Author: ladyoftheabyss

A Witch By Any Other Name (The Great Wicca vs. Witchcraft Debate) c.2016

A Witch By Any Other Name (The Great Wicca vs. Witchcraft Debate)

Author: Mike Nichols

“A difference that makes no difference is not a difference.” –Ambassador Spock

It took more than twenty years before I first ran across the notion that Witchcraft and Wicca were not the same thing. I don’t remember where I first read it, but I do remember feeling bemused at such an assertion, and assumed the author had failed to do adequate research into the origins of the word “witch”. I also assumed I’d heard the last of it. I assumed wrong!

Over the years, I’ve seen this sentiment turning up more and more, in conversations, in online discussions and websites, and even in published works on Witchcraft. It is often stated with such conviction that one might conclude it is the very least one needs to know on the subject. The author is usually at pains to convey the distinction that Wicca designates a religion, whereas Witchcraft is merely the practice of magic. In recent years, I have come across three further amplifications: The first is that some groups identify themselves as practicing Wicca exclusively, as a religious or spiritual path. As such, they do not hold with the more “debased” practice of Witchcraft or other magic! The second is that some groups claim that Witchcraft predates Wicca (which they apparently believe was invented by Gerald Gardner) and is therefore more “authentic”. The third is that only practitioners who are in a lineal descent from Gardner or one of his covens may use the word Wicca to describe their tradition. All others would have to default to the word Witchcraft for their praxis.

Needless to say (or is it?), this so-called “distinction” between Witchcraft and Wicca came as a huge surprise, and a bit of a shock, to those of us who embarked upon this path back in the 1960s and ’70s. Although the term Wicca was known (as the origin of the word Witch), it was seldom used. We were Witches, pure and simple. And we practiced Witchcraft, or sometimes “the Craft”, or (based on a popular but incorrect etymology) “the Craft of the Wise”, or “the Old Religion”. But nobody practiced “Wicca”. Even Gardnerians called themselves Witches, typically modified by others to Gardnerian Witches. On the rare occasion when the word Wicca did come up, it was used interchangeably with Witchcraft. Most often, it was when someone was trying to dodge the issue. Potential father-in-law: “So what is this weird cult my daughter says you’re into?” Boyfriend (blood draining from face): “Uhhhhh….. OH! I think you must mean Wicca? yeah, that’s it… Say, how about those Dodgers?”

The attempt to make a distinction between the spiritual, devotional, or celebrational side of our religion, and the more utilitarian use of ritual and ceremony to effect desired changes in our world, would never have occurred to us. One of the principle tenets of Witchcraft is that the spiritual and material sides of life interpenetrate one another and cannot be meaningfully separated. To attempt to do so is to encourage the sort of Neo-Platonic dualism that has bedeviled our Western society for centuries and led to, among other things, the demonizing of sex and the body, and disdain for our environment. In fact, any attempt to separate Wicca from Witchcraft, the religious practice from the magical practice, is not only historically misguided, but politically dangerous. It plays us directly into the hands of our detractors. But I am getting ahead of myself.

The first question to tackle is where this idea came from. It clearly wasn’t there in the 1960s. Nor can it be found in the writings of the 1970s. In fact, an unambiguous reference to this idea does not occur until the late1980s! So the first thing to realize is that this notion is of far more recent vintage than most people would believe. Books about Witchcraft (such as Sybil Leek’s Diary of a Witch, in which she speaks of Witchcraft as a religion) began to be published frequently from the 1960s onward, yet they used the word Wicca quite sparingly. In fact, the first popular book to use the word Wicca in the title did not appear until 1988! This was Scott Cunningham’s Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner. Had this title appeared in bookstores in the ’60s or ’70s, the most likely reaction, even from Witches themselves, would have been “Huh?!” They would have recognized the word, but would have wondered why such an obscure term should have been preferred to a common one. Not coincidentally, Scott Cunningham was among the first writers to claim there is a difference between Wicca and Witchcraft.

But is there really a difference? In point of fact, “wicca” and “witch” are the same word. This cannot be overstated because few people today believe it. Nonetheless, it is true. Wicca is simply the earlier form of the word witch. Proof of this can easily be found in the twenty-volume Oxford English Dictionary. The O.E.D. (as it is known by scholars) is the highest court of appeals for questions of etymology. “Witch” comes from the Saxon word “wicca”. That is a noun with a masculine ending, and (hold on to your pointy hats!) it should properly be pronounced “witch’-ah”, not “wick’-ah”! In the Saxon tongue, nouns had either masculine or feminine endings, depending on their referents. The feminine form was “wicce”, properly pronounced “witch’-eh”. Note the same word was applied to both males and females (no ‘warlocks’ here!), with only the ending changed. As the word evolved into modern English, the gender ending was dropped, leaving us with a word that is pronounced “witch”, and ultimately spelled that way.

When you consider that the Saxon “cc” was pronounced “tch”, it becomes easier to understand how the modern word “witch” is derived from the Old English “wicca”, and how, ultimately, they are the same word. To say that they are different words, with a different provenance, and different meanings, is to ignore these simple facts. While we’re at it, here’s one more surprise: the word “wiccan”, although typically used by modern Witches to modify a noun (“This is a Wiccan ceremony.”), is not an adjective. It’s a plural noun. One wicca, two wiccan. That’s the masculine plural ending, obviously. The feminine plural form would be “wiccen” (rhymes with bitchin’). 😉 Although in modern English, the “s” or “es” plural ending is the most common, the “an” or “en” plural is not unknown, the most obvious example being child > children.

So how is it that Wicca came to be seen as distinct and separate from Witch, in both provenance and meaning? One might speculate that Gerald Gardner himself played a role. Not only did Gardner revive and popularize the craft of the witch, he also revived and popularized the older Saxon form of the word, wicca. In doing so, however, he spelled it with only one “c”, rendering it as “wica” in his writings. This tended to undermine the correct “tch” pronunciation of the original “wicca”, and thus to obscure its obvious connection with the word “witch”. Further, it may have encouraged the now common pronunciation of “wicca” as “wick’-ah”, an entirely new critter in our English lexicon. This criticism of Gardner’s spelling may actually be too harsh considering “wicca” dates to a time before dictionaries or standardized orthography were invented.

Incidentally, there are some authors today who are so convinced that Gardner invented modern Wicca, or Witchcraft (as opposed to simply reviving it), that they also mistakenly believe that he invented the word “wicca” itself! (Even more amusing, an article on a well-known Wiccan website recently claimed that Selena Fox invented the word Wicca in the 1960s!) Again, anyone who takes the trouble to do a modicum of research will discover the antiquity of the word. According to the O.E.D. (and as noted by Doreen Valiente), the oldest extant appearance of the word “wicca” can be found in the Law Codes of Alfred the Great, circa 890 C.E. Alfred was a Christian and zealous about converting everyone under his rule to his faith. Those who followed the pre-Christian “superstitious” practices of their Pagan ancestors were called Wiccan, whether they were Alfred’s own countrymen, or the Celtic people in the areas Alfred was conquering. What did the Celts themselves call these people, in 890? Not Wiccan, because that was the Saxon word for it. Very probably, they used some form of the modern word “druid”. That being the case, we have a scenario dating back over a thousand years, where the word “Witch” was applied to people who called themselves “Druid”. This is one reason I have always believed that Druidism is one of the tributaries (and a large one!) of modern Witchcraft. (This will no doubt give hissy-fits to all those authors who have written Wicca-Isn’t-Celtic articles.)

So now the question becomes, did the word Wicca become totally extinct at some time before Gardner resurrected it? The answer will come as a shock to many. It may have been “extinct” in the sense of being replaced by “witch” in common usage, but it continued to be known in its earlier form, “wicca”, even before Gardner came onto the scene. One quick and obvious proof of this is that J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, used the word “wicca” when drafting his earliest manuscript of The Two Towers. We know this because Tolkien’s son Christopher has meticulously documented his father’s creative process throughout twelve volumes of analysis. In volume seven, “The Treason of Isengard”, Ch. XX, “The Riders of Rohan”, Christopher mentions, in a passing footnote, that Tolkien uses the word “wicca” apparently to identify the characters Gandalf and Saruman, who were otherwise called “wizards” throughout the trilogy. The word “wicca” is written in the margin next to the scene discussing the identity of a mysterious old bearded man wondering Rohan. Tolkien was writing this draft in 1942, ten years before Gardner published his first treatise on Wica. So it is impossible for Gardner to have influenced Tolkien’s use of the term. Nor did Tolkien influence Gardner, since this marginalia was unpublished. These were totally independent uses of the same word by different authors working in different fields, with Tolkien giving the more common spelling a full decade before Gardner.

Therefore, if Wicca is merely an earlier form of the word Witch, and still extant in the decades before Gardner, it seems highly unlikely that Wicca and Witchcraft mean two different things. Of course, to make them perfectly parallel, one should give the latter the fuller Saxon form, Wicce-cræft. But what did the word Wicca actually mean? How does one define it? Before traveling too far down that road, it will be necessary to dismiss a couple of pop etymologies that have gained favor in recent decades. The first is that “wicca” is the origin of our modern words “wisdom” and “wise”. Hence, Wicce-cræft is the “Craft of the Wise”. This is a lovely concept, and one embraced by many practicing Witches today who call their religion “the Craft of the Wise”, or simply “the Craft” for short. Sadly, this etymology is no longer supportable. Still, it is easy to see how the confusion arose, since the two concepts touch each other at many historical points. It was a common practice for many centuries to refer to the village herbalist or midwife as either a “witch” or a “wise woman”. As Reginald Scott says in his Discoverie of Witchcraft (published in 1584), “At this day it is indifferent to say in the English tongue, ‘she is a witch,’ or ‘she is a wise woman.'” We also know that the male equivalent of such a person was often termed a “wizard” (remember Tolkien’s wizards, also designated “wicca”), and wizard is etymologically connected to the words “wisdom” and “wise”. Finally, it will be recalled that King Alfred applied the word “wiccan” to people who very probably referred to themselves by a variant of the word “Druid”, which has been translated as “oak wisdom” or “oak wise”. So the connection between “witch” and “wisdom”, if not linguistic, is a long-standing and stubborn one.

A slightly more recent attempt at the etymology of “wicca” relates it to an ancient word that meant “to twist or bend”. Supporters of this theory “explained” it by saying that Witches are people who “twist or bend” reality ˆ a reference to their magical workings. The only thing that seems twisted or bent about this explanation is that it is strained almost to the breaking point. So if “wicca” doesn’t mean either “twisted” or “wisdom” (or Twisted Wisdom ˆ which would be a great name for a Pagan rock band), what does it mean? My own inclination is to follow the lead of historian Jeffrey Burton Russell and trace the word wicca back to its ultimate origin in the Indo-European root word, *weik2. Linguists now believe that *weik2 had a meaning that was about halfway between our modern concepts of “religion” and “magic”. It might best be explained by drawing a Venn diagram of two overlapping circles, one labeled “religion” and one labeled “magic”. *Weik2 would apply to the area where the two circles overlap. And this meaning is just what one would logically expect. (Interestingly, the only other word in any modern Indic language that is also traced back to weik2 is the word “Veda”, a word used to designate Hindu sacred scriptures, once again underscoring its connection to religious tradition.)

So then, is Wicce-cræft or Witchcraft a religion? Is someone designated as Wicca or Witch a follower of that religion? The short answer is that it all depends on what you mean by “religion”. Scholars of comparative religion will already know where I’m going with this. In our Western culture, we tend to think of religion in very narrow terms. We suppose it always comes with certain trappings and structures, and that it remains highly consistent over time. We might assume a religion must have specific beliefs, that it has sacred scriptures, that it has a recognizable clergy, that it has some connection to a God or Gods, that is has a specific set of rituals, that is has a hierarchy of followers, or that it champions a certain set of moral precepts. Surprisingly, as travelers to the Orient have discovered, many of the world’s great religions break one or more of these rules. All the more so do the hundreds of smaller, tribal, and aboriginal religions break them. Some of these religions are little more than a loose collection of rituals and devotions that change dramatically over time. They are not the large-scale, well-funded, organized religions typical of the West. Rather, they might best be described as “folk religions”. It is in this sense that Witchcraft is a religion. And always has been. And always will be.

No, of course Witches don’t practice their rituals the same way their Pagan ancestors did two thousand years ago. Neither do Christians still gather in catacombs to hold their agapes. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t followers of Christianity. Any more than Witches aren‚t followers of their own ancient religion. Of course Witches didn’t call their religion “Witchcraft” two thousand years ago. Neither did Christians call theirs “Christianity”. They didn’t even speak the same language! Any more than Witches did! Nor did they worship the same Gods! The Jewish religion once had many Gods (and Goddesses! ˆ see the work of Raphael Patai) and, according to archeological evidence, kept them well into Roman times, long after the monotheistic reforms were supposed to have taken place. (There’s something you won’t hear from your local Rabbi!) Early Christians had many Gods and Goddesses, too, as anyone familiar with the Nag Hammadi Library knows only too well. Yes, I’m speaking of “Gnostic” Christians, but remember they probably outnumbered the proto-orthodox Christians by the second century and, as recent archeological discoveries have shown, spread as far as the British Isles! What eventually became “normative” Christianity had to be painfully hammered out at Nicea and similar Church councils over the centuries. Most religions, including Christianity, have gone through just as many changes down the centuries as Witchcraft has, and yet we don’t doubt their continuity. Why should Witchcraft be held to a different standard?

When Christianity and Witchcraft first began to clash, Christianity certainly regarded Witchcraft as a competing religion. In the “Canon Episcopi”, a part of official Church doctrine, which may date back to the fourth century, Witches were accused of following the Goddess Diana. It wasn’t until later that the Church shifted its stance and began accusing Witches of devil-worship, instead. Although Margaret Murray is the scholar usually credited with the thesis that European Witchcraft was the remnants of the old, pre-Christian Pagan faith, she was by no means the first to suggest this. That honor should probably go to German linguist and folklorist Jacob Grimm (yep, that Jacob Grimm, of Grimm’s Fairy Tales fame). However discredited some of Murray’s ideas may have become, to jettison her core thesis (and Grimm’s) may be throwing the baby out with the bath. Modern historian Carlo Ginzburg, in his exploration of the “Benandanti” in sixteenth and seventeenth century Italy, has unearthed much well-documented evidence of the survival of ancient European Pagan spiritual practices well into the Christian era. Since this material has been widely accepted even by skeptics, could it also throw new light on that pivotal 1899 publication by Charles Godfrey Leland, Aradia, or The Gospel of the Witches, which examines the survival of Witchcraft practices in Tuscany? If one defines “religion” in the broad sense used by scholars of comparative religion, it seems clear that Witchcraft does indeed meet the criteria. But Witchcraft is even more than that.

It is also the practice (or the “craft”) of magic. As we have seen, “wicca” may have come from a word that mixes elements of religion and magic in equal parts. Why is this so important? Because it underscores the idea that religion and magic are not mutually exclusive, that they can exist side by side harmoniously: that religious people can use magic to improve their lot, and that people who use magic can be spiritual, religious, “good” people. Academics had long tried to drive a wedge between religion and magic. This can be traced back to the pioneering work of Sir James Frazer and The Golden Bough. Although modern occultists may honor him for codifying the “laws” of magic, he had another agenda. Like most social scientists of his day, he was overwhelmed by Darwinian thinking and began applying evolutionary theory to everything, even to areas where it didn’t fit. Consequently, magic, in Frazer’s view, was nothing more than a debased precursor to “true” religion. As he saw it, the evolution went something like this: Mankind started with a flawed version of cause and effect, called sympathetic and contagious magic. Then, as he evolved, he became animistic, invoking the spirits that inhabit every river, tree, and rock. Then, as he became still more enlightened, he became polytheistic, believing in many Gods and Goddesses, each with different functions. Finally, as man evolved into the paragon of reason that he is today (sic!), he became monotheistic, realizing there could be only One True God.

Granted, this model was quickly dismantled, at least in academic circles. Theodore Gastor, professor of comparative religion, took Frazer to task for this idea, in his preface to a newer critical edition of Frazer’s The Golden Bough. Gastor rightly points out that even the most “primitive” magician does not typically perform magic without invoking a God or Goddess. And in even the most “sophisticated” monotheistic religions, there is still a goodly amount of magic, although it may be re-christened as “liturgy” and “prayer”. (In the West, the Catholic Mass is the parade example of magic as liturgy.) In fact, Gastor goes on to posit that religion and magic are inescapably found together throughout all cultures of the world, throughout all periods of history. Although academics have accepted this revision, non-specialists have been slower to catch on, and the Frazerian model still holds sway for many. It especially appeals to those “sophisticated” monotheists who believe they have already attained the zenith of theological ideals, and that the practice of magic could not possibly have a place in it. Apparently, there are even some new “Wiccan” groups that buy into this, seeing themselves as religious only, and holding themselves above such practices as magic.

To sum up, it seems that the current drive to separate Wicca from Witchcraft, to say that one refers to religion while the other refers to magic, is full of “Frazerian residue”. It appeals to those who are uncomfortable with the thought that religion and magic can happily co-exist. (I suspect that it appeals mainly to Witches who are recent converts from monotheistic creeds, yet have ported a certain amount of their previous belief system into their new faith.) Yet both historically and linguistically, it can be shown that Witch and Wicca are the same word, and that they both mean the same thing, a combination of religion and magic. I am perfectly aware, however, of something that linguists call the “etymological fallacy”, i.e. that a word means its etymology. We all know that the meaning of words can change over time. Maybe this has already happened to the word Wicca. Maybe too many people have too often repeated the newborn platitude, “Wicca and Witchcraft are not the same thing.” Perhaps it is already too late to turn the tide of opinion. Nonetheless, supporting this view would be a catastrophic mistake for a religion like ours. And more to the point, it could be politically dangerous.

It wasn’t long ago that Witches were sometimes arrested for the “crime” of “fortune telling”, e.g. for reading Tarot cards, etc. In many such cases, Witches were able to mount a successful defense by arguing that such magical practices were part of their religion. However, I can envision a scenario in the not-too-distant future where the prosecutor will counter with, “That’s not true! Her religion may be Wicca, but she was merely practicing Witchcraft!” In a culture like ours, in which all magic is seen as suspect by the increasingly political majority religion, it is perilous to allow a dark line to be drawn between religion and magic. Words like Witch and Wicca present us with a unique opportunity to erase that line. These words are the linguistic equivalent of a petri dish in which the cultures of religion and magic have been allowed to mix in equal proportions. I believe it is important for us to champion this unique mix of beliefs. When I first embraced Witchcraft as my path, I knew I was embracing both a religion and a practice of magic. Therefore, I will continue to proclaim that I am a Witch, and I am Wiccan, for it means the same thing. It is my religion, and it is my craft. It is my life.

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Footnotes:
Most Recent Text Revision: February 25, 2006 c.e.

Proofing and editing courtesy of Acorn Guild Press.

Permission is given to re-publish this document only as long as no information is lost or changed, credit is given to the author, and it is provided or used without cost to others.
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(One Person’s View Point) Wicca v Witchcraft c2018

Wicca v Witchcraft

Author:   Irishdize   

What are some of the differences between a Witch and a Wiccan?

Wiccans believe in and worship deities, usually a male and female God or a God and Goddess. Most Witches either worship only the Goddess or see the Goddess as a personification of nature, as I do. Wicca is one religion with laws, such as the Wiccan rede and the law of three. The rede says ‘an it harm none, do what ye will’. While I think it’s a wonderful law that covers just about everything you could ever wonder about, I don’t and cannot follow it. I simply instead do the best I can, given my circumstances. I don’t believe in ‘the law of three’ either which is whatever I send out ‘will come back to me times three’. I certainly believe in the law of Return, but it doesn’t work in quite the same way. Whatever I send out does return, but right away and is usually the exact same lesson reversed back at me. As you might surmise, I am not Wiccan.

Another key difference is that Wiccans will generally take gods and goddesses from mythology and call upon them for certain help, such as calling Aphrodite when they are doing a love spell. I simply do not need to use mythological deities to make my magic work; Magic is using natural energies that exist within me and around me in Nature to bring about change. In fact, one can believe that God doesn’t exist and still work Magic. Wiccans have a Wheel of the Year that they celebrate. There are eight holidays — starting on Oct 31st ‘Samhain’ or the Witches New Years. Their holiday structure has four high holy days and four low days as well as 13 Moons, some full and some new, when Magic is usually worked or divination is usually done.

I have random ritual days wherein I will spend the entire day or night in ritual, reading, contemplating, spirit dancing, or just connecting to the trees, rocks, the grass, whatever I feel like doing. Sometimes I will watch spiritually uplifting movies or listen to Native American music. Sometimes, I will just sleep or do readings by dice and Tarot. It’s all unplanned and very spontaneous whereas in Wicca, it’s usually planned down to the letter. Spells are written out before they are performed, as are rituals and of course, as I said, they know what day is a ritual day and what not. Most Wiccans I have encountered believe that their strongest magic can only happen on Full and New Moons. I disagree completely. Magic comes from within; it doesn’t matter what day or night one performs it and it doesn’t matter how well written your spell is or what tools you have (if you even have any tools) .

Most Wiccans have many tools and an Athame to direct energy or cast the circle. This is done for many reasons I am told: to create sacred space, to have a protective barrier against negative energies, lurking spirits or unexpected Visitors (human or animal) or to keep the magic within the circle until they are ready to send it out to do its purpose.

Witches like myself generally see no reason for a circle. Nature is holy; The Universe is Divine. There is no place in Nature that is not sacred already to us, so if the circle is being drawn for that reason, it isn’t needed. The energies that are around us at all times are both positive and negative, and while you can definitely put a mental shield up to protect yourself against such energies that cause you stress or harm, an imaginary circle isn’t needed. but by all means if you feel a need for it, who am I to say you shouldn’t do it?

Lurking spirits aren’t relevant to me as I don’t believe in spirits or ghosts and let me tell you something honestly, I have NEVER cast a circle in ritual while doing magic and never had my spells backfire or had any negative response. Sure, I’ve had spells that didn’t work because I didn’t put the right amount of effort into them but that had nothing to do with not casting an invisible circle or because I didn’t make the backyard sacred enough. As far as unexpected visitors or animals, my cat is just as sacred as the tree is so I am not worried about his energies affecting my work.

Many other tools that a Wiccan might have are cauldrons, mortar and pestle, wands, specific colored candles, incense, specific books by well respected authors, etc. I use only the following: Incense, Oils, Sage, Candles and Dice. I use Tarot Cards on occasion for personal insight, not to read the future. I do believe that you have to use specific colors to achieve certain goals but at the same time I KNOW that this isn’t true, I have used a yellow candle, for example, to bring money into my life and it worked because ultimately the candle is just a tool, Magic comes from within me and around me but I NEED what I NEED at the moment and candle colors represents some inner need, so I embrace that at the moment.

Books are of my own choosing. I read what I am drawn to read. A lot of the times, the books on my shelves are devotionals from different religions or books on Wicca (because that’s all I can find) . I have heard from several Wiccans that we should not read books written by certain authors. Let me tell you, read whatever feels right to you, whatever you are drawn to. Don’t worry about what another person thinks about you or your path. Maybe you need to read something in that book to teach you a lesson?

Of course, we Shadak Witches also have 108 Books of Shadak that we draw inspiration and wisdom from. These books have been handwritten or typed out by modern-day Witches with computers and are leather bound. These books are filled with the thoughts, ideas and opinions of our family members as well as instructions, rules and rule changes, counsel decisions and more and are to be read alongside any other books of our choosing.

Most Wiccans I have met believe in the Summerlands or life after death, ghosts, and angels. I’ve even heard some Wiccans speak of demons, which are from the Christian religion. I suspect these are Wiccans who were raised around Christianity.

I believe that when a person dies, their energy is reabsorbed back into Nature, back into the Goddess. I don’t believe in a traditional afterlife, so no Summerlands, no angels, no ghosts, no demons. I don’t believe in Jesus either -shocking, huh?

My altar is very simple, as well. I have two altars at the moment because I am living in my own apartment and then, part time, with my boyfriend. Both altars are just flat wooden tables. Both have candles on them, incense, oils, sage, some dice, Tarot Cards, books, flowers in a vase. Nothing elaborate; no statues, no athames, no pictures of the lord and lady, no pentacles…though I do wear a pentacle necklace and a pentacle ring, Both to me represent that I am Pagan, that I believe in the 4 elements and spirit and the six senses.

Most Wiccans have a year-and a-day of study. They can start out a bright-eyed bushy-tailed young teen ager and a year later become a High Priestess who doesn’t even know how to read tarot cards!

In Witchcraft, there either is no degree system at all — because progress is marked personally by how much we have learned or how much we have experienced — or there is a personal degree system such as the one that I follow which takes many YEARS to get through until you can become a High Priest. There are six levels within each degree in the system I follow and you earn a level by reading certain books and doing what you are supposed to do in the books. You do a simplistic ritual to see if you have earned a level. The die is instrumental in determining this.

Wiccans care very much about the rede and law of three. They don’t hurt people willy-nilly. But in The Tradition of Witchcraft I was raised in, we must wait for certain changes to happen. We must wait for the doors to open. This means that if I want to go to college, I must read The Books, cast the dice and wait for that door to open, Wiccans may just apply and attend school, not thinking about whether or not this is their intended path, whether or not they have taken a slot that someone else was supposed to have, etc. After all, what rule is there to follow other than the rede?

As far as sex, the body, life on Earth, we have similar views. Sex is sacred to most Wiccans and Witches and whatever someone does, as long as there isn’t harm, is all right. I’m gay and that’s perfectly accepted in both paths. The body is Holy.

Many Wiccans I have encountered tell me that Wicca is the religion and Witchcraft is just Magic. Magic is Magic, folks. You can be a Witch and NEVER practice Magic. There are many Traditions out there called Witchcraft and these people consider this to be their religion or spiritual path, as I do! If someone asked me what my religion was, I would say I am a Unitarian Universalist and a Solitary Eclectic Witch. I might also say that I am a Shadak Witch because Shadakism is the name of the tradition that I was raised in, It would depend on how much time I wanted to invest in explaining myself to the person I was talking with.

Magic is such a small part of being a Witch. I think I have been a Witch for 29 years and have done only about 50 spells in that entire time. Most of what I do is worship Nature, cook, garden, read, contemplate, dance, chant, cleanse, clean, watch TV, listen to music, have sex, walk in the woods, swim and cast dice, which are all parts of being a Witch. You should embrace your spiritual life as well as your ‘mundane’ life.

‘Blessed Be’ is usually a Wiccan saying, much like Merry Meet or Merry Part. Most Witches won’t say this when you meet them. It’s one good way to tell if the person you are speaking with is a Witch or a Wiccan… but some Witches will use the term if they are speaking with someone else who uses it. For example, my sister is Wiccan and will often end our conversations with “Blessed Be!” and out of respect I will also say it.

So, out of respect for the Wiccans who chose to read this, I say, “Blessed Be”!

(One Person’s View Point) COLOR CORRESPONDENCES FOR CANDLE MAGICK c.2011

COLOR CORRESPONDENCES FOR CANDLE MAGICK

Light, like all things, vibrates. Every color vibrates at a different speed.
The different vibrations of various colors can be used by our brains in the rituals we perform for
healing, meditations, magic, or any thing we wish. This is called practical magic because we are
using an Element, this time Light. Each color represents a principle or value.

Red – Energy, Strength, Passion, Courage, Element of Fire, Career Goals, Fast Action, Lust,
Blood of the Moon, Vibrancy, Driving Force, Love, Survival
Orange – Business Goals, Property Deals, Ambition, Career Goals, General Success, Justice,
Legal Matters, Selling, Action
Copper – Passion, Money Goals, Professional Growth, Fertility in Business, Career Maneuvers
Gold – Wealth , The God, Promote Winning, Safety and Power of the Male, Happiness, Playful Humor
Yellow – The Sun, Intelligence, Accelerated Learning, Memory, Logical Imagination,
Breaking Mental Blocks, Selling Yourself
Pink – Romantic Love, Planetary Good Will, Healing of Emotions, Peace, Affection, Romance,
Partnerships of Emotional Maturity, Caring, Nurturing
Green – Earth Mother, Physical Healing, Monetary Success, Abundance, Fertility, Tree and Plant
Magic, Growth, Element of Earth, Personal Goals
Blue – Good Fortune, Opening Blocked Communication, Wisdom, Protection, Spiritual Inspiration,
Calm, Reassurance, Gently Moving, Element of Water, Creativity
Purple – Influencing People in High Places, Third Eye, Psychic Ability, Spiritual Power, Self Assurance,
Hidden Knowledge
Silver – Telepathy, Clairvoyance, Clairaudience, Psychometry, Intuition, Dreams, Astral Energies,
Female Power, Communication, The Goddess
Brown – Influence Friendships, Special Favors
Black – Protection Repelling Negativity, Binding, Shapeshifting
White – Spirituality, The Goddess, Peace, Higher Self, Purity, Virginity (which means that the woman’s
mind is her own, and not controlled by a man) white may also be substituted for any other color.

(One Person’s View Point) Moon Phases, Their Meanings, and How They Impact You C. 2019

Moon Phases, Their Meanings, and How They Impact You

The Moon represents powerful feminine energy. It signifies wisdom, intuition, birth, death, reincarnation, and a spiritual connection. The cycle of the Moon is similar to the cycle of a seed: the seed grows into a flower, then blooms, and then dies.

Once we are attuned to the Moon, we can activate her innate powers

The moon also represents our deepest personal needs. We can use the knowledge and energy of the Moon’s cycle to better connect to ourselves.

Each phase of the Moon’s cycle has a unique visual characteristic and spiritual meaning. Her cyclical course also signifies the rhythm of life within us.

Below is a quick guide to the different phases of the Moon and their meanings:

New Moon

The Moon is positioned between the Earth and Sun so it cannot be seen from Earth. This phase signifies new beginnings.

Waxing Crescent Moon

‘Waxing’ means the Moon’s illumination is growing and ‘Crescent’ means less than half of the Moon is illuminated. This phase signifies intention.

First Quarter Moon

Exactly half of the Moon is illuminated and the other half is shadowed. This phase signifies decision making.

Waxing Gibbous Moon

‘Waxing’ means the Moon’s illumination is growing and ‘Gibbous’ means more than half of the Moon is illuminated. This phase signifies refinement.

Full Moon

The Sun illuminates the entire moon. This phase signifies release and sealing of intention.

Waning Gibbous

‘Waning’ refers to the decreasing of the Moon’s illumination and ‘Gibbous’ means more than half of Moon illuminated. This phase signifies gratitude.

Third Quarter

Exactly half of the Moon is illuminated and the other half is shadowed. We will see the opposite side than the First Quarter Moon. This phase signifies forgiveness.

Waning Crescent

‘Waning’ refers to the shrinking of the Moon’s illumination and ‘Crescent’ means less than half of the Moon is illuminated. This phase signifies surrender.

New Moon

The Moon is positioned between the Earth and Sun so it cannot be seen from Earth. This phase signifies new beginnings, and the cycle begins again.

Attune To Her Glow

As the closest astronomical body to us, the Moon has a powerful influence on us as spiritual bodies. The Full Moon offers the most profound energies that we can absorb, while the New Moon is the next most powerful energy.

One way to connect to this energy and influence is to use the Moon’s energy to help set our intentions and clear negativity.

The Moon’s cycle is 29.5 days and it represents a full life-cycle. Each phase of the Moon has a different meaning and rhythm to the body.

Moon phases show us how the Moon affects the ebb and flow of our entire existence. Once we are attuned to the Moon, we can activate her innate powers.

Source: YogiApproved

 

(One Person’s View Point) What are Moon Phases? c.2012

 

What are Moon Phases?

Next time you’re outside checking out the sky and the Moon happens to be out, notice what shape it is. Does it look round and full? Or, more like a banana or even a lopsided ball? Throughout each month, the Moon appears to change shape while it appears in the sky at different times. These changes are something you can observe as they happen, and they may even surprise you. For example, many people think the Moon is only up at night. But, as you will find out, it can also be up during the day.

It’s Just a Phase It’s Going Through
What you are witnessing are the phases of the Moon. A lunar phase is simply the shape of the sunlit part of the Moon as seen from Earth. That shape changes for the following reasons:

the Moon orbits Earth;
both Earth and the Moon orbit the Sun;
the Moon’s orbit is the same length as the length of time it spins on its axis (about 28 Earth days), which means that we see the same part of the lunar surface all month;
the Sun illuminates both Earth and the Moon.

When you put these all together, it means that the changing positions of the Moon and Sun relative to Earth show us different phases of the Moon (that is, different sunlit parts of the lunar surface). This happens each month in the same cycle of phases.

Get to Know Your Lunar Phases

There are eight phases of the Moon that you can track each month.

New Moon: during New Moon, the side of the Moon facing us is not illuminated by the Sun. At this time, the Moon is not up at night, but it is up during the day. We just can’t see it.

Waxing Crescent: as the Moon waxes (grows) into its crescent phase, it begins to show up low in the sky right after sunset. Look for a silvery-looking crescent. The side facing the sunset direction will be lit up.

First Quarter: seven days after New Moon, the Moon is in first quarter. Only half of it is visible 1/2 of the moon is visible for the first half of the evening, and then it sets.

Waxing Gibbous: after First Quarter, the Moon appears to grow into a gibbous shape. You can see most of it, except for a shrinking sliver over the next seven nights. Look for the moon at this time during the afternoon, too.

Full Moon: During Full Moon the Sun lights up the entire surface of the Moon that faces Earth. It rises just as the Sun sets and disappears beneath the western horizon when the Sun rises the next morning. This is the brightest phase of the Moon and it washes out the nearby part of the sky, making it difficult to see stars and faint objects such as nebulae.

Waning Gibbous: after the glorious appearance of Full Moon, the lunar shape starts to wane — meaning “get smaller”. It’s visible later at night and into the early morning, and we see a steadily shrinking shape of the lunar surface that’s being lit up. When you do spot the Moon, the side that is lit up is facing toward the Sun, in this case, the sunrise direction. During this phase, look for the Moon during the day — it should be in the sky in the morning.

Last Quarter: at Last Quarter we see exactly half the sunlit surface of the Moon and it can be in the early morning and daytime sky.

Waning Crescent: the last phase of the moon before returning to New Moon is called Waning Crescent, and it is exactly what it says: a steadily-shrinking crescent phase. We can see only a small sliver from Earth. It’s visible in the early morning and by the end of the 28-day lunar cycle, it has vanished almost entirely. That brings us back to New Moon to start the new cycle.

Make Your Own Lunar Phases

You can demonstrate this to yourself by setting up a light in the center of the room. Take a white ball in your hand and stand a few feet away from the light. Next, turn yourself in a circle, as if you are the Moon spinning on its axis. Watch how the ball is illuminated as you turn.

Observing the Moon throughout a month is a great school project, as well as something you can do simply on your own (or with family and friends). Check it out this month!

Source: About.com

Carolyn Collins Petersen, Space/Astronomy Expert

 

In Honor Of Memorial Day, Thank You for Your Service and All Those Who Gave The Ultimate Sacrifice For Our Freedoms c. 2018

 

Dear Lord & Lady,
Today we honor our veterans,
worthy men and women
who gave their best
when they were called upon
to serve and protect their country.
We pray that you will bless them,
for their unselfish service
in the continual struggle
to preserve our freedoms, our safety,
and our country’s heritage, for all of us.

Bless them abundantly
for the hardships they faced,
for the sacrifices they made
for their many different contributions
to America’s victories
over tyranny and oppression.
We respect them, we thank them,
we honor them, we are proud of them,
and we pray that you will watch over
these special people
and bless them with peace and happiness.
In Your Almighty name we pray.

So Mote It Be

 

Source: Joanna Fuchs Association of the Miraculous Medal

5 Handmade Memorial Day Items c.2012

 

By Lo Lankford

Memorial Day brings all kinds of relaxation and reflection, as many of us take the day off and sometimes even have a little BBQ fun. Get into the spirit with these five DIY tips that will have you decorating and dressing in style.

Planning a shindig? Want to make a little party picnic for the family? Look no further than this Memorial Day set of printables. On sale for $10 (for a limited time) from Anders Ruff, this pack includes 1 sheet of party logos, 1 sheet of drink wraps, 1 sheet of blank party labels and an 8″ circular banner. Party on!

Got a wee one joining in on the festivities? Why not dress her out in her USA best with this $20 Memorial Day elastic wrap skirt from Auroras Chic Boutique. This handmade “scrap skirt” (that you could easily make yourself) is “pinked” to prevent fraying and features both fabric and tulle.

Skirts not your thing but still want something cute for your little girl? Why not try your hand at making one of these DIY Memorial Day headbands from Connor KJ. For the craft lovers with less time on their hands, order this original design for only $5.

If it’s boy stuff you’re after, how about one of these DIY berry baskets for holding food, plants or anything your little imagination can think up! From the aptly named Cute Kids Food Box, the boxes come as a set of six for $12. Just like at the local farmers market, only upcycled to holiday perfection.

Into adorning your door? Try your hand at a DIY holiday wreath, like the Memorial Day one pictured here from Land G Designs. If you’d rather buy the real thing, 16″ wreath is $32 and was made from original vintage stock.

(One Person’s View Point) Let’s Talk Witch – Writing and Working Your Own Spells c. 2015

 

Writing and Working Your Own Spells

 

While using spells made by other people can be just as effective, writing your own spells is not that difficult at all. In fact, in some cases, it is more than encouraged. Another person’s work will not resonate with you as much as your own words will. Even when working with a traditional spell, making modifications to the words to suit your specific goal can enhance the results.

Learning how to write original spells is important to you as a modern practitioner especially in times when the exact kind of spell that you are searching for cannot be found in a book.

Work a vague spell and you are likely to get a vague result. With the exception of a few special cases, the first secret to writing an effective spell is to be as specific as possible. This entails knowing exactly what you want. Try not to send mixed signals to the universe because if you do, it is likely to come back to you. This is why, as previously mentioned, meditation is often a prerequisite prior to dealing with spells.

You should take your time to formulating the words. Remember the ambiguous wording can be dangerous. Also, be careful what you ask for because, well, you know the rest…

Symbolism plays a crucial role in magick spell workings. The second thing to consider when writing an original magick spell is whether you need certain tools to accompany it. The commonly used tools for spells include crystals, candles, robes, incense and herbs. While these items may not possess magick by themselves, they help in building the atmosphere. Remember to cleanse and consecrate these objects before using them.

The third ingredient to working a spell is the timing. You must determine whether the moon phase is a vital factor to your spell. Performing a spell under the right moon phase is likely to increase its effectiveness. Keep in mind that spells used to attract things and spells for abundance are best performed under a waxing moon.

A full moon provides the highest energy, followed by the new moon. Spells used to send things away are performed under a waning moon. If a spell needs to be performed during a specific time of the day or for several successive nights or days, follow it conscientiously.

A magick spell is more effective when you keep them in tune with the seasons. For example, you can do spells used to start things during the planting season and do spells used for obtaining things during harvest season.

Write down your magick spell on paper. The written word, in itself, is magick. While you write, you are transferring your energy into your words. Writing by hand also enables you to enter a different state of consciousness.

If a spell has not worked within an entire lunar month, chances are you need to rework the wording or the procedure.

Finally, the most important rule: Believe in your spell. Working a spell, no matter how wonderfully worded, without believing in it will result to failure. You should never attempt to cast a spell without sufficient faith in magick because doing so is to render yourself vulnerable to negative forces.

Wicca: Grimoire Your Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Wicca Everything you Ought to Know Before Casting your First Spell in 20 Minutes Or Less (Witchcraft, … Wiccan rituals, Wicca Traditions, magick,)

Kassandra Seraphim

(One Person’s View) Identifying Crystals Properties by Color c.2018

Disclaimer: No crystal, or gem or stone should be used for medicinal purposes in place of what your health care professional has prescribed for you for any reason. The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. WitchesofTheCraft.com, any staff member of WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or Lady Carla Beltane are not responsible for any type of negative reaction when using a crystal or gem or stone for any reason.

One Person’s Viewpoint) HERBS TO AVOID OR USE WITH CAUTION DURING PREGNANCY c. 2012

Disclaimer: No flower or plant or herb should be used for medicinal purposes until you have checked with your health care professional to ask if it is safe for you to use it for any reason. The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or any staff member of WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or Lady Carla Beltane are not responsible for any type of negative reaction when using this flower or plant for any reason.

HERBS TO AVOID OR USE WITH CAUTION DURING PREGNANCY

Many herbs contain steroids that can affect the baby’s development during pregnancy and/or nursing. Others may be of a mild toxic type, and others may be strong uterine stimulants. Please read this section carefully and take heed.

Angelica – stimulates suppressed menstruation
Black Cohosh – uterine stimulant – mostly used during labor
Blue Cohosh – a stronger uterine stimulant
Borage oil – a uterine stimulant – use only during the last few days of pregnancy
Comfrey – can cause liver problems in mother and fetus – use only briefly, externally only, for treating sprains and strains –
Dong Quai – may stimulate bleeding
Elder – do not use during pregnancy or lactation
Fenugreek – uterine relaxant
Goldenseal – too powerful an antibiotic for the developing fetus, also should not be used if nursing
Henbane – highly toxic
Horsetail – too high in silica for the developing fetus
Licorice Root – can create water retention and/or elevated blood pressure
Motherwort – stimulates suppressed menstruation
Mugwort – can be a uterine stimulant
Nutmeg – can cause miscarriage in large doses
Pennyroyal Leaf – stimulates uterine contractions (NOTE: Pennyroyal essential oil should not be used by pregnant women at any time!) – do not handle if pregnant or nursing

Rue – strong expellant
Shepherd’s Purse – used only for hemmorhaging during/after childbirth
Uva Ursi – removes too much blood sugar during pregnancy and nursing
Yarrow – uterine stimulant

THE MYSTERY OF FLOWERS AND PLANTS (Part 5 J- M)c. 2015

Disclaimer: No flower or plant or herb should be used for medicinal purposes until you have checked with your health care professional to ask if it is safe for you to use it for any reason. The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or any staff member of WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or Lady Carla Beltane are not responsible for any type of negative reaction when using this flower or plant for any reason.

Jasmine – (sensuality – grace – elegance – attachment – modesty)

Jasmine is known for its potent fragrance and jasmine is used in some of the world’s oldest and most beautiful scents. Widely cultivated for its flowers and immensely popular as a climbimbing, fragrant cover in a garden. No one can miss the potent scent of jasmine flowers wafting through the home. In southeast and southern Asia, women adorn their hair with jasmine. Many people enjoy jasmine tea, and it is frequently used by those involved in healing, some use it as a preventative medicine. Derived from the Persian yasmin, meaning “jasmine flower”.

Lady’s Mantle

The symbolism  associated with The Lady’s Mantle, is as a cloak for the Blessed Virgin, and it was grown in the Mary Gardens. Dew is associated with magic, and the dew that collects on the lady’s mantle, is named alchemilla (“little magical one”). People stuffed their pillows with it to ensure a good night’s sleep, the dew was used as a beauty lotion.

Lilac – (pride – youth – innocence – beauty)

The colour lilac comes from the beautiful pale purple colour of the lilac flower and its. Lilacs are also white, pale yellow, pink or burgundy and are known for their strong, heady perfume like scent. Lilac became a popular in England, because of its femininity, it is the state flower of New Hampshire and lilacs grow on trees or shrubs.

Lily – (chastity – fleur-de-lis – faith – wisdom – Holy Trinity – chivalry – royalty – fertility)

In both pagan and Christian traditions, lilies are symbolise fertility. Depending on the type of lily there are many meanings. (Calla lily) beauty, (China lily) mother, (orange lily) hatred, (tiger lily) wealth- pride, (white lily) purity, virginity, sweetness, virginity majesty, it’s heavenly to be with you. (Yellow lily) gaiety, gratitude, I’m light as a feather, happiness. In Greek marriage ceremonies the bride wears a crown of lilies. In religious terms the lily symbolises the annunciation of the birth of Jesus by the angel Gabriel. In both Christian and pagan traditions, lilies symbolize fertility.

Lotus – (forgotten past – estranged love) meaning Hebrew lowt (“covering, veil”)

The lotus is known as the “sacred water lily” in Buddhism and Hinduism. Lotus roots are widely used in Asian cuisine and the lotus is the national flower of India, and the blue or Indian lotus, is known as the bean of India. The English name is derived from the flower name, from Latin lotus and from Greek lotus, and the Egyptian “white lotus.”

Lupine – (imagination) meaning “lupinus” (“of wolves”)

The name derived from the belief of ancient peoples, that lupines robbed the soil of nutrients, in reality lupines add nitrogen to the soil. The lupine blossoms exude a delicious fragrance of honey, and the Karner blue butterfly’s caterpillar, gets it’s nourishment from lupines, its only food source.

Magnolia – (love – nature – nobility – perseverance)

The Magnolia’s abundance in Mississippi is reflected in its state nickname, the “Magnolia State”, it is also the state flower of Louisiana. The abundance of Magnolia Trees growing along Buffalo Bayou, in Houston, Texas, led to the nickname “The Magnolia City.”

Marigold – (passion -creativity)  known as (Mary’s Gold ), referred to as (“golden gifts”) and (“Herb of the Sun”)

Marigolds were given as religious offerings to the Virgin, usually by the poor who could not afford to give actual gold, and they were used in Mary Gardens. The English name derives from the flower name, Mary, meaning “the Mother Ray,” and the word “gold” (Marigold). Marigolds have been used as love charms, in rituals and worn as talismans. Marigold flowers added to pillows encourage prophetic or psychic dreams. They are also a favourite with brides, who have them woven into wedding garlands.

Marjoram – (happiness – joy) also called (sweet majoram)

Marjoram is cultivated for its fragrant leaves, either green or dry it is used in  cooking. It does not like the cold and is an under shrub, with citrus flavours and sweet pine. As marjoram begins to flower, it is then the tops are cut and dried in the shade. Healers often used marjoram in their concoctions.

Morning Glory – (affection)

Morning glory flowers are funnel-shaped and open in the morning, this is the time of day they are pollinated by bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, birds and insects. New flowers bloom each day as the life span of the flower is only one morning, in the afternoon the morning glory dies.

by  FROM: http://witcheslore.com/bookofshadows/herbology/the-mystery-of-flowers-and-plants/3649/

THE MYSTERY OF FLOWERS AND PLANTS (Part 4 H – I) c.2015

Disclaimer: No flower or plant or herb should be used for medicinal purposes until you have checked with your health care professional to ask if it is safe for you to use it for any reason. The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or any staff member of WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or Lady Carla Beltane are not responsible for any type of negative reaction when using this flower or plant for any reason.

Hawthorn – (hope) and (May)

The hawthorn is a pagan symbol for life, in Devon it is considered unlucky as the fairies might cast a spell on you if you sit under a hawthorn. The hawthorn is believed to be haunted by fairies and is sometimes called ‘Fairy Thorn.’ Farmers believed hawthorn was lucky and would hang it outside the cowsheds so the cows would give plenty of milk. The hawthorn flowers in May.

Mandrake (the Magician)

The mandrake or mandragora, is one of the most important hallucinogens in Western Europe and the Near East, in over two millennia. It is a flowering plant that can give life or cause death, depending on its use. The mandrake has many uses and has been a favourite of apothecaries, witches considered it indispensable and used it for spells and healing. Apothecaries and witches used mandrake when they wished to make a particularly strong potion. In order for Odysseus to withstand the magic of Circe, Hermes gave the mandrake to him. Herbalist shops in the early twentieth century situated in the less affluent areas of London sold mandrake. Many women who owned mandrakes fed and clothed them, these women were accused of being  witches and burnt at the stake by the Inquisition. The mandrake was dressed in expensive cloth, bathed several times a year, given food to eat, water to drink, and considered human.

The mandrake is considered part plant, part human and imbued with magical powers. The mandrake exudes a strong, unusual but pleasant scent. It is a perennial with a strange appearance, it has broad leaves with white, yellow or purple flower, the fruit is similar to a plum. The root is black, forked and a foot long, with the semblence of human male form with a penis, a subsidiary root which sticks out.

When a mandrake is being pulled out it shrieks like a person, and a black dog is used to pull it out, as the mandrake shrieks the dog dies. The mandrake has pharmacological effects as a pain killer, erotica, a sleep inducer, during the transition between consciousness and sleep it causes hallucinations.

A technique used in Turkey was to extract the mandrake root and cut it to manipulate its shape, then to apply pressure bandages and replant it in the ground. When next extracted after more growth, no one could tell it was crafted by hands other than nature. Six mandrakes of this nature were created and exhibited by Von Luschan, in 1891. He declared that a clever artist could create figures that looked genuine, and no one would know they were not nature’s gift. These treasures were so rare it was a life threatening undertaking to obtain one, they were valuable talismans and were extremely expensive.

Hibiscus – (delicate beauty)

Hibiscus is a large genus containing over 200 species, butterflies and bees are attracted to it. Hibiscus tea is a soothing tea enjoyed by many, it is also considered a healing tonic.

Holly Symbolism

Holly flower symbolism the flower symbolism associated with the holly is defense, domestic happiness and forecast. The Romans decorated their hallways with holly garlands for their mid-winter celebration, Saturnalia. Medieval monks called the holly the Holy Tree and believed holly would keep away evil spirits and protects their homes from lightening. The pointed leaves represented the crown of thorns worn by Jesus, and the red berries symbolized drops of his blood.

Honeysuckle – (love – loving bonds)

The wood of the honeysuckle contains nepetalactone, which is the active ingredient found in catnip. Some species of honeysuckle have bell-shaped flowers, honeysuckle is a twining flower grown in China, North America and Europe.

Huckleberry – (faith – simple pleasures)

Due to the size of the tiny huckleberries, they were used to refer to something small, often as a term of endearment. The phrase “a huckleberry over my persimmon,” meaning “a bit beyond my abilities”. “I’ll be your huckleberry,” meaning (“I am the person for the job”).

Hyacinth – (games – rashness – playfulness – joy – sports – rebirth) derived from the Latin form of Greek (hyakinthos.)

The hyacinth flower is used in the Haftseen table setting, in honour of the Persian New Year celebrations.  Hyacinths are named after Hyacinth, a figure in Greek mythology, a youth who was loved, and accidentally killed by Apollo. The hyacinth flower sprouted from his blood, and hyacinths are often associated with rebirth.

Impatiens – (motherly love)

Impatiens planted in the medieval Mary gardens, gardens devoted to the Virgin Mary, were called “Our Lady’s earings.” Impatiens flowers come in many forms, some orchid shaped, others with flat flowers. They are thought of as a sacred flower.

Iris – (wisdom – faith – friendship – to cherish – valor – hope – love’s promise)

Iris is the name of a mythological rainbow goddess, the Greek meaning is  (“rainbow”). The Iris is the emblem of France and Florence. Iris is used by the English as a feminine name, it is used by a male or female, by those of Jewish heritage. Irises were used in Mary Gardens, and the blade-shaped foliage symbolises the sorrows which ‘pierced her heart.’

Ivy – (weddings – Christmas – fidelity – friendship – affection)

Ivy is a strong climbing vine, used by many for garden walls and for garden decoration, ivy climbing the walls of a home, conjures visions or romance and country cottages. Ivy adds a particular charm, a smoothly cemented wall is impenetrable to the climbing roots of ivy and ivy can  protect the walls from the weather.

by  FROM: http://witcheslore.com/bookofshadows/herbology/the-mystery-of-flowers-and-plants/3649/

THE MYSTERY OF FLOWERS AND PLANTS (Part 3 E-G) c.2015

Disclaimer: No flower or plant or herb should be used for medicinal purposes until you have checked with your health care professional to ask if it is safe for you to use it for any reason. The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or any staff member of WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or Lady Carla Beltane are not responsible for any type of negative reaction when using this flower or plant for any reason.

Edelweiss – (courage – noble purity – daring)

Edelweiss is a European mountain flower a member of the sunflower family, it’s flowers are felted and woolly with white hairs, the characteristic bloom consists of five to six small yellow flower heads surrounded by leaflets. The name edelweiss is German, edel (noble) and weiss (white).

Fern – (shelter – discretion – secret bond of love – confidence – fascination – magic – reverie)

Ferns do not have seeds or flowers, but reproduce by spores. There are about 12,000 varieties  worldwide, and fern is derived from Old English fear, meaning “fern,” a type of leafy plant. Flower and plant names were popular in the 19th century and the name was first used then.

Forget me not (never forget me)

Forget-me-not flower symbolism the flower symbolism associated with the forget-me-not is true love and memories. In 15th century Germany, it was supposed that the wearers of the flower would not be forgotten by their lovers. In a medieval legend, a knight and his lady were walking along the side of a river. He picked a posy of flowers, but because of the weight of his armour he fell into the river. As he was drowning he threw the posy to his loved one and shouted “Forget-me-not”. It is also told in pious legend that the Christ child was sitting on Mary’s lap one day and said that he wished that future generations could see them. He touched her eyes and then waved his hand over the ground and blue forget-me-nots appeared. Forget me nots acquired the name when a knight leapt into the river Danube to get a pretty blue flower for his lady, it was floating on the water and she was sad it may be swept away by the water. Tragically the current dragged the knight down, he threw his lady the flower before he drowned, crying, “Forget me not.” The lady wore the flowers in her hair ever after to always remember him. It is said that forget me nots planted on the grave of someone you love, will never die as long as you live. Blue and pink flowers are found on the same stem, blue  for boys and pink for girls. Forget me nots are given as a symbol of remembrance.

Foxglove – (youth – stateliness)

Foxglove is symbolic of both healing and harm, foxglove flowers have both positive and negative symbolic meanings. The scientific name is digitalis, a reference to the presence of extremely powerful chemicals used to treat heart conditions when correctly administered. However if taken in large amounts it is deadly.

Fuchsia – (love)

Fuchsia flowers are a delicate teardrop shape and grow in profusion throughout summer and autumn, tropical species grow all year round. Hummingbirds are attracted to the glorious red sepals and beautiful purple petals.

Gardenia – (secret love – refinement – beauty – purity) meaning (“garden flower”)

Gardenia plants have a strong sweet scent, the flower can be very large in some species. Gardenias are native to Asia, Australasia, Oceana and Africa, they also grow in Hawaii.

Geranium – (friendship-folly-stupidity-meeting)

The temperate regions of the world and tropical mountains are where the geranium will be found. The genus name is derived from the Greek word geranos, meaning “crane”. The appearance of the geraniums seed-heads are the same shape as the bill of a crane.

Gladiolus – (strength – astounding beauty – preparedness – love at first sight)

The stem base (corms) of the gladiolus were made into a poultice for thorns and splinters and used for it’s healing properties. The name gladiolus comes from the sword or “gladius” shape leaves.  The gladiolus symbolised the Roman gladiators.

Globe Amaranth – (unfading love)

The globe amaranth is an annual plant that grows up to 24 inches in height, it is a genus of plants in the Amaranthaceae family. The true species of globe amaranth has magenta flowers, then there are garden varieties with purple, white, red, lilac and pink.

by  FROM: http://witcheslore.com/bookofshadows/herbology/the-mystery-of-flowers-and-plants/3649/

The Mystery of Flowers and Plants (Part 2 C – D) c.2015

Disclaimer: No flower or plant or herb should be used for medicinal purposes until you have checked with your health care professional to ask if it is safe for you to use it for any reason. The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or any staff member of WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or Lady Carla Beltane are not responsible for any type of negative reaction when using this flower or plant for any reason.

Cactus – (endurance – burning love – maternal love – strength)

Cacti are unique, distinctive plants, adapted to extremely arid and hot climates and have water conserving features. Their stems have green succulent structures containing the chlorophyll necessary for growth and life, the leaves have become the spines for which cacti are so well known. The cactus is a hardy and resilient plant.

Calendula – (despair – grief – sorrow)

Calendula blossoms are used to ease indigestion, and calendula petals are used in ointments to heal skin irritations, jaundice, sore eyes and toothaches.

Calla Lily – (magnificent beauty)

The calla lily is native to southern Africa and is visible in many works of art.

Camellia – (perfection – gratitude – reasoning – admiration – good luck)

Each colour has a symbolic meaning including innate worth, adoration, perfection and loveliness (white) innate worth, adoration, perfection, loveliness, (pink) longing, longing for love, (red) excellence, heart flame. The English name is derived from the Latin name camellia, named after the Czech-born missionary and botanist George Josef Kamel, whose name was originally derived from the word kamel, meaning “camel.”

Carnation – (impulsiveness – joy – devotion – love – fascination – capriciousness) white carnation meaning (disdain – refusal)

Carnations were used in Greek ceremonial crowns. The name carnation may come from the Greek carnis (flesh) and refer to the incarnation of God made flesh. The English name derived from the flower name, from French carnation, meaning “complexion,” from Italian carnagione, meaning “flesh-colored.” The carnation is also known as “the poor man’s rose.”

Cattail – (prosperity – peace)

Cattails or bulrushes, are wetland plants with spongy, strap-like leaves and creeping stems, the thick root can be ground to make a flour substitute. The spread of cattails assists the process of open water bodies being converted to vegetated marshland and eventually to dry land.

Chamomile (action – movement – energy)

The extract of German chamomile is taken as a strong tea and is used in herbal medicine as a digestive aid, it has anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile tea is used to calm the nerves and chamomile makes an excellent mouthwash against mouth and gum infections. It is used in ointments and lotions and is very soothing.

Cherry Blossom (learning – education)

In China the cherry blossom is a symbol of feminine beauty, it represents the feminine principle and love. Falling blossoms symbolise fallen warriors who died in battle, and symbolise the samurai. Cherry blossoms in Japan are symbolise the transience of life because of their short blooming times.

Christmas Rose

The Christmas rose is purported to have flowered on Christmas Day, thus associated with the infant Jesus. It is a member of the genus Helleborus and is not related to the rose bush. The Christmas Rose (sometimes known as the Lenten Rose) of Mary Gardens, bears pure white or pink flowers.

Chrysanthemum – (wealth – optimism – cheerfulness – abundance)

The name is derived from the feminine form of Greek (Chrysanthos), meaning “golden flower.” Chrysanthemums are associated with death in Italy. Colour meanings (white) truth, hope, rest and friendship, (red) love, (yellow) slighted love. The Japanese put a single chrysanthemum petal on the bottom of a wine glass to sustain a long and healthy life, and Japanese emperors sat on their Chrysanthemum throne. The name is derived from the feminine form of Greek Chrysanthos, meaning “golden flower.

Crocus – (joy – happiness – cheerfulness)

The genus crocus is in the iris family, the plants grow from corm, are mainly perennials and found in woodland and meadows, crocuses are native to central and southern Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, central Asia and China.

Cyclamen – (goodbye – resignation)

Cyclamen grow in dry forest or scrub areas, have white, bright pink, red or purple flowers, and are native to Africa and the Mediterranean. They are part of the primrose family, although bare no resemblance.

Daffodil – (regard – chivalry – respect – unrequited love – sunshine – happiness)

In Greek mythology the daffodil is described as a pale yellow deathless kind of lily flower, that overspreads the plains of Hades, and is the favourite food of the dead. The traditional daffodil has a yellow to golden-yellow color all over, and due to breeding the daffodil may be variously colored. Breeders have developed some daffodils with double, triple, or ambiguously multiple rows of petals, and several wild species have double variants. The English name is derived from the flower name, from Latin asphodelus, from Greek asphodelos, meaning “asphodel flower.”

Dandelion (nature’s oracle)

In Medieval times the dandelion was called lion’s teeth, because its leaves had jagged tooth like edges. The dandelion has for centuries been consulted as an oracle, the time can be told by the number of blows to get rid of the seeds. For a prophecy about how long it is until your wedding day, count the number of seeds left after you have blown on them once, the number of seeds left tells you how many years it will be.

Dahlia – (forever – dignity – elegance – forever thine)

The dahlia was used as a food source in the 1940’s by the Europeans, when the French potato crop was destroyed by disease. The dahlia is named after Anders Dahl, the 18th century Swedish botanist. The English name is derived from the flower name, taken from the surname of Anders Dahl, meaning “valley,” from this “dahlia flower” or “valley flower. The Aztecs used dahlias to treat epilepsy.

Daisy – (feelings shared – innocence – purity – beauty – simplicity – loyalty – love) also known as (“flowery mead”)

The English name is derived from the flower name, from Old English daegeseage, “day’s eye. “Hairpins decorated with daisies were found during the excavation of the Minoan Palace on the Island of Crete, and daisies are believed to be several thousand years old. Egyptian ceramics were decorated with daisies. Maidens grabbed a bunch of daises with their eyes closed, then counted them to find out how many years until they were to marry. Originally known as ‘bruisword’, and used to heal bruises. It is considered good luck to step on the first daisy of the year

Dandelion – (affection requited – sympathy – happiness – love’s oracle – faithfulness – desire)

The dandelion is native to Europe and Asia, in northern areas and places where the dandelion is not native, it has become a weed.

Day Lily – (forgetting worries) in China (symbolic of devotion to mother)

The flower means “Suited for A Boy,” it was used as a lucky talisman by expectant mothers who wished for a baby boy. “In China when the day lily has a cheerful position, the flower is called “Wong Yu.”

Delphinium – (levity – ardent attachment – fun – light of heart – joyous)

Delphinium derived from the French form of the Latin, Delphinia, meaning “woman from Delphi.” The flower resembles nose of the dolphin, and delphiums were thought to repel scorpions. The Native Americans used delphiniums to make blue dye, and the Europeans made ink.

FROM: http://witcheslore.com/bookofshadows/herbology/the-mystery-of-flowers-and-plants/3649/

THE MYSTERY OF FLOWERS AND PLANTS [Part 1 A-B] c.2015

Disclaimer: No flower or plant or herb should be used for medicinal purposes until you have checked with your health care professional to ask if it is safe for you to use it for any reason. The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or any staff member of WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or Lady Carla Beltane are not responsible for any type of negative reaction when using this flower or plant for any reason.

by / 0 Comments / 15431 View / February 22, 2011

Aster (daintiness) (love, from the Greek word for “star”)

Apothecaries, witches and healers, believed Asters to have healing properties. Asters were laid on the graves of French soldiers to symbolise peace.

Azalea (temperance – passion – womanhood – fragility)

Azaleas grow as shrubs and small trees with large an abundant flower display. The English name derived from the Greek word azaleos, meaning “dry.”

Baby’s Breath (innocence)

Baby’s breath symbolises purity of heart, the breath of the Holy Spirit and tenderness. Baby’s breath is a dense cluster of delicate flowers, a favourite of brides symbolising peace, love and unity.

Bachelor Button (celibacy – single – blessedness – delicacy)

Bachelor button symbolises hope in love, and is also known as the cornflower, basket flower and boutonniere flower. Young men wore a bachelor button flower signifying their love for a young woman, the flower faded quickly if the love was unrequited. This beautiful blue cornflower is Poland’s national flower. Bachelor buttons have been prized historically for their pigment.

Bamboo (balance – flexibility – immortality – youth)

Bamboo is a symbol for long life and is the most popular plant in China, it is considered a gentleman with perfect virtues and has the balance of Yin and the Yang. When a storm comes the bamboo bends with the wind. When the storm ceases, it resumes its upright position. It has the ability to overcome adversity and stand firmly

Bauhinia – (harmony)

The bauhinia has orchid-like flowers that are purple-red and surrounded by thick, heart shaped leaves, the flowers bloom from November to March. The Bauhinia flower features on the flag of Hong Kong.

Begonia – (beware – fanciful nature)

Begonias grow in subtropical and tropical moist climates, in South and Central America, Africa and southern Asia. Begonias have showy flowers of white, pink, scarlet, yellow, and attractively marked leaves.

Bird of Paradise – (faithfulness – freedom – perspective)

The bird of paradise flower is named because of a resemblance to the actual bird of paradise. In South Africa it is commonly known as a “crane” flower.

Bluebell – (constancy – humility – gratitude) sometimes (“wild hyacinths”)

Bluebells are considered, not only beautiful but magical, they are closely linked to the realm of fairies and are sometimes referred to as “fairy thimbles.”  In order to call fairies to a convention the bluebells would be rung, and children who picked them sometimes disappeared. Because of her connection with war and death, the bluebell keeps her head bowed, as bowmen in the Middle Ages glued feathers onto arrows using bluebell sap. Bluebells are known as Deadmen’s Bells.

Buttercup – (neatness – humility – childishness)

The buttercup is sometimes called “Coyote’s Eyes,” from the American legend of the coyote tossing his eyes up in air and catching them again, when an eagle swooped down and snatched the eyes. Not able to see, the coyotemade eyes from the buttercup. Buttercups are part of a large genus of 400 species.

Meaning of Some Types of Flowers c. 2015

Flowers have always been a big feature at weddings, too. As an example, look to the royal flower bouquet in the wedding of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, to Kate Middleton (now Catherine, Ducchess of Cambridge). Her flowers had very special meaning.

The groom, too, wears a flower that appears in the bridal bouquet in his button-hole. This stems from the Medieval tradition of wearing his Lady’s colors, as a declaration of his love.

One fun idea is to have a garden gathering and have each person bring a flower that has meaning to them. Or, paint tiles on a kitchen island with a flower that represents each of your loved ones.

There is a language, little known,
Lovers claim it as their own.
Its symbols smile upon the land,
Wrought by nature’s wondrous hand;
And in their silent beauty speak,
Of life and joy, to those who seek
For Love Divine and sunny hours
In the language of the flowers.
–The Language of Flowers, London, 1875

Please tell us which flowers have meaning to you! If we are missing one of your favorites, please tell us which one and its meaning.

Wish to grow a flower that has meaning to you or a loved one? Click on the linked plant names for free planting and growing guides.

Symbolic Meanings of Herbs, Flowers and Trees
Aloe Healing, protection, affection
Angelica Inspiration
Arborvitae Unchanging friendship
Bachelor’s button Single blessedness
Basil Good wishes
Bay Glory
Black-eyed Susan Justice
Carnation Alas for my poor heart
Chamomile Patience
Chives Usefulness
Chrysanthemum Cheerfulness
Clover, white Think of me
Coriander Hidden worth
Crocus, spring Youthful gladness
Cumin Fidelity
Daffodil Regard
Daisy Innocence, hope
Dill Powerful against evil
Edelweiss Courage, devotion
Fennel Flattery
Fern Sincerity
Forget-me-not Forget-me-not
Geranium, oak-leaved True friendship
Goldenrod Encouragement
Heliotrope Eternal love
Holly Hope
Hollyhock Ambition
Honeysuckle Bonds of love
Horehound Health
Hyacinth Constancy of love, fertility
Hyssop Sacrifice, cleanliness
Iris A message
Ivy Friendship, continuity
Jasmine, white Sweet love
Lady’s-mantle Comforting
Lavender Devotion, virtue
Lemon balm Sympathy
Lilac Joy of youth
Lily-of-the-valley Sweetness
Marjoram Joy and happiness
Mint Virtue
Morning glory Affection
Myrtle The emblem of marriage, true love
Nasturtium Patriotism
Oak Strength
Oregano Substance
Pansy Thoughts
Parsley Festivity
Pine Humility
Poppy, red Consolation
Rose, red Love, desire
Rosemary Remembrance
Rue Grace, clear vision
Sage Wisdom, immortality
Salvia, blue I think of you
Salvia, red Forever mine
Savory Spice, interest
Sorrel Affection
Southernwood Constancy, jest
Sweet pea Pleasures
Sweet William Gallantry
Sweet woodruff Humility
Tansy Hostile thoughts
Tarragon Lasting interest
Thyme Courage, strength
Tulip, red Declaration of love
Valerian Readiness
Violet Loyalty, devotion, faithfulness
Willow Sadness
Yarrow Everlasting love
Zinnia Thoughts of absent friends

Credit: KafeKafe

Related Articles

A Little Humor for Your Day – “Boy, oh boy, I can relate to this, The Definition of Barbecuing!” c.2014

Definition of Barbecuing

It’s the only type of cooking a “real” man will do. When a man volunteers to do the ‘BBQ’ the following chain of events are put into motion:

1) The woman goes to the store.
2) The woman fixes the salad, vegetables, and dessert.
3) The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray along with the necessary cooking utensils, and takes it to the man, who is lounging beside the grill, beer in hand.
4) The man places the meat on the grill.
5) The woman goes inside to set the table and check the vegetables.
6) The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is burning.
7) The man takes the meat off the grill and hands it to the woman.
8) The woman prepares the plates and brings them to the table.
9) After eating, the woman clears the table and does the dishes.
10) Everyone praises man and thanks him for his cooking efforts.
11) The man asks the woman how she enjoyed “her night off.” And, upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that there’s just no pleasing some women.

Website can no longer be reached Source: JokesWarehouse.com

A Little Humor for Your Day – And Goddess Made Dogs and Cats c. 2012

And Goddess Made Dogs & Cats

Man said, “Goddess, when I was in the garden, you walked with me every day. Now I do not see you anymore. I am lonesome here, and it is difficult for me to remember how much you love me.”

And the Goddess said, “No problem! I will create a companion for you that will be with you forever, who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that you will love me even when you cannot see me. Regardless of how selfish or childish or unlovable you may be at times, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do, in spite of yourself.”

And the Goddess created a new animal to be a companion for Man. And it was a good animal. And the Goddess was pleased. And the new animal was pleased to be with Man, and he wagged his tail a lot.

And Man said, “Goddess, I have already named all the animals on your Earth. I cannot think of a name for this new animal.”

And the Goddess said, “No problem! Because I have created this new animal to be a reflection of my love for you, his name will be a partial reflection of my own name, and you will call him DOG.”

And DOG lived with Man, was a companion to him, and loved him. And DOG was beside Man, all the day long. And Man was comforted. And the Goddess was pleased. And DOG was content and wagged his tail.

After a while, it came to pass that Man’s spirit guide came to the Goddess and said, “Mother, Man has become filled with pride. He struts and preens like a peacock, and he believes he is worthy of adoration. DOG has indeed taught him that he is loved, but perhaps too well.”

And the Goddess said, “No problem! I will create for him a companion who will be with him forever, who will see him as he is. The companion will remind him of his limitations, so he will know that he is not always worthy of adoration.”

And the Goddess created CAT to be a companion to Man.

And CAT would not obey Man. And CAT would love Man when CAT chose to love Man, and not when Man chose CAT to share affection.

And when Man gazed into CAT’s eyes, he was reminded that he was not the supreme being. And Man learned humility.

And the Goddess was pleased. And Man was greatly improved. And DOG was happy, and wagged his tail.

Author: EagleStar Source: The Pagan Library

I hope the rest of your and your family day and evening is relaxing, filled with fun, laughter, some me time, and love.

Merry part until we merry meet again!

Traditional vs. Eclectic: We’re Not “All One Wicca” c.2016 by Lady Abyss

Traditional vs. Eclectic: We’re Not “All One Wicca”
Author: Hexeengel

[Please note: For the purposes of this piece, the terms “Wicca” and “Wiccan (s) ” will refer to the British Traditional family of religious Witchcraft Traditions and those who follow them, the Traditions then including, but not limited to, such lines as Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Moshian, Blue Star, etc. “Neo-Wicca” and “Neo-Wiccan (s), ” then, indicate the perhaps more wide-spread and certainly more widely known Eclectic (and often Solitary) practices espoused by such authors as Scott Cunningham, Fiona Horne, Silver Ravenwolf, and others, the majority of them published by Llewellyn Books. I also use the term “Witch” interchangeably with “Wiccan, ” since nearly all Wiccans contend that they are indeed Witches.]

Anyone who’s been a part of the Wiccan or Neo-Wiccan communities for more than a week is undoubtedly aware of the schism between these two groups. The cause of much frustration for Wiccans is that some Neo-Wiccans misunderstand the distinction made between the practices. Wiccans contend that, while there is nothing wrong or bad or invalid or worthless about the practices of Neo-Wiccans, it is nonetheless a separate and distinct practice (or practices, as Neo-Wicca is Eclectic, after all) from Wicca; neither is better (except in a personal preference, subjective sense), but they are certainly different.

Many Neo-Wiccans, on the other hand, dislike that this distinction is made at all. Some are even offended by the use of “Neo-Wicca” or any classification other than “Wicca, ” but are yet very adamant that “we don’t do that, ” meaning that they find some aspects of Wicca ridiculous, unnecessary, or even offensive. It leads one to ask, if it’s all the same thing, then why isn’t it all… well, the same?

This piece is meant to serve as an outline of how much these two groupings of paths really do differ, and to explain some of the more controversial aspects of Wicca that draw much negative attention and criticism from some Neo-Wiccans. The biggest dividing factor, that then encompasses others, is the Wiccan practice of oathbound secrecy.

Many Wiccan Traditions are esoteric, oathbound practices. This means that there are certain things that are not to be revealed to non-initiates, and that initiates swear an oath to protect those aspects (an oath that they are then expected to keep for the rest of their lives, even if they choose to leave the Tradition at a later time). This is not meant to be used as an ego-trip or a form of elitism, but is instead in place to protect the experience of the Tradition and its rites and Mysteries. However, Wiccans do not contend that their path is the only way one may reach and experience the Mysteries, just that this is the way that suits them. What is usually kept secret, then, are the names of the Gods, the specifics of ritual, the identities (Magickal and mundane) of those who participate in the rituals, the tools used in ritual, and any other non-ritual contents of the Tradition’s Book of Shadows.

God-names are kept secret because They (the God and Goddess honored) are considered “tribal, ” wholly unique to the Tradition. In non-initiate training rituals, a Priest and Priestess may choose to utilize place-holder names of similar Deities, ones with compatible traits, qualities, and associations. However, some may choose to simply use the non-specific terms “God and Goddess” or “Lord and Lady” instead of proper names. That decision is left up to the Priest and Priestess of the ritual/group. If place-holder names are used, they are then a tool to help teach those in training about the God and Goddess they will meet and commune with during and after initiation, so that there will be some degree of familiarity once the initiate comes to face the Gods of their chosen Tradition.

The specifics of ritual, as was aforementioned, are not told to non-initiates to protect the experience. Think of it this way; you and a friend both want to see a newly premiered movie, and your friend gets the opportunity to attend a showing before you do. How impolite and improper would it be for your friend to not only tell you every single detail of the film (including the ending), but also the emotions it will evoke from you, and the impact it would have on your life in general? I’m betting anyone would be pretty darn upset.

This is the same reasoning behind Wiccan rituals being kept secret, so that each initiate who experiences them does so as “untainted” as possible. This explains secrecy in regards to those seeking initiation, but for those who do not, a similar analogy is appropriate; if you see a movie but your friend has absolutely no interest in it, regardless of your opinion of said movie, they probably won’t want to hear about it at all. The logic then is that, since those not seeking initiation are assumed to be uninterested in the Tradition all together, what reason do they have to concern themselves with its practices?

Additionally, this secrecy maintains the authenticity of the rituals, and also the integrity of the initiating line back to the Tradition’s founder. Thus, the rituals cannot be altered or misused, and only those experienced in the Tradition’s Mysteries can go on to teach them to others.

As far as participants’ identities go, that’s fairly self-explanatory on one level; “outing” someone as a Witch is not something taken lightly, regardless of where one counts one’s self on the spectrum Wicca has become. But there is another level to it, in that Wiccans tend keep their lineage oathbound as well. One’s lineage is the line of initiating High Priestesses that leads from one initiate back to the founder of the Tradition, be they Gerald Gardner, Alex Sanders, etc.

And lastly, the tools used and the other, non-ritual contents of the Book of Shadows (BoS) are oathbound because they are related to the specifics of Wiccan practice and experience, and so revealing them can take away from those elements, just as describing pivotal scenes from a movie can taint the enjoyment of the whole thing.

These levels of secrecy and occultism (where “occult” takes on its more accurate meaning of “hidden or secret; to be known only by the initiated”) are a stumbling block to some Neo-Wiccans; they cannot fathom the reasons other than to make Wiccans feel special or better somehow, but as illustrated above, there are very real and important reasons.

Some folks though cannot find it in themselves to abide by these guidelines, but still feel the desire to walk a similar path. Partly because of this, Neo-Wicca and its policy of openness and universality were born. Neo-Wiccans are free to follow any and all God forms that may call or appeal to them, regardless of cultural or religious origin. Neo-Wiccans are also more prone to share their ritual scripts and spells with others. Some even post the entirety of their BoSs online or otherwise make it available for public consumption, such as through published books, which then are a large part of Neo-Wiccan learning materials.

Conversely, learning Wicca involves a specified path that utilizes the repetition of form to facilitate function; the actual movements and words are the same at each ritual, however it is the experience that differs and is truly the most important. This is an orthopraxic approach, that of correct practices leading to Divine experience, rather than orthodoxic, that of correct belief.

While many of us have come to associate “orthodox” with meaning oppressive or outdated and referring specifically to Christianity as often as not, if one simply takes the word at its face value, then Neo-Wicca is in fact an orthodox practice; as long as one believes the “right” things, then one is Neo-Wiccan and then can practice it in whatever fashion one desires.

But what are the “right” beliefs? Is it the duality and balance of God and Goddess? Not according to those called Dianic Wiccans, who hold the Goddess superior to the God, if He is even recognized at all. Additionally, as stated before, Wiccan God names are specific to each Tradition and oathbound, so by default Neo-Wiccans do not and cannot honor the God and Goddess by those same identities, so neither does “right belief“ include the specific Deity forms.

Is it then following the Wiccan Rede? That’s not it either, since there are practitioners out there who discard the Rede all together and still lay claim to the “Wiccan title” (and yes, I’m aware that “rede” means “counsel or advice” and not “commandment, ” but I’ve yet to encounter a Wiccan who thinks its irrelevant).

What about celebrating the Sabbats? Well, okay, almost anyone along the Wicca/Neo-Wicca spectrum can agree that these eight points of the year are important, but what’s not agreed on is how one celebrates them, or even what they’re called (as far as I can tell, only Samhain, Yule, and Beltane are universally used names, the rest can vary). In some cases, the dates are even in dispute, since there are those who figure the Greater Sabbats relative to the Lesser Sabbats each year, marking them as the precise midpoints between the astronomical Solstices and Equinoxes rather than the “fixed” dates of the common calendar.

This final point segues nicely into another striking difference, that of ritual form and elements. Not all Neo-Wiccans cast a Circle in the same way nor include all the same components as others (in some cases, even the rituals for the same event differ each time they are performed) , and being that Wiccan ritual structure is oathbound, one can infer that Neo-Wiccan rituals bear little, if any, resemblance to their Traditional counterparts. If Wicca and Neo-Wicca was indeed the same thing, wouldn’t we all use the same rituals, honoring the same God forms in the same ways?

Wiccans also contend that only a Wiccan can make another Wiccan, that one cannot enter Wicca without someone to teach and guide them. A popular Neo-Wiccan counter to this comes from Scott Cunningham, and is something along the lines of, “but who made the first Wiccan? The God and Goddess. So who are we to be so bold and presumptuous as to usurp and appropriate Their power? Who has the real power to make a Wiccan?”

I can agree to a certain extent; the Wiccan Gods are responsible, to a degree, for Wicca’s existence, in that They provided the original inspiration, need, and desire for a way to honor Them. However, I also believe They intended for things to be done in just that way, else why would They have put the idea in a human mind? Why the need for rituals at all, if any way one honors them is acceptable?

Let me clarify – when I say “the Wiccan Gods, ” I mean those names, faces, forms, aspects, and attributes that are oathbound and specific to the Traditions of Wicca. If Gods other than those have different desires and requirements, then so be it, but then They are not the Gods of Wicca, and therefore need not be honored in the Wiccan way.

The Wiccan way is one practiced by humans to reach out to and commune with the Wiccan Gods, and therefore only one who knows that way can teach that way. A dentist, while a medical professional, cannot teach someone to perform open-heart surgery. So it follows that someone inexperienced in the Wiccan Mysteries, regardless of any other gnosis, knowledge, and experience they may have gained, cannot teach them to anyone.

To add to this, in Wicca the initiating High Priest and High Priestess are seen as representations and “substitutes, ” if you will, of the God and Goddess on this material plane. They are infused with Divine Will and Power at the time of initiation (and in all other rites), so in the realism of non-duality, it IS the God and Goddess who are making new Wiccans, not “merely” other humans. However, the HP and HPS are specifically chosen and trained to perform these duties using the structure and methods of their Tradition.

A Neo-Wiccan, or anyone else who is not HP or HPS even if he/she is a Wiccan initiate, has no such training, and so cannot perform an initiation rite as the representative of the Wiccan Gods.

Clearly there is great disparity between not only practice, but also belief, between those called Wiccans and Neo-Wiccans. All this points to Neo-Wicca being an outgrowth of Wicca, rather than a continuation of it, much like Buddhism was an outgrowth of Hinduism. Buddhism and Hinduism both include the ideas of Karma, Dharma, and Samsara, Yantras, etc., but they differ on the nature and application of these ideas.

Buddhists do not recognize a pantheon of Gods in the way Hindus do, and also do not perform elaborate rituals. The two paths do have commonalities, but are distinct and separate belief systems. It would be improper, inaccurate, and doing a disservice to both paths if one was to say they are the same.

This can also be applied to Wicca and Neo-Wicca; Wicca recognizes a specific set of Gods, while Neo-Wicca does not. Wicca includes much formality and formulary in its rituals, which is not necessarily true of Neo-Wicca. They are related practices, one springing from the other, but they are fundamentally different, and it is improper, inaccurate, and doing a disservice to both to try and say that they are the same.

Of course, it’s all very well and good for these kinds of things to be said by someone who prefers Wicca to Neo-Wicca, someone who is seeking to walk the Gardnerian path. I concede that it would be far more impacting and impressive had this article or one similar been written by a Neo-Wiccan, because there’d be less risk of accusations of elitism, or discrimination, or exclusion. If, however, any Neo-Wiccan found truth in what I’ve presented here, I encourage them to write a similar piece, putting the focus on their practices, revealing the value and beauty that perhaps stems from the differences, rather than in spite of them.

What are the benefits of Solitary work? How is self-study more fulfilling than working under another’s tutelage? How does the tapestry of cultures and customs enrich your practice; is the old adage, “student of many trades, master of none” inaccurate?

I’m not personally looking to be convinced, I’ve found my home and my path, but that kind of piece may go a long way to strengthening other Neo-Wiccans’ sense of identity and purpose. And anyone finding peace and feeling whole on their spiritual journey is a beautiful thing, regardless of what that path may be called.

Let’s Talk Witch – Calling the Quarters and the Centre c. 2014 by Lady Abyss

Calling the Quarters and the Centre

The Elemental powers of the four directions or quarters are usually needed when we perform magick, particularly when we wish to achieve an import work. You will probably find that your own group or yourself has its own traditions in doing this. As we see elsewhere, the four worlds manifested in a certain order; Fire, Air, Water and finally Earth, and magickal procedures should strictly follow this for perfect manifestation. However over the years in different traditions, diverse methods have been put forward, so if working alone you must find which suits you best, and if working in a group you will follow given practice. We call the quarters clockwise, starting with the East.

The East represents the Elemental Air, helps give to us clarity of vision and purpose and represents intellectual power. You will appeal to this element principally in any working to do with the mind – when studying for exams perhaps of when you need inspiration for new projects.

The South is the realm of Fire, the most potent of all of the Elements. It signifies the purifying element in nature, that which consumes all others; through it, mastery of the other three is achieved. It is a dynamic force, purification and passion, and is perceived as the Inner Guardian of the Temple. You will use this element in your workings when you need creativity, cleansing or protection from malevolent energy.

The West stands for all those watery things like our psychi and emotional nature so, of course, it represents the element of Water, through it should be remembered that within that representation lies both depth and movement. The qualities are often see as passive, and feminine, but would be appealed to particularly when removing hexes and curses or when revitalizing is important.

The North give us the solidity of Earth which in turn allows us to manifest the results of our work. It nourishes and grounds us, giving a solid basis for which to create. While it is a complex element containing within it aspects of all the previous ones, it also shows simplicity to enable us to gain access to greater energy which comes from the Ultimate. You would use this Element to create tangibility and stability as well as for issues to do with fertility and productiveness.

Lastly, the Centre is called. This is the realm of Aether or Spirit and is both the synthesis of all four of the other elements and their progenitor. In calling on Spirit you are calling upon all that is, was and shall be and therefore an energy of high vibration. For this reason it is usually best that the centre is called by a high priest or priestess or at least by someone who has been properly initiated and trained. Spirit manifests in so many different ways that often only someone versed in the process will recognize what is happening.

Source:

Natural Magic: Spells, Enchantments & Self-Development
Ball, Pamela (2002-11-20).