Wicca, the Apocalypse, and the Future of the Natural World

Bibliographic Data

ID12901075
AuthorsShawn Arthur (Appalachian State University, corresponding author)
Year2009
Volume2
Issue2
Pages199-217
Publication date2009-01-16
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal for the Study of Religion Nature and Culture (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1749-4907 • E-ISSN: 1749-4915
PublisherEquinox Publishing (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1558/jsrnc.v2i2.199
OpenAlexW2047570425
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited10

The nature-oriented religion Wicca is not normally associated with beliefs about the immanent destruction of the world; however, this ideology is important for many adherents of this tradition. This essay explores the manner by which apocalyptic millenarian beliefs are developed and propagated among Wiccans—as a predominantly oral tradition directly related to their worldview and its inherent focus on the sacredness of the Earth. Additionally, I investigate Wiccan perspectives on the future of the natural world, and their various solutions to perceived environmental problems, in a way that reflects upon the relevance of this study for better understanding both the Wiccan religion and apocalyptic millenarian beliefs. Furthermore, in comparison to trends in other millenarian studies, I discuss the unique reactions that are elicited when proposed apocalyptic changes are delayed and Wiccan environmentalist ideals do not come to fruition

Archaeology · Environmental ethics · Epistemology · Focus (optics · Ideology · Millenarianism · Natural (archaeology · Political science · Politics · Relevance (law · Environmental Philosophy and Ethics · History · Law · Philosophy · Religion, Ecology, and Ethics · Religious Studies and Spiritual Practices

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