Wicca is often attractive to youth especially since they typically go through a time in their life where they are searching spiritually. During this period they often leave their childhood or parental belief system and connect with a religious group or spiritual association that is closer to their beliefs at the time. Some of the characteristics of the type of witchcraft practiced by wiccans which render it very seductive to young people include:

SEXUAL EQUALITY

In contrast to the Christian view of God as being masculine, Wiccans typically believe in equality between male and female. Both sexes have a female and male side and individuals are given the duty of balancing the two natures. In Wiccan groups, the female role is at least as powerful as the male, and sometimes even more important.

Both the goddess and the god are part of the wiccan witchcraft exercises. Teens who have rejected male domination found in many denominations within Christianity learns that gender is a balance between male and female sides throughout the universe.

ENVIRONMENT

Wiccans are deeply involved in the health of the environment. They feel responsible for the care of the earth and of all living species.They reject the notion of domination over the earth, preferring to live in balance, harmony and cooperation with the universe as evidenced by the rituals of witchcraft.

MORALITY

Young people often conclude that moral rules and beliefs of the Christian denominations are overly restrictive. As the marriage age increases and puberty is younger, less than 10% of weddings include virgins if the marriage is a first for either party. Most couples live together prior to marriage.

In regards to morality or behavior, Wicca has only one behavioral rule: Do whatever you like so long as no one, including yourself, is harmed. Thus, behavior is not criticized or encouraged, but is based on an intellectual and analytical process. Such factors as danger of unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease, damage to self-esteem health problems and negative results for the relationship and factored in before making the final decision.

INVOLVEMENT

Many young people refuse to associate with their parents religion because they feel no sense of personal involvement.The minister is in front performing rituals and the congregation is watching in passive mode.In contrast, wiccan witchcraft rituals call for direct participation either on their own or as part of a coven.

DISCRIMINATION

Witchcraft circles and wiccans are usually portrayed as being more forgiving and accepting where there is often Christian discrimination. Discrimination in the Christian churches in the area of marital status, religious belief, sexual orientation and gender is high in most areas.

FLEXIBILITY

A witchcraft ritual can be performed in many cases alone or within a wiccan coven. The rituals can be done anywhere indoors or out and at any time during the week.The practitioner can concentrate on spells, divinations, healing potions and rituals and worship if needed.

POWER

Most teens are attracted to the power inherent in the spells to gain control, dominate and manipulate