A question about WICCA

[Laurana]

firstly i have to say that this board seems to be pretty cool and very interesting!(i have just registered).
secondly i have to apologize my (more or less) brilliant english (i'm from germany).
after having checked this i want to come to the main point.
i've been interested and occupying with WICCA for about 2 months and i am totally fascinated with the phrase "AN YE HARM NONE;DO WHAT YE WILL",which seems to me the most logical and wise precept i've ever read .
BUT:
i've also read about wiccan people who say that "wiccan are everyday people like you and me..."
and things like "we also are employed and driving cars,like you and me.."and so on..
and THAT'S the first point.
i don't want to be mean in my first posting here in any way but this question burns inside of me.
doesn't "being such a normal person" controvert the wiccan rede?
how can you live in the "average" American or like in my case North-european standards without harming anyone?
even if you don't drive a car (like me,didn't manage to get some driving lessons yet) and are a vegetarian?
to exactely fullfill that law,you would have to live somewhere in your own-built-house in front of your corn(or whatever)-field and everyday go hunting wild animals or at least collecting berries and stuff just to survive.
and when there are some people in your sorroundings,they are are called mad or
eremits and so on.
ok,enough of this,i just thought that this board was where i could find some people with whom i can talk about things like that,and i would happy about that.because i'm really interested in the "wiccan way of thinking about things",and i'd desired to learn more about that whole thing.
hope some of you guys understand me in having such thoughts sometimes and are ready to coversate a little about that.
allright,school's gonna start in about 4 hours i think i'll rather go get my beauty-sleep.
and,of course:
W/T DO ROCK!!!

I

[archive]

Yes, it's impossible to live in this world without ever causing any harm. But it is something we strive for as much as possible. And the point, I've always felt, is to be aware of how your actions affect others and do your best to weigh the consequences.

I

[archive]

Short but sweet. I like.

I

[archive]

Allwitch.com is a very good site, but it is not the only one. Ryath also mentions WitchVox, also known as the Witches Voice, and it can be found at http://www.witchvox.com. WitchVox is a great place to start and connect with others.

Unlike other religions, Wicca does not attempt to convert others to their way of beliefs. You are always invited to learn and join if you wish, but no one is ever going to twist your arm and tell you what you have to believe.

Just remember, wicca as portrayed on BtVS has little to do with Wicca the religion. Though the writers of the show do not really show anything that is out and out contradictory.

As Ryath said, knowledge is very important. There are always many books in your local library. I like some of the ones from Llewellyn Press. A few of my favorites are,

Guiley, Rosemary Ellen. (1999). The Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft: Second Edition. Checkmark Books: New York. ISBN 0-8160-3848-1

Grimassi, Raven (2000). Encyclopedia of Wicca & Witchcraft. Llewllyn Publications: St. Paul, MN. ISBN: 1-56718-257-7

K., Amber (1998). Covencraft, witchcraft for 3 or more, 528 pages. Llewellyn Publications: St. Paul, MN. ISBN 1-56718-018-3

Ravenwolf, Silver. (1999). To Ride a Silver Broomstick: New Generation Witchcraft. 14th Printing. Llewellyn Publications: St. Paul, MN. ISBN: 0-87542-791-X

Though I know some people do not care Silver Ravenwolf, I find she puts a very “natural” face on witchcraft/Wicca. Depending on your age, you also might want to check out her “Teen Witch” book. I have never read it myself and I have heard she does talk down a bit to teens as if they were little kids.

When talking to others, including parents, remember that like most religions, Wicca is about finding ones place in the universe in relationship to the divine and to others. It is not about Satanism, animal sacrifice, or any of the other “Hollywood” horror stories. They can’t show you how to cast spells of revenge, or make some one love you against their will.

For the record. I myself am not a Wicca, or a pagan. I am someone who has done a lot of reading and research on the subject (say for the past 20 years) and I have a lot of respect for their beliefs, even if I do not personally share them. I have yet to meet a Wicca that was not a good and intelligent person, thought I am sure there are exceptions (there always are exceptions!).

Warlock

------------------
Web Warlock
web.warlock@attbi.com webwarlock@planetadnd.com
Author, the Netbooks of Witches and Warlocks
The Other Side: http://www.xtreme-gaming.com/theotherside/
Shadow Earth Games: http://www.rpghost.com/WebWarlock/
The FanCC: http://www.enworld.org/fancc/
--
"And remember, if you hurt her, I will beat you to death with a shovel.
A vague disclaimer is nobody's friend." - Willow.

I

[archive]

Okay, I have two questions here.

1) Has anyone looked into or know how the show exploring Wicca has effected the Wiccan population already out there? Has there been an influx of people joining the religion or at least looking into it more seriously now that it has been portrayed in a more serious light on Buffy?

2) I'm a firm believer that the mind is an extremely powerful thing, both consciously and subconsciously. I feel that if someone believes in something so strongly and with devote focus, they can do just about anything. Perhaps it's because someone so focused is able to look past the facade that we've generated in our minds and can see things clearly as they are in some quatum-physic level, who knows. But does that translate to "magick?" Can becoming so focused on chats or spells generate the desired effect? Example: Can a person casting a spell to close the blinds in their room really get the blinds to close without physically touching them? Perhaps this is a bit naive of me, perhaps I'm hoping to find faith in a world that has disillusioned me, who knows.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks gang.

------------------
Joining in the chorus of people pissed at Joss.

Mega Wi(t)ches site:
www.megawitches.net - Will be up shortly
Enlightened Member #243, BHS Member #70, Fragile member #308

"Hey, Giles. Sharp wheels." - Will
"The rest of the car's nice too" - Tara (Real Me)

"Besides, when is there any us two. You two are the two who were the two. I'm the other one." - Will (Yoko Factor)

"A doodle. I do doodle. You too. You do doodle too." Will (Gingerbread)

I

[archive]

Wow, this thread is a revelation!

I am another person who is interested in wicca... the appreciation that seems to speak from this religion just sounds beautiful... appreciation for nature, for life itself.

My mum would NEVER allow me to be a wiccan, but that doesn't mean I can't be wiccan... I'm almost an adult, and moving out asap. I do have 1 little problem: I don't know how to 'start' and I know of nothing or nobody over here (The Netherlands) to who I could go for help. I feel like you people are helping me out now though. So thanks, i'm gonna look into this, and see how everything will progress.

*edited to change something after being told I was about to call myself a religion Sorry about that. You read it wrong often in fanfics, so I wasn't sure whether it was 'be a wicca' or 'be a wiccan'

Patricia

------------------
"What are they looking at?"
"The hotness of you, doofus!"

[This message has been edited by wiltar (edited March 19, 2002).]

I

[archive]

quote:

---

Wicca vs. Wiccan. I actually have seen both forms used in various books. Of course there are those that drop the 'a' in favor of an 'e', since phonologically speaking, "wicca" designates a male while "wicce" designates a female. Of course many traditions can not agree on whether to use "witch" or not.

---

There probably are people who use it that way. Don't really remember many examples off the top of my head- can think of cases where I've seen things like "One of the Wicca (Wicce)" or "Member of the Wicca". And language is so fluid. Even if it wasn't common usage before Buffy, it may become more common now.

One thing I have learned over the years- there is very little unanimity among Wiccans. Old joke that if you ask two Witches a question, you'll get three different opinions

I

[archive]

Tim,

I'd like to thank you for that list as well. I have met a couple of people at my (Unitarian) church who were members of cults and were lucky enough to find their way out. You also give some great general advices on looking into religion in general. And not to beat a dead horse, but I agree that reading about and researching is really important, as well as talking to members of the group/religion.

------------------
~La

"No good sittin' worryin' abou' it. What's comin' will
come, an' we'll meet it when it does."
~Hagrid, from "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire".

I

[xi]

quote:

---

Originally posted by m_1970:
Is it possible to still believe in God as a Christian does, and also have Wiccan beliefs as well?

---

Some Wiccans might think not, but I DEFINATELY think you can.

I like to think that we all believe in the same "God" so to speak, we just have different paths that we use to get to her/him/it.

Religion is a personal thing, so why must your belief coincide with everyone elses? In the end, it only matters how YOU think you lived your life, not them.

Hope this helps...

I

[reposter]

Web Warlock wrote: "phonologically speaking, "wicca" designates a male while "wicce" designates a female."

That would be morphologically speaking.

Ryath wrote: "I like to think that we all believe in the same 'God' so to speak, we just have different paths that we use to get to her/him/it."

I whole-heartedly agree! I am a firm believer in the doctrine of "One Truth, Many Paths." It helps I think to visualize faith as a mountain, with the Divine at the summit. You can begin from any point at the base of the mountain and take any one of innumerable paths upward, but they will all lead you to the same summit. It's a matter of finding which path is right for you. (Easier said than done, of course.)

I

[reposter]

I'd like to suggest The Burning Times. It's quite an interesting video, but it's one that would get Tara and Willow upset... And all of us too. It can be quite graphic, but it's also very interesting. It's about Medieval Europe when so many women were killed for being witches. And it's not only about Wicca, but a general feminist reexamination of "history".

Sorry about the monstrously long URL. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/158350026X/qid=1016607644/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_3_1/002-6877382-3917642

I

[WiccansIllusion]

I know this was probably a topic on the old board, but I thought I'd make a new one.





I for one have been practicing since I was 11. A mixture of Taoism and Wicca.

[alexis18]

i'm 18, and i am in the process of learning the craft. i was baptized catholic (living in a catholic country, that's why) but there is a certain peace that i find in wicca. i feel one with the earth and life. i haven't taken the "pledge" yet because i want to do it when i am totally ready. and when i do, that'll be a very amazing moment in my life.

[WiccanBex]

that's the best way to do it. there's really no point in rushing into anything.



i'm totally dedicated to wicca. because i know it's the path i'm supposed to be following.



you gotta be sure or else you won't be happy.

I was Gay Now once... honest...
WiccanBex Convention Reviews

[alexis18]

i totally agree that i don't have to rush things. i've been in trouble because i have the tendency to rush everything that i do... that's why this time, i'm taking it slowly.



i was raised Catholic and i know that Wicca and Catholicism doesn't mix, so i'm still trying to find the right path (i mean, the path that'll suit my needs as an individual) is kinda difficult right now. it's like being in front of a forked road or something. nevertheless, i have faith that i will find it -- the right path for me--

[forrister]

My only advice is for you to read as much as you can from all sorts of sources. There are as many forms of Wicca as there are forms of Christianity. There are formal groups with strict practices and set levels, there are loose groups who play it by ear, and there are solitary eclectics who do whatever seems right to them. There is so much to learn and so many places and ways to learn it. There are as many wiccan paths as there are people to follow it. Find the path that is right for you.





Sagae circulus faceret!

(Witches do it in circles!)

[tommo]

I actually have a question; it's for some fic I'm writing. Not the smut, heh.



I'm looking for some ancient spells, something worded in an archaic manner. Given that this was the knowledge thread when it comes to matters magical, I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction?



Many thanks.

----------
Hey Grrrrlfriend! Yoo hoo! Over here! It's me...Flaming Joel!

[forrister]

Ruth, you know I will put anything you like into latin. I am also a student of medieval history and have some knowledge of early language forms. email me with details of what you are looking for and I'll see what I can come up with.





Aliquid Wiccae procedo hic viae!

(Something Wiccan this way comes!)

[tommo]

Ta forrister. The last spell you did for me was great.



I'm thinking of returning to another unfinished piece, so it won't be for a good while yet, but thanks.

----------
Hey Grrrrlfriend! Yoo hoo! Over here! It's me...Flaming Joel!

[WebWarlock]

Ruth,



Latin is good. But my personal pref is Gaelic or Enochian.



If it is for Willow and Tara we have seen them both use a lot of Latin. But Willow has also used, Italian, Russian (in Spiral), and Summerian. Giles has also used Latin, Summerian and Gaelic.



I am not even going to begin to tell you how and why I know.



But modern Wicca is all done (for the most part) in English! Which is cool, cause I can read that. Ok I can read other languages, but not with out a headache.



Warlock.

-----

Web Warlock,
web.warlock@attbi.com

The Other Side: http://www.xtreme-gaming.com/theotherside/

ShadowEarth Games: http://www.rpghost.com/WebWarlock/

Liber Mysterium: the Netbook of Witches and Warlocks

[tommo]

Thanks WW. Yep, see, I know that Willow has used a lot of different languages to recite her spells, so far I've used English and Latin. But I'm always open to trying something new. I would imagine that an ancient language might suit my purposes rather than a relatively new one in this case though.

----------
Hey Grrrrlfriend! Yoo hoo! Over here! It's me...Flaming Joel!

[WebWarlock]

Can't go wrong with Summerian!



For my belief I go with a language that makes sense for the spell. Greek for love spells (Aphrodite), Summerian for war (Marduk, Ishtar), life and death Egyptian (Osirus, Ra, Ptah), and so on.



But it really doesn't matter since the actuall writers pick an choose as they wish. Buffy Wicca does not *really* resemble our real world one! But you already knew that!



There are just a few rules I follow in fiction. No sharp athames. Goddesses are called, not summoned. Forces are invoked, not called. That sort of thing. But never let that get in the way of a good story.



Warlock

-----

Web Warlock,
web.warlock@attbi.com

The Other Side: http://www.xtreme-gaming.com/theotherside/

ShadowEarth Games: http://www.rpghost.com/WebWarlock/

Liber Mysterium: the Netbook of Witches and Warlocks

[EffieBlue]

I think that one has to say that being Wiccan means you never stop learning. for those setting out on the Path, then my advice is to read, read, read, anything and everything. Not just about wicca but all religions. you never know, Wicca might not be the Path for you.



also, you will come up against opposition, either from friends or family. the more you read, the more you can answer their questions.



some useful hints.



1) Be wary of anyone who wants to charge for teaching, Wicca is not owned by anyone and should not cost you to learn (other than books, tools etc you may wish to buy.)



2) stay away from anyone who says that initiation involves any form of sexual act.



3) stay away from anyone mentioning "dark forces" satan, devil worship...this is nothing to do with Wicca



4)be wary of anyone talking about the use of blood during rituals....Virgin or otherwise.



5) if you feel uncomfortable at any time with anyone who is "teaching" or at a moot, make your excuses and leave. You should never feel uncomfortable with anything concerning Wicca and anyone should answer your questions about anything, we have all been there, The

only stupid question is the one that isn't asked.



well that's all i can think of for now, and my daughter wants to grab the pc.....



Brightest Blessings to all,

Effie

[StarWitch]

Blessings Kittens,

Very informative thread! Sound stuff Warlock and EffieBlue. When I joined my first online witchcraft group they sent me a similar e-mail. You can never be too careful!

I'm going to recommmend 'the Idiot's Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft' . My teacher recommended it and it's good stuff. It breaks things down so you don't have a massive body of text scaring you! I'll second Scott Cunningham and Silver Ravenwolf. I'm going through all three books simultaneously-gives me a good interpretation of everything. I'm miles off doing anything practical yet tho'!

If any fellow beginners want a chat or whatever (or any Dianics; I know you're hiding somewhere!) feel free to mail me.



Silverstar

[WebWarlock]

I like Silver Ravenwolf. Sometimes she get's a little too touchy-feely for my taste, but some people really like that.



Raven Grimassi is another decent one. He is into Strega, Italian family tradition.



Warlock

-----

Web Warlock

The Other Side: http://www.xtreme-gaming.com/theotherside/

ShadowEarth Games: http://www.rpghost.com/WebWarlock/

Liber Mysterium: the Netbook of Witches and Warlocks

[ProducerEthan]

Hey kittens. I was talking to my friend about Tara's passing and Willow's becoming very, shall we say, dark. He posed the question, "Are Wiccans as upset by this as the gay community is?". I honestly couldn't answer seeing as I don't share that belief. Can anyone out there help me with a little info? That would be greatly appreciated.

[WebWarlock]

I can't, nor will I attempt to try to, speak for all Wiccans/Pagans who watch the show.



But the ones I have talked to are enraged as well.



Wiccan's have a nice long history of be persecuted in this country, and you don't have to even stretch it out to "witch hunts". Wiccans, that is as a religion, has a short history, but they have been meet with fear and open hatred since day one. Add this to the fact that like the gay communities (something else I am not qualified to speak for) the Wiccan/Pagan communities were lead down a primrose path by Joss and ME. They did not know that at the end of the path was the slaughterhouse.



On top of the “dead/evil lesbian” cliché we now have the “black dressed witch” cliché.

I love the character of Willow, but ME has destroyed her.



ME has a lot to answer for.



Ethan. Did you give a copy of the dead lesbian FAQ to David Fury when he was in?



Thanks.



Warlock

-----

Web Warlock

The Other Side & ShadowEarth Games


Liber Mysterium: The Netbook of Witches and Warlocks

I miss Tara.

[El Gato]

Here is the way I've been able to look at the original question on this thread. Just my ideas...



On driving & owing an automobile: Yes, they pollute, and harm was/is done by them - but how much GOOD is done by them? LOTS!



Don't you think you have to balance the two? How many people are employed to produce, sell ,repair and service your vehicle? Even the kid working part-time that puts gas in your tank.



My car allows me to commute to work, to pay the bills, to drive to the market, to have independence. Not to mention, trucking, ambulances, fire trucks, police vehicles,etc etc etc.



There is more than one side to every coin.



One of the best parts of Wicca, for me, is that Wicca teaches me to see more than one side of each issue that comes up in my life.





What do the kittens think? Is there such as thing as a "necessary evil?"



Thanks for listening!

Gerry

[AgentOrange]

If you are from the netherlands, I suggest you pick up a book on Hexcraft, whitch is the dutch for of wicca. It might serve as a spring board, into the other branches.

[magickalbear]

Actually, Hexcraft, or hexarie, is a Pennsylvania Dutch derivitive of older more primal forces and energies. Hexcraft, or Pow-wow magick, would probably be a good starting point to see what it's become, but a good starting point for anyone even remotely considering learning more about Wicca/Witchcraft (I prefer to be called a Witch personally.. that's just who I am.) would be Scott Cunningham's The Truth About Witchcraft Today. You can usually get it at any large bookstore for less than $5 (american). It's very informative, dispels a lot of rumors without really preaching and getting too deep. Just thought I would add my two cents in.



And yes, I am furious about the line "Hell hath no fury like a Wiccan scorned." - the biggest slap in the face is that Wiccans don't believe in hell. Ugh.

**********************


I come for coffee, smoochies and gay love!