You can walk a Wiccan spiritual path without practicing witchcraft. Wicca is a religion centered upon the natural world that involves worship of God and Goddess. It also requires that you live by certain tenets such as the Wiccan Rede (“An harm it none, do what ye will”).
Meanwhile, witchcraft is a set of learnable methods by which you can influence the flow of energy that surrounds you and permeates the universe. As with skills such as growing herbs or meditating, witchcraft can add a deeper layer to your spiritual life, but you do not have to practice witchcraft to worship the God and Goddess in a Wiccan way. Many Wiccans are interested in witchcraft, some are good at it, and others have no interest whatsoever in picking it up.
Within the broad scope of Wicca, witchcraft is only a small part. If you live your life as a Wiccan without practicing witchcraft, you will still have plenty to keep you occupied. You can focus on ritual rather than spellwork. Daily rituals can include morning and evening prayers to God and Goddess, blessing food and drink, and making everyday choices to live in harmony with the earth.
You can observe ceremonies known as esbats to mark the phases of the moon, and sabbats for the passing of the seasons. Milestones in your life such as marriage, birthdays, birth of a child, passage into adulthood, self-dedication to your spiritual path and more can be celebrated with Wiccan ritual.
Much of Wiccan ritual is similar to witchcraft with a focus on altar, tools, candles, herbs, and other accessories. The difference is that you would not be raising, focusing, and directing energy, as in spellwork. Rather, your ceremony communicates devotion to God and Goddess. If you were to compare an act of witchcraft to a religious ritual, the two would feel very different. Casting a spell involves a rising tension and release whereas a ceremony is more a gentle outpouring of gratitude.
If you did want to practice witchcraft as part of your Wiccan spiritual path, it can deepen your understanding of the natural world that surrounds you. This is similar to how growing your own herbs can put you in touch with the agricultural cycles of life. If you learn to cast spells, it will teach you about the ebb and flow of the energy that fills the universe – and your own place within the tide pool of that vast ocean.
In southern England, Saint Distaff’s Day was when work began again after the Christmas holiday. Saint Distaff’s Day was not a saint’s day at all, but rather a tongue-in-check commemoration of the day on which women returned to their distaffs of unspun wool.
In Australia this day was dedicated to the Aborigine Mother Goddess Nungeena. According to her legend, evil spirits destroyed the earth with insects. Nugeena then created the most beautiful birds of all: lyre birds. These magnificent creatures in turn made other birds, who assisted with the work of clearing away the insects and restoring the world to its original beauty.
To the ancient Romans, the Goddess Concordia was the personification of concord (an agreement between members of the state or between members of groups within a guild) and sometimes associated with the Greek Goddess Homonoia—the incarnation of harmony.
On this day considered to be the center-post of the first month of the new year, Concordia was petitioned to help with the formation of favorable partnerships with business as well as with love and friendship.
According to The Perpetual Almanack of Folklore by Charles Kightly, from the Markham County Contentments (1615), this day was reserved for taking care of one’s hounds. It seems that when the hounds were done with the hunt, one was to immediately wash the animals’ feet in hot butter and beer, beef broth, or a brew of mallows and nettles. Once properly cleansed, the hounds were to be allowed to rest before the fire for several hours. When the hounds were rested and refreshed, they would be rousted and turned out to find their own housing.
These days are excellent for focus and determination in your career, dear Aries. It’s also a good period generally for making necessary changes in relationships with a parent or boss. If there is a negative attitude or bad habit that you need to kick, this may be the time to do so. Patience wins the day, although you could be feeling in no mood to conform to others’ wishes this morning. As the day moves forward, your patience increases. Decisions made today, particularly involving relationships, money, and higher education, tend to be long term and significant, and perhaps quite practical or even overly so. There may be a sobering moment now that pushes you forward. With a New Moon occurring tomorrow, however, this is not necessarily a good time to launch something important to you. Making resolutions is just fine, especially if it’s about taking a hard look at what kinds of attitudes and situations that need to go before moving on.
Taurus
Taurus
There may be some confusion about a friendship or group alliance this morning, dear Taurus, but if you’re open to learning from others and from your experiences, it’s a good time for understanding and accepting differences, and getting to a better place for it. Being realistic about your financial situation is important now. Whether it’s good or bad, knowing where you stand is empowering; avoiding the issue only serves to undermine you. Know that there are solutions to any problem you face. Consider wise counsel. A loan or mortgage could come through, but whatever does emerge now comes with increased responsibility. There are solutions to problems to be found from circumstances today, and they’re very practical ones. It’s a strong day for applying yourself to something and working solidly. The New Moon tomorrow can alter your focus or goals, but today is strong for realizing what needs to go, particularly related to excess pleasure, in order for you to move forward in a healthier manner.
Gemini
Gemini
With Venus aligning with Saturn in your opposing sign today, dear Gemini, it’s important to find way to appreciate simple, traditional patterns rather than trying to push for something new. Work on improving trouble areas instead. You might feel caged in, limited, or restricted by others right now, but it’s also a good time for being “in the know”, which is ultimately empowering. A responsibility to or with a partner can be part of the picture now. You’re more able to accept things for what they are, and you may be facing realities about relationships, or experiencing a demand from a significant other. A Sun-Chiron sextile this morning points to a chance to improve a relationship with a boss, parent, or someone in a position of authority. You may be assuming a leadership role in an important area of your life.
Cancer
Cancer
This morning, you may be getting somewhere with a partner, dear Cancer, particularly related to sharing your goals, ideas, and beliefs. You might learn something new about what someone important to you believes, and while there can be differences that are surprising, you can most certainly learn from them. On the job, show your reliable side. You could be gaining respect for the services you provide or for your responsible attitude. You may have to face a reality regarding a work or health matter, or you could be feeling overburdened or stretched to the limit. However, this is also a time for getting your expectations to a realistic place, and this allows you to better plan your next move. Circumstances occurring now are clearing the way towards more capability in work, health, chores, and routines. Love matters can also strike a serious tone today. While you could feel pressured to make a decision, with a New Moon occurring tomorrow, today is best approached as a time to put something behind you rather than the start of something brand new.
Leo
Leo
This morning can bring some important information to light, dear Leo, particularly related to work and research. You can feel better about yourself for accepting a limitation and moving on to something more deserving of your attention. Be as realistic as possible about what an important person in your life is capable of, as this can help you to trust them more. If you feel the weight of a responsibility now, consider what you are willing to work hard for, or whether the goal is worth the sacrifices. If you allow yourself to be realistic about what a person can or cannot do, feels or does not feel, then you can ultimately put more faith and trust in that person. Loyalty and reliability are qualities that are most important to express right now. A serious discussion or revelation can occur now, and although it can renew your focus, it can also bring quite a bit of dissatisfaction to light in a relationship, particularly a romantic one, or with a creative project. Even so, this is about moving forward – coming to a conclusion and going with it. The day’s energies favor deliberate moves and strategy. It’s not the time to jump into something that you haven’t given much thought to. A New Moon will occur tomorrow, and this can serve to shift your focus.
Virgo
Virgo
The morning’s events can stimulate the need to accept a situation, or person, for its limitations, dear Virgo, and this can be empowering. In fact, the whole day has a similar theme to it, as we are better off seeing something for its realities, allowing us to adjust our plans accordingly, which leads to a stronger sense of what we can and can’t accomplish. A responsibility or commitment to family might need your attention. While you may be feeling the weight of your responsibilities strongly now, there can be progress made on the home front, and if you are working at or on the home, you are more interested in applying yourself to something that will have value over the long-term. Work done now can be especially fruitful down the road, although brand new beginnings are best saved until after the New Moon that occurs tomorrow. Today is strong for identifying priorities, particularly surrounding affairs of the heart and family matters.
Libra
Libra
Today is strong for recognizing problem areas in your life, dear Libra, and making plans to deal with them. It’s empowering, although a little sobering at first. There may be a reality to face when it comes to a learning or communications endeavor. You might receive or give very practical advice and learn much in the process. Wisdom may be found in traditional methods, and you may be quite focused on finding solutions to long-standing problems. You might receive news of an important learning endeavor, or circumstances may be such that you need to become more organized and efficient with your work and daily life. Transportation or communications issues might change or require special attention. Limits or restrictions may be in order. This is a good time for seeing what areas of life need some slimming down in order to go forward a lighter, freer person.
Scorpio
Scorpio
Recent efforts towards restructuring and organizing your life can show signs of paying off today, dear Scorpio. You are exceptionally security-minded at this time, affording you the opportunity to see where you can slim down and eliminate excess in your life, particularly related to finances. This is a day for embracing practical realities, although you might also be facing the cost of extravagances. With self-control and focus, you can make real improvements to your life now and going forward. It’s a good time for taking a hard look at your finances, including any larger purchase you are considering making, with realism. For some of you, a demand or responsibility can emerge in a close partnership. You also have an eye for practical details and sight for situations and objects that will last over the long term. However, with a New Moon occurring tomorrow, it’s best to focus on purging and simplifying than on new commitments. Taking control of your life requires time and energy, and you are in a better position to see what you are willing to sacrifice in order to achieve your goals.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
With Venus and Saturn in alignment in your own sign today, dear Sagittarius, this is a time for seeing your capabilities realistically, instead of over- or under-estimating them, and this empowers you. With patience, this can improve your chances of success in whatever you set your mind on doing. Some of the tension you have been feeling of late can dissipate as you take a clearer look at things. There could also be an important revelation about your finances, a love relationship, or friendship. Be sure that you don’t assume more responsibility than you should, and while it’s appropriate to take responsibilities on, it’s not about taking on too much. With this Saturnine influence on your sign and Jupiter, your ruler, now retrograde, try not to take yourself too seriously now. A New Moon that occurs tomorrow is likely to shift your focus to building, producing, and acquiring.
Capricorn
Capricorn
This morning, good energy is with you for honing communications skills, dear Capricorn. Retrograde Mercury moves into your sign today as well, and this can prompt you to take a closer look at recent projects and your own personal goals in order to improve them. Later today, there may be a reality to face about a dream or fantasy you’ve been entertaining. As a result, you are in the position to know where you stand, making life a little more predictable. You do well with the grounding energy with us today. Personal responsibilities become clear. You can have a stronger understanding of where you stand and a sense of what comes next as a result. You have an eye for what really matters today, and are happier than usual to part with things that you don’t really need. This comes at a good time, as this is the day before a New Moon in your sign. It’s appropriate to focus on letting go of those things that are weighing you down so that you can better use the opportunities that a New Moon in your sign brings to start fresh and turn over a new leaf.
Aquarius
Aquarius
With Venus and Saturn aligning in your social sector today, dear Aquarius, you might enjoy coming to the aid of a friend, or following through on a promise. This sector also rules hopes, ideals, and networks. While there may be a reality to face, this is also a time for seeing things more clearly and getting a better sense of what is realizable and worthy of your time and attention. For some, social or romantic opportunities may be found through associates, group associations, friends, and networking. A question of accountability or commitment involving a friend or business goal can be in focus. Be careful that you are not allowing fears get in the way of healthy relations. The chance to improve skills or to learn a subject in a more formal way can emerge for some of you. You might also be learning important things about the past, and possibly discovering a talent or resource that you previously overlooked now.
Pisces
Pisces
This morning, pay special attention to your relationships with friends, dear Pisces, as friends have something special to reveal or show you. Today, a new responsibility can emerge, or the awareness of one! This can be a pleasant or beneficial one. A boss, parent, or teacher could be leaning on you, looking upon you favorably, or encouraging you to shine. There may be social or romantic opportunities through career and business connections for some of you now. Being conservative, realistic, discreet, and disciplined when it comes to business or public affairs is especially important today. While there may be sobering or serious circumstances today, they clear the path to move forward and to grow. Foundations laid down now can be very enduring. However, avoid beginning an entirely new project today – wait until after the New Moon tomorrow when new information and interests can come to light.
The ancient Greeks set this day aside to honor Callisto, the moon Goddess who was loved by Zeus. Callisto bore Zeus a son, Arcas, and was then changed into a bear either by Zeus, wishing to hide her, or by Hera herself. As a bear she was shot by Artemis in the forest, who then placed her among the stars as the She Bear connected with the Ursa Major constellation.
In Greek Callisto was also called Helice, which means both “that which turns” and “Willow branch”-a reminder that the willow was the sacred tree favored by Helice and Callisto.
Annually on this day in Iran, huge bonfires are ignited as the sun sets to exemplify how the power of light can overcome the power of darkness. As the fires burn, the evil influences that linger among the shadows of darkness are dispelled, thus allowing people to overcome obstacles and reach their fullest potential in the seasons to come.
It was on the hill of Tepeyac, just north of Mexico City, in 1531, that an Indian named Juan Diego saw an apparition he believed to be the Virgin Mary. The vision instructed him to have a church built on the spot, which had formerly been the cult-site of the Aztec Mother Goddess Tonantzin. At the time, the bishop disbelieved him, until the Virgin appeared for a third time and miraculously produced roses that Juan Diego presented to the bishop. As he did, the portrait of the Virgin appeared on Juan’s cloak. The shrine was built and is still a famous place of pilgrimage.
Loy Krathog is the traditional wishing festival of Thailand. On this day, small boats are fashioned from banana peels and lotus leaves. When the sun sets, people take their boats to the shore, where they fill them with offerings of incense and gardenia petals. A white candle is then placed in the boat along with a wish. The boats are then set adrift on the water. It is believed that if the candle in the boat stays lit until its owner can no longer see, then the wish will be granted.
After the calendar reform of 1752 the Lord Mayor’s Day was moved from October 28 to November 9. It is on this day that “Mock Mayors” are elected in many of the poorer English towns. The elections are designed to poke good-natured fun at some of the more prestigious municipalities and their sometimes times pompous politicians. Of course, the more offensive the candidate is, the more joy in having him take the podium, whereupon a cabbage stalk is presented to him to serve as hiis mayoral mace. The festivities are usually followed by somewhat raucous behavior and of course the usual drinking and feasting.
This can be a good day for progress or idea-generating when it comes to creative matters or a romance, dear Aries. You are more able to express yourself in subtle ways, to feel in touch with what’s inside, and to convey your inner world or message easily. Words may not be quite as effective as body language and actions today. Activities that feed your imagination and sense of magic can thrive now. Inspiration may come from a private moment with someone, or from within. The pipeline to your inner world is open today, so take the opportunity to get to know yourself better. Consciously look for those things that feed your faith today for best results. Try not to get angry at yourself if you’re feeling passive, as much can be accomplished in the mind and heart now.
Taurus
Taurus
This is a good day for helping friends or a partner, dear Taurus, whether this is in tangible or intangible ways. It can be in the form of simply being there, talking through problems, gentle advice giving, or physical help. It can be a nice time for surrounding yourself with people who are accepting or share your own ideals. Like minds tend to gravitate towards one another today. It’s also a fine time for creative thinking, writing, and conversations about dreams, spiritual or philosophical subjects, as well as fanciful musing. Intuition is strong. You could be actively seeking out solutions to problems, and they’re bound to be unusual and creative now, as you’re tuned in to layers and levels of situation that you might miss on a busy day. A partner becomes a friend, or friend and a partner mix wonderfully now. The day is more about accepting and enjoying people than making big moves.
Gemini
Gemini
This is a good time for healing and repairing efforts, dear Gemini, particularly if you back up and let others be themselves, but also show that you’re supportive. You might have the opportunity to add some creative flair to your work, and ideas for marketing or promotion can be wonderful and inspired now. Some of you could be looking for a “calling” in terms of work, and the services you provide now can be inspiring. A sense of mission or purpose is with you today when it comes to business and possibly self-care and health efforts. Projects seem to come together magically. Feeling connected to something higher than the material lifts your spirits. This is the time to conserve your energy, not to waste it. If you’re looking for more from your routine, imagine improvements you can make. Today is strong for dreaming and connecting with your ideals.
Cancer
Cancer
Warm energy is with you today for love, affection, and acceptance, dear Cancer. Your personal magnetism is subtly enhanced, and your gentle manner is especially appreciated. Creative efforts tend to be rewarding. Sharing a dream, ideal, or belief with someone can enhance your bond. Love relationships can flourish now, and it’s not about pressure for commitment or pressure to do or say anything. Instead, going with the flow, listening, and opening yourself up to others are the key ingredients now, particularly if they have been missing a little recently. You’re more able to connect with the things that feed your spirit today. A busy life can sometimes separate us from soul-nourishing needs, and it’s time to reconnect. The Moon in your privacy sector all day also serves as a reminder to focus on emotional renewal.
Leo
Leo
This is a day for accessing your imagination and creativity fairly easily, dear Leo. Logic and intuition pair up wonderfully now, and this can help you understand yourself and others better. Feelings and actions tend to fall into place, and a gentle and perhaps slightly mysterious approach to the world today becomes you. Matters related to real estate, family, and the home tend to come together, and relationships with family or an intimate partner can be inspiring or subtly enhanced today. This is not the time for making big commitments or for overthinking – it’s a time for accessing inner faith and showing your acceptance of the people in your life. It’s also good for forgiving or understanding someone or possibly a past relationship in order to better put a grievance behind you – do it for yourself. Let things unfold without force or pressure today. On a practical level, money hunches may be worth following.
Virgo
Virgo
A strong day for communications and partnerships is in store for you, dear Virgo. You may find an opportunity to support someone who needs your help either mentally, physically, or spiritually. You could enjoy a pleasing attraction or find someone especially fascinating. Your own charm expands, particularly in the way you communicate or get your message across. Connections with others can be enhanced through a nice gesture or other form of reaching out. Try to allow your ideas to flow instead of trying to force them. You have much that you’d like to accomplish now, but it’s important to let things flow now in order to better access your intuition and imagination. Recognize your needs for some romance, subtlety, gentleness, and spirituality today for best results. Repair relationships with a gentle touch, concern, and care.
Libra
Libra
This is a strong day for paying more attention to your imagination and intuition, following a hunch, and tuning in to your needs to serve, help, and give back, dear Libra. On a practical level, instincts for money and methods are good, even if you’re not seeing all the facts clearly. Developing faith in your intuition as well as your natural talents comes more easily now. There is strong energy for design with you today. You might want to focus on activities that let loose your more compassionate side. Doing things for the inner rewards will feed you well now. You might find activities that soothe and relax you particularly beneficial. When it comes to practical matters, taking a step back from a problem can help your intuition to kick in. While you could feel some pressure from others, try not to succumb to it. The Moon is in your adventure sector all day, reinforcing the need for non-routine, spirited experiences.
Scorpio
Scorpio
Today’s energies are good for tuning in to your imagination and sharing your ideas and your warmth with others, dear Scorpio. You are coming across pleasingly and eloquently at times today, and your creative instincts are on point. Adding special creative flair to whatever you’re doing now is natural. There can be some psychic phenomena experienced now, as your hunches tend to be well-developed, particularly if you avoid succumbing to pressures to perform. You are likely to be feeling spiritually strengthened and well, and the world around you are likely to enjoy and appreciate your manner and attention. Helping others can fill a need. Take note of your dreams and ideas today, as they may very well take shape going forward. This is also a fine time for enhancing your manner or image in some manner. Like-minded people will make their way to you.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
This is a favorable day for honoring your need to dream, wonder, and imagine, dear Sagittarius. Forgiving leads to healing, so aim to take care of yourself mentally and emotionally – your body counts, of course, but you need to feed your spirit as well. Your thoughts can be turning to matters of the past, hidden things, or mysteries. The need to find comfort in familiar situations and with family or close loved ones is real and strong now. Connect in compassionate ways, through gestures that show where your heart is, and that you care. Conversations should focus on acceptance. If you can manage quiet time, comforting activities, and rejuvenating endeavors, do so. The rewards will be great. Helping others out can also fill a need and lift your spirits. The Moon is in your partnership sector all day, suggesting that reaching out to others can be helpful.
Capricorn
Capricorn
This can be a strong day for connecting socially, dear Capricorn, as well as for work that engages your imagination. You are looking for inspiration now, and you’re likely to find it. With the Sun and Neptune harmonizing today, you would do well to set aside personal agendas and reach out to others. It’s a good day for overlooking differences, forgiving, accepting, and supporting. It’s also a fine time for team work and giving back to friends and family. Humanitarian efforts and gestures can be rewarding. This is also a good time for entertaining a new dream or plan, or for reviving an old one. Some of you could be feeling particularly poetic and expressive. Good energy is with you for accessing your imagination and applying it to your work, projects, and communications.
Aquarius
Aquarius
Work and practical projects seem to come together almost without effort today, dear Aquarius, if you allow yourself to step back from problems and let your intuition engage. Instincts for money and business are good. There can be some feeling of pressure to perform or to get things done quickly, but your best bet now is to allow things to flow more naturally. Others may be appreciating the talents that come most naturally to you, and you can make an inspirational leader, guide, or manager now. Alternatively, someone in authority or in the position to help you advance your goals can be supportive. Activities and mantras that build your faith in yourself and in the universe can help and succeed now. Others are likely to return the faith. Long-term goals can be elusive at times, but today you may very well be able to envision where you’d like to head.
Pisces
Pisces
With Neptune in your sign, dear Pisces, there can be times when you struggle with understanding your personal goals and identity, feeling as if you don’t have a clear tether. However, today’s Sun-Neptune influence can help you to feel connected. Ideas flow nicely now, and you could feel especially inspired by a new interest, topic, or idea. You are especially attracted to activities that feed your spirit and mind, and that take you away from immediate concerns at least for the time being. The desire to learn more about the world around you and other people is strong today, and you tend to attract experiences that broaden your thinking and your experience. Your personal appeal is magnetic now, and like-minded people can be drawn to you. Helping others brings you closer to yourself and lifts your spirits.
The Ludi Victoriae Sullanae were the games held on October 26 to honor the Goddess Victoria. This festival was established in 81 B.C. to celebrate Sulla’s victory over a large army of Sammites at the Porta Collina in Rome.
Victoria was the Goddess of victory, and her temple was on the Palatine Hill in Rome. She was the equivalent of the Greek Goddess Nike and was pictured with wings. Victoria was an important Goddess to the Romans, and she appears regularly on coinage from the late third century B.C. Victoria came to be regarded as the guardian of the empire, and her altar became a symbol of Paganism.
I’m a Witch, Not a Wiccan: A Brief Summary of Broad Pagan Designations Author: Treasach
I have commented before on the usefulness of designations in the neopagan community. Though we are generally self-directed with many being solitary and “eclectic”, it is darn helpful to be able to declare certain predispositions, especially if one is interested in working with others. In joining an on-line group or planning a ritual, the use of categories can help determine if a great deal of negotiation, or only a little, is required to make your collaborations most satisfying.
One question often asked is the difference between designations in the neopagan community. Of course, there are a vast variety of answers, and as a very dynamic and vibrant community, these answers may be quite altered in a decade. However, there are some trends that seem to have settled out for the moment…
Earth Religions or Earth-Centred Spirituality is currently the designation for all those traditions that are outside most of the major religions, i.e. Abrahamics, Buddhists, etc., but that also follow an Earth based path. It usually encompasses folk traditions, like European peasant beliefs and practices, as well as native aboriginal spirituality. However, not all followers of those traditions would choose to call themselves pagan, especially if they also practice some form of Abrahamic religion as well. So it’s best to not to assume, which is why Paganism is a subset of Earth Religions.
Paganism, or Neopaganism, is the modern catch-all phrase for many organized and non-organized Earth based religions and spirituality. Often seen as based on European Aboriginal practices and beliefs, it can also be used to describe traditional African, Asian, and North American spirituality, though less so, largely due to its primarily English usage. By declaring oneself “pagan”, it specifically implies resurgence in traditional Earth Based beliefs, sometimes in defiance of Abrahamics, depending on the area, and a reconstruction of traditional wisdom, knowledge, and connection with Nature as a completion of self and humanity. It can be Deity based, supernatural, or atheistic.
Witchcraft is a subset of Paganism. Because of the etymology and use of the word itself, witchcraft usually means pre-Christian folk beliefs of Western and sometimes Eastern Europe. As a modern practice, it has two main elements, either one of which may be included. It is both tribal and a religious choice. For most, it involves the preference of using magic as meditation, prayer, ritual and empowerment. For a smaller group, they are born into families that are known for the “Gift”, “Second Sight”, or the “Eye” if you are less popular… In the past in most places, children born into these families or who showed potential would often have been trained and dedicated to help their communities. A few of these families that survived the Abrahamic purgings retained the gifts and occasionally the training and traditions that went along with them, though most rejected them, usually out of real fear and concern for their safety if they weren’t outright converted.
Like many reClaimed traditions, such as native spirituality, modern witchcraft is a combination of contemporary writings and current analysis of past traditions, as well as past and extant examples of country and folk rituals, and to a much smaller extent, of witch families and their practices. Due to recent advances in cultural archaeology, it is also undergoing the greatest updates and flux. Though most are not from family traditions, modern witches can follow the folk beliefs of the aboriginal Europeans, or practice magic, or both. They can also refer to themselves as witches if they come from a witch family or have the traditional innate abilities, without practising a folk religion or spellcraft. Or any combinations of the above, including practising witchcraft in other traditions, like Abrahamics. (Jewitches. Heh.) It’s a pretty broad category, but my usual test is – anything that can get you burnt as a witch by fundies usually qualifies you to self-identify as a witch. Spellcraft, Goddess worship, foretelling, healing… But not that heretic stuff. That’s totally different.
Due to its heavy reliance on magic and its European structure, Wicca is almost entirely a subset of Witchcraft, though there are a few practitioners who could be considered outside of it, such as high magicians. Wicca is a relatively new tradition, with its origins largely in the middle part of last century, with some of the structure extending back into the Victorian era. Drawing on what was known at the time of folk history and tradition, it is a conglomeration of primarily European beliefs, but also reflects turn of the century Orientalism with elements of ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Asian references. Though slow to start, in the last few decades it has had hundreds of writers popularizing it, and has seen an explosion in individual sects. Because of its very modern feel and adaptations while retaining an aura of Romanticism, Wicca is one of the largest and best known segments of Witchcraft and neopaganism, and one of the fastest growing religions in the world.
Wiccans are almost always witches, but witches aren’t always Wiccan. Wiccan is not the ‘politically correct’ term for witch. It’s a sect of witchcraft, like Protestantism is for Christians. They have certain specific beliefs and rituals that identify them as a group. You wouldn’t call all Christians Protestants, would you? (*Hence, the Venn diagram.) I hope that clears things up, especially for the well meaning but less knowledgeable.
Heathenism is a collective category of paganism who follow the Old Religion and who will sometimes consider themselves Wiccan if they practice magic but usually don’t identify as witches at all. Primarily men, they can be of a more structured faith, like Druids, or more folk based, like Odinists. They often identify with warrior culture and value traditional knowledge, self-reliance, personal strength and honour.
This is a very brief sketch, of course, and some in the community will dispute these categories. There are lots of others as well. Wizards, or High Magic practitioners, for example, deal with the Other World and its denizens in a rigid, formalized manner, and so can be from nearly any religion, including Abrahamics. From what our current literature refers to, these are the general starting points and what most persons will intend to convey when they use these terms at the moment. As neopaganism is one of the fastest growing religions on the planet, however, I have little doubt that these terms will alter considerably in the next decade or so.
Celebrating Other Spirituality 365 Days A Year – Rain Festival
April 17th
Rain Festival
Held in Nepal, this annual religious festival of the Chariot of the Rain God pays homage to Machendrana, the powerful Indian God of Rain. The festival lasts for eight weeks during which prayers and offerings ensure the God’s protection for the region–and especially the temples.
Celebrating Other Spirituality 365 Days A Year – Tellus Mater
The Italian Deity Tellus Mater–mother of the earth–was honored on this day. She was a very early fertility deity (later associated with Jupiter) who watched over marriage, the procreation of children and the fruitfulness of the soil. Her festival was managed by the pontifices and the Vestal Virgins, at which a pregnant cow was sacrificed to ensure plenty throughout the year. In more modern times, this day is traditionally devoted to prayer for the continued health of our environment.
Energy: Female Ruler: The Moon – Rules emotions, protection, healing, and women’s mysteries – Use for magick involving the subconscious, healing, emotions, love, spirituality, healing wounds, children, small animals, women’s mysteries, the female side of men, mothers, sisters, female partners, wives, instincts
WOTC Extra – Top Five Houseplants to Purify Your Living Space, Spirituality and Physically
The top five plants all remove chemical vapors that build up in the home from paints,
cleaners, solvents and other unhealthy things – and they have magickal abilities too as listed below:
5: GERBERA DAISY Great to encourage happiness.
4: PEACE LILY Encourages harmonious energies and good communication.
3: BOSTON FERN Encourages psychic ability and intuition.
2: ENGLISH IVY For protection and luck – especially good for newly weds.
1: ARECA PALM (or Butterfly or Yellow Palm) For peace and creativity.
While some might say they were not satisfied with the Christian life, I cannot really relate. Exposure to the mainstream religion of Christianity was not an option as my father had a severe distaste for their beliefs. I will not say I had the opportunity to become a Witch right away either though.
I guess spirituality was just not an importance in my growing years as far as my family was concerned, or they felt it was a decision only to be decided as an adult. My father was in the zone of reality and fact. My Mother on the other hand was a people pleaser and refused to discuss religion with anyone except to nod in agreement to avoid discussions.
As long as I can remember my Father instilled upon me that harm to myself or anything else living which included nature would be an act not forgiven and punishable by repayment that I would never want to see. Growing up and learning about all living things reminded me of attending science class yet the teachers would never change. I have lived with everything from monkeys to gerbils and those experiences taught me an appreciation for creation in which I have never forgotten. This experience was fact and my Father pushed for me to see the world good and bad. They used to call my Father Dr. Dolittle because he talked to the animals and plants as well.
I had always felt an empty space for spirituality and so as I got older, I spoke with my father whom I was closest to and I finally asked, “What religion do we practice or believe in?” I will never forget that day. My Father stated very seriously, if any one asks let them know we are animists.
Looking very confused, my Father began to explain. We are not Native American although they are the true people of this North America and I am ashamed of what the supposed Christians did to these people. We are of Irish and French descent carried over many years by boat, we had terrible times including the great potato famine. My Father continued to say he worshipped silently and believed every woman needed a man and every man needed a woman, just like there are the same aspects in most of nature to continue life. Religion he stated was how you lived your life and that if he did right his life would not stop by death. I left that conversation feeling almost complete. Even though I had my share of fallbacks and sometimes harmed my self by entering bad relationships and wrong decisions, I kept most of what we discussed close to my heart.
At fifteen, I fit in more with the drug crowd at school everyone else I thought were to righteous and stuck up. I had friends reading Aleister Crowley and dabbling in some sort of occult activity. I borrowed their books and felt curious but it was still too dark for me.
In 1984, when I turned eighteen I moved to Lewiston, Maine with my wild boyfriend. There was Witchcraft, white and black all around. Old shut down churches homesteaded by occult activity and it was in the papers daily. I met a white Witch who was very kind and told me I had a gift but not to follow through until I was ready to be serious. Just apartments down from us a guy sacrificed his girlfriend’s youngest child in the oven propping a chair at the door and made the other two older children watch while listening to some dark music, the neighbors call the fire dept. to report smoke. This incident was in the media and scared the wits out of me. I did not want accusations for such happenings so I stayed silent about my interest in the occult. I was also scared of introductions to weirdos who were into such acts of violence.
In 1990 when I moved in with my sister in St.Augustine, FL., everything seemed to have changed including the outlook on the occult. There were New Age shops opening everywhere. I found a metaphysical bookstore called “Dreamstreet” to which as soon as I opened the door all my stresses seem to leave my body. I felt addicted in a sense and I visited often sitting in their hammock reading about Goddess worship and alternatives to the mainstream religions. The smell of Nag-Champa in the air, the sweet acoustical music and the soothing voices of the merchants made me feel welcome and at home. I purchased my first “Green Egg” magazine there and my first bumper sticker that read, “God is coming back and she is pissed”.
I guess that is my first real connection with Witchcraft. I studied solitaire and eclectic, reading Buddhist and Hindu cultures to really be sure of what was right for me. I was very intrigued by Tarot cards; Runes and I would by smudge bundles for cleansing just to feel I was on my way to what would soon by my path.
I transferred in 1992 to Georgia where I reside now and it seemed right away rude awakenings were coming. No one ever asked if I went to church, it was always where do you attend church. I felt alienated until meeting my soul mate. I met my now husband who had previously been brought up Salvationist until he was eighteen and made the decision Christianity was not his path either.
Together we went to major bookstores and purchased books like Buckland’s big blue book and several Celtic related Witchcraft books. I often hear Witches condemn Llewelyn publications for being too commercial but without them Witchcraft would not have been as open to us as it is today. Our library has grown and we still travel every year to St. Augustine to fill my void of my bookstore and I still buy and stockpile smudge bundles for later use. This year we weren’t able to make the trip and Dreamstreet’s Web site is gone and the number is disconnected, to which makes me very sad. I hope it is just an incident where the names changed or they have just moved. My husband was an intern after college and was a computer guru so when the Internet became available we started networking and trying to find as many resources as possible. We followed The Witches’ Voice when they were in Massachusetts and kept with them during their move to Florida. Not to be biased but they have always seemed to be the most thorough in helping find others and keeping updated with Pagan news.
Today we worship together and offer a small study group to help people in this area that of our same lifestyle. We started “The Southern Circle of the Willow Moon” in 1997 with six members and although the members have changed, the beliefs and teachings are still the same. We learn from each other, we are not experts as Witchcraft is a lifelong path of learning and experiences. There are severe persecutions still existing in our area and no doubt in other strong Baptist areas as well. We will continue to travel to places where we can be free with our religious beliefs, find people who feel the same as we do and try and educate people on what Witchcraft really is.
I recommend anyone starting out on this path begin by study. I know it can be boring but some knowledge is better especially when seeking teachers. When I go to a bookstore and a teen comes up and starts telling me how long the have been into Witchcraft and what books I should or should not get makes me believe they are going through a self-esteem and identity crisis. I want no part of the person playing games with their spirituality.
Let’s Talk Witch – Getting Started On Your Spiritual Education Path
Any spiritual practice requires research and study. Witchcraft is no different than any other path. Here is some basic info, words of caution, and suggestions for reading and starting your research.
How Can I Learn More? If you are one of the many people looking for information on how to become a witch, there are a few things you should ask yourself first.
1. What is your reason for wanting to be a Witch? If your reason is simply so you can cast a spell, it’s the wrong reason and you might find more information if you look for Spellcraft, than Witchcraft. If your reasons are truly from an interest in the faith or you feel drawn to the Craft as a religion, then you maybe on the right path. But you should learn more and make an informed decision.
2. Are you willing to live by the spiritual laws as a way of life? If you are, or if you’re not sure, do a lot of research on your own and find out as much as you can about the path you’ve chosen.
3. How Do I Get Started? Read, learn and read a lot more. Do your own research, and not just from magikal books or reference manuals. Through studying history, other religions and how they all inter-relate and interact. I have a favorite saying for this type of education: “Books can give you knowledge. But only your own personal experiences give you wisdom to decide your own path.”
Words of Warning.
Don’t take one persons word or teachings as the only truth or as the only way on this or any spiritual path. No one person has all the answers for you. Only you know what rings true within your own heart and soul.
When it comes time for you to chose a mentor, be very cautious. There are a lot of novice people claiming to be a High Priest or Priestess. The best advice I could give is find someone who can prove they have practiced the path for several years (my standard is 10 years or more).
Don’t just take their word for it. Find someone who is willing to answer your questions without charging you money.
Taking a class and paying for an instructors time is NOT the same thing as finding a “spiritual teacher”. (Classes are wonderful for making new friends and learning in a group.)
What you should really be looking for is a mentor or guide, not a person who thinks they have the right to tell you what to do or believe.
Lastly, always question!
Question everything you are told and everything you read.
Research other material to validate what you are being told or what you read in a book.
Make sure that a book is supported by other books and by history itself.
Witches Of The Craft® 
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