The Wiccan Religion
The word "Witchcraft" dates back many hundred of years and means
literally "The craft of the wise". This is because the Witches of
the old were the wise ones of their village, knowledgeable in the
art of healing, legal matters and spiritual fulfillment. A Witch
had to not only be a religious leader, but also the doctor,
lawyer, and psychologist of the village. Today, people have
reclaimed this word in their pursuit of Wiccan religion.
A With is an initiate of Wicca, one who has earned the right to
call themselves Priest, or Priestess, through study, self
evaluation, and spiritual living. Wicca itself, is an attempt to
re-create European (mostly) Shamansistic Nature Religion,
adapting it to fit our modern lives.
Witches are worshippers of the Earth and it^ÃÂÃÂs many cycles. We
believe that deity is found not only outside to our realm, or
plane of existence, but that is found within every living thing
and all that support it.
Therefore, we attempt to live in harmony
with the Earth and each of it's creatures. Wiccan tend to involve
themselves with ecological pursuits. Wicca observe the holidays
of Pagan Europe; Eight festivals spaced evenly about the wheel of
the year, at the quarters (equinox^ÃÂÃÂs and solstices) and the
cross-quarters (midpoints between the equinox^ÃÂÃÂs and solstices).
They are called: Yule (Dec 21) Tmbolc (Feb2), Lady Day (March
21), Beltaine (May 1), Midsummer (June 21), Lugnassed (Aug 1),
Mabon (Sept 21), and Samhain (Oct 31). Actual dates vary slightly
from year to year, as they are based upon actual celestial
events. Many Wiccans also celebrate the Full Moon, of which we
have 13 per year.
The basis for Wiccans moral conduct is found in the statement
"An Ye Harm None, Do What Thou Wilt." This is a mock archaic
phrase, suggesting that any behavior that harms none, is morally
acceptable. Harm is defined by anything that takes away, or works
against an individual^ÃÂÃÂs free will. It is, of course, impossible
to exist, or even cease to exist, without causing harm, so
Wiccans look to fulfill this as closely as possible. A Wiccan
attempts to make choices based on what will cause the least harm,
and promote the greatest overall positive effect. Wicca teaches
self discipline, personal responsibility kinship ith our
plant and its creatures, open-mindedness and the virtues of
diversity. Wiccans do not proselytize, as we believe that each
must find the path that is right for them, and that all religions
are different paths to the same truths. We draw our beliefs and
practices from our own experiences, and that of others,
understanding that age does not makes a religion any more
valid, not does political support, numbers of followers or
material holdings of its temple. Religion is a very personal
thing, one which can only be validated by the experience of the
individual. Wicca provides a link for those who follow similar
paths to share their experiences.