Yuletide Greetings for the Witch in Your Life

Acknowledging the holidays celebrated by the special Witch in your life is a wonderful way to express appreciation for and understanding of a very unique aspect of your loved one. When December rolls around, why not add a personal flair based on an understanding of what this season means to those close to you who practice Wicca? By doing this you can deepen your understanding of what this time means to your loved one, while also showing that you are willing to acknowledge a large part of what spiritually fulfills the individual.

Unlike many other holidays, there is a great deal of overlap in seasonal celebrations this time of year with pagan and Wiccan celebrations. In fact, unlike Samhain which may take some practice to get used to, the Wiccan celebration in late December bears a name with which most of us are familiar: Yule.  It is important to note that many traditions and customs later carried out during December festivals such as Christmas, St. Stephen’s Day, and other Winter Holiday traditions originated in pre-Christian, pagan cultures. The roots of many of these traditions still hold strong in the modern Wiccan and Pagan celebration of Yule, or Midwinter or Winter Solstice. This holiday occurs circa December 20-22, depending on the year. It marks the beginning of winter. A great example of a special tradition for Yule is the decorative or functional Yule Log, or an evergreen log with holes drilled along the side for candles. Holly, Mistletoe and other natural accessories of winter are very important and symbolic, as well as beautiful accents used during this holiday. Even wreaths and other remnants of nature’s stoic survival in the harsh winter months make great Yule gifts.

As it marks the heart of winter in the northern hemisphere, this holiday is a fire festival. Any gifts that bear the mark of fire, from candles, to warm spicy foods and ciders, to specialty stews or toasty warm blankets, carry the energy of this holiday: warming the heart and home and uplifting the spirit in an otherwise dark time of year. Gifts that capture the light are a great way to acknowledge this season as well, and can be given in the form of sparkling, glittery or shiny ornamentation, jewelry, and household accents. Gold colors are significant this time of year as they relate to the Sun and this is being the holiday marking the “rebirth” of the Sun God.

While most symbols of Yule are close enough to other winter holiday décor and symbolism to be compiled together in one big politically correct happy family, acknowledging the specific celebrations of one you know to be Wiccan can be deeply heartwarming. When in doubt consider that since Wicca is a nature based religion, most symbols reminiscent of winter holidays that stem from the natural world will be held in high esteem. Go for the holly, mistletoe, and pinecones in decorative or fragrant arrangements, even the reindeer as symbolic of the “Stag King” (fertility representative of the God) or any variety of candles or representations of warming and fire. Choosing gifts carefully can help you avoid awkward moments on the holiday and during family or workplace gatherings.  With the right gifts you can demonstrate that you took the time to choose seasonally appropriate gifts for the known Wiccan in your life: gifts that show an understanding and respect for Wiccan holiday customs and traditions.

Article by: Angela Kaufman.  Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the co-author of Wicca: What's the Real Deal?  She is a professional tarot reader.  For more information about Wicca: What's the Real Deal? visit http://www.wwtrd.webs.com.

Samhain Gifts the Witch in Your Life Will Appreciate

It must be said that there are as many types of modern Witches as there are types of modern people. Perhaps birthday gifts for your loved one are easy to figure out. After all, you know them first as a person, and then as a Wiccan. What better way to surprise your loved one by coming up with a gift for those other special occasions? Even better, imagine the look of joy and surprise when your loved one receives a card, gift, and “Happy Sabbat” greeting? The smiles of course will be followed by gasps of “How did you know what Sabbat it is?!”

This easy guide will help you to stay in tune with the special times of celebration for the Witch in your life as well as typical gifts that correspond to these celebrations. Bear in mind that there are many traditions in the Wiccan faith and some traditions may use alternate names etc. The gesture of acknowledging the special days for your loved one will likely exceed any unintended mistake such as a card saying “Happy Lammas” instead of “Happy Lughnasadh” but when in doubt, ask your loved one or one within the Wiccan community for clarification.

Samhain - Celebrate the New Year early - that is early for you, and right on time for the Witch you love. October 31^st marks the entry into the darker half of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. This is no secret to you, you know the days are shortening and the air is cooler. What you may not realize is that to your Wiccan loved one this is a tremendously special day. It is not only one of the few days that it is socially acceptable to be “Witchy” in full force, but it is also a time where the veil between the living world and afterworld dissipates. This makes it a special time to commune with ancestors, perform divination, and  honor the deceased. Special gifts for this Sabbat include anything that could honor and recognize the life and legacy of those who have passed.

Some creative ideas are Photo or other memorials, scrapbooks, even an electronic slideshow setting photographs of the ancestors and deceased loved ones to appropriate music. A family heirloom or relic of another time is another special gift for this time of year as it reconnects the Witch to his or her past and heritage.

Then there is the fun through horror angle. Some Witches enjoy entertainment found in ghost stories and this can be a great time to set the mood for the Sabbat by having a marathon ghost story night with special themed dinner. Perhaps Ghoulish Goulash! Playing up the excitement and even romantic reminiscence of other times presented in ghost stories with a special meal prepared in a traditional style (maybe even a family’s traditional recipe) can also set the tone and connect the events of the night to the heritage and ancestors, and provide another link from past to present. Be sure to consider what types of ghostly entertainment your loved one favors. There are some forms of horror or ghost stories that some Witches find offensive. If unsure, stick with ghost stories based on real events, or even historical or legendary tales that conjure up a connection to the past and the dead.

Divination is traditionally associated with this Sabbat as well. After all, the veil between the realms is gone, intuitive sight is clearer, and hey, its New Year, who wouldn’t want a glimpse of what is to come? If your loved one has a soft spot for one type of divinatory method, a gift related to that would be perfect this time of year. A new deck of Tarot cards for example, or a beautiful decorative box in which to keep the tried and true deck they have used for years. A new set of runes can be easily made for little money from scrap wood chips or purchased inexpensively. Don’t forget that just like hairdressers seldom cut their own hair, sometimes Witches enjoy a real treat of having someone else divine for them, and Samhain makes a great Sabbat for giving the gift of a date to take your loved one to a local reputable psychic reader for a truly meaningful experience.

Since this is one of the few times that black taper candles are easily found, a heartfelt and economical treat can be a surprise of black taper candles as well as incenses and other ritual supplies that any Witch can never have enough of! Also consider a handmade greeting card expressing a sincere “Happy Samhain”. The best gift ever, is the joy of knowing someone cares enough to remember to say “Happy Samhain!”

Article by: Angela Kaufman.  Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the co-author of Wicca: What's the Real Deal?  She is a professional tarot reader.  For more information about Wicca: What's the Real Deal? visit http://www.wwtrd.webs.com.

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.
 

Help! My Parents Will Not Let Me Be Wiccan!

As Wicca continues to grow in popularity it is understandable that young people searching for ways to make sense of the world and attain spiritual peace will continue to want to explore this path as well. Problems may arise when a teen’s parents or guardians do not understand the Wiccan faith, or, worse, are not open to understanding and exploring it for themselves prior to judging Wicca as evil. What should a young person do if confronted with this dilemma? Is what mom or dad doesn’t know still going to hurt them? Is it better to abandon all hope of studying Wicca to appease the family? 

No matter what lifestyle a teen is exploring within their own natural or constitutional rights, when in mom or dad’s home, one must do or not do as mom and dad say. If a teen has a true interest in Wicca that is more than a passing impulse, the opportunity to worship the God and Goddess and practice this faith will await them when they are independent and able to establish their own lifestyle outside of the confines of the family home. 

In the meantime, some potential for education or compromise may exist depending on the openness of the family as well as the diplomacy and behavior of the teen.  For instance, if Betsy, a 16 year old, introduces her interest in Wicca to her parents openly and shows her parents some positive books from the local library to help answer any questions they  have, or brings her parents to a positive practitioner of Wicca in the community to address concerns or questions, a discussion can ensue in which her parents can express their concerns or misunderstandings. They may still have concerns about Betsy being harassed or bullied at school or still have rules they wish her to follow such as not practicing with a group without their permission or without introducing them to the group leaders etc. but these matters are more likely to be discussed openly now. 

Say in contrast that Carrie, another 16 year old, becomes more and more withdrawn and secretive with her family. One day her mother is doing her laundry and finds Wiccan literature in a pocket of her jeans. Confused and concerned, Carrie’s mother confronts her daughter with her interest in Wicca. An argument ensues and her mother forbids her from practicing Wicca.  Her mom has come to associate secrecy and deception with her religious interests, and the opportunity to promote understanding and gain mom’s trust lost. 

The process of discussing interest in Wicca with a parent can vary but these examples illustrate the need to be open, respectful, and to go the extra mile to educate others. How a teen acts toward their religion and the process of sharing information they have learned with others will go a long way in building bridges vs. burning them. It remains the parents’ right to establish limits and rules in their house. A teen who is committed to exploring Wicca will have ample opportunity to pursue the faith in their own independent lifestyle when this milestone occurs. In the meantime, respecting nature, respecting parents as embodiments of the God and Goddess, and respecting Mother Earth are practices that can continue regardless of the title one wears or identifies with and will prepare the teen for a Wiccan lifestyle later on in the future.

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

An Explication of the Principles of Belief: Part 13

“We work within Nature for that which is contributory to our health and well-being.”

Wiccans utilize the natural and supernatural realms for resources and physical/spiritual sustenance.  Wiccans seek to utilize the gifts from Mother Earth and our knowledge of other realms to bring balance, peace, and healing to others and ourselves as appropriate.  We do not seek to exploit the fruits of Mother Earth or misuse the energy surrounding us in order to gain power or advantage over others.  We seek to work within that which is naturally available to all in order to promote health and growth, whether it is physical growth, spiritual, or both.  Wiccans also abide by the law “fairly take and fairly give” meaning that we do not seek to ravage the fruits of the Earth even if it were for our own health and well-being.  We believe in acquiring knowledge, wisdom, and balance from our surroundings on a physical and energy level.

We take seriously that our relationship with nature be a mutually beneficial one.  To the best of our ability, we want to give back to the natural world that sustains us, and seek nurturing without greedily seeking to dominate the natural world.  It is within a Wiccan mindset to seek remedies for both physical ailments as well as emotional needs from what is naturally available to us.

We seek to connect with the bounty of Mother Earth to promote health and growth before seeking nurturing from synthetic sources.  This, of course, does not to imply that all Wiccans are devoted to health food or are instant herbalists.  There are sub-specialties that those who follow the Wiccan faith may also be interested in learning.  This principle does not imply that Wiccans do not utilize synthetic objects such as plastics or that all Wiccans only eat organic foods.

Again, there is great variation among Wiccan practitioners.  However, as often as it is possible to do so, we strive to work first with our blessings from the natural world prior to seeking artificial, synthetic, or superficial ways to sustain our health and well-being.  This further strengthens our connection with the Earth and natural energies as well as increases our sense of independence from the material realm.  We recognize that a spiritual path provides a degree of sustenance that is not enriched by a purely material focus alone.

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

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 Belief: Part 7

We see religion, magick and wisdom in living as being united in the way one views the world and lives within it – a worldview and philosophy of life which we identify as Witchcraft – the Wiccan Way.

For serious practitioners of Wicca there is more to the term Witch than casting spells, more to being Wiccan than setting oneself apart by being part of an esoteric path, and more to Magick than wearing misunderstood symbols.  Our practice is our way of life, and it embodies our worldview.  Sure, the jewelry is fun and studying divination and healing is enriching, and Magick can be energizing, Sabbats remarkable; but to call one’s self a follower of the Wiccan way is more than dressing the part and saying the words.  It is a way of life, a manner of existing in the community and a course of journeying through the world while holding what is sacred in perspective every step of the way.

        

Serious practitioners are not out to toy with Magick or misuse divinatory practices in unethical or harmful ways; we simply do not have the time and energy to go out of our way to indulge in practices that do not advance our commitment to the Goddess/God and nature.  We practice our religion that acknowledges the power of Magick in the synthesis of energy all around us, but we also attune ourselves to needs of our immediate surrounding while we maintain the wisdom to “fairly take and fairly give.”  Our philosophy carries the importance of co-existing with nature.  We identify with our craft in daily decisions that honor the God, Goddess, and the Earth and provide spiritual fulfillment.  Even the rituals that are part of the Wiccan faith in honoring the changing seasons through Sabbats and the phases of the moon through Esbats are not the total of a Wiccan lifestyle.

Wiccans do not seek to neglect a lifelong connection to the God and Goddess in favor of emphasizing Magick or ritual, but use Magick and ritual to maintain connection to the God and Goddess.  One who is a Wiccan practitioner seeks to align the spirit and philosophies of magick, religious rites, honoring of Deities, and communing with the spirit world into a lifestyle that encompasses daily acts and decisions.  For Wiccans, wisdom, Magick, and religion are all connected in a lifestyle that attunes us to the God and Goddess.

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 6

We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who have courageously given of themselves in leadership.

Wiccan practices allows flexibility, and it is essential to realize that there is no singular structure or hierarchy adhered to by all practitioners of Wicca.  In addition, there is no uniform system of establishing authorities in smaller work in covens or groves that is shared by all practitioners.  It is up to a specific coven to develop a hierarchy: one delineated by their own traditions.  This hierarchy will often recognize some form of rank or eldership, usually individuals titled clergy Priest or Priestess.  These titles may continue to be defined based on specific tradition; for example, a High Priest and High Priestess might hold the most seniority and are the highest ranking elders in the specific coven.  Other clergy in a coven group might hold rank of Priest, Priestess and, in some traditions, this is further broken down into degrees of which there are usually three.  In many but not all covens, there are also significant milestones recognized in spiritual development that are acknowledged through title and privilege, such as a distinction between neophyte, dedicate, initiate etc. Such titles generally imply rank related responsibilities and privileges like the ability to hold ceremonies and rites specific to that tradition which are unknown to those of a lower rank; the ability to begin practicing Magick; the definition of role within the group as healer or in another specialty, or the ability to study and be attuned to the energy of a specific elemental force.

Traditions vary and the structure of specific covens differ. There is within each Coven also an understanding that the elders and clergy of a coven are to be respected for their knowledge and work, but the elders are not part of a larger council or governing body. This allows for autonomy and integrity of various traditions. It is also known in coven and solitary practice that, in this faith, there is respect given to those who have established themselves as pioneers in the re-claiming of the Craft and who have worked to promote Wicca as a legitimate, positive, innocuous religion: this respect comes prior to a title, degree, or rank. For example, much progress has been hard earned by Wiccans who fought to obtain the right to have a Pentacle signify the grave of Wiccan soldiers fallen in battle. Whether the individual was a High Priestess, Priestess of any degree etc. is not held as fundamental, but the respect of the perseverance of individuals and groups involved is acknowledged. Regardless of title, we strive to lead by example. In such a way, we recognize that our titles may not be given credit by the outside world, but our deeds will. We also acknowledge that neophyte through elder, our deeds are what truly delineate our connection with the Divine.

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.