about my religion03:33 Jan 23 2006
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WICCA (sometimes called Wicce, The Craft, or The Old
Religion by its practitioners) is an ancient religion of love for
life and nature.
In prehistoric times, people respected the great forces of
Nature and celebrated the cycles of the seasons and the moon.
They saw divinity in the sun and moon, in the Earth Herself, and
in all life. The creative energies of the universe were
personified: feminine and masculine principles became Goddesses
and Gods. These were not semi-abstract, superhuman figures set
apart from Nature: they were embodied in earth and sky, women and
men, and even plants and animals.
This viewpoint is still central to present-day Wicca. To
most Wiccans, everything in Natures -- and all Goddesses and Gods
-- are true aspects of Deity. The aspects most often celebrated
in the Craft, however, are the Triple Goddess of the Moon (Who is
Maiden, Mother, and Crone) and the Horned God of the wilds.
These have many names in various cultures.
Wicca had its organized beginnings in Paleolithic times, co-
existed with other Pagan ("country") religions in Europe, and had
a profound influence on early Christianity. But in the medieval
period, tremendous persecution was directed against the Nature
religions by the Roman Church. Over a span of 300 years,
millions of men and women and many children were hanged, drowned
or burned as accused "Witches." The Church indicted them for
black magic and Satan worship, though in fact these were never a
part of the Old Religion.
The Wiccan faith went underground, to be practiced in small,
secret groups called "covens." For the most part, it stayed
hidden until very recent times. Now scholars such as Margaret
Murray and Gerald Gardner have shed some light on the origins of
the Craft, and new attitudes of religious freedom have allowed
covens in some areas to risk becoming more open.
How do Wiccan folk practice their faith today? There is no
central authority or doctrine, and individual covens vary a great
deal. But most meet to celebrate on nights of the Full Moon, and
at eight great festivals or Sabbats throughout the year.
Though some practice alone or with only their families, many
Wiccans are organized into covens of three to thirteen members.
Some are led by a High Priestess or Priest, many by a
Priestess/Priest team; others rotate or share leadership. Some
covens are highly structured and hierarchical, while others may
be informal and egalitarian. Often extensive training is
required before initiation, and coven membership is considered an
important commitment.
There are many branches or "traditions" of Wicca in the
United States and elsewhere, such as the Gardnerian, Alexandrian,
Welsh Traditional, Dianic, Faery, Seax-Wicca and others. All
adhere to a code of ethics. None engage in the disreputable
practices of some modern "cults," such as isolating and
brainwashing impressionable, lonely young people. Genuine
Wiccans welcome sisters and brothers, but not disciples,
followers or victims.
Coven meetings include ritual, celebration and magick (the
"k" is to distinguish it from stage illusions). Wiccan magick is
not at all like the instant "special effects" of cartoon shows or
fantasy novels, nor medieval demonology; it operates in harmony
with natural laws and is usually less spectacular -- though
effective. Various techniques are used to heal people and
animals, seek guidance, or improve members' lives in specific
ways. Positive goals are sought: cursing and "evil spells" are
repugnant to practitioners of the Old Religion.
Wiccans tend to be strong supporters of environmental
protection, equal rights, global peace and religious freedom, and
sometimes magick is used toward such goals.
Wiccan beliefs do not include such Judeao-Christian concepts
as original sin, vicarious atonement, divine judgement or bodily
resurrection. Craft folk believe in a beneficent universe, the
laws of karma and reincarnation, and divinity inherent in every
human being and all of Nature. Yet laughter and pleasure are
part of their spiritual tradition, and they enjoy singing,
dancing, feasting, and love.
Wiccans tend to be individualists, and have no central holy
book, prophet, or church authority. They draw inspiration and
insight from science, and personal experience. Each practitioner
keeps a personal book or journal in which s/he records magickal
"recipes," dreams, invocations, songs, poetry and so on.
To most of the Craft, every religion has its own valuable
perspective on the nature of Deity and humanity's relationship to
it: there is no One True Faith. Rather, religious diversity is
necessary in a world of diverse societies and individuals.
Because of this belief, Wiccan groups do not actively recruit or
proselytize: there is an assumption that people who can benefit
from the Wiccan way will "find their way home" when the time is
right.
Witches' Chant
Darksome night and shining Moon,
Hearken to the Witches' rune.
East then South, West then North,
Hear! Come! I call Thee forth!
By all the powers of land and sea,
Be obedient unto me.
Wand and Pentacle and Sword,
Hearken ye unto my word.
Cords and Censer, Scourge and Knife,
Waken all ye into life.
Powers of the Witches' Blade,
Come ye as the charge is made.
Queen of Heaven, Queen of Hell,
Send your aid unto the spell.
Horned Hunter of the night,
Work my will by magic rite.
By all the powers of land and sea,
As I do say, "So mote it be."
by all the might of Moon and Sun,
As I do will, it shall be done.
Daily Affirmation
I am a Witch!
I am at One with the Earth, The Universe, and the Divine!
Let this day be free from Strife and Fear;
Let only Joy and Love come near;
With Blessings given and received
I walk in Peace in Word and Deed.
The Charge of the Goddess
Whenever you have need of anything, once in the month and
better it be when the moon is full, then shall you assemble in
some secret place and adore the spirit of me, who am Queen of
all witches. There shall ye assemble, ye who are fain to learn all
sorcery, yet have not won its deepest secrets; to these will I teach
all things that are as yet unknown. And ye shall be free from slavery;
and as a sign that ye be truly free, you shall be naked in your rites;
and ye shall dance, sing, feast, make music and love, all in my praise.
For mine is the ecstasy of the spirit, and mine also is joy on earth;
for my law is love unto all beings. Keep pure your highest ideals;
strive ever towards them, let nothing stop you or turn you aside.
For mine is the secret door which opens upon the Land of Youth,
and mine is the cup of the wine of life, and the Cauldron of Cerridwen,
which is the Holy Vessel of Immortality. I am the gracious Goddess, who
gives the gift of joy unto the heart of man. Upon earth, I give the
knowledge of the spirit eternal; and beyond death, I give peace, and
freedom, and reunion with those who have gone before. Nor do I
demand sacrifice; for behold, I am the Mother of all living, and my love is
poured out upon the earth.
I am the beauty of the green earth, and the white moon
among the stars, and the mystery of the waters, and the desire of
the heart of man. Call unto thy soul, arise, and come unto me.
For I am the soul of Nature, who gives life to the Universe.
From me all things proceed, and unto me all things must return;
and before my face, beloved of Gods and of men, let thine inner-
most divine self be enfolded in the rapture of the infinite. Let my
worship be within the heart that rejoiceth; for behold, all acts of
love and pleasure are my rituals. Therefore, let there be beauty
and strength, power and compassion, honor and humility, mirth
and reverence within you. And thou who thinketh to seek for me,
know thy seeking and yearning shall avail thee not unless thou
knoweth the mystery; that if that which thy seekest thou findest
not within thee, thou wilt never find it without thee. For behold,
I have been with thee from the beginning; and I am that which
is attained at the end of desire
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Rhyming Charge of the Goddess
I am the harmonious tune of the songbird
And the laughter of a gleeful child.
I am the bubbling sound of the running brook
And the scent of the flowers wild.
I am the floating leaf upon the breeze
And the dancing fire in the forest glade.
I am the sweet smell of rains upon the soil
And the rapture of passion when love is made.
I am the germination of seed in the spring
And the ripening of wheat in the Sun.
I am the peaceful depth of the twilight
That soothes the soul when day is done.
I am found in the twinkling of an aged eye...
And found in the birth of a newborn pup...
Yes...Birth and Growth and Death, am I
I am the gracious Earth, on whom you sup.
I am your Sister, your Mother, the Wise One.
I wrap you gently in the warmth of my love.
That which you seek you shall find within:
Not without...not below...not above!
Remember always, my children, be reverent
Be gentle, loving, and kind to each other
And hold sacred the Earth and its creatures
For I am the Lady, Creatrix, and Mother!
Principles of Belief
The Principles of Belief, as set forth by the American Council of Witches, are:
1. We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the Moon and the seasonal quarters and cross-quarters.
2. We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility toward our environment. We seek to live in harmony with nature, in ecological balance offering fulfillment to life and consciousness within an evolutionary concept.
3. We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than is apparent to the average person. Because it is far greater than ordinary, it is sometimes called "supernatural", but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all.
4. We conceive of the Creative Power in the Universe as manifesting through polarity -- as masculine and feminine -- and that this same creative Power lives in all people, and functions through the interaction of the masculine and feminine. We value neither above the other, knowing each to be supportive of the other. We value sexuality as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of Life, and as one of the sources of energies used in magickal practice and religious worship.
5. We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological worlds -- sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconscious, the Inner Planes, etc. -- and we see in the interaction of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena and magickal exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment.
6. We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who have courageously given of themselves in leadership.
7. We see religion, magick, and wisdom-in-living as being united in the way one views the world and lives within it -- a world view and philosophy of life, which we identify as Witchcraft or the Wiccan Way.
8. Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a Witch -- but neither does heredity itself, or the collecting of titles, degrees, and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the forces within him/herself that make life possible in order to live wisely and well, without harm to others, and in harmony with nature.
9. We acknowledge that it is the affirmation and fulfillment of life, in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness, that gives meaning to the Universe we know, and to our personal role within it.
10. Our only animosity toward Christianity, or toward any other religion or philosophy-of-life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be "the one true right and only way" and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practices and belief.
11. As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft, the origins of various terms, the legitimacy of various aspects of different traditions. We are concerned with our present, and our future.
12. We do not accept the concept of "absolute evil," nor do we worship any entity known as "Satan" or "the Devil" as defined by Christian Tradition. We do not seek power through the suffering of others, nor do we accept the concept that personal benefits can only be derived by denial to another.
13. We work within nature for that which is contributory to our health and well-being.
We are not bound by traditions from other times and other cultures, and owe no allegiance to any person or power greater than the Divinity manifest through our own being. As American Witches, we welcome and respect all life-affirming teachings and traditions, and seek to learn from all and to share our learning. We do not wish to open ourselves to the destruction of Wicca by those on self-serving power trips, or to philosophies and practices contradictory to these principles. In seeking to exclude those whose ways are contradictory to ours, we do not want to deny participation with us to any who are sincerely interested in our knowledge and beliefs, regardless of race, color, sex, age, national or cultural origins, or sexual preference.
Those of the Wicca follow an intricate set of laws in their personal and group practice. Collectively, these laws are called The Ordains. The Ordains fall into three basic categories: Spiritual Laws, Practical Laws, and Coven Laws. The Spiritual Laws can be seen as a code of ethics or morals giving the Crafter a guideline for spiritual living, whether you choose to practice as a Solitary (a Witch alone) or within a group structure. These Spiritual Laws apply to all magickal people, and most magickal individuals incorporate these laws into their group workings, as well as their solitary practices. Consider Practical Laws as the blossoms of experience from those who have practiced the religion before you. Therefore, not all of the Practical Laws will apply to every person. Think of these laws as guidelines. The third type of Craft Law (Mundane Law) belongs to group hierarchy, and most of these laws do not apply to the Witch practicing alone. This doesn't mean that solitary Witches should ignore these laws entirely, as many in their community may follow some sort of coven or group government, and they practice Witchcraft within the confines of these laws. Mundane Laws fall into two categories: Those Laws created for general Wiccan government; and those Laws created by the current organization, group, or coven. The laws created by each group may not contradict the general Mundane Laws, but seek to enhance the organization and assist in creating a group mind.
Through the Principles of Belief and the more intricate Ordains, New Generation Witches can practice a structured religion that doesn't appear structured. That's the enchantment, and the mystery of the Craft.
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The Church of Wicca gained tax-exempt status as a religious association in 1972.
Virginia 1985
In 1985 in Dettmer v. Landon, pursuant to rule 52(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the district court of Virginia ruled that Witchcraft is a legitimate religion and falls within a recognizable religious category. In 1986 the Federal Appeals court fourth circuit Judge J. Butzner, affirmed this ruling in Dettmer v. Landon (799F.2d 929). The affirmation clearly sets Wicca as a religion under the protection of constitutional rights. It stated:
The Church of Wicca is clearly a religion for first amendment purposes. Members of the church sincerely adhere to a fairly complex set of doctrines relating to the spiritual aspects of their lives, and in doing so they have ultimate concerns in much the same way as followers of more accepted religions.
Wheel of The Year
The Wheel of the Year is the seasonal cycles of the Mother. Within the Wheel there are Eight Sabbats or Festivals. Four are Grand/Major Sabbats, they are feminine and devoted to the Goddess. They are Samhain, Imbolc, Bealteinne, and Lughnassadh. All these are Lunar in character.
Four are Lesser Sabbats, they are masculine and celebrate the God. They are Yule, Ostara, Midsummer, and Mabon. All these are Solstices of the Sun and Equinoxes.
Samhain
October 31 or November 1 - (Pronounced "SOW-en" or "SOH-en"). It means "Summers End" and is the Festival of the Dead. The final harvest. The veil between worlds is now at its weakest. The spirits in the other world can now pass into this world, but only for twenty-four hours. Spirits of all kinds pass. It is a time to honor the dead. Time to rest. The festival should be decorated in the colors of orange and black. The feast should include all of the bounty of the last harvest.
Yule
Winter Solstice, December 20-22 - The rebirth of the Sun God. The pledge of the returning sun. The shortest day of the year. Fire festival includes the Yule log. The colors of this festival are red and green. The beginning of the death of winter. Time for rest to be nearing the end. Time of enlightenment. Awaking of life. Another star is added to the sky. Time to increase intelligence.
Imbolc
Candlemas, February 1- It is the Festival of the beginning of Spring and the banishing of winter. Fire festival dedicated to burning out the old and bringing in the new. The feast of candles. The days are getting longer. The boy-God is growing and learning. Purification. A time for changes. This is the festival of fertility. The Goddess is alive with anticipation. Time to burn out the darkness in our lives with the power of the sun. Time to sprout. Time to take of the animals. Time to prepare for underground seeds. The dominate colors are lavender and white.
Ostara
Spring Equinox, March 20-22 - It is celebrated at the Spring Equinox when day and night are equal. It is a festival of the dawn and of increasing life. Time to plant seeds, reconcile differences, focus on health issues, rebirth, change, life begins, the Goddess awakens and spreads fertility. Time of dedication and purpose.
Beltane
May Day, May 1 - It is the beginning of the light half of the year and the beginning of Summer by traditional reckoning. It is the Festival of Life. Time to rejoice in the rebirth of the world, the God has reached his manhood. Time for beauty, wealth, a fertility feast, the mystic union of the God and the Goddess. The festive colors of red and white should dominate; and passionate love.
Litha
Midsummer, Summer Solstice, June 20-22 - The longest day of the year. This is also known as midsummer's day. Time to collect magickal herbs for the winter. Time of peak power. The colors that should dominate this festival are red and yellow. Ivy is bountiful. Time to find the field Faeries. Talk to the elves and ask them to do your bidding. Festival of strength and clear sight.
Lammas
Lughnassadh, August 1- The God is starting to weaken. The Goddess feels the stirring of the unborn child. No vines should be cut. No washing should be done on this day. This is the first harvest of fruits and grains. The days start to shorten. This is a festival for the Faeries. A time of completion. Harvest the remaining magickal herbs. Be thankful for the bounty. Prepare for autumn.
Mabon
Autumn Equinox, September 20-22 - (Pronounced "MAH-bohn") Celebrated at the Fall Equinox when day and night are equal again. The veil between worlds grows thin. Time for personal balance. The God is preparing to die. The Goddess is in complete bounty. Time of second harvest. Rest. Fill the emotional and mental well within. Time to honor the rivers and streams. Corn is the major harvest. All remaining herbs and plants should be harvested now. The decorative colors of the festival should be orange, red, gold, and brown. Prepare cornucopia. Time for endings. Time to purify. The Goddess prepares for the God to die.
The Wiccan Rede
Bide the Wiccan Law you must
In Perfect Love and Perfect Trust.
Live and let live,
Fairly take and fairly give.
Cast the Circle thrice about
To keep the evil spirits out.
To bind the spell every time
Let the spell be spake in rhyme.
Soft of eye and light of touch,
Speak little, listen much.
Deosil go by the waxing moon,
Chanting out the Witches' Rune.
Widdershins go by the waning moon,
Chanting out the baneful rune.
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 wind's mighty gale,
Lock the door and drop the sail.
When the wind comes from the South,
Love will kiss thee on the mouth.
When the wind blows from the West,
Departed souls will have no rest.
When the wind blows from the East,
Expect the new and set the feast.
Nine woods in the cauldron go,
Burn them fast and burn them slow.
Elder be the Lady's tree,
Burn it not or cursed you'll be.
When the Wheel begins to turn,
Let the Beltane fires burn.
When the Wheel has turned to Yule,
Light the log and the Horned One rules.
Heed ye Flower, Bush and Tree,
By the Lady, blessed be.
Where the rippling waters go,
Cast a stone and truth you'll know.
When ye have a true need,
Hearken not to others' greed.
With a fool no season spend,
Lest ye be counted as his friend.
Merry meet and merry part,
Bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind the Threefold Law you should,
Three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is enow,
Wear the blue star on thy brow.
True in Love ever be,
Lest thy lover's false to thee.
Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill:
An it harm none, do what ye will!
Lost and Found Spell...
Although someone has submitted a lost and found spell
(which they jacked from the TV show Charmed, at least
with the rhyming part)... I would like to send in mine
that I use. Although it was in part taken from
Charmed, too, (yes I admit it) I have reworded it to
form an actually useful spell in finding things.
To find whatever is lost, chant the following:
Guiding Angles,
I ask your charity,
lend me your focus and your clarity,
Bring me to the (name of what is lost) at this time,
Restoring me that and my peace of mind.
With harm to none,
This spell be done.
Let it be not reversed,
Or placed unto me as any curse.
May all astrological correspondences
Be correct for this working.
As I will it,
so mote it be.
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