Defining Wicca?

Defining Wicca.

The points:

1. Recognition of the Divine as both masculine and feminine.

2. Creation of a sacred space for ritual, by casting a circle.

3. Use of four sacramental tools, which are (a) a knife, dagger or sword (b) a vessel (c) a wand, staff or cane (d) a disk, amulet, pantacle, shield or stone. Each of these are associated with an element and cardinal direction, in any combination.

4. Performance of a ritualized consecration and ingestion of food and drink.

5. Recognition of the 'Sacrament of Initiation' whether within the context of a coven or by a qualified initiator.

6. Recognition of a sacred calendar which is cyclical and has eight major holy days, although some may not be formally celebrated, on or near the following days: February First, the Spring Equinox, May First, the Summer Solstice, August First, the Autumnal Equinox, November First, the Winter Solstice.

7. Use one of several versions of the Wiccan Rede.

8. Belief in the natural law of cause and effect, which has been variously called 'the Law of Return' and 'the Threefold Law' among other appellations.