The words ''Paganism" and 'Pagan' come from the Latin 'paganus,' meaning 'country dweller. In simplest terms - Paganism is a religion of place, or a native religion, for example the Native American's religion is Pagan, Hinduism is a form of Paganism. All Pagan religions are characterized by a connection and reverence for nature, and are usually polytheistic I.e. Have many Gods and/or Goddesses. Paganism is a religion of nature, in other words Pagans revere Nature. Pagans see the divine as immanent in the whole of life and the universe; in every tree, plant, animal and object, man and woman and in the dark side of life as much as in the light. Pagans live their lives attuned to the cycles of Nature, the seasons, life and death. Unlike the patriarchal religions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism) the divine is female as well as male and therefore there is a Goddess as well as a God. These deities are within us as well as without us (immanent); they are us. They are not simply substitutes for the Muslim or Judeo-Christian God. This is because the Gods of the major religions tend to be super-natural I.e. Above nature whereas Pagan deities are natural, symbolizing aspects of nature or human nature. Having said that God and Goddess are split from the Great Spirit or Akashka which probably equates to the God of the patriarchal religions. The Goddess represents all that is female and the God represents all that is male. But because nature is seen as female the Goddess has a wider meaning. Often called Mother Earth or Gaia she is seen as the creatrix and sustainer of life, the mother of us all which makes all the creatures on the planet our siblings. There are sub-groups of named Gods and Goddesses called Pantheons, drawn from the distant past, for example Isis and Osiris from Egypt or Thor, Odin, Freya et al from Norse religion and mythology. Ancient Pagans would have worshipped one or a small number of Gods and Goddesses, while often recognizing the validity of other people's deities. The concept of an overall, un-named Goddess and God, the sum totals of all the others, appears to be a recent one but individual named deities represent particular human qualities or archetypes and are often used as a focus for celebrations and spiritual rites. Paganism has developed alongside mankind for thousands of years; as cultures have changed so has Paganism, yet it is grounded in deep rooted genetic memories that go back to neolithic times and before. Thus Paganism is not just a nature religion but a natural religion. Paganism in the west takes a number of forms including Wicca - Druidism, and Shamanism.
To Pagans the four ancient elements, Earth, Air, Fire and Water have special significance. The importance of these is hard to define because they have so many correspondences, for example they are associated with the four directions, North, East, South and West. Each element is a kind of spiritual substance from which all things are made especially ourselves and at the same time are Guardians both of ourselves and of the Goddess and God, and guarding the gateways between this world and the other world. Many Pagans believe in reincarnation in some form. It gives Pagans a substantially different view of life. Early Christians saw Karma as a kind of treadmill, trapping people in endless reincarnations, never free. But Pagans see reincarnation as, at best, a chance to improve or to continue unfinished work, and at worst just a simple recycling of souls.
Types of Paganism Paleo-paganism: the standard of paganism, a pagan culture which has not been disrupted by "civilization" by another culture - Bushmen modern (who are probably becoming meso-pagans), ancient Celtic religion (Druidism), the religions of the pre-patriarchal cultures of Old Europe, Norse religion, pre-Columbian Native American religions, etc. Civilo-paganism: the religions of "civilized" communities which evolved in paleo-pagan cultures -- Classical Greco-Roman religion, Egyptian religion, Middle-Eastern paganism, Aztec religion, etc. Meso-paganism: a group, which may or may not still constitute a separate culture, which has been influenced by a conquering culture, but has been able to maintain an independence of religious practice -- many Native American nations, etc. Syncreto-paganism: similar to meso-pagan, but having had to submerge itself into the dominant culture, and adopt the external practices and symbols of the other religion -- the various Afro-diasporic traditions (Voudoun, Santeria, etc.), Culdee Christianity, etc. Neopaganism: attempts of modern people to reconnect with nature, using imagery and forms from other types of pagans, but adjusting them to the needs of modern people. Categories Wicca - in all its many forms Neo-Shamanism Neo-Druidism Asatru and other forms of Norse neopaganism No-Native American practices The range of things labeled 'Women's Spirituality' The Sabaean Religious Order Church of All Worlds Discordianism Radical Faeries and other "Men's Spirituality" movements Certain people within Thelema and Hedonistic Satanism Some of eco-feminism The Wheel of the Year
This wheel is sometimes called the Gardnerian Wheel because it is a combination of two ancient wheels (acknowledgements to Kenny Klein). The hunting wheel, the oldest, has two God births: The Oak King is born at midsummer and rules through to Yule when he dies and the Holly King is born. The agricultural wheel has the young God born at Ostara, symbolic of the sun/son rising in the East. He dies in the second harvest, Mabon, which means 'the young Lord'. In the different traditions these holidays (holy days) may have different names, for example Imbolc is called the festival of light in the northern tradition. Western Pagans have no fixed temples in which to worship but instead (usually) make a circle around all the celebrants (or the celebrants themselves form a circle) in a room or in a clearing or on a beach or find a naturally ocurring circle such as a grove or use one of the ancient stone circles. Pagans have no hierarchy like the established religions so Pagans are free to follow whatever spiritual path they choose. Pagans like to celebrate more rites of passage than the prevailing culture. Most people see two rites of passage: coming of age (18 or 21) and marriage. Christians also get a first one, the Christening, though the subject is unable to experience it. The Pagan equivalent of a Christening is a Naming ceremony. Other rites of passage may include Child - celebrating change from baby to child, Puberty and so on. Marriage is called hand-fasting and this may be arranged for eternity or just for a year-and-a-day, renewable. The latter is a great stabilizer against casual relationships and divorces, providing some level of commitment yet recognizing that some relationships will not last. PAGAN SYMBOLS THE MOON Changes it's face roughly every 28-29 days, at about the same rate that female humans menstruate, it has long been associated with the feminine and hence the Goddess - Artemis and Hecate.
THE SUN The God symbol - Apollo and Jesus
THE CHALICE Cup used in rituals
It is a container and is associated with the womb and girl thingy, and hence a symbol of the Goddess. Two examples of Chalices in myth are the Cup that Jesus had drunk from at the last supper, and the Holy Grail, which the knights of the round table had to search for in order for Arthur (and the land) to become whole again.
THE ATHEME It is a dagger used in rituals, primarily to focus and concentrate power. It is a phallic symbol and as a cutting tool a divider, and thus represents The God. Magic swords are another version of the Atheme and are popular in fantasy novels and myth. One example is Excaliber, which King Arthur uses via "divine right". Another is Stormbringer, as used by Elric in the stories written by Micheal Moorthingy. Note the dual imagery. Excalibre was used as a force for order, Stormbringer drank souls and was a force for Chaos. Tools are only as good as their user.
THE FIVE POINTED STAR Pentangle or a Pentagram - Goddess
For neo-pagans this is symbolic of the four elements: air, water, earth, fire + spirit. Pythagoras held the number 5 to be the sum of the feminine element (2) and the masculine element (3), so it is also symbolic of a union of masculine and feminine. The symbol also has meaning in Taoism, Hinduism and Islam. The overlapping arms (which does not appear in all versions) shows how each part is interconnected with the others. The circle around the star represents unity, the self, and wholeness. One mode of understanding is that the pentagram shown as above (with one point at the top) represents the Goddess, and inverted (with two points at top) the God. Of course the inverted pentagram in Christian belief represents the Devil -- not suprising since the versions of Pan and The God were used to represent such.
THE ANKH
This is an ancient Egyptian symbol representing eternal life. It is said to be taken from a simple sandal strap. Regardless of that, it is also a symbol representing the Goddess and the God and this a Neo-Pagan symbol. This is an ancient Egyptian symbol. It has three elements. The circle represents the Goddess; the vertical line represents the God, and the horizontal bar is the "scroll of knowledge". Join them together and you get an ankh.
"Neo-Pagan" means "new pagan" (derived from the Latin paganus , "country-dweller") and hearkens back to times before the spread of today's major monotheistic (one god) religions. A good general rule is that most Wiccans are Neo-Pagans but not all Pagans are Wiccans. Neopagans hold a reverence for the Earth and all its creatures, generally see all life as interconnected, and tend to strive to attune one's self to the manifestation of this belief as seen in the cycles of nature. Pagans are usually polytheistic (believing in more than one god), and they usually believe in immanance, or the concept of divinity residing in all things. Many pagans, though polytheistic, see all things as being part of one Great Mystery. The apparent contradiction of being both polytheistic and monotheistic can be resolved by seeing the God/desses as masks worn by the Great Mystery. Other pagans are simply monotheistic or polytheistic, and still others are atheistic. Some people believe paganism to be a religion within itself; others see it as a belief system (such as monotheism) that can be incorporated into religions like Wicca or Druidism; others see it as a broad category including many religions. The fact that we are re-creating religion for ourselves after centuries of suppression makes us very eclectic and very concerned with the "rightness" of a particular thing for the individual. So when you see some people calling it a religion and others not, when you see it capitalized in some instances and not in others, don't be confused - we're all still basically talking about the same thing. Neo-Paganism is any of several spiritual movements that attempt to revive the ancient polytheistic religions of Europe and the Middle East. These movements have a close relationship to ritual magic and modern witchcraft. Neo-Paganism differs from them, however, in striving to revive authentic pantheons and rituals of ancient cultures, though often in deliberately eclectic and reconstructionist ways, and by a particularly contemplative and celebrative attitude. Typically people with romantic feelings toward nature and deep ecological concerns, Neo-Pagans centre their dramatic and colourful rituals around the changes of the seasons and the personification of nature as full of divine life, as well as the holy days and motifs of the religions by which their own groups are inspired. Modern Neo-Paganism has roots in 19th-century Romanticism and activities inspired by it, such as the British Order of Druids (which, however, claims an older lineage). Sometimes associated with extreme nationalism, Neo-Pagan groups and sentiments were known in Europe before World War II, but contemporary Neo-Paganism is for the most part a product of the 1960s. Influenced by the works of the psychiatrist Carl Jung and the writer Robert Graves, Neo-Paganists are more interested in nature and archetypal psychology than in nationalism. Neo-Paganism in the postwar decades has flourished particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom and in Scandinavia. Some of the major Neo-Pagan groups are the Church of All Worlds, the largest of all the pagan movements, which centres on worship of the earth-mother goddess; Feraferia, based on ancient Greek religion and also centred on goddess worship; Pagan Way, a nature religion centred on goddess worship and the seasons; the Reformed Druids of North America; the Church of the Eternal Source, which has revived ancient Egyptian religion; and the Viking Brotherhood, which celebrates Norse rites. Beginning in the late 1970s, some feminists, open to feminine personifications of the deity, became interested in witchcraft and Neo-Paganism. Paganism Wikipedia
FULL MOON / CLEANSING RITE « Result #2 on Jun 24, 2007, 9:07am »
Special tools: Cauldron filled with salt water Altar Devotion Cast the circle Invocation of the Goddess I greet the Lady and call upon thee Mighty Mother of us all, bringer of all fruitfulness. I ask you, Mother, to descend upon my circle and reside within me, thy priest/ess. Invocation of the God I call upon thee O Great Father, Sun and Consort of the Mother ,who brings her light and warmth. Come forth Mighty Horned One. Live now within the body of this thy priest/ess.
Cleansing Anoint forehead with salt water "I cleanse my thoughts that they might be pure and honest -grant that they always be pleasing to the God and Goddess." Anoint throat "I cleanse my voice that all that I say might be for good and naught for ill or harm." Anoint heart "I cleanse my heart that it might be open, giving and full of light. Grant that I might give freely of my love and care to others." Anoint hands "I cleanse my hands that I might use them for workings of good, to help and never to harm." Anoint feet "I cleanse my feet that they might take me far in life, that my journeys may be filled with love, light, peace and the joy of the Goddess and God."
Meditation for a time. Cakes and Wine (eating bread and drinking wine or juice to restore energies spent during ritual) Release the circle, thank the God and Goddess.
ROOM BLESSING/CLEANSING/ PROTECTION SPELL This is a bare-bones, generic spell. Use when the energies in your home or in a particular room start feeling "off" or negative. This spell can be tweaked to suit your particular method of working or use as is. You will need: Small cauldron or other fire-proof bowl for burning herbs - one that you are able to carry. Your favorite protection oil Clearing herbs such as sage, cedar, rosemary, etc. Charcoal tablet (a half tablet would suffice) Matches Trace the pentagram starting from the top point - in this spell you are invoking Spirit. Meditate before you begin - make sure you're in the right state of mind to proceed. An Alpha state is the best. The Spell: Light charcoal in bowl/cauldron and when burning, drop a pinch or two of your clearing herbs into the cauldron. Take a minute to take in the energy of the herbs. Carry the vessel around the room - paying special attention to corners, closets, and places negative energy seems to linger. Project a clear, clean, white light with your mind and say: "By my will I banish all darkness and let in the light." (repeat around the room) When you've thoroughly cleansed the room, return to the center and put down your cauldron. Take up the oil and go to the North. Trace a pentagram on the wall (window sill, door frame, etc.) Say: From the North I call to Thee. Blessings of the Spirit Be upon this place. Go to the East and say: From the East I call to Thee. Blessings of the Spirit Be upon this place. Continue to the South and West, changing the blessing accordingly. When complete, return to the center of the room and place more herbs on the charcoalBR>Stand still a bit and feel the energy of the room/space. Again, project white light outward, mentally filling all the nooks and crannies. When the energy feels right to you say: This room is sealed Protected from harm. Light replaces darkness As I will, so mote it be. Note: This spell can obviously be expanded for an entire house. Just begin in the center of the house instead of the center of the room. If you are uncomfortable calling on "Spirit" for protection, you can substitute the name of your Deity.
WHITE CANDLE SPELL FOR BLESSING Get a white candle -- either a plain one (offertory, pillar, or taper) or a figural one in the gender of the person you want to bless. Carve the person's full name on the candle, then dress it with Blessing Oil or Holy Oil. For more power, you may place a name-paper of the person, or a photo, or some personal item of theirs (such as a bit of hair or a snippet of clothing) either under the candle or next to it. One easy way to do this is to place the paper or personal concerns under an overturned saucer and put the candle on top of the saucer. Burn a portion of the candle every day for seven days, pinching it out between burnings. As you light it each day, say this [Name], may you be blessed May all good things come to you May nothing whatsoever harm you May your heart be light May your travels be safe May your health be good May your mind be sound May your friendships sustain you May you be blsed in every way * If you have a special request for this person (such as that they find a lover, get a good job, come home safely from a war, or whatever), just add it to the list. Some people use a large pillar-type candle and keep it going for longer than seven days. They may make a habit of burning such a candle every day -- or once a week, on Sundays -- for as long as their friend or relative needs help, even doing so for months at a time. If the candle is large and it is to be burned in this way, it should be re-dressed with Blessing Oil or Holy Oil once a week: after the initial dressing, you can drop a tiny bit of oil into the "well" or hole in such a large candle just before lighting it each time.
CLEANSING RITUAL This ritual is a self cleansing ritual. It was designed to cleans the body, mind & spirit of residual negativity after being involved in magical battles (specifically, exorcism). Components & Tools: A tub to draw a bath A white candle Essential Oil of Myrrh Essential Oil of Frankincense Sea Salt (fine, bath salts) Preparations: Place the white candle so that it's light can shine upon you when you are in the tub. Mix 9 drops Myrrh and 3 drops Frankincense into 1/8 cup sea salt. Be certain that you will not be disturbed for at least 20 minutes, preferably an hour. Shut off the phone ringers, etc. Ritual: Invoke your sacred space. (using what means is appropriate for your practice) Light the candle. Recite the following: Spirits of Fire do I call upon thee. Send thy divine fire and burn through the darkness. Shed thy light upon me and clear the shadows of my soul. Draw a bath of hot water(the warmest you can comfortably get into) Recite the following: Oh spirits of water do I call upon thee. Enter this sacred space and lend me thy cleansing powers. From the waters we come and to water we return. As the tub fills (about half way), sprinkle the salt into the waters. Recite the following: Oh spirits of earth do I call upon thee. Ground and disperse all that is not of light. Mix with me and cleans me of the weight of darkness. Once fill, settle into the tub. Relax and feel the light and warmth. Breath in the vapors of the oils and recite the following: Oh spirits of ear do I call upon thee. Thou art my breath and my life. Let me breath in thy light and release the smoke of darkness. Breath and feel the energy about and within you. Feel the light of fire burning away that which clings to you. Let the water's warmth wash through you, and lift away the darkness. Feel the salt cling to the darkness and ground it for you. Feel your lungs fillwth light and carry out the fog of darkness as you exhale. Remain in the bath till you feel that all the darkness that will release has left you. Stand, or kneel, and pull the plug from the tub. As the water drains, recite the following: As we come from the waters so shall we return. Oh earth and water, take from here the darkness. Disperse it and ground it. Let it weigh upon me no more. Dry off. Put out the candle. Thank the divine and the spirits & open your sacred space.
RITUAL OF SELF-BLESSING You will need a small votive candle and holder (white is always good, but use color if you feel called to do that) an incense stick, cone, or herbs (such as sage or thyme) to burn a small container of water a small container of salt I find that a sugar and creamer set works very well for this. These can be purchased quite reasonably and set aside just for this use. This is a ritual which connects you to the deepest levels of healing. It also connects you to the four elements and their energies. In this way it is most helpful for dealing with the shamanic elemental energies of Nature. The candle represents the element of Fire The incense or herbs represent Air The container of water is Water The container of salt is Earth. Beyond that, these elements reflect your own needs. The element of Fire reflects your relationships, protection, ideas and achievements. The element of Air reflects your creivity, spirituality, inspiration and philosophies. The element of Water reflects your emotions, intuition, dream states, psychic gifts, and healing balance. The element of Earth reflects your practicality, knowledge, sacred wisdom, and growth. Find a quiet time and place where you will not be disturbed. You may make this as ceremonial or as informal as you choose. Light the incense and take a few moments to consider the element of Air. Consider the gifts that Air reflects in you. Light the candle and take a few moments to consider the element of Fire. Consider the gifts that Fire reflects in you. Take a few moments to consider the element of water and how it reflects in you. Take a few moments to consider the element of Earth and how it reflects in you. Very gently, pour the water into the container of salt. If you are using herbs as an incense, you may sprinkle a few in the water and salt mixture. Stir the salt and water with your fingers. Consider the blending of elemet that creates life itself. Consider the balance of elements and their attributes in your life. Take a few moments to do this. Facing the candle, dip your fingers in the water mixture and touch your forehead (3rd eye area). Say: "Bless me Mother, for I am your child." (The original was written for the Goddess as Mother. Another deity name can be substituted here, or simply say "Spirit.") Now dip your fingers in the water mixture and touch the area around your eyes carefully. Say: "Bless my eyes that I may see you." Dip again and touch your nose. Say: "Bless my nose that I may breathe your essence." Dip again and touch your ears. Say: "Bless my ears that I may hear your wisdom." Dip again and touch your mouth. Say: "Bless my mouth that I may speak your name." Dip again and touch your heart. Say: "Bless my heart that I may feel your love." Dip again and touch your lower abdomen. Say: "Bless my cauldron center that I may create harmony." Dip again and touch yurfeet. Say: "Bless my feet that I may walk in balance." Dip again and rub your hands together. Say: "Bless my hands that I may share your healing in my work." Take all the time you need to concentrate on the elements before you. Focus your attention on the candle and visualize healing light flowing into you. Feel strength emerging from deep inside yourself. Breathe deeply and capture that moment. Connect with the source of strength and healing. When you feel you are finished, blow out the candle. It is good to leave the incense burning if you can. Air is a communicating element, and smoke is transformation. The incense carries the messages of healing and strength to Spirit. If you have used herbs, it is good to return the ashes to Nature. In this way, you are grounding the energy, bringing the message and the transformation to earth. Make sure the ashes are cold; then place them at the roots of a tree or bush if possible. If not, place them in soil or sand. Thesal and water mixture can be used very effectively in several ways. You may wash your gemstones or other stones in this. Crystals love this, since their energy is so personally connected to yours. You may save the mixture and dab a little on your third-eye area every day for a few days, as a reminder. You may pour the mixture into your bath for a gentle energizer. When the bathwater drains, visualize a connection between yourself and the energies of Mother Ocean. You may return the mixture to earth by pouring it on soil or sand. Remember, plants don't thrive in salt; so keep the mixture clear of plants. You may sprinkle the mixture throughout your house to seal in positive energies and protection.
SALT BATH RITUAL Clean your tub. Draw your bath and shut off the water. Take a container of salt. Pour some salt into your cupped palm. Put the salt into the water. Pour more salt into your palm; put into the water. Do this a third time. Three is a magical number and you will find it often in magical spells and rituals. It reminds us that the Goddess and the God both have three faces that we all know. The fourth face, the hidden face, may or may not be known. With your power hand (most often your power hand is the hand you write with), stir the water until the salt is dissolved and/or it feels right to you. Part of Wiccan training is about learning to trust yourself and your own inner voice. Once it feels right, then bless and consecrate the water. Keeping your power hand in the water, you might say something like this (Always remember that ad libbing is fine): "Water and Earth, Blessings on thee. I do cast out from th any unpleasantries both from the spirit world and from my world. I do cast out any and all things that are not to my good and benefit. I do cast out any and all emotions that may be pulling me down and harming me. Be cast out that which is not in complete agreement with me! By the power of the Old Ones, as I will it, so mote it be." This is to purify and consecrate the water and it is also to remind you that your purpose is to be cleansed inside and out. You are getting rid of all those things that you collect in your daily life. You should enter Circle clean and in clean clothes as well if you don't circle skyclad. Stand next to the tub and face East. Or, if you so choose, face the direction that represents newness and dawn and beginnings to you. See the Lady and the Lord standing before you as you say: Bless me, Lady and Lord, for I am thine own child {your magical name here}. Dip your {power hand} forefinger and middle finger into the water and anoint your third eye and letthen right eyelids saying: Blessed Be mine eyes, for they are Your eyes and help me see my path clearly. Dip your {power hand} forefinger and middle finger into the water and anoint your nose saying: Blessed be mine nose, for it is Your nose and helps me breathe the essence that is the Sacred Whole. Dip your {power hand} forefinger and middle finger into the water and anoint your lips saying: Blessed be mine lips, for these are Your lips and speak the true beauty of Your names Dip your {power hand} forefinger and middle finger into the water and anoint your heart and breasts saying: Blessed Be mine breasts and mine heart for they are Yours and I will be faithful and loving in Thy name. Dip your {power hand} forefinger and middle finger into the water and anoint your belly and genitals (Men do not need to anoint belly area) saying: Blessed be my womb/girl thingy/ thingy for they are Your life-giving organs and through them I can bring forth life. Dip your {power hand} forefinger ndmiddle finger into the water and anoint your knees saying: Blessed Be mine knees for they are Your knees that kneel in sacredness and joy. Dip your {power hand} forefinger and middle finger into the water and anoint your feet saying: Blessed be mine feet for they are Your feet and they lead me to your Old Ways. Blessed Be Lady and Lord! I am ____________ _______ and I am Your own child come to you in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Now get into the tub and rub water all over yourself. Feel all your tensions and worries and fears slip into the water and dissolve away. Surround yourself with light and joy and enjoy!
ELEMENTAL PURIFICATION OF STORE OR DWELLING This rite utilizes the powers of the four elements (Earth, Air, Fire and Water) to cleanse the store or dwelling. At a time when the business is closed, assemble the main Members of the group and on a table assemble the following items: a bowl of seal salt an incense burner or smudge stick a white candle a bowl of holy water Light the incense and the candle. Stand before the table and open yourself to the dwelling. Feel its energies. Really tune into any impressions you receive. After a moment, hold your hands over the assembled tools and say something like the following (Feel Free To Improvise): "I Charge you, tools of the elements to sweep my dwelling clean of all ill and bane. This is my will, so mote it be." (several other items needed) a wand a black candle a white candle a crystal (cleansed prior to use) With the wand say: "We dedicate these tools to the goddess and god to help us in r work." Touch the wand to the sea salt, the holy water, the incense or smudge, the crystal, the lighted white candle, and say: "We dedicate these tools to the god and goddess and the five elements. We dedicate them to helping us in our work of healing meditation, divination and inner growth." This next part of the ritual is to banish any negative energies around and in the store or dwelling. The group forms a procession walking counter clockwise through every room in the store or dwelling, carrying the smudge stick and the lit black candle saying: "We banish from this place all pain and negativity. We neutralize negative or mischievous entities from this place. We send you to the goddess and the god, to heal you and take you where you need to go." If you have cedar branches available, place one in each room before you leave it. Now, go outside the dwelling and with your procession again walking counter clockwise, repeat the verse again still smudging and burning the black candle, walkaound the dwelling. If available place cedar branches in front of doorways. Now put out the black candle and smudge stick (incense). You are still outside the dwelling. Turn clockwise in the procession.. .light a white candle... and burn sweet smelling incense. Walk around the dwelling and say: "We invoke to this place protection, prosperity, peace, healing, wellness, and creativity." Place a flower or crystal at each corner of the dwelling. Now the procession re-enters the dwelling, and again walking clockwise in each room with the white candle and sweet incense repeats the above verse. If you have a flower or crystal to leave in each room as you exit, do so. The group forms a circle around the table where you first began. One person (the one in charge) leads the group. She takes the dish of salt, and moving clockwise, leads the group throughout each room saying: "By the powers of Earth, I cleanse this dwelling." The group is to follow her and repeat what she says. Make sure o o all the corners, windows, doorways of each room as you go. Imagine, seeing the salt burning away negativity as you sprinkle and toss it. Your purification will be as strong as your visualization. Next, set the salt down and pick up the censor or incense, carry it from room to room (The same route you used with the salt...walking clockwise... group following and repeating) Be sure to hold it before all windows and doors, and in the corners of each room. Visualize the smoke clearing away all negativity and evil. Say the following: "By the powers of Air, I cleanse this place." Once you have walked through the whole dwelling, return the censor or incense to the table. Take the lit white candle on the same route. Again, visualize moving clockwise and holding the flame before windows and doors, seeing it shining forth with magical power, burning away negativity. As you go say: "By the powers of Fire, I cleanse this place." Replace the candle on the tale and take up the bowl of holy water.Spinkle the holy water throughout the house, in every corner, and at exits and entrances. Toss some drops at and through windows. See and know that the holy water is washing away ills with a tidal wave of magical power. Say the following: "By the powers of Water, I cleanse this place." Set the bowl of holy water on the table. Stand for a few moments and feel the difference in the dwelling. It should feel calmer, more peaceful, fresh and clean. If not, repeat the ritual Group again forms a circle around the table. You will need four candles to represent the four elements/directions , yellow for East/Air, Red for the South/Fire, Blue for the West/Water, Green for the North/Earth. Also, if you wish you may use a white candle to represent the Holy Spirit. Each member is to say a prayer, asking for the blessings of the Goddess and God, asking for the qualities they want for the dwelling. The leader of the group will light each candle as she says: "I call upon you, powers of the Air, to witnes thi rite and to guard this place." (light the yellow candle) "I call upon the Powers of Fire, to witness this rite and to guard this place." (Light the red candle) "I call upon the Powers of Water, to witness this rite and to guard this place." (Light the blue candle) "I call upon the powers of Earth to witness this rite and guard this place." (light the green candle) "I call upon the Powers of the Holy Spirit to witness this rite and to guard this place." (Light the white candle) Leader says: "Today we dedicate this place to the God and Goddess, for our protection, safety, peace and creativity. In this ritual we have banished anything that could be negative and have invited instead all prosperity and love." "We have invited Earth, who protects all women, children and the dwelling. We have invited Fire who protects the dwelling, home and hearth. We have invited water, who gives abundance. We have invited Spirit, who is of the deities and the Earth and who protects all peoples." You maywant o add blessings, poems, or chants to be done by members of the group.
PURIFICATION OF SELF SPELL The purification of self is a way to remove the accumulation of all negative things that happened during the day and to prepare for the work to come. Before ritual work, you have to change your frame of mind from the everyday mundane world. Here are a couple of ways to do this. Incense: You may use incense in the common stick form or in what is called a smudge stick. This is a small bundle of incense. The incense is lit and is passed around the body, but not too close to the hair (fire hazard). As you pass the incense around your body, concentrate on the smoke passing through you. Invision all the negativity and the excess baggage of the day leaving you as the smoke rises around you. When you feel cleansed, put out the incense. You will need a container to put out the smudge stick. A terra cotta saucer filled with sand is ideal. Ritual Baths: A ritual bath is a great way to shed the day and concerate on the ritual to come. Supplies: --White candles, for Spirituality and Higher Self, Salt, Herb or Herbs for Purification, Candle Snuffer. Run a bath of very warm water. As the water is running light the white candles. Use as many as you wish. Three is an appropriate number as it represents the three aspects of the Goddess. As you light a candle think or recite aloud: "I light this candle in truth and peace". Repeat with each candle. While the water is running, add a small amount of salt into the water, then add the herb or herbs of your choice. Step into the water and slowly sink down into the tub. Relax and feel the water covering your body. Let the day and all negativity be drawn into the water. Concentrate on letting go and moving to the positive. Wash slowly. Turn the bath into its own ritual. Think or say aloud : " All negativity is flowing out of me into the water. I am pure for the work to come." Take as long as you need. When you feel you are clerand relaxed step out of the tub and drain the water. Watch the water flow down the drain. Envision all the negativity and the day behind you flowing down the drain with the water. Dry yourself slowly, deliberately. As you snuff out the candles, think or say aloud: "I leave this bath in truth and peace." You are now ready for the ritual to come.
The History of the Pentagram/Pentacle « Result #3 on Jun 24, 2007, 9:00am »
The History of the Pentagram/Pentacle
The Pentacle, the symbol of Witchcraft, is a bold and fascinating statement about our place in the Universe. The pentagram represents an ancient concept that can be found in philosophical thought in both East and West. Although over 8,000 years old, the image of the pentagram is applicable in our modern world. The pentagram tells us that we have the ability to bring Spirit to Earth; this applies to every area of practical day-to-day living, as well as spiritual thought. The ability of bringing Spirit to Earth is what makes us whole.
The pentacle is our Star of Life, The Pentagram is a five-sided star, usually made with a single continuous line, with the points equally spaced. It is often depicted within a circle. This is one of several geometric star designs representing the mysteries of creation and redemption, the soul of man in its relationship with the Universal Spirit. Magickally, such diagrams are considered efficacious in rites and rituals of evocation and transformation. These designs are represented in all media, by carving, drawing, sewing and casting in metal. To carry such a design on one's person or have it in one's abode is considered a sign of one's interest in occult spiritual matters, as well as serving as a link between its location and spiritual forces. The pentagram has been used by many secret and occult societies, including shamans, Witches, magicians, Rosicrucians, Kabbalists, Freemasons and Illuminati.
The Pentagram was known in ancient China and is still used today by Taoists, to whom it symbolizes the five elements of wood, fire, wind, water and metal. In the Chinese concept, these are five processes by which energy transforms itself through constant creation and destruction. They represent both the outer processes of the universe and the inner processes of the self. The Chinese elements correspond to the later Western elements of spirit, fire, air, water and earth. Wise men in China sometimes wear a pentagram to symbolize their awareness of and mastery over the process of change.
In India, the pentagram represents the elements of the five lower charkas of kundalini yoga. These elements are symbolized by the square, circle, triangle, oval and a wisp in the shape of an elongated letter 's.' The elements correspond with the five levels of consciousness in the manifest universe below the Abyss. Indian mystics believe the fifth element is a reflection of three additional elements, combined as one, which are above the Abyss and therefore above man's conscious awareness.
The symbol of the pentagram came West with the Sumerians. It is found in the oldest Sumerian pictographs, before the introduction of cuneiform writing. It was represented as the sign of the plough, called 'AR or 'ub.' They used it to symbolize the four heavenly quarters with the spirit in the center, and the four divisions of the year into the solstices and equinoxes, plus the ritual of regeneration. The later Assyrians used the pentagram in religious and magickal evocations of spirits. As with many Indian concepts, the pentagram also migrated to ancient Persia, where it was a symbol of the fire-worshipping Persian Magi (wise men). The Babylonian and Chaldean Magi later called the pentagram the Star of the Magi.
At Tarkhan, where Set was worshipped in pre-dynastic Upper Egypt, the inhabitants left hieroglyphs of an upright pentagram attached to a boat. Scholars believe this represents an early representation of the journey of the soul across the dark sea of spirit in the heavens. The Jews used the pentagram to symbolize the Torah, their five books of Truth. In Jewish mysticism, it was the symbol of the Angel guarding the way to the first of the seven heavens. The Jewish Testament of Solomon, believed written between 100 and 300 AD but containing a core of older material, tells of king Solomon receiving from an angel a ring with a pentagram on it as a symbol of his power to control demons. To the Christians, the pentagram symbolized the five wounds of Christ and it was in general use among Christians during the first thousand years of the Church. The Gnostics called the pentagram the "Blazing Star" and linked it to the crescent moon as a symbol of spiritual energy.
Among the Greeks, the pentagram was the symbol of the goddess Kore, who resumed in her mythos the descent and ascent of the human of soul from the Underworld. Her sacred symbol, the apple, shows a five-pointed star when sliced horizontally through the center. The Pythagorians, who based much of their philosophy on numbers, used the pentagram as an amulet for health and spiritual well-being. They wore the pentagram both upright and reversed and when hiding from persecution, they used the pentagram as a secret sign of recognition. The pentagram passed into general use among the various Illuminati cults in Europe, and in Britain the Celts adopted the pentagram from the Picts, using it as a symbol of the Underworld gods and goddesses who linked man to the heavens. Celtic Christians and other Christian mystics used the pentagram to symbolize the five virtues of the seeker of the Holy Grail.
By the Middle Ages, the pentagram had become a general symbol of spiritual wisdom and truth, and it was marked on doorways and windows to keep evil out of the house. There is evidence that the old village witches made use of the pentagram, which they called the Witches' Foot, the Druid's Foot or the Goblin's Cross. The Church decided it was no longer proper for Christians to use the symbol after the Christian Inquisition began burning village wise women and identifying them by the sign of pentagram. After the invention of the printing press and subsequent publication of Agrippa's Occult Philosophy and numerous magickal grimoires, the pentagram became a popular symbol of occult knowledge.
Agrippa One of the last major developments in the use of the pentagram came when the French occultist Alphonse Constant (Eliphas Levi) introduced the upright and inverted use of the pentagram. Levi used the upright pentagram to represent the race of man created by God, while he used the inverted pentagram to represent the demonic race created by the Angel Samael and Lilith.
Eliphas Levi Much of Levi's legacy was passed to several Englishmen who helped to found the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. From this influential group developed the idea of the pentagram representing white magick with one point up and black magick with one point down; thus, one symbolized the good of the seeker of spirit (macrocosm), and the other symbolized the ordinary person mired in materialistic pursuits (microcosm). Levi's drawing of the pentagram on the forehead of the sabbatic goat has become one of the most famous representations of the pentagram.
Levi The pentagram was used by the hereditary New Forest covens of England in the 1930's. The Witch Sybil Leek's mother, who ran one of the covens, called the Meets of her coven the Pentagram Club. The pentagram didn't become a general symbol of Witchcraft until the 1950's, when the modern religion of witchcraft called Wicca was created. The Wiccans adopted the pentagram as the symbol of their Craft and as a means of mutual recognition, and the success of the Wiccans led other Witches to adopt the symbol also. The pentagram is generally used by Witches with one point up, although in Wiccan initiations the first degree Witch uses an inverted triangle, the second degree Witch uses a inverted pentagram, and the third degree Witch uses an upright pentagram topped by an upright triangle. Here, the inverted pentagram represents the Horned God, symbol of prosperity and illumination, whose spirituality was approached through sensuality. Modern Satanists, on the other hand, have adopted the pentagram with two points up as their symbol of recognition. Some Satanists follow the older idea of being materialistic instead of spiritual, while others have adopted the inverted pentagram to symbolize evil or black magick. Witches and Satanists usually wear a sterling silver pentagram as a necklace or ring.
One important use of the pentagram among magicians is to perform the Lesser and Greater Banishing Rituals of the Pentagram. The purpose of these rituals is to diminish the projection of consciousness into consensus reality in order to 'rise on the planes,' to seek communion with spiritual forces. The rituals have been adopted and adapted by Witches to invoke and banish the Watchtowers at the four quarters of the magick circle.
Magicians also use the pentagram as a part of the Solomon Lamen (Seal of Solomon), which is composed of three sigils: the Pentagram, the Hexagram and the Secret Seal (a Mercurial symbol). In this lamen, worn as a necklace by the magician when invoking spirits, the pentagram is used to open a doorway to spiritual forces.
Pentagram from the Key of Solomon The words on the seal have the following meaning: Abdia - I conjure thee in secret, O Spirit! Ballaton - Come forth from thy abode and speak clearly in my speech. Bellony - Put forth thy might and discover unto me the knowledge and power in thy keep. Halliy - Answer in the inward silence all of my questions without fail. Halliza - Assume and show forth unto me thy form of divine perfection. Soluzen - Open unto me thy secret door and fulfill me of my purpose!
Technically, a pentagram is a five-sided figure and a pentacle is a five-pointed star. The older word 'pentacle' has been replaced over time by the less precise 'pentagram.' Today, the pentacle refers to an engraved copper disk engraved with a pentagram used by Witches to represent the element earth in the magick circle; this follows Eliphas Levi's original illustration of the tarot suit of coins, which he called pentacles, as coins engraved with pentagrams. The pentacle should not be confused with the pantacle. The pantacle is a many-pointed star design created by a magician to summarize his or her magickal attainment, and is unique for each individual. The pantacle is also usually an engraved copper disk and is also used in the magick circle to represent the element of earth. Both the pentacle and the pantacle are used on the altar for consecrations, and at times may even replace the altar. Confusion between the pentacle and the pantacle has arisen because modern Witchcraft has borrowed heavily from ceremoial magick and proper distinctions have sometimes been lost in the process.
The mystic and most esoteric use of the pentagram involves its representation of the inner spiritual nature of man, an arc of energy composed of five selves. Each of these selves exists in its own reality, some on earths in other times and spaces. These aspects each strive to become the dominant aspect of the arc, and the one that does so is able to call upon the powers of the other selves. This is the source of the ancient idea that the pentagram represents the compete or perfect man. In this sense, the pentagram is the penultimate symbol of the wise
Becoming a Witch « Result #4 on Jun 19, 2007, 4:11pm »
Becoming a Witch These steps will take at least two years if you do them correctly.
STEP ONE - discovering your path Read and study. Read everything you can get your hands on. You need to read anything that will tell you more about the beliefs of witchcraft, magazines, books and web pages. While studying there are other forms of the craft that help. (nature) For example you could go hiking or go camping. Sunbathe, moonbathe, watch animals etc. This step should take you at least 2 months.
STEP TWO - defining your path In a notebook, folder or journal start writing down some reasons why the craft is for you. What does being a witch mean to you? What do you hope to achieve? How do you visualize the God and Goddess? What does the Divine mean to you? Be honest. This notebook will become your book of shadows.
STEP THREE - Exploring magic Magic is simply raising and channeling energy that is found in yourself, nature and the divine. Before you begin working with magic you need to understand what it is. You also need to know the basic structure of a ritual, casting circles, calling quarters, invoking the God/dess, raising and directing energy, grounding and centering and closing the circle. Know the moon phases. Learn to feel how the moon effects your body. Keep records of all you have learned in your book of shadows. This step will probably take you about another couple of months.
STEP FOUR - learning to focus Now you should start working on meditation and visualization exercises to increase your concentration. Learn to be calm. You can start out by meditating at least 3 times a week for about five minutes. You should do this for at least a month. Remember to keep a record in your book of shadows.
STEP FIVE - working with magic Now you can begin some basic spell work. Start with a full moon ritual or a new moon ritual. Every witch should write her own spells.
STEP SIX - self dedication After you have been studying for at least five or six months on meditating and working with magic it is time to perform a self dedication ritual. Design it however you want. A self dedication ritual means you are dedicating yourself to the craft.
STEP SEVEN - the year between dedication and initiation You can initiate yourself when you feel you are ready. The year you spend between your self dedication and your initiation you should spend celebrating the Sabbats, meditation, practicing your spellwork and studying. Use this time to learn about different forms of divination, such as Tarot or Runes, and different forms of healing, such as herbalism. Make sure you are recording in your book of shadows.
STEP EIGHT - Networking You should spend a solitary year study after self dedication before a witch considers joining a coven or a circle. This gives you a full year to celebrate the cycle of Sabbats.
STEP NINE - Initiation An initiation should be something that's meaningful to you. The ritual should be written only by you. A coven initiation is a means of bonding a group together. Initiation into the craft should always be a solitary ritual.
You still have to learn and practice. If you truly want to be a witch be prepared to spend the rest of your life studying and learning about this religion
What Is Witchcraft? « Result #5 on Jun 19, 2007, 3:06pm »
What Is Witchcraft?
Witchcraft is commonly defined as the use of supposed magical powers to influence people and events. In this sense, it is known as sorcery and has been part of the folklore of many societies for centuries. Since the mid-1900's, Witchcraft has also come to refer to a set of beliefs and practices that some people consider a religion. Its followers sometimes call it Wicca, the Craft, the Wisecraft, or the Old Religion. However, many people, particularly conservative Christians, do not consider Witchcraft a religion as they understand the term.
Belief in witchcraft as sorcery exists around the world and varies from culture to culture. Historically, people have associated witchcraft with evil and usually have regarded a witch as someone who uses magic to harm others, by causing accidents, illnesses, bad luck, and even death. However, some societies believe that witches also use magic for good, performing such actions as casting spells for love, health, and wealth. People around the world continue to practice witchcraft as sorcery, claiming to use magic for good or harm.
Unlike those who practice witchcraft as sorcery, the followers of Wicca believe in practicing magic only for beneficial purposes, not to harm. They worship a deity with male and female aspects, but they emphasize the female, or Goddess, side of the deity.
The term witch comes from the Old English word wicca, which is derived from the Germanic root wic, meaning to bend or to turn. By using magic, a witch is believed to change or bend events. Today, the word witch can be applied to a man or a woman. In the past, male witches were also called warlocks and wizards.
Witchcraft: Witchcraft as sorcery In folklore around the world, witches are believed to be masters of the supernatural world. They supposedly conjure and command spirits. They may have special helping spirits called familiars, who take the form of animals, particularly cats, snakes, owls, and dogs. In some tribal societies, a type of spell called sending involves the witch's familiar. In this type of spell, the witch instructs the familiar to carry out such commands as delivering a hex to a victim.
Some cultures believe witches have the power to shape-shift into animals. This power to change their shape enables them to travel about secretly. Witches also are said to be able to fly. They may fly under their own power, ride tools such as brooms or rakes, or ride magical animals.
Witches supposedly can control the weather. They are sometimes blamed for storms that damage dwellings or crops.
According to folklore, witches have great knowledge of how to make magical potions and charms. A potion is a drink that causes a desired effect in a person's behavior. A charm is a magical incantation (word or phrase) that helps to bring about a spell.
Witches also are believed to be able to see into the future. Some people believe that witches possess the evil eye—that is, the ability to kill by looking.
In many places around the world, witchcraft beliefs and practices have existed for centuries with little change. In many societies, it is believed that witches inherit their magical powers. Others believe that witches may be trained by local witches.
Witchcraft: Witchcraft as a religion The practice of Wicca—Witchcraft as a religion—developed in the United Kingdom in the mid-1900's. It flourishes primarily in English-speaking countries. The person most credited with the emergence of Wicca is Gerald B. Gardner, a British civil servant. Gardner had a lifelong interest in the occult (beliefs and practices involving magic or forces outside the natural world).
Organization and practices. Wicca has no central authority. Its followers, known as Witches, are loosely organized in groups called covens. Some covens are made up of only women or only men, and other covens are mixed. Many Witches do not join a coven but practice alone as solitaries.
The practice of Wicca is controversial, primarily because many Christians find the idea of a religion based on witchcraft objectionable. Some Christians associate any form of witchcraft with the worship of evil powers. Others fear that Wicca might be tied to modern cults based on illegal drug use. Followers of Wicca deny any such connections.
Wicca is a re-creation of pagan, folk, and magical rites. Its primary sources are Babylonian, Celtic, Egyptian, ancient Greek, Roman, and Sumerian mythologies and rites. Wicca also borrows from other religions and mythologies, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and the rites of American Indians.
Essentially, Wicca is a fertility religion that celebrates the natural world and the seasonal cycles that are central to farming societies. It acknowledges the Goddess as the feminine side of a deity called God. Witches worship both Goddess and God in various personifications, including ancient gods and goddesses. Rites are tied to the cycles of the moon, which is the symbol of the power of the Goddess, and to the seasons of the year. Religious holidays are called sabbats. There are four major sabbats: Imbolc (February 1), Beltane (April 30), Lugnasadh or Lammas (July 31), and Samhain (October 31).
Most Witches practice in secrecy. Some do so because they believe that is the tradition. Others do so because they wish to avoid persecution. Because of secrecy, it is difficult to estimate how many people practice Witchcraft as a religion.
Role of magic. Modern Witches practice magic, both for spell-casting and as a path of spiritual growth. Magic for spiritual growth is called high magic and is aimed at connecting a person to God or Goddess on a soul level.
Religious Witches say they perform magic for good and not for harm. They follow the Wiccan Rede, which is similar to the Golden Rule, "An' it harm none, do what ye will." Witches also believe in the Threefold Law of Karma, which holds that magic returns to the sender magnified three times. Thus, Witches say, evil magic only hurts the sender.
Different types of witchess « Result #6 on Jun 19, 2007, 3:06pm »
Every witch is different, and as everything there is a variety of common things, in this case; religion.
Some people become to believe in a certain religion because of parents, or it's just simply in the blood to believe those things. Other times it's peer pressure.
Different types of witches:
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 deosn't exist. Why? Witches don't believe in Satan remember.
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.
What is a Pagan? « Result #7 on Jun 19, 2007, 3:05pm »
What is a Pagan? A Pagan is a person who believes that everything has a soul or spirit. This is called Animism, and all Pagan religions share this belief. Rivers, animals, rocks, trees, land are all filled with there own unique spirits for people who are Pagans. Traditionally, Christians believe that only humans have souls or spirits. Many environmentally conscious Christians today share the belief with Pagans that all forms of life have a soul. Pagans see the divine spirit in all life, as do some members of other religions.
Is there more than One Pagan Religion? There are hundreds of different Pagan Religions. Some of the best known Pagan religions are Buddhism, Shintoism, Native American Religions, Hinduism, Taoism, Wicca, Druidism, Asatru, Shamanism, Neo-Paganism and Eclectic Paganism. Is Paganism a Cult? No, Paganism is a major World Religion, with many branches. More people on Earth are Pagans than any other faith. Some Pagan groups may be classified as cults, just like some Christian groups are cults. The Christian groups headed by Jim Jones at Jonestown, who committed mass suicide, and the followers of David Koresh at Waco, Texas are both considered cults, but they were once considered Christian denominations. Any religious or spiritual tradition can have cults in its midst, that does not mean that the entire tradition is a cult. Wackos and religious charletans come in all religions, denominations, and races. The word Cult is often used as a slur word to disparage someone elses religious beliefs. It is frequently used derisively toward non-white or indigenous folk cultures and their beliefs.
Are Pagans Devil Worshippers? No, Pagans do not worship the Devil or Satan. Pagans do not believe in the Devil, he is part of the Judeo-Christian Religions and mythology. Most Devil worshipping groups are not Pagan, because they are centered on a Judeo-Christian supernatural being, namely Satan. These Devil Worshippers are a sect of Christianity, even though Christianity does not want to claim them. Their focus is on opposing the mainstream Christian God and honoring the Devil, neither of these beings are part of Paganism. There is a tradition that calls itself Satanist. Satanists are not devil worshippers. They do not believe in god or the devil or any force outside themselves and other living creatures. They believe they can control their lives without the need to place responsibility on a higher power of any kind. Devil worshippers on the other hand sometimes do claim to be Satanists. . . This leads to lots of confusion.
People often confuse the Occult with Pagan Religion, this is a mistake, they are very different things. Many religions, including; Pagan, Non-Pagan, Christianity and Judeaism have occult aspects, many do not..
Are Pagans Witches? Some Pagans are Witches, some are not. Many Pagan groups do not practice Witchcraft. Wiccans are a type of Pagan Witches, there are also Dianic Witches, Green Witches, and other types of Pagan Witches. There are also Christian Witches, many of these people are practicing Christian, but also practice Witchcraft. Santeria is a South American religion that is a blend of VooDoo, Witchcraft and Christianity. What do I need to be a Pagan? A love of Nature, and a commitment to live in harmony with the Earth and Her creatures. You need to feel in your heart that it is where your own spirituality is leading you. Paganism is for Pagans, only you know if you are a Pagan in your heart.
What is a Pagan Ritual? A Religious or Pagan Ritual is anything that focuses your spiritual energy. A church service is a ritual, so is a wedding, or a funeral, or a Hopi Sun Dance. Humans have created rituals since the beginning of time. Ritual is the way humans express their connection with divinity and each other. There are many kinds of Pagan Ritual, personal rituals you do by yourself, full moon rituals, by yourself or with a group. There are blessing rituals for a new home, or for children, or for healing, or cleansing. There are protection ritual, and banishing rituals, to name a few. Your Grandmother may have placed a horseshoe over the door, this is a popular form of simple protection ritual that is rooted in Pagan tradition. Or throwing salt over your shoulder if it is spilled, so as not to attract bad luck.
For Wiccans and Neo-Pagans there are some basic Ritual Traditions that you may have heard about. Many Pagan Ritual begin by honoring the Earth and the 4 directions, as well as the elements the directions represent, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. A circle is cast and blessed with water, smoke, salt and light in honor of these elements. Rituals often include, singing, chanting, dancing, drumming, poetry and hymns to the Goddess or Gods. Some Rituals are very complex and are almost like a play, other rituals are very simple and flow with the energy of the group.
Do Pagans believe in Jesus? Some do and some do not. Many Pagans believe in a wide variety of higher beings. Jesus is one of these beings for some Pagans. Some believe he was a great spiritual teacher, but not a god. Some have no feelings about him at all.
Who is the Pagan God? There is no single Pagan God. Some Pagan faiths, like Hinduism and Eclectic Paganism have many Gods and Goddesses. Some Pagan Traditions like Taoism have no Gods or Goddesses. Some popular deities with contemporary American Pagans are Artemis-Diana, Inanna, the GreenMan, IsIs, Brigid, Rhiannon, Apollo, Kore, and Demeter. What is a Goddess? The first deities humans worshipped were Goddesses. A Goddess is the female creative and life giving forces of the Universe and much more. See "Goddess 101" for more detailed answers about what a Goddess is Goddess 101
Do Pagans Pray? Yes, many Pagans pray and many connect with the divine in other ways. Many meditate as a form of prayer, other drum as a form of prayer, others chant, sing or dance. Some dedicate each task they perform during the day, to the Goddess. Throughout human history people have spoken to their Gods or Goddesses through many different kinds of "prayer". When a Muslim prays, they bow toward Mecca, when a Christian prays they cross themselves, when a Buddhist prays they chant or make a sand mandala, when a Pagan prays, they may be chanting, doing ritual, hugging a tree or picking up litter on a beach, as a way of connecting with their Goddesses or Gods. How do you become a Pagan? You look into your heart and ask if it is the right path for you. Some people are born Pagans, even though they do not even know the word, others are born into Pagan cultures, and many others become Pagan when they search their hearts for a connection with their Spirits. To become a practicing Pagan, you must learn to look at Nature and begin to honor Her ways and cycles. Many new Pagans begin by celebrating the phases of the Moon. This can be as simple as taking the time each evening to gaze at the Moon and sing softly to yourself. Make up the words as you go along, you will be amazed at how easy it is. Really look at plants, and your cat, sit quietly and see if you can feel their energy. The first steps to becoming a Pagan are becoming aware of the magic of the natural world around you. The second step is do a small personal ritual and self-blessing that celebrates your entering the Pagan Path.
What do Pagans do? Pagans try to live in harmony with the Earth and raise their children to honor the ways of Nature. Pagans strive to strengthen their understanding of this miracle called Life. Pagans go to school, go to work, pay taxes, clean house, garden, raise kids, make art, watch TV, do not watch TV, eat at McDonalds, do not eat at McDonalds and love or hate computers, just like everyone else. Pagans are just folks who have a different religion, a Nature Religion that teaches them to honor all life. Pagans honor their Goddesses and Gods with the same faith that non-pagans have their own religions.
Where are the Pagan Churches? There are thousands of Pagan Temples around the world. Most Eclectic Pagans, Wiccans and Native American Religions do not worship in churches. Because they are Nature Religions. Religious Rituals are often held outside, in parks, fields, wooded groves, at a beach or lake, anywhere that promotes a connection with Nature. Large public rituals are often held in auditoriums, small rituals are often held in peoples homes. There are also Virtual Temples and Altars online. Why do people say bad things about Pagans? People often ridicule what they do not understand. Fundamental Christianity seems especially threatened by Pagans, although I do not know why. Many hateful, ridiculous, and untrue things about Paganism have been said by Fundamentalist preachers, who obviously were not paying any attention to Jesus message. Hate and prejudice were never a part of Jesus teachings. Hollywood has also created many damaging and untrue stereotypes to sell movie tickets. Funny, no one believes Robo-Cop is real, but people seem anxious to believe any absurd thing said about Pagans or Witches. (NO "The Craft" was not realistic or true at all!!!)
Can a Christian be a Pagan too? Many cultures have a blend of Christian and Pagan beliefs within their Christian Religions. Irish Catholicism, Mexican, Italian and South American Catholicism all have incorporated many Pagan beliefs and customs into their Christian faith. I am sure there are many others, but these are the ones I am most familiar with. The crowning of Mary on May Day is from the older Pagan custom of "Crowning the May Queen" as a representative of the Goddess. Religious belief is a very personal thing, it is the most personal thing about you. How you express your spirituality is no ones business but your own and what you believe is between you and your higher power. Your truth is in your own heart, honor it and do not let anyone limit it.
How do I start learning about being a Pagan? You look into your heart and begin asking yourself questions about what is sacred. The essence of Paganism is within you, many of the answers are there. There are some resources listed below that will help you to learn more about Paganism. Start with remembering top be grateful to the earth for sustaining your life and giving you food.
What can I do if my family or friends think it is bad to be a Pagan? You can try to educate them. If this does not work, quietly develop a Pagan heart. You can begin by trusting your own perceptions. Then honor Nature and learn Her ways. You may not be able to buy books or go to public rituals, but you can watch a small patch of grass for 10 minutes and really see it, all true power comes through understanding.
You can gaze at the night sky and feel the power of the Moon, and get to know Her phases .......You can learn about herbs, and the environment .......You can practice sewing, so when you can have ritual clothes, you will be able to create beautiful ones .......You can look at National Geographics at the Library and learn about Pagan societies and beliefs around the world .......You can go to museums and see ancient Goddess & God figures .......You can study about Native American customs ....... You can pick up litter as a way to be a Pagan honoring Mother Earth .......You can meditate .......You can collect pictures of Nature .......You can soak in a tub and do a private ritual in your mind, as you bless the water for its life giving essence .......You can notice if the plants or animals around you need food or water .......You can thank the Earth for each bit of food you eat.......You can learn to recognize what Nature is saying by listening.
Regardless of what your friends or family believe, you can practice your faith in small, simple, healing ways that will create a powerful spiritual energy within you and strengthen your connection with the Earths Wisdom and Spirituality.
The Churches Role « Result #8 on Jun 19, 2007, 3:04pm »
The Churches Role
"The Church, throughout much of its history, has demonstrated a disregard for human freedom, dignity and self-determination. It has attempted to control, contain and confine spirituality." - The Dark Side of Christian History, by Helen Ellerbe
The origins of the religion of Witchcraft date back about 25,000 years, to the Paleolithic Age, where the God of Hunting and the Goddess of Fertility first appeared.
Out of respect for the overwhelming power of Nature grew a belief in beings, gods, who controlled the winds, the seas, the earth and the fires. Success in the hunt and ensuring the continuation of the human species were of great importance in those times, thus practitioners of this early religion felt the need to gain the favor of these gods.
Magick was used to direct the hunting and to ensure fertility of the women of the tribes. Woman was the vessel of life, and because she contained life, she contained magic.
Wica was the name originally given to the priesthood of the Old Religion, which by 500 or so BCE (before common era) had began developing set rituals and festivals. The Sabbats celebrated the turning of the Wheel of the year; the movement from birth to death to rebirth.
But a time came when masculine ideals and male gods began to rise and challenge the Mother Goddess. Families began to be traced through the male lineage, rather than through the mother, and men took over the chief places of the priesthood. Soon, the old ways of the common people came into conflict with a new religion that started with rulers and upper classes - Christianity.
An attempt at mass conversion was made by Pope Gregory the Great, who thought that one way to get people to go to Christian churches was to build them on sites of the Old Religion's meeting places. In an effort to establish this new religion, many Old Ways were adapted.For example, the Egyptian Trinity of Isis, Osiris, Hours became Mary, God and Jesus. And although biblical evidence shows that Jesus was born in late summer or fall, the Church of Rome in the middle of the fourth century declared Dec. 25 as the date of Jesus' birth. Dec. 25 falls very close to the Old Religion's celebration of the Winter Solstice - the birth of the Sun. (note that the Christians celebrate the birth of the Son) The Spring Equinox, which Pagans celebrate as the resurrection of the Sun, using fertility symbols such as eggs and the hare, became the Christian's Easter celebration. Fall equinox celebrations were incorporated as Michaelmas, the feast of the archangel who supposedly conquered the Christian's all-evil deity, Satan. When the Christians decided that their new ways weren't catching on fast enough, things got a lot rougher for those who were practicing the Old Religion. Christian leaders began asserting that Witches were devil worshippers and savages. Women, who menstruate and give birth, were identified with sexuality and therefore with evil. Human beings were ranked according to inferior and superior states of being, with women coming in last much of the time. In 1533, for example, Martin Luther wrote "Girls begin to talk and to stand on their feet sooner than boys because weeds always grow up more quickly than good crops." December, 1484 marked the publication of the Bull of Pope Innocent VII, which delegated Heinrich Kramer and Jakob Sprenger as inquisitors. These two men in turn created the Malleus Maleficarum, which details the tortures that could be used to obtain confessions to Witchcraft. It was this sinister work that sparked a hysteria which spread rapidly across Europe. I don't think anybody truly knows how many people were burned, tortured or otherwise killed during that time - although scholarly estimates put the number between 40,000 and 100,000 - but the ironic thing is that the vast majority of them were not Witches. Most are believed to have been devout Christians who were wrongly accused. Victims were the elderly, the senile, homosexuals and freethinkers. During this time, people were gradually being taught to blame all of their problems on Witches and Witchcraft. Protestants taught that magic was sinful because it implied a belief in Divine assistance in the physical world. Witches soon were blamed for every misfortune - they were thought to have the power to raise the dead, turn water into wine, control the weather and foresee the future. Once denounced, a suspected Witch was arrested and then hideously tortured into a confession. Suspects were subjected to thumbscrews, the rack, boots which broke the bones of the legs; they were deprived of sleep, starved and beaten.
At times, hundreds of suspected Witches were killed in a day. Those who did not die during torture were taken to the stake or hanged. Since many of the burnings or hangings took place in public, the victims were prevented from talking to the crowds through the use of wooden gags or having their tongues cut out. The Craft eventually was forced to move underground in order to survive. Unfortunately, when the persecutions ended in the 18th century, the stereotype of Witches as devil worshippers remained for those who were ignorant of the true nature of the Craft. There are many, many Christians and followers of other religions who today are accepting of faiths other than their own, including Witchcraft. But much of the ignorance remains.
However, in this century, Witchcraft has been recognized as a valid religion by the U.S. Supreme Court, Wiccan churches are gaining tax-exempt status just like the Christian churches and we are finally moving to the point where we can reclaim the word Witch as one that means wise one, follower of the Old Ways.
What is a Green Witch?" Ask a handful of Green Witches what a Green Witch is, and you very well may get a handful of different answers." ~ unknown~
What I wish to portray is my version of Green Witchcraft and my theories as such. Here,as in the other pages I have laid out hearthside for you, what I write is merely my thoughts, theories and beliefs.
Before I begin I want to stress to anyone exploring their path that for one to become truly adept one should read everything you can get your hands on, good, bad and mediocre alike and decide your own truths. Look at everything with a skeptical eye for you are the only one who can decide what is truly right for you.
That said, here we go.A Green Witch is very similar to a Kitchen/Cottage Witch by all intents and purposes. There are ,however, distinct differences in that the Green Witch is rarely found bound by four walls when working their craft. As I mentioned in my page on Kitchen Witchery, Green Witchcraft can be practiced solely on its own or in conjunction with another path as is all of the paths I have laid out for you to see. The Green Witch is often found in the fields and forest where she (or by all means he) is closest to the Divine. An Urban Green Witch will take that extra long drive to the country or find a secluded patch of woods in a nearby park if need be.The tools of the Green Witch are most often home-made from the elements that are most accessible to the witch. Wands and staffs made of indigenous wood, brooms made of local brush and such are often put to use.
With or without religion, you would have good people doing good things and evil people doing evil things. But for good people to do evil things, that takes religion. - Steven Weinberg
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