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 Belief: Part 9

We acknowledge that it is the affirmation and fulfillment of life, in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness, that gives meaning to the universe we know, and to our personal role within it.

Wiccans seek to fulfill spiritual development by holding a conscious regard for nature and our place in the world. We see ourselves as part of an ecosystem, nurturing and nurtured by all of life.  We seek to attune our energies to that of the greater world and to find personal and spiritual fulfillment.

Wiccans are spiritual seekers whose religion is entwined with the forces of nature and expressed through worship of the God and Goddess as well as the natural cycles.  To Wiccans, Magick is harnessing energy and psychic “gifts” are merely a skill in tapping in to currents of information that are open to anyone who is willing to take the time to receive it. Dress down the Halloween Witch and what remains is the hard work, dedication and commitment that Wiccans carry in serious pursuit of spiritual development.  This idea may come as a surprise to those whose understanding of Witchcraft developed solely based on media portrayals: depictions based only the frills associated with Witchcraft and Wicca. 

We believe in fulfillment in our spiritual purpose.  The true attraction to this path is to seek harmony in one’s self and the connection to natural forces. Wiccans seek fulfillment in aligning with the cyclical progressions in nature and to develop spiritually. The arts of divination, healing, and Magick are merely part of a greater process in living a Wiccan lifestyle.  What the media often portrays as the culmination of the Wiccan lifestyle, including Magick, psychic phenomenon, ritual, or occult wisdom, are simply fringe benefits of being a Wiccan, not the main focus. The true focus of a Witch is found in following a calling that speaks to one’s own life purpose as a part of the tapestry of nature.  We seek to develop our own consciousness as we exist in relation to the world around us.  We seek to understand our role in the world and carry out our spiritual development in balance with nature and those around us.

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 8

Calling oneself ‘Witch’ does not make a Witch – but neither does heredity itself, nor the collecting of titles, degrees, and initiations.  A Witch seeks to control the forces within her/himself that make life possible in order to live wisely and without harm to others and in harmony with nature.

It may seem at times like Wicca is so flexible it defies limitations.  Wiccans are frequently accused of being “self proclaimed” or “self-styled,” but let it not be forgotten that the term Witch is being used to describe the practices an individual holds as a valuable part of their craft and way of life. Someone calling himself or herself a Witch in title alone does not a Witch make.  An individual’s deeds, beliefs, and actions must back this title to make it authentic.  It is often believed that one can be given a title, degree, or “gifts” associated with Witchcraft simply by birth.  While many religions have followers who believe in instilling a line of faith to next of kin handed down like a surname, Wiccan practice does not uphold this tradition.  Perhaps because many Wiccans have come to the Craft of their own volition after spending time in faiths bestowed upon them from birth, it seems more common for modern Wiccans to want to allow those to come to this tradition who seek it for personal reasons, and not simply as a matter of family tradition.

This is not to say however that family members cannot introduce others to the Craft.  It is possible that children raised in a Wiccan household will grow comfortable enough with the beliefs of their parents to which they cannot help but be exposed, to want to seek out their own practice in the Craft; however, this may not always be the case.  In many Wiccan traditions children may be welcome at rites when appropriate, or will be exposed to discussion of their parents’ beliefs and practices, but will not be expected to engage fully until at an age to make a conscious commitment to study and practice as a Witch themselves.      

There are also families wherein interest in parts of Witchcraft beyond the spiritual traditions of Wicca prevail sparking an interest in the Occult and supernatural that may yield a study of elements of Witchcraft.  To briefly explain, Witchcraft is the practices involved in performing healing, divination, Magick etc., but does not necessarily embody the spiritual beliefs associated with Wicca as a religion.  Therefore, some families define particular practices as being inherent in their culture: for example, Tarot reading or healing arts, and these practices are taught and fostered in other family members who show interest and potential.  

Some families choose to continue the tradition of Wiccan practice throughout the generations; thus, individuals who do continue to follow Wicca as it was introduced to them by family members are known as “hereditary witches.”  Nevertheless, regardless of family ties, for “hereditary witches” it is typically expected that they will need to learn, grow, and develop skills in practicing elements of Witchcraft and to grow spiritually as a Wiccan, just like anyone else. For comparison, if one is born to parents who speak German, one still needs to learn to speak German.  It may be easier than someone growing up in a Spanish-speaking household who later wants to learn German, but it remains a learning process nonetheless.  It is erroneous to assume that someone will have more potent Magick, more capacity for divination or healing or a better aptitude for telepathy just because their parents were Witches.  There are certainly examples of families who have high numbers of individuals highly attuned to psychic phenomenon but the opposite is also found in some occasions to be true, and it remains controversial to what extent a genetic advantage is involved as opposed to openness, exposure, and practice.  In all, it is how one lives, and follows the path of the God and Goddess, that wisdom to practice Witchcraft develops, not from family history alone.

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 3

By Angela Kaufman

“We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than that apparent to the average person.  Because it is far greater than ordinary it is sometimes called ‘supernatural’, but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all.”

Courtesy of NASA.

As Wiccans, we are often asked if we are “also psychic.”  We view capabilities to access senses and information not readily available to the five basic senses as something that is available for cultivation by anyone who chooses to spend the time and effort developing such talents. Sure, some people may grow up in a culture that foster the development of psychic tools and intuition, and others may find a more natural inclination toward clairvoyance, telepathy, or some other “psychic” talent.  Nevertheless, the potential to access information or harness the energy that flows through the Earth and Universe is not a “gift” that is reserved for only “a select few.” 

We acknowledge that such power and capabilities exist which gives us an advantage in knowing that we have the capability to access and utilize senses beyond the mundane. However, it does not give us any more of an advantage than it would an individual who also acknowledges such power, even outside of practice of the Wiccan religion. Conveniently, this power is labeled “supernatural” or “paranormal” because it is on the outer fringe of what traditional sensory perception would offer, but as Wiccans, we perceive “psychic” abilities as a birthright or something that is inherent in all beings.

Although traditionally the supernatural has been relegated to fringe groups, religious gurus, mystics, Witches, or traditional healers, again it is the belief in being able to access our natural abilities that allows us to cultivate a talent in doing so.  Let’s imagine the following scenario: a group of people start a community and believe in the existence of only what they had bothered to scout out (the fields, trees, etc,). The villagers establish an entire community based around what they have encountered and experienced. The group spends time tending to the trees and fields.  Thus, the villagers’ understanding of their external environment is only based on the knowledge of the things that they have already physically encountered.   Now imagine that a few villagers wandered beyond the established perimeter of their community and that they discover a nearby lake. They spend enough time by the lake to learn to swim and fish; later, their peers may consider them special or gifted since they have mastered the ability to swim or to provide food through fishing. However, the reality is that if any of the villagers chose to spend time at the lake learning how to fish or swim, they could master the same talents.

The realm of the “supernatural” in which Wiccans believe and with which we interact consists of harnessing energy for healing or Magickal workings, accessing intuitive or psychic guidance, interacting with Spirit Guides or Animal Totems or even the Deities and Ancestors. Even the enigmatic “Magick” associated with Wiccans and Witches is not a special gift reserved for winners of some supernatural lottery. Magick is the art and science of directing will and intent to manifest desires in the mundane. Just as praying is accessing Divine assistance in co-creating an outcome (protection, healing etc.), so too is Magick the practice of combining Divine, elemental, and other natural and spiritual forces to help orchestrate a specific result.  The practice of accessing intuitive guidance or working with Spiritual Guides and helpers is also not too far removed from the practice of asking intervention of saints and angels in other belief systems. In fact, to Wiccans, accessing assistance from the Divine or Spirit Guides is parallel to calling tech support when experiencing a computer problem. It is not a special privilege, as all you need is a phone and the number to access this guidance. So too with “supernatural” assistance, it is simply a matter of awareness and cultivation of the practice of interacting with spirits, the “higher self," and/or the Divine. 

Join in the discussion!  What does this principle mean to you?

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.

Explication of the Principles of Wiccan Belief - Part 2

By Angela Kaufman

“We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility toward our environment.  We seek to live in harmony with nature in ecological balance offering fulfillment to life and consciousness within an evolutionary concept.”

This principle carries a heavy message, and it should be considered as a sum of smaller parts.  Recognizing an intelligence that gives us a unique responsibility toward our environment; this intelligence, of course, is cognitive, but it is also spiritual awareness.  Our intelligence in this regard refers not to IQ but to an awareness of and regard for nature and our true place within the tapestry of our ecosystem, not standing atop it with motives of dominion.  Our Wiccan beliefs support an awareness of the delicate balance in the natural world and our role as a part of nature not the dominant force in nature.  Having realized the significance of this Wiccan truth, that nature and the Earth are living, evolving, spiritual energies, that the Earth is our Mother, that the plant and animal life are connected to us, not inferior or dependent upon us, the Wiccan practitioner now carries a solemn responsibility to consider upholding this balance responsibly in their every action.  The intelligence then is an awareness of the natural currents that are physical manifestations of Divine energy in all forms of life on Earth. The responsibility is to respect, honor, and treat life on Earth as if life depends on it, as it does!

We seek to live in harmony with nature is of course a natural byproduct of this realization.  We seek to “fairly take and fairly give” as it is essential in Wiccan perspective to continuously observe the flow of energy (energy manifest in nature, growth, material things etc.) and that stagnation is the root of decay.  We seek to facilitate the balance in flow of energy in nature and ourselves.  We seek not to acquire for acquisition sake, nor to dominate people, animals, nature, or things for conquest or titles.  We seek to live in harmony recognizing our place is within the ecosystem and not at some imaginary throne on top of the food chain.  Our goal in attaining balance to the best of our abilities requires that we observe ways to fulfill our spiritual purpose that does not rely on the dominion of the natural world, but realizing our place within it, as facilitators of growth, harmony, balance and the flow of energy.

The phrase “offering fulfillment to life and consciousness within an evolutionary concept” supports this idea as well.  We seek to find our fulfillment in our role as part of nature and the ecosystem of our community, including the environment surrounding us.  Our sense of consciousness does not end with the human beings in our lives, but is believed to be inherent also in animals, plant life, and natural forces that all seek survival through evolving and growth, but also follow the cyclical patterns of nature, thereby also retreating, decaying, transforming and growing anew.  We seek to recognize these cycles within our own lifespan and to co-exist in the environment in which we live with an understanding of sustainability and balance.

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.

Local Authors’ New Book Released “Wicca: What’s the Real Deal? Breaking Through the Misconceptions”

Written by three Witches/Priestesses, this book dispels myths and popular misconceptions about Wicca and Witchcraft. Gain a better understanding of Rituals, Circles, Covens, God and Goddess, Holy days, and much more.

Albany, New York — Witches are everywhere! You can find them in your local schools, workplace, or community. They are your friends, colleagues, neighbors, and sometimes family members. But what do you really know about them? Break through your misconceptions with this groundbreaking, comprehensive guide showcasing Wicca and Witchcraft, written in a simple myth/truth format. Three Witches, elders in the pagan community, take on wiccan-related fallacies still present in society today. They invite Wiccans to come out of the broom closet and they encourage understanding of the tenets of Wicca by those just interested in learning about the basics. This book will serve as a tool for parents and family members who seek to appreciate a loved one’s religious choices, and it will help those seeking to separate the truth about modern Witchcraft from centuries of misinformation.

Dayna Winters, Patricia Gardner, and Angela Kaufman are Witches and Priestesses in the Dragon Warriors of Isis Coven of Upstate New York. Dayna and Patricia are cofounders of ISIS Paranormal Investigations and Angela is owner of Moonlight Tarot LLC. Dayna, Patricia, and Angela Kaufman are available for radio and/or television interviews, article writing, and lectures, speaking engagements or workshops upon request. You can download and view the book trailer below for more information:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSGDfhdYUpM

This soft cover book sells for $17.99 and can be purchased through the publisher at www.schifferbooks.com or your local bookseller, as well as numerous online retailers. This book:

• Tells the truth about Wicca and Witchcraft

• Dispels myths and popular misconceptions

• Explains rituals, circles, covens, the God and Goddess, Holy days, and more.

Basic Book Details:

• BOOK ISBN: 978-0764339080

• Pages: 176

• Size: 6” x 9”

• 43 Black and white photos

Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. is based in Atglen, PA on the Schiffer Book Farm. The company is known for publishing high quality Antique, Arts, Architecture, Lifestyle, and Military History books, as well as a successful line of children’s and ghost books. Schiffer Publishing is always looking for people to write books on new and related subjects. If you have an idea for a book, please contact them at info@schifferbooks.com.

REVIEW COPIES AND INTERVIEWS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

Media Contact: Heidi McCauley

Marketing and Public Relations

Schiffer Publishing Ltd, Atglen PA

(610)593-1777

heidim@schifferbooks.com