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| ren... |
 Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 7:12 am |
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Guest
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This is my interpretation of Wicca. I do not speak for all Wiccans and
Wiccan Covens.
Quote: 1 Introductions - These Wiccan FAQ notes represent my view of Wicca only.
Alt.Religion.Wicca
Conceived as early as 1989 when I was working with Reuters News
Service in Germany, I saw USENET and newsgroups as a means to share,
socialize, and cultivate Pagan culture in the world. Alt.Magick 1991,
Alt.Pagan 1993, and finally Alt.Religion.Wicca in 1994. We worked
together to propagate these newsgroups all across the world. We should
all thank members of Alt.Slack, Alt.Discordia and other joke-religion
newsgroups for their help in propagating Alt.Religion.Wicca. From the
Chaos, order was formed.
Quote: 1.1) What is this group for?
This is an un-moderated newsgroup where anyone can talk about
anything. The main subject is the religion of Wicca. But you are not
required to be a Wiccan to post here. Many Pagans of different Pagan
faiths post here. Another subject is "Magick". We share our craft (the
art of changing reality to suit us) and debate about it.
Wicca
Gerald Gardner and Doreen Valiente are the main architects of Wicca in
England. Raymond Buckland introduced Wicca to the U.S. Janet Farrar
among many other authors and organizers are also to be thanked.
Vivianne Crowley wrote a book called "Wicca The Old Religion in the
New Age". This book provides a good summary of what the religion of
Wicca is.
http://www.amazon.com/Wicca-Old-Religion-New-Millennium/dp/0722532717
Quote: 1.2) What is Wicca and how is it related to Paganism?
Paganism is the religious movement which stemmed from the Romantic
cultural movement in England. At that time, a lot of natural land was
being destroyed as the population began to expand. Romantic writers,
artists and thinkers began to romanticize the virtues of nature
untouched by human hands. Margaret Murray wrote a romanticized
historical book about witches before the coming of Christianity and
this lead to the Neo-Pagan movement. Neo-Paganism is a religious
movement which attempts to recreate Celtic and Teutonic religion
before the influence of Christianity. It is a return to nature worship
and the goddesses and gods within nature.
Wicca was primarily the idea of English folklorist Gerald Gardner who
also traveled the world to study many religions. He was a member of
the O.T.O. Crowley's Thelema. In the 1920's as part of his initiation
into a higher order of that Ceremonial Group, Gardner formulated
Wicca. Wicca is Neo-Pagan along the lines of Margaret Murray's book
and it is much more. Wicca also contains a lot of English Folklore,
Italian Strega Witchcraft and Ceremonial Magickal Thelema. Wicca
started as an adult fertility religious expression of free love and
nudism in the 1960's. But modern prime time Wiccan Gatherings have
evolved into a more family oriented fully clothed outdoor religious
experience.
Many Wiccans today call themselve Eclectic Wiccans because they enjoy
mixing many different religions, ceremonial magickal practices and
folklore from around the world just as Gerald did. Some Eclectic
Wiccans such as myself encorporate useful practices from around the
world into a Western European cosmos. For example, Italian Diana may
also have aspects of Egyptian Isis. Yet it is only under the name of
Diana that all rituals are dedicated.
Quote: 2.1 What are some common, basic beliefs in Wicca?
Nature is divine and deserves our protection. The divine may be found
in everything. Masculine and Feminine aspects of the divine are
equally divine which means neither males nor females lead Wicca. We
work together as a team.
The body and natural functions of the body is not evil to be escaped.
Wiccans mystically seek to unite the higher goals of the spirit with
the lower needs of the body in a healthy balance.
Wiccans believe that every human being is a Goddess and God. Psychic
power and magick is encouraged and cultivated. The Gods of Wicca do
not answer prayers as servants. The Gods of Wicca work with Wiccans as
partners in magick which is changing reality for the better.
Wiccans do not believe that any one person is completely evil. We do
not believe in Satan. Nor do we believe in demonizing our enemies.
Everyone is capable of good.
Wiccans do not worship any one person. There is no king and queen of
the Wiccans. All of us are democratic. Leaders are often the most
worked servants.
Quote: 2.2 What god(desse)s do Wiccans worship?
Wiccans worship any Goddess or God from any mythology that reverences
life and nature. Our Goddesses and Gods have 800 and 1 names. That
means that all Goddesses and Gods are welcome into the Wiccan pantheon
including your god.
Quote: 2.3 What tools and rituals do you use?
Because Wicca is often a family magickal tradition these days, more
and more Wiccans are using wands rather than athame ritual knives
during Wiccan Gatherings. The wand represents the magickal will of the
Wiccan in shaping reality. In much the same way that a conductor
directs an orchestra, Wiccans direct hidden forces.
Quote: 2.4 Is there a set liturgy or liturgical calendar?
There are many holy days. The most important are; In 2009
March 20th - The Spring Equinox (Similar to Easter)
June 21st - The Summer Solstice (Similar to a U.S. High School Bon-
Fire Festival)
September 22nd - The Fall Equinox (Similar to Halloween and
Thanksgiving)
December 21st - The Winter Solstice (Similar to Christmas)
Wiccan Rites of Passage
Birthing
Similar to a Baby Shower and its modern practices. Coven members are
recognized as future mothers and fathers. The growing child is
blessed.
Wiccaning
The child's name is called out and the child is introduced to the Gods
and to the coven. The child is not committed to Wicca and is free to
chose his or her own religious path. The child is given magickal
protection.
Coming of Age
Similar to a High School graduation party with all its modern
practices. Non-Wiccan graduating teens are not required to attend. The
Wiccan parents are congratulated for their son's or daughter's
survival. Once again, protection is asked for.
Handfasting
A Wiccan ceremony to commemorate and recognize a civil marriage. This
is literally tying the knot. Wiccans and their Wiccan or non-Wiccan
spouses are required to attend.
Handparting
A Wiccan recognition of a legal divorce. This does not have to be
announced publicly to the coven but coven members need to know as to
clear up any misunderstandings or gossip.
Active Duty
A ceremony in which the participating Wiccan or Non-Wiccan soldier
going to war is given magickal protection.
Eldering
Similar to a job retirement party and its modern practices. When a
coven member retires from work, a formal Wiccan ceremony is wanted to
celebrate years of endurance.
Crossing Rebirth
Similar to a funeral with its modern practice. Cremation is popular.
Quote: 2.5 What is basic Wiccan theology?
Pantheism. That is the idea that the divine is in all things. One of
the most important myths within Wicca is the story of the rebirth of
the God. It explains our holy days, the nature of our Gods and our
beliefs about life and death.
Quote: 2.6 What are Wiccan ethics, the "Wiccan Rede" and "three-fold law?"
The Rede is a guide. It really isn't a law. Any Wiccan can do what
they want. We are encouraged to consider the consequences of our
actions. Since people are likely to treat you the way you treat them,
it is best to treat them with respect and fairness.
"Do what you want. Consider the greater good."
Quote: 3.1 Can I be a Christian/ Jew/ Muslim/ Buddhist/ Taoist/ Astrologer/ > Druid/ Shaman/omnivore/ whatever and a Wiccan?
Wicca is an eclectic religion which means any Wiccan may also be a
Taoist, Druid, and whatever. Wiccans are not required to give up
another religion in order to be a Wiccan. But it is other religions
such as Christianity which require that their members be part of no
other religion. So if you are a Christian, you are required by them,
not to be a Wiccan.
Quote: 3.2 What are "dedication" and "initiation" in Wicca?
You can start right now dedicating yourself to our religion of Wicca.
First, read about Wicca extensively. If you have a feeling as if you
have "come home", then follow your intuition and join us. There are
several online and offline source materials for a self-dedication
ritual. It is recommended by many that you study Wicca for a year and
a day before dedicating yourself to Wicca. At that time, when your
dedication to Wicca becomes stronger, you may call yourself a Wiccan
Priest or Wiccan Priestess.
If you wish to join a Wiccan coven, start by attending Wiccan
gatherings. Ask around for good reports about the coven. Spend a lot
of time with them and find out everything you can about their public
and private practices. If you enjoy their company and feel relaxed --
if you have gotten to know them -- then undergo their coven initiation
ritual. Never do anything you don't want to do. If anyone badgers or
forces you, make yourself clear. There are many covens today to chose
from. Consult http://www.witchvox.com/
Quote: 3.3 Do all Wiccans practice magic/k?
Wicca is a Magickal religion. We are all Goddesses and Gods as
daughters and sons of the Pantheons of Gods. Wiccans do not just pray,
we assist our Gods in casting to make our world better.
Quote: 3.4 Is Wicca the same thing as witchcraft?
Please see Principle #7.
13 Principles of Belief by The Council of American Witches
7. Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a Witch - but neither does
heredity itself, or the collecting of titles, degrees, and
initiations. A Witch seeks to control the forces within him/herself
that make life possible in order to live wisely and well, without harm
to others, and in harmony with Nature.
Quote: 3.5 What were "the Burning Times?"
The thought that millions of people of old folklore beliefs were
burned at the stake is a myth really. It is true that some folk
practitioners were executed. But most historical accounts about
religious wars during the dark and middle ages were about Christians
executing other Christians not of their denomination. There was a
strong movement by emerging male doctors to dismiss the power of the
midwives during the rise of Christianity in Europe. But most actual
believers in the Old Religion converted with their rulers and attended
church every Sunday as good little Christians. They practiced their
folk craft in secret. During the Inquisition, many could no longer
keep their practices secret and as a result there was a mass exodus to
Ireland where there was no Inquisition. Most believers in the old
religions and folk practices were wise enough to fake being Christian.
"Mother Mary" herself has mostly assumed the imagery, rituals and
other practices in observing the Goddess in Europe.
Quote: 3.8 What is the "Book of Shadows?" Where do I get one?
The Book of Shadows is your personal electronic or paper journal of
your beliefs, rituals, and notes about your Wiccan journey toward
self- improvement. You're the writer and editor. It is named "The Book
of Shadows" because it is to remain hidden from everyone but yourself
and those you trust with the knowledge you have acquired.
Quote: 3.9 What is a coven and how do I join one?
Witchvox
I mentioned how many practitioners in Europe fled to Ireland to escape
the Inquisition. The ones that didn't go to Ireland had to come up
with a strict structure in order to keep their practices secret.
Here is one of many structures that has been handed down to me. It
isn't needed anymore but we should be reminded of it if there should
ever be another Inquisition.
Worshipers of the Goddess and God in defiance of the Conqueror's God
should meet in a secret circle. 6 females, 6 males, for a total of 6
couples. One for each sign of the Zodiac. 1 member from another coven
may observe secret meetings called Esbats. She or he is the 13th
member and acts as the liaison between 2 covens. Members are to call
each other to meetings wearing a red garter with the "modified"
Christian cross.
If any member of the coven should expose or confess the members of his
or her coven, let him be branded or slashed on the face to mark him or
her a warlock. Banish him or her from the coven and inform the other
covens through the liaisons that he or she is not welcome for
disregarding his or her initiation vows. (Obviously you wouldn't slash
or brand someone today.)
Quote: 3.10 How do I witness about Jesus Christ to a Wiccan?
Do it the best you can. Wicca welcomes any and all debate about Wicca.
We welcome all comparison with other religions. Alt.Religion.Wicca
does not welcome the flooding of our newsgroup with meaningless cut-
and-pasted posts. Nor do we welcome physical threats.
Why Wicca is not a Cult
Steve Alan's informative information.
http://www.freedomofmind.com/resourcecenter/help/someoneelse/concern.htm
Wiccans do not encourage people to drop out of school.
Wiccans do not encourage people to quit their jobs.
Wiccans do not encourage people to break off relationships.
Wiccans do not ask their members to give a person or group all worldly
possessions.
Wiccans do not ask their members to work up to 16 hours or more for
them every day.
All of these requirements force members to become painfully dependent
on their group or one person.
Wiccans don't all wear the same religious uniform.
Nor do we all wear our hair in the same way.
Nor are we asked to eat diets that keep us slightly hungry and dazed.
Wiccans do not exhibit the warning signs of a programed follower.
We remain humorous.
We remain open and less defensive to each other.
We often become less judgmental.
Nor are we fanatical or proselytizing Wicca. We know that our religion
and way is not for everyone. We also know that our religious path
isn't the only way toward enlightenment and the divine.
Wiccans often remain analytical and scientific yet open to the
possibilities of the magickal. |
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| Evergreen... |
| Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 3:47 pm |
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On alt.religion.wicca, ren <ren1999 at (no spam) hotmail.com> wrote:
Quote: This is my interpretation of Wicca. I do not speak for all
Wiccans and Wiccan Covens.
[delete 300 lines]
The information in this alleged FAQ (I don't recall ever seeing
most of these questions posted on this group) will give you the
ability to be a fake magician like ren.
I've been trying to get him to demonstrate his supposed magickal
skills for over a year now, to no avail.
I've been trying to get _any_ 'neo-pagan' to demonstrate their
supposed magickal skills, to no avail.
Wicca is a role-playing social club.
It is not a religion and it certainly isn't a means of learning
magick.
It's just a variant of Dungeons and Dragons in a different media.
You want it to be Halloween every day? Become a Wiccan. You want
to learn real magick, look elsewhere.
Sid
--
Sidney Lambe
Wiccan Priest and Apprentice Magician
http://tinyurl.com/7vs9zb
usenet4444 (at) gmail (dot) com |
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| Tehiru... |
| Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 7:17 pm |
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On Nov 6, 12:47 pm, Evergreen <sidneyla... at (no spam) nospam.invalid> wrote:
Wicca was primarily the idea of English folklorist Gerald Gardner who
also traveled the world to study many religions. He was a member of
the O.T.O. Crowley's Thelema. In the 1920's as part of his initiation
into a higher order of that Ceremonial Group, Gardner formulated
Wicca. Wicca is Neo-Pagan along the lines of Margaret Murray's book
and it is much more. Wicca also contains a lot of English Folklore,
Italian Strega Witchcraft and Ceremonial Magickal Thelema. Wicca
started as an adult fertility religious expression of free love and
nudism in the 1960's. But modern prime time Wiccan Gatherings have
evolved into a more family oriented fully clothed outdoor religious
experience.
More to the point, Gardner formulated Wicca as a "project" in the
course of advancement in the Ceremonial tradition. That doesn't
invalidate wicca, but most wiccans haven't been made aware of this
fact. |
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| ren... |
| Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 5:37 am |
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On Nov 8, 2:17 pm, Tehiru <tehiru.cha... at (no spam) gmail.com> wrote:
Quote: More to the point, Gardner formulated Wicca as a "project" in the
course of advancement in the Ceremonial tradition. That doesn't
invalidate wicca, but most wiccans haven't been made aware of this
fact.
Yes. The fact that Gardner was O.T.O. and chartered his religion
through it -- does not invalidate Wicca. |
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