Literature Review 1

 

Literature Review #1

 

Feminist Wicca: Paths to Empowerment by Linda L. Warwick

Warwick, Lynda L. “Feminist Wicca: Paths to Empowerment.” Women & Therapy, vol. 16, no. 2-3, Taylor & Francis Group, 1995, pp. 121–33, doi:10.1300/J015v16n02_13.

https://search-proquest-com.proxy.libraries.rutgers.edu/docview/216249883/fulltextPDF/103DA2C915E348D0PQ/1?accountid=13626

 

Summary:

Warwick’s article is about the different ways in which Wicca inspires and encourages women to feel empowered and to the be best versions of themselves. It describes the beliefs in Wicca that empower women, like the worship of the Goddess which represents, Maiden, Mother, and Crone. It also explains the ways in which Wicca is accepting of lesbians and homosexuality, and how that can create a safe space for people in the LGBTQ community where other religions do not.

Author:

Lynda Warwick is a
doctoral candidate at Miami University, a Ph.D. in psychology. She studied human behavior, therefore, eligible to write a piece on the topic of why women would find themselves drawn to Wicca based on their behavior and personality.

Key terms:

          Empowerment: the process of becoming stronger and more confident. Wicca allows for women to become empowered because of its beliefs.

          Dianic Wicca: A form of Wicca that includes only women. This is often a safe place for women that are victims of abuse or hate crimes against lesbian women.

Quotes:

“Women can learn skills from others who are proficient at such arts and in turn can contribute to the well-being and learning of their teachers. The practice of magic requires that women learn attitudes of empowerment, of entitlement to having their needs met, and the ability to ask aloud for what they need and want. In many ways, feminist Wicca can be a path to empowerment for women.” (Warwick 123-124).

“Within the Wiccan community, women encompass the full spectrum of roles. Women are leaders, teachers, healers, priestesses, herbalists, organizers, musicians, craftspeople, dancers, and magic makers… Within Wicca, women are assumed to have talents, skills, something to say and the ability to say it.” (Warwick 126).

“Even in mixed groups, the celebration of women through Goddess worship tends to make the heterosexual norms of our society less salient and, depending on the makeup of particular groups, can lead to powerfully affirming environment for gay and lesbian members.” (Warwick 127).

Value:

          My research question is about what draws women to become a part of Wicca and want to become a witch. One of the greatest pulls towards witchcraft is empowerment, which is what Warwick is talking about. She gives a great analysis on the different beliefs of Wicca including the Goddess and moral values like protecting the environment which can result from the sense of empowerment the women are getting from being a part of Wicca.