"Understanding Wicca By Its Principles."
             "To me, the word 'Witch' is delicious, filled with the most ancient memories that go back to our earliest ancestors, who lived close to natural cycles and who understood and appreciated the power and energy that we share with the earth. It is filled with the scent of a breeze after rain, the swirl of homemade incense smoke, and the twinkle of the north star on a crisp winter night. Within this word, the five elements dance (Cabot, Back Cover)."
             So what is Wicca? Like most religions, nothing is cut-and-dry. Many different people believe many different things. One thing is for sure-never hurt anyone or anything. Most Wiccans worship a God, a Goddess, and the Five Elements. The Pentacle is a symbol which represents these five "sacred things". The first four elements-earth, air, fire, and water-are represented by the four directions on a compass. Each of these things are needed to survive, and each plays a vital role in nature. "The Fifth Sacred Thing"-spirit-signifies the energy, courage, and love that Wiccans share with mother earth, themselves, and others. This is where Starhawk got the title for her novel.
             "An harm ye none, do what ye will." This is the quote probably best known to Wiccans. It comes from the Wiccan rede, a poem written by the ancients that touches on the 18 principles of the religion. The quote mentioned above is quite easy to understand. As long as you're not causing harm to anything or anybody, go ahead and do what you want. Along with obeying this law, most Wiccans worship a God and Goddess equally, and have great respect for the five elements, or five sacred things.
             What do the elements stand for, and how can they be classified? The Earth element is associated with the North. Its primary colors are green and black; It stands for money, success, business, fertility, stability, and prosperity. &quo...