The Wiccan religion is one of the fastest growing religions in the United States as well as one of the most misunderstood due to the controversies surrounding its history and the mystery that surrounds its beliefs and doctrines. Thanks to a series of popular television series that showed witchcraft in a positive light, such as Sabrina, the Teenage Witch and Charmed, Wicca's popularity increased, particularly among teenagers; but unfortunately, this popularity has not been accompanied by a growth in understanding and respect (Kaminer). Although Wicca offers an egalitarian, nature-centered belief system with a rich collection of customs and rituals, ignorance and misconceptions rooted in history still dominate public opinion. The controversies surrounding Wicca begin with its exact origin. Some believe it has its origins in witchcraft due to the similarities between the two. Witchcraft itself is a pagan practice [of polytheistic and non-Christian, Muslim and Jewish origins] that began with the Celts around 700 BC. As shown in the film The Burning Times, the region at this time was primarily a rural culture, so Celtic traditions were entirely nature-based. Their months were even named after trees and their festivals revolved around the solstices and equinoxes (Steiger). A polytheistic religion, they worshiped a multitude of female and male deities and are particularly associated with the concept of Goddess worship, a strong belief in the divinity of women (Burning Times). These paganist beliefs and rituals gradually combined over the centuries with other European religious practices, such as magic, potions, and healing ointments, to form what we in modern times call witchcraft. The groups that didn't have... middle of paper... and organized the feast. Nine woods in your cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow. Elder be the tree of the Lady, do not burn it or you will be cursed. When the wheel begins to turn, soon the fire of Beltaine will burn. When the wheel has turned towards Yule, light the log that the Horned One sets. Pay attention to your flowers, bushes and trees, by the Lady blessed be. Where the rippling waters flow, throw a stone and you will know the truth. When you have and have a need, do not listen to the greed of others. With a fool no season passes, nor be considered his friend. Happy meeting and happy parting, brightens the cheeks and warms the heart. Keep in mind the threefold law that you should, three times bad and three times good. When misfortune is now, wear the blue star on your forehead. You must always be true in love, lest your love be false. to you. In these eight words, the Wiccan Rede accomplishes: “If you harm no one, do what you will »..