Many a high-and-mighty person asks what do Pagans do in regards to Charity. When people think of charitable works, into their mind pops the righteous Christian woman knitting blankets for the poor or the devout man working the soup kitchen. Little do they take into consideration that Pagans too do plenty of charitable works.
For me personally, at times I collect coins I find and place them on my altar before my statuette of Hecate. Once I gather a sizable collection of coins, I donate them to my local animal shelter to help them pay for food, the facility itself, grooming supplies, etc. While my coins may be meagre, they're appreciated nonetheless.
While many a Christian volunteer may find my own charitable contributions "cute" at best, I am alone and only able to do what I can as a solitary person who is also a mother of three (my youngest being 18 months and child care is hardly cheap).
However, larger groups are better able to facilitate larger charitable contributions. For example, the Temple of Witchcraft has just received a letter acknowledging their charitable contributions to the local homeless shelter
I personally applaud the Temple of Witchcraft on their ability to show the public that Witches are not sinister characters with nothing better to do than spread demise...Witches are humanitarians too, looking out for the poor and needy alike in the exact same way others of other religions do. Just because Witches fall under the term of Pagan doesn't make them any less humanitarian.
Discussing my thoughts on various topics
Showing posts with label Witchcraft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Witchcraft. Show all posts
Monday, August 24, 2015
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
The Role of Books in Learning...Anything
Books play an integral part in learning anything. Sure you can learn from teachers...but you cannot tell me that those teachers never read any books on the subject they're teaching, and those who taught them didn't read books either.
In order to learn just about anything in the world, you need to read books. There's just no getting around it. Wicca and Witchcraft are no different. Sure there are shoddy authors out there who are the product of their own ego, there are just as many legitimate writers out there sharing their legitimate knowledge about both systems.
In college or university, you cannot expect your teachers to teach you everything about, let's say Police Foundations without directing you to some sort of book, be it a text book or a practical book about the law. Books are the foundation of learning, hence why people advocate so hard that reading is essential.
When people ask me "how can I learn about Witchcraft or Wicca", I (and many others) tell them to read as much as they can. Granted, chances are they're going to find the shoddy books written by ego-boosters, but if they find the right resources, they're on the right track and can get through the spirituality fluidly. Unfortunately it could take about 4 bad $RW books before they get to the good Thea Sabin book and understand that Wicca is not about cleansing spells and spells to get parking spaces (and to be fair, neither is Witchcraft).
But for someone to tell me that I'm wrong to suggest a novice read all they can to learn what they need to know about Wicca is flat out wrong themselves. There is absolutely ***NO** way around reading books. You absolutely MUST read books if you're going to get a solid grasp on Wicca.
I'm not saying that teachers are obsolete. No. Teachers are just as invaluable...but forget...these teachers ALSO read books on the subject to gain the proper knowledge needed to teach. ALL teachers read in order to teach. Books are just little paper versions of teachers.
It doesn't matter if you've gone on to your first initiation in a traditional coven before you cracked a book (and I highly question that one never read anything in that time)...at some point, you HAD to have read something.
Gardner didn't vocally transfer all his information to everyone when he started his religion, even HE had access to books. I think it's a pretty naive to expect someone to not read a book and learn Wicca...even in a traditional sense.
I may not be a part of a tradition, nor a part of a coven, but I can be absolutely damned sure each one of those traditional covens out there has suggested their supplicants read at least one book. Don't piss on me and tell me it's raining. Books are essential. If you want to learn about Wicca, you NEED TO READ BOOKS. Period.
In order to learn just about anything in the world, you need to read books. There's just no getting around it. Wicca and Witchcraft are no different. Sure there are shoddy authors out there who are the product of their own ego, there are just as many legitimate writers out there sharing their legitimate knowledge about both systems.
In college or university, you cannot expect your teachers to teach you everything about, let's say Police Foundations without directing you to some sort of book, be it a text book or a practical book about the law. Books are the foundation of learning, hence why people advocate so hard that reading is essential.
When people ask me "how can I learn about Witchcraft or Wicca", I (and many others) tell them to read as much as they can. Granted, chances are they're going to find the shoddy books written by ego-boosters, but if they find the right resources, they're on the right track and can get through the spirituality fluidly. Unfortunately it could take about 4 bad $RW books before they get to the good Thea Sabin book and understand that Wicca is not about cleansing spells and spells to get parking spaces (and to be fair, neither is Witchcraft).
But for someone to tell me that I'm wrong to suggest a novice read all they can to learn what they need to know about Wicca is flat out wrong themselves. There is absolutely ***NO** way around reading books. You absolutely MUST read books if you're going to get a solid grasp on Wicca.
I'm not saying that teachers are obsolete. No. Teachers are just as invaluable...but forget...these teachers ALSO read books on the subject to gain the proper knowledge needed to teach. ALL teachers read in order to teach. Books are just little paper versions of teachers.
It doesn't matter if you've gone on to your first initiation in a traditional coven before you cracked a book (and I highly question that one never read anything in that time)...at some point, you HAD to have read something.
Gardner didn't vocally transfer all his information to everyone when he started his religion, even HE had access to books. I think it's a pretty naive to expect someone to not read a book and learn Wicca...even in a traditional sense.
I may not be a part of a tradition, nor a part of a coven, but I can be absolutely damned sure each one of those traditional covens out there has suggested their supplicants read at least one book. Don't piss on me and tell me it's raining. Books are essential. If you want to learn about Wicca, you NEED TO READ BOOKS. Period.
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Alternative Solutions to Blood Bonds
While in the religion of Wicca no such ceremony or ritual exists...however it seems to be a growing trend in novices who seem to want to create some kind of "bond" between friends who all are learning together.
But little do these novices realize that "blood" bonds are not something to be gone into lightly. For one thing, blood based diseases can be transmitted through something like this. While someone might not think they carry a disease simply for lack of symptoms, blood based diseases can thrive in the body with no symptoms appearing until later or terminal stages. Is it really worth it to create a blood-bond with your friend and risk exposing him/her to a potentially deadly disease? Blood diseases don't have to be transmitted through sexual contact. Teens who have had no sexual activity can STILL be exposed to MANY blood born diseases through other means, especially if they frequent nail salons or even the beach. Improperly sterilized utensils can transmit diseases from one person to another; cutting yourself on the beach from a piece of glass or metal can transmit diseases. And once you've been exposed, you can then transmit the disease to your friend during these "blood-bonds". I know, it's more romantic to trust your friends so much that you want to be blood-bound, but is the health risk really worth it??
But aside from any blood based diseases that can come from a blood bond, what about a falling out? Say you and your friends decide that, to prevent any diseases you choose to both place your blood into some sort of container or vial. What happens to that vial afterwards? Who gets to keep it? You? Your friend? What happens when you and your friend stop being friends? What happens if your friend, who keeps the vial of blood, decides he/she wants to seek revenge on you and uses your blood in some sort of revenge ritual or spell? That'd be a bit of a downer on something you once thought was a good idea.
There are LOTS of alternatives to blood-bonds that are just as meaningful and special, and don't require a pin prick or any other highly personal objects.
For example...a knot ceremony. You and your friend obtain some kind of rope or cord, infuse or decorate it in some way so that it represents the two of you both of you tie a knot in the cord on either end, then tie the two ends together signifying the bond. There. No bodily fluids involved, no disease risks.
Other options would be to create an oil and anoint each other in some sort of created ritual. Pick some appropriate herbs and infuse them in an oil, such as olive or almond. Once the oil is ready, conduct your ritual and anoint each other saying appropriate words to indicate you are both bound in some way to each other. There. Again, another bonding moment that involves no disease risk.
If you really think about it, there are all kinds of alternative rituals and ceremonies to create some kind of bond between friends that DON'T involve cutting or pricking yourselves. The solutions are as endless as your imagination. Blood bonds are not the be-all end-all of bonds. Handfastings between a couple who want to be married don't involve blood and there's no more intimate a ceremony than a handfasting.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Forum Thread: "How To Prevent Being "Under Fire""
I found a really good article on how to handle a situation in which you either want to come out of the "broom closet" or are some how outed. It's well written.
It can be found here: "How to Prevent Being "Under Fire""
Now, there's one issue a member of this forum raises. An assumption made by fellow co-workers that an individual is not Christian because they failed to participate in daily prayers (one, it shouldn't be made mandatory because unless it's a religious organization, religion should remain out of the work place), and an attempt at conversion. How does one deal with this situation.
Well, it's fairly simple. First (in a professional manner, not ranting and raving) you inform the employer that it's against the law to force your employees to participate in religious actions. Second, inform them that attempts at conversion is considered harassment and they can be put up on charges should it continue.
This isn't a case where the victim is to blame. This is a situation in which the victim needs to stand firm on their rights under the Constitution or Charter and KNOW their rights and enact them. While you may fear repercussions for filing a complaint, what's worse...being continually harassed to the point in which you need to quit your job (and the employer wins their harassment), or stopping the problem in it's tracks and preventing a similar issue being done to someone else.
If it's illegal for an employer to ask you your religion in an interview, it's illegal for them to harass you for lack of conformity to the popular religious belief in the work place during the course of your employment.
If you have an issue like this...research your rights under the Constitution or Charter of Rights and Freedoms, research the laws, and make copies to give to your employer. Make a report, and keep a copy, and if it continues, bring up with the employer the possibility of charges being made.
You can't bow down and conform if you're really true to your beliefs. If it really bothers you, do something about it. Don't complain!
It can be found here: "How to Prevent Being "Under Fire""
Now, there's one issue a member of this forum raises. An assumption made by fellow co-workers that an individual is not Christian because they failed to participate in daily prayers (one, it shouldn't be made mandatory because unless it's a religious organization, religion should remain out of the work place), and an attempt at conversion. How does one deal with this situation.
Well, it's fairly simple. First (in a professional manner, not ranting and raving) you inform the employer that it's against the law to force your employees to participate in religious actions. Second, inform them that attempts at conversion is considered harassment and they can be put up on charges should it continue.
This isn't a case where the victim is to blame. This is a situation in which the victim needs to stand firm on their rights under the Constitution or Charter and KNOW their rights and enact them. While you may fear repercussions for filing a complaint, what's worse...being continually harassed to the point in which you need to quit your job (and the employer wins their harassment), or stopping the problem in it's tracks and preventing a similar issue being done to someone else.
If it's illegal for an employer to ask you your religion in an interview, it's illegal for them to harass you for lack of conformity to the popular religious belief in the work place during the course of your employment.
If you have an issue like this...research your rights under the Constitution or Charter of Rights and Freedoms, research the laws, and make copies to give to your employer. Make a report, and keep a copy, and if it continues, bring up with the employer the possibility of charges being made.
You can't bow down and conform if you're really true to your beliefs. If it really bothers you, do something about it. Don't complain!
Friday, October 17, 2014
Storage Solutions
Actually the inspiration for this topic comes from two places. 1) I'd been on an unexpected organizing kick for the past couple weeks (but not this week as I've been battling an annoying cold), and a topic I'd seen on a forum.
The box I am using now came with a large HAM radio my husband bought from a fellow broadcaster. My husband was just going to throw it out...it's a beautiful box, so I told him I wanted it. It's not ornately engraved or anything, but it IS varnished so it has a bit of a shine to it.
Anyway, the main point of this post is to help people find storage solutions for one's items. While everyone is so preoccupied with finding this tool or that, or finding books for this or that...where is everyone going to put everything?? I think this is something that gets overlooked, even though it's pretty important
Storage shouldn't be elaborate. Many people like to use large cupboards, or wardrobes but this can be cumbersome and can take up a LOT of room, and not everyone is gifted with a private ritual room. People who double their bedroom for their ritual room can make the room itself a storage solution, by installing book shelves on the walls or even purchasing smaller free standing book shelves; using cloth boxes (many can be found at dollar or discount stores), shoe boxes, unused furniture and/or dresser drawers. You could even obtain SEVERAL shoe boxes and create your own multi-levelled storage system (especially if you have boxes with lids). If you're the creative type...you could build and/or customize a shelving system to accommodate those boxes (if not, you can just stack them on top of each other). Decorate the boxes with scrapbook paper (some dollar stores carry a variety of nice looking scrapbook paper for few dollars) and label them so you know what's in what box.
Storage (like books of shadows) are limited only by your imagination. And if you have people in your home who are...less than supportive of your choice in systems...the decoration of the shoeboxes creates a great way to store your beloved items in an inconspicuous manner.
What do you use to store your "Pagan-y" wares?
Through the years I've been a Witch, storage has gone through an interesting evolution. A listing of things I'd used in the past to store my items:
-Small shoebox
-Large boot box
-Breadbox
-Nightstand drawer
-Bi-doored coffee table
-Antique dresser
-Plastic drawer set (from walmart)
-Large hinged box
As you can see, as the years went on, the storage solutions got larger, as I accumulated more and more items. The unfortunate thing, is that while my items are being stored in a large wooden box, they're more or less haphazardly "thrown" into it, as opposed to how they were stored when they were in the dresser. In the dresser, each drawer was designated for something. Now they're in the box in such a "mess" because I needed a place to store my items in a rather short period of time, so I didn't have time to find a more organized storage place. The plastic drawer set listed above, I needed to store my new baby's immediate needs (i.e. bibs, diapers, formula, wipes, etc), and the antique dresser is being used for his clothes.
Anyway, the main point of this post is to help people find storage solutions for one's items. While everyone is so preoccupied with finding this tool or that, or finding books for this or that...where is everyone going to put everything?? I think this is something that gets overlooked, even though it's pretty important
Storage shouldn't be elaborate. Many people like to use large cupboards, or wardrobes but this can be cumbersome and can take up a LOT of room, and not everyone is gifted with a private ritual room. People who double their bedroom for their ritual room can make the room itself a storage solution, by installing book shelves on the walls or even purchasing smaller free standing book shelves; using cloth boxes (many can be found at dollar or discount stores), shoe boxes, unused furniture and/or dresser drawers. You could even obtain SEVERAL shoe boxes and create your own multi-levelled storage system (especially if you have boxes with lids). If you're the creative type...you could build and/or customize a shelving system to accommodate those boxes (if not, you can just stack them on top of each other). Decorate the boxes with scrapbook paper (some dollar stores carry a variety of nice looking scrapbook paper for few dollars) and label them so you know what's in what box.
Storage (like books of shadows) are limited only by your imagination. And if you have people in your home who are...less than supportive of your choice in systems...the decoration of the shoeboxes creates a great way to store your beloved items in an inconspicuous manner.
Friday, September 26, 2014
"Where do Witches come from?"
Hmm...an interesting article called "Where do Witches come from?" details rather where do witches in classical works of art come from, as opposed to discussing any real origins of Witches.
Still a fascinating read.
http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20140925-where-do-witches-come-from
Still a fascinating read.
http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20140925-where-do-witches-come-from
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Pet Peeve: Emails
I really don't mine getting emails from people, especially if they're asking for help, because that's what I want to do...help people who are stuck or lost or simply curious. The problem is when people email me with vague requests.
If someone wants me to help them, I need details as to what they need help with. I've gotten emails from all kinds of people saying "can you help me with Witchcraft?" or "I would like some help with spells".
It's all well and fine if you want help with spells and Witchcraft, but what is it exactly that you need help with? Witchcraft and spell casting are very broad topics, without knowing specifically what it is that you're having troubles with, I can't give you any help.
Here are perhaps some guidelines regarding asking for help in these areas:
-"Can you help me with finding reputable sources to further my education on Witchcraft?" (or put in a more generic way (English is my curse))
-"Can you help me with creating a spell for (insert desired outcome)?"
-"What is it exactly that separates Wicca and other forms of Paganism from Witchcraft?"
As you can see, these questions above are specific. They ask for information that is specific, so that I can elaborate on the topic in question...should the asker require more information, they can ask follow up questions, hopefully in just as much detail. Asking "Can you help me with Witchcraft" doesn't give me much to go on. What aspects of Witchcraft are you having trouble with? If you don't know, then how am I supposed to know? Same goes for spells and any other requests for assistance. If you can't elaborate on what it is you don't understand, how is it that I can help you? I'm not psychic (as much as many people think all Witches are). I haven't seen what sources you've been looking into, if any, nor do I know how much you've studied or how much basic knowledge you already know.
Please...when you email me for help, can you ***PLEASE*** be specific in what you want? I can't help if you're not specific. Thanks.
Also if you do email me through Yahoo! Answers, can you please enable email responses? I can't answer your questions if you don't allow responses.
If someone wants me to help them, I need details as to what they need help with. I've gotten emails from all kinds of people saying "can you help me with Witchcraft?" or "I would like some help with spells".
It's all well and fine if you want help with spells and Witchcraft, but what is it exactly that you need help with? Witchcraft and spell casting are very broad topics, without knowing specifically what it is that you're having troubles with, I can't give you any help.
Here are perhaps some guidelines regarding asking for help in these areas:
-"Can you help me with finding reputable sources to further my education on Witchcraft?" (or put in a more generic way (English is my curse))
-"Can you help me with creating a spell for (insert desired outcome)?"
-"What is it exactly that separates Wicca and other forms of Paganism from Witchcraft?"
As you can see, these questions above are specific. They ask for information that is specific, so that I can elaborate on the topic in question...should the asker require more information, they can ask follow up questions, hopefully in just as much detail. Asking "Can you help me with Witchcraft" doesn't give me much to go on. What aspects of Witchcraft are you having trouble with? If you don't know, then how am I supposed to know? Same goes for spells and any other requests for assistance. If you can't elaborate on what it is you don't understand, how is it that I can help you? I'm not psychic (as much as many people think all Witches are). I haven't seen what sources you've been looking into, if any, nor do I know how much you've studied or how much basic knowledge you already know.
Please...when you email me for help, can you ***PLEASE*** be specific in what you want? I can't help if you're not specific. Thanks.
Also if you do email me through Yahoo! Answers, can you please enable email responses? I can't answer your questions if you don't allow responses.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Learning (Traditional) Witchcraft Without Relying Heavily on Books
Whaaaaaa??? No books? But I don't understand! I need detailed instructions on how to do every aspect of Witchcraft!!! I MUST use a book!!
When starting witchcraft everything can seem sooo overwhelming. You're so excited about beginning a new path, one that is not mainstream and popular, shrouded in mystery and stigma. You want to go out and pick up every book out there that even MENTIONS Witchcraft, and that's where some problems can arise.
Not everyone wants to get involved with religous associations, and 9 books out of 10 all talk about incorporating Wicca into the Witchcraft. How do you get passed that? Don't buy any books! (at least, none in the New Age section)
Don't buy books? What are you, mad??
How do you learn Witchcraft without using a book? You trust only ONE resource...yourself. No, I'm not mad. In fact I think I'm perfectly sane (though 99% of mental patients think they're sane lol). If you can't trust yourself, how are you going to accomplish anything? Self confidence is very important in Witchcraft, and if you have zero, don't be surprised when you experience nothing from what you do. But that's another topic.
There are lots of things you can do to learn Witchcraft that involves not one page of a book. Let's look at some.
-Magic: Huh? How do I learn magic with no instruction? You relax and trust yourself. Trust your abilities. You DO have them, they're sitting unused in your system, they just need to be awakened.
Try something that seems simple...like candle magic. There is nothing easier than candle magic (but use a small candle...a votive or tea light, tapers are not really practical unless you plan on doing your spell for a few days). All you do is light a candle, and either carve the candle with your intent, or write it on a piece of paper and light it from the candle. The "magic" part of this is your intent. Concentrate on what you want. Focus all your will on it. Repeat it for as long as you need to. Allow the candle to burn all the way down, then wait a few days. Light a new one and start again with a new goal. Write down what you do, when you do it, and for how long. You keep doing this for a while...couple months, say (for example). Look back through your records. Did you get what you were aiming for?
-Divination: Ok, you gotta admit, I need a book to teach me how to divine...I can't just pick up a tool and know how to use it.
What's so wrong with trusting yourself? The main problem I see here is that so many people rely on books and instructions that they're afraid to trust themselves...hence the over publication of books that repeat themselves, and give contradictory advice. Did Witches of even 100 years ago need the thousands of books that are out there today? There weren't ANY books published back then, why are they needed now?
Divination is an art of intuition. Especially with things like Tarot and Runes. You interpret the symbols found in the items used to determine possible future outcomes or to help understand current situations. No book can teach you to use your OWN intuition. That comes from practice. Sure you can look up "definitions" to help you to know what each card or stone symbol means, but it's up to you personally to determine the intuitional meaning behind each symbol that shows up.
-Herbology: This one is probably the biggest one that invokes imagery of Witches the most. This one you may need a book or two to use. HOWEVER...not ONE book will be found in the "New Age" section of your local book store. I own a book (suggested on the left sidebar) called "Magic and Medicine of Plants" and was NOT published by Llewellyn!! It was published by "The Reader's Digest Publication". Reader's Digest! Small magazines my mom used to read that had humorous and inspirational stories, jokes, DIY tips, and gardening advice! This book is pretty thick, and DOES talk about the historical uses of herbs...it even discusses Witchcraft in the first couple chapters.
I place this here because after you understand how to use a plant in the mundane world, you can learn through research how to use them in a magical sense, then using intuition and trust, you can use them and not have to rely on a book again!
As you can see, 95% of practicing a Traditional, non-religious form of Witchcraft is all in intuition and personal trust. Books on Witchcraft (mostly New Age-y type stuff) is all well and good if you want to read them, but don't believe that you MUST read them to learn ANYTHING in regards to Witchcraft. If anything it would be better to learn from others, than to learn from books. While books contain some knowledge, remember that they are ONE teacher...groups are many. You don't have to join a coven to practice, but maybe join a forum on Traditional Witchcraft (and I'm not talking British Traditional (either) Wicca or Witchcraft, that's ceremonious, what I am talking about is not). There are a few out there, you can ask questions and learn more.
While I don't really like the attitudes of many of the people here, I DO recommend them as a good learning point:
Traditional Witch: A Non-Wiccan Forum
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Staple supplies
I see a lot of people asking for "staple supplies" needed to practice either Wicca or Witchcraft. They have to realize that there are no "staple" supplies or mandatory supplies one needs to practice.
I think the most important thing a person should do when becoming one of either, is to learn how to use themselves first as the tool, THEN gather supplies. That way you find out which tools you feel would be better suited to your practice, rather than gathering all kinds of different tools you'll never use.
I, myself have fallen into that oh, most common mistake anyone entering into Witchcraft and Wicca make. Gathering all the tools you **think** you need, then not using anything. I have two wands I never use. They're nice, and made by my own hands, but I never use them. I also have hundreds of candles I never use. My husband has respiratory problems so lighting candles in the house can't happen too often (most times i just use battery operated candles, unless I intend to burn something, then I do that outdoors).
People tend to get all caught up in the SUGGESTIONS made by authors, when conducting rituals or performing spells. Things CAN be substituted, and spells can be cast using more than just frankincense myrrh and dragon's blood. You don't always need an athame to cast a circle (heck, you don't even really need a wand either). This is why I say that one should learn to use their self as the tool before gathering anything, then they realize that all this stuff they sell, are mere wants for profit, and are not needed for the practice of either. The body contains all elements. To consecrate a tool I owned, I used nothing more than myself as a representation of all elements: I blessed it with water (saliva), blessed it with earth (my hands), and I blessed it with fire and air (my breath, and the heat coming from it). I then stated some appropriate words (generally I make things up as I go along), and was done. Not one item did I use that was purchased. A tool or other important item can become more personal and have more meaning to you, if you use yourself to bless, consecrate, empower it, whatever.
I'm not saying, by any means, that tools are a waste of money, and that no one should use them. That would make me a hypocrite, because I use tools all the time. It's just that things can have special meaning for me if I used my self than tools.
There are times and places for tools, and yes, sometimes tools are important, especially if they're symbolically linked to a ritual. Take for example, the Wiccan ritual of The Great Rite. If you're a solitary, you can't exactly physically enact The Great Rite by yourself, therefore you would use tools to represent the masculine and feminine aspects needed. By this, you would use your athame (symbolizing the phallic symbol of the male), and the chalice (symbolizing the womb or female genitalia). While I'm sure a finger and a cupped hand might do just as well, it might look a little more vulgar, and take something away from a symbolic act (typically for the fact that such a gesture is used in a vulgar manner, and often is considered rude). For this purpose, tools are needed. However if you're not going to participate in The Great Rite, then it might not necessarily be important for you to own an athame or a chalice, unless you plan to particpate in other rituals or ceremonies involving such tools, and even then they would be optional, as there are many other options out there for use.
Many other acts, particularly in Wicca don't need a lot of tools or other items. Prayers, for example, need nothing more than yourself, and perhaps a representation of the deity(ies). Some people enjoy using prayer beads to say their prayers; some people merely sit and meditate in front of a lit candle. My prayers (though I'm not Wiccan, I DO pray to a Goddess) begin with an invocation to the Goddess, lighting of the candle (battery operated one, I'm not picky and am mindful of my husband's health), blessing myself with blessed (holy) water, communion with the Goddess (my thanks, troubles I'm facing, stresses, worries, future plans), then await any sort of response (this could be anything from a sudden idea, voice, movement within the room, anything), then end with prayers, and a thanks for attendance, and dismissal. The only thing on my altar is my black statuette of my Goddess representation, offering dish (should I place an offering), small bottle of blessed water, and my candle. Nothing else dons my altar.
People need to understand that tools are not necessary. You don't NEED them. They're not mandatory. There are no Pagan police out there who are going to hunt you down if you cast a circle with your finger. To place all emphasis on obtaining and using tools takes away from the real meaning behind what you are doing, and places all focus on the tools being used. If you learn to use yourself first, then you will understand the importance behind the act, then using tools will be less of a focus and become second nature.
DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE TOOLS :)
Ma’iingan
I think the most important thing a person should do when becoming one of either, is to learn how to use themselves first as the tool, THEN gather supplies. That way you find out which tools you feel would be better suited to your practice, rather than gathering all kinds of different tools you'll never use.
I, myself have fallen into that oh, most common mistake anyone entering into Witchcraft and Wicca make. Gathering all the tools you **think** you need, then not using anything. I have two wands I never use. They're nice, and made by my own hands, but I never use them. I also have hundreds of candles I never use. My husband has respiratory problems so lighting candles in the house can't happen too often (most times i just use battery operated candles, unless I intend to burn something, then I do that outdoors).
People tend to get all caught up in the SUGGESTIONS made by authors, when conducting rituals or performing spells. Things CAN be substituted, and spells can be cast using more than just frankincense myrrh and dragon's blood. You don't always need an athame to cast a circle (heck, you don't even really need a wand either). This is why I say that one should learn to use their self as the tool before gathering anything, then they realize that all this stuff they sell, are mere wants for profit, and are not needed for the practice of either. The body contains all elements. To consecrate a tool I owned, I used nothing more than myself as a representation of all elements: I blessed it with water (saliva), blessed it with earth (my hands), and I blessed it with fire and air (my breath, and the heat coming from it). I then stated some appropriate words (generally I make things up as I go along), and was done. Not one item did I use that was purchased. A tool or other important item can become more personal and have more meaning to you, if you use yourself to bless, consecrate, empower it, whatever.
I'm not saying, by any means, that tools are a waste of money, and that no one should use them. That would make me a hypocrite, because I use tools all the time. It's just that things can have special meaning for me if I used my self than tools.
There are times and places for tools, and yes, sometimes tools are important, especially if they're symbolically linked to a ritual. Take for example, the Wiccan ritual of The Great Rite. If you're a solitary, you can't exactly physically enact The Great Rite by yourself, therefore you would use tools to represent the masculine and feminine aspects needed. By this, you would use your athame (symbolizing the phallic symbol of the male), and the chalice (symbolizing the womb or female genitalia). While I'm sure a finger and a cupped hand might do just as well, it might look a little more vulgar, and take something away from a symbolic act (typically for the fact that such a gesture is used in a vulgar manner, and often is considered rude). For this purpose, tools are needed. However if you're not going to participate in The Great Rite, then it might not necessarily be important for you to own an athame or a chalice, unless you plan to particpate in other rituals or ceremonies involving such tools, and even then they would be optional, as there are many other options out there for use.
Many other acts, particularly in Wicca don't need a lot of tools or other items. Prayers, for example, need nothing more than yourself, and perhaps a representation of the deity(ies). Some people enjoy using prayer beads to say their prayers; some people merely sit and meditate in front of a lit candle. My prayers (though I'm not Wiccan, I DO pray to a Goddess) begin with an invocation to the Goddess, lighting of the candle (battery operated one, I'm not picky and am mindful of my husband's health), blessing myself with blessed (holy) water, communion with the Goddess (my thanks, troubles I'm facing, stresses, worries, future plans), then await any sort of response (this could be anything from a sudden idea, voice, movement within the room, anything), then end with prayers, and a thanks for attendance, and dismissal. The only thing on my altar is my black statuette of my Goddess representation, offering dish (should I place an offering), small bottle of blessed water, and my candle. Nothing else dons my altar.
People need to understand that tools are not necessary. You don't NEED them. They're not mandatory. There are no Pagan police out there who are going to hunt you down if you cast a circle with your finger. To place all emphasis on obtaining and using tools takes away from the real meaning behind what you are doing, and places all focus on the tools being used. If you learn to use yourself first, then you will understand the importance behind the act, then using tools will be less of a focus and become second nature.
DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE TOOLS :)
Ma’iingan
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Why I Won't Post Spells
I see a lot of blogs, websites, forums, etc that have dedicated sections for spells. You will not find those here.
"Why?", do you ask? Because I don't feel they're integral to my blog, and I feel that to place such things is, rather irresponsible, in my view.
In my view, spells are personal creations...not generic recipes for people to copy. How a spell works for me is NOT going to be the same way a spell will work for you (in fact, a spell won't work the same way twice for the same person anyway), for the simple fact that no one can carry the exact same intent all the time, nor can two people carry the same intent as each other.
Now, I can hear you wondering about the "irresponsible" comment I made above. Why would it be irresponsible for me to post spells, you ask? Well, spells can be used for many intents and reasons...it doesn't matter if a spell was created to be beneficial to someone (i.e. health), it can still be used with negative intent...just change an ingredient here, and a word there and presto, you have a curse. And because I was the one who provided the spell, I believe that any consequence that follows the user of that spell, will partially reflect on to me, because I was the creator, and I was the provider. I have some responsibility in what happens to the intended target of the spell. I don't get away scott-free...I"m not with "clean hands" (to use legal jargon).
Besides all the reasons I stated above, I feel it's rather lazy of me to post spells for people to just pluck off my blog and put into their book, without knowing fully if they'll give me due and proper credit (I think I know for 100% certainty they won't). People who look for spells online don't care who wrote them, only that they work. And that's something that irritates me. Proper credit. I hate not having proper credit for something...to properly credit the creator of a piece of writing (which is why most times I'll post "Anonymous. If anyone knows the author please inbox me and I'll place proper credit where credit is due"). If I put out a spell...something I worked REALLY hard for...to MY personal time and dedication to it, I'm not going to just hand it out to some random stranger simply because they asked me for it. Why do I have to take all this time doing all this hard work and research to create a spell designed for a specific purpose, only to hand it over to someone who couldn't be bothered to do the same?
I don't understand all these novice Wiccans, Witches and various Pagans out there who think they don't have to do all this work, and with this wonderful invention called the internet, providing all this stuff at the click of a mouse, they have all they want at their disposal, with no work involved. How is this going to gain them a sense of accomplishment? How is reciting something like a recipe making something their own?
Sure, I can go out and buy a journal to place my book of shadows in, however I wouldn't feel like it was truly my own, even if I DID draw a pentacle on it, paste pretty clip-art pictures everywhere and paint it deaglo colors...but I wouldn't feel like it was mine. I take time to hand make my books because then I feel like it's really mine and I get a sense of accomplishment. My time, my sweat, my patience went into making the book, therefore it's truly mine. It's no different with a spell. I took all this time, patience, research, WORK to write my spell, I'm not going to cater to those who don't want to do any work of their own and want things handed to them on a silver platter.
I've learned over my decade-plus years being a Witch. In the beginning I too was the one plucking spells off a website only to feel unfulfilled when I cast them. That's why I began researching what herbs are used for what, what stones are used for what, what colors are good for what, what moon phases are beneficial (though this I don't use very often anymore), etc. I now get a stronger sense of accomplishment, and a greater amount of success because I did the work. I strongly suggest anyone looking for spells (ESPECIALLY novices) do the work as well.
Ma’iingan
"Why?", do you ask? Because I don't feel they're integral to my blog, and I feel that to place such things is, rather irresponsible, in my view.
In my view, spells are personal creations...not generic recipes for people to copy. How a spell works for me is NOT going to be the same way a spell will work for you (in fact, a spell won't work the same way twice for the same person anyway), for the simple fact that no one can carry the exact same intent all the time, nor can two people carry the same intent as each other.
Now, I can hear you wondering about the "irresponsible" comment I made above. Why would it be irresponsible for me to post spells, you ask? Well, spells can be used for many intents and reasons...it doesn't matter if a spell was created to be beneficial to someone (i.e. health), it can still be used with negative intent...just change an ingredient here, and a word there and presto, you have a curse. And because I was the one who provided the spell, I believe that any consequence that follows the user of that spell, will partially reflect on to me, because I was the creator, and I was the provider. I have some responsibility in what happens to the intended target of the spell. I don't get away scott-free...I"m not with "clean hands" (to use legal jargon).
Besides all the reasons I stated above, I feel it's rather lazy of me to post spells for people to just pluck off my blog and put into their book, without knowing fully if they'll give me due and proper credit (I think I know for 100% certainty they won't). People who look for spells online don't care who wrote them, only that they work. And that's something that irritates me. Proper credit. I hate not having proper credit for something...to properly credit the creator of a piece of writing (which is why most times I'll post "Anonymous. If anyone knows the author please inbox me and I'll place proper credit where credit is due"). If I put out a spell...something I worked REALLY hard for...to MY personal time and dedication to it, I'm not going to just hand it out to some random stranger simply because they asked me for it. Why do I have to take all this time doing all this hard work and research to create a spell designed for a specific purpose, only to hand it over to someone who couldn't be bothered to do the same?
I don't understand all these novice Wiccans, Witches and various Pagans out there who think they don't have to do all this work, and with this wonderful invention called the internet, providing all this stuff at the click of a mouse, they have all they want at their disposal, with no work involved. How is this going to gain them a sense of accomplishment? How is reciting something like a recipe making something their own?
Sure, I can go out and buy a journal to place my book of shadows in, however I wouldn't feel like it was truly my own, even if I DID draw a pentacle on it, paste pretty clip-art pictures everywhere and paint it deaglo colors...but I wouldn't feel like it was mine. I take time to hand make my books because then I feel like it's really mine and I get a sense of accomplishment. My time, my sweat, my patience went into making the book, therefore it's truly mine. It's no different with a spell. I took all this time, patience, research, WORK to write my spell, I'm not going to cater to those who don't want to do any work of their own and want things handed to them on a silver platter.
I've learned over my decade-plus years being a Witch. In the beginning I too was the one plucking spells off a website only to feel unfulfilled when I cast them. That's why I began researching what herbs are used for what, what stones are used for what, what colors are good for what, what moon phases are beneficial (though this I don't use very often anymore), etc. I now get a stronger sense of accomplishment, and a greater amount of success because I did the work. I strongly suggest anyone looking for spells (ESPECIALLY novices) do the work as well.
Ma’iingan
Friday, September 7, 2012
What defines a "Real" Witch?
I stumbled upon a great site called "The Pagan Blog Directory" in which many Pagan, Wiccan, Witchy, etc blogs are listed in this great "directory" for easy access.
While perusing this "directory", I found one blog in which a young woman details why she is not considered a "real" Witch or Pagan.
She lists that she is "goth", uses spells after exhausting other options, dyes her hair, has piercings and tattoos, isn't Wiccan, is not dedicated to any deity, works with other deities from various pantheons, doesn't believe in a "right" way of doing things, enjoys fictional works including Harry Potter, Charmed, Practical Magic, The Craft, etc, doesn't own an herb garden, doesn't worship authors (including "Scott Cunningham" or "Silver Ravenwolf"), etc etc etc.
If this is the case, and doing all these things listed means one is not a "Real" Witch or Pagan, then I suppose I should stop labeling myself a "Pagan Witch"...for these very reasons:
-I use spells after all mundane attempts have been made
-I am contemplating getting a pentacle tattooed to the inside of my wrist
-I'm not a Wiccan
-I'm not formally dedicated to any deity in particular, but DO honor one deity
-I don't believe any way is "right" or "wrong"
-I too enjoy fictional works such as "The Craft" "Practical Magic", and others
-I couldn't grow a garden if my life depended on me
-I enjoy authors such as Scott Cunningham, but don't worship them as though they were the Goddesses gift to Wicca and Witchcraft
-I don't believe in participating in outlandish rituals and spells, and believe simplicity is best
-I believe Witches are created by themselves, through dedicated study and desire to practice the craft
-I don't believe in blood lines when it comes to Witchcraft (or any other Pagan system) unless it can be proven
-I don't believe Wicca is ancient (and such an idea has been DIS-proven time and time again)
-I'm don't have an aversion to dairy, meat or vegetables, and don't believe that one MUST be a vegetarian in order to be a Witch
-I don't own any cats, I prefer dogs and fish, but neither are "familiars"
-I believe that anyone, regardless of sex can be a Witch
-I don't like Silver Ravenwolf, but I won't hold a gun to someone's head should they decide to pick up one of her books (you have the right to read whatever it is you want)
-I correctly use the term "Fluffy Bunny" when appropraite, and do not use it to label ANYONE who decides to become Wiccan
-I'll cast a curse when I feel it necessary, and don't feel bad about it, nor believe I will be struck down by a bolt of lightning simply for casting one.
-I don't participate in naked workings. I like being warm
The bottom line is there is no real definite definition of a Witch, however a common viewpoint of a Witch is that it's someone who participates in many activities, from spell casting, to divination, and just because you practice one or another does not automatically make you a Witch, but it also does not NOT make you a Witch. It's the understanding behind what you are doing that makes you a Witch.
Having a cat and casting one spell doesn't make you a Witch, it makes you someone whose watched a few too many fictional tv shows. What DOES Make you a Witch, is the understanding behind why you do those acts and why you have animals in which you incorporate into your workings.
Ma’iingan
While perusing this "directory", I found one blog in which a young woman details why she is not considered a "real" Witch or Pagan.
She lists that she is "goth", uses spells after exhausting other options, dyes her hair, has piercings and tattoos, isn't Wiccan, is not dedicated to any deity, works with other deities from various pantheons, doesn't believe in a "right" way of doing things, enjoys fictional works including Harry Potter, Charmed, Practical Magic, The Craft, etc, doesn't own an herb garden, doesn't worship authors (including "Scott Cunningham" or "Silver Ravenwolf"), etc etc etc.
If this is the case, and doing all these things listed means one is not a "Real" Witch or Pagan, then I suppose I should stop labeling myself a "Pagan Witch"...for these very reasons:
-I use spells after all mundane attempts have been made
-I am contemplating getting a pentacle tattooed to the inside of my wrist
-I'm not a Wiccan
-I'm not formally dedicated to any deity in particular, but DO honor one deity
-I don't believe any way is "right" or "wrong"
-I too enjoy fictional works such as "The Craft" "Practical Magic", and others
-I couldn't grow a garden if my life depended on me
-I enjoy authors such as Scott Cunningham, but don't worship them as though they were the Goddesses gift to Wicca and Witchcraft
-I don't believe in participating in outlandish rituals and spells, and believe simplicity is best
-I believe Witches are created by themselves, through dedicated study and desire to practice the craft
-I don't believe in blood lines when it comes to Witchcraft (or any other Pagan system) unless it can be proven
-I don't believe Wicca is ancient (and such an idea has been DIS-proven time and time again)
-I'm don't have an aversion to dairy, meat or vegetables, and don't believe that one MUST be a vegetarian in order to be a Witch
-I don't own any cats, I prefer dogs and fish, but neither are "familiars"
-I believe that anyone, regardless of sex can be a Witch
-I don't like Silver Ravenwolf, but I won't hold a gun to someone's head should they decide to pick up one of her books (you have the right to read whatever it is you want)
-I correctly use the term "Fluffy Bunny" when appropraite, and do not use it to label ANYONE who decides to become Wiccan
-I'll cast a curse when I feel it necessary, and don't feel bad about it, nor believe I will be struck down by a bolt of lightning simply for casting one.
-I don't participate in naked workings. I like being warm
The bottom line is there is no real definite definition of a Witch, however a common viewpoint of a Witch is that it's someone who participates in many activities, from spell casting, to divination, and just because you practice one or another does not automatically make you a Witch, but it also does not NOT make you a Witch. It's the understanding behind what you are doing that makes you a Witch.
Having a cat and casting one spell doesn't make you a Witch, it makes you someone whose watched a few too many fictional tv shows. What DOES Make you a Witch, is the understanding behind why you do those acts and why you have animals in which you incorporate into your workings.
Ma’iingan
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Witchcraft, Magic, Spells: Different Concepts
In my usual surf around the internet, I stumbled across a forum discussion about the aged old saying "All Wiccans are Witches, but not all Witches are Wiccan". It went on to determine that if someone practices magic, then they must be a Witch, because a Witch who doesn't do magic isn't a Witch.
Here is my response to this thread:
I think the problem here is (perhaps unintentional) interchanging of terms that aren't necessarily the same thing.
Magic and Witchcraft are not the same thing. Where Witchcraft is the craft, magic is but one tool used within. Anyone can use magic...even (an over used scenario) someone blowing out birthday candles. Wiccan's who claim they don't use "Magic", generally misinterpret Magic to mean Witchcraft (and by association, spells as well). They certainly use magic in their religious worship of their God and Goddess, but they may not utilize Witchcraft or spells in conjunction with their religious workings. Magic requires at least three things...intent, concentration and focus. All three are used to come in contact with the God and Goddess, therefore they utilize magic in their workings. Witchcraft utilizes numerous tools, including magic, so it's not exclusive to the craft. Therefore the statement can be untrue, to those who choose not to be Witches, while being Wiccan. That's not to say that any Wiccan who chooses to be a Witch is wrong themselves. Perhaps the phrase should be changed to "Many Wiccans are Witches but not all Witches are Wiccan"
As for the Wiccan Rede, it's only eight words, not an entire poem. The "Rede of the Wiccae" is just one person's interpretation of how the Rede should be followed...doesn't necessarily mean that that's what the Rede actually means.
Spell work is not necessarily an integral part of Wicca. That's like saying one MUST be a carpenter in order to be a Christian...because Jesus was a carpenter, when he wasn't preaching "God's word". Not all Christians are carpenters by profession, so why must all Wiccans be Witches?? It'd almost be like saying one MUST be a Wiccan in order to be a Witch. I'm not a Wiccan, but I AM a Witch. I don't agree with much of Wicca, so I don't practice it. Why force someone to be a part of something when they don't agree with it's usage?
But these are just my views, and don't necessarily or have to reflect others.
I'd post a link to the actual thread, however you have to be a member of the site in order to read the post, so unfortunately only I and other members of the forum, can read the thread...and I'm not going to post the whole thread, that'd be like a privacy invasion. Sorry.
Ma’iingan
Here is my response to this thread:
I think the problem here is (perhaps unintentional) interchanging of terms that aren't necessarily the same thing.
Magic and Witchcraft are not the same thing. Where Witchcraft is the craft, magic is but one tool used within. Anyone can use magic...even (an over used scenario) someone blowing out birthday candles. Wiccan's who claim they don't use "Magic", generally misinterpret Magic to mean Witchcraft (and by association, spells as well). They certainly use magic in their religious worship of their God and Goddess, but they may not utilize Witchcraft or spells in conjunction with their religious workings. Magic requires at least three things...intent, concentration and focus. All three are used to come in contact with the God and Goddess, therefore they utilize magic in their workings. Witchcraft utilizes numerous tools, including magic, so it's not exclusive to the craft. Therefore the statement can be untrue, to those who choose not to be Witches, while being Wiccan. That's not to say that any Wiccan who chooses to be a Witch is wrong themselves. Perhaps the phrase should be changed to "Many Wiccans are Witches but not all Witches are Wiccan"
As for the Wiccan Rede, it's only eight words, not an entire poem. The "Rede of the Wiccae" is just one person's interpretation of how the Rede should be followed...doesn't necessarily mean that that's what the Rede actually means.
Spell work is not necessarily an integral part of Wicca. That's like saying one MUST be a carpenter in order to be a Christian...because Jesus was a carpenter, when he wasn't preaching "God's word". Not all Christians are carpenters by profession, so why must all Wiccans be Witches?? It'd almost be like saying one MUST be a Wiccan in order to be a Witch. I'm not a Wiccan, but I AM a Witch. I don't agree with much of Wicca, so I don't practice it. Why force someone to be a part of something when they don't agree with it's usage?
But these are just my views, and don't necessarily or have to reflect others.
I'd post a link to the actual thread, however you have to be a member of the site in order to read the post, so unfortunately only I and other members of the forum, can read the thread...and I'm not going to post the whole thread, that'd be like a privacy invasion. Sorry.
Ma’iingan
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Satanic Witchcraft more legit than Wiccan Witchcraft....Really? REALLY?
I get a kick out of Yahoo Answers. It brings out all kinds of people.
During one of my answering sessions I came across one question about the difference between Wicca, Witchcraft, "Magick" and Satanism.
Naturally I gave my repeated answer...wicca = religion, witchcraft = practice, magic = tool, satanism = belief using satan as a representative, not a deity, etc.
Well, someone just had to throw in his two cents about legitimate Witchcraft, about how Satanic Witchcraft is "REAL" Witchcraft and Wiccan Witchcraft is a "joke" to use his word.
Pffft. In my opinion, Satanic Witchcraft is just as much a joke as Wiccan Witchcraft. "Why???" I hear you asking, with a pained look on your face and about to put me in my place. Let me explain. (I'm not one to lump everyone into one category. You guys should know that by now.)
Many Satanists like to take Witchcraft to a dark place...just about as much (imo) Wiccans do, only with them it's a light place. You know how many fluffy Wiccans will cry "Harm" when anyone merely mentions using Witchcraft for anything harmful (say a curse), well many Satanists like to jump on many Wiccans for believing that. Satanists, much like their "rebellion" from Christianity, will rebel against the Wiccan idea of "purity" and will do "dark" Witchcraft merely because it's the opposite.
Personally I don't believe EITHER...to be practicing legitimate Witchcraft. Witchcraft is about TRUE balance. True balance means understanding that there IS dark...as well as light. Nature is both, therefore magic is too. If you can't understand that, then you're not actually practicing Witchcraft.
Personally I don't believe EITHER...to be practicing legitimate Witchcraft. Witchcraft is about TRUE balance. True balance means understanding that there IS dark...as well as light. Nature is both, therefore magic is too. If you can't understand that, then you're not actually practicing Witchcraft.
Real Witchcraft is not about getting revenge on people simply because they pissed you off. Real Witchcraft is not about solely doing "dark" magic to get whatever you want. From the impression I get from this individual and his answer, that's EXACTLY what he thinks "Real" Witchcraft is. I sense the childish and immature nature of this person, and can see clearly as the letters on my screen that this person wouldn't know real, truly legitimate Witchcraft if it blew up in his face.
Naivety is naivety, regardless of if you're Wiccan, Satanist or Christian. Witchcraft is not one sided. It's not one color and not intended for one sole purpose. People need to get their heads out of their butts, and get it through their crappy covered heads that Witchcraft is not for the rebellious, and doesn't want them if they want to remain naive and willfully ignorant!
Ma’iingan
Naivety is naivety, regardless of if you're Wiccan, Satanist or Christian. Witchcraft is not one sided. It's not one color and not intended for one sole purpose. People need to get their heads out of their butts, and get it through their crappy covered heads that Witchcraft is not for the rebellious, and doesn't want them if they want to remain naive and willfully ignorant!
Ma’iingan
Saturday, January 7, 2012
"How Do I Begin Learning About Witchcraft?"
Ugh...I see this in SOOO many places, and I'm oh so tired of it.
"How do I begin learning about Witchcraft?"...How do you begin learning about math? How to you begin learning about science? How do you begin learning about quantum theories and complex universal physics? You pick up a book.
Are people so lazy that they can't comprehend how to begin learning about something? We live in the age of unending information! The internet is a VAST resource of information (albeit much of it is misinformation, but it's but a start). Start with a google search, OR go to your library and search out a book.
It's really not that complicated! Why must people insist on making something so difficult? Do they want everyone to do the work for them? If that's the case, then Witchcraft is DEFINITELY not for them. Witchcraft is all about doing the work and finding out what works for you. If you have someone else doing all the work FOR you, then you'll learn nothing, and Witchcraft won't work for you. Witchcraft works on an individual basis...no two crafts are identical. You will never find two Witches who do the exact same thing and produce the exact same results.
How do you learn about Witchcraft? RESEARCH!!!
"How do I begin learning about Witchcraft?"...How do you begin learning about math? How to you begin learning about science? How do you begin learning about quantum theories and complex universal physics? You pick up a book.
Are people so lazy that they can't comprehend how to begin learning about something? We live in the age of unending information! The internet is a VAST resource of information (albeit much of it is misinformation, but it's but a start). Start with a google search, OR go to your library and search out a book.
It's really not that complicated! Why must people insist on making something so difficult? Do they want everyone to do the work for them? If that's the case, then Witchcraft is DEFINITELY not for them. Witchcraft is all about doing the work and finding out what works for you. If you have someone else doing all the work FOR you, then you'll learn nothing, and Witchcraft won't work for you. Witchcraft works on an individual basis...no two crafts are identical. You will never find two Witches who do the exact same thing and produce the exact same results.
How do you learn about Witchcraft? RESEARCH!!!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Real Witches
I found this little tidbit (ok, well it's not little but this will be fun) from one of the most dis-respected authors on Wicca: Ms. Silver Ravenwolf. She lists out the Do's and Don't's of REAL Witches. Let's go through them and discuss shall we??? (I'm surprised no one else has done this yet. I have yet to see someone pick apart Ms. Ravenwolf's Do and Don't list. Interesting).
It's quite the conundrum. Lie and hurt someone mentally and perhaps physically (see 1) or lie and hurt yourself. Yes....conundrum.
-Respect other/honor all positive religious paths
Real Witches Do Not...
-Hurt people physically, mentally, spiritually or magically
Really, now?!?! Perhaps novices who come to "Wicca" directly from unrealistic sources such as tv shows and books that tell them that the Rede is "Harm None" (which is a bastardization of the actual Rede). Witches (and Non-Witches alike) harm things all the time...intentionally and unintentionally. There are many Witches out there who hunt for food, who kill mice, bugs or other pesky pests, or banish negative entities from their homes. If that isn't harm, then I don't know what is.
-Take illegal drugs
Let's not be so naive. There are NUMEROUS Witches out there who take drugs on a regular basis...perhaps the most popular being Marijuana, merely for the spiritual effects they believe it causes. For many it allows them to contemplate spiritual and philosophical meanings and questions (though most of the time they don't remember. Drug use to some is no less harmful than drinking, though many don't see any harm in that).
Let's also not forget those Witches who practice OUTSIDE the North American continent. There are LOTS of "Witches" who use what we would consider illegal (as well as legal) drugs to induce trance and euphoric states to assist in astral travel. Not all Witches conform to the laws of Man (or the US/Canada for that matter)
-Work Black Magic
My apologies to Ms. Ravenwolf, but there's no such thing as "Black" or "White" magic. Magic is a neutral force that remains neutral until intent has been determined. THEN it's more appropriate to call it "Black" intent or "White" intent. Magic is magic regardless of what you do with it. A knife isn't black because it stabbed someone, and isn't white because it cuts your Sunday dinner.
-Fly in the sky on brooms
Ok, I'll give her this one...however, I will say that the flying part is no problem...it's the landing that gets you into trouble (lol...little humor there). On a serious note, Witches never flew on brooms...it was perhaps an exaggeration based on perhaps people in the past stumbling upon a harvest ritual being performed in the woods or in a field, in which people were straddling brooms, jumping as high as they could. The height of the jump determining how high the crops would grow. A misunderstanding lead to the idea that they were "flying".
Another theory is that "Witches of Olde" would apply a concoction called a "Flying Ointment" to some...neither-regions...to induce the hallucination of flight. Some Witches actually thought they were flying while never leaving the ground.
-Eat babies or other ridiculous notions
Again, I'll give her this one. I think babies are cute, I'm not gonna eat one (I'll perhaps nibble on cute chubby baby cheeks, but that's as far as it goes). Ack...rumors...tsk tsk. I suppose it doesn't help when the media jumps on any opportunity to shed a negative light on Witches and other Pagans, when crazies do outrageous things (like killing children) in the name of their religion. Paganism has room enough to do without live sacrifices. Deities are now accepting of plant life and other non-living offerings.
-Kill animals or use animal blood or body parts in our magical workings. Witches respect animals and nature.
One can have respect for nature and still kill an animal. It would seem that Ms. Ravenwolf here is trying to make Witches pacifists in some form or another. As I said above, Witches hunt for food (generally)...many Witches are also happy omnivores, consuming meat every day. There's nothing wrong with that, as meat contains a large abundance of much needed nutrients and proteins. It's more harmful to deny your body that which it needs, merely because you find killing an animal to be distasteful.
As for killing as part of a ritual, that's true...Witches don't need to use blood or body parts of animals to complete work...there are NUMEROUS substitutes out there, that it's just not practical, however there are cultures and practitioners out there who DO do ritual killings, and these are perfectly legal.
-Tell fibs or big whopper lies
Oh really, Ms. Ravenwolf? So, if this is true, as you say, why is it in your books you condone your young readers to lie to their parents regarding practice? Hypocrit much?
Lying is a part of humanity. It is our thought that by lying, we either get ourselves out of trouble (when in fact, it gets us into far more trouble than the original lie was worth), or to spare one's feelings. Witches are not immune to the faulties of humanity. It's our curse as being pure human.
It's quite the conundrum. Lie and hurt someone mentally and perhaps physically (see 1) or lie and hurt yourself. Yes....conundrum.
-Call themselves "Warlock"
You know, I've never seen any actual, legit Witch call themselves "Warlock" (Warlock meaning "oathbreaker" and a term used to call a traitor). Most, if not all Witches, realize that this term is derogatory and insulting. Why bring yourself down by being derogatory?
-Get into sexual perversions. Sex is indeed respected in Witchcraft as an act of the expression of love and the celebration of life. But it is never forced upon anyone and should only be done between consenting adults with discretion regards to protection, privacy and other matters.
Sex IS respected. It is considered a natural act; and yes, it is done between two consenting adults. However, how it's done is up to the individuals. Certainly there are adults out there who take sex to a whole new level. Sex isn't always "making love"...sometimes some people enjoy a little rough sex now and then, and that's perfectly ok...so long as it doesn't get too rough, and each party understands the word "NO"
-Drink blood. That's just unhygenic, and has no purpose in Witchcraft.
Exactly, however...I'm not sure why this is in here, can someone clarify as to when Witchcraft crossed over into Vampirism? Cause that's news to me. Now as for USING blood in witchcraft (as opposed to drinking it), that's another story, as many see blood (and other bodily fluids) as powerful substances. I don't use blood (personally I have an extremely low tolerance for pain), but that's not to say ALL Witches don't use blood.
-Change their hair color in the blink of an eye
Well, this isn't entirely true. Hair color can be changed in as little as 10 minutes....that is...if you're using hair dye. No Witch can change ANY part of their body in the blink of an eye. That's a physical impossibility.
-Steal or take part in any type of criminal behavior
Well, if we were living in the 19th century (or even the beginning of the 20th century), Real Witches certainly WERE taking part in criminial behavior. It wasn't until the early 1950's when the last of the laws against Witchcraft were repealed. Up until then, Witchcraft was an illegal practice (at least in the US), however that didn't stop people from participating in it. In other parts of the world, Witchcraft is STILL an illegal practice, and grounds for punishment by death.
Today, many Real Witches participate in many illegal and criminal activities on a daily basis, some quite minor, others quite major. Many Witches speed as they drive to work, many Witches take illegal drugs, there are even real Witches out there who steal. It's naive to assume that a Real Witch is some fairy tale person who respects all and "Harms None"
-Pervert the symbols of any other religion
I've never seen a Witch "pervert" the use of another religion's symbol. If Ms. Ravenwolf is referring to Satanists using the Christian Cross upside down as a representation of their faith, then I'd have to say that no symbol is copyrighted to any one religion. The cross no more belongs to Christianity than the Pentacle belongs to Wicca. Anyone may make use of a symbol in any way they wish. It's based on personal interpretations and identifications. It's individual.
However I will agree that PURPOSEFUL desecration of a sacred symbol is just plain rude. Don't bring down our beliefs just because you're ignorant.
-Summon evil spirits, or demons
Many Witches don't believe in demons much less summon them. However, there are some who do, and I won't deny them this right to believe in such. *I* personally do not believe in demons, therefore I do not work with them (much less summon them).
-Worship Satan/believe in Hell
I have stated my opinion on Satan so many times It's becoming annoying to hear my own voice on the matter.
Witches don't believe in Satan; Witches can't worship something they don't believe in; the idea that Witches worship Satan makes as much sense as Christians worshipping Hades....etc
As for the concept of Hell, it's actually contradictory to the belief system from which it originates. For an all loving God to pitch his creation into a lake of fire for disobeying doesn't say much about that love. I know as a parent, I wouldn't eternally torture my child for disobeying me. Didn't the Abrahamic God say something about "forgiveness"???
-Coerce or brianwash people into joining Witchcraft.
People come to Witchcraft of their own free will. If there are people coercing people into "Witchcraft"...then it's not actual Witchcraft that these people are being coerced into in the first place, but some made up practice under the guise of Witchcraft. Witches have little use for brainwashing or coercing someone who doesn't want to be a part of the craft.
-Use Satanic Symbols
Again, a symbol is not copyrighted to any one religion. There really is no such thing as a "Satanic" symbol, as the idea of something being "Satanic" really means anything opposing the Christian belief (and this is according to Christianity, not me).
-Have to go through an initiation ceremony to practice Witchcraft
In essence, no one HAS to go through an initiation ceremony to practice anything. The point of an initiation (or a dedication for that matter) is to declare to both yourself and others that you have chosen to dedicate your life and yourself to a particular path or belief system. I have been a Witch (former Wiccan Witch) for just over 10 years and have NEVER done a dedication ceremony. I have never felt the need to. This is my practice, it's who I am, why do I need to do a long winded ceremony, just to say to myself "I'm a Witch and this is what I do".
-Become Witches overnight
Ok, fair enough. I'll throw Ms. Ravenwolf a bone and let her have this one.
One CANNOT become a Witch overnight. It took me close to 5 years before even thinking of labelling myself a Witch. For one thing, I was only at the beginning of my path and still didn't understand everything; the thought of using the word "Witch" scared me a little (I still had stereotypical thoughts in my head of what a Witch was). Once I began using the title I became more comfortable with it, and with what it meant. I continued on my search until this point. And I will continue from now on until I feel this path is no longer for me. It's 10 years later since starting.
-Attack people, but we may defend ourselves when attacked by others.
Retaliation is ok, so long as there is a good reason for it. Stolen IPod? Not a good reason. Someone started a rumor about you at school? Not a good reason. Boy/girlfriend cheated? Not a good reason. Rape? Yes, that's a good reason. Murder? Yes, that's a good reason. Get the picture?
-Blab to everyone that they're Witches"
It's one thing to tell a select few people that you're a Witch (especially those who are close to you, and whom you can trust); it's a complete other thing when you're telling everyone you pass on the street. It's ok to be proud of your craft. But it's not ok to brag. No one likes a bragger. For one thing, telling everyone and anyone is opening yourself up for a lot of aggrivation and "persecution" as many like to say. There are still lots of people in this world who are afraid of the word "Witch", as it stirs up imagery of the stereotypical Witch, hovering over a cauldron, green faced and warty, conjuring up her latest creation; a poison or malevolent spell. There are still many people not yet ready to understand what a Real Witch is...that most have no interest in hurting people purely for their own enjoyment. Keeping quiet isn't hiding who or what you are, it's being prudent and respecting what's sacred...and special to you.
-Always work magic
This isn't necessarily true. People are always working magic, either consciously or unconsciously. A birthday party yeilds magic in itself: your cake sits in front of you, aglow in lit birthday candles. You take a deep breath, close your eyes, and make a wish...then you blow out the candles hoping you get all of them in one breath. Now if that isn't a magical act, then I don't know what is. Magic isn't just rhyming off an incantation with lit candles and a sprinkling of herbs. Magic can exist in just about every act you do. Go through your day and think of all the mundane acts you do that could potentially be magical. You'd be surprised at how often one works magic on a daily basis...even if they're not a Witch!
-Practice a magical art such as a spell they do not fully understand.
This one I agree with. A REAL Witch knows that it takes time to learn something and that knowledge of something doesn't come automatically like unlocking a lock in the brain after reciting an incantation. One can practice spell work after they learn WHAT it is and HOW to work it
-Charge money to work magic or pray
I feel that it's unethical to "demand" payment for a service. It's a spiritual craft, not one that one works for profit. There is much debate on this topic. Many people feel one should be paid for time and service...but I'm ok with one accepting donations for that time and service. Yeah, supplies don't come cheap, but people don't go to Witches on a regular basis for a working. It's not meant to be a job, otherwise it looses it's mystique.
-Use their magic or other skills to show off
I feel this point should be directed at those who are too young to understand (particularly the teenagers out there who believe Witchcraft and magic are like Charmed and The Craft). Magic is not a toy or a game. It's a serious practice that deserve serious respect. If you have no respect for the craft, then why should it respect you? If you participate in something merely to gain friends, then those people aren't really your friends...they just like you because you show off. It'll back fire sooner or later.
**There are a few other points I found under the heading of "Real Witches Don't" that I'm unsure if came from Ms. Ravenwolf or not. But I'll post them anyways, because I have some things I want to mention in regards to them:
-Manipulate others, such as using love spells that manipulate someone to love the Witch or manipulating spiritual entities to do their bidding. Free will is always respected.
Uh...no, it's not. There are NUMEROUS Witches out there who don't always respect someone's free will; forcing their own will upon another at regular intervals. It may not be common, but let's not be so naive as to believe ALL Witches respect others. Some Witches are downright "Bitches".
As for manipulating spiritual entities...I suggest a look at my blog post here about the young woman who wishes to use a random spirit plucked from a grave site to do HER bidding. I rest my case.
-Always become Goths or Hippies. Witches respect various subcultures, but has no enforcement of how one should dress, what music they should listen to, etc.
Witches come in a varitey of cultures and lifestyles. Many are indeed Goths and Hippies; many are Satanists and Christians too. While not all Witches are these cultures, they're not NOT part of these cultures either.
...and my favorite:
-Have an official religious hierarchy.
**We don't need one. Witchcraft is not a religion!!!
Now....for the "Real Witches Do" part
Real Witches Do...
-Believe in God
Witches don't all necessarily believe in a God (Wiccan's perhaps, but not all Witches). Deity belief is an individual belief, not universal among Witches. There are certainly Witches who practice their craft without the aid of any deities. Many Witches are atheistic and don't believe in deities. There are some who believe in God, some even believe in multiple Gods, so the belief in a God varies among Witches. It's naive to assume that all Witches believe the same thing when all are individual.
-Respect other/honor all positive religious paths
Well, we certainly try, but then you have those hypocrits that cry out, "Respect my religion!!!" and then turn around and badmouth, disrespect, belittle other religions, especially Christianity, merely because they had a bad expreience with someone who didn't know how to properly practice the religion. Respect is a two way road. You can't get it unless you give it, and vice versa.
As for honoring all "positive" religious paths...no religion or path is negative or positive. Like magic it's neutral. What someone does with it is their choice...that doesn't reflect on the religion as a whole.
-Believe that we are all one
I don't necessarily see us all as one thing. We are all one race; one species yes, but we are also unique and individual. Our beliefs are just as unique and individual, so we are not all necessarily one.
-Believe in Prayer
Prayer is rather religious in it's context. Seeing as Witchcraft is not a religious practice, prayer is really moot. If you are a Witch who happens to practice Wicca or other belief system involving deities, then it makes sense for one to believe in the power of prayer, however, because there are also atheistic Witches out there, to say all Witches believe in prayer is erroneous.
-Follow certain laws
Sure, we follow certain laws...the laws set forth by the legal system in the countries that we live. However, Ms. Ravenwolf, if you're referring to the Threefold Law and the Wiccan Rede, this is incorrect. Not all Witches follow these beliefs (I know I don't). There are many more ethics out there that Witches believe besides the Wiccan Rede. Many Norse practitoners believe in the Nine Nobel Virtues; Satanic Witches follow the Eleven Satanic Rules; my personal ethic is stressing responsibility. We all follow whatever rules and ethics our individual traditions and paths dictate, as well as those of our own personal beliefs.
We all don't follow Wicca.
-Believe in Karma
Karma is an Eastern concept. A Real Witch doesn't necessarily have to follow the ethics of Eastern belief systems in order to properly practice their craft. Witches of the past had no idea about Karma, so how could they follow it? Much the same can be said for the Witches of today, especially those who try to keep their craft as close to those of their ancestors as they can. Most people here in the West have a distorted idea about Karma anyway. It doesn't even reflect the true nature of Eastern Karma. They turned it into a "Rubber vs. Glue" concept that isn't what Karma was intended to teach.
-Realize that to make the planet a good place to live, we have to live in harmony with others, and to do this, we work positive energy
Ah...in a perfect world where we all get along with each other and live in harmony, holding hands and singing Kum-Ba-Yah. HA! If only things were so easy. Regardless of positive work or negative...our world will still be as deteriorated and deplorable as always. We are animals. As such we are prone to attacking both ourselves and other species, just as other species are prone to attack us and themselves. We will NEVER live in the harmony we wish because of this. "World Peace" is a pipe dream.
-know that the art of magic is our greatest gift. if we work bad magic, spirit will take our gifts from us
I think this is a naive thought. Magic comes from within, not "Spirit". Our magic is the manipulation of surrounding energies. These energies are always there. "Spirit" isn't going to take that energy away because we choose to misuse it. That would GREATLY affect our plane and wouldn't work anyways. Not to mention the fact that, because Witchcraft is not a religion, the belief in a deity is not mandatory, therefore Atheistic Witches don't believe in "Spirit" and thus would work whatever magic they see fit at that time anyways.
This point doesn't make sense.
Real Witches work their craft in whatever way they see fit. Regardless of if they follow the ethics of "Threefold Law" or not; believe in a deity or not; lie or tell the truth, they are STILL Real Witches. One cannot determine who is and isn't a "Real Witch" based on a few distasteful acts determined by ONE (fairly unreliable) author.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
The Naive Concept of the "Take-Back" Spell
I seem to see a popular trend lately of people wanting and/or believing in "take-back" spells or "reversal" spells.
Think about it. If it were so easy to simply cast a "reversal" spell to take back any spells we may have sent out, wouldn't that be grounds for Witches to do whatever it is we want without thinking, or using moral ethics?
My favorite quote, but I'm unsure about who said it:
"Words, like bullets, cannot be taken back"
The reason I stress responsibility is so that I think before I act. Any spell, regardless of if it's a positive spell or a curse, I think long and hard about it. Is it really necessary? Do I really need to do this or is there something else I can do? Thinking before you act saves the need for "reversal" spells. If you determine the need before hand, you don't NEED "reversal" spells. Reversal spells should keep their place in fictional books, and out of the minds of legitimate Witches trying to maintain their practice in a world filled with fictional ideas about this legitimate practice.
**UPDATE**
I just want to clarify. There is a difference between a reversal spell, and breaking a spell. A reversal spell suggests that one is able to reverse whatever spell they put out, perhaps out of guilt or lost desire and return things to the way they were before the spell was cast. Once a spell is cast, a spell is cast. Breaking a spell is somewhat different. It suggests that the caster (or another caster) is able to stop the spell from completing it's progress, not reversing it's effects. I think there's some confliction there as to whether or not I can agree that this too is possible. A spell must run its course when cast, but I don't necessarily see a reason why someone can't "build a wall" in front of the spell's energy to block it from reaching it's completion.
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