Witchcraft or Wicca and Paganism are slightly different although many of the basic beliefs are the same. Wicca is a Goddess-based, nature religion with both a God and a Goddess. Pagans believe in pantheons or many Deities with Gods and Goddesses. Witchcraft is both a religion and a way of life. Witches recognize the phases of the moon and the changing of the seasons.
Witches gather together during the different moon phases, and always when the moon is full.
The Goddess is represented in her fullness during that phase. By my tradition, Full moon is a time to banish negativity from our lives and use the power of the Goddess in her full pure strength. New moon or the dark moon is a time we focus on new growth. Christianity was not well received by the common people as the sole means of life, spirituality and salvation. It seemed unnatural to a people accustomed to his or her own belief.