Beliefs and Practices of Modern-day Witches
Modern-day witches have an extensive range of beliefs and practices. On the other hand, there are distinct principles, which came from Gardnerian Wicca although traditional witchcraft beliefs and practices are diverse.
Some of the beliefs of modern-day witches include:
– Developing natural gifts for occult magic or divination
– The Goddess is the focus of worship
– Everyone has a spiritual path to follow
– Everyone is innately divine
– Natural or divine forces are called forth in rituals
– The earth and nature are sacred representations of the Goddess
-Rituals are associated with the moon phases and the seasons
– Visualization, meditation, invocation, burning candles and chanting reinforce the religion’s core belief
More often than not, these beliefs and practices are combined with doctrines from other groups such as mystical traditions, ancient Egyptian spirituality, Native American spiritual practices, Celtic/ Norse paganism, Eastern Shamanism, and Greek and Roman goddess worship. Just like Wicca, these groups also have significant reverence in nature and peace. They likewise believe that human beings will always be at peace when they are in harmony with nature.
Modern-day witches also make use of divination methods and tools including astrology, tarot cards, the I Ching, candle magick, psychic readings, runes, and other mystical practices, which are encouraged by most witchcraft covens.
Wiccans believe the serpent as a symbol of female spiritual power and eternal life. This aspect makes Wicca comparable to Hinduism as the followers of the latter also practice meditation as a way of enlightenment from the power referred to as the serpent power.
True witches also make use of other symbols including the Ankh, which is an Egyptian cross-like symbol associated with (the goddess) Isis worship; pentagram and pentacle, which is a five-pointed star used for spells, protection, and conjuring among others; crystals, which are believed to have spiritual and healing properties; and the crescent moon, which is considered as a symbol of the Goddess.
On the other hand, true witches do not believe in forgiveness since that they do not believe in sin. When there is no sin, there is no need for forgiveness. In the same way, witches do not believe in salvation given that there is nothing to be redeemed from.
When it comes to matters of afterlife, different covens and witchcraft groups vary in their positions. In general witches do not have a concept of heaven or hell. Most witches believe in endless reincarnation and the law of karma. These witches believe that reincarnation will occur incessantly until an individual is enlightened sufficiently to move on to another kind of existence.
The beliefs of true witches and Wiccans are in agreement with most humanist religions, which are common in many modern societies. Witches and Wiccans believe they are free to do anything as long as their action do not oppose the higher power. They disagree with having an absolute truth. Furthermore, witches and Wiccans are insulted when they are told of the existence of evil on Earth and that everyone commits sins.
Witchcraft: A Beginner’s Guide To Wiccan Ways: Symbols, Witch Craft, Love Potions Magick, Spell, Rituals, Power, Wicca, Witchcraft, Simple, Belief, Secrets,The … For Beginners To Learn Witchcraft Book 2)
Sebastian Collins
Witches Of The Craft® 