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An essay I had to write in History of Religion |
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| By AndreFoy | 2009-07-13 13:56:45 |
| Out of all the religions and spiritual paths I have studied and learned about, there are only a handful that have called out to me and have interested me to the extent of me actually looking into them far enough with the intention of pursuing and incorporating their pantheons, ways of living, and traditions into my life. Coming from a semi-strict Catholic background and being pushed to go believe and worship something that one cannot even prove, I felt the urge to look into other ways of going about finding enlightenment, God(s)-dess(es) or whatever divine power is out there, and in essence, happiness and fulfillment without the dogma and narrow minded mind-set of bearing the “one and only path” like that of Judaic-Christian and Islamic sects. Moreover, feeling an extreme connection with nature and considering the fact that we are killing our earth just to earn another buck, I was compelled to find a path that was meaningful yet disciplinary from which I could ameliorate my life as well as this planet. I decided to start looking up on the internet religions that were nature based and stumbled upon Wicca - Witchcraft (Wicca being the religion - Witchcraft the practice). Not having much knowledge on the subject and despite the negative connotations given by the church and society in general, I decided to devote most of my time researching at bookstores as well as online for information on philosophies, what it takes to follow the Wiccan path, and how one can go about doing this. I soon found out that Wicca (along with other pagan paths on which one has unfortunately only been able to gather limited information due to unretrievable records) is based on ancient practices, pre-Christian deities, beliefs, folklore, emphasizes heavily on ritual (experience), and contains very little to no dogma. In addition, one is able to incorporate their own belief system(s) and personalize their ways of worship making it that much more meaningful to the individual. Furthermore, regardless of one’s ethnic background, s/he is free to follow whichever tradition (Celtic - Faerie, Teutonic, Norse, Welsh etc) ‘calls to them’. One is also free to practice within a coven (most often composed of thirteen members) or as a solitary. After having studied Wicca for some time, I have come to the realization that this is a path that I am gladly willing to set foot on and pursue. It is not an easy path as with most others in that one must be ready to put forth much hard work and have a great deal of patience on the road to enlightenment. The teachings of Wicca encourage the practitioner/follower: to study and learn about as many subjects as possible in order to gain as much knowledge as one can, which pushes them to become more well rounded and open-minded, helping to broaden one’s skills of imagination and improve abilities of concentration which are vital to any magickal workings; strict meditation enabling one to control the ‘monkey mind’ which, in effect, also betters concentration and eventually improves one’s abilities to take control over their own body (emotions); and provided that Wicca is a nature based religion, get in tune with the seasons, phases of the moon, acquire knowledge of herbs and plant life in general as well as occult philosophy. Given that Wicca is also a religion based on experience like Toaism, it would be equivocal and useless to go about enlightenment by means of words. Like emotions, one cannot explain their essence, nor can one comprehend them without feeling them first hand. For this reason, rituals are an essential part of Wicca. For one can obtain knowledge by means of communication, but only gain wisdom by experience. Animism - Anthropocentrism For thousands of years, animals have been honored and idolized as spirits of nature. The ancients thus associated them with various deities such as: Pan - goat, Athena - owl, Diana - Hound etc. Early Shamans would preform rituals making offerings to animal spirits in order to communicate with them believing that they were closer to nature than they (the Shamans) themselves were. They also believed that if they mimicked animals while wearing feathers, horns, animal skins, in brief the characteristics the animal possessed (corresponding to whichever animal they were mimicking) etc, they could draw in parts of their soul and would acquire certain characteristics that the animal had. Furthermore, the Greeks ascribed various deities in personifying natural events that occurred of which could not be explained by science during that time. In Wicca, it is not rare that one corresponds various deities (Greek, Celtic, Norse, mixed etc) to creation and different natural phenomena in conjunction to worshiping and giving reverence to them. Within Wicca, like that of various shamanistic, ancient pagan traditions from around the world as well as Hinduism, animism is the belief that everything possesses a life force, energy, a soul (living and non-living such as humans, plants, animals, stones, elements etc) that of which implies that the earth is one ‘living organism’ making everything sacred. An example from a Shinto standpoint would be the theme of ‘Kami’ which teaches that everything in existence contains a soul. Or in Hiduism, ‘Akasha’ (Sanskrit: meaning “the basis and essence of all things in the material world Wikipedia - Akasha). One belief that Wicca holds is that of Pantheism - the divine is in all creation, hence, is one with nature. (Greek origin: pan = all, theos = God). Another theme found in Wicca is that of Monism - the principle that everything in the universe is connected that of which allows magick (the science or art of causing change in conformity to will - Wikipedia - magick - Aleister Crowley) to work.. An example of integrating animism into Wiccan ritual and magickal workings would be the use of the elements (earth, air, fire, water, spirit which looks over and governs all of them), each one possessing their own unique qualities of which all spiritual and tangible matter is composed. They are considered realms of Nature which are the primary modes of being and action. Each of them contain ‘Elementals’ which are creatures that live within the spiritual domain and are the hierarchy of the elements. Spirits that inhabit and govern the earth realm are Gnomes, also known as the Little People. They are spirits of energy, and, despite the fact that they are unable to be seen by the average person unless one exercises their ability to do so, can be easily interacted with given that they are close to our physical realm. Air spirits or ‘Sylphs’ have appeared in many legends and myths. In form they appear to humans as Fairies. These spirits are associated with activity of the mind and can enliven and exert influence upon one’s actions. Salamanders are the spirits of Fire and are known to be the strongest and most powerful of all other elemental creatures, hence, having firm control over them is indispensable when utilizing their aid in rite and magick. In liaison with the heat with which we sustain our body temperature, they can impact one’s emotions as well as temperament. The spirits that dwell in the realm of Water are known as Undines. Not only do they exist in water itself, but also humidity and all other liquids in general. Water spirits appear to humans as Nymphs or the classic Mermaids described in many myths and legends. They can have a profound effect on one’s emotions so special care needs to be taken when dealing with these delicate creatures When forming a magick circle (which is composed by drawing a visionary boundary of white or electric blue light that protects the individual from any unwanted or evil entities when conducting rituals), it is not only wise but vital to call upon the elementals (or watchtowers). Each element is placed in conjunction to the directions (east, west, south, north) within a magick circle and is as follows: north - earth, south - fire, east - air, west - water. These cardinal points are most commonly marked by colored candles along with an object representing each element: earth - brown/green candle - bowl of salt, fire - red candle - burning oil lamp, air - yellow candle - incense, water - blue candle - bowl of water. Combined with an incantation for each of the elements (inviting angels, divinity or whichever beings one chooses to invoke) said at the points in the circle, one will be protected and ready to preform their ritual. One also should draw a visionary pentagram (consisting of a brilliant blue-white flame or light) starting from the bottom of one of the two points with either one’s index finger on their power hand (if right handed, use right hand), wand, athamé (ritual tool: knife only used in directing energy) at each of the directions after the incantation has been said. The pentagram is an ancient symbol for protection that has been used for thousands of years. If one encounters an evil entity (in general) drawing the pentagram over the face or body will banish the entity. It is also useful for protecting oneself against people who want to do harm. Drawing the pentagram in the air along with the visualization of the flame or light will make them go away (one reason of many why power of visualization is much encouraged in Wicca or for anyone conducting magick). Animals also play a big roll in Wicca today as well in that they are widely used in contacting spirits and divination because they have keen psychic abilities and react visibly to negative and harmful energies, making them good guardians, too. Whether it be an elemental, a pet, or some other spirit (perhaps the dead), these ‘familiar’ however cannot be acquired directly by one’s choosing. For example, one cannot just go to a pet store and choose a variety of animals by their corresponding symbolic significance (a dove for peace for instance). One cannot go searching for an elemental and expect it to immediately fulfill her/his needs. A sense of comfort, trust, and a relationship must be established with them. Since animals, elementals, and spirits in general have their own skills, spirit, and intelligence, it is important that a bond is made and a kinship established before one can even contact these entities on a regular bases if at all. After having formed a relationship with whichever entity(ies) one chooses, it is vital to keep a strong and positive bond with them, not only because they are here to help, but because Poltergeist activity is very common when such spirits are either upset or have not succeeded to move on from the physical world in that they didn’t finish certain tasks that permit them to do so (where such phenomena such as hauntings are known to occur). If this occurs, it is wise to call upon an experienced priest , witch etc (unless one is already experienced in the field) to either help the spirit move on or banish it. To be quit frank, from my own experience, these kinds of activities can become quit a nuisance especially when you’re trying to sleep. One thing that many people a large misconception about is the use of the Ouiji board by means of contacting spirits. When one uses the Ouiji board, not only does it open doors to spirits with which one is trying to contact, but doors to all other spirits (evil, deamons etc) as well. Just like leaving one’s door open to their house inviting the whole world to come in. Wicca has evidently adopted different aspects of animism from various religions around the world, yet still possesses unique fundamentals on which it stands. Many occult teachings that are employed regarding animism are incorporated, learned, and used in day to day life to form a clearer understand of the mundane and spiritual world that we live in. Those of Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettersheim from his Three Books of Occult Philosophy, as well as Eliphes Lévi, Helena Petrovna Blavatsky along with many others are widely used amongst Occultists, Magicians, and Wiccans around the world. This World vs The Next World Contradictory to the popular belief of residing in eternal heaven or hell determined by a one-off life here on earth, many witches share the belief of reincarnation (in spite of the fact that we don’t have a set of beliefs or dogmas from which we follow). Despite being widespread among early Christianity, the theory of reincarnation was declared a curse in 553 by the Second Council of Constantinople. Due to the inseparability from Imperial civil service, the Church used the notion of being rewarded by going to heaven or punished by going to hell after ones death as a tool of manipulation (given that the Church at that time was a stern disciplinary power, this had a grand impact) In contrast, the theory of reincarnation affirms that one is reborn over again, becoming wiser, learning their lessons as well as facing consequences for ones actions until s/he has progressed enough to advance to the next level. In liaison to reincarnation is, the theory of stages which corresponds to those of the universe as a whole is closely bound. These levels are construed differently (evidently) depending on the individual. The seven (eight including Etheric) stages of ones soul are divided into two groups (Individuality and Personality). The Individuality (consisting of Upper Spiritual, Lower Sprirtual, Upper Mental) is considered to be the immortal aspect, surviving from reincarnation to reincarnation. The Personality (Lower Mental, Upper Astral, Lower Astral, Etheric, Physical) is the part that is ‘conditioned’ during a single life time and is discarded when ones life ends. The Individuality is not uniquely male or female, but both, meaning that it possesses a balance of both female and male energies. The Personality experiences incarnations as both male and female, developing a balance of polarization. The concept of this polarization between feminine and masculine energies is well shown by the Chinese symbol Yin-Yang (Yin, the black part representing female; Yang, the white part representing male) both aspects containing the seed (dot of opposing color) of its counterpart. According to popular thought within Wicca, when one dies, it is believed that they enter a place known as the ‘Summerland’ (known to the Celts as ‘Tir Nan Og’ meaning ‘land of the young’), ‘Land of Faerie’, etc; a place to recover and reflect, perhaps with the deities, on what one has learned and experienced; where the soul can choose to stay or continue on their journey through reincarnations. This place after death is not considered to be heaven or hell. It is a place that is considered not to be of the physical realm within which we live, but a realm much less dense. Many traditions in Wicca describe it as being a land of everlasting summer, a land possessing lush grassy fields, ever flowing rivers, water falls, and streams. One common version of reincarnation that is believed within Wicca (similar to that of Native Americans and many other religions) is that of transmigration where the soul takes on different containers such as plants, animals etc determined by the progress (or there lack of) and/or karma made and acquired from ones previous life. There are no boundaries, however, to individual beliefs in after life within Wicca, disintegrating any limitations on how one views ‘this world vs the next world’. It is interesting to compare differences and analyze similarities of the theory of reincarnation among different religions. For example, In Hinduism, the reincarnation of ones body is strictly linked to karma (literal meaning: action). ‘Samsara’, the cycle of ones reincarnations, is regulated by ones karma (in Wicca, there are magickal ways to speed up ones karma, not lightly taught until proven worthy). After many births, one will become tiresome of the pleasures that the earth brings and in consequence will long for something deeper and more meaningful. At this point, realizing that ones true self is not that of the body in which they inhabit, but their immortal soul; they will not be reborn anymore and will attain redemption or in Hindu, ‘maksha’, with the goal of spending the rest of eternity in a land called ‘loka’ similar in thought to that of heaven. Despite the fact of not having to live on this physical plain after ones soul is sufficiently conditioned, one may decide to stay in order to help friends, loved ones or whoever with their own process of reincarnations. These beings are referred to in Hindu as ‘bodhisattva’. Given the profound impact on many people around the world, it is in question whether Jesus or Gautama (the Buddha) were bodhisattvas. In comparison, Buddhism teaches reincarnation as one lives in connection to each other over a long span of time incorporating two concepts: ‘anatta’, not being able to be reduced, linking ones lives together; and ‘anicca’ where the aspects of ones person and personality are subject to dissolution, meaning that after ones personality dies along with the person, a new one forms, rejecting the theory of transmigration. In relating these different religious points of view to Wiccan beliefs, one can evidently see the impact other paths have had on Wiccan ways of thinking about afterlife. Provided that one lives, dies, and is reborn, Wiccans believe that death is not taboo and is not to be feared. The cycle is the same in nature as it is for people (death, life, rebirth). One Truth vs Multiple There have been many negative falsifications made against witches within history and even today. We do not worship any evil entities including Satan, nor do we wish harm upon others. We deny the concept of Satan and that of everlasting punishment. Personally, the way I see it, if Christianity didn’t exist, there would be no such idea, given that Satan is the anti-Christ. We don’t conduct animal sacrifices. We see the universe composed of many ways one can go about finding truths. Christians have their Bible, Jews have there Kabbalah, Taoists have the Toa Te Ching, and many other religions have various other sacred scripts they look to for “answers”. We look to nature, making all living things sacred “If you take the Christian Bible and put it out in the wind and the rain, soon the paper on which the words are printed will disintegrate and the words will be gone. Our bible IS the wind and the rain.”- Herbalist Carol McGrath as told to her by a Native-American woman. We see divinity residing in all things animate (and inanimate). Three sacraments valued above everything else by Wiccans are Love, Life, and Truth. Karma plays a major role in how Wiccans live their lives, forcing them to make wise decisions in that what ever they do comes back to them (threefold - both good and bad). By looking at the rhythms of nature, we can obtain a better understanding of ourselves (ex./ pull of moon having effect on way we feel, women’s menstruation etc). Most believe in the idea of reincarnation, yet we are open to all positive and informative forms of philosophical teachings and beliefs. The pentagram is the main symbol used by Wiccans ( and with other pagan traditions and cultures) symbolizing that of the elements and spirit (bottom right point - fire; bottom left point - earth; top left point - water; top right point - air; all governed by the top point - spirit/aether). It is very powerful symbol much used in ritual magick today. One main use of the pentagram is that of evoking unwanted and dangerous entities. The Elvin Star (seven pointed star representing the four cardinal direction including above, below, and within) is used in place or interchangeably with the pentacle in Faerie traditions within Wicca. In Wicca, all spiritual paths are legit, so long as they don’t promote the detriment to other beings as well as stating that their path is the one and only way, implying exclusive ways of thinking cutting off all other philosophies and belief systems. Witches don’t adhere to conversion, nor do we put up with it when one tries impose their beliefs on us. Wiccans look at truth having an enumerable amount of stages of meaning which permits for beliefs of many Gods-desses, religious backgrounds/traditions, in addition, allows for many perspectives of reality, hence, all are considered to be correct. Divinity is looked at as an impersonal force known as the ‘Absolute’ or ‘Spirit’ - ‘Ether’ ( so powerful and beyond our comprehension that we are only able to possess a vague notion of its existence) into which one is able to tap and focus that energy (also found within oneself) to a given goal (known as magick). Different ways of producing magick are as follows: meditation, chants, spells, invocations (God(s)-ess(es) and/or other entities, astral projection, the use of incense, drugs, alcohol, or whatever helps one to release the spirit; dancing; all mixed with intention, preparation, purification, and concentration. Wiccans see reality as existing on operating on many planes (astral, mental, spiritual, aetheric, physical), each possessing their own laws and being compatible with each other. Each one has a mutual vibration which governs interaction between them. In conjunction, polarized energy is maintained and manifests within everything: female-male, light-dark, positive-negative. From a polytheistic view - God-desses are all parts of the “Absolute” of “male/female” aspects of the ‘One’. Each deity possesses different properties (one calls on different deities for different needs - ex./ Aphrodite regarding anything about love) Economics - Standards of Living Beliefs within Wicca, like any other religion, provided that it is followed genuinely, has a grand impact on one’s personal economics and standards of living in that it provides a foundation from which one lives one’s life. In comparison to the world today, I will introduce aspects that would change if our society were to follow Wicca as opposed to other religions that push for exclusive gain for oneself and the killing of our planet. Wiccans see the power in the universe as manifesting within everyone through a polarity of masculine and feminine, valuing neither of which is above the other, but respecting and complementing each other. This gives the opportunity of both sexes having equal rights in the work place, home, and in society in general. I believe and feel that if our society were Wiccan, women wouldn’t be payed less than men and would have higher ranking jobs, valued equally to men as opposed to being violated in that just because of their gender, have more of a difficulty succeeding in society financially. Competition would be scarce (unless of course for sports events or other events of the sort) since everyone would have the intent on helping and improving one another as a whole as opposed to cutting each other’s throat just for one’s personal gain. In the larger scheme of things, countries would not be at war with one another since there is no dogma within conflicting belief systems, hence, no drive to prove that their way of living or religious path is the only right way like that of exclusive religions, suppressing other ways of belief, practices, worship, and ways of thinking. The government wouldn’t avoid means of transportation by low-no emissions vehicles (due to gas and oil companies’ profit) making the air less polluted, therefore, it wouldn’t be against the law to fabricate a motor that ran on other means of fuel in place of gasoline. We would most likely have other means of clean-burning fuels like vegetable oil for example. The electric car that was demolished thanks to the oil industry would still be alive today. One direct result from these changes is that we would not have pollution from refineries. Agriculturally, plants and crops wouldn’t be genetically engineered to produce larger vegetables, fruits, nuts etc in massive quantities. Food would all be grown organically, hence, everything one eats would be natural without the addition of preservatives making society healthier and perchance more intelligent as a whole . Provided that everything on earth is considered sacred, animals wouldn’t be kept in small cages, confining them to a space that they can’t even move just in order to tenderize them, only to be slaughtered. What a life. Cows wouldn’t be given hormones in order to produce more milk. Animals would be treated with respect and would live a life free from confinement and torture and would be able to roam free, socialize, graze etc. Realizing the fact that they do keep us alive by means of food, they still would be killed but not like today. Perhaps a ritual would be conducted with the animal, showing it thanks and reverence for keeping the human race alive. We would use the skins of animals and/or parts of plants for clothes, rugs, and other textiles instead utilizing synthetic chemically based materials making one a more conscious consumer. Trading would not have to be so expansive as it is today because different societies would function more self-sufficiently in that they would be encouraged to grow and produce their own food that would also give people more of a sense of communal intimacy by working together. Supply and demand would be the main principle of running society, hence, capitalist as opposed to socialist. Families would be closer together. T.V. wouldn’t be a main aspect of ‘dinner time’ like with many families since one would see the importance of togetherness within the household. Holidays would be spent not in front of the television screen, but with everybody participating in games and talking with one another as well as recognizing and feeling the turn of the seasons in addition to taking part in rituals consisting of song, dance etc. In the grander scheme of things, there would be more of a sense of community which leads to the possibility of no homelessness within society. Within Wicca, sex is valued as pleasure (not sinful). Personally, I consider it a way expressing one’s love for their partner that of which is very sacred. It is not taboo (even if society makes it seem like so) and is nothing to be ashamed of. Sex is also used in magick producing a unique polarized energy by the two involved in that two people can focus that energy to a given goal. Sex is also a symbolized at Beltane (spring equinox ritual) where the Godess is fertilized by God (hence all the plant life that springs up at that time of year). One main theme that all genuine Wiccans (including myself) follow is the last part of the ‘Wiccan Rede’ (a set of ethics like the Ten Commandments of the Christian faith) “Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill, An ye harm none, do what ye will, Blessed Be to thee”. Within Wicca, there is no set of strict guidelines on how one must live there life because, like Toaism, witches believe that if one needs to follow a set of ‘how-tos’ then they are not fit for following this path in the first place. On the contrary, the previous quote encourages one to way out the good and the bad in all aspects of life, promoting love for all no matter what the circumstances (including that of workings of magick) including oneself. For it doesn’t command someone to harm none, but tells us that harming is not acceptable. Following Another theme followed by witches found within the Wiccan Rede is that of the threefold law. Whatever one does, good or bad, comes back to them threefold. “Mind the Threefold Law you should, Three times bad and three times good”. Therefore, many Wiccans find that it would be futile to intentionally harm others as well as practice black magick. Unless of course, if one wants to either become very sick or for their life to become that much harder, then wishing and conflicting harm upon others is right up your alley. Following these as well as several other sets of ethics helps one to dissolve the false and negative connotations that all witches were and are evil. Admittedly, there are unfortunately those who do practice black magick to harm others, most likely of the Satanic tradition having no correlation to Wicca (aside from the fact that we both manipulate energies of the earth for a desired outcome). The Wiccan Rede is one set of Ethics of Reciprocity (also known as the Golden Rule) which are found essentially in various texts contained within many other religions from around the world. For example, three quotes found within the bible express: “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that man should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets”. Matthew 7;12 - King James version. “And as ye would that man should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” Luke 6;13 - King James version. “... and don’t do what you hate ...” Thomas 6. “Every religion emphasizes human improvement, love, respect for others, sharing other people’s suffering. On these lines every religion had more or less the same viewpoint and the same goal.” Dalai Lama Rituals Rituals is the most emphasized aspect of Wicca given that when one is conducting a ritual, one is observing and learning, hence, experiencing. Its function is to activate responses in the subconscious that of which involves a certain amount of repetition for the responses to have a positive and lasting effect on the spiritual and physical being of a person. It is important for the ritual(s) to have meaning for the person conducting it/them. One is encouraged to write their own rituals in order to give reflection to their own needs (in addition to personal deities, repeating of actions, amount of candles, quantity of herbs in incense all make own tradition sacred) One can choose to do various rituals from celebrating the turn of the seasons (wheel of the year consisting of eight Sabbats considered to be the major festivals), revering the aspects of the moon (thirteen Esbats within the year which are celebrated at full moon and are smaller celebrations), astral projection, invocations, consecrations, meditations, healings, cleansing, initiation into a coven of witches or self-initiation as a solitary, life cycles such as Paganing (dedicating new life to the deities), Coming of Age (age thirteen for boys and at the first menstruation for girls), Handfasting (pagan marirage), Passing Over (dead), and the list goes on. Pre-ritual preparations were and are still important today (fasting - important to center mind and body and expansion of consciousness, purification - like the Native American Sweat Lodge sometimes used with sage incense perfuming the air, is utilized during preparation for going on a Vision Quest). Other means of purification are dousing oneself and ritual space with incense - taking an elongated hot bath/shower adding purifying herbs or a few drops of essential oil to sweat out/rid of impurities and negativity. In addition, witches use a set of ritual tools (borrowed from tradition of Ceremonial magicians who practice magick based on the structure the Kaballah) representing the four elements along with a ‘Book of Shadows’ which contains various information on herbalism, rituals, incantations, spirit information, ornations etc along with the wearing of robes. Black is the color of choice amongst many witches since black contains every color of the rainbow giving it both high and low vibrations in that it is helpful in directing power. Common ritual tools are as follows: Wand - serves to project ones energy to a certain place or object; Broom or Bossom to sweep or clean an area clean of negative energy; Chalice - is a symbol of emotion and fecundity, used in dedication and initiation ceremonies, to honor God(s)-ess(es) and certain spells; Pentacle - a flat disc with a pentagram inscribed on it used to evoke entities and protection, Athame - Sword - used for directing energy (never used in the ‘physical’ realm for cutting); Bolline - type of knife with a curved handle (often white) used to for cutting herbs etc only used for magickal purposes in the physical realm, Incense Burner - used to purify the area in which one is working, helps one to reach altered states of consciousness; Cauldron - a symbol of the Goddess, can be used for making one’s own oils and brews, divination by scrying with still water etc. The major festivals play the most vital part (as far as the religious aspect goes) in Wicca For the Celts, Sabbats marked planting times, the seasons, and showed which deities were at their pinnacle of power. Farmers still sow, reap on these dates as well as refer to farmers’ almanacs that give outlines for best times for each of their crops to be tended to. The Sabbats mixed with Northern and Western European customs were celebrated by pagans as solar festivals and holidays in approximate relation to today’s Sabbats. Most pagans today follow the old tradition of spending these holidays relaxing and observing the change of the seasons and celebrating deities as opposed to performing magic (unless of emergency ex./ due to life threatening causes). It is known that, in order to hide beliefs from persecution from the church during Constantine’s etc reign, pagans used everyday tools for rite and magick in addition incorporating their folklore and old deities into nursery rhymes and tales. Since it was nearly impossible to convert all pagans to the Christian faith, the Church ruled out new holidays to collocate with the old (ex./ Yule (winter solstice) = Christmas / Ostara = Easter) The first major festival is Samhain which is the ‘Witches New Year’ (Celtic New Year) and is celebrated on the thirty-first of October (also named Halloween, All Hallows Eve - November 7, The Last Harvest, Feast of the Dead, Martinmas - November 11, etc depending on one’s tradition; all stand for the same thing). It is known that this is a time where the veil between our reality and that of the dead is the thinnest making it the perfect ritual to honor and contact the dead. In pagan Ireland, Samhain marked the first day of winter when the herders slaughtered and salted (only way of preserving meat back then which is traditionally why salt is used in ritual today as a purifier against psychic and spiritual evil.) most cattle because it was impossible to keep all of the animals fed during cold season. All crops had been brought in before this day in belief that a hobgoblin (Púca) would torment people and contaminate the crops. Common themes derived from this holiday and incorporated into our American Halloween are: Jack-o-lanterns, used as protection against evil and mischievous spirits; leaving out candy in order to deceive the mischievous spirits away from one’s home, and dressing in costume (back then in animal skins) to ward off spirits. The second which is called Yule (Yuletide - Teutonic tradition lasting from December 20 - 31, hence, the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas) or Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year and marked the Norse/Germanic New Year. It is a time to arouse new goals. A Yule log (made out of oak or pine, flattened on one side in order to stand up right with three holes drilled on the top) is used as a base to hold three candles (red, green, white representing the seasons; white, red, black representing the three faces of the Goddess; green, gold, black representing the three phases of the God). The cutting down a tree, decorating it with candles, and exchanging gifts; all pagan derivatives. One tradition on Yule day is the burning of the Yule log. What ever is left is kept in the home for protection and saved for next years burning. A major theme of Yule is that of the birth of the God from the Virgin Goddess. The lighting of candles on the tree as well as candles around the house on Yule Eve is a custom to lure back the sun (God) and honor the Goddess who births him. Imbolic (or Candlemas) is celebrated on February second in honour to the Goddess who us steadily turning the Wheel of the Year welcoming Spring. Since this holiday was so deeply-rooted within Irish culture, that during the times of Christian conversion, the holiday took on the name of ‘Saint Brigid’s Day’, in reverence to a saint which actually is the Goddess. It was custom in Ireland for women to dress up as Brigid and go from door to door within their villages and beg. Whatever was given was thought to have brought a positive outcome for the upcoming spring harvest. Most customs are surrounded by acts of luring back the sun after the harshness of winter. The Spring Equinox also known as Ostara (name of German Goddess of Spring in ancient Germany) is celebrated on the twenty-second of March when day and night are of equal length. Fertility is a major theme in that one celebrates the mating of the Goddess and God. Colored eggs set on ones altar and used as talismans, baskets of flowers as well as the Easter Bunny is of pagan derivation. Colors such as pink, yellow, and green are traditional for this holiday. Unable to extinguish Ostara, the Church ascribed St, Patrick’s day near the equinox. On this day, the Teutons revered their Spring Goddess, Oestre after which the Christian name Easter came about. Bealtaine is located opposite to Samhain on the Wheel of the Year and is a celebration preparing for the warm months of Summer ahead. At this time, the veil between the faerie realm and our own is thinnest. Traditional fertility dances are preformed around a ‘May Pole’ around which men and women hold a different color (pale pink, yellow, white bright blue) strand of ribbon tied to a pole and weave in and out of each other symbolizing two halves (as well as the third - that of faerie) coming together to make a whole. On June 22, The Summer Solstice, also known as Midsummer Night’s celebration, is celebrated. It is the longest day of the year, representing the pinnacle of the Sun Gods power. From here on the sun will recede (wane) little by little making the days progressively shorter. The powerful energy of the sun is known to be most potent and is used (if one so chooses) in magickal workings (best for business or where male energy is most needed). Lughnasadh is celebrated on the seventh of August, representing the commencement of the harvest cycle. At this time, grains are ready to be harvested as well as fruits and vegetables. It is traditional to harvest herbs for magickal use on this holiday. In the Irish tradition, the Son God, Lugh (the shining one), possessed many skills had the ability to come into human form to worship among the Druids for whom he was the main deity. He was also known to be the protector or the feeble and the sick..In addition was the partner of the Goddess Mother of Ireland, Dana. The last of the eight major wiccan festivals is The Autumn Equinox, or Mabon falling on September 22. Mabon is celebrated with the harvesting of corn along with other foods taken at this time. A traditional food eating at this celebration is corn bread, complimented by cider. On this holiday, it is customary to give thanks and reverence to which ever deities one follows along with prayers and blessings. Given that the weather will be getting considerably cooler, it is wise to gather herbs at this time. In addition to following the age old stories of fertility, death, rebirth, and life of the God and Goddess on which the Sabbats are based, by experience Wiccans are much in tune with what each of the seasons feels like, in essence, giving one a better understanding of how the earth works. Ever since I have set foot on the Wiccan path, I have had the opportunity to follow a religion that has worked for me in many aspects of my life. From opening up my mind to various forms of worship, to not having to strictly follow a set of dogmas, it has impacted my life in a very positive way. I have experienced much more of the beauty that this earth possesses as well as life in general. I have been practicing as a solitary for sometime and have met many great and open-minded people along the way who have helped me gain much insight by educating and showing me techniques (both on magick and life in general) aiding me to acquire a broader understanding of how our world works.. Given that Wicca is a path of experience in that it is encouraged to apply teachings, philosophies etc to every day life, results are profound. There are certain rituals I do such as daily meditation and the LBRP (lesser banishing ritual of the pentagram - ceremonial) that replenishes the aura, giving me feeling of fulfillment and happiness as well as a sharper mind and allowing me to stay calm under harsh circumstances. Having felt a deep connection with nature since I was a child, I feel that finding this path as well as surrounding myself with friends I have made along the way has been a ‘Godsend”.I have been taking part in various spiritual and occult groups which allow me to talk with and share my points of view on various subjects with like-minded people with whom I share the same or similar spiritual beliefs. I have also developed different ideas on how I can change my life in order to help save the planet. In addition, I have had an impact on my family from which my father has been looking into, finding, and inventing new ways we can help as well. I couldn’t be more grateful. |
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