319
See also: Animism in early societies 24–25 ■ Man and the cosmos 48–49
■ The power of the great goddess 100P
robably the best known of
the 20th-century neopagan
(new pagan) religions,
Wicca originated in England, and
was popularized by a retired civil
servant, Gerald Gardner, in
the 1950s. Although he referred
to the religion as witchcraft, and
its adherents as the Wica, the
version he founded and its various
subsequent branches or traditions
are today known as Wicca.
Wiccan beliefs are centered on
the principles of masculine and
feminine, as embodied in the
complementary Horned God and
Moon Goddess, and the existence
of an otherworld known as
Summerland where souls spend the
afterlife. Many branches of Wicca
also believe in reincarnation, and
see Summerland as a resting place
for souls between lives, where they
can examine their previous life and
prepare for the next. These souls
are sometimes contacted by
Wiccans in magic ceremonies
similar to those of spiritualism,
involving mediums or ouija boards,
but this practice is not universal.Although Wiccans believe in an
afterlife, they emphasize making
the most of the present life in
nature-based rituals. These include
celebrations of the seasons, and
rites of passage such as initiation,
wiccaning (similar to baptism),
and marriage or sexual union.
Because of some apparent
resemblances to Satanism (the
Horned God, for example), Wicca
has often been confused with black
magic cults, and has, until recently,
suffered prejudice and persecution,
especially in Christian countries. ■MODERN RELIGIONS
SPIRITS REST
BETWEEN LIVES
IN SUMMERLAND
WICCA AND THE OTHERWORLD
IN CONTEXT
KEY FIGURE
Gerald Gardner
WHERE AND WHEN
From 1950s, UK
BEFORE
Pre-Christian era Celtic and
Norse mythologies include the
idea of otherworlds such as
Asgard, where the Norse
heaven Valhalla is situated.
19th century Spiritualists
and Theosophists coin the
name Summerland to describe
an astral plane where virtuous
souls rest in bliss.
1920s Anthropologist
Margaret Murray publishes
work on the Christian
persecution of witches in
history, identifying witchcraft
as a pagan religion separate
from black magic cults.
AFTER
1970s In the US, feminist
politics is incorporated into
Wicca by practitioners of
Dianic Witchcraft.
I do not remember
my past lives clearly;
I only wish I did.
Gerald Gardner