5-6 years. I really thank you for making this even though it’s been two years since you’ve made it, it honestly really helped with a lot of confusion I had and self doubt, you truly are the savior I needed ❤️. (My mom though worships Bast/Bas who is an Egyptian Goddess and as a way of her feeling like she’s protecting me, I wear a ring with the Egyptian cross to keep her close, even though I don’t have any ties with it. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for her to be honest)
I know I’m late but thanks for this video! I’ve been really interested in Witchcraft but I was wondering if Wicca was right for me. I definitely don’t have enough practice or knowledge to consider myself a witch yet, but I do agree with a lot of Wicca things. I’m still going to research it more because it is a very interesting religion, though i still don’t really think it’s what’s right for me. Mostly because of the gods and strictness. :)
Hey! I discovered your channel a few days ago & I'm hooked! I wonder if that means anything? Also, its really cool to see someone that has hair like mine 😊 Except mine has several different natural colors haha Love from Colorado 🍁🍂🌲
The Female is the Domanant of the 2 equals, The Spartan understood this point very well. Your video was perfect for me, Thank you for the time you took to make it !!!
I have been Wiccan, for 22 years, contrary to popular belief, since 2000. And...I am totally Wiccan, I self initiated, In 2010.. I don't, believe, you have a Right, to tell me, What, to believe. I am wiccan, and... not a witch, I love, the religion of wicca. I've already read, the whole book, of Raymond Buckland, the complete book of witchcraft, I self initiated with this book. I've read 50 books. Girl, your young...and, your too, forward. Laura
Hey Laura, I never made a statement about anyone being invalid if they didn’t get formally initiated. I self-dedicated myself to Wicca 14 years ago as well. I also don’t appreciate the condescending tone that I am young and too forward. Not sure what your point there was, if you care to explain?
Morning, Wishing you and everyone a productive and wonderful day.Starting the day off. Bout to head back to the office. Plenty to do today. Cool beans! Good luck. TTYL
✨🧚"Thank You"🧚✨ I love your today's contribution. As you mention some place, some how, I believe everything is always evolving. Love the witchcrafts, don't believe in working with Demonology, I've found it is more wise and effective working with the 'Universal Heart Intelligence, and Justice". Love, and feel consecrated with everything that has to do with "Nature", and its original "Magical Purpose". We are part of it ( believe it or not ). Don't like much structures, for me is a "Men Addition", to what originally already exist. But, do believe much in the "Discipline of the Mindfulness Flow Inherent to all that Exists", and the wich we, mostly all of us need to learn to be in sinchronicity with it. I've always been like this, but I'm keeping knowing my self, and learning. Thank You again. The Interview of the 3 Wiccan, Witches, and Pagans, was very interesting too. ✨🧚🌷🙏🌼🧚✨.
Ella, the three fold law is comprised of the mind body & soul/ spirit..this is how a spell that is woven against someone else will come back to you. ..when they have protections in place
I have been a practicing Green Witch for most of my life and I am thinking about Wicca but I am a solitary practitioner so I would like to know how can I become a part of the Wiccan religious path
i really thought it was for me,but i never was interested in reliegion per se, i do love witchcraft and highly interested, so i think i might just take it on as a whole, and not as a reliegion being magick in general, You've made this very helpful and clear, thank you.
I would say fate 😅 It just so happened to be the book I had received as a gift from my mom that mentioned Wicca - I then started to research Wicca more and found it felt ‘like home’. I loved the connection to earth, to the old european pagan ways, the Goddess aspect and the style of ritual
Thank you for your video. There's a lot there. In my learning, wicca is the term for male, wicce/witch female. Wicca as a religion name is how the US decided to have religious protections added.
I have some questions. How do I know that I am wiccan? Do I feel that or something? The problem is that I'm so interested in something like that too. So I'm not not sure if I'm just feeling pure interest or real belonging. Because I googled, and watched UA-cam Videos about wicca an thought "Yes. This could be my religion. Maybe this is the right thing for you." immidiately. My second question is: when can you call yourself a witch? Is there a stage in which one has to be reached in order to be able to carry this title? I ask myself the same question with baby witches. I only started studying and collecting a few days ago, and I've only known about modern witchcraft for a month. I wouldn't call myself baby witch yet, I would call it "Embryo Witch" 😂. I know this are a lot of questions butI would be so grateful if I got an answer. ❤️ Blessed be 💕 (can I use this yet? 😂) Oh and sorry for bad or incorrect grammar and spelling, I'm German and 13 years old 🙏
Learn as much as you can about wicca, including it's few rules like the law of three and the wiccan rede and feel okay by them, the wiccan way may be for you. Especially if what much of Wicca teaches matches your particular likes or needs. Such as love for nature for example. Let's just say if it feels like it really calls you, than you may be wiccan at heart. 13 is a great age to begin the craft, but be careful. The art of magick has to be handled with the utmost care and consideration. You may begin at this age if you feel you are ready, but please keep this in mind. Also don't worry about your grammar, english is not everyone's native language anyway. Blessed be 💕
I've been a Wiccan for a very long time. Thing have changed since I started. You can be a solitary Wiccan. Although there are things you CAN'T do alone. You don't have to be just into witchcraft.
Love this video, I agree with all your points✨ this actually convinced me that wicca is the right path for me.❤️ p.s For anyone interested or new to wicca. This video helped me so much ( if this isn’t allowed please remove my comment) look up: wicca and witchcraft 101
If you have not yet read the books of Doreen Valiant and especially Philip Hesselton, I strongly urge you to do so! Hesselton in particular was able to demonstrate the existence of the New Forest Coven into which Gerald Gardner was initiated, in addition to several of its members! Therefore, laying to rest the views by scholars such as Ronald Hutton, that Gardner made it all up! Other scholars, such as Prof. Randy P. Conner has recently published academic works ("The Pagan Heart of the West") demonstrating the survival of paganism into the Middle Ages and even into modernity, thus demonstrating the survival of paganism past Christianity! One of Hutton's positions was that Wicca must be a "modern religion" with no ties to antiquity because paganism died long ago. However, Hutton actually admitted in the early 2000s that as he was writing "Triumph of the Moon"--see, "Witches, Druids, and King Arthur"--that he discovered and intentionally ignored evidence demonstrating the antiquity of Wicca because it would have disproved him. Personally, I believe that Hutton plagiarized his "Romantic Era origins" thesis from an earlier book, "The Goddess Unmasked," which was written by a reviled Evangelical Christian. Also, I would highly recommend that you read Ben Whitmore's book, "Trials of the Moon." :)
Could I have someone's thoughts on this? I have been learning about Wicca and witchcraft for the past few years. I do feel that witchcraft aligns more for me than wicca. But I was wondering if it is okay for me to use parts of wicca, such as the symbol of the pentagram, because I feel spiritally drawn to it. I'm an American and have been told by witches from other countries that I cant use the pentagram because it's appropriation and certain symbols can only be used by true wiccans, but others say it's okay for me to use it. I do not want to upset anyone or disrespect someone's religion.
Mandating initiation contradicts the Rede. But being initiated by someone else is a nice way of connecting. It could probably be done on zoom these days. Why not.
Hi Ella, I’m very interested in Wicca and am drawn especially to the deity and nature aspects of the religion however there are not any covens near where I live to be initiated into. Can I still consider myself a Wiccan even though I am not initiated into a coven? Love your videos, they are so helpful and interesting xx
If you like you can also do a self-initiation if you like, to learn more about being a solitary Wiccan you can check out the UA-camr and author Harmony Nice. I hope this helps, blessed be 💕
Jennaye Laura Thank you for the advice and insight! I recently bought Harmony’s book and am about to start it, I’m very much looking forward to it! Blessed be 💕
If you are a solitary practitioner, self-initiation is also valid (Though debatable topic for Wiccans depending on where you stand). Scott Cunningham's book: Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, discusses the aspects of initiation in nice detail. While yes you can be initiated by a coven, not all initiations by others go well or are harmonious. Cunningham's book in chapter 5 talks about how self-initiation rituals are perfectly valid provided you've spent enough time gaining ritual experience and have adequate self-training. All the aspects of coven done initiations can be transferred and represented in a self-initiation and the book even breaks down the necessary steps to self-initiate.
what is the youngest age that a wiccan can get married with a fellow wiccan? does wicca allow multiple marriage? or can marry within family member or relatives? does wicca allow same sex marriage?
some of the problem with researching witchcraft if that Wicca comes up often. tho I respect the Wiccan religion I am just aware of the energies and forces available and that are daily manipulated, I find it important to keep up with the energies around us and to see their effect in our everyday life. Being in touch with magic has made me a more strong willed person and it had made it easier for me to let go and move on.
Yep there definitely is a lot of Wiccan content but there is more coming out for traditional witchcraft, folk practices and cultural specific witchcraft practices coming out too, I would actually suggest you to look up Anthropological articles on culture specific practices if that is what you are looking for as there may be more resources available
When watched, I understood what you meant by traditional Wicca I do feel that by traditional Wicca standards one must be initiated But if someone is practicing witchcraft without any formal strict ceremonial gardenarian (I butchered that spelling) It is literally practicing magick or spells and divination and one can can identify as any type of practitioner be it Witch, sorcerer, root-worker etc. I just think if you say you are Wiccan and meet another person that is identifies an Wiccan and you start having a conversation with them They maybe interesting in talking about Wicca the religion and you show up talking only about witchcraft and witchcraft May not (or even not even) a big part of their practice It just makes things more confusing
I’ve just started learning about the Wicca basics a couple weeks ago and now I’m starting to realize that idk if I wanna follow Wicca specifically. So I have a question to ask wiccans. I’m more on the eclectic side of witchcraft, so I would like to know if it’s okay for me to celebrate or follow only certain things from wicca. For example: I’m super interested in the sabbats, would that be okay as a non Wiccan/ new learner for me to celebrate? And how could I do that respectfully
Ella, Can Russian Traditional Witchcraft ( which includes Deities) be combined with Wicca ? In fact,the Wiccan rede was written when I was 13,so It doesn't apply to me
My hang up is the initiation part. It assumes I live in a place where the Wiccans near me are normal. By normal I mean they have the practice at heart and they put their egos aside. And I'm here to say some Wiccans are all about themselves and want others to suck up to them. They form a local coven but it's nothing more than a lame club. So some of us go our owe way. We don't play that game.
I love this. Your videos are great thank you. If anyone knows where I can read more information on alexandrian witchcraft will be great. I'm trying to decide what coven to go to
The best way to start is do a search for Alexandrian Wicca you will find articles and books. You should also look up Alex and Maxine Sanders the founders of the religion.
Hi, I know you answered one of my questions but may I ask another? Can I say I believe in ’the world soul’ generally? Or do I have to say I believe in ”mother goddess, the horned god” and so on?
To me it confuses me bc it’s either u have to follow these rules but then people switch it up and say you can do what ever you please so ig I’m a little confused
The Circle, invoking and a belief in the God and the Goddess, a self initiation (solitary witch here. Dedicated myself in a formal ceremony. It was blissful.), the Wiccan Rede, Wiccan style reincarnation and Summerland, harming none (using banishing or binding spells instead), protecting nature and animals are the central tenets of my Wiccan path. Thank you, Ella, for clearing it up for people. It’s cool to practice witchcraft or folk magick!! But it’s not Wicca.
Thank you sooo much I have been debating what to define what I believe in since I was 11/12 I have believed in the gods and goddess and mother nature and the energy she gives for so long thank you
I was wiccan once upon a time and it was very difficult figuring out if this was truly the religion for me after being surrounded my Abrahamicc religions I felt no connection with. For anyone in the same place as me ask yourself These questions Do I beleive in the three fold law and wiccan rede and actively follow it Do I believe in the horned God and the triple moon goddess either theistically or soft duotheisticly (im told both are acceptable) And for me the answer to these questions were no and imo these are what make wicca, wicca unique as a religion and if u don't add these aspects of wicca as a religion it becomes witchcraft as a practice cause u removed the dogma and ethics out which js what religion is. So if you answer yes to these congrats this religion is for u, if not don't worry there's mNt paths out there waiting for u to discover them
I'm gonna have to disagree with many of this as an eclectic Wiccan. You can totally work with Lilith as a Wiccan, you don't need to be initiated and you don't need a diety (:
Glad I got to watch this! I grew up Christian and I never felt connected to it- plus my mom, sister, and me were bullied at church so I didn't feel the love or connection. This past week I stumbled upon your video of Wicca 101 and I was so DRAWN TO IT, and I realized that I was already practicing/living some of the Wiccan beliefs. I bought Scott Cunningham's books and I read them both within the week. I appreciate that the religion is based on sending love and positive vibes to the world; working alongside the deities, nature, and your own energy to create the reality you want so that you can also help others. I have to admit that I've never felt this centered and in tune until I started learning about Wicca. I'm doing my first ritual today and I'm excited to get to know the deities and have them get to know me. I was a little intimidated as I'm new to this, but I appreciate how Cunningham mentions that as long as your intention is true/pure and you're being yourself the deities will appreciate that. To have fun with it, but in a respectful manner. So I truly appreciate you talking about this because it just reinforced that I'm doing this for the right reasons :)
@Bekhan where’d you learn that?
Lexi, I was raised as a Catholic...but I never was one
My mother used the faith as a form of child abuse
You said that u did the first ritual ! Does it work?
I grew up Christian as well and I never felt connected and it didn’t resonate with me I’m exploring my other options and Wicca and paganism I resonate a lot with
I grew up in a Wiccan home. I practiced for many years.
After leaving for a few years and seeking and exploring other religions and paths, I now know beyond a shadow of a doubt, Wicca is perfect for me!
Grew up in a wiccan home? Lucky
@@jaxthewolf4572 Thanks!
Adopt. Me. Now!
Lucky
Your so lucky! I have to hide EVERYTHING or else. My parents have threatened to kick me out of the house. And they have before effectively stopped treating me human at one point until I "gave up" witchcraft. They don't even know I'm a Wiccan.
I grew up around Wicca. What I was raised to believe is that it’s a very open minded religion, where everyones path differs. I find it really upsetting when more traditional Wiccans tell others that they can’t be a Wiccan unless they follow certain rules. It’s like when a Christian tells another person that they’re not a true Christian unless they follow strict rules and believe everything that a “proper” Christian is meant to believe. I wish we could all just be open minded to each others beliefs, and allow everyone to practice in the way they choose. Religion isn’t a competition and you don’t have to fit into a mold of perfectionism in order to practice.
Yes this!!!!
Poki, Does that include the Worshipping the minister?
Wicca is boring and restrictive.
@@stormyweather8236 to me that is only or mostly Gardernarian Wicca.
This is exactly why I subscribed. U can see this is heartfelt for her. And thats the example I want!!! Thank u for also being open minded
I wish someone explained this to me 15+ years ago when I first started. I started out Wiccan but I struggled for quite some time with the deities and ceremonial stuff, since that is not my cup of tea. There was very little access to info about this back then; no books, no youtube videos and a LOT of weird stares from people if you brought up witchcraft.
It took me a while and a lot of research until I kind of settled in my ways and understood that yes, Wicca is indeed not for me, but I have found out what is.
I see it as a good thing either way because during those 15+ plus years I read and researched and thoroughly enjoyed the process of discovery. Knowledge gained is never useless in my opinion.
Me after seeing a caption----> PANICK
Me after watching a whole video---->
CALM
(I know realise that paganism is for me)
I needed this video. I've been very interested in Wicca and I think it's an amazing religion, but I just couldn't connect with the idea of worshipping a god and goddess. I really tried, but it just felt like I was forcing it. I think it's time to step away. I will still watch your vids though, I really enjoy your content! 🖤🖤 Thank you for posting this!
Some atheists are wiccan, if you don't believe the gods exist than that is fine, you can still be wiccan
Same
Jax the Wolf oh really? Because I don’t believe in like gods but I do like knowing mythology gods and goddesses i dont know if I believe in them but I was wondering about that
Maybe Wicca isn’t the perfect thing for u as an atheist. If ur interested in witchcraft in general tho, there is always secular witchcraft, for people who don’t believe/don’t use deities or religion in their practice. If it still feels wrong u obviously don’t have to but u shouldn’t step away because others tell you how to practice, there’s no wrong way
@@laures8937 For many atheist wiccans, the gods and goddesses are seen more as symbols, archetypes or personifications. While other atheist wiccan don't go by them at all, it won't make your path any less valid. 😉
I super appreciate this. I was very curious about Wicca vs Witchcraft and after watching your other videos about it, I thought “huh, these ideals really resonate with me. I’d like to learn more because this might be my thing.”
So after watching this video I have learned two things; 1) Wicca is not right for me. I grew up Christian and left it for its negativity, but I also realize that I can’t get behind “knowing” that a creator is out there. I love the symbolism of a god and a goddess, but I just don’t believe that, and it would be disrespectful to pretend I did.
2) I super respect Wicca’s philosophy and moral code. And while I might not believe as much in the deities and witchcraft, I do love the circle of protection ritual as a way of entering a headspace for meditation, so if I ever use it, I will be sure to refer to your tutorial to do it properly.
Thank you for this video! I've been looking into witchcraft for over a year and had been on the fence whether I feel comfortable with wicca. Turns out, it isn't for me. I feel much more spiritual than religious. The tips to find out what path might be right were really helpful :)
I feel the same way! I found Wicca at a young age and even been initiated to the second degree- but I just feel so much more spiritual. I think I am going to explore more about folk magic, which I haven't looked into much in depth but it might be more where my witchcraft can meet my spiritual side.
Thank you for this! I feel like after this video I understand the differences between Wicca and Witchcraft much more now! 🖤🖤🖤
I subscribed because u can tell she is not emotionally providing an idea of what she thinks is the absolute way of Wicca...... She's listing facts and has a very open mind about different opinions. She says what she knows and is sharing that. Exactly what I need. Education on this new chapter in my life.
Glad this video popped up because I'm unsure if Wicca is what completes, it's like something is missing. I know for a fact that the pagan lifestyle calls to me but I am
unsure which pagan path do I take.
It all seems so disorganized to the point where I may consider combining religions that sync together with wicca if that makes sense. Druidry, asatru, kemeticism, Hellenicism, they all are interesting but don't know where to find a satisfying one.
Research them all. It's okay to not know what specific path to take. You don't have to pick only one and any person's path is constantly evolving. We all change and evolve as we learn new things and find what works for us personally and what doesn't.
@@CricketsBay Thank you for the advice :) I will consider it
Hello I'm stuck in the same boat as you happened to be in 6 months. Would yiu mind sharing your pagan path. I feel like hearing from others who happened to be in the same place as me will help me follow my path
@@ViceVibes Read my comment above
That sounds very interesting, I am looking into similar directions. I personally found a liking for non-theistic paganism mixed with a few chosen wiccan and folk practices, but I am still very much looking into it. I found a great dislike for any hermetic influences, which pushed me away from most modern occult traditions, even from parts of Wicca, where it was influenced by those. I noticed nature religions are less impacted by that and while I keep off shamanism (it would feel like appropriation because i don't have those roots, nor is it historical on my continent) there are others to learn about :) It helped me a lot to find out what parts i struggled connecting with to realize I was less interested in esoteric and hermetic philosophies that are involved in most modern occult traditions, so I started to filter those out and it really helped to find the things I am interested in learning.
Thanks Ella! You’re a beautiful soul!! My boyfriend and I have recently decided that we feel more connected to the Wiccan religion rather than our Christian roots. Your videos have been extremely informational and inspiring for us! Thank you so much for making videos or such a personal subject ❤️
Yooooooouuuuuuu will not esssssscape usssssss!!! :p
I grew up as a Christian, I never really felt that connection and I always felt like something else was out there. Wicca is cool it's very interesting and it does have a nice aesthetic BUT Ive felt like it's calling me. I heard about a few years ago but was too scared to learn but now that I'm older and looking for something with meaning in my life. Wicca has very much sparked something in me and now I'm trying to get into it and learn more.
Along with wicca I've also found a spark interest in the Norse gods& goddess as well as the Greek. So I'm hoping I can incorporate that into my wiccan journey.
😊 So far nothing I've learned has turned me on, maybe research slightly because I'm a professional procrastinator but I'm enjoying learning about the wiccan religion. ❤️
Hey Ella.. I started on the Wiccan path many years ago but lost touch and I am hoping to regain my faith and religion. I came across this post and it helped so much. I know that wicca is my religion truely x
Thanks for this, Ella, I really appreciate this video and will be recommending it! There is so much more that could be said, and I look forward to seeing more of your videos.
"Wicca is too nice for you" - I could develop so much more on this. I wish more people wanted to be "nice", or rather, that people didn't have so much distrust and lack of faith in "niceness", kindness and compassion. I think that fascination with dark paths that new practicioners have is really a sign of the times.
For old-school Wicca, I definitely recommend "witchcraft for tomorrow" by Doreen Valiente, "wicca" by Vivianne Crowley, and "witches bible" by Janet Farrar.
A great book in regards to the sabbats is "The Sabbats" by Edain McCoy.
I think Scott Cunningham's book summed it up very well. He states that you can self initiate with the god and goddess rather than another human being initiating you into the religion "after all who is more qualified?" I think that's very true, I mean if we had to rely on other wiccans bringing us in then there really wouldn't be a religion, there's no covens or groups within a 100 miles of me and i'm sure it's the same for others. Also it's debated whether Gerald Gardner was ever really initiated. I believe that so long as you truly believe in the duality of the masculine and feminine deities, and you believe that everything has an opposite, you truly respect and love the nature around you, than you are probably Wiccan if albeit a "Neo-wiccan". I don't believe you even have to practice any form of regular ceremony or witchcraft to be Wiccan, you just need to have the core beliefs. The rest although truly amazing to practice and have, isn't completely necessary to worship the god and goddess. I think too many people get stuck on the aesthetics of needing to buy lots of merchandise and they must have the biggest well thought out ceremony of all time and in turn they think that will make them a better wiccan, you don't need to. Just be you. Worship the god and goddess and the nature they give us. ☀🌚💚
I believe in a higher feminine power and a higher masculine power. But i have a problem viewing them as either just a higher energy or as higher beings in the Summerland. I also agree with so much of the wiccan path. So I feel like I can identify as wiccan but, loosely wiccan maybe... im still on my year and a day journey though so maybe it'll be clearer eventually
Hi! Make sure to know that in the early days of practicing Wicca you don’t need to include the gods, just respect and understand that they exist
Thankyou for liking my comment it means a lot to me to see such an amazing person agree with me
As a teen in the 90s I was Wicca but as I got older . I grew in my practice and left Wicca behind.
Thank you so much for this video! I am many different things from different practices and whatever feels right will be my own. I love that everyone’s path is different, it makes it less daunting and scary to research traditions and pagan religions.
This video really confirmed that Wicca isn’t for me and the path I’m on is the right one for me. I think Wicca is interesting, but the ceremonial aspect really isn’t accessible to me as a disabled person. And while I’m not really into baneful workings, I like having the option. I really enjoyed this video, thank you.
Thank you too! I am happy I cleared it up - on the topic of disability, I think a lot of witchcraft practices will need to adapt more in that regard, as a lot of it is very focused on walking around etc. or raising arms and whatnot. Imo witchcraft should be accessible by everyone, and really every ritual or spell etc should be allowed to be adapted!
@@EllaHarrison exactly, for me the ceremonial aspect is timing of rituals, feeling like they can’t be put off or moved to a different date etc. But I completely agree with you.
I just want to say, I am not a Wiccan, but I am a witch & I love your channel so much!!! You have amazing energy as a creator and you provide information in an interesting way to me and I love learning about the topics that you share on your channel and I do apply a lot of it to my own practice (obviously this particular video isn’t like an “apply it to practice” sort of video lol but it was very interesting to watch and I sincerely enjoyed learning about the road blocks some people may find when considering Wicca & your takes on them!) But I just wanted to leave a compliment to brighten your day and I hope that it finds you well and the puts a smile on your face and that you have a lovely day! Blessed be 🥰✨❤️
I grew up in the mountains of of North Georgia in the US. We are Christian but there's a lot of spell work in my culture even in the Christianity here so I find your videos facilitating. Thank you...
This video is awesome! Thank You for making it :) It seems that many people jump on the Wicca bandwagon without actually taking time to go through the seeker phase and see if its the right for them. you raise a lot of really great points that people may not consider before labeling themselves as "wiccan" instead of just "witch"
I have just seen this video after exploring Wicca and i believe that it is the right religion and/or path for me. I am quite new to Wicca and enjoy being a solitary Wiccan. As Wicca is still quite unknown i am still hiding in the witches broom closet i love doing research especially learning new information by watching your videos. I really appreciate your dedication and love for Wicca, I believe that it is right for me as well, I hope you enjoy moving! Thanks for your videos!
Also a Wiccan I want ppl to know it’s mostly about the experience u gain from practicing it and how it fulfils u personally, also it’s polythestic so u can have as many or as little deities as u please.
pov: you're here four hours later because your wifi sucks ://
Mine does too!
You can do a self dedication to get into the wiccan practice. In the past it used to be more closed,but then it opened up. Lilith is not really a satanic figure....She was the original wife of Adam and she got demonized by christians. Shes an empowered woman in kabbalah and feminine spirituality....
I did a self initiation! It definitely is a lot more open now, and yes there are quite a lot of different opinions on Lilith, I personally don’t work with her but I know she has become more popular as sort of a feminist idol and standing for empowerment
@@EllaHarrison you can do a self dedication, but not initiation :)
Ah my bad 😅 I of course mean dedication, was just hopping out of the car so I didn’t think before typing hahaha
@@EllaHarrison I didnt mean to be a smartass with my comments. i Just wanted to make things clear :D
Oh no no all good! 😁❤️ I appreciate that you did actually point it out because it could be a bit confusing to people who read it
If I may offer a small correction: Wicca isn't one of the ceremonial magic traditions, but It does draw on certain ceremonial practices. If people are researching Wicca this is a difference that's helpful. Ceremonial magic isn't witchcraft and the systems are a lot more complex.
To avoid information overload I would avoid anything that says 'ceremonial magic' or 'high magick' when first starting out. ❤️
Ceremonial Magick is very different and very complex, just the basics requires a ton of studying.
@@natureswrath7665
Me: I'm into the occult but I also suffer from OCD.
Ceremonial Magick: You had me at OCD 😍
To spin off on this topic maybe do a comparison between Wicca and Druidry or Wicca and Asatru. That might also help people look into other forms of Paganism that could fit their beliefs better. Even looking into Slavic Paganism vs Wicca. So many places to take this topic. You've done wonders with this topic. Great video.
this is a little bit embarrassing, but when you said "if you think that wicca is your only path - you didn't do enough research"... i felt that. thank you for the tips!
Thank you for this video Ella. You always discuss very important topics and it shows in your videos that you are passionate and dedicated to this. You are beautiful and I love your videos. ♥️
Thank You so much Hannah ❤️
Thank you so much for the video! It actually helped me a lot. Could you do another one about other types of pagan/natured-based/witchy paths? Wicca is really popular rn but i would love to hear about other believes in your channel :)
Would love to do that! Thank you for the video suggestion ❤️
love this. self taught here, i believe the aether can bring you wisdom in ways nobody can understand, which is why i never loved the words 'witch, witchcraft, magic, spells'. i believe all of that is natural happenings being put into a labeled box for human consumption. we are more aware of it when young. it becomes harder to hone skills when distracted by modern noise.
Hi Ella! I am new to Wicca/Witchcraft, I bought the book "The Spiral Dance" and have been reading it as well as doing other research and your videos have been so helpful in my journey so far! I am still so new and learning more each day and this video just made me feel even more certain that Wicca is the right path for me personally. I was curious however, when you can claim to be a "Wiccan" as a religion, I don't ever want to offend anyone in the Craft or the Goddess or God and I want to always be respectful. Thank you so much for all your videos
Do a self-dedication ritual (there are wiccan books that show how to do this), and then you can consider yourself a wiccan
I been practicing The Craft since 1998 words of wisdom nothing stays the same in time you will not feel connected to the path that you are on and want to venture out in to more occult knowledge. Occult meaning hidden un known or un seen. you will have to seek out this hidden information to learn more about your self on a deeper level and learn that we as practitioners are both shadow and light a balance of light and dark. We as witches need to accept the darker parts of us that we do not want to look at.
Wonderful video. A lot of people on UA-cam trying to educate about witchcraft do it from a wiccan point of view which is totally different
I saw a video about Gerald, and saw your video suggested in you tube, and then I noticed that you and I have the same last name, which I always find intriguing. This whole corona quarantine put me in the proverbial cave. I think we're going to be seeing a sudden influx of witches and yogis, fixing the world and saving it from lower vibrational doom.
Thank you for this!! When I first started out I thought I had to be wiccan to follow my spiritual path. Now I consider myself a panthesic pagan using different aspects of different practices that work for me :)
I didn't hear any "gatekeeping" in this video -- just basic facts about a religion that a lot of people seem to forget is actually a religion and not just a fashion aesthetic or marketing ploy. :-)
Actually you can initiate yourself as I consulted on big blue by Buckland... it's a way to practice the craft on solitaire and totally valid
Im so happy that you are back!
Thank you for your honest take on Wicca, I've been dabbling since 2003,by dabbling I mean that until recently I only celebrated some Sabbaths and only the full moon. I also spent about 8 years not practicing at all. I haven't been officially initiated into a coven so when asked I'll probably say I'm more pagan than anything. However, after my self initiation and tailoring rituals and celebrations for a solitary practitioner: I do find solace in Wicca's structure and belief system. I find that after those 8 years Wicca still resonates with a part of my soul that recognized the goddess worship within the Catholic religion. What with all the versions of Mary and all the female saints. The inclusion of the female aspect of deity just made more sense to me when I first learned about Wicca and they still make sense to me now. I enjoy the structure of ritual though I don't cast a circle for every little thing, and find magick in the mundane. Thank you for your honesty.
i was never " Initiated" but my mother was a witch. She was clairvoyant. And she taught me and introduced me into my life as a witch. Im a witch btw.
Initiation is absolutely not something common in many non-ceremonial paths - it usually is for either closed practices or practices that have some sort of initiation process to work up into a set system or hierarchy
I love that your mom taught you about witchcraft!
Yesssss Thankyou!! I have so many people that come to me asking about witchcraft as more as a practice...and it’s surprising that when I start talking about oh this is my religion not necessarily just a practice..it’s more of a way of life. Some people are really turned off or think I’m gate keeping which I’m absolutely not at all it’s just I call myself Wiccan not just witch and I believe in this all being a process and a life style almost. You can just skip all the steps and ask the goddess for things when you don’t even know who the goddess is. so basically Thankyou for making a video I can now show people to put my thoughts into words! 😂
This is a brave, good intentioned, thoughtful and very nuanced post. Thank you.
I like the nature aspect of wicca, most are very useful and enjoy practicing. But i do practice a very very dark path. Wicca helps balance (yin and yang) myself and not let me go down the rabbit hole into the dark. For myself, i like to be balanced.
I embarked on a Wiccan path in 1994 and the aesthetic element has been there at least that long. Charmed, The Craft, Practical Magic, and Buffy brought plenty of interest, but imo not many who stayed. I can remember when skyclad and sex Magick we're a draw for some to Wicca because they just wanted to see naked people and have casual sex, so I'd add those as reasons Not to become Wiccan. Such things are rare and not for titillation anyway. While I've known of a few who use shrooms for "inner journeys", Wicca is not about chemical highs. Thank you for this well done video
I recently started wanting to get back into my research of Wiccans since it’s been about four years (high school is a bitch) and I’m so glad I found your video first.
I didn’t exactly know my mother was pagan until about middle school when I believed in the Christian religion but that was due to my influence of some of my religious friends.
I can be very impressionable but my mom gifted me a couple books just so I can get some research in and just to learn about some of the things.
Our town is a heavily Christian area and there’s not that many “out there” pagans or Wiccans, I think only people who practice Witchcraft, but I’m probably the only person interested in Wicca. We tend to keep it quiet because there are heavily christian people in our town and I personally don’t like to bombard people with a different religion that they are most likely against.
At first I thought I was diving into it because it was an escape from Christianity and how it had this hold on me, but later realized that I was drawn to it. I had been drawn to it for a while.
My strength with the deities has grown at this point after I had included Wiccan into a fanfiction (which a lot of my affection and energy goes into). It felt like I somewhat belonged after a while and it’s like a strange experience.
I was looking into other paths at first but I didn’t really like how some were kind of care free and kind of liked having a structure to go off of. But it didn’t feel right at the time since I have a belief in angels, and the reason being that I have witnessed one in a mist form (which I believe to this day to be my late father) but I didn’t know if that fit or not, so you can understand where I got trapped.
I still wasn’t sure even until now and still feel like I belong but it makes me want to continue learning and relearning, and memorize a lot of these things because at my heart, I feel this is it even after 5-6 years.
I really thank you for making this even though it’s been two years since you’ve made it, it honestly really helped with a lot of confusion I had and self doubt, you truly are the savior I needed ❤️.
(My mom though worships Bast/Bas who is an Egyptian Goddess and as a way of her feeling like she’s protecting me, I wear a ring with the Egyptian cross to keep her close, even though I don’t have any ties with it. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for her to be honest)
I know I’m late but thanks for this video! I’ve been really interested in Witchcraft but I was wondering if Wicca was right for me. I definitely don’t have enough practice or knowledge to consider myself a witch yet, but I do agree with a lot of Wicca things. I’m still going to research it more because it is a very interesting religion, though i still don’t really think it’s what’s right for me. Mostly because of the gods and strictness. :)
Hey! I discovered your channel a few days ago & I'm hooked! I wonder if that means anything?
Also, its really cool to see someone that has hair like mine 😊 Except mine has several different natural colors haha
Love from Colorado 🍁🍂🌲
Ok, she is gorgeous, she looks like the girl from "13 reasons why" and "Cursed" 💚💚
katherine langford?
hannah baker
Respectfully, I will agree.
The Female is the Domanant of the 2 equals, The Spartan understood this point very well. Your video was perfect for me, Thank you for the time you took to make it !!!
I have been Wiccan, for 22 years, contrary to popular belief, since 2000. And...I am totally Wiccan, I self initiated, In 2010..
I don't, believe, you have a Right, to tell me, What, to believe. I am wiccan, and... not a witch, I love, the religion of wicca. I've already read, the whole book, of Raymond Buckland, the complete book of witchcraft, I self initiated with this book. I've read 50 books. Girl, your young...and, your too, forward. Laura
Hey Laura,
I never made a statement about anyone being invalid if they didn’t get formally initiated. I self-dedicated myself to Wicca 14 years ago as well. I also don’t appreciate the condescending tone that I am young and too forward. Not sure what your point there was, if you care to explain?
with wicca , you will be walking your path in the footprints of others.
yes am a kitchen witch
Morning, Wishing you and everyone a productive and wonderful day.Starting the day off. Bout to head back to the office. Plenty to do today. Cool beans! Good luck. TTYL
Thank you this is exactly what I wanted to know! By the way I really like your vibes!
✨🧚"Thank You"🧚✨ I love your today's contribution. As you mention some place, some how, I believe everything is always evolving. Love the witchcrafts, don't believe in working with Demonology, I've found it is more wise and effective working with the 'Universal Heart Intelligence, and Justice". Love, and feel consecrated with everything that has to do with "Nature", and its original "Magical Purpose". We are part of it ( believe it or not ). Don't like much structures, for me is a "Men Addition", to what originally already exist. But, do believe much in the "Discipline of the Mindfulness Flow Inherent to all that Exists", and the wich we, mostly all of us need to learn to be in sinchronicity with it. I've always been like this, but I'm keeping knowing my self, and learning. Thank You again. The Interview of the 3 Wiccan, Witches, and Pagans, was very interesting too. ✨🧚🌷🙏🌼🧚✨.
Ella, the three fold law is comprised of the mind body & soul/ spirit..this is how a spell that is woven against someone else will come back to you. ..when they have protections in place
This was really helpful, I’m interested in witchcraft but I realised that I don’t want to be a wiccan
LOVE your new hair color !!
hi!! thank u for this! its very helpful! also brown hair really looks good on u!!!
So how does someone go about being initiated, if they're not in a Coven?
from what I've seen it's a self initiation process. it can be as simple or as complex as you like, it's completely personal to you.
i can help you
you have to have someone give u power because you are cut off from the Great Spirit. maybe ask the Great Spirit for some power.
I have been a practicing Green Witch for most of my life and I am thinking about Wicca but I am a solitary practitioner so I would like to know how can I become a part of the Wiccan religious path
i really thought it was for me,but i never was interested in reliegion per se, i do love witchcraft and highly interested, so i think i might just take it on as a whole, and not as a reliegion being magick in general, You've made this very helpful and clear, thank you.
Great video! Insightful for sure.
HI Ella. I enjoy your videos. Is there one telling your story - how you came to be interested in Wicca...why Wicca and not other paths etc?
I would say fate 😅 It just so happened to be the book I had received as a gift from my mom that mentioned Wicca - I then started to research Wicca more and found it felt ‘like home’. I loved the connection to earth, to the old european pagan ways, the Goddess aspect and the style of ritual
Thank you for your video. There's a lot there. In my learning, wicca is the term for male, wicce/witch female. Wicca as a religion name is how the US decided to have religious protections added.
I have some questions. How do I know that I am wiccan? Do I feel that or something? The problem is that I'm so interested in something like that too. So I'm not not sure if I'm just feeling pure interest or real belonging. Because I googled, and watched UA-cam Videos about wicca an thought "Yes. This could be my religion. Maybe this is the right thing for you." immidiately.
My second question is: when can you call yourself a witch? Is there a stage in which one has to be reached in order to be able to carry this title?
I ask myself the same question with baby witches. I only started studying and collecting a few days ago, and I've only known about modern witchcraft for a month. I wouldn't call myself baby witch yet, I would call it "Embryo Witch" 😂. I know this are a lot of questions butI would be so grateful if I got an answer. ❤️
Blessed be 💕 (can I use this yet? 😂)
Oh and sorry for bad or incorrect grammar and spelling, I'm German and 13 years old 🙏
Learn as much as you can about wicca, including it's few rules like the law of three and the wiccan rede and feel okay by them, the wiccan way may be for you. Especially if what much of Wicca teaches matches your particular likes or needs. Such as love for nature for example. Let's just say if it feels like it really calls you, than you may be wiccan at heart.
13 is a great age to begin the craft, but be careful. The art of magick has to be handled with the utmost care and consideration. You may begin at this age if you feel you are ready, but please keep this in mind. Also don't worry about your grammar, english is not everyone's native language anyway. Blessed be 💕
♾️☠️✡️ krankenhaus
I've been a Wiccan for a very long time. Thing have changed since I started. You can be a solitary Wiccan. Although there are things you CAN'T do alone. You don't have to be just into witchcraft.
Yep! As someone who only recently actually attended a coven ritual, the solitary path is definitely very different especially for sabbats and esbats!
Greetings from Brazil! You're so smart and kind. I love your videos.
I am from a Dutch/ Irish, .. Sicilian family and other than your accent, you look like my cousin from 20 years ago.
Happy New Year.
Ella, Can Zagovory ( Russian folk magick) be combined with Wicca ?
There also are Solitary Wiccans
Mind,Body & Soul
New to your Channel. Great video!
Tolles Video und gut auf den Punkt gebracht!
Love this video, I agree with all your points✨ this actually convinced me that wicca is the right path for me.❤️ p.s For anyone interested or new to wicca. This video helped me so much ( if this isn’t allowed please remove my comment) look up: wicca and witchcraft 101
If you have not yet read the books of Doreen Valiant and especially Philip Hesselton, I strongly urge you to do so! Hesselton in particular was able to demonstrate the existence of the New Forest Coven into which Gerald Gardner was initiated, in addition to several of its members! Therefore, laying to rest the views by scholars such as Ronald Hutton, that Gardner made it all up! Other scholars, such as Prof. Randy P. Conner has recently published academic works ("The Pagan Heart of the West") demonstrating the survival of paganism into the Middle Ages and even into modernity, thus demonstrating the survival of paganism past Christianity! One of Hutton's positions was that Wicca must be a "modern religion" with no ties to antiquity because paganism died long ago. However, Hutton actually admitted in the early 2000s that as he was writing "Triumph of the Moon"--see, "Witches, Druids, and King Arthur"--that he discovered and intentionally ignored evidence demonstrating the antiquity of Wicca because it would have disproved him. Personally, I believe that Hutton plagiarized his "Romantic Era origins" thesis from an earlier book, "The Goddess Unmasked," which was written by a reviled Evangelical Christian. Also, I would highly recommend that you read Ben Whitmore's book, "Trials of the Moon." :)
Could I have someone's thoughts on this? I have been learning about Wicca and witchcraft for the past few years. I do feel that witchcraft aligns more for me than wicca. But I was wondering if it is okay for me to use parts of wicca, such as the symbol of the pentagram, because I feel spiritally drawn to it. I'm an American and have been told by witches from other countries that I cant use the pentagram because it's appropriation and certain symbols can only be used by true wiccans, but others say it's okay for me to use it. I do not want to upset anyone or disrespect someone's religion.
amazing video! kisses from brazil ❤️
When creating an Altar is often not possible to have a male and female deigity on it there is only room for one?
Mandating initiation contradicts the Rede. But being initiated by someone else is a nice way of connecting. It could probably be done on zoom these days. Why not.
Hi Ella, I’m very interested in Wicca and am drawn especially to the deity and nature aspects of the religion however there are not any covens near where I live to be initiated into. Can I still consider myself a Wiccan even though I am not initiated into a coven? Love your videos, they are so helpful and interesting xx
Yes you can 😊 You would be considered a solitary Wiccan
If you like you can also do a self-initiation if you like, to learn more about being a solitary Wiccan you can check out the UA-camr and author Harmony Nice. I hope this helps, blessed be 💕
Jennaye Laura Thank you for the advice and insight! I recently bought Harmony’s book and am about to start it, I’m very much looking forward to it! Blessed be 💕
Yes absolutely! What Jennaye said is good advise too! ❤️
Generally speaking where can someone learn more about being initiated? Where can someone find, for example covens, a community?
At the end of Buckland and Cunningham‘s books, they have lists of well known covens. The addresses may be old, but surely they are online now.
If you are a solitary practitioner, self-initiation is also valid (Though debatable topic for Wiccans depending on where you stand). Scott Cunningham's book: Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, discusses the aspects of initiation in nice detail. While yes you can be initiated by a coven, not all initiations by others go well or are harmonious. Cunningham's book in chapter 5 talks about how self-initiation rituals are perfectly valid provided you've spent enough time gaining ritual experience and have adequate self-training. All the aspects of coven done initiations can be transferred and represented in a self-initiation and the book even breaks down the necessary steps to self-initiate.
what is the youngest age that a wiccan can get married with a fellow wiccan? does wicca allow multiple marriage? or can marry within family member or relatives? does wicca allow same sex marriage?
some of the problem with researching witchcraft if that Wicca comes up often. tho I respect the Wiccan religion I am just aware of the energies and forces available and that are daily manipulated, I find it important to keep up with the energies around us and to see their effect in our everyday life. Being in touch with magic has made me a more strong willed person and it had made it easier for me to let go and move on.
Yep there definitely is a lot of Wiccan content but there is more coming out for traditional witchcraft, folk practices and cultural specific witchcraft practices coming out too, I would actually suggest you to look up Anthropological articles on culture specific practices if that is what you are looking for as there may be more resources available
@@EllaHarrison I found something helpful from that, thank you. Learning is great and I believe is essential to understanding practices.
When watched,
I understood what you meant by traditional Wicca
I do feel that by traditional Wicca standards one must be initiated
But if someone is practicing witchcraft without any formal strict ceremonial gardenarian
(I butchered that spelling)
It is literally practicing magick or spells and divination and one can can identify as any type of practitioner be it
Witch, sorcerer, root-worker etc.
I just think if you say you are Wiccan and meet another person that is identifies an Wiccan and you start having a conversation with them
They maybe interesting in talking about Wicca the religion and you show up talking only about witchcraft and witchcraft May not (or even not even) a big part of their practice
It just makes things more confusing
I’ve just started learning about the Wicca basics a couple weeks ago and now I’m starting to realize that idk if I wanna follow Wicca specifically. So I have a question to ask wiccans. I’m more on the eclectic side of witchcraft, so I would like to know if it’s okay for me to celebrate or follow only certain things from wicca. For example: I’m super interested in the sabbats, would that be okay as a non Wiccan/ new learner for me to celebrate? And how could I do that respectfully
Ella, Can Russian Traditional Witchcraft ( which includes Deities) be combined with Wicca ?
In fact,the Wiccan rede was written when I was 13,so It doesn't apply to me
My hang up is the initiation part. It assumes I live in a place where the Wiccans near me are normal. By normal I mean they have the practice at heart and they put their egos aside. And I'm here to say some Wiccans are all about themselves and want others to suck up to them. They form a local coven but it's nothing more than a lame club. So some of us go our owe way. We don't play that game.
I love this. Your videos are great thank you. If anyone knows where I can read more information on alexandrian witchcraft will be great. I'm trying to decide what coven to go to
The best way to start is do a search for Alexandrian Wicca you will find articles and books. You should also look up Alex and Maxine Sanders the founders of the religion.
Hi, I know you answered one of my questions but may I ask another? Can I say I believe in ’the world soul’ generally? Or do I have to say I believe in ”mother goddess, the horned god” and so on?
To me it confuses me bc it’s either u have to follow these rules but then people switch it up and say you can do what ever you please so ig I’m a little confused
The Circle, invoking and a belief in the God and the Goddess, a self initiation (solitary witch here. Dedicated myself in a formal ceremony. It was blissful.), the Wiccan Rede, Wiccan style reincarnation and Summerland, harming none (using banishing or binding spells instead), protecting nature and animals are the central tenets of my Wiccan path. Thank you, Ella, for clearing it up for people. It’s cool to practice witchcraft or folk magick!! But it’s not Wicca.
I mean Wiccan style reincarnation versus Hindu style reincarnation.
what type of wiccan are you?
To each their own blessed be
Thank you sooo much I have been debating what to define what I believe in since I was 11/12 I have believed in the gods and goddess and mother nature and the energy she gives for so long thank you
I am a Self initiation/Solitary Practicioner, I view the God and Goddess as all encompassing deities, the nameless ones, the ancient ones…
I was wiccan once upon a time and it was very difficult figuring out if this was truly the religion for me after being surrounded my Abrahamicc religions I felt no connection with.
For anyone in the same place as me ask yourself
These questions
Do I beleive in the three fold law and wiccan rede and actively follow it
Do I believe in the horned God and the triple moon goddess either theistically or soft duotheisticly (im told both are acceptable)
And for me the answer to these questions were no and imo these are what make wicca, wicca unique as a religion and if u don't add these aspects of wicca as a religion it becomes witchcraft as a practice cause u removed the dogma and ethics out which js what religion is.
So if you answer yes to these congrats this religion is for u, if not don't worry there's mNt paths out there waiting for u to discover them
I'm gonna have to disagree with many of this as an eclectic Wiccan. You can totally work with Lilith as a Wiccan, you don't need to be initiated and you don't need a diety (: