Wicca is a modern yet officially recognized pagan religion that has spread and grown throughout Europe, North America, and parts of Africa. It has been represented in films such as The Craft and television series like Charmed. Many practitioners of Wicca refer to themselves as witches, and the religion itself is also called “pagan witchcraft,” leading some people to think that it is related to Satanism. While adherents of both religions often have the same detractors, Wicca and Satanism are two different belief systems and should be recognized as such. Let’s examine Wicca and Satanism.
A History of Wicca
Pagan practices have been around for many millennia. Wicca incorporates many pagan practices, but it has only been recognized as a movement since the beginnings of the 20th century. Nearly 100 years ago, Dr. Margaret Murray collected books that detailed the rituals of those believed to be witches and burned at the stake and explained that many of the rites were pagan in origin–not Satanic. Gerald Gardner, considered to be the “Father of Wicca,” often referred to the religion as “the Craft of the Wise” or “witchcraft” in the 1950s. He wrote about his personal experience participating in a coven. Gardner connected Wicca to ancient pagan practices that went underground to survive Christian opposition.
The Origins of Satanism
Similar to Paganism, Satanism has ancient roots, but as a distinct religion is relatively young. In 1966, Anton LaVey founded the Church of Satan and served as its high priest until his death approximately 30 years later. This church was founded primarily as an alternative to traditional faiths and their teachings. LaVey also created “The Satanic Bible,” which is considered by many adherents to be an important text in this belief system, as well as a major part of LaVey’s legacy.
Differences in Belief and Practices
Both Wicca and Satanism emphasize the power of the individual and the freedom to practice faith according to one’s preferences. While these religions have had the same critics historically, there are some important distinctions that establish them as two discrete faiths:
- Deity Worship: Wiccans acknowledge two nonspecific deities, a god and a goddess, that exist in various forms providing balance to the world. Despite the name, Satanists don’t worship a god. “Satan” is mostly a figurehead that represents the practice’s opposition to Christian influences in society. Most followers are atheist or agnostic.
- Ritual Practices: Wicca emphasizes the practices of rituals based on magic and a belief in the supernatural. While some Satanist practitioners engage in magic, it is not a widespread focus in the general church.
- Afterlife: While Wiccans don’t have a universal concept of an afterlife as described in a sacred text, many believe in the concept of a soul or spirit that survives the death of the body and experiences a subsequent life through some type of reincarnation. Most Satanists do not believe in any type of afterlife or spiritual realm.
Emphasizing the Individual
In both belief systems, there is a strong focus on the power of the individual. A common thread in both faiths is the idea of each person doing what they desire. In Wicca, this is framed in the context of not harming others, which some might view as similar to the concepts of karma or the Golden Rule. Acolytes also believe in the power of three: that any benevolent or harmful actions rendered will be returned threefold. In Satanism, devotees emphasize the idea of fulfilling one’s indulgences as a core tenet.
Despite some similarities in origins and practices, Wicca and Satanism are two separate belief systems that highlight individualism and nonconformity.