Pronunciation: [wˈɪkanz] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "wiccans" is somewhat tricky. It is often misspelled as "wickens." The correct spelling is "wiccans" /ˈwɪkənz/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "c" is pronounced as a hard "k," and the double "c" is not meant to be pronounced as "ks," as is often the case with other words. "Wiccans" refers to practitioners of the pagan religion of Wicca, which has its roots in ancient Celtic beliefs.
Wiccans are practitioners of Wicca, a modern pagan religion that emerged in the mid-20th century. The term "Wiccan" refers to individuals who follow the beliefs, rituals, and practices associated with Wicca.
Wiccans commonly worship a deity or multiple deities, often associated with nature, and emphasize the importance of understanding and harmonizing with the natural world. They typically revere a divine feminine force (Goddess) and a divine masculine force (God), encapsulating a duality representative of various aspects of life.
Witchcraft plays a significant role in the Wiccan faith, though it is important to distinguish that Wiccans do not necessarily practice malevolent or harmful magic. Instead, their focus lies on spellwork, divination, and utilizing the innate energies and forces of nature to bring about positive change and spiritual growth.
Moreover, Wiccans often celebrate eight seasonal festivals known as Sabbats, which mark significant points in the solar calendar. These observances are geared towards honoring nature's cycles, acknowledging the changes in the seasons, and reaffirming their connection to the earth.
Wiccans are known for their reverence for the environment, belief in personal responsibility, and adherence to the Wiccan Rede: "An it harm none, do what ye will," which emphasizes the ethical use of one's power while avoiding harm to oneself or others.
Overall, Wiccans are individuals who actively engage with Wicca's spiritual and magical practices, centering their faith around the harmony between nature, divinity, and personal growth.
The word "Wiccans" is derived from "Wicca", which is a modern pagan religious movement. The etymology of "Wicca" itself is traced back to Old English, where "wicca" referred to a male witch or sorcerer and "wicce" referred to a female witch or sorceress. These terms ultimately derived from the Proto-Germanic word "wikkjaz", meaning "wizard" or "diviner". The modern usage of "Wicca" and "Wiccans" emerged in the mid-20th century with the revival of witchcraft and pagan spirituality.
