Wiccan Religion - Research Paper Example

Wiccan Religion Abstract Wicca is a pagan religion that was introduced in England to the public in the 1950s by Gerald Gardner (Lafferty, 2015). Over time, the religion has splintered into many groups. However, these groups still subscribe to the basic or primary tenets of Wicca, which were outlined by Gerald Gardner. Thus, the paper will analyze, evaluate the Wiccan religion. Subsequently, its basic principles or tenets, beliefs about life and death, rituals to celebrate births, marriages and important holidays, rituals to improve health, and the how the Wiccan members feel about the concept of euthanasia and transplantation will be highlighted and critically analyzed. Some of the Basic Tenets/Principles of the Wiccan Religion Are; 1. The Wiccan holidays are based on the phases of the moon and earth’s rotation. Apart from the monthly esbats, there are eight primary sabbats in the Wiccan religion. 2. The environment should be taken care of and honored. As such, it is the Wiccan follower’s personal responsibility to conserve the environment and promote ecological balance since the environment is divine. 3. The divine power in the Wiccan religion contains both the male and female aspects. Hence, both genders are held to be equal. Therefore, the Wiccans honor or worship both the male god and the female goddess. 4. The Wiccan religion has no central authority figure. They believe that all people/ members are sacred and can communicate with the gods. In other religions, only the priests or pastors are honored to communicate with the gods. 5. Each and every person must take responsibility for his/her actions. Hence, they should readily accept the outcomes of their actions. Beliefs Concerning Life and Death According to the Wicca religion, material life begins in the womb. Next, they believe that in life, they should strive to live peacefully by not intentionally causing any harm to others. What a person does in his/her life will be repaid thrice in the afterlife. This implies that they belief in karma. The Wicca religion believes that there is an afterlife after death. When a person dies, he /she transitions into a different life where he/she will be reincarnated back in different forms. Whereas some believe that the dead person will be reborn as a child into this world, others believe that the dead person’s soul goes to Summerland (the Wiccan version of heaven) (Drew, 2003). However, there is no hell since they do not believe that the devil exists. The Wiccan members do not fear death, but welcome it since they view it as an accomplishment of finishing the learning process of one stage. When a person finishes learning, he moves to the next step through death. Rituals to celebrate births, marriages, and vital holidays The Wicca performs different rituals to celebrate different events such as birth, marriages and important holidays. During birth, a Wiccaning ritual is performed to bless the baby. During the Wiccaning process, the infant is anointed with water or oil. During marriage celebrations, a handfasting ritual is performed. During the ritual or celebrations, the gods and goddesses are honored. The esbats and sabbats represent some of the most popular Wiccan celebrations. They are celebrated during the different phases of the moon or the earth’s seasons. During esbats, the Wiccans celebrate during the full moon (Wintz & Cooper, 2001). Rituals to Improve Health Wicca beliefs advocate for a natural healing process instead of using modern medicines. The believers perform a meditating ritual to improve their health status. During the process, the individual meditates and tries to figure out the underlying causes of the ailments. Effect of Wiccan Membership on Individual Health According to the Wicca beliefs, diseases are as a result of a person’s underlying spiritual, mental or emotional energy states. Therefore, the individual has to find out the causes of his illness, and what will he/she do to return to his/her natural health state. The health care medications according to Wicca are only meant for immediate injury and danger rather than healing. These beliefs will influence a person to prefer a natural way of life. A member will thus adopt a healthy natural lifestyle such as exercising, being happy or in a good mood, staying in a clean environment, possessing a positive outlook, and stimulating himself/herself mentally. Effect of Wiccan Membership on an Individual decisions’ about Birth and End of Life Issues Wiccans view the concept of abortion as being a spiritual one which each and every person has to make his or her own decision (Wiccan Medical Guidelines, n.d). The state should not interfere or set laws controlling abortion. Since a woman is able to bring life into this world, she has a right to terminate or end it. As such, Wiccans consider abortion to be a logical option which can be taken by pregnant women with no consequences (Drew, 2003). Therefore, joining the Wicca religion will make a member to be pro-abortion. Feelings about Euthanasia and Organ Transplantation The Wiccan religion places a lot of emphasis on personal choice. Since the religion views death as a transition to another life, they do not oppose the act of euthanasia but leave the decision to the individual (Wiccan Medical Guidelines, n.d). As such, it is common for Wiccans to assent to euthanasia. Additionally, the religion accepts organ transplantation or donation. Conclusion The Wiccan religion is based on various tenets such as a belief in gender polarity, holidays are celebrated according to the seasons or phases of the moon, there is divine in the environment, there is no central authority, and the principle of personal responsibility and consequences. Additionally, the religion believes in natural healing. Lastly, the belief in a rebirth or reincarnation forms a vital part of the Wiccan religion. This belief in reincarnation influences the religion to accept the act of euthanasia and organ transplantation. References Drew, A. J. (2003). A Wiccan Bible: exploring the mysteries of the craft from birth to summerland. Career Press. Lafferty, A. (2015). A Seeker's Guide to Modern Witchcraft and Paganism. New Directions in Folklore, 3. Wiccan Medical Guidelines. (n.d). RELIGIOUS GUIDELINES FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS. Retrieved from http://www.oldenwilde.org/oldenwilde/gen_info/med_guide.html Wintz, S., & Cooper, E. (2001). A quick guide to cultures and spiritual traditions. Read More