Wicca 101 Lesson 1: Preface Introduction Who can be a Witch? What is Wicca? The Book of Shadows Morals Wiccan Rede The Full Wiccan Rede The Witches Rune Witches Creed 13 Goals of a Witch Charge of the Goddess Charge of the God The Four Powers of the Magus . Introduction to Witchcraft Let me begin by saying that most of those who reach this page looking for answers will not find what they believe they will. For those looking for Hogwarts or a Harry Potter world, this is not it. The Harry Potter books are fictional stories written by an author who had a good idea. Nothing in those books is real. Flying on broomsticks, waving sparkly wands around and changing things in the blink of an eye are all part of a fantasy that does not exist in this world. If you have come here with pre-conceived notions based on things you have seen on Charmed, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Craft, or any other work of fiction, I have sad news for you. Real magic isnt nearly as dramatic or showy. Being a witch is a way of life. There is real magic in the world and there are real witches. You probably know a few. Unfortunately, they dont spend their spare time locked up in their castle tower changing themselves into animals, zapping people with curses, turning their eyes and hair different colors, running around with demons, or just generally messing with the whole space-time continuum. There is plenty of good news, however. You will be happy to learn that yes, fairies are real and so are dragons. You probably will never have the rare treat of meeting one, but its nice to know that they exist. There are plenty of spells to learn and enchantments to make, but you wont be seeing any sparkles or make candles light on their own. There is a myriad of potions to brew, but none of them will turn you into a toad or bring you back from the dead. Fantasy is unfortunately much more appealing that the truth. Who can be a Witch? The word witch is used for both male and female practitioners of magic. Male witches are NOT called warlocks. I have no idea who coined that term, but it is very insulting to call someone a warlock. Not just anyone can be a witch. Indeed, it takes a very special kind of person. Witchcraft is the study and use of magic and this magic comes from the Earth. Magic does not help anyone who has no respect for it, so it is important that you respect the powers that be at all times. This is not a game and spells should not be flung about like they are in some popular television shows I refuse to mention here. Power comes from years of experience. The more you practice, the better you will get. Going along with the whole idea of respect, it is important that you determine how much respect you have for the Earth before undergoing any type of magical work. It is not wise to bite the hand that feeds you, so to speak. People who go on to become great witches are those with a very deep-seated love and respect for the Earth and all of her inhabitants. If you have a strange connection to plants, and animals, and growing things makes you happy, you may very well be looking in the right place. If you are in love with nature then you might just find yourself at peace within the magical world. I advise that you take concern over environmental problems, look into living a healthy natural lifestyle, and give service to our Mother Earth if you decide to undertake these lessons that have been outlined here. What is Wicca? Contrary to popular belief, Wicca is not evil. Wiccans do not follow the devil. Wiccans do not even believe in the devil. Wicca is a nature oriented religion which centers around a single deity (known as the All) which encompasses all things in the universe and without. This All is divided into two equal halves much the same way as the universe is divided into two halves. There is light and dark, male and female, good and evil, etc. These are often evident in the two deities called the Lord and the Lady. Each represents a perfect and equal half and complement each other much like the yin and the yang. The Lord is a father figure. He represents animals, the soul, fathering, passion and the wild. He is symbolized by the color gold, air, fire, and by the Sun. The Lady or Goddess represents the earth mother, motherhood, nurturing, femininity, and that which we can touch. She is symbolized by water, earth and the moon. Wiccans believe in honoring their deities and in living in harmony with nature and the universe. Witches sometimes practice in groups of up to thirteen called covens. Covens are used to bring different people of a faith together so that they may learn from each others experiences. Witches can also work alone. They are called solitaries. Wiccans are generally considered witches because they practice the art of magic. Not al witches, however, are Wiccans. Wicca is a religion and witchcraft is simply the practice of the magical arts. Because Wiccans worship nature, their holidays coincide with significant days of the year. All of the four seasons are celebrated as well as four other holidays which fall between each. All of the eight holidays are spaced at exactly the same number of days apart and do not always fall on the same day each year. Most of these holidays coincide with Christian holidays such as Christmas (Yule) and Easter (Ostara). These holidays are called the Sabbats or Sabbaths. Witches also may or may not celebrate what are called Esbats. Esbats are specific lunar dates that are of major importance. These are the new moons and the full moons. There are 13 full moons during the year, each representing one month. Thus, the pagan calendar has thirteen months and not twelve. Most today represent these lost days in the thirteenth month to leap year. These holidays are meant to celebrate the earth and her cycles of nature. Wiccans follow one basic fundamental rule: harm none. The Wiccan Rede or Law states: Abide the Wiccan law ye must, in perfect love and perfect trust. Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill: An it harm none, do what ye will. And ever mind the rule of three: what ye send out comes back to thee. Follow this with mind and heart, and merry meet and merry part. The main goal of Wicca is to harm none. Wiccans base their lives on self discipline and helping others. Most spells are done for healing, love, friendship and to help others. You will not find Wiccan spells for harming others or spells which are destructive in any way. Wicca is a recognized religion worldwide and is protected by the United States Constitution. Contrary to popular belief, Wicca is not an ancient religion. Some of the ideas and rituals follow what is believed to have been practiced by the early Nordic tribes, but the religion was founded in the early 1960s and was at the time considered a New Age Religion. Many unseasoned Wiccans will often refer to their following as The Olde Ways. This is often the result of misinformation from other witches either on the internet or in books who claim that they follow ancient traditions. Some will even claim that their beliefs were handed down from century to century and guarded against Christians and others who might seek to waylay witches and traditional witchcraft. Unfortunately, virtually no information has survived to this day and we must rely on skepticism to learn how ancient peoples worshiped. The Book of Shadows For information on how to start your book of shadows, look in lesson seven. Morals Witchcraft is often understood to be evil, demoralizing, and immoral because it goes against the beliefs of the catholic church. This is due mostly to a misunderstanding of the modern use of the term “witch.” In earlier times, witchcraft was essentially the term used for “devil worship.” Witches of old were said to be in league with the devil. They hurt people, traveled to gatherings where they engaged in evil spell-casting, demoralizing acts, and Satan worship. At the same time, there were wisepeople in villages. These people were the healers, the midwives, and the elders who knew things which might be considered witchery today. These people were not, at the time, considered or even called witches. Today, for some reason, these people have chosen to take on the name of witchcraft. Even in medieval times, people engaged in witchery. These things included charms to predict love or the weather, good luck charms, and psychic sight (gifts of the angels). For example, people knew charms that were used in prediction such as limericks and poems. These went something like: “cat’s paw upon the water, first sigh of storm-king’s daughter.” This limerick means that if you see a cat place its paw in water, then there will be a storm. These are sometimes called “old wives’ tales.” Other superstitions are: walking under a ladder is bad luck and smashing a mirror is 7 years bad luck. Magical charms were and are also used: four-leaf clovers, found pennies, locks of hair, horseshoes when turned upside down, and lucky and unlucky numbers. These things were never considered witchcraft the way we use it in witchcraft today. Many Christians are beginning to understand the differences between what is now called witchcraft and the old word witchcraft which was used for “devil worship.” No one is really sure why the healers of today have chosen this once derogatory term to describe themselves. Likely, it has stemmed from small groups of adolescents forming “covens.” Early Wiccans were not called witches. Today, witches are known for their good deeds. Witches believe in eternal learning. Witches believe in truth and truth telling. We are always trying to help those around us and find ways to better ourselves. Witches also follow many of the traditional views of Christianity. We believe in harming no living being. We believe in fidelity (loyalty), we love our families and raise our children to have good moral standards. We do not believe in forming cults or any other harmful or mind-controlling groups. We stand against killing and oppression of all kinds. We believe in the freedom to love who we choose to love. We believe in self-sacrifice for the good of others. We believe in charity. The Wiccan Rede (short form) The Rede is the closest thing in Wicca to being a law. The rede is a testament to what we stand for. The short form is as follows: Abide the Wiccan law ye must In perfect love and perfect trust. Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill: “An’ it harm none, do as ye will.” And ever mind the rule of three: What ye send out comes back to thee. Follow this with mind and heart And merry ye meet and merry ye part. In essence, the law is to love and trust the Craft. Do what you will, as long as you harm no one, no matter how evil they may seem. Fate will take care of them and it is no concern of yours. Never do harm to others. Whatever you do to or for others will come back to you threefold. If you curse or harm someone, you will receive bad luck thrice as bad as you have made it for them. If you help others, it will also come back to you threefold. You can call this Karma if you like. The Full Wiccan Rede Bide within the Law ye should To keep unwelcome spirits out. To bind the spell well every time Let the spell be spake in rhyme. For tread the Circle thrice about In perfect love and perfect trust. Live ye must and let to live Fairly take and fairly give. Light of eye, and soft of touch Speak you little, listen much. Honour the Old Ones in deed and name Let love and light be our guides again. Deosil go by the waxing moon Chanting out the Wiccan Rune. Widdershins go by the waning moon Chanting out the Baneful Rune. When the Ladys moon is new Kiss the hand to her times two. When the moon ridesat Her peak Then your hearts desire seek. Heed the Northwinds mighty gale Lock the door and trim the sail. When the wind blows form the East Expect the new and set the feast. When the wind comes from the South Love will kiss you on the mouth. When the wind whispers form the West All hearts will find peace and rest. Nine woods in the Cauldron go Burn them fast and burn them slow. Birch in the fire goes To represent what the Lady knows. Oak in the forest towers with might In the fire it brings the Gods insight. Rowan is a tree of power Causing life and magick to flower. Willows at the waterside stand Ready to help us to the summerland. Hawthorn is burned to puify And to draw faerie to your eye. Hazel - the tree of wisdom and learning - Adds its strength to the bright fire burning. White are the flowers of the Apple tree That brings us fruits of fertility. Grapes grow upon the vine Giving us both joy and wine. Fir does mark the evergreen To represent immortality seen. Elder is the Ladys tree Burn it not or cursed youll be. Four times the Major Sabbats mark In the light and in the dark. As the old year starts to wane The new begin; its now Samhain. When the time for Imblolc shows watch for flowers through the snows. When the wheel begins to turn Soon the Beltane fires will burn. As the wheel turns to Lammas night Power is brought to magick rite. Four times the Minor Sabbats fall Use the Sun to mark them all. When the wheel has turned to Yule Light the log The Horned One rule. In the spring, when night equals day Time for Ostara to come our way. When the sun has reached its hight Time for Oak and Holly fight. Harvesting comes to one and all When the Autumn Equinox does fall. Heed the flower, bush and tree By the lady Blessed youll be. Where the rippling waters go Cast a stone, the truth youll know. When you have and hold a need Harken not to others greed With a fool no season spend Or be counted as his friend. Merry Meet and Merry Part Bright the cheeks and warm the heart. Mind the Three-fold Law you should Three times bad and three times good. When misfortune is enow Wear the star upon your brow Be true in love this you must do Unless your love be false to you Eight words the Rede fulfil An it harm none, do as ye will The Witches Rune Darksome night and shining Moon East then South then West then North Harken to the Witchs Rune Here we come to call thee forth. Earth and Water, Air and Fire Wand and Pentacle and Cup and Sword Work ye unto our desire And harken ye unto our word. Cords and Censer, Scourge and knife Power of the Witchs blade Waken all ye into life And come ye as the charm is made. Queen of Heaven, Queen of Hell Horned Hunter of the night Lend you power unto our spell And work our will by Magick rite. By all the powers of land and sea By all the might of the Moon and Sun As we do will so mote it be Chant the spell and it Be done. Eko, eko Azarak Eko, eko Zamilak Eko, eko Cernunnos Eko, eko Aradia. The Witches Creed Hear now the words of the witches, The secrets we hid in the night, When dark was our destinys pathway, That now we bring forth into light, Mysterious water and fire, The earth and the wide-ranging air, By hidden quintessence we know them, And will and keep silent and dare. The birth and rebirth of all nature, The passing of winter and spring, We share with the life universal, Rejoice in the magical ring. Four times in the year the Great Sabbatt, Returns, and the witches are seen. At Lammas and Candlemas dancing, In May Eve and Halloween. When day-time and night-time are equal, When sun is at greatest and least, Thriteen silver moons in a year are, Thirteen is the covens array, Thirteen times the Esbet make merry, For each golden year and a day. The power that was passed down the age, Each time between woman and man, Each century unto the other, Ere time and the ages began, When drawn is the magickal circle, By sword or athame of power, Its compas between the two worlds lies, In land of the shades for that hour, This world has no right then to know it, The world beyond will tell naught, The oldest of Gods are invoked there, The Great Work of magick is wrought, For the two are mystical pillars, That stand at the gate of the shrine, And two are the powers of nature, The forms and forces divine, The dark and light in succession, The opposites each unto each, Shown forth as a Goddess and a God; Of this our ancestors teach. By night hes the wild winds rider, The Hornd One, the Lord of the Shades, By day he sthe King of the Woodland, The dweller in green forest glades. She is youthful or old as she pleases, She sails the tan cloud in her barque, The bright silver lady of Midnight, The crone who weaces spells in the dark, Immortal and ever-renenwing, With power to free or to bind, So drink the good wine to the old Gods, And dance and make love in their praise, Till Elephants fair land shall receive us, In peace at the end of our days, And Do What ye Will be the challenge, So be it Love that harms none, For this is the only commandment, My Magic of old, be it done! The 13 Goals of a Witch 1. Know yourself 2. Know your craft 3. Learn 4. Apply knowledge with wisdom 5. Achieve balance 6. Keep your words in good order 7. Keep your thoughts in good order 8. Celebrate Life 9. Attune with the cycles of the earth 10. Breath and eat correctly 11. exercise the body 12. Meditate 13. Honor the Goddess and the God The Charge of the Goddess Listen to the words of the Great Mother, who of old was called Artemis, Astarte, Athene, Dione, Melusine, Aphrodite, Cerridwen, Diana, Arianrhod, Isis, Brighde, Freyja, Frigg, and by many other names: Whenever ye have need of anything, once in the month, and better it be when the moon is full, then shall ye assemble in some secret place and adore the spirit of me who am Queen of all witches. There shall ye assemble, ye who are fane to learn all sorcery yet have not won its deepest secrets; to these will I teach things that are as yet unknown. And ye shall be free from slavery; and as a sign that ye be really free, ye shall be naked in your rites; and ye shall dance, sing, feast, make music, and love all in my praise. For mine is the ecstasy of the spirit, and mine also is the joy of the earth, for my law is love unto all beings. Keep pure your highest ideal; strive ever toward it, let naught stop you or turn you aside; for mine is the secret door which opens upon the door of youth, and mine is the cup of the wine of life, and the cauldron of Cerridwen, which is the Holy Grail of Immortality. I am the gracious Goddess, who gives the gift of joy unto the heart of man. Upon earth, I give the gift of knowledge of the spirit eternal; and beyond death, I give peace and freedom, and reunion with those who have gone before. Nor do I demand sacrifice; for behold, I am the Mother of all living and my love is poured out upon the earth. Hear ye the words of the Star Goddess; she is the dust of whose feet are the hosts of heaven, whose body encircles the universe. I am the beauty of the green earth, and the white moon among the stars, and the mystery of the water ,and the desire of the heart of man. Call into thy soul: arise and come unto me; for I am the soul of nature who gives life to the universe. From me all things proceed and unto me all things must return and before my face, beloved of Gods and of men, let thine innermost divine self be enfolded in the raptures of the infinite. Let my worship be within the heart that rejoices; behold, all acts of love and pleasure are my rituals. And therefore let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honor and humility, mirth and reverence within thee. And thou who thinkest to seek from me know thy seeking and yearning shall avail thee not, unless thou knowest the mystery ; that if that which thou seekest thou findest not within thee, thou wilt never find it without thee. For behold, I have been with thee from the beginning; and I am that which is attained at the end of desire. The Charge of the God Listen to the word of the Great Father, who of old was called Osiris, Adonis, Zeus, Thor, Pan, Cernunnos, Heren, Lugh, and by many other names: My law is harmony with all things. Mine is the secret that opens the gates of life and mine is the dish of salt of the earth that is the body of Cernunnos that is the eternal circle of rebirth. I give the knowledege of life everlasting, and beyond death I give the promise of regeneration and renewal. I am the sacrifice, the father of all things, and my protection blankets the earth. Hear the words of the dancing God, the music of whose laughter stirs the winds, whose voice calls the season. I who am the Lord of the Hunt and the Power of Light, sun among the clouds and the secret of the flame, I call upon your bodies to arise and come unto me. For I am the flesh of the earth and all its beings. Through me all things must die and with me are reborn. Let my worship be in the body that sings, for behold, all acts of willing sacrifice are my rituals. Let there be desire and fear, anger and weakness, joy and peace, awe and longing within you. For these too are part of the mysteries found within yourself, within me, all beginnings have endings, and all endings have beginnings. The Four Powers of the Magus (magician) TO KNOW - noscere - air - to know what you are doing TO DARE - audere - water - to dare to practice the Craft TO WILL - velle - fire - to will the power TO BE SILENT - tacere - earth - to keep silent about what you are doing To Know - noscere - air - to know what you are doing. Witchcraft is rarely dangerous, but when you do not know what you are doing, what you do can turn out wrong. Know the difference between good and bad. Know what you are doing and what is your intent. Know who might get hurt. Think long and hard about your words and your actions before you fling them, unheeded, into the world. To Dare - audere - water - to dare to practice the Craft. Never be afraid of what you are. If you are not afraid of your religion, you have a freedom within it. No one should ever try to make you afraid of your god(s) or goddess(es). Your power comes from you and you should not fear that which comes from your body because it is a part of you. To Will - velle - fire - to will the power. Magick is all power that comes from the mind. This power comes from your strength in believing and willing something to happen. If you do not believe it will happen, then it will not. Your strength is your will and your willpower. Nothing is so strong as the human mind. To Be Silent - tacere - earth - to keep silent about what you are doing. Magick is not something that is used to make you popular or to scare or impress others. Magick, like lovemaking, is a very personal, very private act and anything said about it makes it less sacred. It is the sacredness of the act that gives it its power. The more you talk about what you have done, the less power it has. Do not discuss your spells with others until after you have cast it and gotten the effect. Also whatch who you tell. Not all eyes and ears are as understanding as yours. Next Lesson
Posted on: Wed, 07 Jan 2015 00:36:38 +0000
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