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Magick: Wicca, Witchcraft & the Book of Shadows Gregory Branson-Trent

New Image Productions

Magick: Wicca, Witchcraft & the Book of Shadows Gregory Branson-Trent

New Image Productions

Gregory Branson-Trent

© 2010 by Gregory Branson-Trent. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publishers, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a newspaper, magazine or journal.

First Printing

New Image Productions has allowed this work to remain exactly as the author intended, verbatim, without editorial input. ISBN: 978-0-9844657-1-2

Printed in the United States of America

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Charmed: Wicca, Witchcraft And The Book Of Shadows

Also Available Available From From Gregory Branson-Trent: Branson-Trent: Return To The Cemetery: More Ghosts And Hauntings The Unexplained: Amelia Earhart, Bermuda Triangle, Atlantis, Aliens And Ghosts Aliens Among Us: A History Of Extraterrestrials, Crop Circles, Abductions, And UFO‘s Haunted Hollywood: Ghosts Of The Dead Famous Creatures Of Myth And Legend: Fairies, Vampires, Werewolves, Dragons And More Magick: Wicca, Witchcraft And The Book Of Shadows Ghosts, Hauntings, And The Dark Side Of The Cemetery Mysteries of the Unexplained: Vampires, Aliens, Ghosts, Atlantis, and Bigfoot The Encyclopedia of Magick and the Occult: Wicca, Tarot, Chakra, Runes, Crystals and Stones Vampires Among Us: The Children Of The Night The Six Million Dollar Man: Complete Episode Guide The Bionic Woman: Complete Episode Guide Wonder Woman: The Complete Episode Guide The Witch‘s Kitchen: Kitchen : Incense, Oils, And Candle Recipes

Coming Soon: Grandma Ran A Whore House A Haunting At Borley

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Visit www.GregoryBranson-Trent.com.

While there, look for more information about books, place orders, appearances (and to schedule an appearance), and emailing.

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Visit Gregory Branson-Trent’s Ghost Hunter’s Blog at http://gregorybransontrentsghosthuntersblog.blogspot.com

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This book is lovingly dedicated to c. l. hause. Thanks for the magick. Also for my Dad Harvey.

Magick

is all around us…embrace it!!!!

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Disclaimer Wicca is a wonderful belief system and way of life. As with anything in life, you need to decide for yourself if it is right for you. No one can do this for you. This book is meant simply as an introduction to the Wiccan way of life and an instructional tool to get you started. All the information included is for your use and education. Just remember that the spells included are powerful and useful, but only if you believe in them. Take them seriously and believe, and you will be amazed. Remember, this book is only for educational purposes, and you and only you are responsible if you choose to do anything based on what you read. Blessed Be

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Table of Contents Introduction 9 What Is Magic? 14 Introduction To Wicca 23 The Concept Of Deity 45 Wiccan Protection 51 5000 Years Of Herbal History 56 Candles / Aromatherapy & The Book Of Shadows 84 How To Make A Book Of Shadows 98 Magick, Formulas And Spells 102 Animal Guides / Chakras Astral Projection 242 Inside The Book Of Shadows Dream Recipes / Reiki 257 Charms Amulets And Talismans / Incense, Resins And Oils 287 Witch‘s Sabbats / Moon Phases//Planetary Associations/Tarot 315 Rituals 338 History And Background Of Wicca 376 Crystals/ Stones And Their Uses 399 Wicca, Witchcraft & Pagan Definitions and Herb Uses reference Pages 438

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Introduction

What Is Wicca? Contrary to what many people believe, Wicca is a very peaceful, harmonious and balanced way of thinking and life, which promotes wholeness with the divine and all which exists. Wicca is a deep appreciation in watching the sunrise or sunset, the forest in the light of a glowing moon, a meadow enchanted by the first light of day. It is the morning dew on the petals of a beautiful flower, the gentle caress of a warm summer breeze upon your skin, or the warmth of the summer sun on your face. Wicca is the fall of colorful autumn leaves, and the softness of winter snow. It is put simply, light and shadow and all that lies in between. It is the song of the birds and other creatures of the wild. It is being in the presence of Mother Earth‘s nature and being humbled in reverence. To be a Witch is to be a healer, a teacher, a seeker, a giver, and a protector of all things. If this is your path, may you walk it with honor, light and integrity.

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Wicca is a belief system and way of life based upon the reconstruction of pre-Christian traditions originating in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. While much of the information of how these ancestors li ved, worshiped and believed has been lost due to the efforts of the medieval church to wipe Wicca existence from history, we try to reconstruct those beliefs to the best of our ability with the information that is available. Thanks to archaeological discoveries, there now is a basis to believe that the origins of Wicca‘s belief system can be traced even further back to the Paleolithic peoples who worshipped a Hunter God and a Fertilit y Goddess. With the discovery of these cave paintings, estimated to be around 30,000 years old, depicting a man with the head of a sta g, and a pregnant woman standing in a circle with eleven other people, it can reasonably be assumed that Witchcraft is one of the oldest belief systems known in the world today. These archetypes are clearly recognized by Wicca as a view of the Goddess and God aspect of the supreme creative force and predate Christianity by roughly 28,000 years making it a mere toddler in the spect rum of time as we know it. Witchcraft in ancient history was known as "The Craft of the Wise" because most that followed the path were in tune with the forces of nature, had knowledge of herbs and medicines, gave council and were valuable parts of the village and community as Shamanic healers and leaders. They understood that mankind is not superior to nature, the earth and its c reatures. Instead we are simply one of the many parts, both seen and unseen that combine to make the whole. These wise people understood that what we take or use, we must return in kind to maintain bala nce and equilibrium. Clearly, modern man with all his applied learning and technology has forgotten this. Subsequently, we currently face ecological disaster and eventual extinction because of our hunger for power and a few pieces of gold. For the past several hundred years, the image of the Witch has been mistakenly associated with evil, heathenism, and unrighteousness. These opinions have origin in a couple of different places. To begin, the medieval church of the 15th through 18th centuries created these myths to convert the followers of the old nat ure based religions to the churches way of thinking. By making the Witch into a diabolical character and turning the old religious deities into devils and demons, the missionaries were able to attach fear to these beliefs which aided in the conversion process. Secondly, as medical science began to surface, the men who were

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engaged in these initial studies had a very poor understanding of female physiology, especially in the area of a woman's monthly cycle. The unknowns in this area played very well with the early churches agenda lending credence to the Witch Hunters claims and authority. The fledgling medical professions also stood to benefit greatly from this because it took the power of the women healers away giving it to the male physicians transferring the respect and power to them. Unfortunately these misinformed fears and superstitions have carried forward through the centuries and remain to this day. This is why many who follow these nature oriented beliefs have adopted the name of Wicca over its true name of Witchcraft to escape the persecution, harassment and misinformation associated with the name of Witchcraft and Witch not to mention the bad publicity the press and Hollywood has given simply to generate a profit.

What Witchcraft is : Witchcraft is a spiritual system that fosters the free thought and will of the individual, encourages learning and an understanding of the earth and nature thereby affirming the divinity in all living things. Most importantly however, it teaches responsibility. We accept responsibility for our actions and deeds as clearly a result of the choices we make. We do not blame an exterior entity or being for our shortcomings, weaknesses or mistakes. If we mess up or do something that brings harm to another, we have no one but ourselves to blame and must face the consequences resulting from those actions. Wicca acknowledges the cycles of nature, the lunar phases and the seasons to celebrate their spirituality and to worship the divine. It is a belief system that allows the Witch to work with, not in supplication to deities with the intent of living in harmony and achieving balance with all things. The spells that are involved are based in healing, love, harmony, wisdom and creativity. The potions that are stirred might be a headache remedy, a cold tonic, or an herbal flea bath for pets. Wiccans strive to gain knowledge of and use the natural remedies placed on this earth by the divine for their benefit instead of using synthetic drugs unless absolutely necessary.

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We learn from and revere the gift of nature from divine creation by celebrating the cycles of the sun, moon and seasons. We search within ourselves for the cycles that correspond to those of the natural world and try to live in harmony with the movement of this universal energy. Our teachers are the trees, rivers, lakes, meadows, mountains and animals as well as others who have walked this path before us. This belief creates a reverence and respect for the environment, and all life upon the Earth. Wicca also reveres the spirits of the elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water which combine to manifest all creation. From these four elements we obtain insight to the rhythms of nature and understand they are also the rh ythms of our own lives. Because Witches have been persecuted for so many centuries, Wiccans believe in religious freedom first! We do not look at this path as the only way to achieve spirituality, but as one path among many to the same end. We are willing to share experience and knowledge with those who seek wisdom and perspective. Wiccans practice tolerance and acceptance toward all other religions as long as those faiths do not persecute others or violate the tenant of "Harm None."

What Witchcraft is not: Witchcraft or Wicca is not a cult. We do not proclaim ourselves to be spokespersons for the divine or try to get others to follow as their leaders. We do not worship Satan or consort with Demons. Satan is a Christian creation. We do not need a paranoid creation of supreme evil and eternal damnation to scare us into doing the right thing and helping others. We do not sacrifice animals or humans because that would violate the basic tenant of "Harm None." One who does and claims to be a Wiccan or a Witch is lying. Wiccans have no need to steal or control the life force of another to achieve mystical or supernatural powers. They draw energy from within, and from personal relationships with the divine and nature. We do not use the forces of nature or the universe to hex or cast spells on others. Again, "Harm None" is the whole of the law.

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Witches have a very strict belief in the Law of Three which states that whatever you send out into the world shall return three fold either good or bad. With this in mind, a "True Witch" would hesitate in doing magick to harm or manipulate another because that boomera ng that is thrown will eventually come back much larger and harder than thrown. This is not to say that Wiccans are perfect, we are human too just like everyone else and make mistakes and errors in judgment. Just as there are parents who love and nurture their children, there are parents who abuse their children. As there are many who devote their lives to giving and helping mankind, likewise there are those who devote their lives to taking advantage of and using people for their own gain. Unfortunately the same flaws in human nature apply to witches too. Most Wiccans continually strive to consider all potential outcomes of their thoughts and actions pausing to seriously consider the consequences before undertaking a ritual, spell or rite that could go astray. It is when the path is followed with the love of the Goddess in heart, and it adheres to the basic tenant of the Reed that these works are beneficial and achieve harmony and balance with all things. The heart of Wicca is not something summed up into a few short words and can often take on different meaning to each since the Lord and Lady touch everyone in different ways. Through the wisdom and words set down through the ages, you will find that you are able to understand the basis of these beliefs and how they may apply to you. Your inner voice will also quickly let you know if the intent of what you are reading is for superficial purposes to benefit self instead of working to benefit the whole. Remember to read with your heart, for it is when you see life and the world with your heart and spirit that you truly gain an understanding of wha t Wicca is.

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What Is Magick? (Yes it is spelled correctly) I suppose I could ramble on for quite some time about what Magick of Wicca, Witches and Witchcraft is or is not. Instead, I will offer this brief writing I found somewhere. Unfortunately I cannot remember where I came across it or who the author was, but I thought it was clear , concise and to the point. It very simply dispels everything that some religions, old superstitions and of course Hollywood have tried to make people believe magick is.

Magick is finding your connection to the Earth and all that is natural, alive and moving in the universe! It binds all that exists together. Magick is living in balance with the flow of life, and knowing that you are a vital force within that flow. Magick is everywhere! In the trees, rain, stars, and in the sea. It is the spark that quickens a seed to rise up from the soil. Magick is laughter, joy, wonder and truth of the world around us! It is the subtle enchantment that reminds us not to waste a single moment of this gift that we call life! Magick is not greed, or power, or pretense...It is real. It exists. And it works. Magick is the mystery that lies in the secret soul of the world. It is the essence of creation. What we imagine, we have the power to create! MAGICK IS WITHIN YOU...

With it you can create your dreams, heal your world, love your life and find the peace that lives in every human heart. The Concept of Magick

Magick is the use of unnatural or superhuman power by a person to try to control actions or natural events. People throughout the world have practiced magick from the dawn of history. But beginning in the 1600's, science has provided an increasingly greater understanding of the true causes of natural events. This increased scientific knowledge has reduced people's dependence

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on magick. But many people in non-industrial societies still beli eve in magick. Even in industrial societies, many people still trust i n such forms of magick as astrology and fortunetelling. The word magick also refers to entertainment in which the performer does tricks of so-called magick. In such entertainment, neither the magician nor the audience believes that the performer has supernatural powers. Elements of Magick

The practice of magick includes special words, actions, and objects. Most magic involves a person, who claims to have supernatural powers. Magick words: To work most magick, the person sings or speaks special words in a certain order. These words are called incantations or spells. Some spells form prayers to demons, spirits, or other supernatural forces. Many societies believe the magick will not work unless the person recites the spells perfectly. Other magick words have no meaning, though they supposedly possess power when spoken by a witch or Wicca practitioner. Magick actions accompany the words spoken in performing much magick. Many of these movements act out the desired eff ect of the magick. For example, a person trying to make rain fall may sprinkle water on the ground. The person‘s combined words and actions form a ceremony called a rite or ritual. Magick objects include certain plants, stones, and other things with supernatural powers. Any such object may be called a fetish. But this term often refers to an object--for example, a carving or a dried snake--honored by a tribe for its magick powers. Many tribes believe fetishes have magick power because spirits live in these objects. Many people carry magick objects called amulets, charms, or talismans to protect themselves from harm. Many amulets and ta lismans are stones or rings engraved with magick symbols. In some societies, nearly everyone knows how to work some magick. In other societies, only experts practice magick. Some may be called medicine men, medicine women, shamans, sorcerers, or witch doctors. In many societies, shamans must inherit their powers. In others, any person may use magick by studying the magical arts.

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Many societies believe magick must observe certain rules and taboos (forbidden actions) for their spells to work. For example, they may be required not to eat various foods or to avoid sexual activity for a certain period before the ceremony. Kinds of Magick

Many anthropologists classify magick as homeopathic or contagious, according to its basic principle. The Scottish anthropologist Sir James G. Frazer first described these types in his book The Golden Bough (1890). Some people divide magick into black magick and white magick. Black magick harms people, but white magick helps them. Warlocks usually practice black magick. But a saint may cure a sick person using white magick. Homeopathic magick is based on the belief that like produces like. In this type of magick, also called imitative magick, persons act out or imitate what they want to happen. They often use a model or miniature of whatever they want to influence. For example, a fisherman may make a model of a fish and pretend he is netting it. He believes this ritual will assure him a good catch. In some European folk dances, the dancers leap high into the air to make their crops grow tall. People once believed that yellow flowers would cure jaundice, a yellowish discoloration of the body. Many taboos come from homeopathic magick. People avoid certain harmless things because they resemble various harmful things. Among the Inuit (Eskimos), for example, parents have traditionally warned their sons against playing a string game, such as cat's cradle, in whic h children loop string around their fingers. They feared that playing such games might cause the children's fingers to become tangled in the harpoon lines they will use as adults. Contagious magick comes from the belief that after a person has had contact with certain things; they will continue to influence that person. The most common examples of contagious magick involve parts of the body that have been removed, such as fingernails, hair, and teeth. A person's nails and hair can affect the rest of that person's body long after they have been cut off. A person can injure an enemy by damaging a lock of hair or a piece of clothing from the victim. Magick can even be used to cripple an enemy by placing a sharp object in that person's footprint.

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People who believe in contagious magick fear that an enemy can gain power over them by obtaining parts of their body. Therefore, they carefully dispose of their nails, hair, teeth, and even their body wastes. Witches and voodoo magicians often practice a type of homeopathic magic called envoutement. The practitioner makes a doll or some other likeness of an enemy. Then harms the enemy by sticking pins into the doll or injuring it in some other way. In some societies, the doll includes a lock of hair or a piece of clothing from the enemy. This type of envoutement is a combination of homeopathic and contagious magic. Why People Believe in Magick

People turn to magick chiefly as a form of insurance--that is, they use it along with actions that actually bring results. For example, hunters may use a hunting charm. But they also use their hunting skills and knowledge of animals. The charm may give hunters the extra power they need to hunt even more successfully than they would without it. If they shoot a lot of game, they credit the charm for their success. Crops grow without it, and sick people get well without it, but the belief in magic can bring about many wonderful things. Many anthropologists believe that people have faith in magic k because they feel a need to believe in it. People may turn to magick to reduce their fear and uncertainty if they feel they have no control over the outcome of a situation. For example, farmers use knowledge and skill when they plant their fields. But they know that weather, insects, or diseases might ruin t he crops. So farmers in some societies may also plant a charm or perform a magick rite to ensure a good harvest. History

Ancient times. The use of magick goes back at l east as far as 50,000 B.C. About that time, prehistoric people buried cave bears, probably as a magick rite. Scientists believe that much prehistoric art had magical purposes. Hunters, for example, probably used cave paintings of animals in rites intended to help them hunt the animals. Magick was important to the ancient Egyptians, who used amulets, magick figures, and rites. The ancient Greeks and Romans tried to tell the future from dreams. They also consulted priests called oracles, who interprete d advice

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from the gods. According to one legend, the Three Wise Men who visited the baby Jesus were astrologers who located Him by magick use of the stars. The Bible has many references to magick, sorcery, and witchcraft. During the Middle Ages, nearly all Europeans believed in ma gick. The clergy considered magick sinful but believed in its power. The so-called science of alchemy included much magick. Alchemists hoped to discover the philosopher's stone, a magick substance that could change iron, lead, and other metals into gold. They also sought the elixir of life, a miraculous substance that could cure disease and lengthen life. Many men joined a secret brotherhood called the Rosicrucians, an early version of the present-day Rosicrucian Order. The Rosicrucians studied magick lore and devoted themselves to curing the sic k and helping people in other ways. The Masons, another secret group, also had elements of magic k in their rituals. From the 1500's to the 1700's, belief in magick continued widespread. Even highly educated people believed in its power. The Swiss physician Philippus Paracelsus, for example, experimented with alchemy and believed in the power of talismans. Sir Isaac Newton, the famous English astronomer and mathematician, studied alchemy. Thousands of persons were tried and executed as witches during this period. Many forms of magick tried to predict the future. People believed a person's character could be described or the future foretold in various ways. These methods included studying the palm of a person's hand, facial features, or even the moles on a person's skin. Some people used tarot cards, a set of playing cards with special pictures, for fortunetelling. After about 1600, advances in science gradually weakened people's belie f in magick. But as late as the 1700's, the Italian magician Count Allesandro di Cagliostro won fame for his powers. Cagliostro traveled through Europe selling love potions and elixirs of life. Magic today still plays an important role in the life of many ethnic groups. Even among modern peoples, magic has many followers with an interest in such subjects as astrology, fortunetelling, and witchcraft. For example, many people who have faith in astrology read their daily horoscope in a newspaper.

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Countless people believe in superstitions that involve forms of magick. Some persons carry a fetish, such as a rabbit's foot or a l ucky penny. They believe these articles have magic power to bring good luck. Homeopathic magic appears in the superstition that a newborn baby must be carried upstairs before it is carried down. This act guarantees that the child will rise in the world and have a successful life. Magick also survives in much of today's advertising. The manufacturers of such products as gasoline and headache remedies boast of new, secret ingredients. Advertisements may indirectly suggest that a mouthwash or a tooth paste will magically transform an unpopular person into a popular one. Many people buy these and other products for the magick quali ties suggested by such advertising. Whatever the reason or how it is done, the existence of magick cannot be denied. The following chapters look into many different ways Wiccans practice magick. The areas range from herbology, gems, crystals, stones, tarot, spell casting and even the development and creati on of spells and a personal book of shadows.

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Elements & Magick The Ancients divided the world into four basic principles or *elements* earth, water, fire, and air. That viewpoint has mostly changed with advances of science, but the four elements are still accepted in magick, for they are more closely linked with emotions, the human psyche, and with nature than are modern explanations of the world. These *magical elements* are also of some importance in astrology. Many occultists think of the magical elements as forces, or as *qualities* of energy; especially within the astral world. Each element has a symbol and color. (Common symbols are -- fire: a triangle pointing up; air: a triangle pointing up and with a horizontal line through the middle of it; water: a triangle pointing down; earth: a triangle pointing down and with a horizontal line through the middle of it.) Colors of the elements are -- earth: brown and green; water: blue; fire: red; air: yellow... The Eastern tattvic system uses different symbols and colors. The elements are often used in magick ritual. Magick sees relationships between things. These relationships are calle d 'correspondences'. Although magical correspondences are not literally equal to one another, you can think of them that way (such as gold equals sun). Tables of these relationships, called 'Correspondence Tables', are available (an important one is Crowley's '777'). Thus one thing or symbol can be used to suggest another. This is important in magick, for the magician ma y surround

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himself with as many appropriate correspondences as he can to vi vidly affect the senses; thus making his magical contact with the inner planes more lucid. The magical elements have correspondences with the tarot cards as the four suits. The four quarters (directions of the universe as used in magick ritual) and the Archangels also correspond with these same elements. Element Earth Water Fire Air

Suit Pentacles Cups Swords Wands

Quarter North West South East

Archangel Uriel Gabriel Michael Raphael

Astrological signs also correspond with the elements. Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn are earth signs. Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are water signs. Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are fire signs. Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are air signs. ELEMENTALS

The magical elements are said to be peopled by spirits and mythological entities called elementals or nature spirits. These are grouped into four main categories: Earth

Water

Fire

Air

Gnome Dwarfs Elves Brownies Hobgoblins

Undine Nymphs Tritons Mermaids Mermen Sirens Harpies Salamander

Jin Genies

Sylph Faries Angles

Leprechauns

Elementals are usually only visible to those with clair voyant sight and are more likely to be seen at night in the mountains or country away from cities -especially if you are tired or sleepy. Although elementals exist naturally, it is also possible to create one which will exist for a limited time -- no elemental has immortality. A created elemental is called an 'artificial elemental'. To the Ancients, elementals were the physical explanation of the universe.

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However, some contemporary occultists see them only as symbols for forces and otherwise not 'real' at all. Another word somet imes used for elemental is 'familiar' (usually in medieval witchcraft); the term is ambiguous, as it might merely be an ordinary household pet such as a dog or cat. YIN YANG

Chinese philosophy and acupuncture talk of yin yang. This is the idea of polarity, or opposite pairs, as shown: Yin

Yang

Water Contraction Cold Feminine Moon Negative Passive Ebb Wane

Fire Expansion Hot Masculine Sun Positive Active Flow Wax

The list could go on. In Chinese literature it is quite long. Some occultists suggest everything can be similarly arranged into related opposite pairs. SIMPLE MAGICK

Here is a simple magical technique you may wish to try. To help you to achieve your goal (magical or otherwise), find a word or short phase which sums up what it is that you want to accomplish. Write the word (or phrase) down 10 times each day until you achieve success.

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An Introduction to Traditional Wicca Often Traditional Wiccans are asked to describe our religion and beliefs for interested people, who may or may not have confused this wit h other Pagan religions, with inversions of Christian/Islamic religions like Satanism, or with purely magical traditions with no religious base. There is a lot of flexibility in the ways that Wiccans describe themselves, and one characteristic of Wicca is a large degree of personal liberty to practice freely. Still, there is an outline that can be described in general terms. Many traditions will depart from one particular or another, but groups departing from all or most of these features are probably non-Wiccan Traditions attempting to stretc h or distort the Wiccan name to cover what they want to do.

Mysteries and Initiation Wicca is an Initiatory religion descended from the Ancient Mystery Religions. A mystery religion is not like Catholicism where a Priest is the contact point between the worshiper and the Deit y, or like Protestantism where a sacred book provides the contact and guidelines for bein g with the divine. Rather a Mystery Religion is a religion of personal experience and responsibility, in which each worshiper is encouraged, taught and expected to develop an ongoing and positive direct relationship with the Gods. The religion is called a "Mystery" because such experiences are very hard to communicate in words, and are usually distorted in the telling. You have to have been there in person to appreciate what is meant. Near and far-Eastern religions like Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism and Shinto are probably Mystery traditions, but Wicca is very western in cultural flavor and quite different than eastern religions in many ways.

A Blend of Pagan Roots Most Wiccan Traditions, .K.A.M. included, have particular roots in the British Mystery Traditions. This includes traditions of the Picts who lived before the rise of Celtic consciousness, the early Celts, and some selected aspects of Celtic Druidism. American Wicca is directly descended from

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British Wicca, brought in the late 1950's by English and American Initiates of Gardnerian, Alexandrian and Celtic Wicca. These traditions are a little like the denominations in Christianity, but hopefully far more harmonious. While British Traditions are very strong in Wicca, or the Craft as it is sometimes called, other Western Mystery traditions feature prominently, including the ancient Greek Mysteries of Eleusis, Italian Mysteries of Rome, Etruria and the general countryside, Mysteries of Egypt and Persia before Islam, and various Babylonian, Assyrian and other mid-eastern Mysteries t hat flourished before the political rise of the advocates of "one god".

What's In a Name? Wicca, Witchcraft, and "The Craft" are used interchangeably at times by many kinds of people. It is fair to say that all Wiccans are Witches. It is important to know that many people call themselves witches who are not in the least Wiccan, and that Masons also refer to themselves as "Craft", with good historical precedent. Carefully question people on the particular things they do and believe as part of their religion rather than relying on labels. Any real Wiccan would welcome such honest inquiry.

Traditions and Flavor There are specific Wiccan beliefs and traditions, including worship of an equal and mated Goddess and God who take many forms and have man y names. Groups who worship only a Goddess or only a God are not traditional Wicca however they may protest, although they may be perfectly good Pagans of another sort. The Wiccan Goddess and God are linked to nature, ordinary love and children -- Wicca is very life affirming in flavor. Wiccans have nothing to do with other people's deities or devils, like the Christian God or Satan, the Muslim Allah or the Jewish Jehovah (reputedly not his real name). Christians often deny this fact because they think that their particular god is the only God, and everybody else in the whole world must be worshipping their devil. They're wrong on both counts. Traditional Wicca is a religion of personal responsibility and growth. Initiates take on a particular obligation to personal development throughout their lives, and work hard to achieve what is called "True Will‖. Finding your Will isn't easy, and requires a lot of honesty, courage and hard work. It is also very rewarding.

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Wicca is generally a cheerful religion, and has many holidays and festivals. In fact, most of the more pleasant holidays now on the calendar are descended from the roots Wicca draws on, including Christmas, May Day, Easter and Summer Vacation. Wicca is definitely not always serious. Dancing, feasting and general merriment are a central part of the celebrations.

Wiccan Ethics Wiccans have ethics which are different in nature than most "one-god" religions, which hand out a list of "do's and don'ts". We have a single extremely powerful ethical principal which Initiates are responsible for applying in specific situations according to their best judgment. That principle is called the Wiccan Rede (Old-English for rule) and reads:

"An (if) it harm none, do as ye Will" Based on the earlier mention of "True Will", you will understand that the Rede is far more complex than it sounds, and is quite different than saying "Do whatever you want as long as nobody is hurt". Finding out your Will is difficult sometimes, and figuring out what is harmful, rather than just painful or unpleasant is not much easier.

Initiation into Wicca People become Wiccans only by Initiation, which is a process of contacting and forming a good relationship with the Gods and Goddesses of Wicca. Initiation is preceded by at least a year and a day of preparation and study, and must be performed by a qualified Wiccan Priestess and Priest. The central event of Initiation is between you and your Gods, but the Priestess is necessary to make the Initiation a Wiccan one, to pass some of her power onto you as a new-made Priestess or Priest and to connect you to the Tradition you're joining. Women hold the central place in Wicca. A Traditional Coven is always headed by a High Priestess, a Third Degree female Witch with at least three years and three days of specific training. A Priest is optional, but the Priestess is essential. Similarly, a Priest may not initiate without a Priestess, but a Priestess alone is sufficient. Women are primary in Wicca for many reasons, one of which is that the Goddess is central to our religion.

One Religion at a Time People often ask "Can I become a Wiccan and still remain a Christian, Muslim, practicing Jew, etc?‖ The answer is no. The "one god" religions

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reject other paths besides their own, including each other's. "One-god" religions also do not exalt the Female as does Wic ca, and mixing two such different traditions would water them both down. Besides, you'd have to ask how serious a person who practiced two religions was about either one. Being Jewish is an exception, since it is a race and culture as well as a religion. There are many Wiccan Jews, but they practice Wicca, not Judaism.

Magick and Science People interested in Wicca are usually curious about the magick that Wiccans can do. While magick (spelled with a "k" to distinguish from stage conjuring) is not a religion in itself, it is related to religious beliefs. Wiccans believe that people have many more abilities than are generally realized, and that it is a good idea to develop them. Magick is a way of using natural forces to change consciousness and material conditions as an expression of our "True Wills". Part of becoming a Wiccan is training in methods of psychic and magickal development. Because we believe that everything a person does returns to them magnified, a Wiccan will not work a magick for harm, since they would pay too high a price. But a helpful magick is good for both the giver and receiver! Wicca is entirely compatible with the scientific method, and believes all the Gods and forces it is worked with to be quite natural, not supernatural at all. Wiccans do not, however, hold with the kind of scientific dogma or pseudo religion that sees everything as dead matter and neglects its own method by trumpeting "facts" without honest examination of evidence.

Priestesses at Large? Long ago the spiritual (and sometimes physical) ancestors of Wiccans were Priestesses and Priests to the Pagan culture as well as devotees of their Mystery. Now that a Pagan culture is rising again, some ask if today's Wiccans could resume that role. This seems unlikely. Today's Pagan culture is very diverse and more interested in e xploring and creating new forms than in building on existing traditions. A public role would either dilute current traditions or force them on an unwilling audience. The neo-Pagan community generally prefers "media figures" and rapid membership and growth. This is not compatible with Wiccan‘s slow methods of training and Initiation, the insistence that livelihood come from work outside the Craft, or the need for privacy. Wiccan religion is not accepted in the American workplace or political system, and may never be. The most

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powerful Priestesses are often unknown to all but their Covens. While all Wiccans are Pagans, all Pagans are not Wiccan, and it is best that it remain so.

The Wiccan Rede (Full Version)

Bide within the Law you must, in perfect Love and perfe ct Trust. Live you must and let to live, fairl y take and fairly give. For tread the Circle thrice about to keep unwelcome spirits out. To bind the spell well every time, let the spell be said in rhyme. Light of eye and soft of touch, speak you little, listen much. Honor the Old Ones in deed and name, let love and light be our guides again. Deosil go by the waxing moon, chanting out the joyful tune. Widdershins go when the moon doth wane, and the werewolf howls by the dread wolfs bane. When the Lady's moon is new, kiss the hand to her times two. When the moon rides at her peak then your heart's desire seek. Heed the North winds mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail. When the Wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast. When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss you on the mouth. When the wind whispers from the West, all hearts will find peace and rest. Nine woods in the Cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow. Birch in the fire goes to represent what the Lady knows. Oak in the forest towers with might; in the fire it brings the God's insight. Rowan is a tree of power causing life and magick to flower. Willows at the waterside stand ready to help us to the Summerland. Hawthorn is burned to purify and to draw faerie to your eye. Hazel-the tree of wisdom and learning adds its strength to the bright fire

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burning. White are the flowers of Apple tree that brings us fruits of fertility. Grapes grow upon the vine giving us both joy and wine. Fir does mark the evergreen to represent immortality seen. Elder is the Lady's tree burn it not or cursed you'll be. Four times the Major Sabbats mark in the light and in the dark. As the old year starts to wane the new begins, it's now Samhain. When the time for Embolic shows watch for flowers through the snows. When the wheel begins to turn soon the Beltane fi res will burn. As the wheel turns to Lamas night power is brought to magick rite. Four times the Minor Sabbats fall use the Sun to mark them all. When the wheel has turned to Yule light the log the Horned One rules. In the spring, when night equals day time for Osta ra to come our way. When the Sun has reached its height time for Oak and Holly to fight. Harvesting comes to one and all when the Autumn Equinox does fall. Heed the flower, bush, and tree by the Lady blessed you'll be. Where the rippling waters go cast a stone, the truth you'll know. When you have and hold a need, harken not to others greed. With a fool no season spend or be counted as his friend. Merry Meet and Merry Part bright the cheeks and warm the heart. Mind the Three-fold Laws you should three times bad and three times good. When misfortune is now wear the star upon your brow. Be true in love this you must do unless your love is false to you. These Eight words the Rede fulfill: "An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"

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The Witches Creed Hear now the words of the witches, The secrets we hid in the night, When dark was our destiny's pathway, That now we bring forth into li ght. Mysterious water and fire, The earth and the wide-ranging air, By hidden quintessence we know them, And will and keep silent and dare. The birth and rebirth of all nature, The passing of winter and spring, We share with the life universal, Rejoice in the magical ring. Four times in the year the Great Sabbat Returns, and the witches are seen At Lammas and Candlemas dancing, On May Eve and old Hallowe'en. When day-time and night-time are equal, When sun is at greatest and least, The four Lesser Sabbats are summoned, And Witches gather in feast. Thirteen silver moons in a year are, Thirteen is the coven's array. Thirteen times at Esbat make merry, For each golden year and a day. The power that was passed down the age, Each time between woman and man, Each century unto the other, Ere time and the ages began. When drawn is the magical circle, By sword or athame of power, Its compass between two worlds lies, In land of the shades for that hour. This world has no right then to know it. And world of beyond will tell naught. The oldest of Gods are invoked there; The Great Work of magick is wrought. For the two are mystical pillars, That stand at the gate of the shrine,

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And two are the powers of nature, The forms and the forces divine. The dark and the light in succession, The opposites each unto each, Shown forth as a God and a Go ddess: Of this our ancestors teach. By night he's the wild winds rider, The Horn'd One, the Lord of the S hades. By day he's the King of the Woodland, The dweller in green forest glades. She is youthful or old as she pleases, She sails the torn clouds in her barque, The bright silver lady of midnight, The crone who weaves spells in the dark. The master and mistress of magic, That dwell in the deeps of the mind, Immortal and ever-renewing, With power to free or to bind. So drink the good wine to the Old Gods, And Dance and make love in their praise, Till Elphame's fair land shall receive us In peace at the end of our days. And Do What You Will be the challenge, So be it Love that harms none, For this is the only commandment. By Magic of old, be it done!

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Before Time Was Before time was, there was The One; The One was all, and all was The One. And the vast expanse known as the universe was The One, all wise, all pervading, all powerful, eternally changing. And space moved. The One molded energy into twin forms, equal but opposite, fashioning the Goddess and God from The One and of The One. The Goddess and God stretched and gave thanks to The One, but darkness surrounded them. They were alone, solitary save for The One. So they formed energy into gases and gases into suns and planets and moons; They sprinkled the universe with whirling globes and so all was given shape by the hands of the Goddess and God. Light arose and the sky was illuminated by a billion suns. The Goddess and God, satisfied by their works, rejoiced and loved, and were one. From their union sprang the seeds of all life, and the human race so that we might achieve incarnation upon the Earth. The Goddess chose the Moon as her symbol, and the God the Sun as his to remind the inhabitants of Earth of their creators. All are born, live, die and are reborn beneath the Moon and Sun; All things come to pass there under, and all occurs with the blessings of The One, the Goddess and God, as has been the way of existence since before time was.


Various Wiccan Traditions Gardnerian Wicca A retired British civil servant named Gerald B. Gardner is the 'Grandfather', at the very least, of almost all Neo-Wicca. He was initiated into a coven of Witches in the New Forest region of England in 1939 by a High Priestess named 'Old Dorothy' Clutterbuck. In 1949 he wrote a novel [*High Magic's Aid*] about medieval Witchcraft in which quite a bit of the Craft as practiced by that coven was used. In 1951 the last of the English laws against Witchcraft were repealed (primarily due to the pressure of Spiritualists) and Gardner published *Witchcraft Today*, which set forth a version of the rituals and traditions of that coven. There is an enormous amount of disagreement about virtually every statement made in this paragraph. Gardnerism is both a tradition and a family, and lineage is a family tree. The High Priestess rules the coven, and the principles of love and trust preside. We follow our handed down book more carefully than many others, but we are free to add and improvise, as long as we preserve the original. *Each Gardnerian coven is autonomous and is headed by a High Priestess who can turn to her queen (the High Priestess who trained her) for counsel and advice. This maintains the lineage and creates a pool of experienced and knowledgeable leaders and teachers. *Reincarnation and the Wiccan Rede [An it harm none do what you will] are basic tenants of the tradition. Covens are as much as possible composed of male/female pairs for balance. Most working is accomplished with the energy raised by the interaction of the Lord and Lady as represented by the couples in the coven by dancing, chanting, etc. *Like many Wiccan traditions, Gardnerians have three degrees. An American Gardnerian must be of the 3rd degree before she can become a HPS. The HPS/HP is responsible for conducting services (circles), training their conveners, and preserving and passing on Gardnerian Craft. *[This material quoted from Converging Paths Newsletter, Kyril, Brita, & Hugh authors.]

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A lot of the controversy surrounding Gardnerianism questions the sources of the rituals and other materials, particularly those appearing in print. It is true that Gardner presented these materials as if they were directly from his New Forest tradition. It is clear, however, that whatever materials the coven may have had when he was initiated, Gerald mad e a lot of changes and added a great deal. Literary sources of the published Book of Shadows include Blake, Kipling, Yeats and Crowley. Much of the published material was written by Doreen Valiente, a member of the coven for a time and later founder of her own groups and author of many excellent books on the Craft.

Alexandrian Wicca As most everyone by now is aware, the Alexandrian Tradition is very close to Gardnerian with a few minor changes. (One of the most obvious ones being that the Alexandrians use the athame as a symbol for the element of fire and the wand as a symbol for air). Most of the rituals are very formal and heavily indebted to ceremonial magick. It is also a polarized tradition and the sexuality of that female/male polarity is emphasized. The ritual cycle deals mostly with the division of the year between the Holly King and the Oak King and several ritual dramas deal with the dying/resurrected God theme. As with Gardnerians, the High Priestess is supposedly the highest authority. However, it is odd that the primary spokespersons for both traditions have been men. Alexandrian Wicca was the creation of Alex Sanders (with his then wife Maxine) who claimed to have been initiated by his grandmother in 1933. Its principal proponents are Janet and Stewart Farrar whose books set forth most, if not all, of the Alexandrian tradition. Contrary to popular belief, the name Alexandrian refers not to Alex Sanders, but to Ancient Alexandria. Although similar to Gardnerian Wicca, Alexandrian Wicca tends to be more eclectic, and liberal. Some of Gardnerisms strict rules, such as the requirement of ritual nudity, have been made optional by Alexandrian Wicca. Mary Nesnick, an American initiate in Gardnerian and Alexandrian traditions founded a 'new' tradition called Algard. This tradition brings together both Gardnerian and Alexandrian teachings under a single banner. This was possible due to the great similarities between the two traditions.

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Dianic Wicca The Dianic Craft includes two distinct branches: 1. One branch, founded in Texas by Morgan McFarland and Mark Roberts, gives primacy to the Goddess in its theology, but honors the Horned God as Her Beloved Consort. Covens are mixed, including both women and men. This branch is sometimes called 'Old Dianic', and there a re still covens of this tradition, especially in Texas. Other covens, similar in teleology but not directly descended from the McFarland/Roberts line, are sprinkled around the country. 2. The other branch, sometimes called Feminist Dianic Witchcraft, focuses exclusively on the Goddess and consists of women-only covens and groups. These tend to be loosely structured and non-hierarchical, using consensusdecision- making and simple, creative, experimental ritual. They are politically feminist groups, usually very supportive, personal and emotionally intimate. There is a strong lesbian presence in the movement, though most covens are open to women of all orientations. The maj or network is ReFormed Congregation of the Goddess, which publishes "Of a Like Mind" newspaper and sponsors conferences on Dianic Craft.

Celtic Wicca (Church of Wicca) The Church of Wicca was founded by Gavin and Yvonne Frost. They offer correspondence courses in their brand of Wicca, which is sometimes called Celtic Wicca. The Church of Wicca has just recently begun including a Goddess in their deity structure, and has been very patrofocal as Wiccan traditions go. The Church of Wicca terms itself "Baptist Wicca" The Frosts call their tradition of Wicca Celtic. To me it seems more of a mixture of high magic and eclectic Wicca, with a smattering of Celtic thrown in. For instance, they use three circles, one within the others, made of salt, sulfur and herbs with runes and symbols between them instead of just one circle. They also insist on a white- handled athame and will not have a black handled one, whereas all the other traditions I have heard or read about use a black handled one. It seems to me the Wicca they practice and teach should not be called Celtic at all; but since a lot of it is made up or put together by them from other traditions they should also give it a made-up name; say

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Frostism. If you DON'T have to pay for the course, and have some extra t ime, it would probably be worth reading just for comparison. The Frosts have always been rather more public than most traditions (advertising their course in the Enquirer and similar publications) which has earned them heavy criticism in less public Craft groups.

Georgian Wicca If one word could best describe the Georgean Traditi on, it would be 'eclectic. Even though the material provided to students was nominally Alexandrian, there was never any imperative to follow that path blindly. George Patterson (the tradition's founder) always said 'If it works use it, if it doesn't, don't'.

Discordianism (Erisian) The Discordian or Erisian movement is described as a Non- Prophet Irreligious Disorganization and has claimed The Erisian revelation is not a complicated put-on disguised as a new religion, but a new reli gion disguised as a complicated put-on. "It all started with the *'Principia Discordia, or How I Found the Goddess and What I Did to Her When I Found Her', a coll ection of articles and ideas compiled by Greg Hill (Malaclypse the Young-er). The central theme is 'Chaos is every bit as important as Order' as illustrated in th e story of The curse of Greyface: Humor is central to Discordianism, but Discordianism should not be dismissed as a joke. Profound experiences frequently accompany the practice or Erisinaism. It is a perceptual game, one which demonstrates that the absurd is just as valid as the mundane and chaos is just as valid as order. It frees the practitioner from the order games (that most have forgotten are games) to play games with order or games with chaos, or both. The effects of Discordianism upon an individual can be far reaching and am azingly liberating .

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Witchcraft, Wicca and Paganism Frequently Asked Questions Q. Are Wicca and Witchcraft the same thing? A. Some say yes, and some say no. I suppose the only way to navigate this question safely is to point out what some may consider the main differences. In general, Wiccans feel free to review different belief systems, such as Celtic, Norse, Essene, Gnosis, or Shamanism, and then blend together any points that "feel" right into their own personal path. Pure Witchcraft on the other hand, may focus a little more tightly on using Magick and ritual to work with the elemental and spiritual forces in nature. Regardless, I feel the differences are slight in that Wicca and Witchcraft both work to achieve balance and harmony within nature and self.

Q. Who do Witches Worship? A. There is a single power defined as the One or All, which is composed of everything it has ever created. This supreme ener gy force does not rule over the Universe, it IS the Universe. Since most find it difficult to talk to or call upon a faceless mass of Divine energy, this supreme power is personified into male and female aspects as the Goddess and God. This simply makes the concept easier for the human mind to comprehend and relate to. Some take this concept a step further and use actual names, like Astarte, Isis, Odin, Pan, Dianna, Cernunnos, etc., when invoking the Goddess and God. In the end, it is a personal preference and what a Witch uses depends on what "feels" right for them individually.

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Q. How do Witches view Christianity? Are Witches Anti-Christian? A. Not necessarily. Witchcraft, overall, is very tolerant of other religious views, and does not engage itself in criticizing the beliefs of other people, providing that their beliefs do not violate the basic tenant of "Harm None." Witches do object to religions that attempt to suppress the religious beliefs of others, or every human's right to seek spirituality in their own wa y. This is why there is a slight rub between Wiccans, Pagans, Witches, and some Christians. Many of them feel they have exclusive rights to the divine. We also have a strong disdain for those who use religion as an excuse to commit mass genocide. The "Burning Times" are a clear hist orical example of one religious group attempting to exert its philosophies and beliefs upon others using extreme measures. Perhaps an over simplified way of describing our view is t his: Imagine a beautiful meadow in the forest, and there are many paths leading to this meadow. It really does not matter which path you take to get there, the important thing is that you get there without harming anyone or an ything along the way.

Q. Can I follow the path of Wicca or Witchcraft and be a Christian too? A. Again, some say yes and others maintain that they are completely separate religions. I believe that if one looks closely at the true teachings of Jesus with an open heart, you will find some stark commonalities. It is only when one takes literally the sometimes frail misinterpretations of those who misunderstood the intent or used the teachings to suit their own political agendas that one sees wide differences. As a solitary you are free to choose any path you desire, or any blend that "feels" right to you. The important thing is to not a llow a name or word to become a stumbling block. It is the intent of your actions and spirituality that matters in the end. I realize it is a poor comparison; Peanut Butter and Chocolate are two completely separate things. The fact remains, however, that they work pretty well when mixed together. Ultimatel y you must do what "feels" right to you...

Q. The Wiccan Rede says "An it harm none, do as ye will." Does that mean a Witch can do anything they want and it‘s OK if they justify the action to

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themselves? A. An excellent question indeed and the answer is no... The whole premise of our belief system is based on living in harmony with all things that exist. This includes, but is not limited to the earth, trees, rivers, lakes, oceans, air, and all of earth's creatures, as well as other people without regard to race, color, religion, or sexual orientation. This is not to say that Witches are perfect, never do anything wrong, or make mistakes. We are still human. We are aware of, or try to be aware of the karmic return of our actions, and are very careful not to send out negative energy in thought or deed. Yes, sometimes a Witch will focus an energy form toward someone who needs a psychic zap. This is only done however when a person is consistently doing something very wrong within society and causing a lot of harm to others. If and when a Witch does zap someone, they do so with the full knowledge that it will eventually return to them and there will be a price to pay according to the Law of Three. There are times when we simply must make a personal sacrifice for the good of the whole and shoulder this weight.

Q. OK, so if Wicca and Witchcraft are not evil, why do you hold rituals and ceremonies at night hidden in the woods? A. This practice has its history in a couple of different things, none of which have anything to do with evil... In the old world, especially within the Celtic tribes, the day followed an entirely different schedule than it does in modern times. The new day for them actually began at sunset. This is also why most observances of holidays were celebrated on the ev ening before the actual calendar day. The second reason is that survival had an entirely different meaning during those times. Almost without exception, everyone spent their daylight hours tending the crops, their herds, or engaged in their trade. All daylight hours were vitally important simply for survival reasons.

Q. What form does the practice of Witchcraft take? A. The form and context vary from group to group, and between each ritual, and may run the gamut from elaborate ceremony to spontaneous ritual to simple meditation.

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Q. How do you see the Goddess and God? A. Wiccans believe that there are female/male aspects to the One or All and without the union and balance of these two aspects, nothing can ex ist. See Before Time Was or read the answer to question number two above again for more insight.

Q. Do all Witches practice their religion the same way? A. Yes and no. Wicca is a highly individualistic religion. Moreover, the number of different sects within the Craft may give the impression that no two groups practice the same way. Though practices may vary, most traditions have many similarities, such as the working of magick and a respect for nature. Most Witches find enough common ground for mutual support and productive networking throughout the Craft community.

Q. Is Witchcraft a cult? A. No. Cults are groups that trade a sense of salvation and belonging for the ability to think for oneself. They indulge in extravagant homage or adoration (Webster's Dictionary), usually of an earthly leader of some sort. If you know a real Witch, you'll quickly come to find the term "Cult" could not apply to us. Most Wiccans, Witches and pagans come to the Craft individually through reading and communing with nature. They often will remain solitary in their beliefs but other will also find like-minded people to celebrate seasonal cycles or monthly moons with. Witches are extremely individualistic, self sufficient and defend the right of free will without hesitation.

Q. Do Witches have a bible? A. No. A bible is supposedly the word of a deity revealed through a prophet. Witchcraft is a Pagan folk-religion of personal experience. Witchcraft in the old times was much the same as the beliefs of the Essenes, Gnostics, Druids, and many other religions. The teachings were passed along by spoken word through long periods of one-on-one instruction with an Elder of the Craft.

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This approach was taken because the power and knowledge could be misused in the wrong hands. Therefore, by using only the spoken word, the old masters could ensure those who wished to follow the path had a true understanding and their hearts were in the right place as their knowledge of the mysteries grew. Unfortunately, when the medieval church began its attempts to convert and eliminate rival belief systems, the teachers were either killed outright or went underground resulting in much of the ancient knowledge being lost.

Q. If Witches don't have a bible, what do you use? A. Most modern Witches keep a Book of Shadows, (BOS) or Grimoire, which is more like an individual‘s workbook, journal, or diary, meaningful to the person who keeps it. This book contains rituals, discoveries, spells, poetry, herb lore, etc. Covens almost always keep a similar group book. I am not exactly sure how the name "Book of Shadows" came to be, but I would assume that this also ties into the Burning Times when the church set out to eliminate all texts along with the followers of the old ways. The writings that existed were more than likely were taken into the shadows and hidden with the survivors.

Q. The word Tradition is used quite often. What is the exact meaning of this? A. Here the word Tradition relates to the beliefs of a specific geographical region such as Celtic, Germanic, Norse, etc., and is sometimes broken down into further subsets. Essentially it is much the same as the variety of denominations seen within Christianity, such as Methodist, Mormon or Catholic.

Q. Do Witches cast spells? A. Some do and some don't. Spell work should never be the focus of following this path and those who seek our ways only for this purpose are very misguided. A spell is a ritual formula, or s eries of steps, to direct psychic energy to accomplish a desired end. This energy is drawn from the Earth with the aid of elementals, concentrated and sent out into the world to achieve a

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positive goal. Since Witchcraft teaches that whatever one sends out is returned threefold, Witches are very careful to never send out harmful energy carelessly. The Christian word for this is "Prayer". The only real difference is that Witches also invoke the aid of spirit guides, familiars or other elemental energies to add strength to the process as well as using ritual tools.

Q. Do Witches worship the devil? A. No. Satan, or the Devil, has absolutely no place in Wicca or Witchcraft. The worship of Satan is the practice of profaning Christian symbolism and is thus a Christian heresy, rather than a Pagan religion. The Goddess and God of the Witches are in no way connected to Satanic practices. Satan, or the Devil, is a Christian creation and they are more than welcome to keep him.

Q. Are Witches only women? A. No, although women do seem to predominate in the Craft overall. In fact, some traditions have only women practitioners, just as others have only men. A male Witch is simply called a Witch, never a warlock and it is considered an insult to call a male Witch "Warlock". The word "Warlock" actually means "oath breaker". Some traditions of Wicca separate between female/male. The word "Wicce" pronounced (Wik-kay) designates a female Witch and "Wicca" pronounced (Wik-kah) designates a male Witch.

Q. How do Witches view Sex? A. Sex is part of nature and sacred to the Deities and Witches. Just like everyone else, witches think it's wonderful. The Great Rite at Beltane is a symbolic representation of the union between the Goddess and God resulting in the creation of all that exists. Very few, if any, traditions engage in sex as a part of group rites and there are no orgies during ritual. Many couples who have chosen each other, and jointly follow the path, do use sex magick in their private rites and rituals, however. It is a deeply intimate sharing of body, spirit and soul which bonds them together closer than anything else can.

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Q. What is the purpose of performing ceremonies Skyclad? A. The term skyclad means "Clad only by the sky". Not all Witches perform rituals skyclad, but there are those who believe t hat the absence of clothing allows energy to transfer to and from them more freely. Many simply feel closer to the Goddess and God while in their natural form without the bindings of human technology, insecurities or socially retarded inhibitions regarding the human form. Many wear a robe or some other clothing made of natural materials while participating in group activities and go skyclad only when observing rites alone or with their mate. Re gardless, going skyclad during ritual is in no way a sexual act, it is a deeply spiritual one for those who "choose" to do so.

Q. Is Witchcraft a religion? A. Yes, Witchcraft is a nature based religion and it has been recognized as such in the United States and Canada. In the U.S., Wicca has full recognition as a religion and is granted all rights as such under the Constitution. The American Heritage Dictionary defines religion as "a belief in and reverence for a supernatural power recognized as the creator and governor of the universe". So yes, it does qualify as such. Our definition differs slightly in that to us, the creator of the universe IS the universe. Witchcraft, or Wicca, is not something that can be followed once in a while or when it is convenient or we need or want something. It is a dedication made to nature, the deities and yourself. It is a way of life, and as such we are mindful of the balance between ourselves and all things within the universe at all times.

Q. How do Witches view death? A. Many Witches believe in reincarnation and the Summerland. After passing over, Summerland is where the spirit awaits to be returned into a new physical form. We do not believe in an absolute Heaven or Hell where the spirit spends eternity as reward or punishment for ones earthly actions.

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Witches Reed of Chivalry Insofar as the Craft of the Wise is the most ancient and most honorable creed of humankind, it behooves all who are Witches to act i n ways that give respect to the Old Gods, to their sisters and brothers of the Craft, and to themselves. Therefore, be it noted that: Chivalry is a high code of honor which is of most ancie nt Celtic Pagan origin, and must be lived by all who follow the Old ways. It must be kenned that thoughts and intent put forth on thi s Middle-Earth will wax strong in other worlds beyond, and return... bringing into creation, on this world, that which had been sent forth. Thus one should exercise discipline, for "as ye sow, so shall ye reap." It is only by preparing our minds to be as Gods that we can ultimately attain godhead. "This above all...to thine own self be true...." A Witch's word must have the validity of a signed and witnessed oath. Thus, give thy word sparingly, but adhere to it like iron. Refrain from speaking ill of others, for not all truths of the matter may be known. Pass not unverified words about another, for hearsay is, in large part, a thing of falsehoods. Be thou honest with others, and have them known that honesty is likewise expected of them. The fury of the moment plays folly with the truth; to keep one's head is a virtue. Contemplate always the consequences of thine acts upon others. Strive not to harm another.

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