OK, let’s take these issues one at a time:
Is Wicca old or new? It’s new - although sometimes it tries to masquerade as old.
Why is Wicca popular? Because it’s NOT Christian (thereby appealing to rebellious teens) and it’s largely seen as harmless. It’s also very much a feel good religion that emphasizes feeling good about one’s body, which appeals to teenagers who are feeling awkward about themselves.
I do have issues with extreme “white light” Wicca, what is sometimes referred to as “fluff-bunny” that refuses to acknowledge there IS evil in the world, and bad people and things. This can also trip up reconstructionist Paganism when modern types seeking to restore something like Asatru refuse to believe that the ancient Norse practiced animal and human sacrifice (such as hanging horses and men from a tree sacred to Odin). This goes down hard for Wiccans who are vegans due to the “harm none” rede, that their spiritual ancestors didn’t have a problem with blood-lettting.
I think a certain element are attracted to Wicca because they want to do “real” magic. First of all, you have to define what you mean by “magic” anyhow. I think it’s pretty darn magical I can talk directly with someone in Tokyo or Istanbul from the comfort of my living room in North America. Yes, I use a phone, it’s a lot less effort than telepathy and much more reliable. And, you know, witches can fly, too - I tell folks I use an airplane instread of a broom because it results in fewer splinters I have to yank out of my hoo-hah. But that’s not really remarkable because folks of all those other religions can fly, now, too (provided they can afford a ticket) so some of the “magic” has worn off. Most of the “magic” in Neo-Paganism (which is what I say I practice, having dropped off the “Wicca” title decades ago) is more on the lines of biofeedback, self-hypnosis, visualization, and focusing of the will. When the “Oh, cool I want to do spells crowd” realize what the “magic” in Paganism is they can be very disappointed.
Wicca fills a need for ritual - humans seem wired to need ritual, and I can’t help but think that’s part of the problem with some contemporary Christian sects. Their rites are boring. There is no mystery there. People need to occassionally dress up in silly costumes, chant, sing, and do things in groups that appeal to their emotions rather than their reason. Because, however intelligent a person may be, he or she still has emotions and an irrational side that understands myth and ritual better than logic.
Wicca allows women a full role in religion which many of the monotheistic groups do not. No matter how strongly a woman is called by God, she can never become a Catholic priest. Now, some Wiccan groups go to the opposite extreme and discriminate against men, but most I’ve had encounters with allow men and women equal opportunities in spiritual matters.
Wicca celebrates sexuality in all its forms. Sex is not bad, it’s good, and it can even be an act of worship. This has a lot more appeal than “you’re going to burn in hell because you touched your pee-pee”. Heterosexuality, bisexuality, homosexuality - even sexual orientation confusion - are equally welcomed. This does NOT mean we have nothing but orgies! Monogamy is also recognized as a legitimate path. So is celibacy. True sexual freedom is the freedom to say “no” as well as “yes”. The only limits are basically everyone has to be adult (sex with children is seen as inherently harmful) and no one gets hurt. Having children is good. NOT having children, given our current overpopulation problems, is also a valid personal choice.
Gosh, did I leave anything out? If so, it will have to wait - the mundane concerns of earning a living and keeping my job dictate I end here and get ready for work.