What is Wicca?
With so many different paths, beliefs and practices in Wicca, that can be a very difficult question to answer. There are more than a dozen Wiccan groups and even more eclectic and and solitary Wiccans around who practice different variations on a the theme of Wiccan beliefs. The reality is that Wicca can be many things because there is no one set of guidelines to follow. Specifics vary from tradition to tradition. But there are few things that just about every Wicca can agree on.
Wicca is not ancient belief system, but it is based heavily on pre-Christian beliefs from Europe. Although much of the actual history of that time has been lost, we can try to reconstruct how they lived and believed from the little information that has been recovered.
Wiccans deeply love and revere nature because we see the Divine in all of nature. All life is precious; people, animals, tress, the grass, flowers, insects, etc. Because of this, it is easy to understand why many Wiccans are also environmentalists. For this reason, Wiccans do not build structures to be used as churchs. Our holy places are nature. Forests, fields, beaches, mountains and all of the outside world are Wiccan scared places.
Wiccan services are called Ritual. We sing, dance, chant and celebrate life as we call upon the Divine. Rituals are personal and private for Wiccans and they are all different depending on the person or people performing them. Most rituals include the burning of candles and incense, calling upon our gods and goddess, and self-reflection as well. Truthfully, a ritual can be anything you want it to be. From a bath to a dance in the forest at midnight, it is up to you.
The Divine can be both male and female. Most Wiccan paths honor both a god and goddess and both are equal. One is no more important than the other. Many Deities can be honored at once, but there is usually a divine female called "The Goddess" and divine male called "The God". In general, The Goddess is the mother, the giver of life, the wise woman, and sharper of the world. The God is the giver of energy and life. He is the Horned One, the `God of the forest, the grain and the hunt. It is an individual choice of what gods and goddess to worship.
Wiccans celebrate holidays, called Sabbats, based on the cycle of the seasons and the turning of the Earth. There also monthly Esbats.
The concept of karma and afterlife is important to most Wiccans. Many of us hold with the Law of Threefold Return, with states that what we do in this life will come back to us in the next.
Each person is responsible for their own actions. Personal responsibility is a key concept of Wicca. You must be willing to accept the consequences of our actions, whether in everyday behavior or in magick. The one rule that governs Wiccans ethics is "An it harm none, do as ye will" from the Wiccan Rede. Most people interrupt this to mean that you should never intentionally do harm to another.
Wiccans do not actively recruit. We do not preach to you or try to recruit you into our faith. Wiccans believe that it is important for the individual to find their own path. Respect for other faiths should be an important part of any Wiccan belief system.
Wiccans do not engage animal sacrifice! We do make offerings of food and wine from time to time, but nothing more that we would eat for dinner. There are no ritual killings of animals at all.
Wiccans are not worship Satan. That is Satanism and a completely different sort of religion.
Being Wiccan is not about the clothes you wear either. Almost all Wiccans dress the same way as everyone else. We do often wear ritual robes for our rites, but many other faiths do as well. Even that is not written in stone.There is no way that you must dress in order to be a Wiccan.
What Wicca is, is a peaceful, nature-revering faith that all life to be scared. They are many variables and there is no right or wrong. Each person must search themselves and decide what is best for them on their own terms.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Pagan Children
Just being Pagan is difficult enough of a task sometimes. Raising children as Pagan is a different story entirely. Many parents with how to go about teaching their children their beliefs. Truthfully though, it doesn't have to be difficult. There are some simple things that you can do with your children which will not only teach them, but be fun for you and them both.
One of easiest things that you can do is to tell your children stories. All children love to sit and listen to stories of heroes, fairies, gods and goddesses. Use story time to tell your children myths and legends associated with your beliefs.
Another very simply things that you can do with your children is to sign songs and do chants. There are many different songs and chants out for Pagan children that are simple and easy to learn. You can even help them make up there own little songs and rhythms to celebrate the earth and nature.
You can also let your kids do drum circles. You don't even have to buy a drum. Use coffee cans or pots and pans from the kitchen. Or get two sticks and let the hit them together. A wooden stool and a stick is a wonderful percussion instrument. Collect a bunch of instruments for everyone and sit around drum. Have a Family Drumming Circle and let everyone participate. What could be more fun? The children will have a blast with this one!
Why not teach your child how to set their very own alter? What better way to include them in the Craft? It can be very simple. It doesn't have to be elaborate or even look very much like an adult alter. Instead of candles, let have a small lamp or flashlight. Take them on walks in the forest or the beach. Let them collect things that they love to include on their alter. Small shells, leaves, twigs, pine cones, or flowers would be perfect. Give them a special family photo to add. Instead on incense, use a sachet with a scent they love. Anything they want to include is fine and it helps them to feel like they are a part of things.
Teach them about Nature and how important it is to us. Teach them about herbs and trees and flowers. Show them the right way to treat the Earth now so that they will grow up revering it. To me, there is no nobler achievement than to teach your children to treat the Earth, and all life on it, with love and respect.
Making their own wand would be a perfect addition to their alter as well. When you are out for a walk, let them pick out a stick they like. Bring it home and decorate it however they wish. Add ribbons, glitter, beads, crystals or even charms. Whatever they love.
Childhood is a wonderful time to learn meditation. Even very small children can benefit from what some might call quite time. Lie back and look at the stars or the clouds; or sit on the beach a listen to the ocean for a couple of minutes. For older children, you can guide them through a 10 minute mediation. By the time they reach adulthood, meditation will be a part of their life. What a wonderful stress reliever!
To celebrate the Sabbats, make crafts and decorations with your child. There are lots of books available on the subject and you can even find ideas on the Internet at no cost. They will feel connected to the celebration and be proud of their work as well. It's fun as well!
School age children can even begin their own Book Of Shadows. A blank notebook will work perfectly. They can write down information on Sabbats, the turning of the seasons, even songs and chants that are important to them. As they get older, their information can become more detailed. It will become a treasured artifact of childhood.
Also, be sure to include your children in your Sabbat celebrations. If you want to have a separate, adult celebration that's fine. But I feel like it is important to have a family celebration as well so that the children know you want them to be a part of your faith. If they think you want to include them, they will most likely be more interested in learning.
You see, there are lots of things that you can do to teach you children about Paganism and what you believe. I am sure that you can think of many more things to do with your children as well. The most important thing to remember is to let the have fun and have some yourself as well!
One of easiest things that you can do is to tell your children stories. All children love to sit and listen to stories of heroes, fairies, gods and goddesses. Use story time to tell your children myths and legends associated with your beliefs.
Another very simply things that you can do with your children is to sign songs and do chants. There are many different songs and chants out for Pagan children that are simple and easy to learn. You can even help them make up there own little songs and rhythms to celebrate the earth and nature.
You can also let your kids do drum circles. You don't even have to buy a drum. Use coffee cans or pots and pans from the kitchen. Or get two sticks and let the hit them together. A wooden stool and a stick is a wonderful percussion instrument. Collect a bunch of instruments for everyone and sit around drum. Have a Family Drumming Circle and let everyone participate. What could be more fun? The children will have a blast with this one!
Why not teach your child how to set their very own alter? What better way to include them in the Craft? It can be very simple. It doesn't have to be elaborate or even look very much like an adult alter. Instead of candles, let have a small lamp or flashlight. Take them on walks in the forest or the beach. Let them collect things that they love to include on their alter. Small shells, leaves, twigs, pine cones, or flowers would be perfect. Give them a special family photo to add. Instead on incense, use a sachet with a scent they love. Anything they want to include is fine and it helps them to feel like they are a part of things.
Teach them about Nature and how important it is to us. Teach them about herbs and trees and flowers. Show them the right way to treat the Earth now so that they will grow up revering it. To me, there is no nobler achievement than to teach your children to treat the Earth, and all life on it, with love and respect.
Making their own wand would be a perfect addition to their alter as well. When you are out for a walk, let them pick out a stick they like. Bring it home and decorate it however they wish. Add ribbons, glitter, beads, crystals or even charms. Whatever they love.
Childhood is a wonderful time to learn meditation. Even very small children can benefit from what some might call quite time. Lie back and look at the stars or the clouds; or sit on the beach a listen to the ocean for a couple of minutes. For older children, you can guide them through a 10 minute mediation. By the time they reach adulthood, meditation will be a part of their life. What a wonderful stress reliever!
To celebrate the Sabbats, make crafts and decorations with your child. There are lots of books available on the subject and you can even find ideas on the Internet at no cost. They will feel connected to the celebration and be proud of their work as well. It's fun as well!
School age children can even begin their own Book Of Shadows. A blank notebook will work perfectly. They can write down information on Sabbats, the turning of the seasons, even songs and chants that are important to them. As they get older, their information can become more detailed. It will become a treasured artifact of childhood.
Also, be sure to include your children in your Sabbat celebrations. If you want to have a separate, adult celebration that's fine. But I feel like it is important to have a family celebration as well so that the children know you want them to be a part of your faith. If they think you want to include them, they will most likely be more interested in learning.
You see, there are lots of things that you can do to teach you children about Paganism and what you believe. I am sure that you can think of many more things to do with your children as well. The most important thing to remember is to let the have fun and have some yourself as well!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
You Can Write Your Own Spells!
If you want to use spells that you find in books or that trusted friends give to you, that is fine. There is nothing wrong with that, in my opinion. But you may not want to use other people's spells or you may not be able to find exactly what you are looking for. The fact is, writing your own spells is not hard and can be an intensely spiritual act. If you follow are few easy steps, you can write you own spell!
First, take some time to figure think about what you want the spell to accomplish. Be clear on this! Do you want to clear your spirit of negativity? Or is it that you want to find the perfect love for you? Do you need a new job? Whatever it is that you want, be sure to state that specifically.
Next, think about what items you want to incorporate into your spell. Do you like working with candles, crystals, or herbs? Find out which candle colors or herb or type of crystal best represents the kind of thing that you wish to accomplish in your spell. You don't have to use any of these items, but using some type of magickal item may increase the power of your spell. Decide what you are most comfortable with depending on your level of experience.
Think about the timing of your spell. If you are a practitioner of moon magick, find out what phase of the moon is best for your spell. The waxing moon is best for positive works and drawing things to you. The waining moon is best for negativity and destructive magick. Just be aware of what you want to accomplish and which phase of the moon is best for you. Also, the day of the week you preform your spell on may be important to you. In many Pagan traditions, the days of the week can be very important aspects of magick. You might want to learn more about this before deciding on when to perform your spell. If you are new to spell writing and spellwork in general, don't get bogged down in the details too much. Follow your instincts. If the timing feels right to you, go for it!
Lastly, think about what you want to say. Do you wish to verbalize what you want? Do you want to say a poem, or do a chant? Do you want to call upon the Deities to help you achieve your goals? This doesn't have to be any complicated. A few words of praise for your Deities of choice and a small wish for their help is all you would really need.It can be as simple or as elaborate as you want to make it. You might even decide not to speak at all, but to use this time on nature, your life, or what you wish to accomplish.
Write your new spell down in your Book Of Shadows and do the ritual whenever you want to. Like I said, it doesn't have to be complicated. Just get out there and do it! If you haven't seen and effect from your spell within a lunar month (28 days) you might want to take another look at it and see what variables can be changed to try again. Don't give up! The sense of accomplishment you get from writing a spell that works for you is amazing!
Blessed Be!
First, take some time to figure think about what you want the spell to accomplish. Be clear on this! Do you want to clear your spirit of negativity? Or is it that you want to find the perfect love for you? Do you need a new job? Whatever it is that you want, be sure to state that specifically.
Next, think about what items you want to incorporate into your spell. Do you like working with candles, crystals, or herbs? Find out which candle colors or herb or type of crystal best represents the kind of thing that you wish to accomplish in your spell. You don't have to use any of these items, but using some type of magickal item may increase the power of your spell. Decide what you are most comfortable with depending on your level of experience.
Think about the timing of your spell. If you are a practitioner of moon magick, find out what phase of the moon is best for your spell. The waxing moon is best for positive works and drawing things to you. The waining moon is best for negativity and destructive magick. Just be aware of what you want to accomplish and which phase of the moon is best for you. Also, the day of the week you preform your spell on may be important to you. In many Pagan traditions, the days of the week can be very important aspects of magick. You might want to learn more about this before deciding on when to perform your spell. If you are new to spell writing and spellwork in general, don't get bogged down in the details too much. Follow your instincts. If the timing feels right to you, go for it!
Lastly, think about what you want to say. Do you wish to verbalize what you want? Do you want to say a poem, or do a chant? Do you want to call upon the Deities to help you achieve your goals? This doesn't have to be any complicated. A few words of praise for your Deities of choice and a small wish for their help is all you would really need.It can be as simple or as elaborate as you want to make it. You might even decide not to speak at all, but to use this time on nature, your life, or what you wish to accomplish.
Write your new spell down in your Book Of Shadows and do the ritual whenever you want to. Like I said, it doesn't have to be complicated. Just get out there and do it! If you haven't seen and effect from your spell within a lunar month (28 days) you might want to take another look at it and see what variables can be changed to try again. Don't give up! The sense of accomplishment you get from writing a spell that works for you is amazing!
Blessed Be!
Friday, October 26, 2007
The Blood Moon
Tonight, Oct. 26, is the Blood moon, sometimes called the Hunter's Moon, This moon mark's the beginning of the Third Harvest, when people are bringing in the last of the crops from their fields. Everyone is making making ready for winter. This is as true today as it was in ancient times.
It is time for the Hunts to begin as well. Animals were hunted and domesticated animals slaughtered, dressed and stored to be eaten during long winter to come. In days passed, this became known as the Blood Moon in remembrance of the animals that were sacrificed so that the people could have food.
All of nature makes ready for the deep winter as well. Animals gathered the last of the food they will need for the winter. Birds fly south to warmer climates. Even plants and trees recede for the cold winter to come.
In modern times, the Blood Moon should serve as a reminder that we should prepare for the coming winter. Check you food stores to make sure you have extra on hand in case of bad weather, But extra batteries for radios and flashlights. Check your smoke alarm. Have your car serviced and the tires checked to be sure it is winter ready.
Magickally speaking this is an amazingly powerful time! Spells of protection are best done during the Blood Moon. Magick to remove negativity and stress are good when worked on this night as well. Set new goals and reflect on your accomplishments of the year past. This is the prefect time forming growing and learning spiriutally.
Divination takes on a special power on the night of the Blood Moon. Practioners of all forms of divination use the enhanced powers tonight. Be it divining rods, tarot cards, runes, casting stones, or any other type of divining; all are better when done during the Blood Moon.
Do something special tonight. Bless your home, work protective spells for yourself and your family, take a ritual bath. Whatever you want to do to mark the Blood Moon. Don't forget to reflect on the year past and prepared for the winter to come.
It is time for the Hunts to begin as well. Animals were hunted and domesticated animals slaughtered, dressed and stored to be eaten during long winter to come. In days passed, this became known as the Blood Moon in remembrance of the animals that were sacrificed so that the people could have food.
All of nature makes ready for the deep winter as well. Animals gathered the last of the food they will need for the winter. Birds fly south to warmer climates. Even plants and trees recede for the cold winter to come.
In modern times, the Blood Moon should serve as a reminder that we should prepare for the coming winter. Check you food stores to make sure you have extra on hand in case of bad weather, But extra batteries for radios and flashlights. Check your smoke alarm. Have your car serviced and the tires checked to be sure it is winter ready.
Magickally speaking this is an amazingly powerful time! Spells of protection are best done during the Blood Moon. Magick to remove negativity and stress are good when worked on this night as well. Set new goals and reflect on your accomplishments of the year past. This is the prefect time forming growing and learning spiriutally.
Divination takes on a special power on the night of the Blood Moon. Practioners of all forms of divination use the enhanced powers tonight. Be it divining rods, tarot cards, runes, casting stones, or any other type of divining; all are better when done during the Blood Moon.
Do something special tonight. Bless your home, work protective spells for yourself and your family, take a ritual bath. Whatever you want to do to mark the Blood Moon. Don't forget to reflect on the year past and prepared for the winter to come.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
The History And Symbolism Of Samhain
Samhain is my favorite Sabbat and my favorite time of year. It has a wonderfully colorful and magical history as well.
Samhain is one of the four Greater Sabbats. Pronounced SOW-in in Ireland, SAH-vin in Scotland, or, more commonly in modern times, SAM-hayne; it means "End od Summer. This is the thrid and final Harvest of the year and marks the beginning of winter. It is commonly celebrated on October 31st, but some traditions celebrate on November 1st.
Samhain is known by many names, Third Harvest, Samana, Vigil of Samana, Day of the Dead, Old Hallowmas (Scottish/Celtic), Shadowfest (Strega), and Samhuinn. It may also be called All Hallow's Eve, although this day actually falls on November 7th; or Martinmas, which is actually on November 11th.
Samhain is a most magical night! Just as on Beltane, the barrier that is general present between our world and the spirit world is lifted. Departed spirits journey through this world on their way to Summerland. For this reason, it is easier to communicate with our ancestors and those loved ones that have departed. Since it is the beginning of the deep, dark winter, it is time for studying Dark Mysteries. We should honer the Dark Mother and Dark Father, symbolized by the Crone and her consort, at this time as well.
It was originally celebrated in Celtic countries as the "Feast of the Dead". Food was left as offerings on alters and doorsteps for the spirits of the dead journeying to Summerland. Many pagans still hold to this tradition in modern times. A single candle is lit and placed in a window as a guide to bring the spirits of our ancestors home. Extra chairs are set at table and around the hearth for the spirits to know they are welcome. In olden times, apples were buried along the roadsides and paths, for the spirits that were lost or who had no one left in this world to welcome them into their homes.
This was a night for magic and mischief! Turnips were hollowed out and carved to look like protective spirits. In modern times, we use pumpkins instead of turnips. The Wee Folk; fairies, gnomes and the like; came out to play pranks on humans. It was not advised to travel after dark. To fool the Wee Folk and the spirits, people dressed in white to look like ghosts, or wore disguises made of straw, or even dressed as the opposite gender. This is were the custom of wearing Halloween costumes comes from.
This was also when livestock were slaughtered and put away to ensure meat would be available during the dark winter. Crops had to be harvested before Samhain. If any were still in the field, they were left as an offerings to the natural spirits.
Known in olden times as Bonefires; bonfires were built after feasting and the bones were thrown into the fire. These were offerings to ensure healthy livestock the next year. Stones were marked with the names of people and cast into the fire, to be retrieved the next morning. The condition of the stones was said to fortell the future of that person in the year to come. All of the homes in a village lit their hearth fire from the village's bonfire. This was said to ensure unity of the village in the coming year. The ashes from the bonfire were spread across the harvested fields to protect and bless the land.
Symbolism of Samhain
Third Harvest, the Dark Mysteries, Rebirth through Death
Symbols of Samhain
Gourds, Apples, Black Cats, Jack-O-Lanterns, Besoms
Colors of Samhain
Black, Orange, White, Silver, Gold
Incense of Samhain
Heliotrope, Mint, Nutmeg
Herbs of Samhain
Mugwort, Allspice, Broom, Catnip. Deadly Nightshade, Mandrake, Oak Leaves, Sage and Straw
Foods of Samhain
Turnips, Apples, Gourds, Nuts, Mulled Wines, Beef, Pork, Poultry
Stones of Samhain
All Black Stones, preferably jet or obsidian
Sources: The Celtic Connection www.wicca.com
A night of mischief and magick! by Anna Caldwell
Samhain is one of the four Greater Sabbats. Pronounced SOW-in in Ireland, SAH-vin in Scotland, or, more commonly in modern times, SAM-hayne; it means "End od Summer. This is the thrid and final Harvest of the year and marks the beginning of winter. It is commonly celebrated on October 31st, but some traditions celebrate on November 1st.
Samhain is known by many names, Third Harvest, Samana, Vigil of Samana, Day of the Dead, Old Hallowmas (Scottish/Celtic), Shadowfest (Strega), and Samhuinn. It may also be called All Hallow's Eve, although this day actually falls on November 7th; or Martinmas, which is actually on November 11th.
Samhain is a most magical night! Just as on Beltane, the barrier that is general present between our world and the spirit world is lifted. Departed spirits journey through this world on their way to Summerland. For this reason, it is easier to communicate with our ancestors and those loved ones that have departed. Since it is the beginning of the deep, dark winter, it is time for studying Dark Mysteries. We should honer the Dark Mother and Dark Father, symbolized by the Crone and her consort, at this time as well.
It was originally celebrated in Celtic countries as the "Feast of the Dead". Food was left as offerings on alters and doorsteps for the spirits of the dead journeying to Summerland. Many pagans still hold to this tradition in modern times. A single candle is lit and placed in a window as a guide to bring the spirits of our ancestors home. Extra chairs are set at table and around the hearth for the spirits to know they are welcome. In olden times, apples were buried along the roadsides and paths, for the spirits that were lost or who had no one left in this world to welcome them into their homes.
This was a night for magic and mischief! Turnips were hollowed out and carved to look like protective spirits. In modern times, we use pumpkins instead of turnips. The Wee Folk; fairies, gnomes and the like; came out to play pranks on humans. It was not advised to travel after dark. To fool the Wee Folk and the spirits, people dressed in white to look like ghosts, or wore disguises made of straw, or even dressed as the opposite gender. This is were the custom of wearing Halloween costumes comes from.
This was also when livestock were slaughtered and put away to ensure meat would be available during the dark winter. Crops had to be harvested before Samhain. If any were still in the field, they were left as an offerings to the natural spirits.
Known in olden times as Bonefires; bonfires were built after feasting and the bones were thrown into the fire. These were offerings to ensure healthy livestock the next year. Stones were marked with the names of people and cast into the fire, to be retrieved the next morning. The condition of the stones was said to fortell the future of that person in the year to come. All of the homes in a village lit their hearth fire from the village's bonfire. This was said to ensure unity of the village in the coming year. The ashes from the bonfire were spread across the harvested fields to protect and bless the land.
Symbolism of Samhain
Third Harvest, the Dark Mysteries, Rebirth through Death
Symbols of Samhain
Gourds, Apples, Black Cats, Jack-O-Lanterns, Besoms
Colors of Samhain
Black, Orange, White, Silver, Gold
Incense of Samhain
Heliotrope, Mint, Nutmeg
Herbs of Samhain
Mugwort, Allspice, Broom, Catnip. Deadly Nightshade, Mandrake, Oak Leaves, Sage and Straw
Foods of Samhain
Turnips, Apples, Gourds, Nuts, Mulled Wines, Beef, Pork, Poultry
Stones of Samhain
All Black Stones, preferably jet or obsidian
Sources: The Celtic Connection www.wicca.com
A night of mischief and magick! by Anna Caldwell
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
The Science Of Magic
Most people who became interested in Wicca do so because they first have and interest in magic. It is, of course, only small part of Wicca as a religion. But if you think about in as a whole, Wicca is all about magic. Wicca is about creation, spiritual growth and transformation. Magic is all of those things.
Everything is composed of energy. Everything that you see, everything that you touch and much that you cannot see or touch is made of energy. In fact, you are also made of energy. Your body, which seems so solid, is made of endless numbers of microscopic particles held together at the sub-atomic level by energy.
Modern day scientists have discovered this. But the Druids of Europe, untold many years ago, knew this as well. The witches that came after them did not forget and this knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation in many pagan religions.
If you have read the ancient maxin, "AS ABOVE, SO BELOW" you will understand this. Just as we live is a vast universe filled with countless stellar bodies, whole universes of a different nature exists within us. Worlds exist within other worlds.
The electro-magnetic energy that holds electrons and protons and other microscopic particles together goes by many different names. In Asia it is known as Chi. In Polynesia it is Mana. The Iroquois called in Orenda. In Germany it was Od. Even in Stars Wars it existed as the Force. In modern times it is most widely known as Psychic Energy. No matter it's name, it is all energy.
Energy constantly evolves, transforms and renews. It is always in motion. This motion is in response to our thoughts and emotions. Most of us are unaware of it. An even smaller group are those who truly understand what is happening. It takes it's shape from us. It reacts to us. It happens naturally and instantly, just as water behaves when you place your hand into. It gives way and reforms around your hand. This is so with energy as well.
However, if you were to bring your conscience mind to this process, it would be entirely different. This natural occurrence that is outside of our control would become an exact and conscience tool that we can control. That is MAGIC! The art of consciously focusing and controlling energy.
Magic cannot be done on an everyday conscience level though. Magic requires a much high level of consciousness in order to work. This is sometimes called the Higher Self or the Alpha State. It is not hard to reach this level. However, it is sometimes hard to learn how to reach it. It takes much practice and effort to do. Once you are experienced, it will come as naturally as breathing.
Everything is composed of energy. Everything that you see, everything that you touch and much that you cannot see or touch is made of energy. In fact, you are also made of energy. Your body, which seems so solid, is made of endless numbers of microscopic particles held together at the sub-atomic level by energy.
Modern day scientists have discovered this. But the Druids of Europe, untold many years ago, knew this as well. The witches that came after them did not forget and this knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation in many pagan religions.
If you have read the ancient maxin, "AS ABOVE, SO BELOW" you will understand this. Just as we live is a vast universe filled with countless stellar bodies, whole universes of a different nature exists within us. Worlds exist within other worlds.
The electro-magnetic energy that holds electrons and protons and other microscopic particles together goes by many different names. In Asia it is known as Chi. In Polynesia it is Mana. The Iroquois called in Orenda. In Germany it was Od. Even in Stars Wars it existed as the Force. In modern times it is most widely known as Psychic Energy. No matter it's name, it is all energy.
Energy constantly evolves, transforms and renews. It is always in motion. This motion is in response to our thoughts and emotions. Most of us are unaware of it. An even smaller group are those who truly understand what is happening. It takes it's shape from us. It reacts to us. It happens naturally and instantly, just as water behaves when you place your hand into. It gives way and reforms around your hand. This is so with energy as well.
However, if you were to bring your conscience mind to this process, it would be entirely different. This natural occurrence that is outside of our control would become an exact and conscience tool that we can control. That is MAGIC! The art of consciously focusing and controlling energy.
Magic cannot be done on an everyday conscience level though. Magic requires a much high level of consciousness in order to work. This is sometimes called the Higher Self or the Alpha State. It is not hard to reach this level. However, it is sometimes hard to learn how to reach it. It takes much practice and effort to do. Once you are experienced, it will come as naturally as breathing.
The Fairy Tradition of Wicca
I think of myself as eclectic Wiccan. In reality, I lean heavily toward Celtic beliefs with a heavy emphasis of The Fairy Tradition of Wicca. I am asked alot about what the Fairy Tradition (also known as Faery, Fey, or Feri) is all about. So I thought that I would describe it here.
This description is about what the true definition is, not exactly what I personally believe. I will talk more about that at a later date. For now, we will stick to the Fairy Tradition as a whole.
Fairy Wiccan emphasizes sensual awareness and experiences, rather than fertility as many Wiccan traditions do. It is gender and sexual orientation neutral. There are no specific laws governing behavior as there are with many other traditions. Initiates see themselves as "Fey' when enchanted. Meaning, t here is no black, no white. But rather beyond the bounds of social definitions. Much of this path's realities boundaries are undefined. Followers realize that much of their world is unseen and unknown.
The use of Fairy Power, an energy current, is probably the most distinguishing feature of the this path.
Nature is deeply respected. Wisdom comes from nature. Their is a deep-seated love for beauty, creativity, art and music.
The Gods of the Fairy Tradition are real. The have a separate sense of morality and followers of this tradition are responsible to them. There is a real sense of relationship between Deity and practitioner. Trances and meditations are often used to achieve this connection.
At the basis of most branches of this traditions are doctrines of the Three Souls, the Black Heart of Innocence, and the Iron and Pearl pentacles. Followers are encouraged never waste or give away any personal energy. Techniques to turn negative energy into positive energy are encouraged.
This description is about what the true definition is, not exactly what I personally believe. I will talk more about that at a later date. For now, we will stick to the Fairy Tradition as a whole.
Fairy Wiccan emphasizes sensual awareness and experiences, rather than fertility as many Wiccan traditions do. It is gender and sexual orientation neutral. There are no specific laws governing behavior as there are with many other traditions. Initiates see themselves as "Fey' when enchanted. Meaning, t here is no black, no white. But rather beyond the bounds of social definitions. Much of this path's realities boundaries are undefined. Followers realize that much of their world is unseen and unknown.
The use of Fairy Power, an energy current, is probably the most distinguishing feature of the this path.
Nature is deeply respected. Wisdom comes from nature. Their is a deep-seated love for beauty, creativity, art and music.
The Gods of the Fairy Tradition are real. The have a separate sense of morality and followers of this tradition are responsible to them. There is a real sense of relationship between Deity and practitioner. Trances and meditations are often used to achieve this connection.
At the basis of most branches of this traditions are doctrines of the Three Souls, the Black Heart of Innocence, and the Iron and Pearl pentacles. Followers are encouraged never waste or give away any personal energy. Techniques to turn negative energy into positive energy are encouraged.
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