RCW-BoS Pagan Grove
Hill Country Pagan Grove
Austin, Texas, U.S.A.
Published December 1982 by C.C.C. Creative Cooperative Consolidated 12611
Research Blvd. Number 125 Austin, Texas 78759 U.S.A.
First edition, December 1982 Second edition, revised, April 1983
PREFACE
Some have asked how this little booklet came into being. It's all very
straightforward: as the most visible representatives of paganism here in
Austin, Texas, I and my consort, Arnthor Phalius, are asked often to appear
in public to talk about witchcraft. The questions included here are those
most often asked, along with the answers we give.
Of course we cannot pretend to speak for all Pagans, only for ourselves.
But the little booklet has been well-received as a non-threatening
method of getting to know a subject like Wicca. Occasionally we will
find someone who has had negative experiences with persons who call
themselves Wiccans or Witches, and in those cases they expressed relief
on find that `other types' of Pagans existed than those which had given them
their initial bad impressions. The Directory* is an individual effort at
networking in the Sunbelt. Here in Texas there are many traditions and
varieties of Paganism, and if one isn't to be alone, one must learn
that there are more similarities than differences in Paganism and the
other major religions. Pagans have always known this, but for various
reasons, have not stepped forward as representatives of this view.
I (Merlana) am a mystic who responds to the Universal Mind as it is expressed
in Nature. It is my deep belief that persons who reverence these principles
are unified at bottom, and separated only by the illusion of words, which
are not reality. Sometimes words aren't even adequate representations of
`Reality`!
It is my intention in this little booklet to re-define some issues and terms
in the way that my tradition sees them. It so happens that much of the rest
of Paganism falls within this general framework. (NOTE: A `tradition' is a
varietal type, like `denomination').
If youalready know the subject and wish to differ, your comments are welcome.
If you are new to the subject, perhaps here you'll find some questions
answered, and (if wanted) fellowship with others who are on similar paths.
Directory* listings are free to those in the Sunbelt of the USA (South and
Southwest.) New editions are published irregularly.
If you don't live in the Sunbelt, but have goods or services which interest
Pagans, you may also put an ad into the Directory.* Write for details.
Blessed be, Merlana April 1983
1. WHAT IS WICCA?
`Wicca' (pronounced Wick-ah) is one name given to the Nature religions
practiced in Northern Europe and the Middle East from the times of the ice
ages. It is one spiritual path out of many in a group of spiritual practices
known as NeoPaganism. NeoPaganism is currently in a world-wide revival,
led by persons and groups in the United States and Britain.
2. HOW DO WICCA AND NEOPAGANISM FIT TOGETHER?
Wicca is one subsidiary form, or `tradition,' similar to the way Christianity
has many forms. One can be a Christian and still be Baptist, Methodist
or Roman Catholic. In the same way, one can be a Pagan but ascribe to
another, more specific, sub-variety of philosophy.
3. IS IT THE SAME AS WITCHCRAFT?
One linguistic theory has the word Wicca coming from Olde English
`Wicca-Craeft', meaning `craft of the wise ones.' Most followers of Wicca (and
most Pagans) prefer not to use the terms `witchcraft' or `witch' because of
the emotional connotations these words carry in our society.
Generally, one who calls him or herself a `witch' without further
qualifications is seeking notoriety and special attention. Those of us who
guard the portals of personal Power (like Carlos Casteneda's character
Don Juan) are normally hard to find or engage in discussion. Our Mysteries are
carefully hidden from the world, and from those who might be tempted to misuse
them.
4. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE ABOUT GOD?
Although Pagans generally agree that one God exists and is the same regardless
of name, they vary in specific concepts about God, as in other religions.
What an individual Pagan holds is strictly a matter of personal belief.
However, occasionally a tradition will teach highly-specific concepts,
structures and mythologies. If one finds oneself in disagreement, the
best policy is `voting with the feet', or withdrawing to find another
group who better agrees.
NOTE: Sometimes it may be easierto gather together a group of people who
believe as you do to form an entirely new group. That's the purpose of
networking, or what the booklet is designed for.
Most Wiccans divide the Godhead (generally conceived of as Mother Nature)
into two forces. One force is male and the other female. They are called
respectively: The God and The Goddess.
Between them, these two divinities create balance and harmony in the Eternal
Dance. They represent the forces of birth, death and regeneration
symbolized in the change of the seasons. Wiccans call 5this cycle The Wheel
Of The Year. Most rituals celebrate the Wheel Of The Year and our deep,
meaningful participation in natural cycles of change.
Because the male force has been in ascendancy for thousands of years due to
the Christian, Moslem and Jewish religions, there is presently a tendency to
emphasize The Goddess, especially by feminists (or by those whose personal
concept of God happens to be female).
We also believe in Magick, which is a partnership between humanity and the
Universal Mind. This partnership creates changes in what we normally call
`reality', i.e., change accomplished with prayer. These changes can seem
miraculous or merely coincidental, and always include personal effort. Magick
is not the same as `wishing.'
5. WHAT HAPPENS AT A WICCAN CEREMONY?
There are several types of get-togethers that Pagans of all traditions
attend. The most available and open is called a `Grove,' where those who wish
may study both spiritual and ceremonial topics. Most groves emphasize
fellowship and harmony of mind between their members. You should choose
one as much for how you blend with the personalities of the members as for a
particular brand of teaching.
Eight times a year, at the solstices and equinoxes, May Day, Halloween,
and other points on the lunar calendar, Pagans gather together (usually
outdoors under trees) to celebrate Nature and the turn of the seasons.
These celebrations consist of dancing, prayer, invocations, and rituals
passed down from the many traditions through the ages. We also urge
participants to develop and use their own original rituals and to share them
with others.
Because we dance and pray in a standing Circle (or sometimes a spiral),
and because we draw at these times from the Universe spherical energies
of protection and power - these meetings are called (appropriately enough!)
Circles.
6. HOW CAN I ATTEND A GROVE OR CIRCLE?
Wiccans and Pagans tend to be very private, and do not advertise their
faith at publicly as some others might. This is mainly because of past
persecutions. However, for those who are sincerely interested, there always
exist persons with whom to visit and explore that interest. Check the
Directory* at the back of this booklet for names of others who are open to
contacts.
If you are sincere and rally want to setout upon the Pagan path, the first step
is to find a Grove to study with. After a Grove accepts you, eventually you
will attend Circles.
7. DO I HAVE TO GIVE UP MY OTHERSPIRITUAL PATHS TO BECOME A WICCAN?
That will depend on the tradition and the teacher. In general, Pagans are
most tolerant of any philosophical structure, and ask only that the tolerance
be returned. You will not be requested to do anything that differs with
your beliefs and spiritual needs.
8. DOES BEING PAGAN MAKE A PERSON SPECIAL OR DIFFERENT?
Well yes, of course. But the special qualities are available to everybody.
Everything that Pagans do with Magick is done in other religions by other
names. It is only that we have found that these particular formulas,
beliefs, and celebrations work best for us.
These are varying approaches to (and grasps of) personal Power. One way of
recognizing someone who is truly Powerful is to note whether he or she seems to
need control or influence over others. True personal power is content to
control only the self, and personal reality.
9. DO YOU CAST SPELLS ON OTHER PEOPLE?
The major law in our religion is: "Do what you will, an it hurt no other."
(The Golden Rule)
In other words, no one is prevented from exploration of God and GodSelf as
long as others are not harmed.
We do believe in directing the energies of the universe toward accomplishment
of certain ends, but magick is never effective on another person unless
the person specifically requests it and takes responsibility for that request.
Attempts at so-called `black' magick, or use of the universal energies
for negative or harmful purposes, only result in karmic backlash
magnified at least threefold on the unfortunate would-be black magician.
Our tradition does not believe in the possibility of `psychic attack',
and hence does not teach methods for combating it. Our philosophy tells
us that to raise a force against `psychic attack' is only to create that which
you fear.
10. ARE PAGANS ANTI-CHRISTIAN?
No. But many Christians are anti-Pagan. Historically there has existed an
adversary relationship between Christianity and the Nature Religions (largely
created by Christians.)
It takes much universal love not to strike back when attacked, and occasionally
a Pagan might seem bitter or afraid as the result of anti-Pagan treatment.
This is only a personal reaction, not a characteristic of the religion
itself.
It is also true that Wiccans and Pagans have suffered dismissal from jobs and
worse simply from their religious affiliation being revealed. Events like
these lead to a certain caution and sometimes even an attitude approaching
mild paranoia.
11. WHO IS IN CHARGE OF PAGANISM?
Each person is in charge of him or herself, responsible totally to Godd/ess.
One might hear an individual called High Priestess, or Priest, but this
title has more to do with the role played in ceremonies than with status
in any formal hierarchy.
Groves and teaching groups sometimes have various levels of
initiation, but again, these are individual to each tradition.
12. WHAT MAKES WICCA DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PATHS THAT BELIEVE IN THE PSYCHIC
POWERS?
We usually find that people most often comment on the robes and the tools.
Traditionally we wear special garments while engaging in devotions, as a
male Jew wears prayer shawl and skullcap. The garments have symbolisms, and
stand for beliefs of the person wearing them.
The tools are: a cup, knife, staff (or wand), and the pentacle, a 5-pointed
star with 5th point upward, enclosed in a circle.
For those familiar with the tarotcards, this was the original source of the
tarot suits as well as many meanings and symbolisms in the tarot deck.
13. WHAT IS DONE WITH THE TOOLS?
They are used, along with other objects, like candles, bells, and incense
to focus energies and influence Universal forces with our prayers. If the
format reminds you of Roman Catholic mass, that's because much of the
indigenous Nature Religion's mysteries were `adopted' when Christianity
moved into Northern Europe -- into England, Scotland, Ireland and
Scandinavia ... the lands of the Celts.
Also, if the tools and concepts seem to resemble elements in
Rosicrucianism, the Caballa, and the Masonic Temple, it is because the latter
paths drew and adopted Pagan rituals and forms for other uses. Since ours was
an oral tradition we gratefully acknowledge the role these organizations
played in bringing to modern times knowledge and insights which have
otherwise been lost.
Here's a bit of trivia: Although the Founding Fathers of the U.S.A. generally
held indifferent attitudes about Christianity they were all thirty-third
degree Masons. Obviously they sought to incorporate their high ideals into
writing our first constitution. This odd fact explains to some people
why fundamentalist Christians and the constitution occasionally seem to be
at cross-purposes.
14. HOW LARGE IS THE RELIGION?
Since Wicca, or Paganism, is an alternative religion uninterested in power or
clout, we measure our `size' usually only by spiritual growth. There is
a national newspaper published quarterly by which many Pagans keep in touch.
15. WHAT ABOUT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY?
That's magick, too! Craft practitioners of old WERE the scientists ... there
was need for healers and herbalists, agriculture and astronomy experts.
The scientific method has now made teaching these subjects respectable in
universities. But in the process we have lost the lore's former integration
of the spiritual relationship between God Expressed As Nature and ourselves.
Many of us are scientifically trained and hold technological jobs and
interests. This does not interfere with but only adds to a desire for ritual
celebration and union with Godd/ess. Also many of us are ourselves
practicing psychics, or are interested in extrasensory perception (ESP)
and its uses. Paganism makes available a philosophical structure for
all of these ends utilized effectively for millennia. It urges individuals
to develop their personal powers within that structure and to use them
thereafter in a responsible way.
16. THAT'S SOMETHING ELSE: WHY DON'T I EVER HEAR OR READ ABOUT PAGAN CHARITIES
OR GOOD WORKS?
Good news makes terrible press. News media and supermarket tabloids would much
rather print scandal and controversy. How many times have you seen a
headline that attributed a person's conduct to his/her belief in Witchcraft?
Do you ever see the same types of stories about Moslems, Jews or Christians?
In addition, organized charity can only be accomplished undercertain forms of
organized religious structures. That takes leadership, delegation of
powers, community resources and accumulation of money and collective wealth.
We focus instead on personal responsibility and the necessity of reflecting
Godd/ess in our characters and lives. Occasionally persons in the Craft will
join together to change a situation or to help someone, but this is always
done quietly and with the full knowledge and permission of those for whom the
help of change in requested. It is always done without taking public credit.
We feel that Godd/ess knows, and that is all we need.
17. HOW CAN WE SUM THIS UP IN A FEW WORDS?
Wicca, a branch of the spiritual movement called Neopaganism (or Paganism)
is primarily a religion of personal, mystical relationship between the
Universal Mind as expressed in Nature and the individual. It believes in
Magick, or positive change wrought by prayer and ceremonial ritual. It
brings its practitioners the joy of union and harmony with Godd/ess as
expressed in Nature as well as fellowship with other persons who are on
similar paths. Personal responsibility and growth are stressed, dogma and
rigid beliefs are discouraged.
MAY GODD/ESS SPEAK TO YOU
IN THE VOICE YOU HEAR BEST
BLESSED BE!
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