A Brief Outline

A cycle of sacred celebrations following the Wheel of The Year are celebrated.

Spells and magickal workings are also done on the Full and Dark Moons.

THE PENTAGRAM

The origins of the Pentagram date back at least 8000 years to pre-Babylonian Sumer.

It has been utilized by many cultures.

It has been known under many titles, such as "The Druid's Root, The Witches Star," and "The Star of Solomon."

Followers of Pythagorus, called it the "The Pentalpha" since it is composed of five interlaced A's or Alphas.

The Alpha being the first word of the alphabet, we can perhaps view it as showing forth unity in the midst of multiplicity.

The individual as part of the Universe - the All.

The five pointed star incased in a circle symbol can be seen in Old World church architecture in every part of the globe.

In the Middle Ages, magicians considered the Pentagram more powerful than the cross.

Although now designated a symbol of Chritianity, the cross is Pagan and predates Christianity by many centuries.

Wherever the Pentacle was displayed evil had no power, the interlaced single line is considered to be spiritually protective as a "gateless" symbol. Therefore no evil or undesired energy can enter into the circle of the pattern.

For many Pagans the five points also stand for the four elements, earth, air, fire, and water, with the fifth point representing Spirit.

Each element is associated with characteristics of the human condition.

WICCA

A more modern form of Witchcraft, developed in the 19th century.

Known as the Craft of the Wise, Wicca derives it's name from the ancient word "Wicce", (Willow) which translates as the ability to bend and mold situations and circumstances.

The Wiccan Rede, to which all true Wiccan adhere, reads "An it harm none, do as you will".

Some Wiccans belong to Covens, or groups, that are led by High Priestess and High Priest, although there are many Solitary practitioners.

All covens are independent and follow their own paths.

Many Wiccans practice an initiation system of study with a person who is well versed in the practice of Witchcraft/Wicca.

The student enters into the practice as a dedicant, continuing to further his or her knowledge of Witchcraft

Degrees are earned, as the student progresses, and in many covens, various colored cords, worn about the waist, symbolize the degree the student has reached.

Once the Third Degree is earned, the student achieves the title of High Priestess/Priest and is then allowed to "hive", leave the Mother coven and form a new coven (which he or she will lead as High Priest/Priestess.

Today, there is a renewed interest in the practice of Witchcraft . In fact Witchcraft is the fastest growing religion in the world today.

Many of the ceremonies and spells used by today's practitioners were reconstructed from ancient texts and Shadow books, and published in the 1950's by Gerald Gardener and Doreen Valente, to whom modern day witches owe a debt of gratitude.

The Wiccan Rede
Bide the Wiccan Rede ye must,
In Perfect Love and Perfect Trust;
Live ye must and let to live,
Fairly take and fairly give;
Form the Circle thrice about,
To keep unwelcome spirits out;
Bind fast the spell every time,
Let the words be spoke in rhyme.

Soft of eye and light of touch,
Speak ye little, listen much;
Deosil go by waxing moon,
Sing and dance the Witches' Rune;
Widdershins go by waning moon,
Chant ye then a baleful tune;
When the Lady's moon is new,
Kiss hand to her times two;

When the moon rides at peak,
Heart's desire then ye seek.
Heed the North wind's mighty gale,
Lock the door & trim the sail;
When the wind comes from the South,
Love will kiss them on the mouth;
When the wind blows from the West,
departed souls have no rest;

When the wind blows from the East,
Expect the new and set the feast.
Nine woods in the cauldron go,
Burn them quick, burn them slow;
Elder be the Lady's tree,
Burn it not or curs'd ye'll be;
When the wind begins to turn,
Soon Beltane fires will burn;

When the wheel has turned to Yule,
light the log, the Horned One rules.
Heed the flower, bush or tree
By the Lady blessed be'
When the rippling waters flow
cast a stone - the truth you'll know;
When ye have and hold a need,
Hearken not to others' greed;

With a fool no seasons spend,
Or be counted as his friend.
Merry meet and merry part
Bright the cheeks, warm the heart;
Mind the threefold law ye should,
Three times bad and three times good;
Whene'er misfortune is enow,
Wear the star upon your brow;

True in troth ever ye be
Lest thy love prove false to thee.
'Tis by the sun that life be won,
And by the moon that change be done;
If ye would clear the path to will,
Make certain the mind be still;
What good be tools
without Inner Light?

What good be magic without
wisdom-sight?
Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill -
"An it harm none, do what ye will" 

References:

Pagan Groups and Organizations: Circle Guide to Pagan Groups, 2004 Edition,
published by Circle Sanctuary, Mount Horeb, Wisconsin

Pantheons of the Gods and Goddess,
published by Stewart, Tambori and Chang, New York

Witchcraft and related topics: Books by noted Pagan authors:
Starhawk, Trish Telesco, Silver Ravenwolf,
Raven Grimassi, Charles Buckland, Aliester Crowley, Doreen Valente

Simply go to your local library or bookstore and look under New Age, or Religion, to find a wealth of information on the Craft and Paganism.