n that is observed today, known as a neopagan religion) has its roots in the early nineteenth century, primarily due to the teachings of Gerald B. Gardner (1884-1964). Mr. Gardner was an English witch and the father of contemporary witchcraft. It is rumored that he was, in fact, a con man whose ideas were the foundation upon which most of the modern forms of Wicca are based. His Gardnerian witchcraft is said to have set in motion the entire neopagan movement (Hawkins 28). As I previously stated, Wicca is very much a nature-based religion. The belief is that all living things are a part of the dominant God and Goddess, and that the Earth itself is a living organism. Each and every living being is seen as an important part of that organism. Most wiccans are actively involved in protecting and promoting earth and her natural resources (Dewr). Wiccans also see their gods and goddesses as being a part of the here and now, of all of life’s events, as compared to being all-seeing, non-participatory deities (Dewr). The gods/goddesses observe and directly participate in many aspects of daily life.A primary value of Wicca is experience. Much like other areas of life, the perspective of experience in witchcraft is based in great part upon personal interpretation. While witches, as Wicca followers are known, do adhere to certain common beliefs, there is the possibility for each person to have a unique and personally fulfilling experience based on their own sense of perception. The more open a follower is to freeing themselves from material concerns and opening their minds, spirits and even bodies to what Wicca has to offer, the more profound their experience is (Hawkins 29-30). By tuning in to the messages of the earth and nature, a bond is formed. Another strong value of wiccans is tolerance (Hawkins 30). Witches are firm believers in allowing and encouraging diversity, even amongst themselves. Witches believe that we are bestowed with cer...
