Paganism - Wicca
- Introduction
- I am Pagan
- How to "save" my Soul
- What I believe in
- What I am not
- How I worship
- Suggested readings
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Introduction
Paganism is a religion of tolerance.
I see Paganism in general, and Wicca in particular, as a revival of
the ancient and natural forms of worship, practised when the earth
was in it's technological infancy.
Simple Test:
Do you find a strange affiliation to the moon, and it's phases,
Are you excited by thunderstorms,
Can you attune to the natural cycles of nature,
Do you believe in the occult,
Do you prefer night to day,
Are you sensual,
Do you have an instinctive responsiveness to animals,
Have you always felt different, or set apart from those around you,
Are you comfortable alone,
Have you had thoughts or glimpses of previous lives,
Are you relatively indifferent to material possessions.
If you can answer yes to most of these questions, the chances are you are
probably a Pagan, and should consider development of your potential.
Broadly speaking, Paganism is a philosophy, having a reverence for nature,
lack of material desires and a search for spiritual enlightenment. Wicca is an
adaptation of ancient Goddess worship. As nothing is carved in stone, for purposes
of simplicity this introduction will give very "loose" definitions. Should the visitor need in
depth reading, refer to the list of suggested books at the end.
Wiccans believe in reincarnation, and unlike other ideologies do not have to strive
for excellence, in order to achieve salvation. Wiccans, however, are bound by very strict constraints, and are expected to live each life to it's fullest potential.
By becoming a Wiccan there is no church to join, no new recruits to seek. Indeed, most Wiccans come to the path after searching alternate religions, for many years, without
spiritual satisfaction. Wicca does not have, like other religions, an active recruitment campaign. And most of all, Wicca recognises in man the diversity of need for
spiritual enlightenment, and respects all other religions. Wicca does not preach that
it is the One True Way, and the only means to Salvation.
Indeed, the concept of Salvation
is alien to Wiccans, who believe the Law of Three, or Karmic return takes care of
indiscretions performed by members. Any action performed, good or bad, is returned
to the individual threefold. The Wiccan may perform any act, provided no harm, to
anyone (including yourself) comes of it. This sounds simple, but makes for some very tough
decisions. There is no easy way out, like the Devil (Satan) made me do it, or tempted me.
The Wiccans do not appropriate blame for weakness or disaster as "God's Will"