The evolution of witchcraft, other wise known as a religion called Wicca, is spread out over a very long period of time. A brief timeline of the development of Wicca can help one to better understand how the spiritual beliefs and practices came to be. There are three separate Eras that are labeled as the prehistory, the burning times, and then the current history. The prehistory is dated before the 8th century. These times are the beginning point where the Gods and Goddess of the harvest became known. The Goddess figure dominated most of the cultures. The 8 holidays, also known as sabbats, are inborn into spiritual practices at this time. Gypsy communities form, and spread the practices of witchcraft throughout all cultures (Pagans Path, 1).

The burning times are known to have taken place between the 8th and 19th centuries. This was a very long span of time that would be great suffering for the people wh

The beginning of these holidays is on October 31, named Samhain, or otherwise called November Eve. This is considered a night where the dead may walk among the living. They are welcomed to feast with their kinsman. The Wiccan people use this night to develop their psychic skills. December 21 is Yule, often called Winter Solstice. The coven holds a festival to praise the goddess who gave birth to the Sun God. Some celebrate for the victory of the Lord of Light over the Lord of Darkness. January 31 is called Imbolic. Some Wiccans refer to it as February Eve. Candles are lit to quicken the heating of the earth. This holiday is for the Fire God Brigid. She is the symbol of healing and cleansing. Brigid is named for also being the goddess of holy wells. The thaw of winter lets waters flow. All that is restrained is sent outpouring at this time of the year. March 21 is named the Vernal Equinox, also known as Ostara. Ostara is the goddess of the dawn. She is messenger of the sun who declares the return of life to the plant world. The symbol of the egg represents the emerging of life. April 30 is May Eve. Many also call this holiday Beltaine. Kindred dance around the Maypole, which is a symbol of fertility. May to the Wiccan people means, "to shoot out new growth". Thus, this season of festivals has come to be about growth within your inner-self and with the earth. Water is collected to be used in spells and healing potions for the next year. June 21 is Summer Soltice also called Midsummer by the Wiccan people. This is a time where they taste the first fruits of the season and give praise to the god and goddess for bountiful crops. This celebration is in the name of Rhea, the Mother of Crete. This is truly a season of love. July 31 is named August Eve. Some may also refer to this season as Lughnasadh or Lammas. Lugh is the Celtic Solar God. Therefore, this celebration is one of the fire festivals. Lammas is the Saxon Feast of Bread. The first harvest of grain is used to make the ritual loaves of bread. This is also the season to praise the Greek Goddess Artemis, who reigns over the moon and the hunt. The last festival in the wheel is September 21, the Autumnal Equinox. This may also be called Mabon or Harvest Home to some Wiccans. This festival is held to thank the goddess for giving enough food to last through the winter months. Some festivals still take place in farming country today. Thanksgiving is an example of Autumnal Equinox. Many of these festivals are along the same lines as the Christian holidays. This was no coincidence these times were important community celebrations. Wiccans changed the dedication of the holiday to praise their selected god and goddess (NCLC Home Page, 1-4).

The Magic spells that witches conjure are kept in a journal. Each Wiccan has different names for their journals. Some may call them a "Book of Magic," "Magical Grimoire," or a "Book of Shadows." This is where witches record spiritual experiences, tho

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Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)