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Free Wiccan Newsletter: Pagan, Wicca, Witchcraft, Druidry, Spirituality, & more! |
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Wicca Spirit Newsletter |
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Wicca & Witchcraft & Paganism (oh my!) |
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Volume II Issue 4 |
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· Spirituality - Spiritual Growth & Empowerment · Personal Growth & Empowerment · Wicca & Paganism - Beliefs & Practices · Magick , Witchcraft, Hoodoo- working with Universal & Natural Energies & Powers · Native American Spirituality, Beliefs & Practices · Zen Buddhism · Meditation & Visualization · A Course in Miracles · Gnosticism · Celtic History & the Druids · Creating Sacred Space · Herbs & Herbalism · Reiki & Healing · Crystals & Gemstones · Divination & Scrying · Dreams & Dream Working · Charms, Amulets, Talismans · Book Discussions · Cultural History & Influence · The Secret Teachings of All Ages
Interested ? Live in southeast Texas? Contact us for more information |
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2. Hints & Tips 6. Crafts 11. Incense & Oils 15. Druidry 16. Wicca & Witchcraft. For submission guidelines, advertising information, and general information about this newsletter please browse the intro issue: Click Here Contact us with any questions. |
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Paganism and Witchcraft - Fears and Fallacy ...By Yvonne Perry
Throughout history humans have been afraid of what they do not understand. Rather than researching, asking questions and trying to understand another person’s viewpoint, many times we harshly judge a matter and exclude those who believe differently than we do.
Every year when Halloween passes I’m reminded of people who do not celebrate the occasion because they feel it is a Pagan holiday or that it is “of the devil.” If people only knew how many Pagan traditions are hidden throughout the Bible perhaps they wouldn’t be so judgmental or afraid of Paganism. I’d like to address some of the fears and give a factual overview of Paganism.
What about witches? The wise woman or wise man of the old European village was a respected healer, midwife, or herbalist called a shaman. Today we have doctors and pharmacists who serve in these capacities. They are invokers of energy and distributors of power. They may conduct healing or worship rituals using stones, oil, candles, fire, herbs, water, incense, statues, tarot cards or other tangible objects to invoke Divine energies in an attempt to co-create a situation that betters their life, or the life of a loved one. The intent is never to harm another person. The idea that witches are evil came from the Christian myths created by political figures who violently opposed the traditions of old Rome.
Sound familiar? The Jews used stone altars, burned animals as sacrifice and used incense in the temple rituals. The priests’ robes contained divination tools (Urim and Thummin) used to predict and discern the will of God for the nation. Monotheistic religions today anoint people with oil, and use water in purification rituals such as baptism. If you have ever worn a cross pendant, or placed a picture of Jesus or Mary on your wall you understand the symbolism, comfort and power that icons and tangible objects bring to spiritual practices.
What about witchcraft and casting evil spells? There are those in both Monotheistic and Polytheistic circles who harm others with their behavior, but to say that all Polytheistic people are evil is like saying all priests are child molesters. The intent of a Wiccan witch is much the same as that of a Christian prayer warrior: to improve conditions on the planet or in the lives of others. They are both intercessors for the good of humanity. Modern witches have a strict belief in the Law of Return and Karma or sowing and reaping— what one sends out into the world will return multiplied. Therefore, only positive and loving energy is used in spells.
What about devil worship and animal sacrifice? It is really strange that people think of Polytheistic people as devil worshipers since they do not believe in Satan or the devil. They commonly love and honor animals to the point that many are vegetarians because they do not wish to kill an animal for food. Therefore, it is certain that they do not harm or sacrifice animals in religious rituals. On the other hand, the U.S. is the world’s leader in animal sacrifice as we daily slaughter animals through the poultry and cattle industries in the name of money and self-indulgence.
What about worshipping other gods? Identifying an attribute and calling it a deity doesn’t make it greater than the source from which it came. It remains a corresponding and substantial part of its Creator. Monotheistic people have personified the names, attributes and characteristics of God, i.e.: Jehovah-Jireh means God, the Provider, Jehovah-Shalom means the God of Peace, Jehovah-Rapha means God, the Healer. Monotheism recognizes Arch-Angels such as Michael, the protector, or Raphael, the healer, as angelic helpers of God.
The deities of polytheism are helpers of Mother Goddess. The worship of these deities is usually nothing more than asking for assistance with a problem or releasing worries by placing the situation in the hands of a higher power. Polytheistic people will sometimes make an offering by pouring wine on the ground, or leaving food on the altar or a coin upon the earth as a thank you gift. Monotheistic people give a tithe to the church or make charitable donations as a way of expressing gratitude.
How accepting are you of other religions? Are you willing to be led in a prayer which invokes the love of Mother Goddess as well as in a prayer with the traditional ending “in Jesus’ name”? If you ask your neighbor to attend your church, would you attend a Pagan drum circle with her in return?
Man looks on the outward appearance, but God/Goddess looks at the intention of our heart. Most of our fears and judgments are a result of ignorance or a lack of understanding possibly due to the vocabulary terms we use to define our beliefs. In the end, we are all seeking to feel closely connected with our Creator no matter what name we give him or her.
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Craft vs Society ...By Kylie Sheen
The Craft is one thing that is totally misunderstood by society. Even those who have an open mind, can be intimidated by just a word, such as witch or pagan. It is funny how so much has changed in the world over thousands of years, but peoples thoughts and action toward people who practice the craft. So why is it that we sit back and take the ridicule, we are no different to any other person, we just have our own beliefs.
Over the years that I have practiced wicca people have changed. People I meet, and become friends with tend to drop away when they find out what I do, or they tend to be unsure around me. It is not their fault, it is they way they have been raised. And I guess I would not be the only one that this would happen to. Friend who accept you for who you are a true friends, but unless they are interested in the craft as well, you still can't really talk to them about it. And this is why we search for others that are like minded.
Well now I say it is time to take back our place in the world. It is time to fight back and show people that we are not what they think we are, it is time that the world understood the craft again.
Of course this will take time. But it will take each and every practitioner though out the world to do this. So how can this be done, you say. Well it is easier than you think. The first step is to be open about your belief. Don't try and hide away and let others get the better of you. Two, sit down with those, such as parents, other family members and friends. Give them some books to read on the subject to help them understand. Introduce it slowly though, too much all at once might be over whelming for them.
Also, positive thinking, think there will be a time where we can walk among society with out hearing those remarks that we dread so much or those filthy looks that we get. Also remember to always be proud of who you are.
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2. Hints & Tips 6. Crafts 11. Incense & Oils 15. Druidry 16. Wicca & Witchcraft. For submission guidelines, advertising information, and general information about this newsletter please browse the intro issue: Click Here Contact us with any questions. |
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· Spirituality - Spiritual Growth & Empowerment · Personal Growth & Empowerment · Wicca & Paganism - Beliefs & Practices · Magick , Witchcraft, Hoodoo- working with Universal & Natural Energies & Powers · Native American Spirituality, Beliefs & Practices · Zen Buddhism · Meditation & Visualization · A Course in Miracles · Gnosticism · Celtic History & the Druids · Creating Sacred Space · Herbs & Herbalism · Reiki & Healing · Crystals & Gemstones · Divination & Scrying · Dreams & Dream Working · Charms, Amulets, Talismans · Book Discussions · Cultural History & Influence · The Secret Teachings of All Ages
Interested ? Live in southeast Texas? Contact us for more information |
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Wicca Spirit is seeking articles, poetry, artwork, opinions, essays, book reviews, spells, rituals, any information of interest to the Wiccan & Pagan Community. All submissions are given serious consideration - let us showcase your work! |
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Questions or Comments? Send Email |
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The different types of Witches Many just beginning their studies of Witchcraft think that there is only one 'type' or kind of Witchcraft. It is important for beginners to realize that there are many more paths one can follow. By learning about different ones, it can not only enrich your knowledge, but even guide you towards a path that's best suited for you. The following are just a few descriptions of some of the most common.
Kitchen Witch: It practices by home and hearth, mainly dealing with practical sides of the religion, magick, the elements and the earth.
Ceremonial Witchcraft: Mainly use ceremonial magick (obviously) in their practices. They commonly use Qabbalistic magick or Egyptian magick in their rituals.
Satanic Witch: This doesn't exist. Why? Witches don't believe in Satan.
Celtic Wicca: Goes by the elements, the Ancient Ones and nature. They are usually healers or respect them highly. They work with plants, stones, flowers, trees, the elemental people, the gnomes and the fairies.
Eclectic Witch: Doesn't follow a particular religion or tradition. They study and learn from many different systems and use what works best for them.
British Traditional Witch: A mix of Celtic and Gardenarian beliefs. They train through a degree process and the covens are usually co-ed.
Alexandrian Tradition: They are said to be modified Gardenarian.
Gardenarian Tradition: Follow a structured root in ceremony and practice. They aren't as much vocal as others and have a fairly foundational set of customs.
Dianic Tradition: Includes a lot of different traditions in one. Their prime focus now-a-days is the Goddess. It is the more feminist side of 'The Craft'.
Pictish Witchcraft: It's originally from Scotland and is a solitary form of The Craft. It is more magickal in nature than it is in religion.
Hereditary Witch: Someone who has been taught the 'Old Religion' through the generations of their family.
Caledonii Tradition: Also known as the Hecatine Tradition, it's the denomination of The Craft with a Scottish origin.
Pow-Wow: Comes from South Central Pennsylvania and is a system based on a 400 year old Elite German magick. They concentrate on simple faith healing.
Solitary Witch: This is one who practices alone, without a cover etc.. following any tradition.
Strega Witches: Originally coming from Italy are the known to be the smallest group in the US. It is said their craft is wise and beautiful. |
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Common Reasons Pagans Give For Choosing Paganism As A Religion By Tracy Falbe
Pagan images create feelings of freedom, excitement, and intimacy. A ring of fires blazing in the night as the moon rises...drums beating as people dry off from a ritual bath...flesh is bared and a sword is raised...Any such scenes could come from a pagan ritual, or none of them because paganism summons diversity and encourages creativity.
Paganism as a religion has proven difficult for academics to define in narrow terms. Essentially a common element among people who practice pagan rituals is that very little restriction is placed upon imagination. Different groups of pagans devise their own ways of performing rituals according to their tastes, region, and ways of thinking about their sacred realms. Paganism has no strict rule book or laws laid down by prophets that must be obeyed by followers.
Because paganism tends to allow its practitioners to explore their own visions of how to worship the sacred, it can be said to allow people great freedom within the religion. Pagan religions make spaces where their members can be imaginative in their philosophies and rituals. This element of freedom in paganism has been identified as a factor that attracts some people to the religion. Wiccan priestess and NPR correspondent, Margot Adler in her classic book "Drawing Down the Moon" described paganism as a "religion without converts" because people decide individually to seek pagan spirituality. Pagans rarely proselytize their faith, and, Adler noted, that a pagan group might even be quite selective about accepting new members.
During her extensive research about paganism, Adler conducted interviews with people who identified religiously as pagans. When asking people what they liked about it, she discovered several prominent reasons.
Environmental Alignment: Paganism, whatever its methods and philosophies, is always rooted in Nature. Pagans revere Nature, and their attraction to paganism is often motivated by the environmental destruction of Nature that is going on everywhere. They see that they need to connect with the natural sacredness of all creation. They want a religious expression of ecological truths that are becoming increasingly apparent.
Feminist Alignment: Unlike the monotheistic patriarchal religions that are hostile to women and all that is female, paganism embraces both the feminine and masculine. Women are accepted within paganism as powerful, creative, and beneficial forces. Mother Earth worship and Goddess worship occur throughout paganism. Women play crucial roles as priestesses or witches. Unlike most religions, paganism gives women a respected place. To put it simply, the feminine is part of paganism. Therefore, some women come to this religion because of its ability to support feminist thought.
Intellectual Stimulation: Pagans often report that they find pagan subjects, esoteric knowledge, and ancient practices interesting and that they like to learn about many things, especially on spiritual subjects. Because they find that paganism is open to learning about new subjects, people who crave to continually expand their outlook fit in well. This makes sense because paganism sees sacredness in all of creation and learning more simply means knowing more about the sacred.
Adler noted many times in "Drawing Down the Moon" that pagans are avid readers, and this appetite for reading was not related to education level or socioeconomic class. Pagans regardless of education or profession read books frequently. Some of them even cited their extensive reading as what led them to accepting paganism as their spiritual guide.
Because they read many books, pagans often include books in the fantasy genre on their shelves. This can be explained because fantasy books frequently are set close to Nature. Characters exist within a world that has a low technology level, as in most high fantasy books like "The Lord of the Rings." Another aspect of fantasy fiction that fits in well with pagan tastes is the conceptualization of magical powers that are derived from realms other than technology.
Although pagan religious groups are decidedly out of the mainstream, they can be found throughout the world in one form or another. Paganism, so often reviled throughout history as large state-allied religions asserted themselves throughout much of civilization, has never been completely abandoned. People seeking spiritual expression come to it from many directions and practice pagan rituals in many ways that are constantly updating as paganism continues its quiet existence within larger societies.
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