Pagans and Wiccans
Among many people, is the question of what is the differences between Pagans and Wiccans, why some people choose Wicca over Paganism, or vice versa. Well, to start things Paganism is this broad belief earth-based religion. Paganism has individual religions classified within it (like Christianity and it's divisions like Catholicism and Protestanism). Wicca, Druidry and Asatru classify within Paganism. So, you might be wondering... what makes a Pagan, Wiccan, Druid, etc? Wiccans, Druids, Asatru, etc. are considered Pagans. Pagans, however, are Pagans and can be considered Wiccans, or Druids, or Asatru only if they follow that certain belief structure. (You might note that I haven't mentioned Witchcraft, but yes, Witchcraft can be considered Pagan and some Wiccans call themselves Witches.)
When you know the definition of Paganism, the "old religion", nature/Earth-based, referring to the "old" Gods and Goddesses, etc. Pagans can be monotheistic or polytheistic. This does not mean Christians or Jews, etc. are Pagan. Traditions for individual Pagans, can be based on personal interests, likes, deities, etc. Some Pagans can follow their own way, for what works for them... like Wiccans. So, as Wicca has "traditions", Paganism can too. I.E. Celtic Wiccan, Egyptian Pagan, Eclectic Wiccan, etc. (Eclectic means the practitioner takes bits from various traditions, and makes it work for themselves.)
Most Wiccans, believe/honour a god and a goddess, celebrating Esbats (full moons), the eight Sabbats, etc. Though, there's some leanience like always in anything for that. Dianic Wiccans only honour a Goddess, are more feminist and usually honour Diania - reason for "Dianic". It can also be called that they are monotheistic. Some Wiccans, honour more than one god and goddess. But, still they are considered Pagan. Pagans can be considered Wiccan, if it seen that there are similarities in someone beliefs that they look (the beliefs) Wiccan. Paganism allows a broad sense to personal beliefs. Though some follow the Wiccan path, for the belief structure, etc. (Maybe even the link to the name "Witch"? - For those who found the word Wicca, through searching words like "Witch" or "Witchcraft".) Wicca, however, is newer than Paganism. Pagans though, most, also celebrate the Sabbats. Maybe not the same idea or way as Wiccans do, but Pagans can celebrate them. (I have read that Candlemas and Ostara are Wiccan Sabbats and that the other six are just general Pagan...)
Someone who practices Paganism, is someone who follows a Earth-based belief. Most Wiccans practice magick, some don't. Some Pagans practice magick, some don't. This is out of personal choice. You do not have to be Wiccan to practice magick. But, it is not fair to call yourself a Witch or a Wiccan if you do and you do not follow the beliefs. If you would like to obtain more information on Wicca, best to consult someone on the web or near you about Wicca. Visit other Pagan sites and try to find some similarities, you'll find differences but a few similarities.
This may seem a bit unorganised but, this is how I see the differences. Non-descriminating, similar, yet a bit different in a few areas... Either way, it's nothing to be fought about.
- Stacey SilverCat, Sept. 10, 1998.