Description

This article is from the Wicca FAQ, by rain@user2.teleport.com (Rain of Teleport) with numerous contributions by others.

3.6 What are the origins of Wicca?

This is a matter of some debate within Wiccan circles. Some Wiccans
see their inspiration and traditions as coming directly from the gods.
Certain Wiccan mythology holds that Wicca has come down from the stone
age, surviving persecution in secret covens for hundreds of years. Others
say that their Wicca is a long-held family tradition (or "fam trad"),
passed down through villages and grandmothers. Aidan Kelly argues that
modern Wicca was largely pieced together by Gerald Gardner from Margaret
Murray, Charles Leland and other sources, with significant revisions by
Doreen Valiente (and others), beginning in 1939. Whatever its origins,
Wicca today is a vibrant, modern religion, open to change, creativity and
personalization.

Continue to:

• prev: 3.5 What were "the Burning Times?"
• Index
• next: 3.7 What are the major traditions in Wicca and where do they come from?