Misconceptions Often Follow Wiccans

In ancient tradition, people who lived closely connected to the land recognized only two seasons: growing and non-growing. Modern-day Wiccans joke that it's pretty much the same in San Diego: Summer and not summer.

Under overcast skies, local Wiccans recently celebrated the changing of seasons during Beltane, one of their major holidays, which ushers in the arrival of a period of life, warmth and growth.

It was green robes against white robes, plastic flowers against icicles. The Army of Summer would win; everyone who had come to celebrate Beltane already knew the outcome. Still, around the circle, the audience laughed at the make-believe battle.

Wicca is a nature-based religion, a modern spinoff of the pre-Christian pagan traditions in Europe. There is a God and Goddess, though there is no Wiccan Bible, no central governing authority, and the religion claims no dogma. But Wiccans cite the Wiccan Rede, a poem from which is extracted their central aim: “If it harms none, do what you will.” Full Story

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