Wica

Wica is a less common variant spelling of Wicca, a modern pagan religious movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, primarily in Britain. In most scholarly and practitioner contexts, the standard term is Wicca, and Wica is generally understood to refer to the same movement when used as a name. The spelling variant is not universally adopted and may reflect regional or individual preferences rather than a separate tradition.

Origins and beliefs commonly associated with Wicca trace to 1950s and 1960s Britain, drawing on ceremonial magick, folklore, and earlier witchcraft traditions. Many practitioners embrace a duotheistic or polytheistic framework, often revering a Goddess and a God. Nature is central to their spirituality, with an emphasis on seasonal cycles and natural harmony. Core ethical ideas include reverence for personal responsibility and the principle found in the Wiccan Rede, sometimes summarized as “An it harm none, do what ye will,” though interpretations vary. Some adherents also reference a concept of magical consequence known as the Threefold Law, while others do not accept this idea.

Practices typically include ritual circle casting, invocations, and the use of symbolic tools such as an athame, wand, chalice, and pentacle. Practitioners gather in covens or practice alone, marking eight seasonal festivals (the Sabbats) and various Esbats tied to the lunar cycle. Wicca encompasses a range of traditions, with Gardnerian and Alexandrian among the most widely known, alongside many independent covens and solitary approaches. The movement is decentralized and diverse, reflecting a broader modern Pagan landscape.

See also: Wicca, Witchcraft, Paganism.