Wicca and Traditional Witchcraft share similarities but have distinct differences:
*Wicca*
1. Modern, organized witchcraft tradition founded by Gerald Gardner (1950s)
2. Emphasizes harmony with nature, goddess/god spirituality
3. Rituals focus on cycles of life, death, rebirth
4. Practices include spell-casting, divination, sacraments
5. Strong emphasis on Threefold Law (karma), Wiccan Rede (harm none)
*Traditional Witchcraft*
1. Roots in ancient, folkloric practices (pre-Christian)
2. Varied, decentralized traditions (e.g., Celtic, Norse)
3. Emphasizes connection with land, ancestors, spirits
4. Practices include magic, divination, healing
5. Often focuses on practical, everyday applications
*Key Differences*
1. Origins: Wicca (modern), Traditional Witchcraft (ancient)
2. Structure: Wicca (organized), Traditional Witchcraft (decentralized)
3. Focus: Wicca (spirituality), Traditional Witchcraft (practicality)
4. Rituals: Wicca (formal), Traditional Witchcraft (informal)
*Similarities*
1. Nature-based spirituality
2. Emphasis on magic, divination
3. Respect for cycles of life
*Notable Traditions*
1. Alexandrian Wicca
2. Gardnerian Wicca
3. Hedge Witchcraft
4. Kitchen Witchcraft
5. Celtic Traditional Witchcraft
*Resources*
1. "The Spiral Dance" by Starhawk
2. "Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner" by Scott Cunningham
3. "Traditional Witchcraft" by Melusine Drac
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