background preloader

What is Wicca, Witchcraft and Paganism?

The article below describes how Wicca draws from the Old Traditions of Witchcraft. While this is true, we would simply like to clarify that Witchcraft and Wicca, while simular in many respects, are not the same. One can be a Witch, without being a Wiccan, just as a person can be a Christian, without being a Baptist. Wicca is a recognized religion, while Witchcraft itself is not considered a religion. Thus, Wicca might best be described as a modern religion, based on ancient Witchcraft traditions. Contrary to what those who choose to persecute or lie about us wish to believe, Wicca is a very peaceful, harmonious and balanced way of life which promotes oneness with the divine and all which exists. Wicca is a deep appreciation and awe in watching the sunrise or sunset, the forest in the light of a glowing moon, a meadow enchanted by the first light of day. For the past several hundred years, the image of the Witch has been mistakenly associated with evil, heathenism, and unrighteousness.

Mabon Activities and Ideas « witchery Do a thanksgiving circle, offering thanks as you face each direction — for home, finances, and physical health (North); for gifts of knowledge (East); for accomplishments in career and hobbies (South); for relationships (West); and for spiritual insights and messages (Center).Dip colorful leaves in melted paraffin wax for altar decorations that may be enjoyed even after the celebration or attach to a wreath for your headMake a dried leaf mobileMake wineTake a walk in a wild place with your family or circle members; Sing songs and talk about all the things you’ve done over the summer and spend time discussing other things you’ve done together in the last year; gather wild seeds and seed pods to decorate your circle for ritual.Gather dried leaves, herbs, plants, seeds and seed pods Scatter offerings in harvested fieldsOffer libations to treesHave a potluck feast with a group of friends and loved ones to celebrate the abundance of the season. Adopt someone in a nursing home. Like this:

The Sabbats of Wicca - StumbleUpon Learn Wicca / Wicca 101 / Faerie Tradition Because witches honor nature, they have eight festivals, or Sabbats, that mark the year as it turns through its seasons. The following is basic information about these Sabbats, and includes both standard Wiccan information as well as my personal Sabbat lore and experiences, in other words, what I perceive the Sabbats to be. Samhain happens near Halloween and is when the Wiccan year begins. My altar cloth is black, because we are in the time of year that is dark. On my altar is the harvest, our "dead Lord" whose life is in the crops and "sacrificed" when the crops are killed to become our food. Yule or winter solstice happens near December 21, which is the longest darkest night of the year. Brigid or Candlemas, on February 2, is the festival of the Goddess Brigid, patron of poetry, healing, and metalsmithing. Spring Equinox happens about March 21, and I pass from one time into the other, yet am between one time and another. Lammas is August 1.

Wiccan Gods & Names of Pagan Gods Like Wiccan Goddesses and Pagan Goddess names, the Wiccan Gods are derived from many different cultures around the world. But the majority of the most common names for Pagan Gods come from the Greek and Roman pantheons, with a large dollop of Egyptian Gods and Hindu Gods as well. This article offers an introduction to a wide selection of Gods invoked by at least some Wiccans. Some are more exotic, others more popular. But this is by no means a comprehensive collection. Here are some of the most commonly-invoked Wiccan Gods. Adonis - Greek God of rebirth and vegetation, worshipped in mystery religions for untold eons. Many times you'll hear these used as names of Pagan Gods, but accurately speaking they are more like titles that can be used for multiple Wiccan Gods. Child God - Title used for Gods in the form of infants, such as Gopala, Baby Jesus, Horus (also Son God). If You Liked Names of Pagan Gods and Wiccan Gods, You May Also Enjoy These Related Articles . . .

The Dumb Supper Speaking to the Dead: Although traditionally a seance is a good way to communicate with those who have crossed into the spirit world, it's also perfectly fine to talk to them at other times. You may find yourself walking into a room and suddenly reminded of someone you've lost, or catching a whiff of a familiar scent. For me personally, every February I find myself picking over birthday cards and thinking to myself how funny my grandfather would find this one or that one. I make a point of telling him about them, even though he died in 2002. How Do We Know They're Listening? In some spiritual paths, one may be viewed as crazy -- or at the very least, a little bit daffy -- if they speak to the dead. What Can We Say to Them? Ask anyone who's lost a loved one, and there's a good chance they have something they didn't get to say. An Altar to the Ancestors: In many cultures, ancestor worship is an ancient practice. Why on Samhain? Why hold a Dumb Supper on Samhain? Menus and Table Settings:

Related: