As many of you may already know Wicca is in itself a rather misunderstood topic. It has been at the center of various relegious debates and the word itself can still bring discomfort or awkwardness to many an individual because it is simply put a religion. However, this little hub is here to give the basics of Wicca so you all can have a better understanding without all the misconceptions.

Firstly, allow me to introduce myself. My name for this useful website is RamenEmperor, which can be explained if asked, and I am a Witch. (Also to be explained soon) Wicca and paganistic faiths are a passion of mine, not only because I am a Witch but because I find it truly intriguing to learn all I can about my chosen faith. Allow me to be your teacher if you will and guide you into the circle.

Lets start with some very small but rather aggravating misconceptions.

1. Wicca is not about Demon Worshipping or anything of the sort.
2. "Witch" is not a gendered term.
3. "Spells" are not what most assume
4. Stereotypes

Allow me to clear this up right away. Wicca is in no way associated with the conjuring of demons or using "evil spirits" for any purpose what-so-ever. There are terms in Wicca refering to demons or spirits but they are not in the same league as what "Demon" is generally labeled as. I personally like when people think that Wicca (Witches) are associated with Lucifer or Satan. We generally do not believe in "Hell" or even the Devil. It is not part of our faith and we do not do anything with it. That is an ignorant misconception and a view held by people that do not understand symbols. (Symbols I will be explaining in a different hub ;D)

The second misconception I have been asked about numerous times. "Why do you call yourself a Witch and not a Warlock?" I would like to also state that Warlock in our community is generally viewed as derogatory and rather cruel to say its a title that is associated generally with Black magic and evil that we do not appreciate. Witch is in fact a non-gendered term, it has been given a gender by societal view not by the actual word itself. In Wiccan faith everyone is a witch it is the general term like you would call someone that follows Christianity a "Christian". It denotes who we are simple as that.

This next topic is one of the big reasons why I want to write about my faith because you can see the effects it has on everyone that tries to figure it out. Search "Magic Spells" or "Wiccan Spells" in google and you will see what I mean...in fact here is a link. Right from the top of the page you can see "Free Spells" etc. This is totally and completely outrageous. Selling a "spell" is not what Wicca is all about in reality it would be almost useless to sell a spell. Spells are similar in aspect to prayers to us we use them to pass energy into what we would like to happen. Imagine a puddle... now imagine that you want the puddle to ripple, to get it to ripple you would probably tap the water and exert energy doing so. Its a similar affair here, we 'send' our energy into what we want to happen. We use "spells" for that purpose. The words we say help us focus that energy, and thus writing the spell yourself is truly the best way to get any effect out if it. You spend the energy to write it meaning you put energy into it. Buying a spell defeats the purpose and is completely not what we want to do. Let alone a spell is not something like creating a "Fire Ball" or various other examples that can be seen in video games or movies. A spell is a tool to focus and move "energy". (Another subject for a different hub.) Simply enough it is NOT "Magic Missile" as it were.

Most of the material I already wrote were stereotypes but there are several more that are not big enough to write extensively on. There are plenty others but most of them are plainly ridiculous. Recently I heard one claiming we sacrificed virgins, which is by far not true. There is no sacrificing of any human or really anything in Wicca, we do not condone killing. We do not fly on brooms, laughable at best but still a stereotype. Nor do we all dance around naked in the moonlight (some do yes but that is something called "Skyclad" and if you like I can give you more information about that in a comment or a different hub.). Black cats are cool and all but we do not all have those either. No, most witches do not have crooked noses and cackles unless they've been punched in the face or have a serious smoking problem.

I do realize that the last few were arguably just comedic but the concern is still there. Effectively there is alot of misconceptions about us and how many people view us. I have much more to explain and for those truly interested articles in how to begin practice as a Wiccan as well (soon to be added hubs).

Thanks for your time, and comment if you like. Oh and please enjoy the little video, I find it kind of funny and is a comedic version of something that gives misconceptions about spells.