Wicca

ReligiousTolerance.org describes Wicca as "a Neopagan, earth-centered religion" and continues:
"Depending upon how you look at Wicca, it is either one of the newest or one of the oldest religions in the world: 
*   Wicca is a recently created, Neopagan religion. The various branches of Wicca can be traced back to Gardnerian Witchcraft which was founded in the UK during the late 1940s.
*   Wicca is based on the symbols, seasonal days of celebration, beliefs and deities of ancient Celtic society. Added to this material were Masonic and ceremonial magickal components from recent centuries. In this respect, it is a religion whose roots go back almost three millennia to the formation of Celtic society circa 800 BCE."   

In a supplement to the May 1, 2006, issue of Library Journal, Janet Tapper expressed concern about the placement of Wicca with occultism in 133 in the Dewey Decimal Classification.  In fact, the Wicca religion is classed in 299.94 Religions based on modern revivals of witchcraft.  At that number is the note: "Class here neopaganism, wicca."  The Relative Index also includes the following entry for Wicca: "Wicca--religious practice 299.94." 

As we reported last October, we are working on a single optional arrangement in 200 Religion with religions arranged in a chronological/regional sequence (similar to the reorganization of Class 2 Religion recently undertaken in the Universal Decimal Classification). At some future date, this proposed optional arrangement could also become the basis of a new framework for 200 Religion. Ia McIlwaine (editor in chief of the UDC) and Joan Mitchell will be presenting a paper on preliminary research on recasting 200 Religion in a chronological/regional sequence at the ISKO 2006 Conference in July.  Stay tuned for more information.

Comments

[Andrew]

We recently relocated all the works in our collection on Wicca into 299.94 after complaints had been made that it was not being treated as a "real" religion when such works were classified in the 133s rather than the 200s. We have had compliments on this and, so far, no complaints.

Also, in order to help provide better subject access for these materials, we locally use the subject heading "Witchcraft -- Religious aspects", even though the subfield isn't authorized for use under this LCSH. But, it helps practitioners of Wicca find works pertaining to their religious beliefs within all the other works relating to witchcraft (historical, legendary, etc.) in our catalog.

[Hecate]

wow; fascinating discussing.

[Evil Eye]

This is fascinating. Most people think of Wicca as all witchcraft and superstition, but in fact it is a rich religious tradition with a lot of history behind it.

[Michael]

I looked up Thea Sabin's "Wicca for Beginners" in Worldcat, and then checked listings of the book in my local library systems (Brooklyn Public and New York Public). It ISN'T in the 299s. It's in the 133s.