Here follows a personal attempt to provide a definition of Wicca that is both concise and informative. Upon my success I would ask the reader to decide.

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Wicca is a tradition which is difficult to explain because its elements are multiple and complex.

At its most basic it is a Pagan religion. Paganism is a belief in the eminence of the deity in nature and its beliefs are cantered around the natural world, including rituals to recognise and celebrate the years changing. Paganism was the primary religion of pre- Christian Europe, and Wicca is a form of neo-Paganism, a group of Pagan religions either reconstructed or synthesised in the past 200 years.

It is also a mystery tradition. Mystery traditions have existed since classical times, and are concerned with the nature of man, and his search for his place in the universe. Its also concerned with mans evolvement, which is catalysed through spiritual activities and initiation.

As well of the above it is an oathbound tradition. Although many of its exoteric elements have been published, in its original form its exact rites and rituals were closely guarded. As time has gone on more of what is considered oathbound has entered the public domain, but some elements stay unspoken of and unpublished.

Some beliefs of Wicca includes the two bi-polar deities, the God and Goddess whose constant interaction is mirrored in the years changing. These appear in and are celebrated in many forms, most often as an aspect of one of the pre-Christian Gods or Goddesses.

Wiccans traditionally celebrate their faith in small congregations called covens, comprised of 13 or less members, but many people, who because of age, geography or personal preference practice some of the elements of Wicca alone.

Wiccans celebrate eight main festivals at important transition points in the year including astrological and agricultural festivals. They also recognise and celebrate the cycles of the moon once in every moon cycle at an esabat.

The Wiccan also practices a modern mystery tradition, gaining self knowledge and knowledge of self change and development. This is done through intense training causing change on physical, mental and spiritual levels.

This training cumulates in initiation rituals, marking the end of a phase of development and the beginning of another. They also mark a new phase of spiritual responsibility and with each milestone comes responsibilities within the coven setting, but also rights of priesthood within the Wiccan structure.

Many who practice the Wiccan rituals alone and administer their own training decide when they have reached a level of proficiency in the esoteric tradition, and perform a self initiation to mark their passage, taking on personal spiritual responsibilities and acknowledging their own inherent spiritual rights.

Wicca is a morally responsible religion with a code of personal responsibility, most often expressed as ‘an it harm none, do what you will. It requires thought on every action and is reinforced by a Wiccan belief in the idea of the return of energy, or what's sent out comes back.

Wicca holds a belief in reincarnation and the circular nature of existence, shown in the renewing year and our deities.

Wiccans also believe in the art of magic, or the manipulation of energies within the individual and the surrounding world towards a particular goal. This is always done under the directive of moral ethics, and all acts of magical malevolence are strongly condemned in Wicca.

Wicca is a responsible, earth honouring path that worships the old Gods and that emphasises the self-knowledge and development of all of its adherents.