If you have heard about Wicca, one of the fastest growing religions in the United States, then you may be wondering if the stories you hear are true. Let's look at some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQ's) about witches and Wiccans.

What's the difference between a witch and a Wiccan?
When Gerald Gardner first introduced Wicca to the public in the 1950's this was an easy question. Back then, Wicca was referred to as the religion of the witches. Therefore all witches were Wiccans, and vice-versa. Today it is more common that 'Wicca' refers to the neo-Pagan religion and 'witch' refers to one who works magic. One who works magic may or may not also belong to the religion of Wicca. So today you will find one person who says they are a Wiccan and a witch. Another says they are a Wiccan but not a witch. And many more others who are adamant that they are witches but not Wiccans.

Do Wiccans really do human sacrifices and eat babies?
Nope. The myth of abducting children, eating babies and conducting human sacrifices is called Satanic Ritual Abuse (SRA) or Satanic Panic. This lie was first spread by the Romans in the first century C.E. in an attempt to discredit the early Christians. It was a lie then, and it is still a lie today. The F.B.I. spent 10 years investigating Satanic Ritual Abuse in the United States and was unable to find even one legitimate case.

Do Wiccan worship the Devil?
No, just as the story about Satanic Ritual Abuse is incorrect, this one is too. The idea of Satan or The Devil belongs to the Christian mythos. It has nothing to do with modern day witchcraft or Wicca.

Can boys be witches too?
Yes. Both men and women can be witches and Wiccans. In the old days 'witch' was used almost exclusively to refer to women, but today 'witch' is used to identify both genders.

Do Wiccans cast evil spells on their enemies?
It is possible to cast evil spells, but it is very rarely done. A big part of a Wiccan's training is learning to use magic wisely. Wicca teaches that what you do to another, you do to yourself. So if a Wiccan curses her enemy, she also curses herself at the same time. No one wants to suffer the effects of a curse, so Wiccans generally prefer to find a more positive solution to their problems.

As you can see, much of what is said about modern day witchcraft is false. There is no baby stealing, no human sacrifice, no devil worship and no casting of evil spells on one's enemy. Wiccans are normal, average every day people striving to lead an honorable life. Now you know the truth about Wicca today you can help spread the good news.