Wicca in the army: friend or foe? Does the word “Wicca” offend you? If you're like most people in the United States, it is. Why does such a small word evoke such feelings of fear, hatred and disgust? Ignorance is the reason. Many people don't know what Wicca is or who follows it. Since there is such a negative connotation of Wicca in everyday society, would it be safe to say that Wiccans in the military are judged just as harshly? Isn't a Wiccan as worthy of religious dispositions as a Christian, for example? Definition of WiccaWhat is Wicca anyway? Is it a group of naked old women dancing in a circle in a field under the full moon? How about a group orgy with blood sacrifices? These are some of the wacky scenarios people think of when they hear the words Wicca, Witch, or Pagan. Well, here is the true definition of Wicca as cited by many sources on the subject: Wicca is a nature-based, often polytheistic religion centered on beliefs that predate Christianity. (Streerer, 2002) Modern Wicca is a reconstruction of the “old religion” of ancient tribal Europe. Wicca is also known as witchcraft, paganism and neo-paganism. Witchcraft has long been associated with “evil” or “devil worship.” Witchcraft is neither of these things. Witchcraft is generally thought of as an old hag casting spells in a dark dungeon. This idea couldn't be further from the truth. Although witchcraft is often used interchangeably with the word magic, it is not the type of magic that we typically think of. Witches use magic to improve their daily lives, not to influence the will of others. Streeter (2002) defines magic as “the desire to change consciousness and reality.” Wiccans consider “magic” to be the invocation of their gods through ritual. Pagan was a name given to rural dwellers or rural people who were the last to convert to Christianity. These people lived on the outskirts of the city and retained the old ways. The term “pagan” became a derogatory term around the third century meaning “fool.” Today, it means a member of a polytheistic, nature-based religion. The term neopagan is more often used today because it means "new pagan." Common Stereotypes There are many misconceptions about Wicca and its practitioners. Many people, mainly Christians, believe that followers of Wicca worship Satan. This is simply not the case.