I’ve always believed the best way to continue learning is to teach. So, tonight I will do my best to teach you about Wicca. I am in no way an experienced Wiccan. I’ve come into this way of life on my own. I’ve studied and researched many books. Unfortunately, I have yet had the opportunity to converse with another Wiccan, but hopefully this will blog will change that.
I consider Wicca a way of life rather than a religion because to me it’s a change in your mind, heart, and the way you live. In fact, I may not even be considered a Wiccan by some, but rather a Pagan. Whatever others refer to me as doesn’t matter, as I know who I am in full.
When I was very young (8 or 9 years old) I was interested in all things I wasn’t allowed to know about. That only made my curiosity in such things stronger. Wicca was one of those things. However, at the time, I didn’t know of it by name.
Whenever I could, I would try to find books to read about witches and magic at the library. I couldn’t discuss what I was reading with my parents because from the beginning they believed such things were similar to Devil worship. I found it very fascinating to learn that there was such a thing as magick even though many wish to inform you that there’s no such thing.
Before going further, I do wish to clarify that the magick I’m referring to that does exist isn’t necessarily the kind that you see in T.V. shows, such as Charmed. It took me a long time to get over the fact that it’s not as instantaneous as waving your hand. I will not state that I don’t believe such magick doesn’t exist at all, however, because I strongly believe that absolutely nothing is impossible.
The more I researched and read the more I learned that Wicca is your own religion and way of life. Yes, there are rituals and holidays (Sabbaths and Esbats), but there’s also a growth in your inner spiritual beliefs.
Until recently I was still somewhat reluctant to fully title myself as a Wiccan. There was an obstacle in the way. I continued to research and study and I found the answer I was looking for. Now, I have no qualms about telling people that my beliefs are spiritual in nature and that I classify myself as a Wiccan. I suppose you’re still wondering what I mean. Well, let me see if I can be a little clearer.
There are many beliefs within Wicca only a few are “set in stone” so to speak. Being Wiccan means you’re able to choose what you believe and what you don’t quite agree with. The exception is if you’re of a specific Wiccan denomination, such as Gardener, which I am not. Many Wiccans believe there are both a God and Goddess. I think that is one of the main reasons that people are drawn to Wicca/Paganism. If there are both male and female humans, then it only makes sense there would be a God and Goddess. How you choose to imagine them is up to you. Some believe they are separate beings, others believe they are one being with both male and female attributes. As the saying goes, “It’s all in the eye of the beholder.”
My beliefs may not fit with everyone else who’s a Wiccan but it doesn’t mean we won’t get along. We’re respectful of all religions, as everyone has a right to believe what they want, how they want. In the end, no one can be 100% certain which is completely right so why should we, as humans, get involved in arguments over something that can’t be proven, yet.
Explaining everything is turning out to be a little more difficult than I originally expected, please bear with me.
Wiccans don’t announce their choice to the world, not because we aren’t elated about it, but rather because we strongly believe that in order for someone to make it their own, they have to want to know. If someone were to come up to me and ask me to teach them everything or anything I know about Wicca, my obligation (although it’s more an honour) as a Wiccan is to do just that. I would enlighten and inform as much as possible. If I came to a point where I had no more information, I would probably help that person look for a more experienced Wiccan to continue learning. I would be overjoyed to have someone come up to me wanting to know more, but I would never force my beliefs on anyone.
Wicca is a personal choice. It becomes part of you. Once you’ve fully accepted your choice (which I’m not sure I have, yet), then you’ll be able to get into the other stuff, the magick.
Yes, I believe magick does exist. I want to believe it can be as easy as waving your hand, but I have yet to see such a display of such. I have seen magick in other ways, though. I have performed magick. The magick I speak of does take time and patience, but it’s well worth it in the end. Magick isn’t just about making things happen it’s about being aware of the universe’s helping hand. It’s about being aware that sometimes just a thought can put something into motion and unless you’re paying attention you’ll miss it altogether. Magick gets stronger through ritual. Ritual keeps your thoughts on track and helps you focus. Think about your morning routine or your bedtime routine. If you have a certain amount of set actions you do after waking up or before going to bed, you’re performing a ritual. Yes, it’s as simple as that.
Often times, when someone hears the word ritual, they think of an elaborate show of something or other. It’s very rare that someone considers their morning shower or their bedtime meditation routine a ritual. Yet, that’s how easy it can be.
Wicca is a simple religion or way of life. It doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s mostly a matter of creating small rituals throughout your day to keep yourself in tune with Mother Earth and the Universe. Wicca is about getting in touch with the world around you.
Well, seeing as this wasn’t as direct as I was hoping it would be, please feel free to comment, ask questions, or even email me. I’m more than willing to discuss this topic further, but as I stated earlier, it’s much broader than I originally thought.
SAMHAIN ~ OCTOBER 31
Samhain also referred to as Hallows Eve, All-Hallows Eve, Halloween, and Feast of Apples, is one of the four main Sabbaths in Wicca. It’s the time of year to celebrate the Summer’s end and to prepare for the Winter months ahead.
Samhain is celebrated as a time to remember those who have passed on and is considered to be, the one of only two times during each year, when the veil between the world of the living and that of the dead is at its thinnest. This allows communication between those who have passed on to be that much stronger.
Samhain is celebrated with a feast of all things Fall. It’s similar to our modern day celebration of Thanksgiving. The difference is that some set a place for their dead relative so that they may enjoy the feast as well.
There are many places on the internet to research additional information on Samhain and all the other Sabbaths. I strongly encourage those of you interested to do so. There’s an enormous world of information awaiting the opportunity to inform and enlighten. With the way our governments are getting more and more money hungry, who’s to say how much longer that information will be “freely” available for? There’s no time like the present (it’s a gift after all).
HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!
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