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About Witchcraft
Greetings!
Here you will find information on the religion of Witchcraft. After thousands
of years of "bad press" we are coming out of the "broom closet" to educate the
public about ourselves and our religion. Moreover, we acknowledge the need to
establish a rapport with the ecumenical religious community.
The Covenant of the Goddess, which compiled and distributes this information,
is a league of covens and individuals from all over the United States, with
members in Canada and abroad. It was incorporated in California on October 31,
1975 as a non-profit religious corporation, with all the rights, privileges, and
responsibilities of any church. The Covenant has been a part of the Berkeley
Area Interfaith Council for the past decade, and through it participates in the
North American Interfaith Network.
We have included in this information a brief statement on each of the
following:
Of necessity, we have merely highlighted these aspects for you. We can only
begin to illustrate the entire panorama of our diverse religion, but we have
tried to convey a basic understanding of the Craft of Wicca.
On request we can furnish more detailed information or a representative
authorized to speak on our behalf.
Blessed Be!
The Covenant of the Goddess
Definitions
Occult
Occluded or hidden/secret; the study of secret or hidden knowledge. Secret
societies include the Rosicrucians and certain fraternal orders.
Earth Religion
a religion whose main tenet is that the worshipper is in harmony with the
Earth and with all life. Such religions oppose the idea that the world is a
resource to be subdued and exploited.
Pagan
a practitioner of an Earth Religion; from the Latin paganus, a country
dweller.
Neo-Paganism
a modern Earth Religion which borrows and adapts from the best of
pre-Christian Pagan religions, sometimes with additions from contemporary
religious thinkers.
Witchcraft
a magical religion with many diverse traditions derived from various
cultural sources around which covens and individual practitioners base their
practices. Modern Witchcraft traditions include:
The Craft
another name for Witchcraft.
Coven
a congregation of Witches, usually limited to 13 members or less.
Witch
one who worships the Goddess, and sometimes also Her Consort, the God;
practices magic; and considers her/himself to be following the spiritual path of
Witchcraft.
Magic
a conscious direction of will to accomplish a goal.
Sabbat
one of the eight seasonal festivals equally spaced during the year,
celebrated by individuals and covens of Witches.
Esbat
monthly meeting of a coven, usually held at full moon. There are about 13
full moons each year. Some groups also meet at the dark of the moon.
Basic Philosophy
Wicca, or Witchcraft, is an earth religion -- a re-linking (re-ligio)
with the life-force of nature, both on this planet and in the stars and
space beyond. In city apartments, in suburban backyards, in country glades,
groups of women and men meet on the new and full moons and at festival
times to raise energy and put themselves in tune with these natural forces.
They honor the old Goddesses and Gods, including the Triple Goddess of
the waxing, full, and waning moon, and the Horned God of the sun and animal
life, as visualizations of immanent nature.
Our religion is not a series of precepts or beliefs, rather we believe
that we each have within ourselves the capacity to reach out and experience
the mystery -- that feeling of ineffable oneness with all Life. Those who
wish to experience this transcendence must work, and create, and participate
in their individual religious lives. For this reason, our congregations,
called covens, are small groups which give room for each individual to
contribute to the efforts of the group by self-knowledge and creative experimentation
within the agreed-upon group structure or tradition.
There are many traditions or sects within the Craft. Different groups
take their inspiration from the pre-Christian religions of certain ethnic
groups (e.g. Celtic, Greek, Norse, Finno-Ugric); in the liturgical works
of some modern Witch poet or scholar (e.g. Gerald Gardner, Z Budapest,
Alex Sanders, Starhawk); or by seeking within themselves for inspiration
and direction. Many feminists have turned to Wicca and the role of priestess
for healing and strength after the patriarchal oppression and lack of voice
for women in the major world religions.
There are many paths to spiritual growth. Wicca is a participatory revelation,
a celebratory action leading to greater understanding of oneself and the
universe. We believe there is much to learn by studying our past, through
myth, through ritual drama, through poetry and music, through love and
through living in harmony with the Earth.
Frequently Asked
Questions with Answers
Q. What form does the practice of Witchcraft take?
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. Generally the practice is to consecrate a sacred space,
the "circle" and then work magic and worship the Goddesses and Gods within
it according to the forms agreed upon by that particular group of Witches.
Q. How do you see the Goddess?
As the immanent life force, as Mother Nature, the Earth, the Cosmos,
the interconnectedness of all life.
Q. Do all Witches practice their religion the same way?
Yes and no. Wicca is a highly individual 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 magic 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"?
No. A cult is generally taken as a gathering of people who owe blind
allegiance to one charismatic leader who ostensibly represents "truth".
They indulge in "extravagant homage or adoration" (Webster's Dictionary),
usually of their leader, thus trading the ability to think for themselves
for "salvation" and a sense of belonging. This is the antithesis of the
Witchcraft experience. Most Witches come to the Craft through reading and
communing with nature and later finding like-minded groups. Witches tend
to be highly individualistic.
Q. Do Witches have a "Bible"?
No. A bible is supposedly the word of a deity revealed through a prophet,
or more generally, "a book containing the sacred writings of any religion"
(Webster's Dictionary). Witchcraft is a Pagan folk-religion of personal
experience rather than transmitted revelation. A Witch may keep a "Book
of Shadows" which is more like an individual's workbook or journal -- meaningful
to the person who keeps it -- containing rituals, discoveries, spells,
poetry, herb lore, etc. Covens may keep a similar group book. There is
no one document taken by all Wiccans as authoritative, as in Judaism, Christianity,
or Islam.
Q. Do Witches cast spells?
Some do and some don't. Since a commonly-held belief is that what is
sent out is returned to the sender threefold, Witches tend to be very careful
with spells. A spell is a formula, or series of steps, to direct the will
to a desired end. Energy is drawn from the earth, concentrated, and sent
out into the world. It is believed that with proper training and intent,
human minds and hearts are fully capable of performing all the magic and
miracles they are ever likely to need, through the use of natural psychic
power.
Q. Do Witches fly on brooms?
No. Brooms were (in rural Europe) and sometimes still are ridden astride
in ceremonies. In one such ceremony, people ran through the fields astride
a broom to coax the grain to grow, or participants would leap over a broom,
telling the grain to grow to the height of the highest leaping. Uninformed
observations of such ceremonies could lead to tales of flying on brooms.
Q. Do Witches worship the Devil?
No. The concept of "the devil", a personification of a supreme spirit
of evil and unrighteousness, is a creation of Middle Eastern thought which
is fundamental to some religions of that region, including Zoroastrianism,
Christianity and Islam. Worship of this being as "Satan" is a practice
of profaning Christian symbolism and is thus a Christian heresy rather
than a Pagan religion. The gods of Wicca are in no way connected with Satanic
practice. Most Witches do not even believe Satan exists, and certainly
do not worship him. Historically, the gods of an older religion are often
branded as the devils of a newer one in order to promote conversion.
Q. Are Witches only women?
No, but in this country women do predominate in the Craft overall (in
Britain, men predominate). Some traditions have only women practitioners,
just as others have only men. Most traditions admit both. Men are also
called "Witches", and most take exception to being called "Warlocks".
Q. With the bad mental image people get at the mention of Witch and
Witchcraft, why do you still use these names?
Virtually every religion can look back into the dark corners of history
and find a period when it was held in disrepute. Some religions were accused
of crimes through ignorance and malice (e.g. Medieval Christians were sure
that Jews ate Christian babies). Other religions face prejudice because
their practices are different from those of their accusers (e.g. the Mormons
for their polygamy). Others defame each other for being on the opposite
side of some power struggle -- consider the many incidents from the Crusades
through the Inquisition to current affairs in nations such as Ireland or
Iran. Just because a group was or is persecuted and maligned is not a reason
for it to change its name. The practices of prejudice and scapegoating
seem to be universal human pastimes, and we have had our share of being
victimized.
Q. How can someone find out more about Witchcraft?
Wicca is not a missionary religion and does not proselytize. One must
seek rather than be sought after. There are excellent books available,
and many Witches teach classes or facilitate discussion groups. In this
way, people may connect with a like-minded coven or form a study group
of their own. There are also many good periodicals, networks, and national
and regional festivals through which a seeker can make contact with the
larger Craft community. The Covenant of the Goddess is one such group fulfilling
all of these functions.
General
Practices
Historical Roots to Modern Practice
The roots of the religion called Wicca, or Witchcraft, are very old,
coming down to us through a variety of channels worldwide. Although any
general statement about our practices will have exceptions, the following
will attempt to present a basic foundation for understanding. Some of the
old practices were lost when indigenous religions encountered militant
Christianity and were forced to go underground for survival. The ancient
mystery religions were lost when the practice of the rites was stopped
and the old oral traditions were no longer available. Parents transmitted
their traditions to their children, with parts being lost and new parts
created in succeeding generations. These survivals, along with research
into the old ways, provide a rich foundation for modern practice. Other
factors contributing to the revival of the Craft are archaeological and
anthropological studies of the religious practices of non-Christian cultures,
the works of the Golden Dawn and other metaphysical orders, and the liberalization
of anti-Witchcraft laws.
Modern Witches hold rituals according to the turning of the seasons,
the tides of the moon, and personal needs. Most rituals are performed in
a ritual space marked by a circle. We do not build church buildings to
create this sacred, ritual space -- all Earth is sacred and in touch with
the Goddess and so any place, indoors or out, may be consecrated for ritual
use. Outdoor spaces tend to be used from Ostara to
Lammas,
indoor spaces from Samhain to Imbolc.
The Circle
Within this sacred circle, two main activities occur: celebration,
and the practice of magic. Celebration is most important at the major seasonal
holy days, the Sabbats. At these times, the myths of that particular holiday
are enacted in ritual drama, and dancing, singing, feasting, and revelry
are all part of the festivities. On these occasions we celebrate our oneness
with life on Earth, as well as assimilating on the deepest level myths
and archetypes which map and assist our own life-passages.
Magic is more often performed at smaller gatherings, called Esbats,
which coincide with the phases of the moon. Types of magic practiced include
psychic healing sessions, the focus and direction of energy to achieve
positive results, and work toward the individual spiritual development
of the coven members. Magic is an art which requires adherence to certain
principles, and a conscious direction of will toward the desired end. We
believe it to be an attribute of magic that results toward which the will
is directed return to the sender threefold. Therefore, Witches are very
conscientious in their use of magic.
When the celebration, teaching, or magical work is finished, the blessing
of the Goddess (and God) is called into food and drink which are shared
by all. The circle is opened, and the space is no longer consecrated.
The Tools of a Witch
To create the circle, and in the working of magic, we use tools to
facilitate a frame of mind in which the psychic state necessary for this
kind of work can be achieved. The tools are part of a complete and self-consistent
symbolic system which is agreed upon by the participants and provides them
with a "map" for entry into unfamiliar psychic spaces. Such a system, like
a map, is arbitrary and not "true" in an absolute sense; it is a guide
to a state which is ineffable and can be most clearly reached through the
arts (poetry, music, dance, drama) and "starlight" vision.
A primary tool, which is owned by most Witches, is an athame or ritual
knife. The athame is charged with the energy of the owner and is used as
a pointer to define space (such as casting a sacred circle) and as a conductor
of the owner's will and energy.
Other important tools are the symbols on the altar which denote the
"Aristotelian" Elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water (some "maps" include
Spirit). A pentagram or pentacle (a five-pointed star sometimes surrounded
by a circle) is often used to symbolize Earth and its properties -- stability,
material wealth, the body, and practical affairs. Alternatively, a small
dish of salt or soil can be used to symbolize the Earth Element. A thurible
(or censer) or a bell can be used to symbolize Air and its properties --
communications, vitality, intellect and understanding. (A sword or wand
may be used to symbolize Air or Fire, and many "maps" disagree on with
which element the sword or wand should be associated.) A candle or small
pot of fire may symbolize the element of Fire and its properties -- will,
transmutation, life-force, and power. A chalice of water is used to symbolize
the element of Water and its properties -- cleansing, regeneration, and
emotion. In the traditions which include the element of Spirit, an ankh
or quartz crystal is used to symbolize Spirit and its properties -- perfection,
summation, balance, illumination and eternity.
There are many other minor tools which are used for some specific purposes
within magical workings, but the tools described above are the basic ones
used in the practice of Witchcraft, and many of the minor tools are extrapolations
of the basic ones (e.g. the broom of the wand, the sword of the athame,
the cauldron of the cup, etc.)
Personal Development
Since these tools are merely the conductors of personal energies, as
copper is a conductor for electrical energy, most covens provide at least
some degree of training in psychic skills and healing practices to strengthen
each member's ability to participate in the religious activities. Each
individual decides what level of such training is useful for them. We see
psychic abilities as a natural human potential, and are dedicated to developing
this as well as all of our positive human potentials.
Holidays
Introduction
Despite competition from twentieth century "life in the fast lane",
the awesome spectacle repeated in the pattern of the changing seasons still
touches our lives. In the ages when people worked more closely with nature
just to survive, the numinous power of this pattern had supreme recognition.
Rituals and festivals evolved to channel these transformations for the
good of the community toward a good sowing and harvest and bountiful herds
and hunting.
One result of this process is our image of the "Wheel of the Year" with
its eight spokes -- the four major agricultural and pastoral festivals
and the four minor solar festivals of the solstices and equinoxes. In common
with many ancient people, many Witches consider the day as beginning at
sundown and ending at sundown the following day. So, for example, Samhain
starts at dusk on the 31st, ending the evening of the 1st.
October 31 -- November Eve -- Samhain
The night lengthens and we work with the positive aspects of darkness
in the increasing star- and moonlight. Many Craft traditions, following
the ancient Celts, consider this the eve of the New Year (as day begins
with sundown, so the year begins with the first day of Winter). It is one
night when the barriers between the worlds of life and death are uncertain,
allowing the ancestors to walk among the living, welcomed and feasted by
their kin, bestowing the Otherworld's blessings. We may focus within ourselves
to look "through the glass darkly", developing our divination and psychic
skills.
December 21 -- Winter Solstice -- Yule
The sun is at its nadir, the year's longest night. We internalize and
synthesize the outward-directed activities of the previous summer months.
Some covens hold a Festival of Light to commemorate the Goddess as Mother
giving birth to the Sun God. Others celebrate the victory of the Lord of
Light over the Lord of Darkness as the turning point from which the days
will lengthen. The name "Yule" derives from the Norse word for "wheel",
and many of our customs (like those of the Christian holiday) derive from
Norse and Celtic Pagan practices (the Yule log, the tree, the custom of
Wassailing, et al).
January 31 -- February Eve -- Imbolc (Oimelc)
or Brigid
As the days' lengthening becomes perceptible, many candles are lit
to hasten the warming of the earth and emphasize the reviving of life.
"Imbolc" is from Old Irish, and may mean "in the belly", and Oimelc, "ewe's
milk", as this is the lambing time. It is the holiday of the Celtic Fire
Goddess Brigid, whose threefold nature rules smithcraft, poetry/inspiration,
and healing. Brigid's fire is a symbolic transformation offering healing,
visions, and tempering. Februum is a Latin word meaning purification --
naming the month of cleansing. The thaw releases waters (Brigid is also
a goddess of holy wells) -- all that was hindered is let flow at this season.
March 21 -- Vernal Equinox -- Ostara
Day and night are equal as Spring begins to enliven the environment with new
growth and more newborn animals. Many people feel "reborn" after the long nights
and coldness of winter. The Germanic Goddess Ostara (Goddess of the Dawn), after
whom Easter is named, is the tutelary deity of this holiday, or for some the
Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre. It is she, as herald of the sun, who announces the
triumphal return of life to the earth. Witches in the Greek tradition celebrate
the return from Hades of Demeter's daughter Persephone; Witches in the
Celtic tradition see in the blossoms the passing of Olwen, in whose footprints
flowers bloom. The enigmatic egg, laid by the regenerating snake or the
heavenly bird, is a powerful symbol of the emergence of life out of apparent
death or absence of life.
April 30 -- May Eve -- Beltaine
As the weather heats up and the plant world burgeons, an exuberant
mood prevails. Folk dance around the Maypole, emblem of fertility (the
name "May" comes from a Norse word meaning "to shoot out new growth").
May 1st was the midpoint of a five-day Roman festival to Flora, Goddess
of Flowers. The name "Beltaine" means "Bel's Fires"; in Celtic lands, cattle
were driven between bonfires to bless them, and people leaped the fires
for luck. The association in Germany of May Eve with Witches' gatherings
is a memory of pre-Christian tradition. "Wild" water (dew, flowing streams
or ocean water) is collected as a basis for healing drinks and potions
for the year to come.
June 21 -- Summer Solstice -- Litha or Midsummer
On this day, the noon of the year and the longest day, light and life
are abundant. We focus outward, experiencing the joys of plenty, tasting
the first fruits of the season. In some traditions the sacred marriage
of the Goddess and God is celebrated (in others, this is attributed to
the springtime holidays). Rhea, the Mountain Mother of Crete, has breathed
out all creation. It is also the festival of the Chinese Goddess of Light,
Li.
July 31 -- August Eve -- Lughnasadh or Lammas
This festival has two aspects. First, it is one of the Celtic fire
festivals, honoring the Celtic culture-bringer and Solar God Lugh (Lleu
to the Welsh, Lugus to the Gauls). In Ireland, races and games were held
in his name and that of his mother, Tailtiu (these may have been funeral
games). The second aspect is Lammas, the Saxon Feast of Bread, at which
the first of the grain harvest is consumed in ritual loaves. These aspects
are not too dissimilar, as the shamanic death and transformation of Lleu
can be compared to that of the Barley God, known from the folksong "John
Barleycorn". This time is also sacred to the Greek Goddess of the Moon
and the Hunt, Artemis.
September 21 -- Autumnal Equinox -- Mabon or
Harvest Home
This day sees light and dark in balance again, before the descent to
the dark times. A harvest festival is held, thanking the Goddess for giving
us enough sustenance to feed us through the winter. Harvest festivals of
many types still occur today in farming country, and Thanksgiving is an
echo of these.
In this way the Wheel turns, bringing us back to Samhain where we began
our cycle. Many of the festival days coincide with holidays of the Jewish
and Christian calendars. This is no accident; these points in the year
were important community celebrations, and were kept largely intact although
they were rededicated to the Christian God or a saint. The names may have
changed, but the old Pagan practices still show through.
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