I was honored to be accepted into a 366 day course on Wicca, being taught by someone I've been acquainted with online for about 8 years, who is a 25+ year practicing Wiccan and a former coven member of a Traditional sect of Wicca.
I began the course just over 4 weeks ago and already my opinion of Wicca has done an almost 180. While much of what we are learning so far in this course I had already known, its many smaller things that are opening my eyes.
For one thing, I've been meditating wrong lol. Well...sorta, anyways. I was always taught the idea is to "clear your mind". Anyone who has tried this KNOWS how difficult this is. You tell your mind to empty and all it wants to do is fill up with thoughts. Learning how to meditate properly has helped immensely.
This course is also teaching me how to patiently call out to a God...something I had not taken into consideration because I felt I didn't need one. I was perfectly content living life paying homage to a Goddess. In at least a week to a week and a half I have been regularly reciting a prayer to both the Goddess AND God in hopes of opening the lines of communication TO the God, while trying not to neglect the Goddess. I've even gone into "Creative Visualizations" to talk to the Goddess but interrupted by a male figure. Now I'm not sure if this is an attempt at communication FROM the God, but looking back, I feel as though I'm pushing away while trying not to look to closely into what I'm experiencing. I feel that to accept these images and "conversations" with this male figure at their face value; that it is indeed the God communicating, then it's too easy and I'm just accepting anything at random that pops into my head. But I also feel that I may be pushing away the God at the same time, to maintain my close relationship with the Goddess...a form of self-sabotage. It's a bit confusing for me as to whether or not I should embrace this male figure entering my "Creative Visualizations".
Anyways. We are now on ethics and I'm understanding the Rede in a much better light. I am also understanding that not everything that is touted as "Wiccan" is set in stone and is not accepted by ALL Wiccans (for instance, Doreen Valiente, a prominent figure in Wicca, didn't even accept the Threefold Law, calling it "poppycock". Well done, Doreen lol). I think for the most part I maintain my stance on the Threefold Law (despite what some "HPS"'s want to ascribe it to). To me this law is little more than a means of maintaining control. There are already plenty of religions that thrive on control. Wicca, I believe has evolved from that.
In any event, I am fairly convinced I may re-integrate myself into Wicca. I understand that not all Wiccan "Liturgy" must be adhered to, as liturgy is not scripture -- laws set in stone. Despite some tiny, minute, and probably not all that integral to the religion bits of information I don't agree with...Wicca does sit well with me. I kind of knew this day was coming, it was just a matter of when.
Come next year, welcome the re-label of "Wiccan Witch".
(note, my practice of Witchcraft will remain unchanged).
Discussing my thoughts on various topics
Showing posts with label Wicca. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wicca. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 9, 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.
Friday, June 26, 2015
Reflection on the Past Few Days
After a couple of days of calming down, thanks to a troll stirring the hornets nest, I looked back to try to see where everything fell apart.
I discovered it's a problem with labels. It's always a problem with labels, and it seems it's been a problem since before even I started with this path.
The problem is people trying to turn Wicca into whatever they want it to be. They try to add this or that concept to Wicca and claim it's always been part. How can one omit worship of the God as being Wiccan? It makes no sense for someone to be a part of a fertility religion that focuses on duality to focus on ONE deity. How is fertility, duality AND balance achieved through a singular deity?
It's many reasons people left the monotheistic religion of Christianity in the first place. They wanted more from their spirituality because a singular deity creating the entire universe doesn't make sense, especially when the majority of the life on OUR planet require 2 individuals to create life.
Wicca's focus is the relationship between the God and Goddess. A little bedtime story here (it's a little conflated because I had heard this many, many, MANY moons ago, and have also heard variations of it, but you'll get the gist):
First there was nothing, then a brilliant burst of light formed in the empty space. This brilliant light then split into two beings, these beings becoming the God and Goddess. As they grew, they formed a love. They united and the seed was planted in the Goddess. The God, falling weaker and weaker succumbed to his weakness and died. Not long after, the Goddess birthed the God, and the cycle began.
A tiny nutshell story, but it details the importance of BOTH deities in Wicca, as well as why it's a fertility religion. How does this story play out if you only focus on the Goddess? The Sabbats tell the tale of the relationship between the God and Goddess. How does this tale make sense if only the Goddess is in the story?
Wicca is a religion with set structure. Sure it's flexible in many aspects, but there are just as many aspects that are INflexible and cannot change, for if they change, they destroy what Wicca was.
A question that plagues me is, if one wants to focus only on the Goddess, then what, praytell makes them want to be Wiccan?
A person genuinely wanting to be Wiccan would want to focus on the dual nature of the religion. Someone doing proper research from those whose information stems from the originating concept would understand this. People who think they can do whatever they want and call it Wicca have been assimilating really BAD sources.
Once we finally sort out labels and understand what these labels truly mean, will Paganism thrive.
...and on a personal note, it's not sanctimonious nor rude to detail what's wrong with a question and to correct mistakes. A person focusing on this has their priorities out of whack.
I discovered it's a problem with labels. It's always a problem with labels, and it seems it's been a problem since before even I started with this path.
The problem is people trying to turn Wicca into whatever they want it to be. They try to add this or that concept to Wicca and claim it's always been part. How can one omit worship of the God as being Wiccan? It makes no sense for someone to be a part of a fertility religion that focuses on duality to focus on ONE deity. How is fertility, duality AND balance achieved through a singular deity?
It's many reasons people left the monotheistic religion of Christianity in the first place. They wanted more from their spirituality because a singular deity creating the entire universe doesn't make sense, especially when the majority of the life on OUR planet require 2 individuals to create life.
Wicca's focus is the relationship between the God and Goddess. A little bedtime story here (it's a little conflated because I had heard this many, many, MANY moons ago, and have also heard variations of it, but you'll get the gist):
First there was nothing, then a brilliant burst of light formed in the empty space. This brilliant light then split into two beings, these beings becoming the God and Goddess. As they grew, they formed a love. They united and the seed was planted in the Goddess. The God, falling weaker and weaker succumbed to his weakness and died. Not long after, the Goddess birthed the God, and the cycle began.
A tiny nutshell story, but it details the importance of BOTH deities in Wicca, as well as why it's a fertility religion. How does this story play out if you only focus on the Goddess? The Sabbats tell the tale of the relationship between the God and Goddess. How does this tale make sense if only the Goddess is in the story?
Wicca is a religion with set structure. Sure it's flexible in many aspects, but there are just as many aspects that are INflexible and cannot change, for if they change, they destroy what Wicca was.
A question that plagues me is, if one wants to focus only on the Goddess, then what, praytell makes them want to be Wiccan?
A person genuinely wanting to be Wiccan would want to focus on the dual nature of the religion. Someone doing proper research from those whose information stems from the originating concept would understand this. People who think they can do whatever they want and call it Wicca have been assimilating really BAD sources.
Once we finally sort out labels and understand what these labels truly mean, will Paganism thrive.
...and on a personal note, it's not sanctimonious nor rude to detail what's wrong with a question and to correct mistakes. A person focusing on this has their priorities out of whack.
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 12, 2014
What IS Wicca?
Stemming from a Y!A question, I thought I'd have another go at explaining Wicca. While I have a nutshell explanation within my FAQ's above, I don't think I really have full a post on what Wicca is...most of the time I re-direct people to Wicca for the Rest of Us. It has a better explanation of Wicca from an actual Wiccan who has practiced for a LOT longer than I have. I have come to respect the author of this site (as she also frequents Y!A as well) and trust in her information.
So, What IS Wicca??
So, What IS Wicca??
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.
Monday, November 26, 2012
You Must Be ________ To Be ________
The same old argument. You must be this in order to be that; you must have done this in order to call yourself that. It's really tiresome, and kind of stupid if you ask me. For an umbrella term encompassing many systems who pride themselves on tolerance and not being "Abrahamic-like"...many sound exactly like them.
When I was younger, going to Catholic school, I questioned my mother..."if God is everywhere, why do we need to go to church?" My mother, being Native and holding her beliefs sacred, said to me "you don't. "Jemnaado" (sp?) is everywhere...simply go outside and there he is".
The same concept goes with Pagan religions, especially Wiccans (most directly Traditionalists). If the Gods are everywhere and call on people, why do they need certain ceremonious acts to be worshiped? I firmly believe it wasn't the Gods who determined that only certain people can worship certain Gods, or that only certain people are privileged enough to be a part of certain traditions, but PEOPLE made this up...to exclude those whom they didn't want to participate (kind of schoolyard-ish if you ask me...sort of like the "No-Homer's-Club").
The Gods choose people to honor them. They make the decision. So if someone feel the call of Hecate, but doesn't live in Greece, does this mean that they are not allowed to honor her, even though she called to them? That's the impression I get from traditionalists who seem to be able to determine who can and cannot be a "Wiccan".
Sure, I can understand how some traditionalists feel, considering their tradition has been done in a certain way for decades...but some of their acts have been leaked out...perhaps for the very reason that the Gods don't want secrets anymore, that they want those whom they call to be a part of something without the need of a group setting.
Did anyone ever stop to think that perhaps they want to commune with people one-on-one?
And what is this nonsense of "if you were truly dedicated, distance would make a difference...you would find a coven anyways"? Are these people who say this, saying that those who want to be a part of certain traditions and religions must forego their daily, mundane needs, ignore their bills and food just to pay for gas to be a part of a coven an hour away??? That's probably the sickest thing I've ever heard. More-so than "Only a Wiccan can make a Wiccan" (Or insert Witch if you like).
Traditionalists (Wicca) are probably one of the main reasons I don't want to be Wiccan. They make it distasteful and reek of Christian attitudes. Instead of claiming someone is going to hell, they're claiming someone isn't a true Wiccan because they're solitary. What is true, and who determines it? Traditionalists? I'm almost 100% sure their "tradition" has evolved since Gardner's time and isn't what he started anyways...but they can remain ignorant if they want. They can't tell me a High Priestess or High Priest years ago didn't get a power trip and make changes without other coveners' knowledge or input. Traditions change...I mean look at Christianity...it's FAR different from what it was in the beginning. Sure many might like to think it hasn't changed in over 2000 years, but that's utter bull. Wicca's no different. It's the people with their heads in their butts and fingers in their ears that make Wicca a turnoff for many. Especially this little Witchy-pooh. Sure I may borrow elements from Wicca as I learned it, but you won't see me labeling myself Wiccan, especially if there will always be those with the holier- and mightier-than-thou attitude.
Ma’iingan
When I was younger, going to Catholic school, I questioned my mother..."if God is everywhere, why do we need to go to church?" My mother, being Native and holding her beliefs sacred, said to me "you don't. "Jemnaado" (sp?) is everywhere...simply go outside and there he is".
The same concept goes with Pagan religions, especially Wiccans (most directly Traditionalists). If the Gods are everywhere and call on people, why do they need certain ceremonious acts to be worshiped? I firmly believe it wasn't the Gods who determined that only certain people can worship certain Gods, or that only certain people are privileged enough to be a part of certain traditions, but PEOPLE made this up...to exclude those whom they didn't want to participate (kind of schoolyard-ish if you ask me...sort of like the "No-Homer's-Club").
The Gods choose people to honor them. They make the decision. So if someone feel the call of Hecate, but doesn't live in Greece, does this mean that they are not allowed to honor her, even though she called to them? That's the impression I get from traditionalists who seem to be able to determine who can and cannot be a "Wiccan".
Sure, I can understand how some traditionalists feel, considering their tradition has been done in a certain way for decades...but some of their acts have been leaked out...perhaps for the very reason that the Gods don't want secrets anymore, that they want those whom they call to be a part of something without the need of a group setting.
Did anyone ever stop to think that perhaps they want to commune with people one-on-one?
And what is this nonsense of "if you were truly dedicated, distance would make a difference...you would find a coven anyways"? Are these people who say this, saying that those who want to be a part of certain traditions and religions must forego their daily, mundane needs, ignore their bills and food just to pay for gas to be a part of a coven an hour away??? That's probably the sickest thing I've ever heard. More-so than "Only a Wiccan can make a Wiccan" (Or insert Witch if you like).
Traditionalists (Wicca) are probably one of the main reasons I don't want to be Wiccan. They make it distasteful and reek of Christian attitudes. Instead of claiming someone is going to hell, they're claiming someone isn't a true Wiccan because they're solitary. What is true, and who determines it? Traditionalists? I'm almost 100% sure their "tradition" has evolved since Gardner's time and isn't what he started anyways...but they can remain ignorant if they want. They can't tell me a High Priestess or High Priest years ago didn't get a power trip and make changes without other coveners' knowledge or input. Traditions change...I mean look at Christianity...it's FAR different from what it was in the beginning. Sure many might like to think it hasn't changed in over 2000 years, but that's utter bull. Wicca's no different. It's the people with their heads in their butts and fingers in their ears that make Wicca a turnoff for many. Especially this little Witchy-pooh. Sure I may borrow elements from Wicca as I learned it, but you won't see me labeling myself Wiccan, especially if there will always be those with the holier- and mightier-than-thou attitude.
Ma’iingan
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
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
"I want to be Wiccan because it's so In Tune with Nature"...Huh????
So many people wanting to "get into" Wicca have been saying this...what the heck does that mean? Do THEY even know what that means? What does it mean to be "in tune" with nature, and what the heck does it have to do with Wicca???
What is Wicca? MUST...we go through definitions again???
Wicca (and I'll just borrow a little snippet from "Wicca: For the Rest of Us" here for a little help)
-is a polytheistic religion focusing upon dedication to patron deities, typically a God and Goddess
-is a modern religion influenced by a variety of pre-Christian beliefs
-views the spiritual and material worlds as overlapping: the Gods are not distant beings but entities whose presence we can experience
-stresses personal experience with divinity and developing greater harmony with the larger world
-views the universe as the product of complementary opposites in a system roughly akin to the Chinese concept of Yin and Yang
-teaches that we are all ultimately responsible for our own actions
Now, where in this description of the religion of Wicca, does it say that one MUST be "in tune" with nature? No where in any of the books I've read, sites I've seen and forums I've discussed in has ANYONE ever said that it is MANDATORY in the religion of Wicca that one must be "in tune" with nature. Sure, it's encouraging for one to understand the fragile nature that is Nature, but it is NOT mandatory that one respect nor revere nature. That's for anyone to decide.
So where does this "concept" come from? That's got me baffled, because how can I answer someone's question on how to become Wiccan, when I don't even understand the question being asked? Wicca is not about being "in tune" with Nature, its about relating to the God and Goddess. If you're putting nature veneration before God and Goddess veneration, then that's not Wicca. That's backwards. Nature is not to be worshiped, and that's probably where this "in tune" nonsense is coming from...naive children seeing "false" Wicca being described in books like "Sweeps" or shows like "The Secret Circle" saying it's all about nature worship, and then saying they want to become Wiccan simply because they want to be "in tune" with nature. Hogwash, if you ask me. If you want to become a part of Wicca, then that must mean you want to build a relationship with Gods that have called to you, not because you want to worship nature.
You want to worship nature? Go outside and hug and dance around a tree, but I doubt you're going to receive any satisfaction from it.
Ma’iingan
What is Wicca? MUST...we go through definitions again???
Wicca (and I'll just borrow a little snippet from "Wicca: For the Rest of Us" here for a little help)
-is a polytheistic religion focusing upon dedication to patron deities, typically a God and Goddess
-is a modern religion influenced by a variety of pre-Christian beliefs
-views the spiritual and material worlds as overlapping: the Gods are not distant beings but entities whose presence we can experience
-stresses personal experience with divinity and developing greater harmony with the larger world
-views the universe as the product of complementary opposites in a system roughly akin to the Chinese concept of Yin and Yang
-teaches that we are all ultimately responsible for our own actions
Now, where in this description of the religion of Wicca, does it say that one MUST be "in tune" with nature? No where in any of the books I've read, sites I've seen and forums I've discussed in has ANYONE ever said that it is MANDATORY in the religion of Wicca that one must be "in tune" with nature. Sure, it's encouraging for one to understand the fragile nature that is Nature, but it is NOT mandatory that one respect nor revere nature. That's for anyone to decide.
So where does this "concept" come from? That's got me baffled, because how can I answer someone's question on how to become Wiccan, when I don't even understand the question being asked? Wicca is not about being "in tune" with Nature, its about relating to the God and Goddess. If you're putting nature veneration before God and Goddess veneration, then that's not Wicca. That's backwards. Nature is not to be worshiped, and that's probably where this "in tune" nonsense is coming from...naive children seeing "false" Wicca being described in books like "Sweeps" or shows like "The Secret Circle" saying it's all about nature worship, and then saying they want to become Wiccan simply because they want to be "in tune" with nature. Hogwash, if you ask me. If you want to become a part of Wicca, then that must mean you want to build a relationship with Gods that have called to you, not because you want to worship nature.
You want to worship nature? Go outside and hug and dance around a tree, but I doubt you're going to receive any satisfaction from it.
Ma’iingan
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Dare2Share: Witness the Wiccans
Ok, let's take a break and do some clarifications. In yet another forum discussion, I came across a site discussing Wicca and how to Witness to them. While, it appears they mean well...they STILL don't seem to get it. (this is gonna be long, so bear with me)
Everyone has the divine (or Goddess) within, and everyone has a "life-force"
-Well, duh. Think about it. Ok, well not everyone believes in some divine force, so this part is not necessarily true, however we DO all have a "life force", if we didn't, we wouldn't be alive, now would we?
One should develop natural gifts for divination or occult magic (often spelled 'magick' by occultists)
-Gifts for using divination are not a requirement for Wiccans (or anyone for that matter). Anyone can learn how to divine using various means. You don't have to be Wiccan, a Witch or any other occult practitioner in order to use divination. Magic as well (the 'k' really being a silly fad, is NOT necessary) is something that can be developed by anyone through practice, and again, doesn't require the practice of any occult practices to use...even popular religions like Christianity utilize magic, even if they wish to deny it.
Divine forces or nature spirits are invoked in rituals
-That's really dependant. Divine forces are invoked during particular rituals, say an Esbat or Moon ceremony, and the only reason why is the same reason the Christian God is invoked during Sunday mass...to honor them. Those who work other forms of magic, say spell work, may invoke (but don't have to) deities for assistance in their workings, but in this instance it is not a requirement. Nature spirits, again, are invoked based on desire or necessity, depending on what the task is. "Divine forces or nature spirits" are not necessarily always invoked...that and not everyone believes and/or works with them, so such invocations are really unnecessary.
The Goddess, as either a symbol or a real entity, is the focus of worship
-Yes, this is true. In Wicca, the Goddess AND God are the focus of worship. There's nothing wrong with this anymore than there is something wrong with the Christian God being the focus of their worship.
Nature and the earth are sacred manifestations of the Goddess
-Again, not too dissimilar from the Christian ideas of God. The Christian belief is that God made everything, therefore Nature and the Earth would be manifestations of the God...so what's the problem? The Goddess??
Everyone has his or her own individual spiritual path to follow
-In essense this is true for EVERYONE...even Christians. Not every Christian follows Christianity the same way, hence different denominations of Christianity (Baptists, Pentacosts, Catholics, Christian Reform, Presbyterian, etc). Everyone follows their "path" in their own way, determining what they feel is right for them. Wiccans are no different
Rituals and celebrations are linked to the seasons and moon phases
-As are Christian rituals and celebrations. While Sunday mass isn't necessarily linked to seasons or the moon, Church holidays are...for example, Easter comes (I do believe) 40 days after the previous full moon (little tidbit I bet you didn't know), hence why it's never on the same day or same week every year.
Meditation, visualization, invocation (calling on forces or gods/goddesses), chanting, burning candles and special rituals trigger a sense of the mystical which typically reinforces their core belief system.
-I really don't understand what it is they're trying to accomplish with these point form notes. This entire point here can EASILY be describing ANY Christian mass. Meditations take place during silent prayers; visualization happen during transubstantiation of the bread and wine; invocations come shortly before transubstantiation; many people chant when reciting the Rosary, candles are a BIG part of the Christian religion, and special rituals (say Christmas mass) ALSO "trigger a sense of the mystical which typically reinforce their core belief system".
About God:
Willow believes in a male counterpart to the Goddess, who could possibly be the Christian God or the God of Islam
-Uh, no, not necessarily. TRUE Wiccans do not subscribe to the Abrahamic deity belief. Their "Gods" manifest in pre-existing deities generally from Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Celtic pantheons...not Abrahamic, due to the animosity felt from and for the Christian religion. Anyone claiming they worship the Christian God while being Wiccan, is clearly confused about BOTH religions, and is thusly not practicing EITHER in a proper way.
About the Trinity:
Willow doesn't believe in the Trinity
-Not in the Christian sense of Father, Son and Holy Spirit/Ghost. She may believe in a Thricean Goddess, commonly associated in Hecate, Diana, Demeter, Selene or Persephone (manifesting in a Maiden, Mother Crone aspect).
About Jesus:
Willow believes Jesus was an enlightened man who should be honored just like Mohammed, Moses, Krishna, and Buddha, but he was not and is not God in the flesh.
-That depends. Many Wiccans don't acknowledge the existence of Jesus PERIOD, but a mere figmant of the Church's imagination, and a conglomeration of numerous pre-existing myths and legends all rolled into one (i.e. The story of Osiris and Isis).
About the Bible:
Willow doesn't believe in absolute truth but she considers the Bible a good book that she can oick and choose things from to help her follow her spiritual path
-Ok...somehow things got lost in the mix. Wiccans don't follow the Bible PERIOD. They don't use ANY part of the bible to "help (them) follow (their) spiritual path". This here is completely false!
About the Afterlife:
Willow believes in an endless cycle of reincarnation (birth-death-birth-death, etc) and karma(what you do here affects you in the next life). She does not believe in heaven or hell
-Finally, something somewhat accurate. For one thing, many Wiccans have a misinformed notion about karma. They see it as a rubber vs. glue type thing, which isnt Karma at all. But...Wiccans DO subscribe to the belief in reincarnation, however it's not necessarily endless. It's what is called a "Spiral Dance" in which they move upwards, until all has been learned, then they merge with the divine. The journey could seem endless, but does eventually end
About Salvation:
Willow does not believe in sin or a need for forgiveness, so she doesn't see a need for salvation. In her mind, being 'saved' would be to reach a point where one is free from the reincarnation/karma cycle.
-Salvation reeks of fundamentalism. "Believe this way or go to hell". Sin and salvation are guilt trips, not a release from something.
What the Bible Teaches
About God/About the Trinity:
God identified himself as "I Am" (Exodus 20:2) - meaning He is the self-existent (never had a beginning or end) eternal Creator of the universe. There is no Goddess
There is one God and yet three Persons (Isaiah 45:5; Deuteronomy 6:4; James 2:19). There are no other 'gods' or 'goddesses'
-Ok, then explain to me why it says in Exodus 20:3 "You shall not have other Gods before me"? He acknowledges the existence of other Gods, but demands his followers not put them before him. Just because he wants his followers to follow him only, does NOT mean there are no other Gods in the universe.
About Jesus:
Jesus is fully God and fully man. He is the God of the universe (John 1:1, 14, 18; 8:58; 10:30. Compare Titus 2:13 and Isaiah 45:21), and His death on the cross completely paid for the sins of the world (1 John 2:2). What Willow sees as 'enlightened' was actually His power as being God. What separates him from Moses, Buddha, Mohammed, etc was that He came back from the dead
-How can Jesus be God, yet cry out on the Cross "My God, My God, why have you forsake me??" (Matthew 27:46) just before death? Again, not all Wiccans view Jesus as an "enlightened" man, or even a man to begin with, but a combination of different deity myths from history. Osiris came back from the dead after being killed by his brother.
About the Bible:
The bible alone is the word of God and is absolute truth. It is without error. It cannot and should not be added to or subtracted from (2 Timothy 3:16-4:4; Revelation 22:18-20), and it is also the ultimate authority on spiritual matters. Every word of it is inspired by God, so you can't just pick and choose what you "think" is true.
-If this is true, why does it say in Exodus 20:13 "Thou shall not kill", yet in Exodus 22:18 says "You shall not allow a Witch to live". Whether guilty or not it's still killing (or murdering if you like). That's a contradiction. How can you follow the law of God that says you shall not kill, yet go ahead and kill a Witch. OR offer a sacrifice of a lamb or whatever other animal God says is sacred? That's still killing, a contradiction. Either way, you are disobeying God. To say the bible is never wrong, is wrong in itself because the bible is FILLED with contradictions. You cannot ignora that. It's not the Wiccans who are picking and chooseing what they thing is true, it's the Christians. PLUS Wiccans never changed one word of the bible, yet King James changed numerous parts of the bible to suit his agenda...to justify the murder of countless people because of his fears. That and numerous "authors" of the bible, had numerous books either left out or taken out of the bible, simply because it didn't suit the theme.
Never wrong indeed.
About the Afterlife:
Those who trust in Christ alone as their only hope of salvation spend eternity in heaven; those who reject Christ spend an eternity in hell (John 5:24-30; Revelation 20:11-15). The Bible denies the concept of reincarnation (Hebrews 9:27-28
-Ah, but see, how can Jesus come back if his life was not reincarnated? He may not have retuned in a different body, but still came back from death. That's reincarnation. Also, how does one deal with those who ave never heard of Jesus? Do they go to hell simply out of ignorance? Or those who were around BEFORE Jesus? Are THEY swimming around in a lake of Fire simply because Jesus chose (and I say "chose" because it's apparent to Christians that Jesus is also God too, however improbable) to appear after their deaths??
About Salvation:
All people are sinners in need of forgiveness (Romans 3:23). Salvation is by faith in Christ ALONE on the basis of His death on the Cross (John 3:16-17, 36; 6:29, 47; Romans 4:1-5; Galations 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5)
Human nature determines that we make mistakes. Why do we make mistakes? To learn, not because we're bad. It was the "mistake" of Eve to eat from the tree of knowledge, but God is not innocent here either. He lied to Adam and Eve. If he had told them the truth, instead of keeping them in ignorance, perhaps we would still be in paradise. No. Everyone is not a sinner because it was not us who sinned.
Things to Remember:
Like Tara the Typical, Willow is extremely sensitive toward anything that sounds intolerant and/or judgemental, so approach with extreme caution! As well, she sees Christianity as an oppressive religion, so be sure to show her love and respect
--Judgement and intolerance disguised by love and respect is STILL judgement and intolerance. The way to get to a Wiccan is to understand where they're coming from and acknowledge their freedom to believe what they feel is truth to them, while still maintaining your own belief. Pushing upon them that your belief is right and theirs is wrong is a sure fire way to being "extremely sensitive". I mean, if Wiccans were to pressure Christians into thinking that Wicca is the one true right and only way, Christians would be rather sensitive too, don't you think?
Ask Willow what she believes about Christianity, because she might have a distorted image of what Christianity is. Try and use this as an opportunity to help her develop a correct understanding of true Christianity
--I ask Wiccans to do the same about Christians. The table turns both ways. Each have distorted ideas of each other. Wiccans see Christians as proselytizers, bent on converting everyone to their religion, whereas Chritsians view Wiccans as satan worshippers ignorant to their Devil worship. Both need to retract each other's claws and gain a better understanding of each other, because firing at each other constantly is not going to help anyone.
Don't confuse Wiccans with Witches, because anyone can practice Witchcraft, but Wiccans follow a strict code. Also, don't confuse Wiccans with Satanists, because mos Wiccan's don't believe in Satan or the Devil
--(**falls over in disbelief**) Wow, this one hit me with accuracy. Well, one in however many points here isn't bad I suppose.
Outline the strengths and reliability of the Bible (accuracy, consistency, fulfilled prophecy, etc) because Willow rejects it as unreliable
--See my outlined contradictions listed above. THAT'S why she views it as unreliable.
Stress your personal relationships with the Father through Jesus Christ and what impact that has on your daily life
--It won't do any good. Telling "Willow" you personal experiences will get her to convert just about as easily as Willow's personal experiences in Wicca will get a Christian to convert. If it's not right for someone, then it's not right for them.
Whether Willow knows it or not, she is in the grips of Satan, so like Sid the Satanist, be sure to cover your relationship and conversations with her in a ton of prayer
--This makes as much sense as any Wiccan saying Christians are in the Grips of Hades, however ignorant to the notion.
Italics from: http://www.dare2share.org/worldviews/wiccans/ (I do not own the information from this site, but wished to address the misinformation and shed clarity).
-Again, not too dissimilar from the Christian ideas of God. The Christian belief is that God made everything, therefore Nature and the Earth would be manifestations of the God...so what's the problem? The Goddess??
Everyone has his or her own individual spiritual path to follow
-In essense this is true for EVERYONE...even Christians. Not every Christian follows Christianity the same way, hence different denominations of Christianity (Baptists, Pentacosts, Catholics, Christian Reform, Presbyterian, etc). Everyone follows their "path" in their own way, determining what they feel is right for them. Wiccans are no different
Rituals and celebrations are linked to the seasons and moon phases
-As are Christian rituals and celebrations. While Sunday mass isn't necessarily linked to seasons or the moon, Church holidays are...for example, Easter comes (I do believe) 40 days after the previous full moon (little tidbit I bet you didn't know), hence why it's never on the same day or same week every year.
Meditation, visualization, invocation (calling on forces or gods/goddesses), chanting, burning candles and special rituals trigger a sense of the mystical which typically reinforces their core belief system.
-I really don't understand what it is they're trying to accomplish with these point form notes. This entire point here can EASILY be describing ANY Christian mass. Meditations take place during silent prayers; visualization happen during transubstantiation of the bread and wine; invocations come shortly before transubstantiation; many people chant when reciting the Rosary, candles are a BIG part of the Christian religion, and special rituals (say Christmas mass) ALSO "trigger a sense of the mystical which typically reinforce their core belief system".
About God:
Willow believes in a male counterpart to the Goddess, who could possibly be the Christian God or the God of Islam
-Uh, no, not necessarily. TRUE Wiccans do not subscribe to the Abrahamic deity belief. Their "Gods" manifest in pre-existing deities generally from Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Celtic pantheons...not Abrahamic, due to the animosity felt from and for the Christian religion. Anyone claiming they worship the Christian God while being Wiccan, is clearly confused about BOTH religions, and is thusly not practicing EITHER in a proper way.
About the Trinity:
Willow doesn't believe in the Trinity
-Not in the Christian sense of Father, Son and Holy Spirit/Ghost. She may believe in a Thricean Goddess, commonly associated in Hecate, Diana, Demeter, Selene or Persephone (manifesting in a Maiden, Mother Crone aspect).
About Jesus:
Willow believes Jesus was an enlightened man who should be honored just like Mohammed, Moses, Krishna, and Buddha, but he was not and is not God in the flesh.
-That depends. Many Wiccans don't acknowledge the existence of Jesus PERIOD, but a mere figmant of the Church's imagination, and a conglomeration of numerous pre-existing myths and legends all rolled into one (i.e. The story of Osiris and Isis).
About the Bible:
Willow doesn't believe in absolute truth but she considers the Bible a good book that she can oick and choose things from to help her follow her spiritual path
-Ok...somehow things got lost in the mix. Wiccans don't follow the Bible PERIOD. They don't use ANY part of the bible to "help (them) follow (their) spiritual path". This here is completely false!
About the Afterlife:
Willow believes in an endless cycle of reincarnation (birth-death-birth-death, etc) and karma(what you do here affects you in the next life). She does not believe in heaven or hell
-Finally, something somewhat accurate. For one thing, many Wiccans have a misinformed notion about karma. They see it as a rubber vs. glue type thing, which isnt Karma at all. But...Wiccans DO subscribe to the belief in reincarnation, however it's not necessarily endless. It's what is called a "Spiral Dance" in which they move upwards, until all has been learned, then they merge with the divine. The journey could seem endless, but does eventually end
About Salvation:
Willow does not believe in sin or a need for forgiveness, so she doesn't see a need for salvation. In her mind, being 'saved' would be to reach a point where one is free from the reincarnation/karma cycle.
-Salvation reeks of fundamentalism. "Believe this way or go to hell". Sin and salvation are guilt trips, not a release from something.
What the Bible Teaches
About God/About the Trinity:
God identified himself as "I Am" (Exodus 20:2) - meaning He is the self-existent (never had a beginning or end) eternal Creator of the universe. There is no Goddess
There is one God and yet three Persons (Isaiah 45:5; Deuteronomy 6:4; James 2:19). There are no other 'gods' or 'goddesses'
-Ok, then explain to me why it says in Exodus 20:3 "You shall not have other Gods before me"? He acknowledges the existence of other Gods, but demands his followers not put them before him. Just because he wants his followers to follow him only, does NOT mean there are no other Gods in the universe.
About Jesus:
Jesus is fully God and fully man. He is the God of the universe (John 1:1, 14, 18; 8:58; 10:30. Compare Titus 2:13 and Isaiah 45:21), and His death on the cross completely paid for the sins of the world (1 John 2:2). What Willow sees as 'enlightened' was actually His power as being God. What separates him from Moses, Buddha, Mohammed, etc was that He came back from the dead
-How can Jesus be God, yet cry out on the Cross "My God, My God, why have you forsake me??" (Matthew 27:46) just before death? Again, not all Wiccans view Jesus as an "enlightened" man, or even a man to begin with, but a combination of different deity myths from history. Osiris came back from the dead after being killed by his brother.
About the Bible:
The bible alone is the word of God and is absolute truth. It is without error. It cannot and should not be added to or subtracted from (2 Timothy 3:16-4:4; Revelation 22:18-20), and it is also the ultimate authority on spiritual matters. Every word of it is inspired by God, so you can't just pick and choose what you "think" is true.
-If this is true, why does it say in Exodus 20:13 "Thou shall not kill", yet in Exodus 22:18 says "You shall not allow a Witch to live". Whether guilty or not it's still killing (or murdering if you like). That's a contradiction. How can you follow the law of God that says you shall not kill, yet go ahead and kill a Witch. OR offer a sacrifice of a lamb or whatever other animal God says is sacred? That's still killing, a contradiction. Either way, you are disobeying God. To say the bible is never wrong, is wrong in itself because the bible is FILLED with contradictions. You cannot ignora that. It's not the Wiccans who are picking and chooseing what they thing is true, it's the Christians. PLUS Wiccans never changed one word of the bible, yet King James changed numerous parts of the bible to suit his agenda...to justify the murder of countless people because of his fears. That and numerous "authors" of the bible, had numerous books either left out or taken out of the bible, simply because it didn't suit the theme.
Never wrong indeed.
About the Afterlife:
Those who trust in Christ alone as their only hope of salvation spend eternity in heaven; those who reject Christ spend an eternity in hell (John 5:24-30; Revelation 20:11-15). The Bible denies the concept of reincarnation (Hebrews 9:27-28
-Ah, but see, how can Jesus come back if his life was not reincarnated? He may not have retuned in a different body, but still came back from death. That's reincarnation. Also, how does one deal with those who ave never heard of Jesus? Do they go to hell simply out of ignorance? Or those who were around BEFORE Jesus? Are THEY swimming around in a lake of Fire simply because Jesus chose (and I say "chose" because it's apparent to Christians that Jesus is also God too, however improbable) to appear after their deaths??
About Salvation:
All people are sinners in need of forgiveness (Romans 3:23). Salvation is by faith in Christ ALONE on the basis of His death on the Cross (John 3:16-17, 36; 6:29, 47; Romans 4:1-5; Galations 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5)
Human nature determines that we make mistakes. Why do we make mistakes? To learn, not because we're bad. It was the "mistake" of Eve to eat from the tree of knowledge, but God is not innocent here either. He lied to Adam and Eve. If he had told them the truth, instead of keeping them in ignorance, perhaps we would still be in paradise. No. Everyone is not a sinner because it was not us who sinned.
Things to Remember:
Like Tara the Typical, Willow is extremely sensitive toward anything that sounds intolerant and/or judgemental, so approach with extreme caution! As well, she sees Christianity as an oppressive religion, so be sure to show her love and respect
--Judgement and intolerance disguised by love and respect is STILL judgement and intolerance. The way to get to a Wiccan is to understand where they're coming from and acknowledge their freedom to believe what they feel is truth to them, while still maintaining your own belief. Pushing upon them that your belief is right and theirs is wrong is a sure fire way to being "extremely sensitive". I mean, if Wiccans were to pressure Christians into thinking that Wicca is the one true right and only way, Christians would be rather sensitive too, don't you think?
Ask Willow what she believes about Christianity, because she might have a distorted image of what Christianity is. Try and use this as an opportunity to help her develop a correct understanding of true Christianity
--I ask Wiccans to do the same about Christians. The table turns both ways. Each have distorted ideas of each other. Wiccans see Christians as proselytizers, bent on converting everyone to their religion, whereas Chritsians view Wiccans as satan worshippers ignorant to their Devil worship. Both need to retract each other's claws and gain a better understanding of each other, because firing at each other constantly is not going to help anyone.
Don't confuse Wiccans with Witches, because anyone can practice Witchcraft, but Wiccans follow a strict code. Also, don't confuse Wiccans with Satanists, because mos Wiccan's don't believe in Satan or the Devil
--(**falls over in disbelief**) Wow, this one hit me with accuracy. Well, one in however many points here isn't bad I suppose.
Outline the strengths and reliability of the Bible (accuracy, consistency, fulfilled prophecy, etc) because Willow rejects it as unreliable
--See my outlined contradictions listed above. THAT'S why she views it as unreliable.
Stress your personal relationships with the Father through Jesus Christ and what impact that has on your daily life
--It won't do any good. Telling "Willow" you personal experiences will get her to convert just about as easily as Willow's personal experiences in Wicca will get a Christian to convert. If it's not right for someone, then it's not right for them.
Whether Willow knows it or not, she is in the grips of Satan, so like Sid the Satanist, be sure to cover your relationship and conversations with her in a ton of prayer
--This makes as much sense as any Wiccan saying Christians are in the Grips of Hades, however ignorant to the notion.
Italics from: http://www.dare2share.org/worldviews/wiccans/ (I do not own the information from this site, but wished to address the misinformation and shed clarity).
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Wicca isn't "What you want it to be".
Someone made a point in a forum to point out what a Wiccan
is and isn't. In a sense he hit it on the mark. Many people who
"claim" to be Wiccan, state that " I'm a Wiccan! Even though I
don't know how to interpret the rede for the life of me, I wouldn't know what
an element was if I drowned in it, and I never do magick for personal gain. Now
if you'll excuse me I have to go practice some white magic so I can banish some
black magic, while I celebrate the goddess flavor of the week..." (This
being a direct quote from him, and I found it quite humorous, because it's
true.
There are so many people who misinterpret Wicca as something
that can be moulded into whatever you want it to be, and that's just not so.
My issue with what he has to say, though: That one is only
Wiccan if they're "Trad Wicca". No...not necessarily. One is Wiccan
when they embrace the Wiccan beliefs and practices wholeheartedly, not in bits and pieces (like embracing the Rede, but only following one Goddess; or believing that white magic is the only magic you can do, never dark magic; or that one can't do anything for personal gain, lest it come back negatively threefold (ok, that's not necessarily a bit or piece, but it's a misinterpretation)). Initiation
doesn't determine your beliefs and what you're going to do, it just means that
you decided to become a part of a particular set of Wiccan beliefs within a
coven construct. You CAN be a Wiccan outside a coven setting, so long as you
practice what is considered actual Wicca. We forget the numerous ACTUAL Wiccans
throughout history who, after being taught by Gardner
***UPDATE***
I guess I stirred up a hornet's nest with my response to this one (yes, I did post my response to this discussion in the forum). The thread go so bad, admins had to close the discussion lmao. It just goes to show that people get WAY too touchy when it comes to beliefs. For a religion that prides itself on "tolerance for other's beliefs" they sure have no tolerance for someone questioning anything relating to Wicca.
***UPDATE***
I guess I stirred up a hornet's nest with my response to this one (yes, I did post my response to this discussion in the forum). The thread go so bad, admins had to close the discussion lmao. It just goes to show that people get WAY too touchy when it comes to beliefs. For a religion that prides itself on "tolerance for other's beliefs" they sure have no tolerance for someone questioning anything relating to Wicca.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Wicca and Spells...Why the Animosity?
I used to be an advocate for stating that Wicca has little to nothing to do with spell work...however after much thought, and reading, I think I may rethink my position on this.
Thinking back...Gerald Gardner originally called his "religion" a "Witch Cult", and the practitioners "Wica's" (one "c" is intentional). There is much talk and practice of magic and spell work within the early days of his craft, so where is this information that Wicca has little to do with spell work, coming from?
I have nothing against many Wiccans choosing to move away from any relation with Witches, hell, I'm all for it, it saves me from having to correct newbies all the time that *Wiccans aren't Witches and not all Wiccans practice spells. (*insert high pitched imitation voice here).
Is there really that big a problem with Wiccans working spell work? Ok, maybe we need a new name for such work (I myself find it difficult to take myself seriously sometimes, when I state that I work spells, for the image of the Queen in "Snow White" pops into my head stating "Now...to begin thy magic spell!!")
I don't know, maybe I'm just tired of seeing the same persons over and over blatantly reiterating "Wiccans don't do spell work". Ok, maybe YOU don't do spells, but I'm almost positive Gerald Gardner did, AND Raymond Buckland, AND Doreen Valiente (pioneers in Wicca). If your groups decided to omit the workings of spells within your groups, that's perfectly fine, but I do know that there are NUMEROUS Wiccans out there who DO work spells, and have no problem with it.
I don't know, just a useless rant on a topic that just popped into my head. Really, is it so bad to do spells and be a Wiccan?? Really, what's wrong with it?
Thinking back...Gerald Gardner originally called his "religion" a "Witch Cult", and the practitioners "Wica's" (one "c" is intentional). There is much talk and practice of magic and spell work within the early days of his craft, so where is this information that Wicca has little to do with spell work, coming from?
I have nothing against many Wiccans choosing to move away from any relation with Witches, hell, I'm all for it, it saves me from having to correct newbies all the time that *Wiccans aren't Witches and not all Wiccans practice spells. (*insert high pitched imitation voice here).
Is there really that big a problem with Wiccans working spell work? Ok, maybe we need a new name for such work (I myself find it difficult to take myself seriously sometimes, when I state that I work spells, for the image of the Queen in "Snow White" pops into my head stating "Now...to begin thy magic spell!!")
I don't know, maybe I'm just tired of seeing the same persons over and over blatantly reiterating "Wiccans don't do spell work". Ok, maybe YOU don't do spells, but I'm almost positive Gerald Gardner did, AND Raymond Buckland, AND Doreen Valiente (pioneers in Wicca). If your groups decided to omit the workings of spells within your groups, that's perfectly fine, but I do know that there are NUMEROUS Wiccans out there who DO work spells, and have no problem with it.
I don't know, just a useless rant on a topic that just popped into my head. Really, is it so bad to do spells and be a Wiccan?? Really, what's wrong with it?
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.
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