Okay, it seems that my first column was well liked so I figured that I would post another column with FAQs and other basic information that wasn't discussed in "Wicca: A Basic Introduction".
FAQs:
(note: some of these questions were asked by readers, others are just common questions that I've received over the years)
1. Does Wicca have any belief in afterlife [heaven and hell]?
This question can be a bit tricky to answer. The reason being is that we are open to many ideas of an afterlife... and I have personally even known Christians who practiced some Wiccan ways- yet still believing in Heaven and Hell.
Witches generally believe that Heaven and Hell are all around us, all the time, depending on how we live. We create Heaven in the world, and we create Hell in the world, by our actions and choices.
However, technically, the belief of Heaven and Hell is a bit off the mark. Heaven and Hell are Christian teachings- not much of our own. Almost all Wiccans will agree that we do not believe in a 'Hell'. We do not live off of fear of going to a place of eternal torture. We do not believe in the 'devil'.
Wiccans do tend to agree on the concept of reincarnation, though. The idea of past lives (and future ones) seem to appeal to Wiccans of all paths and it is a general agreement.
Once again, Wicca is about what you feel and believe mostly. So my answer may different compared to another answer.
2. Do you have male members. If so are they called 'Witches' too? Or Wizards?
Why, yes, there are male members. All are accepted no matter gender, race, sexual orientation, etc.
It is to my understanding and experiences that I meet just as many male Wiccans as I do female. So, it is a common misconception that it is a 'female' only religion/practice.
The males are also called 'Witches'... not wizards.
3. What is the concept of the Greater Goddess? Is she Mother Earth herself or some greater entity that CREATED Earth?
The general concept is that The Divine is the fabric from which everything is formed. Goddess/God is everywhere around us through nature and energy. She is Mother Earth. He is the Sun. Etc. That is the basic concept.
However, that is another 'tricky' question since Wicca is so amazingly open and easily adjusted to one's beliefs.
4. Does Wicca direct PUNISHMENT for people who use magic for bad purposes?
No. There is no direct punishment. We believe in the idea of Karma. If one is using magick for bad purposes, they are not only breaking the Wiccan Rede- our one law- they are also imposing a great danger to themselves. One who practices dark/black magick is not accepted under the label of "Wiccan" amongst other witches.
5. Are tarot readings actually part of the Wicca faith?
Tarot and other Divination (Runes, IChing, Scrying, and more) are part of Wicca in a big way. It doesn't mean you have to get into it though. If you don't like studying Divination, then don't. Many of us do as it brings us a stronger connection with our Deity(s) at most times. Divination is a way for the universe to speak to and through us. It is highly recommended that every witch try and connect to some form of Divination and study it- but it is not a requirement.
On a personal note: I love tarot cards but have recently begun an intense interest in learning Runes as well 
6. What is the concept of magic? Does it have something to do with the four elements?
Magick is to become closer with one-self or The Goddess. In its simplest definition- it is like what prayer is to Christianity. There are many forms of magick: kitchen magick, candle magick, garden magick, crystal magick, solar magick, lunar magick, healing magick, and more.
Magick is real. It is natural. Or as Scott Cunningham said:
"Magic is love. All magic should be performed out of love.
The moment anger or hatred tinges your magic you have crossed the border into a dangerous world, one tha will ultimately consume you."
And yes, every bit of it has to do with the four elements, plus the fifth element known as 'Spirit' in some cases.
7. Do you need a coven?
Not at all! Some people may not feel comfortable around a crowd, or feel that they want to practice alone for their own personal spiritual growth. Being Wiccan does not mean that you must join a coven. You may be solitary if you wish.
Although, some small advice. Think about it. Some people feel they work better with other people and think that they'll be able to learn more that way. While others are opposite. The advice I always give is to follow what you feel would be right for yourself. I, myself, am Solitary- which means I do not belong to a coven and I generally practice by myself.
8. What is a Book of Shadows?
It is a blank book/journal in which you write down any information you think is interesting or useful to you as a witch. A Book of Shadows is a very powerful thing and grows more powerful with the passing years as you expand it. It must be handwritten and treated with respect. It is also advised to not let anyone handle it (although, that is only mere suggestion- some mothers will pass them down to children if they choose the Wiccan path when they are older or allow special coven members to look through them).
A BoS usually includes:
- Spells
- Rituals
- Magical correspondences
- Information on magic
- Incantations
- Pictures
- Sketches
- Charts and Symbols
- God/dess pages
- A coven section
- Records of magical workings and experiences
- Journal/Diary-like entries
It is your personal book, so you can really put whatever you'd like in it.
The Moon Phases:
Every phase of the moon creates a certain energy- the energy affects us and everything on Earth.
This portion of the column is a brief summary of the moon phases that we follow. As a religion of nature worship, Wiccans are well aware of the importance of the moon's cycles- especially as they affect making magic.
The simple basics:
The Moon Cycles through its phases--
Full Moon -> Waning Moon -> Dark Moon -> New Moon -> Waxing Moon -> Full Moon
The Waxing Moon begins on the right side of the moon. It grows from right to left. (This is in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, this is opposite.)
Each moon phase generates an energy flow. If you want to work magick with the Moon, you should perform your spells with the Moon's phase.
New Moon--New beginnings, fresh starts, hope and faith
Waxing Moon-- Building, accomplishments, creativity, strength, growth and learning, positive transformation
Full Moon-- Abundance, harvest, wish-fulfillment, manifesting desires, sexuality, achieving dreams, protection
Waning Moon-- Letting go, clearing away, cleansing, releasing, shedding old patterns, undoing bindings, making space
Dark Moon-- Rest, Peace, deep wisdom, divination, letting things die away completely
That is currently all for this column. Please feel free to leave questions if you have them. I look forward to possibly doing another column in the near future.
Adding your comment:
I have another question- Must Wiccans choose a 'Witch Name'? I came across an article stating this and I wasn't sure...
