What is a Witch?
We call ourselves Witches or Wiccans, terms hard to explain because they mean many different things to different people. Unlike world religions that can be transferred unchanged from one individual to another, Witchcraft is a very personal spirituality. To some extent it can be inspired by others, but eventually it must be created anew inside each person. However, there are certain beliefs most modern Witches agree on...
What Do Witches Believe?
Two ancient guidelines run through the veins of Wiccan life: The Wiccan Rede, "An it harm none, do as thou will" and the Three Fold Law, "Ever mind the rule of Three, what thou dost returns to thee". Wiccans feel that divinity is immanent, it is all around us, and inside of us, therefore, Wiccans respect, honor, and try to harmonize with that divinity in the earth and all life forms. Divinity is just as much male as female. Witches do not accept that the universe is split into absolute good and evil, or that the human spirit is innately evil and in need of correction. Instead, the universal forces are elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit. Each of these inspire postive growth.
What are Witches Like?
Witches today are thoughtful, caring people, often community conscious professionals. They are men and women with a commitment to personal universal growth, evolution, and balance. They believe very strongly that these goals are realistic and achievable through personal efforts.
What Do Witches Do?
Witches perform rites to attune with natural cycles and rhythms maked by moon phases and seasons. In these, they worship the Gods and Goddesses as equals. They often use the energy in these rites to heal and counter negativity in themselves and others. Sometimes it is used to enhance the natural psychic processes that everyone possesses, or to make magick...Magick is the spiritual art of affecting change in the universe. Spells are the prayers that enable Witches to make those changes. Magick is important to Witches because they are empowered individuals who take responsibility for their own lives. Inside of placing their welfare in the hands of the fates, they try to improve their lives and the lives of others through their magick (as long as it harms none!). Like many eastern religions, this religion practice involves raising positive energy, meditation, and visualization.
What Does Pagan Mean?
A Pagan is anyone who practices a nature-based religion. In ancient times, all religions were based on some aspect of nature. The distinction between Pagan and world religions became necessary when monotheistic religious models were introduced a few thousand years ago. Paganism does not oppose or deny any other religion, it is simply a pre-Christian faith. For this reason it is often called the "Old Religion". Paganism differs from world religions in that it does not evangelize, as such there is no call for "Holy Wars". Paganism is Shamanistic and akin to tribal religions like those of the Native American.
Is Wicca A Real Religion?
YES, Wicca is an earth-centered religion whose major symbol is the Pentagram, this positive, peaceful symbol has been sadly mishandled by Hollywood. In truth, its five points represent the elements which are enclosed in an infinite circle representing divinity. Many Wiccans work in small groups called covens, or alone as solitaries. The religion stresses very little dogma, and a great deal of electicism. equality, and self improvement. The Government of the United States recognize Wicca as an official religion.
©1999
Where would you like to go next?
