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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^Òs 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^Òs and solstices)
and the cross-quarters (midpoints between the equinox^Òs 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^Òs 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.
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