Wicca is a nature-centered spiritual path, and its principles extend beyond ritual into daily living. While individual beliefs and practices vary, many Wiccans embrace natural living, ethical awareness, and personal sovereignty in their approach to diet, sexuality, health, and end-of-life choices.
Diet and Nutrition
Wiccans often prefer a whole-food diet, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Some choose to include dairy and ethically sourced meats, while others adopt vegetarian or vegan lifestyles.
Ethical considerations influence dietary choices:
- The industrial animal food industry contributes to climate change—something many Wiccans wish to minimize.
- A vegetarian diet aligns with the Wiccan principle of ‘Harm None’ and offers health benefits, including a lower risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
- However, humans are physiologically omnivores—with forward-facing eyes and canine teeth, indicating predatory adaptations.
- Historically, meat consumption was a survival necessity, especially in winter. Some Wiccans limit meat intake to the “dead of the year” (between Samhain and Yule) to honor this historical cycle.
Sexuality
Wicca embraces sexuality as sacred and natural, with ethical guidelines centered on consent, respect, and personal choice.
- Asexuality (the choice to abstain from sex) has gained visibility.
- Pansexuality (attraction without regard to gender) is more widely accepted.
- Many Wiccans embrace polyfidelity, forming loving partnerships with multiple people.
Gender identity language is also evolving:
- Transgender individuals (those who identify as a gender different from their birth assignment) are more openly recognized.
- Gender is a social construct, shaped by roles, communication styles, and self-expression—not just anatomy.
- Wicca does not impose rigid gender roles, honoring each person’s autonomy in defining their identity.
It is not necessary to understand or agree with others’ identities or choices, but respect and dignity are essential.
Health and Medical Beliefs
(Note: This is not medical advice.)
Wiccans often seek natural remedies before turning to pharmaceuticals, though many acknowledge modern medicine’s life-saving benefits.
- Herbal treatments are popular, but “natural” does not always mean safe—some herbs can interact with medications.
- Routine medical exams are sometimes neglected, as some Wiccans prefer to “let nature take its course.”
- Views on surgery, chemotherapy, implants, and aggressive treatments vary widely.
Vaccines & Ethical Questions
- Vaccines do not cause autism and are far safer than the diseases they prevent.
- However, vaccines are not “natural”, and Wiccans strongly value bodily autonomy.
- Herd immunity protects vulnerable populations, raising ethical concerns: > Do we have the right to put others at risk by refusing vaccination?
Mental Health
- Many Wiccans openly discuss mental health issues, especially depression and anxiety.
- Talk therapy is widely accepted, though some avoid prescription antidepressants.
- Adaptogenic herbs (like St. John’s Wort) may help, but can have severe interactions—consultation with a trained herbalist is advised.
Cannabis & Psychedelics
Wiccans frequently support legalization and decriminalization of natural medicines.
- Cannabis shows promise for chronic pain, depression, and cancer patients.
- Psychedelic mushrooms may aid in mental health treatment, but both substances have risks (e.g., cardiac complications, schizophrenia links).
Ultimately, everyone should have access to healthcare and the right to choose their treatment path, informed by reliable science and personal ethics.
End-of-Life Choices
(Note: This is not legal advice.)
Many Wiccans prefer natural burial methods:
- Green burial avoids chemical embalming, allowing natural decomposition.
- Cremation is widely chosen for its ecological benefits.
Advance Directives & Medical Wishes
Individuals should consider and document their wishes:
- MOLST/POLST forms ensure life-extending measures align with personal desires.
- Do Not Hospitalize (DNH) orders prevent unwanted hospitalization.
Without these directives, first responders will attempt life-saving interventions by default. Planning ahead ensures your wishes are honored.
The Aspen Tradition 