Wicca

This chapter will discuss Pagan theology, as well as the importance for Pagans of doing theology at all, and outline the theology and practice of Contemplative Wicca, including its similarities and differences with other forms of Wicca. The main substance of the book will deal with the nature of God, ethics, magic, and prayer. There will be no discussion of specific rituals; rather, the ideas that support contemplative practice will be examined.

THE IMPORTANCE OF DOING THEOLOGY FOR WICCANS

Paganism has many and varied denominations, and none have a central authority. Practitioners are free to conduct an independent solitary practice, and many do. Beliefs and practices vary from group to group and individual to individual, and very little formal theological thinking has been done by anyone. This is why there is so little real Pagan theology: because there is nothing one can say that is meaningful, unless it is about individuals or small groups. Nevertheless, those small groups and individuals should formulate their theologies so that the religion will not remain so unformed and appear to have no identity or substance to outsiders (York, 2003, p. 157). In recent years, some have begun to construct Pagan theologies, and a seminary for Pagan clergy has been in operation since the 1990s. Pagans, however, cannot construct one theology that would apply to all Pagans. With the differences between denominations and individuals, what can be accomplished is coherent theologies that apply to individual groups and denominations, or a very general theology that would encompass all or most nature-based religions.

An attempt was made toward this goal in 1974 by the Council of American Witches, who drew up a statement of thirteen basic beliefs (Adler, 1986, p. 101). The Council disbanded shortly after this, and since then, there has been no similar group with the authority to alter this document. This is due primarily to the fierce independence endemic to Pagan groups, which prevents agreement on very much, and which causes distrust of large organizations of any kind. These two Pagan attributes are central to nearly all Pagans, but they also have the unfortunate effect of preventing larger unity or cohesion, even if it is in order to engage in beneficial activities, such as legal work to ensure religious freedom for Pagans. Although some, such as Circle Sanctuary and Covenant of the Goddess, do perform socially beneficial services, it is not common among Pagans. At this time, it seems there is no viable council or other group to perform this type of unifying work, so the original 1974 statement still stands. The statement can be viewed on a number of websites.

It is important to have theology guide our spiritual practice, so that what we believe, what we do, and how we pray do not contradict each other. With a clear theology to provide the foundation for ritual and other spiritual practices, those practices are more meaningful and satisfying because they are coherent, and are congruent with what you believe. Theology also provides an excellent base for one's ethical system. With a coherent theology, the ethical values and practices that flow from it can provide a satisfying, clear, and reliable guide for decisions and behavior, and for all of one's life.

Additionally, having a basic statement of belief and a clear definition of Wicca would go very far in establishing Paganism as a real, legitimate religion to outsiders, as well as provide a better self-understanding for practitioners. If we can present ourselves unambiguously and with confidence, we are more likely to be given credibility by others. This same self-understanding can also enable us to better understand and appreciate other faith traditions and cooperate with them in interfaith as well as academic settings. This greater clarity would also improve public understanding and acceptance of Wicca, and Paganism in general.

Learning about other faith traditions should also be part of theological study, and other faith traditions can provide great richness of thought and practice that can influence Wiccan thought and practice, to its benefit. Although many Pagans abjure the more traditional faiths, particularly Christianity, this is not necessary. It is important to remember that truth can be found in all faiths, and new insights and illuminating practices can be incorporated into a person's Wiccan practice, without losing any integrity. Indeed, there is nothing to fear from studying traditional faiths, and mining them for their gems of wisdom. By the same token, such breadth of knowledge and understanding can enable Wiccans to realize they do not have to accept all the standard Wiccan or Pagan ideas or practices, and to formulate their own.

SIMILARITIES WITH TRADITIONAL WICCA

There are two aspects of Contemplative Wicca that are most like other forms of Wicca. The first is that the religion is nature-based; the second is the celebration of the Wheel of the Year, the cycle of nature. It is upon this foundation that Wiccan ethics can be based, as we will see later.

Nature

Wicca sees nature and humanity as sacred, and human society as collaborative rather than hierarchical. We are part of nature, and cannot be separated from it. We are part of all its cycles, including the food cycle. We take the lives of plants and animals in order to survive, and eventually we become food for some other organism, whether a large predator or tiny microbe, and complete the circle. All this should be done reverently, and eating should be seen as a sacrament, even as death is sacramentalized in nearly every religion. We are not above nature, and have no right to dispose of it profligately (Taylor, 2010, p. 20). This cycle of taking and giving life binds us to all of nature, and is cause for both humility and joy.

We are also bound to nature by the simple acts of breathing, drinking water, and walking on the earth. Many organisms have breathed the air since it developed, and it has been recycled through successive lives over countless years. The same has been done with the water and the earth, with elements breaking apart when an organism dies, and being used again as food to build new ones. Everything we do depends on the support of our environment. Advances in science have enabled us to see the many ways that we are only one part of nature, not above or separate from it. When we can experience this, it can help us to see the face of God more clearly.

I find science to be one of the best sources of theological thought and inspiration. When nature is approached with an understanding of how it works, it is even more awe-inspiring than when approached in ignorance. Science provides the best support for the belief that we are all one, and shows us how God works in creation. Fortunately, Pagans often find a great harmony between science and religion, and form theological ideas from this. This lack of conflict between science and religion allows Pagans to live happily and productively in both worlds, and foster human progress (Kraemer, 2012, p. 61). Viewing science...