I'm studying to become a Wiccan and while reading Gardner's 161 Laws concerning Wicca, I've noticed some contradictions with the 13 Principles of Wicca.
For example, in the Laws, as I'll call them for short, it states that no one except for others in your own coven should know that you are a Wiccan. Unless I'm interpreting it wrong, the eleventh principle states that Wiccans shouldn't be threatened by the debate of anything about Wicca. This means that Wicca can be discussed. Therefore, it's simple to know who is Wiccan or not, since according to the eightieth Law we're not allowed to acknowledge anyone who is not Wiccan and talking of the Craft. Correct me if I'm wrong on any points there or am using the wrong logic-It's three in the mourning here.
Also, more than half of Gardner's Laws are directed towards people who are apart of covens. What if you're not apart of a coven? Do the rules concerning covens just not apply to you?
What of these contradictions? What should people of Wicca make of them? Which set of guidelines should Wiccans follow? I'm sorry about all of these questions-I'm just very curious.
Correct me if I'm wrong on any account. I'm studying and don't know very much about Wicca. I've barely made a dent. Thank you all!
For example, in the Laws, as I'll call them for short, it states that no one except for others in your own coven should know that you are a Wiccan. Unless I'm interpreting it wrong, the eleventh principle states that Wiccans shouldn't be threatened by the debate of anything about Wicca. This means that Wicca can be discussed. Therefore, it's simple to know who is Wiccan or not, since according to the eightieth Law we're not allowed to acknowledge anyone who is not Wiccan and talking of the Craft. Correct me if I'm wrong on any points there or am using the wrong logic-It's three in the mourning here.
Also, more than half of Gardner's Laws are directed towards people who are apart of covens. What if you're not apart of a coven? Do the rules concerning covens just not apply to you?
What of these contradictions? What should people of Wicca make of them? Which set of guidelines should Wiccans follow? I'm sorry about all of these questions-I'm just very curious.
Correct me if I'm wrong on any account. I'm studying and don't know very much about Wicca. I've barely made a dent. Thank you all!