Wicca or
Witchcraft is a spiritual system that
fosters the free thought and will of the individual,
encourages learning and an understanding of the
earth and nature thereby affirming the divinity in
all living things. Most importantly however, it
teaches responsibility. We accept responsibility for
our actions and deeds as clearly a result of the
choices we make. We do not blame an exterior entity
or being for our shortcomings, weaknesses or
mistakes. If we mess up or do something that brings
harm to another, we have no one but ourselves to
blame and we must face the consequences resulting
from those actions. No ifs, ands or buts and no
whining...
We acknowledge the cycles of nature, the lunar
phases and the seasons to celebrate our spirituality
and to worship the divine. It is a belief system
that allows the Witch to work with, not in
supplication to deities with the intent of living in
harmony and achieving balance with all things.
The spells that we do involve healing, love,
harmony, wisdom and creativity. The potions that we
stir might be a headache remedy, a cold tonic, or an
herbal flea bath for our pets. We strive to gain
knowledge of and use the natural remedies placed on
this earth by the divine for our benefit instead of
using synthetic drugs unless absolutely necessary.
Wicca believe that the spirit of the One, Goddess
and God exist in all things. In the trees, rain,
flowers, the sea, in each other and all of natures
creatures. This means that we must treat "all
things" of the Earth as aspects of the divine. We
attempt to honor and respect life in all its many
manifestations both seen and unseen.
Wicca learn from and revere the gift of nature from
divine creation by celebrating the cycles of the
sun, moon and seasons. We search within ourselves
for the cycles that correspond to those of the
natural world and try to live in harmony with the
movement of this universal energy. Our teachers are
the trees, rivers, lakes, meadows, mountains and
animals as well as others who have walked this path
before us. This belief creates a reverence and
respect for the environment, and all life upon the
Earth.
We also revere the spirits of the elements of Earth,
Air, Fire and Water which combine to manifest all
creation. From these four elements we obtain insight
to the rhythms of nature and understand they are
also the rhythms of our own lives.
Because Witches have been persecuted for so many
centuries, we believe in religious freedom first! We
do not look at our path as the only way to achieve
spirituality, but as one path among many to the same
end. We are not a missionary religion out to convert
new members to think the same as we do. We are
willing to share our experience and knowledge with
those who seek our wisdom and perspective however.
We believe that anyone who is meant for this path
will find it through their own search as the Goddess
speaks to each of us in her time and way. Wicca
practice tolerance and acceptance toward all other
religions as long as those faiths do not persecute
others or violate the tenant of "Harm None." |