Slide 1 Text: Slide 1 text:
< Picture> Blackbird Dreaming is a Wiccan Reverend High Priestess, she is a Tarot Master, and Reiki Master. Blackbird has been pioneer of online education since 1993. Blackbird Dreaming has been a practitioner of Wicca for over 30 years, a High Priestess since 1984 and an Ordained Reverend of the Craft since 1989. She has been an activist for freedom of religion in Wicca. Blackbird has been a published author and editor of a magazine, and writes columns for news papers. She hosts her own cable TV show called "Psychic by Nature". She has made numerous radio and TV appearances for the advancement of the truth about Wicca. She lives in a cottage by the shore on Cape Cod among too may animals to name.

Slide 2 Title: Part 1 What Wicca is and is Not

Nature Religions
Slide 2 Text: In paleopagan times people practiced Nature religion. They had no name for it that we know of today. These early people did not call themselves "witches".

The word Wicca has a long history. In some resources it meant to "bend", and in other languages it meant "wise one". Perhaps the Age of Aquarius as an era of humanity that will develop intolerance for religious oppressors. Wicca is the work of being a vessel of White Light and Earth energy. The Wiccan path is to spread the message that the Earth is alive and needs our tenderness.

Wicca has one "Commandment".

Harm None.

This means even yourself. With this axiom as its central "dogma" evil acts and amorality are illogical. Substance abuse, and family abuse are illogical. Casting curses, and extorting money aren't part of the "right hand" path. The road of good magic has also been called "White Magic". It is believed that "What goes around, comes around".

The tradition is that bad vibes will "return to sender" three times. The "law of three times three" means karmic return. We believe that debts are paid for not only in the next life, but during this life time. It is implausible for a True Wiccan to send out negative energy. In Wicca there is no need to be driven by fear and guilt with a dogma of don'ts.

"Eight words of the Wiccan rede ye shall fulfill, an' it harm none do what ye will."

Slide 3 Title: Wiccans weave

Slide 3 Text : Wicca is a Nature Religion and as such existed as early as 30,000 years ago, predating the mythos of Lucifer by aeons.Wiccans do not worship Satan. The terms witch and warlock are coined, Latin terms, used by witch finders during the witch hunts or "burning times". Unfortunately, today the mainstream associates these terms, with Satanists because of falsehoods plastered in sensationalized movies and books by the media.

Every culture has needed the support of some type of shaman. There has always been the few individuals apart from the others who have specialized talents. They worked in healing and diving the future for the good of the tribe. These persons would find lost children, or the herds, and predict the weather for safe travel. It was these survival instincts, which were finely tuned for the good of all. Using their psychic abilities to achieve the common good is the intention of most Wiccans. Hopefully these simple goals are the rewarding fabric upon which Wiccans weave their lives.

In 337 A.D. the ruler Constantine decreed that differences of religion would be punishable by death. It is sad to say that this has not changed. Ten million people died in the prolonged holocaust. It was in 1950 before the witchcraft laws were repealed in England. In the new millennium in America, we are challenged to learn religious tolerance. As Joseph Campbell put it "...we never really know... all we can do is lean towards the Light."

Wicca is a religion which bases Deity in two descriptions. One is the creative/dynamic God/male force, and the other is the nurturing/psychic Goddess/female. Wiccans realize that these terms are only a reflection of the White Light, which is the prime mover. But all this terminology is simplistic, for human understanding.

In Witchcraft's History Outlined Joe Lantiere said, "long ago Christians and Pagans got along fine..." It was a Pagan custom to accept all other religions, if they did no harm. In Medieval times, to increase political power and wealth, the peasants were kept starving and uneducated. The early Church created an "enemy God" of supreme evil. The God of the Old Religion became portrayed as the Devil of the new. Pan was robed of His hooves, and Poseidon of His trident. All evidence of non-Christian thought were destroyed, including the libraries that held them. Much knowledge was lost.

As an advocate for free speech I have had the good fortune to open many doors. I have organized events involving Pagans and Episcopalians, Shaman and Spiritualists: and every shade in between. I have attended ceremonies and studied all the world religions I can think of, and they are truly all the same. The differences are just...words.

What's in a word? A thought-form, a prayer, or a concentrated flow of energy is intended to produce a result. This art can be referred to as a "spell", or a prayer or an affirmation. The word spell does not mean evil. Anyone turning to the virtues of a Higher Power, be it the Lord and Lady or some other Gods, is not frivolous.

Slide 4 Title: The Pentacle

Slide 4 Text:T<picture> The pentacle is a five pointed star, that represents the Religion of Wicca. It has nothing to do with any imagined Devils. It is a geometric shape. The Circle represents the union of the four elements: air, water, fire and earth: the top symbolizes the human spirit. It is worn as a talisman signifying protection the same way that other religious medals are thought to do.

Wicca teaches that every one must awaken to responsibility. Self-help, positive affirmations, and interest in the preservation of the environment are just a few. Finding the Higher Self, the use of crystals and herbs are tools of common ground. There are more similarities between Wicca and other religions than differences. The popular channeled high master Lazarus has mentioned that "Wicca has kept the candle of metaphysics burning throughout dark times".

The ecstasy of touching the Light of God/dess is the same regardless of the linguistics to describe it. Regardless of what God is called, She answers in a voice that everyone can understand and that is Love. A pentagram means a five pointed star that is drawn on something. The suffix "gram" means to write. A Pentacle, refers to a five pointed star that has the circle around it. The suffix "cle" means circle.

Slide 5Title: What does Wicca mean?

Slide 5 Text: Wicca has been called a science, an art. and a religion. It is all that and more, it is away of life. Young people come to the Craft expecting to walk away with a plastic card that says "High Priestess" on it. It doesn't happen that way- do they want to be religious clergy members, or pop-tarts?

The Craft today is truly a do it yourself religion. It us like building a log cabin. Your sacred space can contain the elements of many cultures. It can also combine the spiritual icons of several different religions. Wicca does not exclude its' "members" from belonging to other denominations. Wicca does not evangelize or convert anyone. Wiccan leaders don't usually look for a big flock. There are of course those who are exceptions.

Wicca is not about gaining power over others. It isn't for manipulating anyone. As in every profession are those without integrity. A wide variety of pathologies Have been mislabeled Wicca. It does appeal to lunatics and geniuses alike. Every priestess gets mail from people that she has to refer to professional counselors. Wicca is not a substitute for a relationship. It is also true that there are dysfunctional reasons why people join a Coven too. It can be used as a replacement addiction or a defense mechanism.
A Coven should be more than a swinging singles dance. If you are feeling anxiety or the least bit uncomfortable with your new Coven then it is not right for you. If you are asked or told that you have to do anything that seems inappropriate sexually - don't! There are many Covens to choose from. There is "safe" witchcraft. You can talk to other Pagans via the Internet, take a mail order course or start a study group with people you know, or your family.

Slide 6Title: Magick

Slide 6 Text: Magick with a "k" differentiates the illusions of stage magic from Wicca. The terms "low" and "high" Magick are not quantifiers but qualifiers. They are categorical terms and are not meant to offend anyone. All Magicks are very similar. Though different methods and rituals are used, all are equally "powerful". That word again. However different Magicks may be preferable for different jobs. There are no dividing lines and many covens and groves use many kinds of Magick.

In Shamanism smoke prayers are made at morning and evening. Meditations are done in a different way than Wiccans do, but are similar to herbal Magick. Giving thanks and giving away are like the libations of pagan ceremonies. Shamanic Journey work may take place in lower worlds such as the Underworld. The journeys are connecting oneself with Nature in any case.

Reading Nature's, signs is common to all paths. The are so many commonalities that ceremonies just seem to be performed with different equipment. Chants are used by all spiritual people. So what are the differences? Low Magick seems to be centered around daily ways of life. Food gathering, hunting, cooking and most healing are "kitchen Wicca." Low Magick is practical and applied. Low Magick may be the art and science of the Craft. High Magick may be said to be more 'religious'.

Pagan low Magick has a group dynamic that can raise energy with dancing, and singing. Neopaganism seems to open the seeker up to exploration of the self. It helps many who are releasing inhibitions, and emotions. The Gardenarian tradition releases kundalini with audacity. In the Wild Hunt the pagan wheel of the year comes alive with it's community excitement. Marriages and love start at the sacred circles of summer.

High Magick works well for grief, and legal problems. High Magick is paths such as Hermetic Magick, Druidism, Egyptian, Arthurian, and many other traditions. I've seen this fact gotten wrong in many places. Wicca and Druidism were at one time the same thing. In these paths a more ritualistic use of robes and outfits is made. Intoning power words may be done. The Magick of chanting sounds or tones builds a crescendo of power that can be wielded for the Magicians' use. This type of chanting is very different than the pagan practice of chanting and dancing about a Circle.It also is different than singing songs about the Gods. Chanting the 100 names of Sekhmet to call her up as an Archon, is very different than singing folk song "...we all come from the Goddess..." Sacred objects are arranged specifically, geometrically, almost obsessively in High Magick. Working with Deity energies may be drawn down into the third eye of the priests and priestesses. Psychic contact with the Gods is sought after. Invoking of spirits and elementals may be done. As well as astral travel.

Slide 7 Title: "the left hand path"

Slide 7 Text: Too many times young pagans get drawn into Satanism, because of its gothic feel. In the same way, many are infatuated with the Vampire legends. Instead High Magick uses the unlimited powerhouse of the forces of Nature. The dark side can only work upstream at best, against the limitless power of the force of Nature, and thus has no real power. The forces of the cosmos are in a pattern set to survive and engender, to nurture and grow under any conditions. The dark forces of say asphalt, don't stop the grass from growing through it in time. The forces of good and the human spirit are indomitable, and crush the dark side.

The forces of White Magick good magic and Wicca are not defenseless or passive. "turn the other cheek" is a Christian philosophy, not one of ours. We believe that "what goes around, comes around". We have ways around direct confrontation that are effective and peaceful. Sending love and understanding to life's problems may sound altruistic, but it can work. Positive energy will always win out.

Sex Magick is a point of controversy found in some books about Magick. That type of Magick is impossible for practical purposes. Trying that in today's world would be performing a sort of abuse.

There is quite a bit of misinformation out there and many misguided notions about anarchy and lawlessness. The Craft is after all the "Craft of the Wise". Good Wiccans are temperate in manner and in consumption. Smart people are very grounded. No drunken arguments and abuse of the body with any of the negative substances that are out there. That means if you want spells to work you have to treat Wicca like a martial arts training. If your will isn't strong enough to control your own simple choice over bad habits, you won't be able to cast reliable spells. Be clean, be real. Witches Heal.

Wiccan discipline can give one great power. It is developed by taking power over one's self.

Slide 8 Title: Wicca - An "Organized" Religion?

Slide 8 Text:Imagine...

...A little stone house on the end of the road, at its peaked roof gleams a bronzed pentacle. Behind it is the newly planted grove, the restored standing stones, the statue and the Well of the Goddess and the eternal fire before the God... Down the street are the other places of worship... the churches, each at peace in its own realm...

Rene Descartes said that religion is the "sigh of the oppressed". That was a philosophy in France called Existentialism, at its darkest. His perception reflects the oppression of organized religions of his time. Historically, the shift from esoteric to exoteric ceremonial practices had a multi-level effect depersonalizing and disempowering effect on culture for the current era of 2000 years.

Exoteric - A priest who performs all parts of the service for everyone.
Esoteric - A self designed religious experience.

Indigenous communities have independently repeated the same earth-based matriarchal socio-religious patterns. Roles acted out by Wiccans in Circle are as old as humanity itself. The old ways have continued the esoteric traditions into today. Each individual is an active participant in religious activity. The Goddess is alive in the Craft.

Gangs and drug culture are sited by psychologists as the result of the disempowerment and lack of direct experience in Christian religions. The brain does have synaptic receptor sites that interlock with hallucinogenic plants. Happy chemicals like endorphins are released when someone is involved in running, music, or transcendental meditation. That feeling of "ecstasy"or touching "god" is perhaps a necessity for healthy mental well being.

Aromatherapy is a very large part of Wicca. Candles, incense sticks, resins, potions and powders are all used, with firesaftey caution! Happy scents, arts and crafts are all the healthy passtimes of being pagan. Wicca is an effective anti-drug.

Excitement that is absent in a seekers life will not be lacking once they begin on the path of Magick. Healing from the center outward is the developmental process of a seeker on the path. In a nurturing way, love and support can even act like a 12 (or 13) step program. Wicca is a path, inward.

A wise Medicine Chief I once studied with, named Moon Face Bear said that the most important thing in his spirtual teachings was this: "deal with yourself".

Slide 9 Title: Why Wicca?

Slide 9 Text: From reading the Covens' mail for years, the number one reason why people want to be Wiccan is to worship the Lord and Lady in community. This goes along with all those ancient trends we've studied. There are many who are interested in the magickal technology of the Craft as well. Spells everyone wants to cast spells!

Divination, spell casting, energy work, are all talents sought by those who study the Craft. Some rare ones are moved by pure desire for knowledge. Like avatars these people my even reincarnate together to work in concert for a period of many lifetimes. These people find each other and accomplish tasks of healing and spiritual growth. The highest purpose is to serve the Gods in balance.

No matter what comes up, an experienced HP/s has heard everything! Because the reasons people join a Coven are so different, anything can happen. Variety of opinion and style make a unique contribution to the Old Religion today.

Slide 10 Title: Order vs Chaos

Slide 10 Text: <picture> Chaos/Think good thoughts instead!
So you say "bad luck" seems to be abounding. In a world that is filled with negative thoughts it is up to us with Magick to turn the tide.
Chaos is the total opposite of Order. There are those who think of Chaos as being the primordial "All" which would include the entire realm of possibilities, including Order. But personally am not of that mind - change - if planned, and desired is good. Chaos creates change - tragedy type of change = not good.
There is an ancient Egyptian Temple incised with Hieroglyphs that warn: "if ceremonies are not done to protect the world, Chaos will return to earth." I am going to be doing some serious magick to find and repair this rift.
We are in a time of portal, the age of Aquarius has just begun. There is sooo much- too much negative thinking in the world now. So many folks are disrupting the continuum of Order. Wiccans work on the side of Order. We're the good witches, or white witchraft.
The Age of Aquarius as I understand it, is the dawning of 250 years of peace, love and harmony. This difficult time in the two years prior to the year 2000 is a time of testing. It is the labor before the birth of the new age.
Many people are coming from a place of fear of the unknown and are jinxing it. People fear the millennium. And all that fear is messing up the astral plane. One pet peeve is all those misinterpreting Nostradomus and Edgar Cayce to create a "chicken little" syndrome. It happened in the other millennium. It is an old story, (and some of us remember it from last time : ) Every one hundred years people panic- largely because of Christian beliefs. The sky will not fall unless everyone Believes that it will. Thoughts are things. Everyone has to be very careful what they ask for in these volatile times.
Those anarchy symbols the kids are fond of - those are bad stuff too. Anarchy is Hell. Who the Hell wants Hell?
I think we are all meant to be like a chain or a web, all interlocking with each other's powers...for the Good of all.
My hope this new age brings cooperation and toleration among all people. Let's see what little things we can all do to bring in a new millennium of prosperity and generosity. Let us all rise to the challenges of becoming true humanitarians. I am going to put up a spell for returning things to the Continuum of Order, tolerance and hope.

Slide 11 Title: What do Wiccans do?

Slide 11 Text: I am a Wiccan Reverend High Priestess for example. What that means is I am a clergy person. I can perform legal weddings anywhere in the world and I have the same recognized credentials as any other Minister. Some choose to devote their life to the clergy of Wicca and are called a High Priestess. I make candles and Wiccan supplies, teach courses and give readings. Others are solitary practitioners. There are pagans and Wiccans in every walk of life and just about all professions. Some in the closet, in politics. "Being a Witch" isn't something glamours.
It is sad to say that there are many pagans in every walk of life who feel that they cannot come "out of the closet" because of negative media stereo typing. Sensationalized horror films such as Blair Witch Project and The Craft further negative beliefs about the gentle nature religions of paganism. I can empathize with those who do not wish to come out. They have very real fears about job security and personal safety. Many pagans have been attacked and verbally abused by "bible thumpers" who target them for violence. Door to door harangues about religion are illegal. In fact it is an arrestable offense to harass someone on the basis of race or religion. Bible thumping is a hate crime and it is also a kind of stalking in my opinion.
You don't see witches going door to door preaching about the Goddess. It would cause too big of a reaction. It isn't our way. Paganism is a personal decision. It comes to you or it doesn't. "When the student is ready the teacher will appear."
Paganism is indeed an umbrella term. The dividing line can be summed up easily. Jesus, or no Jesus. Any personal ceremony that is non-Christian is technically pagan.
Wiccans do not evangelize. That means that we do not actively seek new "members". It is a self directed spiritual path that is designed by each individual. A pagan or Wiccan group that meets regularly is called a coven, and that is something one could join. I have a better suggestion, which is for pagans to do their own studying and form a group with friends and family members who are of a like mind. Many pagans practice religion alone. This is called being a "solitary". Because of this solitary aspect of paganism, it has become the world's fastest growing religion.
An individual can choose to perform personal ceremonies any way that they wish to. And may include aspects of a particular culture or past life that appeals to them. The cultural aspect of paganism is called the Traditions. There are too many to list, but some of the popular "trads" are Celtic, Druidic, Egyptian, Shamanic and Fairy Tradition.

Side 12 Title: Politically Pagan

Slide 12 Text: Pagans generally are pro choice. We are interested in free speech, and the protection of the First Amendment. We feel strongly about questions of choice because we see in the future even more issues arising about biological freedoms. With expanded research in DNA, cloning, immunization, and gene therapy, the area of biological choice also expands. So choice to us, goes way beyond abortion.

As a pagan minister I am alarmed by what Reganomics has done to the middle class and lower middle class which is the general pagan income level. Corporate take overs displace more people every year. Cuts in education have had incalculable damage. Generation X was cranked out practically illiterate and are now trying to function in the work force, and aren't prepared for the demands of the business world. The deregulation of the media has led to the point where mega corporations have bought up practically everything! This trend has made it almost impossible for people to find reasonable housing and a secure job. A class system has evolved into "haves" and "have nots".
Unfortunately we still only have a two party system. Wiccans are generally Democrats, Independents or Green Party. It is tantamount that environmental protection measures are taken now because of the hole in the ozone layer. My sense is that it is much worse than we are being told.

I have to agree with Reverend Jesse Jackson when he says "America stay out ' the Bushes". Many pagans are psychic and it is generally felt that a George W. Bush presidency would be destructive and possibly apocalyptic. The conservative right wing needs to get the message that America wants to go forward in this new age: not backward. Pat Buchanan has said that he wants this to be a "Godly Nation". (Meaning his God of course.) But it already is. A nation of many Gods & Goddesses. As a global community we need to celebrate our diversity and embrace individual expression and tolerance.

Slide 13 Title : Head Trips and Fakes
Slide 13Text: In the body power is the force that is known as chi, ki, ka, or kundalini. Power is the force of activation or radiation that effects matter and energy which were previously in stasis. The amount of this energy that an individual has is relatively about the same as anyone else. The brain's electro-magnetical systems are bio-electric, the brain actually emits a charge that can be measured in a hospital. Because we are all human this charge is similar. From Carlos Castenada to Hitler, every sorcerer has speculated about the use of invisible personal power to manipulate others, especially enemies. The Norse used battle Runes for protection. The indigenous people of the world wear war paint and tattoos to try to "psych out" enemies.

In the 19th century there were many experiments involving this force. They termed it as "ectoplasm". None of these theories were ever scientifically proven. Recent research has shown that Australian Bushmen can psychically attack their enemy oppressors. A study was done on Voodoo Zombism. If a curse was placed upon someone without their knowledge nothing happened. If a person knew that they had been cursed they eventually took on the sommnabulistic, cathartic state of Zombism. The first step in one of these curse was to use fear instilling tactics.The enemy uses methods of painting in blood, or leaving bloody animal parts on the doorstep of the victim. Someone can only take the power away from an individual who believes that this can happen.

Slide 14 Title : What is Power?

Slide 14 Text: There is a great deal of talk about power in popular psychology today. People speak of giving their power away, empowerment, self-empowerment, and taking their own power. Psychologically personal power means the location of control of an individuals' life. Decision making and free will are the elements that make up psychological power. If a group of people witness a feather falling to the earth, all of them actually see something different. That is how Rorsach Inkblot Tests work. When a psychologist asks someone what they see in an ink blot, it will reveal what that persons' perceptions are about.

The control of decision making in any relationship is the locus of power. Sometimes a leader can take over the decisions of others. Methods of influencing others can be aggressive, or coercive. Imagine the behaviors of two clans of monkeys at a water hole. The persuasive leader can influence a group, the monkeys will fight or share depending on the leaders. People will make a decision consciously, or unconsciously to avoid pain from an aggressive leader.

Personal power also is the choice of reactions we respond with. When someone is said to be "giving power away" it means that they no longer are using their own free will. For the human condition survival of the individuality is the most creatively inspired state. A person that is empowered is healthy, physically and psychologically. They are independent, have clearly defined goals which they work for in a determined manner. Spiritual growth through meditation and yoga, martial arts and other mind /body health help along the Wiccan path to personal power.

Slide 15 Title : Part 2 The Religion

Slide 15 text: Wicca is firstly about the Old Gods. It's the 'old religion' because we have an understanding that the divine force has more than one aspect. Wicca is dual. One force is called Goddess and the other is called god. Astronomy, cosmology and quantum mechanics have no answer for us yet as what the Prime Mover was. Wiccans see the Prime Mover as a directed force of intent - God, and a directed force of nurturance - Goddess. We understand that we anthropomorphize our Gods. That means because we have only human consciousness, we create Gods in our own image.

Human psychic energy, like all energy in the universe can never be destroyed. In time when enough people believed in something their collective consciousness creates a construct or thought form on the subtle planes or existence outside our own. Prayerful energies and affirmations or "spells" of Wicca are thought to carry the energy of our intentions to the forces we refer to as the Gods.