Wicca

[squibbles_318]

What's wicca like? :wave:

[NikolaiI]

I dunno, really.

Is it Pan worship? Witchcraft?

[crazefest456]

I've read very few books about wicca; it's very different from what others typify it as.. They believe in Goddesses, and their rituals are quite interesting. They believe in peace and harmony, and they adore nature and its cycles. Their beliefs are based on the pre-christian rituals of worship that they try to recreate. I, too, want to know more about Wicca..

[mness421]

Hello, I am new to Literature Network, but felt compelled to respond to the question pertaining to Wicca. I'd like to give a little of my background on the subject if I could. I have been claiming Paganism for close to half my life, however do not consider myself anywhere close to being an "expert" on the subject. I do take the opportunity to educate others regarding it and consider myself a perpetual student of the subject.

Wicca is a "subcategory" of Paganism. Paganism in its most basic form is a religion that is not Christian (but not anti-Christian, mind you), and in some cases pre-dates Christianity. It could be described as an Earth based religion rooted heavily in the beliefs of the tribal peoples of Europe (or even world-wide, depending upon the pantheon one chooses, if they choose).

Wicca itself prescribes mainly to a Goddess as a central deity, but more often than not, also includes a God as her consort. Both would be revered equally, one does not hold dominion over the other. These deities are often personified by the Sun and the Moon, but also as Mother Earth and the Life she supports. The focus is the duality of nature.

There is much debate as to how Wicca and Paganism were started. Some believe that Wicca and Paganism practiced today are the rebirth of ancient beliefs held by our ancestors. While others believe (and some try to discredit Wicca and Paganism as such) that they were started by a gentleman by the name of Gerald Gardener in the early to mid part of the 20th century. As for me, it's a connection with all there is, I wish I could describe it more adequately, but that is the best way I can describe what it is to me.

As far as literature on the subject, Paganism is enjoying a great renaissance, there is so much out there regarding the subject. But, my advice is to read it all and take it with a grain of salt. Make your own decisions and trust your instincts. I started out with Laurie Cabot's The Power of the Witch. I would also suggest nearly anything by Scott Cunningham, as well.

I hope this helps answer any questions there may be regarding Wicca and Paganism, and I'm always happy to answer more and educate as much as possible regarding that subject

[NikolaiI]

"I dare not sleep for delight of the perfect hour,
Lest God be wroth that his gift should be scorned of man.
The face of the warm bright world is the face of a flower, 10
The word of the wind and the leaves that the light winds fan
As the word that quickened at first into flame, and ran,
Creative and subtle and fierce with invasive power,
Through darkness and cloud, from the breath of the one God, Pan."

Swinburne, Nympholept

I actually don't know anything about the religion, but it appeals to me very much. Are fauns, druids or dryads part of it at all?

[Pendragon]

Read a good encyclopedia.

[Shalot]

"I dare not sleep for delight of the perfect hour,
Lest God be wroth that his gift should be scorned of man.
The face of the warm bright world is the face of a flower, 10
The word of the wind and the leaves that the light winds fan
As the word that quickened at first into flame, and ran,
Creative and subtle and fierce with invasive power,
Through darkness and cloud, from the breath of the one God, Pan."

Swinburne, Nympholept

I actually don't know anything about the religion, but it appeals to me very much. Are fauns, druids or dryads part of it at all?

I once had a book on Faery Wicca - I think there is a Faery Tarot as well.

I read a little about it, and you can be a lone practitioner of Wicca or you can find a circle of like minded people. I never heard of any rituals that HAD to be done - there was no getting naked or any of that. There are a lot of texts about it and it was my understanding that there isn't one set of set rituals or ways to go about the practice.

Here is the Wiccan Rede (sounds a lot like the Golden Rule to me):

An it harm none, do as thou wilt
Do what you will, so long as it harms none
An it harm none, do what thou wilt
That it harm none, do as thou wilt

[Pendragon]

Here is the Wiccan Rede (sounds a lot like the Golden Rule to me):

An it harm none, do as thou wilt
Do what you will, so long as it harms none
An it harm none, do what thou wilt
That it harm none, do as thou wiltDeleted, folks...

[LadyW]

Just out of Curiosity, if you are Wicca, what does this form of paganism involve exactly?

[Shalot]

Sounds like Alestier Crowley and the Order of the Golden Dawn to me.

Crowley's big statement from the Book of Thoth: "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law."

The golden rule: "Do under others as you would have them do unto you."

This is a big difference. "Do what you want as long as it doesn't hurt anybody else" versus "Treat other people in the way you want to be treated."

I love basketball, and I tell you, if I were playing and had my choice of the two rules, I'd pick the Golden Rule. Most of the time we used to play in the pick-up game after the first rule: do what thou wilt as long as it doesn't hurt." No blood, no foul. They were exciting games but I got hurt badly serverl times.

God Bless

Pen




I am not Wiccan and I have no vested interest in defending it at all, but
I really don't know what point you are making by stating the above. In my mind the Golden Rule and this shortened version of the Wiccan Rede are quite similar. If someone is going to do unto me, I'd rather not be HARMED by their actions and I think the Wiccan Rede covers that for me. Longer versions of the rede mention that whatever you send out, (good or evil) comes back to you three fold. That to me sounds like "do unto others as you'd have done to you."

This thread is supposed to be about Wicca. What is it exactly? I have read a few books about it and have heard many people scoff at the notion of it. Also, there are a lot of different ways to practice, and from what I have read many different approaches. If you visit a new age store, (one that sells crystals and candles and all that jazz), you can find a variety of books - you can find books about Native American Spirituality, and Celtic Faery traditions, and different kinds of Tarot to appeal to different personalities. There are books on Candle Spells, and witches almanacs, and it was my loose understanding that you could proclaim to be Wicca and use any of the spell work and candles and symbols and meditation practices as you identified with them. You can be a solitary practioner and have your own little initiation rite. Or you can become part of a group and I am sure they have their own rituals.

I think those Native American books just get lumped in there at the New Age store with the Wicca stuff because neither are Christian. Although, I did see a Native American themed Tarot. I never saw Aleister Crowley's books at the New Age spirtuality store though. I associate him with the more sinister, occultish, black magick, left hand path but I could be totally off base there as well. I never read any Crowley.

[Pendragon]

Silence is golden

[Shalot]

well good. What a small world it is. does anyone know anything else about Wicca?

:confused:

[Nightshade]

Please remember to respect other people's religions, beliefs and opinions.

[kilted exile]

The golden rule: "Do under others as you would have them do unto you."

This is a big difference. "Do what you want as long as it doesn't hurt anybody else" versus "Treat other people in the way you want to be treated."

I love basketball, and I tell you, if I were playing and had my choice of the two rules, I'd pick the Golden Rule. Most of the time we used to play in the pick-up game after the first rule: do what thou wilt as long as it doesn't hurt." No blood, no foul. They were exciting games but I got hurt badly serverl times.


You're right, there is a difference but it is more in favour of the creed than the golden rule.

I disagree with your analogy it is not an example of the "do as thou wilt as long as it doesnt harm" harm/hurt is not just related to causing blood any hard fouls causing any injury would go against the creed. In fact I see your analogy as far more an example of the golden rule where someone has decided they want to play more competitively and expect all others to wish the same.

To me the "golden rule" has an incredible flaw. I, personally, enjoy some degree of physical pain (it's all about the adrenalin) however the golden rule could be easily interpreted as saying that because I enjoy ithe and have no issue (in fact even enjoy it) that I have a right to also cause pain to others - something which is not the case and would go against the wiccan creed.

[B-Mental]

dOhh man, wiccan is like the smile in the shadow...the blessings in the sun, the pie in the sky////and its OK...to love, live and smile is their way....Peace..Happy Holidays. B


PS...and kilt, the pain is the lesson....love ya my shrek look a like...

[Pendragon]

I see that my advice and comments are not wanted, something not altogether unusual. Well, my Cougar totem and I will depart leaving naught behind us...

[mness421]

does anyone know anything else about Wicca?

Wicca can be thought of as also as witchcraft. Though, Witchcraft has a very negative connotation, unfortunately over the years. Although, it is said that the words "Wicca" and "Witch" have the same root as (or root from) "wise one". True? Who knows for sure!

I'll try to give information in the form of questions I've received throughout the years regarding my beliefs

"Do Witches really cast spells?"
Yes. To us, a spell is no different than a prayer. Despite popular belief, we do not have any advantage over any other religion in that regard. We can't twist fate in our favor any more than a Buddhist, Muslim, Jew or Christian can.

"So, you don't celebrate (Christmas, Easter, etc.)?"
There are 8 major holidays in the Wiccan faith. We actually just celebrated Yule yesterday. Personally, I celebrate Christmas and other such holidays with my family. But, my family isn't very religious and we get together more for tradition and to be together. Very briefly, the 8 holidays are: Yule or Winter Solstice, Imbolc on February 2, Ostara or Vernal Equinox, Beltane or May Day, Midsummer or Summer Solstice, Lughnasadh on August 1, Mabon or Autum Equinox, and of course Samhain or Halloween. The names and traditions for these listed are from the Celtic belief system, but you'll find that most traditions' holidays are based upon the changing of the seasons or major recurring celestial events.

"So, do you worship the devil?"
No. There is no "devil" that we believe in, let alone worship. We do not celebrate death, destruction, disease, evil. However, these things are accepted as being a part of the duality of life and existence, for there will always be day and night, good and bad. But, the reality of it (and life for that matter) is there is very little absolute good and absolute evil. The world is one big gray area. There are some Pagan groups that may follow, for example, the Goddess Hecate, Goddess of Sorcery, crossroads and the dark side of nature. Are these people purely evil? No, their beliefs may be dark in nature, but again, they do not celebrate that which is evil. On the other hand, there is at least one group that I am aware of the follow Thalia, the muse of Comedy. Of course they would celebrate the lighter side of life, but that isn't to say they don't take it seriously, too!

"So, like, do you have to have a black cat if you're a Witch?"
Yes, I have really been asked that. My answer? No, you can have any color of cat you want. I have a sealpoint Siamese, a blue tabby, a tortoiseshell and a calico. Oh and a mastiff and a pug. But, that's beside the point. The idea of a Witch having a familiar is very old and I won't claim to know of the origins. Most of us are just animal lovers.

"Do you believe that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior?"
I'll answer this on a more personal level, as I can't speak for any other Witch's beliefs. No, I don't believe he is. I believe that Christ existed and for the most part, I believe in the message he was trying to convey: to love and be good to one another. But, I don't believe he was divine. I realize that this is getting into stepping-on-toes territory, but I assure you, I do not have malicious intent, nor am I decrying Christianity as a valid religion. To have faith in something is better to not have faith at all. Each and every belief system is true and correct to the individual whom practices it. I believe that all gods are one (and all goddesses are one). I believe that they are loving, benevolent, nonjudgemental beings that aren't overly concerned with if we believe in them in one way or another, just as long as we believe and strive to do good.

Ok, I have to quit where I'm at, it's bedtime (even Wiccans have to work on Christmas Eve!). And if I write any more in this post, I fear it won't be read because it's long and rambling.

I'm always happy to answer questions, if anyone has more.

[Nightshade]

Thank you for that mness, and welcome to the forum :wave:

[FenellaLovell]

I think those Native American books just get lumped in there at the New Age store with the Wicca stuff because neither are Christian. Although, I did see a Native American themed Tarot. I never saw Aleister Crowley's books at the New Age spirtuality store though. I associate him with the more sinister, occultish, black magick, left hand path but I could be totally off base there as well. I never read any Crowley.

Hello Shalot!

93

Well... I happen to be a Thelemite, and I've been reading Crowley for 16 years now. :) Crowley was NOT a black magician. He's been linked to black magic by ignorant people mostly.

The Left-Hand Path is not connected with black magic either. In fact, the Left-Hand Path is a branch of Tantra which generally uses women while the Right-Hand Path generally dispenses with them.

I hope this information proves useful. If you have any doubts just ask. ;)

93 93/93
FenellaLovell

_____________

'Mistery is the enemy of Truth.' ALEISTER CROWLEY.

[Shalot]

Hello Shalot!

93

Well... I happen to be a Thelemite, and I've been reading Crowley for 16 years now. :) Crowley was NOT a black magician. He's been linked to black magic by ignorant people mostly.

The Left-Hand Path is not connected with black magic either. In fact, the Left-Hand Path is a branch of Tantra which generally uses women while the Right-Hand Path generally dispenses with them.

I hope this information proves useful. If you have any doubts just ask. ;)

93 93/93
FenellaLovell


_____________

'Mistery is the enemy of Truth.' ALEISTER CROWLEY.


well hello there! welcome to LitNEt and thanks for the info. Like I said, my knowledge really is limited to what I've read in books and I do come from a Christian background and I've had people telling me different things about faiths other than my own (mainly people telling me that Christianity is THE way and that's it, and and all the rest are "false gods").

But would love to hear/read an informed account of what Wicca is about and its origins, important figures etc.

On the other hand, sometimes I have days where I sit down and think all faiths and paths are bs and someone sat around dreamed it up one day. I can choose between throwing the tarot down or saying a prayer or standing on the hill waiting for the mothership - either way, we're all going to die and no one knows what's going to happen despite what anyone says.

[brightfame]

I see that my advice and comments are not wanted, something not altogether unusual. Well, my Cougar totem and I will depart leaving naught behind us...

You're bound to get some antagonism if you cling to the truth.
Keep up the good work.

As an alternative to the golden rule "do as thou will, but do no harm" reminds me of...

"There is a way that seemeth right to a man, but the end of it is the ways of death"
Pr. 16:25

...not for the shallow minded.

All the best Pen

brightfame

[FenellaLovell]

Thanks for your answer, Shalot! :)

To tell you the truth, Aleister Crowley hadn't got anything to do with Wicca; Crowley created Thelema. Some Wiccans adopt a few Crowley's teachings, but most Wiccans don't like Crowley at all.

As for faiths, spiritual paths, &c., I don't think there's one Way that would satisfy everybody's spiritual needs. I believe that everybody must find their way by themselves.

Regards. :)

[genoveva]

A difference between the Wiccan Rede and Crowley's motto is that Crowley says "Do what thou wilt" PERIOD there is no "harm no one" extra added clause.