1

Jessica Howes
Professor Ashley Bryan
RELS-2000
8 December 2015
Wicca: Women, Rituals, and Sexuality
Dark magic and spells, cauldrons, broomsticks, and a haggish appearance are all
common stereotypes tied to the word Wiccan. The maniacal outcasts, persecuted for beliefs
that were not even entirely true; this is this image the majority of people have about Wiccans.
According to The Encyclopedia of Witches, Witchcraft, and Wicca the term Wicca actually
means An alternate name for the religion of contemporary Witchcraftwhich signifie[s] an
organized religion with a set of beliefs, tenets, laws, ethics, holy days, and rituals (371). The
issue is that such a large portion of the population do not know enough about the religion of
Wicca to actually form a proper opinion. The key to understanding any religion is first
viewing the history of it. The origin of Wicca dates back to Roman times, making it one of
the oldest religions historically, although it was not recognized as a religion until a later date
(Bailey 9). Magic was part of daily life and often used for a wide variety of tasks from the
mundane to the extraordinary (Bailey 21). As time progressed, Wiccans were feared, hated,
and admired. Opinions are mixed today due to so many misconceptions circling around the
religion. From antiquity to modern times Wiccan faith has held strong. Beliefs and practices
might be slightly varied from the birth of Wicca, however, the roots are firmly planted.

Throughout this paper one might wonder: why is Wicca of any value or importance,
and why is this topic chosen above other religions? Once one is properly informed of the
differentiating characteristics of the religion, it will be clear. Witches are not the Hollywood
images that society has engrained in their minds, but rather an extraordinary people seeking
to better the world through set beliefs and practices (Keller, Dec. 5). They are not hags,
Satanists, or haters of other religions. Wiccan beliefs are quite simple: bring harm to no one,
honor and respect the earth for it is divine, and transformation of the world- through the mind
and magical practices (Godwin, 99-103). In this faith the Wiccan conception of deity is
immanent, present in the entire world: every man, woman, and child, every animal, stone,
and flower (Godwin 104). This helps one to further understand the belief of honoring and
respecting earth, as well as noticing that Wiccans are peaceful people and quite contrary to
popular stereotypes. The faith includes its own texts, celebrations and rituals, initiation rules,
and each practitioner possesses their own personal Book of Shadows that holds spells and
rules for Wiccans (Godwin 220). Dating back farther than most contemporary religions
today, Wicca is not in need of legitimization. Pearson states Wicca regards itself as
disruptive. It disrupts traditional notions of religion (39). Though the religion receives a lot
of backlash, the values it holds dear are impenetrable and as a result the number of Wiccans
are growing.
One important aspect of the Wiccan religion to analyze is the role of women. Perhaps
what makes women in this religion a popular topic is the fact that typical stereotypes and
gender roles are broken and a new light is shed on females. Keller explains that in Wicca the
religion embraces gender roles, instead of straying from them. Even a typical womanly

activity such as cleaning the house can be embraced as an important magical endeavor
(Keller, Dec. 5). Embracing this aspect is a new outlet for women to feel empowered, and in
many other ways as well. It is not that the religion seeks to elevate women above men, but
that it simply displays women having an unprecedented equality to men (Godwin 226).
Godwin states Wiccan rhetoric offers productive alternatives of diversity instead of
dichotomy, allowing and encouraging multiple perspectives and ways of doing things instead
of adhering always and forever to only One True Way (226). This is the aspect that differs in
most societies and religions today- this is the reason analyzing the role of women in Wicca is
noteworthy.
In the religion of Wicca when a certain level of hierarchy is reached, such as high
priest or high priestess, there is a division of roles. The high priestess handles all of the
spiritual matters, while the high priest typically deals with mundane activities (Shuler 49).
While this may seem as though the female plays a role that is of more importance, Keller
reminds that men and women are equal but not quite the same, and the strength of each
gender comes out, thus the roles of the high priest and priestess (Keller, Dec. 5). While each
gender is equal respectively, there are aspects unique to each such as rituals centered around
each and initiation rules. For women to be considered for the responsibility of a high
priestess, she must train and study for one year and one day (Keller, Dec. 5). Even the
acknowledgment of a woman as a high priestess is an honoring acknowledgment in and of
itself giving more respect to the woman. In the sense of elevating women and making them
feel equally as valued as men Wiccan rhetoric recognizes the importance of including that
which normally is excluded (Godwin 225).

Rituals are prevalent and of the utmost importance to Wiccan practices. The major
ones are included in the Sabbats, which are seasonal rituals and celebrations during eight
different times of the year (Shuler 50). Rituals serve as [A] way of stepping outside of
normal time and space to create and live the ideal. Every aspect of Wiccan ritual is aimed
toward enacting and embodying balance and unity. [T]he solitary practitioner enacts this
coupling of masculine and feminine internally to create a gender identity that is outside of the
normal performance of gender, one that is divine (Shuler 50). Whether a person needs to rid
themselves of negative energy, get their life back on track, or just ask for protection, a ritual
can be used. These can be done solitary or in a group, with no difference in effectiveness
(Keller, Dec. 5).
While there are a vast number of rituals for men and women; viewing the ones for
women can benefit one to see what being a woman in Wicca is all about. In the book Moon
Magick, Conway lists rituals to help in daily life and spiritual matters at the end of every
chapter. For women, the rituals range from Protection of Battered Women and Children to
Honoring the Three Mothers (33, 108). These rituals deal with empowering women,
honoring goddesses, and celebrating sexuality. Honoring the Three Mothers concerns the
honoring of the three stages of life a woman goes through as well as the cycles of Earth.
When this ritual is performed, guidance is from the divine goddess is achieved to let a person
know what stage of life they are in; the ritual also can serve to simply honor the female
divine and the hardships a woman endures to give life to the world (Conway 109). On the
contrary, the Protection of Battered Women and Children ritual seeks to help women and

children in need by the extension of energies. Conway explains that women escaping
unhealthy relationships with men are especially in mind at this time, and seeks to uplift those
women (34). At all times of the year a ritual or spell is available to honor, acknowledge, or
remedy any malevolent issues in the life of a woman.
Sexuality is intertwined or implied in many aspects of Wiccan faith: especially rituals.
One of the most well-known ritual or celebration is that of the maypole dance. This is
included in the Sabbat of Beltane, on the Wheel of the Year (Keller, Dec. 5). This time of
year is one when fertility is at its peak, and sexual energy is channeled focusing on the man
and woman coming together. The celebration of Beltane involves a great deal of suggestive
sexual imagery and the unity of genders through sexual acts (Shuler 55). This ritual is
performed annually and is popularly known among non-practicing persons as well. During
the maypole dance, a pole- which is a phallic symbol- is placed facing towards the sky.
Ribbons of assorted colors are then wrapped around the pole, each person holds a ribbon and
dances until it is completely wrapped around. The sexual aspect of this comes into play
when the realization hits that the act represents the coming together of male and female
genitalia (Keller, Dec. 5).This however, is celebrated widely among Wiccans and is a day or
days that represent ultimate fertility and unity of man and woman as god and goddess.
Sexuality was mentioned in the last paragraph, and makes a huge contribution to the
roles of women in the religion of Wicca. This topic is one that is taboo for most religions and
cultures, while Wicca goes beyond the boundaries. Keller states that through the use of
rituals and other magic, women feel higher respect for themselves, and all things feminine are

celebrated, even periods. There is nothing off limits, which is remarkable about this religion
(Keller, Dec. 5). Making women feel completely at ease with their bodies, as well as being
able to be open about any subject concerning sexuality is a major accomplishment that should
not go unnoticed. Pearson states that [s]ex is the most central aspect of the human being and
the most profound source of magical power (34). Sexual acts enhance magical potency as
well as creating a spiritual bond between partners. Sexual rituals and acts also [c]reate a
sense of balance and unity within oneself(Shuler 55). Having the ability to be free of
criticism and hatred in a religion is something that not all people feel; the fact that Wicca has
accomplished this is profound.
The roles of women in Wicca and how sexuality and rituals have an impact on both
the religion and women are crucial to understanding the religion, as well as paving the way
for the future of society. The way that the religion gives women a sense of equality in all
aspects and honors the sacrifices made to bring new life into the world are characteristics that
women around the world are fighting for in society. Wicca is and has been on the correct path
concerning the treatment of each person within the religion. Free sexuality is another aspect
that is not as widely accepted in the modern times; sexual acts are commonly portrayed as
dirty or impure. Accepting sexuality as a path to growth both personally and spiritually is
remarkable. All of these things show the refusal of the Wiccan faith to adapt to conformity,
gender roles as defining aspects, and forbidden sexuality.

References
Bailey, Michael D. Magic and Superstition in Europe: A Concise History from Antiquity to
the Present. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield Pub, 2007. Print.
Conway, D.J. Moon Magick. Woodbury: Llewellyn Publications, 1995. 33, 51-53, 108, 180.
Print.
Godwin, Vikki. Feminist Identities and Popular Mediations of Wiccan Rhetoric.
Bloomington, Ind.: Indiana University, 2004. Internet resource.
Guiley, Rosemary, and Rosemary Guiley. The Encyclopedia of Witches, Witchcraft, and
Wicca. New York, NY: Facts On File, 2008. Print.
Keller, Lauren. 5 Dec. 2015. UNCC Student Union. Interview.
Pearson, Jo. "Inappropriate Sexuality? Sex Magic, S/m and Wicca (or whipping Harry
Potters Arse!)." Theology & Sexuality. 11.2 (2005): 31-42. Print.
Shuler, Elizabeth. "A Balancing Act: A Discussion of Gender Roles Within Wiccan Ritual."
Intermountain West Journal of Religious Studies 4.1 (2013): 49-59. Web. 1 Dec.
2015. <http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?
article=1020&context=imwjournal>.