Saturday, December 29, 2012
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Lessons from Bucklands
Lesson 1:The History and Philosphy of Witchcraft
1. The two most important deities revered by the Wo/Man were the Horned God and the Fertility Goddess, or the God and Goddess. The God represented the Hunt and was important for food whereas the Goddess represented fertility and abundance.
2. 'Sympathetic' magick is where the early pagans would do rituals that mimicked what they hoped would happen in real life - for example a man would wear horns and they would dance or enact a hunt which symbolise killing the beast. This was supposed to help it happen in reality. This is like the early manifestation of re-training or using the Id.
sympathetic magic is the belief that similar things have similar effects (like attracts like)
 |
| This image found here :) |
the sites were rededicated to the Church and God.
4. Jack of the Green - is that another name for the Horned God, or Pan?
They were carvings representing the old God of Hunting and Nature. Robin of the woods.
5. The Witches Hammer was .. and .... was responsible for it.
Malleus Maleficarium was the main reference on how to discover witches and interrogate them during the Burning Times.
6. Margaret Murray was a Egyptologist/Anthropologist who advanced Witchcraft as a religion in the 1930s.
7. The last law against Witchcraft was repealed in England in the 1951.
 |
| http://pentalcleproject.wordpress.com/2011/06/03/a-pagan-history/ |
9. A witches only animosity against the christian church is its claim that it is the only way, the only religion that is 'right'.
and that it seeks to deny others freedom and supress other religions.
10. You do not have to belong to a coven to do a spell. Wicca is a broad religion that allows you to practice in a way that suits you.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
The Wiccan Rede
Bide within the Law you must, in perfect Love and
perfect Trust.
Live you must and let to live, fairly take and fairly give.
For tread the Circle thrice about to keep unwelcome spirits out.
To bind the spell well every time, let the spell be said in rhyme.
Light of eye and soft of touch, speak you little, listen much.
Honor the Old Ones in deed and name,
let love and light be our guides again.
Deosil go by the waxing moon, chanting out the joyful tune.
Widdershins go when the moon doth wane,
and the werewolf howls by the dread wolfsbane.
When the Lady's moon is new, kiss the hand to Her times two.
When the moon rides at Her peak then your heart's desire seek.
Heed the North winds mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail.
When the Wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.
When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss you on the mouth.
When the wind whispers from the West, all hearts will find peace and rest.
Nine woods in the Cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow.
Birch in the fire goes to represent what the Lady knows.
Oak in the forest towers with might, in the fire it brings the God's
insight. Rowan is a tree of power causing life and magick to flower.
Willows at the waterside stand ready to help us to the Summerland.
Hawthorn is burned to purify and to draw faerie to your eye.
Hazel-the tree of wisdom and learning adds its strength to the bright fire burning.
White are the flowers of Apple tree that brings us fruits of fertility.
Grapes grow upon the vine giving us both joy and wine.
Fir does mark the evergreen to represent immortality seen.
Elder is the Lady's tree burn it not or cursed you'll be.
Four times the Major Sabbats mark in the light and in the dark.
As the old year starts to wane the new begins, it's now Samhain.
When the time for Imbolc shows watch for flowers through the snows.
When the wheel begins to turn soon the Beltane fires will burn.
As the wheel turns to Lamas night power is brought to magick rite.
Four times the Minor Sabbats fall use the Sun to mark them all.
When the wheel has turned to Yule light the log the Horned One rules.
In the spring, when night equals day time for Ostara to come our way.
When the Sun has reached it's height time for Oak and Holly to fight.
Harvesting comes to one and all when the Autumn Equinox does fall.
Heed the flower, bush, and tree by the Lady blessed you'll be.
Where the rippling waters go cast a stone, the truth you'll know.
When you have and hold a need, harken not to others greed.
With a fool no season spend or be counted as his friend.
Merry Meet and Merry Part bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind the Three-fold Laws you should three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is enow wear the star upon your brow.
Be true in love this you must do unless your love is false to you. These Eight words the Rede fulfill:
"An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"
Live you must and let to live, fairly take and fairly give.
For tread the Circle thrice about to keep unwelcome spirits out.
To bind the spell well every time, let the spell be said in rhyme.
Light of eye and soft of touch, speak you little, listen much.
Honor the Old Ones in deed and name,
let love and light be our guides again.
Deosil go by the waxing moon, chanting out the joyful tune.
Widdershins go when the moon doth wane,
and the werewolf howls by the dread wolfsbane.
When the Lady's moon is new, kiss the hand to Her times two.
When the moon rides at Her peak then your heart's desire seek.
Heed the North winds mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail.
When the Wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.
When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss you on the mouth.
When the wind whispers from the West, all hearts will find peace and rest.
Nine woods in the Cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow.
Birch in the fire goes to represent what the Lady knows.
Oak in the forest towers with might, in the fire it brings the God's
insight. Rowan is a tree of power causing life and magick to flower.
Willows at the waterside stand ready to help us to the Summerland.
Hawthorn is burned to purify and to draw faerie to your eye.
Hazel-the tree of wisdom and learning adds its strength to the bright fire burning.
White are the flowers of Apple tree that brings us fruits of fertility.
Grapes grow upon the vine giving us both joy and wine.
Fir does mark the evergreen to represent immortality seen.
Elder is the Lady's tree burn it not or cursed you'll be.
Four times the Major Sabbats mark in the light and in the dark.
As the old year starts to wane the new begins, it's now Samhain.
When the time for Imbolc shows watch for flowers through the snows.
When the wheel begins to turn soon the Beltane fires will burn.
As the wheel turns to Lamas night power is brought to magick rite.
Four times the Minor Sabbats fall use the Sun to mark them all.
When the wheel has turned to Yule light the log the Horned One rules.
In the spring, when night equals day time for Ostara to come our way.
When the Sun has reached it's height time for Oak and Holly to fight.
Harvesting comes to one and all when the Autumn Equinox does fall.
Heed the flower, bush, and tree by the Lady blessed you'll be.
Where the rippling waters go cast a stone, the truth you'll know.
When you have and hold a need, harken not to others greed.
With a fool no season spend or be counted as his friend.
Merry Meet and Merry Part bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind the Three-fold Laws you should three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is enow wear the star upon your brow.
Be true in love this you must do unless your love is false to you. These Eight words the Rede fulfill:
"An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"
An attempt to explain the Rede is here
History and Origin of Wicca
Ok, so some would like to believe that Wicca is THE Old Religion, surviving the 'Burning Times' and other Christian misdeeds. Margaret Murray was an Egyptologist who believed Wicca to be ancient etc but she has been largely disproved.This idea belongs to the anti-Christianity school of Wicca's origins. I haven't read any of her books yet, but I've heard/read that Silver Ravenwolf is quite anti-christian.. and her books are supposed to be good introductions catered for teenagers.
The most accepted view is that it was started by Gerald Gardiner and Doreen Valiente in the 20th Century, but before the 1960s. Gardnerian Wicca is your traditional Wicca with covens and rituals and so on. It is said that Gardiner was influenced by Alistair Crowley and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, something I find interesting but know nothing about :)
Over the last 60 or so years, different forms of Wicca have arisen, which will all be discussed in The Different Kinds of Wicca. Learning about these and finding what suits you is all part of the process, so deserves its own post :) The history of modern Wicca can be better understood in its' offshoots.
But some mentionable ones are Alexandrian, Dianic, Kitchen Witchery, Universal Eclectic, Druidry, Faery Wicca.. there are sooo many. It will be interesting having a look.
While it has come from a history of demonisation and disneyfication, Wicca is really something that while recently constructed, it is based on old pagan beliefs and the Earth herself. The energies of the Universe are revered and honoured. Even encouraged/directed/ put to use by Magick.
I'm not that interested in repeating the specifics of the origin and history of Wicca, hence this post is tiny :) But I've read a few intro chapters in places and they all say much the same thing. Don't forget, everything I write here is my interpretation. Read around and decide for yourself. My posts are organic.. they will change as I learn, I will adapt them and change them :) Its all part of the journey to my own rightness :)
Raymond Buckland's Complete Book of Witchraft gives a nice intro to the history of Witchcraft - I like how the religio-magick of the early humans are detailed here - gives some credence to Murray's theories. Sounds logical. I find it interesting how the magic we know today came out of rituals for fertility and hunting. They were the most important keys to survival back then, and it's funny how now, centuries and centuries later, while we have taken care of that aspect of survival, humanity now needs love and magic on a different level for spiritual survival.
Scott Cunningham concentrates on the shamanic origins of Witchcraft, and seeing as his book was the first one I read as a bright eyed and bushy tailed 16 year old, I can see why it appealed to me. At that time I was really into lucid dreaming and Carlos Casteneda and Don Juan the Yaqui Indian. The main link here is the alternate states of consciousness - which ties nicely with distracting the Id with shiny things (rituals, tools, chanting) in order to get it to direct those creative energies towards personal and universal goals.
All the books I have come across have chapters on the history .. so you will not be lacking for general infomation there.
So what is Wicca then?
That I cannot answer. Or the answer is found in Earth herself. I can tell you that it is a religion where the individual has a spiritual relationship with Earth, Nature and their understandings of God, Goddess and the Divine Universal Energy. Some are in covens. Others are solitary. They follow the seasons, sun, moon, planets and intuition in celebrating and giving honour and respect to their deities, the elements and the Earth. Some work magick. Some don't. Some are awesome and crafty with Herbs and spells. Others aren't. What links all are the pagan beliefs that underlie the spiritual relationship.
We are of the Earth. We are all made of Stars.
The most accepted view is that it was started by Gerald Gardiner and Doreen Valiente in the 20th Century, but before the 1960s. Gardnerian Wicca is your traditional Wicca with covens and rituals and so on. It is said that Gardiner was influenced by Alistair Crowley and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, something I find interesting but know nothing about :)
 |
| Gerald Gardiner taken from10 things about Wicca that Wiccans should know |
But some mentionable ones are Alexandrian, Dianic, Kitchen Witchery, Universal Eclectic, Druidry, Faery Wicca.. there are sooo many. It will be interesting having a look.
While it has come from a history of demonisation and disneyfication, Wicca is really something that while recently constructed, it is based on old pagan beliefs and the Earth herself. The energies of the Universe are revered and honoured. Even encouraged/directed/ put to use by Magick.
I'm not that interested in repeating the specifics of the origin and history of Wicca, hence this post is tiny :) But I've read a few intro chapters in places and they all say much the same thing. Don't forget, everything I write here is my interpretation. Read around and decide for yourself. My posts are organic.. they will change as I learn, I will adapt them and change them :) Its all part of the journey to my own rightness :)
Raymond Buckland's Complete Book of Witchraft gives a nice intro to the history of Witchcraft - I like how the religio-magick of the early humans are detailed here - gives some credence to Murray's theories. Sounds logical. I find it interesting how the magic we know today came out of rituals for fertility and hunting. They were the most important keys to survival back then, and it's funny how now, centuries and centuries later, while we have taken care of that aspect of survival, humanity now needs love and magic on a different level for spiritual survival.
Scott Cunningham concentrates on the shamanic origins of Witchcraft, and seeing as his book was the first one I read as a bright eyed and bushy tailed 16 year old, I can see why it appealed to me. At that time I was really into lucid dreaming and Carlos Casteneda and Don Juan the Yaqui Indian. The main link here is the alternate states of consciousness - which ties nicely with distracting the Id with shiny things (rituals, tools, chanting) in order to get it to direct those creative energies towards personal and universal goals.
All the books I have come across have chapters on the history .. so you will not be lacking for general infomation there.
So what is Wicca then?
That I cannot answer. Or the answer is found in Earth herself. I can tell you that it is a religion where the individual has a spiritual relationship with Earth, Nature and their understandings of God, Goddess and the Divine Universal Energy. Some are in covens. Others are solitary. They follow the seasons, sun, moon, planets and intuition in celebrating and giving honour and respect to their deities, the elements and the Earth. Some work magick. Some don't. Some are awesome and crafty with Herbs and spells. Others aren't. What links all are the pagan beliefs that underlie the spiritual relationship.
We are of the Earth. We are all made of Stars.
A year and a day... In the beginning...
There is so much to learn in the Wiccan Religion. The point of this year and a day is to absorb the spirituality of it all, and decide if it is right for you. There is so much infomation on the internet and in books that I'm finding it hard to focus. I have documents all over the place and I haven't bought books for my Book of Serendipity* or my Wiccapades* so there is no structure, no order.
The Year and a Day organised through Facestalk fell through, and I have found myself in a small and lovely group of kindred spirits, and we have the fabulous Twin Moons to teach us the basics of what we should know. It has also made me look around for how I can find the infomation myself.
And then I remembered this blog :) This will help me keep everything organised as a nice summary of what I have learnt.
The Different Kinds of Wicca
*Both titles are pending, and hereby copyrighted - must look into Trademark :)
While I am here - let me share some of the sources from which I'll get infomation - it's all paraphrased in my own words, but I've based my ideas on the following -
There will be more.. and I'll add them here when they are used :)
The Year and a Day organised through Facestalk fell through, and I have found myself in a small and lovely group of kindred spirits, and we have the fabulous Twin Moons to teach us the basics of what we should know. It has also made me look around for how I can find the infomation myself.
And then I remembered this blog :) This will help me keep everything organised as a nice summary of what I have learnt.
 |
| The Sign of the Triple Goddess |
Well that is the intention anyway.
The whole thing about Wicca is that you are on a path to find your own spirituality - and if you follow the eclectic universal form- you get to take bits and pieces to suit your own style - a bit like me and religion really. I do find a dark side to this though - what about those self-serving types who can reason or rationalise everything they do, despite it being evil or simply to the detriment of others or themselves?
That is where the Wiccan Rede comes in - Do as you will, so long as you harm none. .. not quite the way they say it - but that is what it means :)
To find my way in Wicca - I'll start off by learning these things, in no particular order - but when the time feels right.. I will do it :)
History and Origin of Wicca
The Different Kinds of Wicca
The Deities, The Elements and other energies
The Special Occasions in Wicca
Rituals and Spellcasting
The Tools of the Trade
Herbology
Astrology
Crystals and Gemstones
Tarot, Runes and other Divinatory devices
Dreams
Meditation and Positive Energy
These are all I can think of now. While the Book of Shadows is a personal journey through Wicca, this will be my base for learning. I find that if I have to condense it into one thing to be on here, I will actually collate all the info I have and condense it. And reference where I got it from :)
So let the journey begin!
*Both titles are pending, and hereby copyrighted - must look into Trademark :)
While I am here - let me share some of the sources from which I'll get infomation - it's all paraphrased in my own words, but I've based my ideas on the following -
- The Wiccan Sisters Facebook Group, in particular Moonsong Rain and Moonbeam Raven;
- Magicka School and their publication 'Wicca Revealed';
- Scott Cunningham- Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner;
- Raymond Buckland - Complete Book of Witchcraft;
- Lady Sabrina - Exploring Wicca.
There will be more.. and I'll add them here when they are used :)
Friday, November 30, 2012
Is Wicca right for you?
This was featured on facestalk page Magickal Moonie's Sanctuary, which I love visiting because she (or he?) posts pretty pictures on Wiccan theory (sounds fluffy but there is no other way to describe them, I really like the style). Very informative and I just feel happier after peeking momentarily ;p
This is a short video advice so to speak on the Path of Wicca and how it really translates on an individual level. I was afraid of watching it for a moment, I don't know why, silly I guess. Worried she was going to come out and say 'No Wicca for you' Soup Nazi style..!
What I did feel while and after watching is assured. It made sense. Making a better world, redirecting energies to help the greater good and transcending the ego (which just wants to do magic spells to make its' human life better) spoke to me on a soul level. Especially the part about the Earth's energy. I definately think I will struggle with the transcending the ego part.. but that's the point isn't it?
TipToeChick's Youtube Channel is here - I'll be back there to snoop around :)
........
While I was there, I came across Wicca Craft 1 - who according to the comments is like a Martha Stewart of Wicca... :) I watched this out of interest.. now I want to make a herb garden :)
Monday, November 26, 2012
Tarot books
These are the main Tarot books I use at the moment.
Spiritual Tarot
I've had this one for years - its pretty good - includes detailed descriptions of the cards of three decks - the Rider-Waite, Aquarian and Morgan-Greer. It also has questions to think about when the card comes up in a reading.. this is the oldest Tarot book to survive my possession :)
Druid Craft Tarot
This is the book that came with the current deck I'm using. I like the Druid/Celtic mythology behind the imagery on the cards. The only problem I have with this deck is that Temperance is The Fferyllt, The Devil is Cernunnos, The Empress and The Emperor are the Lady and the Lord, Judgement is Rebirth, Pages are Princesses and Knights are Princes. It's a little bit distracting. As I become more familiar with Celtic based Wicca, I'm sure it will make more sense.
The Mythic Tarot Book
This book came with a previous deck I was using (and now cannot find ) - based on Greek Mythology. I really liked the mythology behind the images on these cards too. The funny thing was the hero in this deck looked exactly like the boy I had a crush on at the time. (yes.. this was high school) And in some parts, he is naked..
Spiritual TarotDruid Craft Tarot
This is the book that came with the current deck I'm using. I like the Druid/Celtic mythology behind the imagery on the cards. The only problem I have with this deck is that Temperance is The Fferyllt, The Devil is Cernunnos, The Empress and The Emperor are the Lady and the Lord, Judgement is Rebirth, Pages are Princesses and Knights are Princes. It's a little bit distracting. As I become more familiar with Celtic based Wicca, I'm sure it will make more sense.
Tarot Made Easy
This book really does make it easy. It has definitions for each card in categories such as Focus, Outcome, Travel, Home, Work, Romance, Esoteric and Mundane guidance and so on. There are about 20 different ones. It doesn't really discuss the imagery or mythology - it's useful for a quick reference.
The Mythic Tarot Book
This book came with a previous deck I was using (and now cannot find ) - based on Greek Mythology. I really liked the mythology behind the images on these cards too. The funny thing was the hero in this deck looked exactly like the boy I had a crush on at the time. (yes.. this was high school) And in some parts, he is naked..
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Which card best represents my Wiccan Journey right now?
IX - The Hermit
That's funny - It came up recently for something else. And I asked a question of the Tarot a few days ago - The answer then was The Moon - in the Druidcraft Tarot book, the Hermit is a companion card for the Moon.
That's funny - It came up recently for something else. And I asked a question of the Tarot a few days ago - The answer then was The Moon - in the Druidcraft Tarot book, the Hermit is a companion card for the Moon.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Witchy Women
This post is all about random stuff I find in the media - old and new. It's interesting. :)
The Witch Pricker - what an awful thing to do to anybody! And the woman who disguised herself as a man - is she the bad one, or just diverting attention away from herself?
Witches' Sabbat in Paris, ca 1910 - this blogpost features a collection of old postcards, of young women disrobing and becoming flying witches... I love the vintage feel of them.
The Witch Pricker - what an awful thing to do to anybody! And the woman who disguised herself as a man - is she the bad one, or just diverting attention away from herself?
 |
| Taken from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-20315106 |
Witches' Sabbat in Paris, ca 1910 - this blogpost features a collection of old postcards, of young women disrobing and becoming flying witches... I love the vintage feel of them.
 |
| Taken from http://sexywitch.wordpress.com/2007/04/07/witches-sabbat-1905/ |
So you want to be a Wiccan ... why?
I have found a really informative group on facestalk - Wiccan Moms 'Year and a Day Study Group'. I'm really looking forward to this - it will help me figure all this stuff out - and focus my energies on where to start or look. Everything I do there will be its' own post - (insert post link here). The study group starts Dec 3.
In the meantime, a new friend sent me some questions to think about... so I will answer them here.. and then I will look at them again in 6 months time :)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For those who are new to Wicca, it is important to carefully consider the following questions....
- Why do you want to become and to be a Wiccan/Witch?
I don't know if I want to be 'Wiccan' or a 'Witch'. What I do want is to become more in tune with the universe. It fills me with awe and wonder and I want to understand my place in it. I want to feel happier and more relaxed, for some reason I seem to think that studying the Wiccan path will lead me there.
- How do you define Wicca?
Well without knowing anything specific, I would personally define Wicca as a pagan religion pre-dating Christianity. It is about being in tune with the universe and channeling energy towards personal goals and the greater good - but not in a way that harms anyone.
Both words I think are 'new' words for paganism - an old earth religion that predates science and mass organised religions. I could be wrong and I accept that :) Both have their connotations - and Witch just makes me think of Disney. :) If you remove the negative connotations I think they mean the same path. I will be interested to see how my perception changes over the coming year.
- What do you seek to get out of Wicca/Witchcraft?
I am seeking that oneness with the universe that I crave. To go above the petty ego-driven lifestyle and 'find myself'. I want to feel more in control of my life. Which sounds silly, cos we never have control over our lives.. maybe I can just contribute to it!
-What do you seek to contribute to Wicca/Witchcraft?
Wow. I don't know what I can contribute. Maybe this blog? They say you learn better through teaching, so maybe I can help everyone else by asking questions and really trying to understand everything. i can also contribute positive thoughtforms and good energy in the universe by overcoming my own negtivity.
- In or out of the Broom Closet...Which is right for you?
I might be a bit of both - depending on the maturity of my audience.
- How do you define religion and spirituality?
ooook. So we are getting existential here? Well I think religion is the organised external form of spirituality. Religion has its negative connotations too - Which group do you belong to? Would you die for it? For me spirituality is that connection with God or the Universe on a personal, internal level.
- Are these words synonymous or do they refer to different things?
I believe religion and spirituality are not synonymous - but I also believe that there is a great number of people who would say otherwise. I respect that. But they are wrong ;p
- What does it mean to be a Wiccan/Witch?
To follow the pagan path. Do no harm to others. To recognise one's place in the Universe. To do magick as a form of channeling energy towards the good. (p.s. I like magick with a k :) It suits Wicca. Whereas magic suits magicians ;p)
- Are you drawn to a specific Goddess, God, and/or pantheon of Deities?
No I am not as yet - I know little about the lot of them - maybe something will click soon. Maybe not.
- Why is the pentagram the holy symbol of Wicca?
Doesn't it represent the several elements? It's got five points hasn't it? I haven't even looked at a Pentgram for a while. Would 4 of the points be fire, earth, air and water, and the 5th one be God or the Wiccan? Something tangible that I can find out!
ok so I've just looked it up:
The five points represent the 4 elements plus the spirit, and the circle connects them all.
These questions will help you to organize your thoughts, and help you to build a foundation for the learning that you will undertake as you step onto the path, that is known as Wicca.
In the meantime, a new friend sent me some questions to think about... so I will answer them here.. and then I will look at them again in 6 months time :)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For those who are new to Wicca, it is important to carefully consider the following questions....
- Why do you want to become and to be a Wiccan/Witch?
I don't know if I want to be 'Wiccan' or a 'Witch'. What I do want is to become more in tune with the universe. It fills me with awe and wonder and I want to understand my place in it. I want to feel happier and more relaxed, for some reason I seem to think that studying the Wiccan path will lead me there.
- How do you define Wicca?
Well without knowing anything specific, I would personally define Wicca as a pagan religion pre-dating Christianity. It is about being in tune with the universe and channeling energy towards personal goals and the greater good - but not in a way that harms anyone.
- Do you consider the words Wicca and Witch to refer to the same path, or do these words refer to a pair of parallel paths?
Both words I think are 'new' words for paganism - an old earth religion that predates science and mass organised religions. I could be wrong and I accept that :) Both have their connotations - and Witch just makes me think of Disney. :) If you remove the negative connotations I think they mean the same path. I will be interested to see how my perception changes over the coming year.
- What do you seek to get out of Wicca/Witchcraft?
I am seeking that oneness with the universe that I crave. To go above the petty ego-driven lifestyle and 'find myself'. I want to feel more in control of my life. Which sounds silly, cos we never have control over our lives.. maybe I can just contribute to it!
-What do you seek to contribute to Wicca/Witchcraft?
Wow. I don't know what I can contribute. Maybe this blog? They say you learn better through teaching, so maybe I can help everyone else by asking questions and really trying to understand everything. i can also contribute positive thoughtforms and good energy in the universe by overcoming my own negtivity.
- In or out of the Broom Closet...Which is right for you?
I might be a bit of both - depending on the maturity of my audience.
- How do you define religion and spirituality?
ooook. So we are getting existential here? Well I think religion is the organised external form of spirituality. Religion has its negative connotations too - Which group do you belong to? Would you die for it? For me spirituality is that connection with God or the Universe on a personal, internal level.
- Are these words synonymous or do they refer to different things?
I believe religion and spirituality are not synonymous - but I also believe that there is a great number of people who would say otherwise. I respect that. But they are wrong ;p
- What does it mean to be a Wiccan/Witch?
To follow the pagan path. Do no harm to others. To recognise one's place in the Universe. To do magick as a form of channeling energy towards the good. (p.s. I like magick with a k :) It suits Wicca. Whereas magic suits magicians ;p)
- Why do you feel that Wicca is the right path for you?
From what I have read or come across over the years, it feels right. This question reminds me of that Elephant story - and Wicca may just be the most closely aligned to my perception of the Elephant. There are elements of Wicca and pagan or even new age spirituality that speak to me on a primal level :)
- Are you drawn to a specific Goddess, God, and/or pantheon of Deities?
No I am not as yet - I know little about the lot of them - maybe something will click soon. Maybe not.
- Why is the pentagram the holy symbol of Wicca?
Doesn't it represent the several elements? It's got five points hasn't it? I haven't even looked at a Pentgram for a while. Would 4 of the points be fire, earth, air and water, and the 5th one be God or the Wiccan? Something tangible that I can find out!
ok so I've just looked it up:
The five points represent the 4 elements plus the spirit, and the circle connects them all.
These questions will help you to organize your thoughts, and help you to build a foundation for the learning that you will undertake as you step onto the path, that is known as Wicca.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Where do I start?
This infomation is from The Celtic Connection.
Read as much as you can find on the topic – get an idea of the philosophy and ethics of Wicca - so you can decide whether it is the path for you
Begin a wiccan journal - write down your thoughts and feelings as you learn new things. Include associations with what you read and your own life. Appreciate Synchroncity!
Listen to your inner voice – if it doesn’t feel right, it isn’t right for you.
Once you have studied everything – and still feel that it is right – it is time to do the dedication ritual.
Try meditation and visualisations. They will help you calm the mind and concentrate you energies on your understanding and use of Wiccan philosophy and spells.
And then, as far as the whole spell thing goes:
Read as much as you can find on the topic – get an idea of the philosophy and ethics of Wicca - so you can decide whether it is the path for you
Begin a wiccan journal - write down your thoughts and feelings as you learn new things. Include associations with what you read and your own life. Appreciate Synchroncity!
Listen to your inner voice – if it doesn’t feel right, it isn’t right for you.
Once you have studied everything – and still feel that it is right – it is time to do the dedication ritual.
Dedication ritual
You are dedicating yourself to the craft and making the decision to live life in closer balance and harmony with the universe. You are making a commitment to the universe. Design the ritual in the way that is most meaningful for you.
Try meditation and visualisations. They will help you calm the mind and concentrate you energies on your understanding and use of Wiccan philosophy and spells.
And then, as far as the whole spell thing goes:
·
You
need to learn the basic structure of spells.
o
Casting
the circle
o
Calling
quarters
o
Invoking
the Goddess and God
o
Raising
and directing the energy
o
Grounding
o
Centering
o
Closing
the circle.
Stumbled upon... online resources for the procrastinating Wiccan
Websites
Being in Australia, I'm looking for infomation specific to the Southern Hemisphere. If you know any really good ones, please let me know :)
I have found so much in the last few days, I'm going to have to stop googling and actually look through these websites and pages. The notes next to my links are just to remind me what is there :)
Magicka School - they have free intro courses to Wicca and Tarot. I'm giving them a go as part of my year and a day :)
Spheres of Light- Book of Shadows - a very cool looking site with a load of information - like an index. Cant wait to keep looking through :)
The Celtic Connection - very informative and I love the black and green :) Has a short course for $12 on Living Wicca Today that I'm interested in. There is also a free newsletter and links to knowledge... there is a forum and I'm not sure if this link will work - but here is a recommended website list to check out. Let me know if you try and it doesn't!
I have found so much in the last few days, I'm going to have to stop googling and actually look through these websites and pages. The notes next to my links are just to remind me what is there :)
Magicka School - they have free intro courses to Wicca and Tarot. I'm giving them a go as part of my year and a day :)
Spheres of Light- Book of Shadows - a very cool looking site with a load of information - like an index. Cant wait to keep looking through :)
The Celtic Connection - very informative and I love the black and green :) Has a short course for $12 on Living Wicca Today that I'm interested in. There is also a free newsletter and links to knowledge... there is a forum and I'm not sure if this link will work - but here is a recommended website list to check out. Let me know if you try and it doesn't!
Goddess Runes used book - speaking of lost rune books, I'm not sure where this one is, but I've had the same runes since I was 15. They are very special to me. Now I can buy a used book for them here :) Looking for pictures of the rune on Google Images I came across PMH Atwater's webpage?.. will check it out later. I think Ellen is on ;p
* found another site Runes of the Goddess you may want to turn your speakers down before heading here ;p
* And another blog on Asatru here which featured nordic runes...
Wicca: For the rest of Us - I came across this blog while googling Silver Ravenwolf. This site has reviews of her books, and doesnt agree with her point of view. Interesting review.. I probably won't buy Silver's books.. but then again, I might ;) I'm not sure what I think of the site yet, it seems a bit negative (but admittedly I've only really read the review) but even the title feels divisive... 'for the rest of us'.. but I'll still check this out :)
Facebook pages/groups
The Newness of Now
Welcome to my new blog! One would think I really do have too much on my hands... and I can't even promise I'll still be here in a moon's turn...
This blog is about me finding my place in the Universe.
I will post what I find out about Wicca, Dreams, Tarot, Runes and my own deeper spirituality. It may even be of some interest to others!
Blessed Be
xx
This blog is about me finding my place in the Universe.
I will post what I find out about Wicca, Dreams, Tarot, Runes and my own deeper spirituality. It may even be of some interest to others!
Blessed Be
xx
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)