Wicca

Paper Summary:

This paper studies the religion of Wicca, or witchcraft. The paper begins with the origins of Wicca -- one of the oldest religions dating back to the cave man period -- and traces its development throughout history. Emphasis is place on the witch trials and other examples of persecution experienced by those who practiced Wicca. Next, the paper studies the tenets of Wicca, its concept of the goddess and its rituals and holidays. The paper concludes with a discussion of magic as practiced by the Wicca.

From the Paper:

"In 1541, England made Witchcraft illegal. In 1604, a law was passed decreeing capital punishment for Witches. Forty years later, the thirteen American colonies also adopted this law. By the late 17th century, the Witches who remained loyal to their beliefs were in hiding. Wicca then became an underground religion. The Witches who were persecuted were usually brutally tortured, often sexually molested or raped, and then put to death. Once they were accused of practicing Witchcraft, they were arrested and tortured into confessing. The accused endured such forms of torture as thumbscrews, the rack, and boots that broke the bones of the legs. They were also deprived of sleep, starved, and beaten."

More papers on Wicca:

• Research Paper # 108500 : "The Practice of Wicca"
• Descriptive Essay # 117328 : "Is Wicca Devil Worship?"
• Persuasive Essay # 107809 : "Harry Potter and Wicca"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: