The Old English word Wicca, meaning 'wisewoman' is a positive term for maiden, mother and crone. Wicca creates rituals and ceremonies using the symbolism of womanhood. Matilda Gage (Gage, Woman, Church and State 1873 quoted in Spender 198 ) is credited as the first to describe witches as bearers of an alternative feminine tradition which gave them powers feared by the churches. Originally a midwife was a wise woman or ancient priestess, but historical and material conditions have devalued their role, (Humm ,1990: 236). For example from the tenth century onwards the association between herbs, flowers and the victory of Mary over death was celebrated in the ritual of the Lammas, one of the four great feasts of the Old Religion of the witches. This ritual was discouraged and the date was used for another church ceremony (Daly,1984:129).
Daly, M. (1984) Pure Lust: Elemental Feminist Philosophy, Beacon Press: Boston, Mass.
Matilda Gage (1873) Woman, Church and State.
Humm, M.(1990) The Dictionary of Feminist Theory. Ohio State University
