Given the cyclical and interconnected nature of the Wiccan worldview,
most Wiccans believe in reincarnation of some form — but
vary considerably as to the details. Some believe that people progress
directly from one life to the next, whereas others believe that at least
some time between lives is passed within another realm, sometimes called
the Summerland (a term originally coined by the Theosophical
movement of the 19th century). Wiccans who choose to work primarily
with the deities of one specific culture will often use the terms and

One of the distinctive characteristics of Wicca is that most of its
followers do not believe that it is the only correct way, or
even that there is one correct way for everyone. Wiccans are highly
individualistic, and tend to believe that it is up to each individual
to find his or her own spiritual path, and that what works for one
person may not work for another. Because Wiccans generally regard
all deities as valid manifestations of divinity, they don't really
care what deity their friends or neighbours choose to worship, as

No. Individual groups and traditions may organize themselves in a
variety of ways, from highly structured to completely anarchistic,
but Wicca as a whole has no overarching structure. There is no Pope
of Wicca, and likely never will be. Some traditions have very clear
lines of authority and leadership, but these apply only within those
specific traditions.

That depends on who you ask. The precise
age and origins of Wicca are a topic of much controversy, both within
and outside the Wiccan community. Most people agree that Wiccan belief
and practice is a blend of old and new — that is, that some aspects of
it are derived from pre-Christian paganism while others are clearly of
19th century or later origin — but where disagreement sets in is in
exactly how much is new as compared to old, and whether the older
elements were inherited from an existing tradition dating back to

There's no central committee determining who is or isn't a Wiccan, so
the decision as to whether and at what point to consider yourself
Wiccan is largely up to you. Some traditionalist groups do not consider
someone a Wiccan until they are initiated by an existing coven, but as
an organization devoted to public ministry, we tend to view things a
bit differently. There are many people whose religious beliefs fit
closely with Wicca, yet who for a variety of reasons choose not to
follow an initiatory path. That is part of the reason our public
circles and classes exist.

We are working on redeveloping the PaganLink
section on our web site, which is a database for Canadian Wiccans and
other pagans seeking contacts in their area. In the meantime, you might
want to check out Witches of the World, at the Witches' Voice web site.

Yes, by following the same process outlined under "How do I become a
Wiccan?" — read, think and question. Even if there are no occult shops
in your area, you can find a lot of good pagan books at online stores
such as Amazon.ca and Chapters.Indigo.ca — see our reading list for recommendations.

There are particular challenges for young people trying to learn the
Craft — most groups don't allow minors without parental permission, and
there may be issues with trying to practice at home. As with any new
seeker, reading on your own is the first step. If you want to go beyond
that and start contacting local groups, be prepared to discuss the
issue with your parents first, because most groups will want to speak
with them before admitting you — that is, if they accept minors at all.
If you can't find a group or your parents won't let you join one, then

That's a difficult situation. It can be very frustrating not to be able
to explore the spiritual path that you wish to, but legally, your
parents have the right to direct your religious education until you're
18, at least in Canada — if you're located somewhere else, check the
laws in your area.

That depends on where you live, and what
you mean by that term. Most countries recognize religious
organizations, rather than religions as such, so while there may be a
number of recognized Wiccan organizations in a given country, that
doesn't necessarily mean that a new Wiccan group starting tomorrow
would enjoy the same level of recognition.