Wicca
Wicca is a type of Neo-pagan Witchcraft; Wiccans generally practice a reconstructed version of pre-Christian European Pagan spirituality. Beliefs and practices are generally centered around a culture of the practitioner's choice, usually with a belief in that culture's deities and folklore, etc. However, since Wicca is a personal religion, this does not hold true for everyone. Many practitioners choose beliefs on the basis of what 'feels right', and there are those who practice a mix of Celtic, Greek, Native, Sumerian, Hindu, Buddhist, and other beliefs. Wiccans have a high regard for the beliefs and practices of others, and for the individuals right to find their own path. As such, almost any combination of beliefs and practices is possible.
Because Wicca is a personal spirituality, that can be explained and described in more ways than one, it is very much misunderstood. Wicca is a 'mystery religion', as opposed to a 'revealed religion'. This means that there are no holy books, no prophets, and no holy people. We believe that the answers are hidden within ourselves; we must work to search ourselves for our answers. No-one else can do it for us.
The whole Earth is considered sacred, and so any space can become a place for practitioners of Wicca to perform their rituals. Nature and connection with nature are seen as extremely important on the path of Wicca.
A spell is like a prayer: it is communication, and sometimes a request, we make of our gods. Frequently we will work for healing, self improvements, inner strength, or help with skills like self honesty. We pray to our gods for the same reasons that members of other religions pray to their gods or God.
A Wiccan prayer is not a formal, written-out occurrence. Prayer is a chance for you to talk with and become closer with Deity. In a prayer, you can ask for something, but this is not magic. With magic, you are putting your energy into your request; in prayer you are asking a favor. You can also just talk to Deity in prayer about anything you want. Prayer can be both enlightening and therapeutic. Wiccans generally believe in both male and female aspects of divinity. Usually, both goddesses and gods are respected as equals, with neither aspect seen as "more important" than the other. The Goddess is generally seen as the shaper, the mother or wise one. It is She who brings forth life and shapes the world. The God is generally seen as the giver, of energy and life. He is the Horned One, the God of the forests, the grain, and the hunt.
We have only one law that governs ethics and morality:"An it harm none, do as ye will", if it doesn't harm anyone or anything, do as you will. We believe that all things are interconnected, and our thoughts and actions echo through the world in ways we might never have imagined.
