Witta (Wicca)
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Witta is the name of a modern Wiccan tradition described by author Edain McCoy in her book Witta: An Irish Pagan Tradition.
Originally McCoy claimed that Witta originated in Ireland, and was of ancient origin. However, as the tradition bears no resemblance to ancient Irish Paganism, those familiar with actual Irish traditions believe McCoy herself invented the tradition, or was unwittingly taught by someone who invented it.[1][2] McCoy claims to have been introduced to the tradition by a woman named Mollie she met at an Irish dance gathering.[3]
The author herself has said about the book Witta: "That’s the book that makes me cringe the most. I see places where I didn’t explain things well, or where I hadn’t thought through faulty research. It’s like getting whacked in the head as suddenly you think, 'I can’t believe I put that in print.' " [3]
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[edit] Controversy
Despite the author having a BA in History from the University of Texas; critics of the tradition described in Witta have pointed out many anachronisms which demonstrate it to be of recent New World origin:[1][2]
- Like other Wiccan traditions, the cosmology and ritual structure bears little to no resemblance to actual Celtic traditions. [4][1][2]
- The term "Witta" is either freshly-coined or at least Saxon - the Irish language having no W and not using double-Ts.[1]
- There are many differences between Wittan history and historical events well known in Ireland; e.g. in Wittan mythology the Normans invaded Ireland in 1155 CE and this lead to an increasingly difficult time for witches, whereas the accepted historical account of the Normans invading Ireland in 1169 CE is well known amongst both the Irish and even casual scholars of Irish history. [5]
- There are differences between Wittan cosmology and actual Irish geography; and between Wittan cosmology as it applies to England and other countries outside of Ireland, including some (such as Stonehenge) frequently visited by Irish Pagans. [6]
As a consequence Witta is no longer claimed to have any actual historical links to Ireland, but to be a modern American invention loosely inspired by Irish culture, a view that is considered variously as anything from flattering to the Irish to being anti-Irish racism.[1][2]
[edit] Notes
- ^ a b c d e Hautin-Mayer, Joanna. When is a Celt not a Celt?. Retrieved on November 18, 2006.
- ^ a b c d Mac an tSaoir, Iain and Dawn O'Laoghaire. Why Wicca is Not Celtic v.3.2. Clannada na Gadelica.
- ^ a b The Wiccan / Pagan Times (2002). TWPT Talks with Edain McCoy
- ^ Hutton, Ronald (1993). The Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles: Their Nature and Legacy, p.63. ISBN 0-631-18946-7.
- ^ Gibbons, Jenny. Faery Wicca and Witta. Retrieved on November 18, 2006.
- ^ McCoy, Edain (1993). Witta: An Irish Pagan Tradition. St Paul, MN: Llewellyn, p.63. ISBN 0-87542-732-4.
[edit] References
- Gibbons, Jenny. Faery Wicca and Witta. Summerlands.com
- Greer, John Michael, and Cooper, Gordon. "The Red God: Woodcraft and the Origins of Wicca". Gnosis Magazine, Issn. #48: Witchcraft & Paganism (Summer 1998)
- Hautin-Mayer, Joanna. When Is a Celt Not a Celt? An Irreverent peek into Neopagan views of history. Cyberwitch.com.
- Hutton, Ronald (1993). The Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles: Their Nature and Legacy. ISBN 0-631-18946-7
- Hutton, Ronald (2001). The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft. ISBN 0-19-285449-6
- Kelly, Aidan A. (1991). Crafting the Art of Magic, Book I: A History of Modern Witchcraft, 1939-1964. ISBN 0-87542-370-1
- McCoy, Edain (1993). Witta: An Irish Pagan Tradition. Llewellyn. ISBN 0-87542-732-4
