Lady Victoria Eclectic Pagan's blog: "Pagan Info"

Witches Spirituality A Circle of people stand in the midst of a beautiful green field, tightly and joyously hand-in-hand. A small bonfire burns gently in the center of their Circle, sending its warmth and light all about. The Circle of people dance round the flame, singing and chanting their special songs, and paying honor to the Earth in this religious rite. Their Earth-based religion has taught them over the ages to respect and worship their world, and to love Her as something sacred. Who are these Earth-worshipers? An ancient Druid grove, or a Native American tribe? A band of Aborigines in the South Pacific, or perhaps a Coven of modern-day urban Pagans? Over time many have practiced Earth-based religions, where our planet is revered as a Deity. The followers of today's Earth religions still hold a special reverence for Mother Earth, but often do not have that same personal contact with Her that their ancestors felt. We no longer listen to the wind to find our food; we don't speak to the clouds to ask for rain. While we still may love and worship the Earth, we've outgrown many of our dependencies, at least the everyday dependencies that have been replaced with modern-day conveniences. Where the Earth was once our Mother, a member of our immediate family, perhaps to some She is now more like a distant cousin. This distance sometimes causes us to speak of the Earth in vague, macro terms. We worship what we call the Earth, but what exactly does "Earth" mean? Is your kitchen table part of the Earth? Does it have an Earth Spirit? And what about the food you eat at that table? Is your dinner part of the Earth too? You’re favorite jewelry? Your copper plumbing? Your telephone wires? The answer here is obviously yes, but it's not always easy to bridge the gap between broad spiritual concepts and tangible everyday things. Ordinary things are sacred too and being ordinary makes them no less special. That same Earth essence living in the lush green forest also lives in all the simple objects we see and touch every day. So, perhaps you can find an aspect of the Earth on the streets you travel each day, even if those streets are filled with busy traffic. Perhaps you can find an aspect of the Earth within your home-town, your neighborhood, your home, your own bed. If you see a bit of the Earth's Spirit in all things around you, then you can revere and worship the Earth in a much more personal way, more face-to-face, more one-on-one. Earth worshipers often hold special reverence for natural settings, the woods, the beach, the mountains. But are things made by humans any less Earthly? We too are part of the Earth, not something separate. We are linked to it, part of the same whole, and therefore so are the things we build. We make things because it is our nature to do so, like a forest makes trees and like trees make leaves. So, while you may discover the mysteries of nature by watching a river flow, you can also find a few lessons by watching a railroad. Can the hot and cold knobs of your faucet help you understand balance between opposites? Can pondering your electrical outlets give you new sources of energy? Can the telephone help you feel how all things link together? Can washing and waxing your floor teach you anything about cleansing and protecting yourself from negativity? Perhaps "worship" is not always the right word for every situation. But you can certainly relate to and talk with every person, place and thing you encounter in a very special way! Have an old comfortable chair? When was the last time you told it just how much you appreciate it? Perhaps an "offering" of polish or oil for its wood would be greatly appreciated, like a back-rub for any hard-working friend! Do you have a special place where children love to play, like a park, a field, a sandbox, a porch? Try thanking this special piece of the Earth for the happiness it brings; ask it to continue providing its safe guardianship over our little loved ones. Even thanking your parking space counts. This does not include asking for a parking space when you need one, but saying thank you before you leave one. (There's a big difference between saying please -- and saying thank you!) Not only can Earth worshipers narrow their focus to recognize ordinary things, but we can also widen it too. Earth is but one of several planets orbiting a single star. Do all the planets have Spirit the way the Earth does? Are they part of nature too? Some say that stones and boulders and rocks are alive. What greater boulder could you find than one of our planets? Does our Solar System, this Coven of planets orbiting the Sun, have some type of collective Spirit? (Can this help explain astrology?) Our star, like the small bonfire burning gently in the center of our Circle, sends its warmth and light all about. A Circle of planets dance round its flame, singing and chanting their special songs. But it is only an average star, one of many stars in an average galaxy, one of many galaxies within a very, very big universe. So, if we are part of a vast universe, is my Earth religion somewhat self-centered? Maybe, maybe not. It depends on whether you recognize just how vast nature really is. It is only natural that we hold most dear our "immediate family" of the Earth. Hopefully, we still recognize that we are part of a much larger family, a community of all things, reaching out from across our kitchen table or across the galaxy, tightly and joyously hand-in-hand. In this way, worshipping the Earth becomes a key that unlocks our relationship to all things, whether vast or very small and simple. _____________________________________________________________________ Witches do not have or follow a Rede nor do we believe in a Threefold Law. We understand that we are responsible for our own actions be it our actions in our mundane or our magical world. Because we do not have a written rule as to conduct does not mean that we are reckless and live as if our actions have no consequences. Also our magic is neither white nor black, we fuel our magic with energy which is neither good nor bad but instead can be used for positive intentions or negative. Intent is the key. Only if the Witch intends the magic to be positive or negative then that is what it will be with the exception of affecting ones free will. Witches understand that if magic is practiced on or to another person in any way without their consent, even if the intention is good, then unwanted changes may be made in that persons life. For instance, putting a spell on someone to make them love you. Manipulation is never right no matter the intention. Witches will not shy from protecting his or herself or family if threatened or provoked and will be prepared to except whatever consequences that may arise from the use of a curse or hex. In terms of backlash of energy from the use of such magic (even good magic!), many things can happen along the way such as deflection and absorption. So we never know what might come back to us and at what strength. So in magic, pre-wiccan Witches do not believe in a Threefold law or the saying that says "Every action has an equal and opposite reaction." The only law we follow is what is in our hearts. _____________________________________________________________________ What is Traditional Witchcraft Important Note First of all I should say this. Traditional Witchcraft is NOT Wicca, and is NOT Eclectic Witchcraft. Traditional Witchcraft to the best of our knowledge pre-dates almost all of the other known religions of the planet and dates back to the Paleolithic period, (about 40,000 years ago.) Traditional Witchcraft is however a religion that has almost died out due to the perditions of other religions, and the secrecy of its members. Witchcraft is the name given to one of the ancient pagan religion. A religion that was practiced in many forms by many people including most notably the Celts. A point that should be noted is that the Celt's/Pagan's across Europe had varying belief's and rituals which differed not only over time but from Clan to Clan and village to village, so what I have noted here on these pages are basic primer details, the Celt's are more famous for following the more traditional Pagan religion, and the Druidic religion. Traditional Witchcraft as it is practiced by most Traditional Witches today is of British origin, (where the Pagan revival began half a century ago,) although other European origins exist, and may vary in technique and rituals. Most Traditional Witches will add a little of their local environment and cultural background and customs to it making it unique to them. With regards to our European ancestors beliefs we do know a few things about them and their view of life. The native people of Europe believed in spirits and/or gods, usually associated with the Earth, Sun, and Moon, and these spirits and/or gods led lives that followed the sun's annual journey. The Sun and the moon, and the changing of the seasons was of great importance to all people as they worked their year around the agricultural year. This is why Samhain is the Celtic/Pagan New Year as the agricultural year ended with the harvest having been taken in, and the new seeds for the new crop having been planted. Witchcraft is the modern interpretation of the name given to the pagan religion by Christianity. It is also from Christianity that the vast majority of our knowledge of the Pagan/Witch way of life and beliefs come from. Other sources include some archeological digs across Europe, and from Family Traditionals who have maintained an oral history of these ancient religions. Traditional Witchcraft Coven's do not have the Degree's of initiation that Wicca has. Traditional Witchcraft normally just has a leader of a Coven who is chosen for their knowledge, experience and a willingness to lead. Christianity adopted many of the rituals and customs of the Pagan's, Druids and Witches, Yule becoming Christmas, Oester become Easter, and so on until all of the pagan religions festivals where incorporated into the Christian tradition, as Christianity suppressed the native religions of the lands it occupied. Some may think this strange, however this is quite normal for any religion attempting to conquer another. The conquering religion will incorporate some of the beliefs, festivals or deities of the conquered religion, brandishing the rest as evil. This is no different from thousands of years ago as it is compared today where this still takes place in such locations as Tibet, (China's suppression of the native religion,) and Africa (many countries, tribes and beliefs.) Beliefs Traditional Witches do not follow any religious book, nor do they believe in any singular deity. The vast majority of Witches do not believe in any deities at all, and believe in a singular all powerful force known as nature (This is mostly due to the evolution of the religion over time, I have met Traditional Witches who have believed in deities, and those who haven't, the choice really is yours.) When most people think of nature they think of tree's and animals, they don't think of everything single natural and manufactured thing on this planet, and the rest of our solar system, galaxy and universe as well. Nature encompasses all of these things and we generally see but a small part of it. Traditional Witches do not worship any entities, although they do recognize the existence of other entities, (commonly referred to as spirits.) Traditional Witches believe in the equality of all beings in the Universe seeing them all as different and separate but still equal. Traditional Witches revere and respect Nature, however they do not worship it or its representatives. Traditional Witches call on no deities, but may call on spirits. Traditional Witches may occasionally call on the elements as well, however a large majority of Traditional Witches do not as the belief of 4 elements is originally a Greek belief and not Celtic in origin where Witchcraft originates from. When performing magic a Traditional Witch will commonly call on assistance from a spirit in the spirit world. Traditional Witches see the spirit world and physical world as being linked but separate. We can not see the spirit world and the spirit world is unable to touch the physical world. The only time when the veil between the two worlds is at its thinnest is on the night of Samhain. After-life / Reincarnation When we die we Witches travel to the plane of existence called the spirit world. This is where we rest before continuing our journey. When we continue our journey we may be born into a new life, reincarnation being commonly believed in by many Witches, and is also where the phrase "Once a Witch, always a Witch," comes from. It does not mean just one lifetime however but many. However another alternative is that we meld with nature becoming one with it, commonly becoming a land spirit, one reason why we always show respect for the spirits as they are the spirits of those that have passed before us. In the vast majority of cases however spirits will remain as themselves within the spirit world sometimes interacting, (or trying to,) with the living. Fate / Karma Many people believe in Karma, including Wiccans, however this is not a part of Traditional Witchcraft, as the concept of Karma is a Hindu/Buddhist concept and not one of western Europe. What Traditional Witches do believe in is fate. We all have a fate, what that is however we may not know until it happens, or perhaps we may be born with knowledge of what this is. Our fate is one of the many mysteries that unfolds as we grow older. Ritual Traditional Witches observe the sabbats as these days correspond to solstices and equinoxes, but do not relate them to a specific mythology, such as can be seen in other pagan religions. In Traditional Witchcraft it is the seasonal changes themselves that are honored, not the lives of any Gods or Goddesses that other religions associate with them. Traditional Witches observe Moon phases and other natural phenomena also. The full moon being of significant importance. The Esbats (full moons) being more important than the Sabbats even. In Traditional Witchcraft all life, all nature, all space is considered to be sacred. A point should be made that whilst all Traditional Witches would love to be able to perform magic and rituals in woodland glades, or on the top of hills this is simply not practical. As we believe that everything is sacred it is perfectly acceptable to do magic or ritual in your living room or bedroom as opposed to a woodland glade. It may not feel as disney-esque but its perfectly acceptable. Magic Magic is central to Traditional Witchcraft, whereas many Eclectic Witches, Wiccans or Pagans do not practice any magic at all. ALL Traditional Witches do, although not in the same ritualistic way that a Wiccan would. It could be a simple spell cast whilst cooking to improve the taste of food, to an Earth healing spell done in the sanctuary of a private garden. All religions use magic, as it may be defined as any attempt to affect the outcome of a given situation by supernatural means (though in Traditional Witchcraft these means are seen as natural). Prayer, for example, is a form of magic however the majority of the religions of the world deny this as being magic. When practiced, the magic of Traditional Witchcraft is very practical. Herbal healing, for example, is a traditional practice. Also, the magic of Traditional Witchcraft may include hexes and curses without a specific rule to prevent such acts, (see Hexes & Curses section,) though their use is only in the most extreme of cases. When casting spells and performing rituals a Traditional Witch will keep everything simple and practical, ignoring the type of ritual that Wiccans or other High Magic users would do. If a Traditional Witch doesn't have the right herbs or stones they won't worry, they'll just carry on regardless. In many cases they will never use any additional spell ingredients other than their mind and willpower, (commonly a single candle to aid concentration.) Traditional Witches follow a folk magic system rather than the High Magic system that Wicca employs. Many people believe that Witchcraft itself is a magical system however that is an incorrect belief. Witchcraft is a religion yet it employs a magical system. The magic of a Traditional Witch is simple practical, and powerful. Grimoire/Book Of Shadows Wiccans and Eclectic Witches have what they refer to as a Book of Shadows, a book that they are required to create themselves creating their notes, spells, and anything else they feel like. Traditional Witches also have something similar to this which we call a Grimoire. A point to note however is that these BoS's and Grimoires are recent things. This causes a lot of confusion amongst many people who believe that their ancient ancestors would have had a Book of Shadows or Grimoire containing everything to do with their religion. This simply isn't true as many people several hundred years and further back were illiterate, and to have any written evidence of their beliefs come lead to their death if it was found. Today we have Grimoires for ease of reference. With our everyday lives there is a lot to remember and having our spells, reference details, and everything else written in a Grimoire is easier for us, and in these more enlightened times we aren't going to be burnt at a stake or hung for being found with such a book. (At least we hope not =) Rites of passage Traditional Witchcraft Covens have very few rites of passage if any at all. Rituals may be performed at specific stages of a person's life, and are most definitely performed to celebrate the changing of the year. Rites of passage in Traditional Witchcraft unlike those of Wicca vary greatly from Coven to Coven and Solitary to Solitary depending entirely upon the individual or groups preferences, and their cultural history. Most solitary Traditional Witches chose to ignore many rites of passage that other religious groups would follow and pick and choose what they do and don't follow. Freedom to do so is one of the rights of being a Witch. Ethics & Morality Traditional Witchcraft has neither Wiccan Rede nor Threefold Law. Both of these were included into Wicca by Gerald Gardner to ensure a defined form of moral code, and originate from eastern ideas. Traditional Witches are required to depend entirely upon their own personal responsibility and honor and ask themselves every time whether something is moral or ethical. We Traditional Witches don't believe in any good or evil force. Although we do believe that people can be good or evil there is no specific good or evil force such as the Devil in Christianity. The intent of someone’s actions are what concern us most. Humans have the ability to make decisions and act on them, and they may choose and act with good or evil intentions. Traditional Witchcraft does not set out laws as to what actions and intentions are evil, but followers of this path take responsibility for their own actions. Witchcraft teaches that you should follow your heart and take responsibility for your actions. Curses & Hexes People commonly see Witches as the casters of curse and hexes. Whereas Wicca for an example is strictly opposed to Hexes and Curses, there are no such restrictions within Traditional Witchcraft. However, (and this is why this section is after the Ethics section,) if the thought arises of casting a hex or curse we must ask ourselves is it ethical. Any Witch will tell you that in the defense of loved ones and family the answer is yes. If however it relates to cursing someone who cut you up on the motorway then the answer is no. A Witch' State of Mind Witch's are naturally skeptical by nature, possessing an open but critical mind. Being open-minded is a good thing but not when it makes you susceptible to believing everything that you are told. It may sound like a strange thing to say with regard to a religion but take a scientific approach and gather as much information, (facts,) as possible on the subject before you form opinions and decisions. Witches strive for wisdom and balance. You will need to be courteous, understanding and diplomatic. Sometimes you will be silent and simply listen, and at other times you will offer advice or comfort. Don't try to show off your talents and draw attention to yourself as it is unbecoming. It is also important to realize that all paths lead to the same source, so respect all paths, even if you don't agree with them. Stand up for your beliefs, but don't belittle others for their views. Always try to be confident and respect your body mentally and physically, for it is your temple. Your mind and will are powerful tools and with a healthy body, can bring about incredible change, and really, this is all you need to "do" magic. Attitude to Sex Unlike some other religions Witchcraft see sex as sacred and special. It is not something to be shunned into a dark closet as dirty and evil, but enjoyed and revered as a blessing. Wiccan's believe that the act of sex/love making is a gift from the Goddess. Traditional Witches see it as a gift and/or blessing from nature. Many Witches use the inherent power of sex to power spells, which is one reason why Tantric Sex is widely practiced by Witch couples. The magical aspects of tantric sex can be harnessed by a couple working together to greatly enhance a particular spell they are casting. On safety note however if you find a coven and they say that you must have sex with the coven leader or members they are talking rubbish. Certain Pagan rituals centuries ago may have involved such things for certain rites but none do today. The Pentagram The Pentagram is the symbol of Witches, and many other Pagan's. It is used mainly for Protection, Healing and Magic. The Pentagram itself signifies the basic elements and spirit. From top going clockwise (deosil) they are spirit earth, (north,) air, (east,) fire, (south) and water, (west.) Traditions of Witchcraft There are many different traditions of Witchcraft, and peoples views and beliefs can differ greatly from Traditional Witch, to Wiccan, to Eclectic. Where a Traditional Witch acknowledges no Deities, but simply believes in the male and female spiritual and sexual polarities of nature. A Wiccan incorporates the Kabbalah and Eastern practices into their tradition of Witchcraft worshipping the male and female of nature as a God and Goddess. An Eclectic Witch however chooses a pantheon of Gods and Goddesses to represent the different area's of nature and desire to worship. Even within these three main traditions of Witchcraft there are subheading traditions, such as Gardnerian Wicca, Alexandrian Wicca, Dianic Wicca, etc., etc. Eclectic Witchcraft differs based on the pantheon of deities used, be they Norse, Roman, Greek, or ancient Pagan. However they all share the same core belief, and that is that nature is sacred, and as children of nature we should learn to live within nature, and care for it as much as we are humanly possible. The Number 13 Many people believe that the number 13 is unlucky, and especially if the 13th day of the month falls on a Friday. This Friday the 13th is reputed to have its origins in the arrest of the Knights Templar on October 12th and their trials and tortures on the 13th, (a Friday) which were said to be so awful that the surviving Knights said that the day itself (Friday 13th) was evil. 13 has had notoriety as unlucky in superstitions such as 13 people sitting at dinner. The first to rise will be the first to die. As Witches though we know that no number in itself can be unlucky, nor any particular day. If anything the number 13 is lucky as it is the number of full moons during the year, and revered by many Witches as a very lucky number. Something to remember the next time someone looks worried that Friday the 13th is coming up soon. Craft Names If I become a Witch do I get to make up a craftname for myself ?? Simple answer NO !! Craftnames have absolutely nothing to do with Traditional Witchcraft, and are a Wiccan invention. Now you might ask "But isn't EchoWitch a craftname?" And the answer there again would be NO. The name EchoWitch is merely an Internet pseudonym to try and maintain some level of anonymity on the web. Some of you may want to have a craftname anyway but Traditional Witchcraft doesn't have them, and from some of the Craftnames I've seen they come across as very pretentious with everyone naming themselves after Deities, and calling themselves Lord this or Lady that. Even some Wiccans, Pagans and Druids I know feel that the idea of a craftname is daft. Nature knows who you are, not by any name but by your presence within nature. Names mean nothing to nature. 1) Wicca confusing Witchcraft There are numerous books out there about Wicca which constantly and repeatedly refer to Wicca and Witchcraft being one and the same thing. 2) Which Witch is Witch What is a Witch ??? A Witch is a person, (male or female,) that practices the religion of Witchcraft. It is NOT a Wiccan, a female spellcaster, a female Satanist, or anything else similar. _____________________________________________________________________ The Differences between Wicca and Traditional Witchcraft Wicca Traditional Witchcraft Correspondences North = Earth East = Air South = Fire West = Water Ethics Wiccan Rede Threefold Law Intent of Action Festivals Called sabbats - 8 in a year (Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lughnassadh, and Mabon) Book of Shadows (Serves as a diary, records rituals, spells etc.) Grimoire Guardians & Watchtowers (Reside in the 4 corners, protect circle, called during Calling The Quarters)None. However Spirits & Elements may be called to protect area, usually a spirit or Ancestor Deity's home/Afterlife Summerlands Spiritworld Triple Deities God & Goddess No Gods/Goddesses Clothing For Rituals Skyclad, or use ceremonial robes Never skyclad, body decoration or clothing Circle Cast circle for rituals Every space is seen as sacred, no need for a sacred circle Initiation May be many degrees, self initiation Lineage may be passed down, or self-dedication Secrecy Not very secretive, BoS can be found on net Very secretive, no spells/rituals on net Gods/Goddesses Worshipped, horned god and his consort, reign over the universe, may follow a pantheon, or single gods/goddesses All things are equal, thus no deities, only the sexual male/female polarities of nature There are major differences between Wicca and Traditional Witchcraft, as can be seen above. One particularly big one is that Wicca's may refer to their religion as both Wicca or Witchcraft, and to themselves as either a Wiccan or a Witch. A Traditional Witch will only refer to their beliefs as Witchcraft, and only refer to themselves as a Witch. Both Witchcraft and Wicca however can be referred to as Pagan religions the same as generic Paganism and Druidism Traditional Witchcraft is NOT eclectic. Eclecticism is the antithesis of traditional Witchcraft. Traditionalists adhere to a specific set of beliefs and practices, a way of life, which is defined and set down. There is not mixing of pantheons or other religious systems. Traditional Witchcraft does NOT use Eastern philosophies. Ideas and philosophies such as karma and chakras are not found within traditional Witchcraft. These things are a part of various Eastern religions and philosophies. Traditional Witchcraft HAS a code of ethics. Contrary to popular belief, traditionalists have a code of ethics. It is simple: Take responsibility for your own actions. This is concept, and not a set of faked old English words. Traditional Witchcraft HAS structure. This is not a do-whatever-you-want-to religion. There are set traditions within the religion and structure to that religion. Traditional Witchcraft is NOT learned within a few years. Traditional Witchcraft is a religion which encompasses your entire life. It is not something which is learned in a year or two, but a continual process of learning, study, and devotion. Traditional Witchcraft is a religion and NOT the use of magic. Magic is a tool and can be used by anyone regardless of their beliefs. Traditional Witchcraft is NOT hereditary. Religion is not hereditary. The lineage of a Witch is spiritual, and not passed through the blood. Although, it is a family tradition, some members of the blood family may choose not to follow these beliefs and still others are fostered. It is the lineage itself which is important. A Witch is made and NOT born. Traditional Witchcraft is something which is learned. No one is suddenly born following one religion or another. Religion is a conscious choice. A Traditional Witch It is not sufficient to say you are a "witch" or to practice magic. You must also live as a witch. Do not look for excuses for why you cannot follow the path. Accept responsibility for your failures as well as your successes. Celebrate the phases of the Moon and the changing of seasons. Do so not because it is part of a ritual calendar, but rather because these acts keep you in tune with Nature and Spirit. Honor Spirit or the Goddess, but recognize that the spirits of all entities in the Universe are equal. All life is sacred; all acts are ritual. Your actions should reflect your own divinity and that of all beings. Achieving balance with the Earth is essential for a magical life. Responsibility toward the environment and the Earth's inhabitants should be evident in the activities of your daily life. Do not take more from the Earth than you need to live. We are mere visitors here; the Earth is eternal. Wealth and fame are not necessary ingredients for a magical life. Know that the joy of life is a gift. Know it as a cat knows it, in his bones and blood. Power is a sacred gift and must be used wisely and with humility. Pride in ones power will ultimately cause failure. Power should never be used to prove your ability or in any form of competition with others. Power should be used to create happiness, not sorrow. Be certain of your intentions when performing any act of magic. Magic is neither good nor evil, positive nor negative. The intentions of the magician determine the path it will take. Act always with honor and accept responsibility for your actions. It is honorable to protect your loved ones, but be willing to accept the consequences of your actions with honor as well. Words are sacred, use them wisely. There is honor in truth. Your word is sacred. Others must know that they can depend on you absolutely Learn to forgive yourself and others. Knowledge is the foundation of the Craft. Never believe that you know enough Teach those who truly wish to learn, but take care that you do not teach those who only wish to serve themselves or harm others. Teach the Craft with pride, but not to enhance your own pride. Recognize that even the least knowledgeable of students may offer you lessons you need. Live your life in a way that is above reproach to the rest of the world. In doing so, you will bring honor to all witches. Do not be drawn into the feelings of hate and anger expressed by others. Be able to look into a mirror and be truly unafraid.