White magic, or Wicca, has been practiced for thousands of years. Wicca comes from the Anglo-Saxon word for witch. In ancient times every village had a wise man or woman who was seen as a healer and priest of pagan rites. They had an expert knowledge of herbs, plants and roots, treated illnesses and ailments, and were often called on to act as midwives.
Christianity tolerated the old pagan ways for hundreds of years, and it was not seen as something evil, but just another type of faith. During the Middle Ages, the church began to turn against the pagan faith and the word "witch" became a derogatory term. If a child died, if an animal became ill or if crops failed, the local witch was blamed. Witches were accused of devil worship and black magic, and thousands of people, mostly women, were tried for witchcraft. Many confessed under torture and were hanged or burned at the stake.
The first Witchcraft Act was passed in England in 1542 and wasn't repealed until 1951. Today Wicca is described as a neo-pagan religion, and white witches observe the old religion of the Earth Mother and Sky Father. They believe that the power of magic comes from focusing their attention and suggest that spirits can intervene with their consciousness. There is no central authority and witches, male and female, sometimes belong to a coven, but can worship alone.
The Wiccan faith believes in reincarnation and that the spirit is reborn many times to enjoy living on Earth, learning and experiencing more with each life. Death is seen as a door to birth and, just as the seasons return, so do our spirits. When the spirit has gained all it can, it goes to a higher plane, known as "Summerland" or the "Land of Youth."
Wicca celebrates eight sabbaths, or holidays, throughout the year. Samhain, the Witch's New Year, is celebrated on Oct. 31. Wiccans believe they are closest to the dead on this day. Sometimes called "Ancestor Night," Samhain is thought to be the time when the veil between the spiritual and physical worlds is at its thinnest. On this day, all the souls who have died during the year are said to gather together to pass over. Candles are lit in windows to help them on their journey, and extra chairs are put around tables and hearths in case they should visit. Bonfires are also lit to honor all those who have gone before.
