The Wicca religion is one of the fastest growing religions in the United States, as well as one of the most misunderstood due to the controversy surrounding its history and the mystery surrounding its beliefs and doctrines . Due to a number of popular television series that showed witchcraft in a positive light, such as Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Charmed, Wicca's popularity has grown, especially among teenagers; but unfortunately this popularity has not been accompanied by a growth in understanding and respect (Kaminer). Although Wicca offers an egalitarian, nature-oriented belief system with a rich collection of customs and rituals, ignorance and historically entrenched misconceptions continue to dominate public opinion. The controversies surrounding Wicca begin with its exact origin. Some believe it has its origins in witchcraft due to the similarities between the two. Witchcraft itself is a pagan [polytheistic and non-Christian, Muslim and Jewish origin] practice that began with the Celts around 700 BC. As the film The Burning Times describes, the region during this time period was primarily a rural culture, so the Celtic traditions were based completely on Nature. Their months were even named after trees, and their festivals revolved around the solstices and equinoxes (Steiger). A polytheistic religion, they worshiped an array of female and male deities and are particularly associated with the concept of Goddess worship, a strong belief in the divinity of women (Burning Times). These pagan beliefs and rituals gradually combined over the centuries with other European religious practices, such as magic, potions, and healing ointments, to form what in modern times we call Witchcraft. Groups that didn't have... half the paper... and organized the party. Nine woods in the cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow. Elder, be your Lady's tree, do not burn it or you will be cursed. When the wheel begins to turn, the Beltaine fire will soon burn. When the wheel has turned to Yule, light the log that the Horned One rules. Pay attention to flowers, bushes and trees, may the Lady be blessed. Where the rippling waters flow, throw a stone and you will know the truth. When you have and maintain a need, do not listen to the greed of others. Do not spend a season with a fool, nor be considered his friend. Good meeting and cheerful party, brightens the cheeks and warms the heart. Remember the threefold law that you should, three times bad and three times good. When misfortune is upon you, wear the blue star on your forehead. True in love you must always be, so that your love is not false to you. In these eight words the Wiccan Rede is fulfilled: "If you harm no one, do whatever you want".