Wiccan response to ‘Fox and Friends’ hosts’ take on the Wiccan faith

After viewing a recent video of a portion of last Sunday’s Fox News and Friends Weekend, it becomes necessary to respond to the disturbing discussion between the show’s hosts, Anna Kooiman, Clayton Morris, and Tucker Carlson.  The show’s hosts did little more than belittle Wicca and its practitioners.  Readers can view the clip from the show above.

The show’s hosts, primarily Tucker Carlson, purposefully mock and ridicule the Wiccan faith and its adherents, and the hosts’ comments are unprofessional, unethical and unwarranted.  Carlson willfully attempts to make Wiccans, and anyone that acknowledges the faith system as valid, appear ridiculous.  His assertions and many of the statements offered by his co-hosts have no sound basis in fact.  The commentary on the show only serves to belittle an entire population of people that the hosts of Fox News and Friends Weekend really know nothing about.

First, Clayton Morris mentions the Wiccan and pagan population and questions whether or not they make up a large percentage of the population.  Tucker Carlson responds with: “I do, they don’t.”  

This response is interesting since there are no clear statistics on just how many pagans and witches there are, so how can Carlson possibly know more than anybody in the entire world about the pagan population.  The majority of population surveys are mere estimates, but if one bases an understanding on any estimates (including the notion of a “large population” as subjective,) one will find that the pagan population is considerable.  A little bit of research reveals that according to 2001 statistics, there are an estimated 200,000 to 768,000 Wiccans and pagans in the US alone, depending upon the cited source.  Additional research reveals that the US population of Wiccans is doubling about every 30 months and in Scotland, the Neo-Pagan population is doubling annually (source: http://www.washington-baltimore-paganclergy.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2006/01/wiccaprofile.pdf). 

The Puralism Project at Harvard University has a variety of statistics sources, several of which make estimates related to the pagan population.  In 2000, the Covenant of the Goddess, a highly regarded pagan organization, suggests that there were about 768,400 pagans and witches in the US.  The Ontario Consultants from Tolerance.org suggest a population rate of 750,000 (with a 50% margin rate for all errors) and The Witch’s Voice estimates a population of 1 million pagans and witches in the US and 3 million worldwide.  Additionally, When Carlson says that there are more Zoroastrians than Wiccans in an effort to make the population of Wiccan and pagan practitioners appear small, his efforts do not negate the validity of the Wiccan faith, diminish the significance of the faith system to its followers, or devalue the tremendous spiritual fulfillment Wiccans derive from their religion.

Clayton Morris then mentions the University of Missouri’s Guide to Religions: Major Holidays and Suggested Accommodations and the Wiccan and pagan holidays included in the guide.  Nowhere in the guide does it say that pagans and witches need to have all of their holidays recognized.  In fact, if the hosts take a look at the guide, eight Wiccan holidays are mentioned, not 20 as it is erroneously mentioned in the hosts’ conversation.  (and yes I can name them all).  The eight holidays include Samhain, Yule, Candlemas (also called Imbolc), Ostara (also called Spring Equinox), Beltane, Summer Solstice (also called Litha), Lammas, and Fall Equinox.  If one looks under each of the holidays in the guide, there is a description of the holiday along with some information detailing pagan practices.  However, there is no mention of any recommendation whatsoever to stop planning exams or significant study activities.  Thus, despite the fact that Wiccan holidays equal about one-fifth of the 46 holidays mentioned, there are no recommendations that would suggest to faculty members of the university to allow the holidays to influence academic planning. 

Wiccans do not choose their religion based upon the number of holidays in the faith system.  For Clayton Morris to say such a thing is ridiculous and is tad amount to saying that a Christian is a follower of Christ because they like to take Christmas and Easter holidays off each year.  When Carlson later asks how many Wiccans can name all of their holidays, guessing about 50%, again such a comment is completely out of line.  Any Wiccan who is a sincere practitioner will have little difficulty telling anyone about the eight seasonal sabbats celebrated on a yearly basis. 

In the discussion, Carlson mentions that the downside of Wiccanism is “that it is obviously a form of witchcraft,” and this statement raises two questions.  First, does Carlson know anything about real witchcraft at all?  Since he identifies the “upside” as being a “ton of holidays,” and he states, “Every Wiccan I have ever known is a compulsive Dungeons & Dragons player or is a middle-aged, twice-divorced, older woman living in a rural area who works as a midwife,” it is clear he knows little.  When he co-host Clayton Morris pipes in his view and says, “and [Wiccans] like a lot of incense,” the extent of their knowledge about the Craft and its practitioners is made brutally clear.  Therefore, knowing as little as the hosts of Fox News and Friends Weekend do about witchcraft, Wicca and its adherents, what puts them in the position to judge?  Second, witchcraft is a downside for who?  If the practice is not right for the hosts of Fox News and Friends Weekend, that’s perfectly fine, but why then is it necessary for the show’s hosts to devalue the practices and beliefs of others? 

As far as Samhain (Halloween) being a major holiday for Wiccans, the day is one for honoring deceased ancestors.  The hosts mock one of the most sacred sabbats, suggesting it is not something to take seriously.  Then Clayton Morris suggests that Halloween is an event that has more to do with paganism than Wicca.  Here it should be mentioned that paganism is an umbrella term for people who do not follow the major Judeo-Christian religions, and Wicca is just one branch of paganism.  A bit of research will reveal to the hosts of the show that modern Halloween practices are actually pagan based practices.  If they had read the university’s holiday guide more thoroughly they would have been able to read the full description of the holiday on the university’s website that reads as follows:

“One of the four "greater Sabbats" and considered by some to be the Wiccan New Year. A time to celebrate the lives of those who have passed on, welcome those born during the past year into the community, and reflecting on past relationships, events and other significant changes in life. 

General Practices: Paying respect to ancestors, family members, elders of the faith, friends, pets and other loved ones who have died."  

Wiccans honoring of Halloween is no different from when Christians honor the death and resurrection of Christ on Easter.  Just as Easter holds tremendous significance to those who follow Christ, Samhain holds great meaning for those who are adherents of Wicca. 

As for the interview with Tammy Bruce with her suggesting that Wiccans and Pagans are being used for political purposes and to devalue tradition, the question arises, how do our equally valid traditions devalue the traditions of other faith systems, especially when the university’s guide has no recommendations to make any academic changes for Wiccan holidays whatsoever?  How does the integration of Wiccan traditions “downgrade” other traditions through an “anti-tradition action?”  With confidence in speaking for the majority of the Wiccan community, Wiccans are pleased to have come as far as to have their holidays acknowledged as celebratory events.  Nowhere have Wiccans demanded academic accommodations for them.  Of course, if Wiccans did start asking for holiday accommodations, there would be absolutely nothing wrong with doing so.  Again, Wiccan celebrations are just as significant, important and meaningful as holidays in any other religious tradition. 

Anna makes mention of when Christians in the U.S. say “Merry Christmas” to others it is sometimes viewed as pushing one’s faith on others.  In part this sentiment is true, and the issue works both ways.  A Christian might be highly unappreciative of someone wishing them a “Blessed Samhain” or a “Blessed Lammas.”  The underlying message in such situations is that it is important for everyone, Christians, pagans, and people from all faith systems to have consideration for others.  Whether we agree with someone’s religious values or beliefs is of no import.  What is most important is that we respect one another and act in considerate ways: this is something the hosts of “Fox and News Weekend” failed to do.

There is a petition on Causes.com looking for Wiccan practitioners who want to demand an apology from the hosts of Fox and Friends.  Interested individuals can sign the petition at the following link http://www.causes.com/actions/1733105-demand-fox-news-apologize-to-pagans-and-wiccans.

A Facebook page has been established, demanding an apology from the show’s hosts as well at https://www.facebook.com/FoxNewsPagan.

The co-hosts of Isis Paranormal Radio are planning a discussion on Sunday, Feb. 24 related to the show and the hosts’ commentary.  Interested individuals can listen to the live online radio show at 1 PM ET at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isisparanormal.  Listeners can join in the conversation, call into the show, and express their opinions in the chat room.

Article by: Dayna Winters, a Wiccan and the co-author of Wicca: What’s the Real Deal? BreakingThrough the Misconceptions.

Hosting a Magickal Yule Celebration

The season of Yule approaches: for Wiccans and other Pagans all over the world, Winter Solstice marks the rebirth of the solar deity. The event is celebrated by giving honor and recognition to the birth of the Sun God and the Magick and mystery of death and rebirth. It is also the longest night of the year with an annual date falling circa December 20 to 23. In contrast, in the southern hemisphere, the dating of Yule occurs circa June 20 to 23.  To Witches, the Winter Solstice or Yule signifies the rebirth of hope and vitality. In the darkest part of the year comes the pivotal moment when the Mother Goddess gives birth to the Sun God; the rebirth rekindles hopes, dreams, and simultaneously strengthens all living things in both a symbolic and literal sense as we all look to the Sun to rise in power once more.

Yule is a festive time: it is a lesser sabbat that is best celebrated with loved ones, family, and friends. We seek comfort and warmth from those we love in the cold nights of winter, and on this longest night of the year, we look within to find hope and vitality to carry out our dreams in the coming season, strengthened by the turning from darkness to light.  Yule celebrations may be held at any time of day on the Solstice, but many prefer to honor the returning of the Sun by celebrating in the evening. Decorations for Yule include objects representative of the God aspect of the Divine.   

Consider embellishments that have a gold color for the affiliation with both the God and Sun.   Also a fire festival, candles not only offer a source of illumination, but they can serve as a symbolic representation of the Sun God, as well as the promise of the continued increase of sunlight in the coming season. It is not hard to find remnants of the ancient Yule festivals still prevalent in some of the more secular or commercial trappings of the holiday season. The Yule log for example, has its origins in Pagan celebrations of the Solstice. They can be obtained in stores or made with relative ease. Other decorations can include seasonally prevalent gifts of the Earth such as Mistletoe, Holly, Evergreens, pine cones, and other beautiful accents found in nature.

Yule festivals are a great time to enjoy comforting foods as well.  Hot ciders, stews and other types of hearty foods can make your Yule celebration nurturing for body and soul. Consider sharing the joy of cooking by hosting a Pot Luck Yule celebration. A theme can even be selected to make the preparation for feasting fun.  Consider a Solar theme with foods on the yellow, orange, and red spectrum. Other ideas could include a theme harkening back to heritage honored in your coven such as a Celtic, Italian, American Indian or Egyptian themes with foods stemming from these traditions.

Yule rituals are invigorating, but the fun does not have to stop there. Consider games or activities for young and old to continue the festivities outside of circle. These can include games that challenge participants to use their psychic abilities, telepathy or psychometry games, story telling or re-enactments of the birth of the Sun God. Be as creative and festive as you like, but also remember the reason for the celebration itself and do not forget to give honor, thanks, and blessings to Mother Earth and the Solar God and leave appropriate libation after the ceremony is held.

Article by Angela Kaufman.  Angela is the coauthor of Wicca: What's the Real Deal? Breaking Through the Misconceptions, along with Dayna Winters and Patricia Gardner.

What is the Wiccan View of Christianity?

To a Wiccan Christianity is viewed not much differently than Judaism, Islam, Taoism, or any multitude of religions aside from the one we practice.  If there is any difference it may in fact be related to the amount of animosity at times expressed by members of the Christian faith who outwardly denigrate Wiccan beliefs.  Given this unpleasant reality, it is not uncommon for some Wiccans to view Christianity as a source of oppression. 

To further complicate relations between practitioners of these two faiths, there are historical rifts that have fostered a mistrust and at times animosity towards each of these religions.  Not unlike long held conflicts between different socio-political factions, a history fraught with tension and oppression has produced lingering effects.  It is common for some Wiccans to assume that Christians will be quick to dismiss, judge, or denigrate their beliefs.  This may be based on actual experiences of harassment or abuse, but may also perpetuate this hostility if we are too quick to jump to conclusions.  On the other hand, some followers of the Christian faith harbor negative attitudes or judgments about what Wicca is, in their minds, regardless of the truth.  This can lead to aggressive and sometimes harassing tactics to convert, embarrass, or create discomfort for the Wiccan practitioner.  Either of these two extremes proves detrimental to tolerance and the ability to move forward into greater acceptance. 

 Aside from hostile attitudes stemming from past misunderstandings or historic oppression, many Wiccans view Christianity as containing elements of paganism existing before efforts at transmogrification by the church centuries ago.  Wiccans may recognize the pagan undertones in elements of Christian worship such as the Trinity, the Christmas tree or Easter Egg, or even myriad saint’s days that fall in accordance with pagan days of worship.  The extent that this recognition is a source of contention depends on the practitioner themselves.  Some Wiccans also view parallels believed to have been useful in the acculturation of Christianity.  For example, as Wiccans we honor the birth, growth, and death of a Solar King Deity, as do many other religious systems.  As a result some Wiccans hold the view that Christ is another archetypical Solar King Deity.  Others view him as a sage healer trained by the Druids, but do not as a result, pay homage to him as the son of God.  Wiccans have a plethora of seeking within our own spiritual system without seeking to adapt from Christianity in general.  Like most things however even this carries its exceptions.  Some Wiccan practitioners seek to blend Christianity and Wicca although a majority of Wiccans do not. 

 It is worth noting that within the 13 Principals of Wiccan Belief it is stated “Our only animosity towards Christianity, or towards any other religion or philosophy of life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be ‘the only way’ and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practice and belief.”  This explains that in general Wiccans are not seeking to be the polar opposite of any religion, nor are we seeking to “invert” or disgrace the practices of Christians or any others.  The existence of any hostility is a result of centuries of propaganda and anti-pagan campaigns that have sought to drive out the practices of paganism, Magick, divination and healing outside of the institution of the church. 

Article by Angela Kaufman, co-author of Wicca: What's the Real Deal?  Find out more at http://www.wwtrd.webs.com.
 

An Explication of the Principles of Belief: Part 12

We do not accept the concept of absolute evil, nor do we worship any entity known as ‘Satan’ or ‘the Devil’ as defined by Christian tradition.  We do not seek power through the suffering of others, nor accept that personal benefit can be derived only by denial to another.

 

This principle is of extreme importance.  One common error people make is in assuming Wicca is “anti-Christian” and more specifically “Satanic.”  The above principal is designed to address this stereotype, stating that in no part of the Wiccan religion is there reverence for, or worship of Satan.  Wiccan philosophy emphasizes seeking balance through polarities in all of nature.  We seek to utilize the concept of polarities to maintain balance in ourselves and the environment around us.  Thus, it is only natural that Wiccans would recognize the existence of a counterpart to what is good, creative and benevolent.  We view this natural opposite to good as inherent in the necessary destructive force in nature.  We recognize that night follows day, birth eventually culminates in death, and warmth eventually gives way to the cold.  We do not align certain natural forces with any type of Satan figure, as we do not view a single Deity as encompassing all that is evil.

 Within the Wiccan pantheon there are aspects of Gods and Goddesses which are less “cheerful” than others.  There is for example, recognition of the spirit of aggression in Warrior deities, and death in Crone or Sage deities.  These deities are worshiped as keeper of the great mysteries of death and rebirth.  They may not carry the light and carefree energies of some of the other deities symbolically aligned with birth and nurturing, but they are significant and benevolent in their own way.  We do not seek out deities associated with justice, darkness, or harsher realities of nature to do our bidding in order to gain power or revenge.  We recognize their existence and we give honor to them as representations of life forces to which we all eventually succumb.  We do not seek personal gain through the suffering of others, and we do not promote the idea of denigration of others or ourselves.

Individual practitioners and covens have their own interpretations of concepts surrounding evil as a force in nature.  Some practitioners recognize balance in nature in the view of some forces of energy that are malevolent.  Others view all forms of energy as inherently containing their opposite to some degree.  In other words, to some Wiccans all that is “good” contains some potential for “evil” and vice versa.  Even among practitioners who recognize evil in the form of malevolent spirits or entities, there is no concept akin to the Judeo-Christian Devil.  The Devil or Satan as a singular evil being is actually a unique figure in monotheistic philosophy.  In most pagan religions recognition of evil beings or forces are typically seen as negative spirits, but not beings that are ruler over by a being of absolute evil.

Angela Kaufman is the coauthor of Wicca: What’s the Real Deal? Breaking Through the Misconceptions, along with Dayna Winters, and Patricia Gardner.  You can find out more about the book at: http://www.wwtrd.webs.com.

An Explication of the Principles of Belief: Part 11

As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the craft, the origins of various terms, the legitimacy of various aspects of different traditions.  We are concerned with our present and our future.

The general public has only recently begun to openly warm up to the existence of the modern Craft movement.  It is no surprise that many assume that Wicca is a “new” religion.  Wiccans know that it is not the Craft that is new, but rather the more open awareness of Wiccans in the community as religious tolerance slowly increases.  The above principle is designed to not only challenge the misconception that the Craft recently emerged, but also to remind Wiccans to keep perspective when issues of our own heritage arise.

Contrary reports of the legitimacy of Wiccan history have developed as a result of periods of time when accurate record keeping was not possible due to oppression from the Church.  As a result, it appears as if paganism was prevalent worldwide, then disappeared, then reappeared centuries later with a new name.  The finer points of this controversy are beyond the scope of this article, suffice it to say that there has been debate among Wiccans and non-Wiccans alike about just how much of modern Wicca stems from these ancient pagan practices as it was impossible to keep open records through centuries of persecution.  There is additional controversy surrounding research methods and anthropological studies that link Wicca to various ancient pagan cultures.

Regardless of the extent to which modern Craft practices stem from ancient cultures in verifiable accounts, there remains a common thread weaving pagan religions with basic principles and practices of Wicca and relating all of this back to prehistoric polytheistic societies.  Our link is to our heritage and the Deities we serve, and while controversy arises from terms like “neo-pagan” vs. “reconstructionist religion,” we acknowledge in the Wiccan faith that we are not primarily focused on proving fidelity to traditions practiced in prehistory.  We practice adaptations of pagan practices in America in the modern day. It is Wicca’s ability to adapt and maintain pertinence to larger spiritual goals that has allowed our faith to evolve through the centuries.  We seek to explore our heritage and its relevance in the present, but are not threatened by discrepancies among traditions.  We do not seek to invalidate fellow Wiccans by focusing on such trivia.  Our practice in the present will continue to lead us into the future and with an increase yearning for wisdom and tolerance, what better time to honor our differences with respect?

With all that being said, let’s also consider that saying that we do not debate the history of the craft does not mean we simply forget about what has happened in the past as we move forward into our futures.  Let us also say that to forget the past is to risk repeating it.  While we are not threatened by debates regarding the history of the Craft, Witches are all too aware of the prejudices and religious biases that led to the persecution and death of thousands of people allegedly accused of witchcraft, even when many of those who were accused were not practitioners of the Magickal arts at all.  The Burning Times and the Witch Trials of the past are not to ever be forgotten; they are a constant reminder of what can and does happen when there is no religious understanding and tolerance.  If we were to ignore such events, we would be moving forward into our future blindly, perhaps dangerously, since the past can and does shape future events, especially if it is repeated.

By Angela Kaufman and Dayna Winters: the coauthor of Wicca: What’s the Real Deal? Breaking Through the Misconceptions, along with Patricia Gardner.  You can find out more about the book at: http://www.wwtrd.webs.com.

An Explication of the Principles of Belief: Part 10

“Our only animosity towards Christianity, or towards any other religion or philosophy of life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be ‘the only way’ and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practice and belief.”

This principle explains that the extent of animosity, dislike, ill will, enmity, or the adversarial nature toward Christianity or toward any other religion is the extent of hostility that is warranted in response some representatives of the latter faiths who have sought to limit or deny the rights of Wiccans to believe and worship how they choose to do so.  There is also a dislike for those who outright renounce our beliefs.  In other words, it is not part of Wicca to be “anti-” any other religion or philosophy and Wiccans do not convert or proselytize or solicit membership.  We reserve our teachings for those who openly seek them.  If tensions exist between Wiccan groups and those of other belief systems it is a direct result of hostility expressed in the form of harassment and discrimination against Wiccans for our own religious practices.

There is also no part of Wiccan doctrine or general belief that is mutually exclusive of other systems; Wiccans, as a whole, do not deny the right of others to practice their religions even though it may not coincide with our specific beliefs.  In Wiccan practice, we acknowledge that not everyone in the world may honor the Goddess Isis, for example, but we do not inherently conclude that those who do not worship Her are doomed to some ill fate.  We see it as our practice to honor Her and not to convince others of their dire need to do the same.

A part of this principle extends to Wiccans as a guide, and that is in the specification that this animosity is in correlation to confrontation by others and is not an open invitation to rant on others of different faiths or to become lost in a martyr role.  It is not appropriate to direct anger, unprovoked, at members of other faiths who are not responsible for the derogatory or discriminatory acts or speech of the larger institutions with which their religion is aligned.  We do not seek to discriminate or retaliate against individuals of other religions as a repercussion of their religious institution acting in a discriminatory manner toward those who practice our faith.  It is a statement of defending one’s religious rights when warranted and a reminder that harmony is the overall goal when possible.

Angela Kaufman is the coauthor of Wicca: What’s the Real Deal? Breaking Through the Misconceptions, along with Dayna Winters, and Patricia Gardner.  You can find out more about the book at: http://www.wwtrd.webs.com.

An Explication of the Principles of Wiccan Belief: Part 4

“We conceive of the Creative Power in the universe as manifesting through polarity – as masculine and feminine – and that this same Creative Power lies in all people and functions through the interaction of the masculine and the feminine.  We value neither above the other knowing each to be supportive of the other.  We value sex as pleasure as the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of energy used in magical practice and religious worship.

Most practitioners of Wicca recognize energy in all forms of life consisting of duality. These opposing forces are conceived of as “masculine” and “feminine” energy; although, this does not refer to gender in a mundane sense, but the nature of this energy being a projecting or receiving force. Like tides in an ocean the ebbing and flowing waters are both necessary, and as one tide advances while another recedes, neither is dominant or superior to the other.

This energy is embodied as a God and Goddess who carry the nature of this receding and advancing energy. As all things in nature must have balance, Wiccans see polarity of opposites in the God and Goddess.  With the God and Goddess as the culmination of energy manifest in Divine form, it is then only natural to hold the exchange of energy between them, or the combination of masculine and feminine energies, as an act of divine union. In Wiccan religion, this is considered the “Great Marriage” of the God and Goddess and their union is the source of nurturing and fertility of all nature on a seasonal cycle.  Thus, the Wiccan view of combining masculine and feminine polarities in sexual union is considered sacred. In viewing sex in this manner, we see it as a Divine act of combining powerful energies, and it is an act to be treated with respect. Whether for pleasure or procreation we see it as an extension of the act of creation that allows nature to continually rejuvenate season after season.

We hold the concept of balance as being critical as we see all things in nature as existing in the context of their polar opposite. Joining with a partner in sex, regardless of gender, is a bringing together of complimentary energies which some choose to engage in for magickal practice; however, this is completely up to the individuals and should never be performed under any type of coercion.  One can be just as successful in magickal workings combining energies with others through gathering in a circle to raise energy through rituals that do not contain any intimate physical contact, or that contain symbolic representations of the God and Goddess joining in the Great Marriage, such as holding the athame (ritual knife) with the blade inside the ritual chalice (representing the Goddess). Magick is about harnessing energy through intent, and for a Wiccan to channel the powerful energy of opposites in nature, the act need not be literal but can be represented symbolically.

Angela Kaufman is the coauthor of Wicca: What’s the Real Deal? Breaking Through the Misconceptions, along with Dayna Winters, and Patricia Gardner.  You can find out more about the book at: http://www.wwtrd.webs.com.

An Explication of the Principles of Wiccan Belief: Part 1

By Angela Kaufman

“We practice Rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the Moon and the seasonal Quarters and Cross-Quarters.”

Wiccans practice rituals throughout the year to celebrate the forces inherent in nature that promote growth and transcendence through the sacred alignment of the self, soul, and environment.  We observe the changing of the seasons and the tides of the Moon, Sun, and Mother Earth by honoring these transition times throughout the calendar and seasonal year.  To a practitioner of Wicca, the change in season means more than a reason to change wardrobes, winterize the home or car, or open the pool for the season.  These fluctuations in nature strike a personal chord that resonates deep in the lifestyle of the practitioner so that we may feel the energies of the Goddess and God as recognized as a part of the Earth, Moon, and Sun.  We recognize in these cycles the energy of transformation and we seek to parallel the transformation process in our own personal lives.  We follow the axiom “As Above, So Below.”  Thus, as the Earth, Sun and Moon interact to produce abundance or a scarcity of growth or light, so do we as spiritual seekers on the Wiccan path, observe the hope of the long sun filled days, or the seasons of darkness with introspection examining our lives and ourselves.

We observe eight annual milestones in the waxing or waning of Sun known as the Sabbats.  These power days also mark the seasons recognized by all humankind even aside from their religious connotations.  The Sabbats are the equinoxes, or days of equal day and night time (occurring in the start of both spring and fall), the solstices, days of greatest and least sunlight (first days of winter and summer), and the cross quarter days, which mark the transitions to spring, fall, winter and summer.  This cycle also represents milestones in the growth of the God and Goddess as representative of the lifespan (birth, puberty, adulthood, full maturity, death) and the lifespan of growth seasons (planting, growth, harvest, barrenness).  Thus, the multi-layered forces at work in all natural creation and destruction are represented, celebrated in symbolic birth, growth, death, and rebirth of plant and animal life as seen in the changing seasons.

Attunement to the cycles of nature need not wait for summer or winter, but is experienced in the growing and waning power of the Moon, signaling the power ebb and flow of the Divine Feminine.  By observing the lunar cycles, we work with the energies of growth and productivity in both Magickal and mundane tasks during the waxing Moon.  As the Moon wanes, we acknowledge the change in energy as we focus on banishing from our lives what is no longer useful.  We acknowledge the Divine Feminine as a lunar Goddess whose height of power is celebrated at monthly Esbats, or full moon rituals.

Wiccans find fulfillment in synchronizing periods of growth or loss, preparation or introspection in conjunction with these shifts in nature.  It is through attuning with Mother Earth’s cycles that we are able to keep our own growth and development in perspective and carry the connection to our divine and fluctuating world in our daily lives.

Angela Kaufman is the coauthor of Wicca:What’s the Real Deal? Breaking Through the Misconceptions, along with Dayna Winters, and Patricia Gardner.  You can find out more about the book at: http://www.wwtrd.webs.com.