Witchcraft and Wicca
"The spiritual path Gardner launched he called Witchcraft but eventually he came up with the name 'Wicca' after the Saxon name for Witch. Its appeal was the mystique of Witchcraft and the elaborate ceremonies, also equality of male and female and freedom from Christian puritan morals. So Wicca is a recent name for Witchcraft."
********************
Branwenn-Wow--NOT! A lot of this-above and below my info-is very inaccurate. Gardner called it Wica with one "c" and Gavin and Yvonne Frost claim that they are the first ones to use two "cc's" officially. Wicca and Witchcraft are not the same thing.
"The history of Wicca is a much debated topic. Gardner claimed that the religion was a survival of matriarchal religions of pre-historic Europe, taught to him by a woman named Dorothy Clutterbuck. Many believe he invented it himself, following the thesis of Dr. Margaret Murray and sources such as Aradia: Gospel of the Witches by Charles Godfrey Leland, and the practices of Freemasonry and ceremonial magic; and while Clutterbuck certainly existed, historian Ronald Hutton concluded that she is unlikely to have been involved in Gardner's Craft activities.
(I highly recommend both Ronald Hutton's book Triumph of the Moon and Charles Leland's Aradia: Gospel of the Witches. Also for those who are interested, there is a ton of information on the web and in my library about Gardner.)
While the ritual format of Wicca is undeniably styled after late Victorian era occultism, the spiritual content is inspired by older Pagan faiths, with Buddhist and Hindu influences. Whether any historical connection to Pagan religion exists, the aspiration to emulate Pagan religion (as it was understood at the time) certainly does.
Gardner probably had access to few, if any, traditional Pagan rites. The prevailing theory is that most of his rites were the result of his adapting the works of Aleister Crowley. There is very little in the Wiccan rites that cannot be shown to have come from earlier extant sources. The original material is not cohesive and mostly takes the form of substitutions or expansions within unoriginal material, such as embellishment of Crowley lines.
Philip Heselton, writing in Wiccan Roots and later in Gerald Gardner and the Cauldron of Inspiration, argues that Gardner was not the author of the Wiccan rituals but received them in good faith from an unknown source. He notes that all the Crowley material that is found in the Wiccan rituals can be found in a single book, The Equinox vol 3 no. 1 or Blue Equinox.
The idea of primitive matriarchal religions, deriving ultimately from studies by Johann Jakob Bachofen, was popular in Gardner's day, both among academics (e.g., Erich Neumann, Margaret Murray) and amateurs such as Robert Graves. Later academics (e.g. Carl Jung and Marija Gimbutas) continued research in this area, and later still Joseph Campbell, Ashley Montagu and others highly esteemed Gimbutas's work on the matrifocal cultures of Old Europe. Both matrifocal interpretation of the archaeological record, and the foundations of criticism of such work, continue to be matters of academic debate. Some academics carry on research in this area (consider the 2003 World Congress on Matriarchal Studies). Critics argue that matriarchal societies never actually existed, and are an invention of researchers such as Margaret Murray.
The idea of a supreme Mother Goddess was common in Victorian and Edwardian literature: the concept of a Horned God—especially related to the gods Pan or Faunus—was less common, but still significant. Both of these ideas were widely accepted in academic literature, and in the popular press. Gardner used these concepts as his central theological doctrine, and constructed Wicca around this core. "
************************
"In fact a Witch is simply anyone who has special powers and can be of any religion, for example a Jewish witch. So to be accurate Wicca is not another name for Witchcraft. In fact Wicca is a mix of various practices, ancient and recent put together like a badly fitting jigsaw puzzle by Gerald Gardner; each piece is valid but they didn't fit together right and some pieces were missing."
************************
Branwenn-Special powers have nothing to do with it. We all have the ability to have "special powers." Some of us are more in touch with this ability than others. A Jewish witch? I think this is pushing the envelope a bit, but there are books out about this type of thing. Magickal Judaism: Connecting Pagan & Jewish Practice (Paperback) by Jennifer Hunter (Author) I know lots of Wiccans who have their roots in Judaism, but that doesn't make anyone who practices magick a witch and most definitely not a Wiccan. See in the files section of this list my definitions of Witch, Wiccan and Pagan.
**********************
"Wiccans are the present-day guardians and priesthood of what is known as the Western Mystery Tradition which has at least some of its roots thousands of years old and many Wiccans spend much time and effort researching the missing pieces. Wicca is now mainly a modern spiritual path geared to today's society and needs, a path to self knowledge and self improvement. Each and every Wiccan is his or her own Priest or Priestess, the implication being there is no intermediary between them and deity - no religious hierarchy."
****************************************
Branwenn: Hmmm--well at least it is one of the paths of the western mystery traditions. Wicca's literal roots are in the 1940s and 1950s, but the material that Gardner and others drew from is as old as time itself. I do like the idea of Wicca as a path to self-knowledge and self-improvement. That is what Wicca is in many ways to me. I think the idea is to educate yourself and to experience enough to be able to become your own priest or priestess. You are your own highest authority and the responsibility of that is sometimes overwhelming.
******************
"In the 60s and 70s many people became interested in Eastern esoteric religions and spiritualities such as Krishna Consciousness, completely unaware that we have our own indigenous mystery religion."
******************
Branwenn-Umm, yeah, but it's definitely not the same. Unless you are native American, our own indicenous mystery religion is a poor choice of words. My preferred culture is the Celtic path and this combined with Wicca and a lot of Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell type psychology and philosophy is what CVCW rounds out to be.
************
"Modern Wicca is mostly practised in groups or by solitaries. Some work in small groups called covens. Strictly speaking Wicca is not a religion but the esoteric study of Western Paganism. However Wicca is practised on many levels and the definition of Wicca has become blurred so that Wicca itself is often regarded as a religion. A Wiccan coven is like a religious mystery school."
*********************
Well--this is a place to start at any rate, although I still differ much from this point of view. The ultimate goal will be a coven that functions like a church and a school and a family as well, in some aspects. It is a lot to ask of one's spirituality, but I think it is important.
Have you checked out ALL my blogs?
http://crystalvisionsceltiwicca101.blogspot.com/
http://travelswithbranwenn.blogspot.com/
http://cvcw.blogspot.com/
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
IMBOLC RITUAL for 2008
(This ritual is a combination of my own rituals over the years and several Imbolc rituals from the web which I have woven together here to celebrate this Imbolc of 2008. My blessings to each of you who have assisted me in this creation. If I have used any portions of your work here for the greater glory of the Lord and Lady, I thank you and I ask you to write to me to express how you felt about what I have done with your work. I have included a list of works at the end of this ritual as a bibliography. Thank you and Blessed Be to all my brothers and sisters at Imbolc.)
This ritual celebrates: the return of energy; the return of Spring; the transition of the Goddess from the Crone (the White Lady of the dark time) to the Maiden of the Light (full of healthy energy and the glorious promise of increased light and life vibrating across the Earth). It is actually two rituals in one to celebrate the many aspects of Imbolc and Brighid, my special Goddess. There are many aspects to be celebrated and this ritual touches on only on a few of them.
As with all your rituals, call upon the elements of Air, Fire, Water and Earth as well as the Goddess and the God to be with you. My outline is only a suggestion.
FIRST COMPLETE THE SALT AND WATER PURIFICATION
Then, purify the circle by:
1. Earth & Water-Asperging
Everyone turns to face outward from the circle.
All chant while one covener chosen by the HPS asperges the circle---
Purified be this circle, sacred be this space
(repeat the chant three times).
2. Air-Smudging
3. Fire– carry the Fire Candle (from the altar) around the circle deosil that all may feel the heat and transformative power of Fire.
CAST CIRCLE-
HP reads the words of the circle casting while the HPS casts the circle with her sword or athame:
So I cast and consecrate
This Circle of the small and great:
By Fin and Feather, Leaf and Tree,
By Rock and Earth, by Land and Sea,
By Fire and Water, Earth and Air,
By the Lord, and Lady Fair!
By Love and Joy and Work and Play,
All things harmful cast away!
By lightning’s flash, and rain's soft fall,
By the Power that made us all;
By the Power that blesses Thee:
The Circle's cast; and Blessed Be!
After as many transits as the Priestess feels to be necessary around the circle, the Priestess returns to the circle and takes the hand of the person to her left and states…
Hand to hand we cast this circle with perfect love and perfect trust…coming together to celebrate the re-awakening of the Maiden and of the reanimation of the energy of the Lord and Lady in our circle and in our lives.
CALL THE QUARTERS-you can use these words or invocations of your own creation
EAST: O Guardians of the Eastern Tower,
Airy ones of healing power
I do summon, stir and call
See these rites and guard us all!
Come to us and heed our call!
By the Power that made us all;
By the Power that blesses Thee:
Come to us; and Blessed Be!
(All) Hail and Welcome and Blessed BE!!!
SOUTH: Oh fiery ones of Southern Power
Thus I invite you in this hour
I do summon, stir and call
See these rites and guard us all!
Come to us and heed our call!
By the Power that made us all;
By the Power that blesses Thee:
Come to us; and Blessed Be!
(All) Hail and Welcome and Blessed BE!!!
WEST: Western ones of water's flow
Help to guard us here below
I do summon, stir and call
See these rites and guard us all!
Come to us and heed our call!
By the Power that made us all;
By the Power that blesses Thee:
Come to us; and Blessed Be!
(ALL) Hail and Welcome and Blessed BE!!!!
NORTH: Earthen ones of Northern place
Bless and guard our circle space
I do summon, stir and call
See these rites and guard us all!
Come to us and heed our call!
By the Power that made us all;
By the Power that blesses Thee:
Come to us; and Blessed Be!
(All) Hail and Welcome and Blessed BE!!!
HP:
Imbolc is the first celebration of spring, the first stirring of the seeds of life beneath the ground. The shortest days and longest nights of winter are over; the power of the Crone, the White Lady, is waning and the Goddess takes on the robes of the Maiden. Fertility returns to the Earth along with the energy of the ever earlier rising SUN. The God is seen as a young man, the strong, lustful Lord of the Forest, the Horned One.
HPS:
By Earth and Water, Fire and Air
I invoke the Goddess here!
INVOCATION OF THE GODDESS IN THE PRIESTESS’S OWN WORDS
Now we are Between the Worlds
To celebrate the year unfurled!
HP: Earth and Water, Fire and Sky
I invoke the God on high
INVOCATION OF THE GOD IN THE PRIEST’S OWN WORDS
Now we are Between the Worlds
To celebrate the year unfurled!
To honor the transition of dark to light and to celebrate in and build up the rising energy of the Maiden and the young Forest Lord, take a black candle to represent the Goddess as Wise One and a white one to represent her as Maiden.
Light the dark candle and say, 'This light is the light of the Crone, the Wise One who has ruled over the winter months, the resting time'.
Spend a few moments thinking of all that has passed during the darker months of introspection, especially of what you have learned in this time. Thank the Crone for these wonderful insights.
Next say, 'Now it is time for the Crone to turn away and become once more the Maiden, Lady of Spring, full of healthy energy and of great promise'. Light the white candle and extinguish the dark one with love and a kiss.
Hail to the Maiden, Bright Lady of Spring!
All: The Maiden has returned.She walks in strength, full of vibrant health and beauty.
Blessed BE!
The light has returned. The days grow warm and the fields grow green with the bounty of the Earth.
Blessed Be!
Prosperity has returned! Our days grow longer, rich and peaceful, filled with the abundance of our lives
Blessed BE!
Passion has returned! Our nights grow warmer, filled with the sensual passion of the Lord and Lady’s love.
Blessed BE!
Now spend a little time thinking about what you would like to begin in this new season.
Imbolc is a celebration of beginnings, initiations, and circle startings. Deep in the cold of Winter, thoughts of life begin to stir. Reflection has chosen the seeds of new works to be accomplished in the coming year. The Goddess reigns supreme as that internal reflection begins its transition to external actions. Now is the time when wants and needs are expressed. But beware; wishes expressed on Imbolc have a way of coming to pass. Be sure you wish for what you truly need and not just what you want. Take time to think deeply and decipher your innermost bliss. Find what you must do and take steps to do it.
Create a list on small pieces of paper, one for each goal, with nine goals and nine pieces of paper.
Decorate your Ostara tree for the next Sabbat with these affirmations.
Then, take some ice, a large piece if possible, and, taking it in your strong hand (your right if right handed, your left if left handed), hold it over a bowl and say, 'This represents the Crone, Lady of Winter, of the time when the land is still and resting. But as winter's thaw begins, so the Lady casts off her robes of stillness and becomes once more the Maiden. Strong, healthy, beautiful, full of movement, like the cool waters of spring, she flows once more to bring life and hope to all the land'.
(Once the ice has fully melted, keep the resulting water to put on your favorite plant, either indoors or in the garden. Please wait until the water has reached a reasonable temperature before you do this, otherwise you will freeze the poor thing's roots!)
Spirit of Earth, Spirit of Air, Water and Flame -come to us here.
Bright Poet Queen, we seek your advice - Brigid return from the kingdom of ice.
The Imbolc flame burns higher and higher –we call to Brigid our mother, the goddess of fire.
We offer her mead and light every light - Brigid please come to our home on this night!
Gather together onto the altar all the seeds that you plan to plant in the coming growing season.
Have the Grain Dolly lying in the Bride's Bed (basket) with the Priapic Wand and the acorns nearby. Sit quietly meditating within the cast Circle for a little while... When you feel ready, begin with these words:
"Blessed be this season of Imbolc,
Blessed be the Goddess, waiting Bride of the returning Sun God.
Mother Earth stirs from Her long slumber.
The fields and forests hear Her whisper to awaken.
The creatures of Her realms answer Her summons.
Everything waits in anticipation for Spring."
Tap the altar gently, three times with your Wand, and say:
"This is the Festival of the Maiden
Who gives to all the breath of life.
This is a time of waxing light and receding darkness.
This is the season of purification, a renewing of life.
This is the time of the quickening.
At this time and in this place between the worlds,
I come into the presence of the Lord and the Lady
That I may gain wise and truthful counsel."
Now comes a time of silent meditation while you ask the God and Goddess for inspiration and guidance for the future...
When you feel ready, tap the altar again gently with the Wand, three times and say:
"O Ancient Ones,
I know my life's path is within Your keeping.
Only with Your help and guidance can I hope to avoid any pitfalls
And reach my destination safely."
Light the White Candle on the left side of the Cauldron and say these words:
"I salute the glorious Maiden Goddess,
Preparer of new life out of darkness.
This is Her Season of the Wheel of the Year
When She spreads Her blessings over the land."
Light the Green Candle on the right side of the Cauldron and say these words:
"Behold, the Lord of the Forests
As he caresses the dreaming Earth.
As there is a renewal within the plants and animals,
So shall there be renewal in my life also."
Take up your athame and touch the tip of it to the heart of the Grain Dolly, and say:
"Groom of Heaven and Earth,
Come now to claim your waiting Bride."
Light all of the candles that are around you. This symbolizes the young Goddess turning the Wheel of the Year back to Spring.
Then say:
"From this union comes the Light of the World.
Be fruitful, oh Bride,
And turn our Earth gently again to Spring."
Add the acorns into the Bed with the Bride.
(The nuts are a fertility symbol and are meant to seal the words you have just spoken.)
Then gently lay the Priapic Wand across the Grain Dolly, forming an "X", and as you do, say:
"Blessed be the Sun God, coming back to us this day."
Asperge around the box or basket of seeds with the salt of the Earth and water.
Smudge with the smudgestick around the box or basket of seeds with air.
Lift the main altar candle and carry it clockwise around the basket of seeds to bless it with fire
Then take the candle around the Circle with you at least three times, to symbolize the coming of the Light.
Sit and quietly reflect or meditate on the meaning of this sabbat to you.
May these seeds be blessed by the power of the Lord and the Lady
And of Earth, Air, Fire and Water to produce in great abundance
As the Wheel of the Year turns and the Earth flowers and fruits in Her abundance.
Harming none—SO MOTE IT BE!
SYMBOLIC GREAT RITE AS MEAD
BLESSING
Priest: “Be it known that man is not greater than woman.”
Priestess: “Nor is woman greater than man.”
Priest: “For what one lacks,”
Priestess: “The other can provide.”
Priest: “As the athame is to the male,”
Priestess: “So the cup is to the female,”
Priest: “And when conjoined,”
Priestess: “They become one in truth.”
Both: “For their is no greater magick in all the world Than that of love!”
The Priestess touches the athame to the Cakes and says: "Buried in the womb of our Lady, nourished by the waters of life, given breath by the winds of the Four Old Ones, brought to growth by the fires of our Lord, harvested by the children of the universe, and brought to this rite in love and trust -- I consecrate and bless this offering."
THANK THE LORD AND LADY
Priestess: Maiden Lady, Flower of Imbolc
Bestow upon us in overflowing measure
Thy youthful passion for love and life
As we rejoice in the sensual stirrings of the season.
Hail, Farewell, and Blessed Be!
All : Hail, Farewell, and Blessed Be!
Priest: Sovereign Satyr Lord, Pan of the Pagan Ways, At this Sabbat of Springtime's coming promise of warmth,
Bestow upon us the heated breath of Thy lust for living
As we depart this sacred space with the joyous blessings
Of Thy Imbolc benediction.
Hail, Farewell, and Blessed Be!
All : Hail, Farewell, and Blessed Be!
TAKING DOWN OF THE CIRCLE BY THE PRIESTESS
HPS: Thus I release the East and West
Thanks to them from Host to Guest
Thus I release the South and North
With "Blessed Be' I send them forth!
The Circle's open, dance we so
Out and homeward we shall go.
Earth and Water, Air and Fire
Celebrated our desire.
Winter's cold is gone away
Now we celebrate Imbolc Day
By Fin and Feather, Leaf and Tree,
Our circle's done; and Blessed Be!
All: Blessed Be!
Once, twice, thrice…I release all energies here…
Depart in peace and love
The circle is open, but never broken-
(All loudly):Merry Meet, Merry Part
And Merry Meet Again!!!!!
I give thanks to this wonderful website for much of my materials here.
http://www.magicspells.in/imbolc_candlemas.htm
This ritual celebrates: the return of energy; the return of Spring; the transition of the Goddess from the Crone (the White Lady of the dark time) to the Maiden of the Light (full of healthy energy and the glorious promise of increased light and life vibrating across the Earth). It is actually two rituals in one to celebrate the many aspects of Imbolc and Brighid, my special Goddess. There are many aspects to be celebrated and this ritual touches on only on a few of them.
As with all your rituals, call upon the elements of Air, Fire, Water and Earth as well as the Goddess and the God to be with you. My outline is only a suggestion.
FIRST COMPLETE THE SALT AND WATER PURIFICATION
Then, purify the circle by:
1. Earth & Water-Asperging
Everyone turns to face outward from the circle.
All chant while one covener chosen by the HPS asperges the circle---
Purified be this circle, sacred be this space
(repeat the chant three times).
2. Air-Smudging
3. Fire– carry the Fire Candle (from the altar) around the circle deosil that all may feel the heat and transformative power of Fire.
CAST CIRCLE-
HP reads the words of the circle casting while the HPS casts the circle with her sword or athame:
So I cast and consecrate
This Circle of the small and great:
By Fin and Feather, Leaf and Tree,
By Rock and Earth, by Land and Sea,
By Fire and Water, Earth and Air,
By the Lord, and Lady Fair!
By Love and Joy and Work and Play,
All things harmful cast away!
By lightning’s flash, and rain's soft fall,
By the Power that made us all;
By the Power that blesses Thee:
The Circle's cast; and Blessed Be!
After as many transits as the Priestess feels to be necessary around the circle, the Priestess returns to the circle and takes the hand of the person to her left and states…
Hand to hand we cast this circle with perfect love and perfect trust…coming together to celebrate the re-awakening of the Maiden and of the reanimation of the energy of the Lord and Lady in our circle and in our lives.
CALL THE QUARTERS-you can use these words or invocations of your own creation
EAST: O Guardians of the Eastern Tower,
Airy ones of healing power
I do summon, stir and call
See these rites and guard us all!
Come to us and heed our call!
By the Power that made us all;
By the Power that blesses Thee:
Come to us; and Blessed Be!
(All) Hail and Welcome and Blessed BE!!!
SOUTH: Oh fiery ones of Southern Power
Thus I invite you in this hour
I do summon, stir and call
See these rites and guard us all!
Come to us and heed our call!
By the Power that made us all;
By the Power that blesses Thee:
Come to us; and Blessed Be!
(All) Hail and Welcome and Blessed BE!!!
WEST: Western ones of water's flow
Help to guard us here below
I do summon, stir and call
See these rites and guard us all!
Come to us and heed our call!
By the Power that made us all;
By the Power that blesses Thee:
Come to us; and Blessed Be!
(ALL) Hail and Welcome and Blessed BE!!!!
NORTH: Earthen ones of Northern place
Bless and guard our circle space
I do summon, stir and call
See these rites and guard us all!
Come to us and heed our call!
By the Power that made us all;
By the Power that blesses Thee:
Come to us; and Blessed Be!
(All) Hail and Welcome and Blessed BE!!!
HP:
Imbolc is the first celebration of spring, the first stirring of the seeds of life beneath the ground. The shortest days and longest nights of winter are over; the power of the Crone, the White Lady, is waning and the Goddess takes on the robes of the Maiden. Fertility returns to the Earth along with the energy of the ever earlier rising SUN. The God is seen as a young man, the strong, lustful Lord of the Forest, the Horned One.
HPS:
By Earth and Water, Fire and Air
I invoke the Goddess here!
INVOCATION OF THE GODDESS IN THE PRIESTESS’S OWN WORDS
Now we are Between the Worlds
To celebrate the year unfurled!
HP: Earth and Water, Fire and Sky
I invoke the God on high
INVOCATION OF THE GOD IN THE PRIEST’S OWN WORDS
Now we are Between the Worlds
To celebrate the year unfurled!
To honor the transition of dark to light and to celebrate in and build up the rising energy of the Maiden and the young Forest Lord, take a black candle to represent the Goddess as Wise One and a white one to represent her as Maiden.
Light the dark candle and say, 'This light is the light of the Crone, the Wise One who has ruled over the winter months, the resting time'.
Spend a few moments thinking of all that has passed during the darker months of introspection, especially of what you have learned in this time. Thank the Crone for these wonderful insights.
Next say, 'Now it is time for the Crone to turn away and become once more the Maiden, Lady of Spring, full of healthy energy and of great promise'. Light the white candle and extinguish the dark one with love and a kiss.
Hail to the Maiden, Bright Lady of Spring!
All: The Maiden has returned.She walks in strength, full of vibrant health and beauty.
Blessed BE!
The light has returned. The days grow warm and the fields grow green with the bounty of the Earth.
Blessed Be!
Prosperity has returned! Our days grow longer, rich and peaceful, filled with the abundance of our lives
Blessed BE!
Passion has returned! Our nights grow warmer, filled with the sensual passion of the Lord and Lady’s love.
Blessed BE!
Now spend a little time thinking about what you would like to begin in this new season.
Imbolc is a celebration of beginnings, initiations, and circle startings. Deep in the cold of Winter, thoughts of life begin to stir. Reflection has chosen the seeds of new works to be accomplished in the coming year. The Goddess reigns supreme as that internal reflection begins its transition to external actions. Now is the time when wants and needs are expressed. But beware; wishes expressed on Imbolc have a way of coming to pass. Be sure you wish for what you truly need and not just what you want. Take time to think deeply and decipher your innermost bliss. Find what you must do and take steps to do it.
Create a list on small pieces of paper, one for each goal, with nine goals and nine pieces of paper.
Decorate your Ostara tree for the next Sabbat with these affirmations.
Then, take some ice, a large piece if possible, and, taking it in your strong hand (your right if right handed, your left if left handed), hold it over a bowl and say, 'This represents the Crone, Lady of Winter, of the time when the land is still and resting. But as winter's thaw begins, so the Lady casts off her robes of stillness and becomes once more the Maiden. Strong, healthy, beautiful, full of movement, like the cool waters of spring, she flows once more to bring life and hope to all the land'.
(Once the ice has fully melted, keep the resulting water to put on your favorite plant, either indoors or in the garden. Please wait until the water has reached a reasonable temperature before you do this, otherwise you will freeze the poor thing's roots!)
Spirit of Earth, Spirit of Air, Water and Flame -come to us here.
Bright Poet Queen, we seek your advice - Brigid return from the kingdom of ice.
The Imbolc flame burns higher and higher –we call to Brigid our mother, the goddess of fire.
We offer her mead and light every light - Brigid please come to our home on this night!
Gather together onto the altar all the seeds that you plan to plant in the coming growing season.
Have the Grain Dolly lying in the Bride's Bed (basket) with the Priapic Wand and the acorns nearby. Sit quietly meditating within the cast Circle for a little while... When you feel ready, begin with these words:
"Blessed be this season of Imbolc,
Blessed be the Goddess, waiting Bride of the returning Sun God.
Mother Earth stirs from Her long slumber.
The fields and forests hear Her whisper to awaken.
The creatures of Her realms answer Her summons.
Everything waits in anticipation for Spring."
Tap the altar gently, three times with your Wand, and say:
"This is the Festival of the Maiden
Who gives to all the breath of life.
This is a time of waxing light and receding darkness.
This is the season of purification, a renewing of life.
This is the time of the quickening.
At this time and in this place between the worlds,
I come into the presence of the Lord and the Lady
That I may gain wise and truthful counsel."
Now comes a time of silent meditation while you ask the God and Goddess for inspiration and guidance for the future...
When you feel ready, tap the altar again gently with the Wand, three times and say:
"O Ancient Ones,
I know my life's path is within Your keeping.
Only with Your help and guidance can I hope to avoid any pitfalls
And reach my destination safely."
Light the White Candle on the left side of the Cauldron and say these words:
"I salute the glorious Maiden Goddess,
Preparer of new life out of darkness.
This is Her Season of the Wheel of the Year
When She spreads Her blessings over the land."
Light the Green Candle on the right side of the Cauldron and say these words:
"Behold, the Lord of the Forests
As he caresses the dreaming Earth.
As there is a renewal within the plants and animals,
So shall there be renewal in my life also."
Take up your athame and touch the tip of it to the heart of the Grain Dolly, and say:
"Groom of Heaven and Earth,
Come now to claim your waiting Bride."
Light all of the candles that are around you. This symbolizes the young Goddess turning the Wheel of the Year back to Spring.
Then say:
"From this union comes the Light of the World.
Be fruitful, oh Bride,
And turn our Earth gently again to Spring."
Add the acorns into the Bed with the Bride.
(The nuts are a fertility symbol and are meant to seal the words you have just spoken.)
Then gently lay the Priapic Wand across the Grain Dolly, forming an "X", and as you do, say:
"Blessed be the Sun God, coming back to us this day."
Asperge around the box or basket of seeds with the salt of the Earth and water.
Smudge with the smudgestick around the box or basket of seeds with air.
Lift the main altar candle and carry it clockwise around the basket of seeds to bless it with fire
Then take the candle around the Circle with you at least three times, to symbolize the coming of the Light.
Sit and quietly reflect or meditate on the meaning of this sabbat to you.
May these seeds be blessed by the power of the Lord and the Lady
And of Earth, Air, Fire and Water to produce in great abundance
As the Wheel of the Year turns and the Earth flowers and fruits in Her abundance.
Harming none—SO MOTE IT BE!
SYMBOLIC GREAT RITE AS MEAD
BLESSING
Priest: “Be it known that man is not greater than woman.”
Priestess: “Nor is woman greater than man.”
Priest: “For what one lacks,”
Priestess: “The other can provide.”
Priest: “As the athame is to the male,”
Priestess: “So the cup is to the female,”
Priest: “And when conjoined,”
Priestess: “They become one in truth.”
Both: “For their is no greater magick in all the world Than that of love!”
The Priestess touches the athame to the Cakes and says: "Buried in the womb of our Lady, nourished by the waters of life, given breath by the winds of the Four Old Ones, brought to growth by the fires of our Lord, harvested by the children of the universe, and brought to this rite in love and trust -- I consecrate and bless this offering."
THANK THE LORD AND LADY
Priestess: Maiden Lady, Flower of Imbolc
Bestow upon us in overflowing measure
Thy youthful passion for love and life
As we rejoice in the sensual stirrings of the season.
Hail, Farewell, and Blessed Be!
All : Hail, Farewell, and Blessed Be!
Priest: Sovereign Satyr Lord, Pan of the Pagan Ways, At this Sabbat of Springtime's coming promise of warmth,
Bestow upon us the heated breath of Thy lust for living
As we depart this sacred space with the joyous blessings
Of Thy Imbolc benediction.
Hail, Farewell, and Blessed Be!
All : Hail, Farewell, and Blessed Be!
TAKING DOWN OF THE CIRCLE BY THE PRIESTESS
HPS: Thus I release the East and West
Thanks to them from Host to Guest
Thus I release the South and North
With "Blessed Be' I send them forth!
The Circle's open, dance we so
Out and homeward we shall go.
Earth and Water, Air and Fire
Celebrated our desire.
Winter's cold is gone away
Now we celebrate Imbolc Day
By Fin and Feather, Leaf and Tree,
Our circle's done; and Blessed Be!
All: Blessed Be!
Once, twice, thrice…I release all energies here…
Depart in peace and love
The circle is open, but never broken-
(All loudly):Merry Meet, Merry Part
And Merry Meet Again!!!!!
I give thanks to this wonderful website for much of my materials here.
http://www.magicspells.in/imbolc_candlemas.htm
Sunday, December 30, 2007
If it works for you, why tear down what works for others?
"If it works for you, why tear down what works for others?" This is a great point. To a certain extent, I completely agree with you. I don't EVER wish to tear down another's belief systems. There are important elements of truth in ALL religious systems, even Christianity, which I personally believe has been distorted from its original intentions by centuries of misinterpretation and mistranslation.
I agree with the idea that we are all blind men feeling different parts of the elephant. The point I am trying to make is that I DO want those who wish to learn about Wicca to analyze WHAT they believe and WHY and make sure they are building their belief system on a rock foundation instead of a paper one. I don't think we all start with the same information. I love both Scott Cunningham's and Vivianne Crowley's books, but there is a world of difference in what they wrote. Both have elements of truth. Some of us read critically, study deep and ask questions. Others blindly accept what a "teacher" tells them.
I have been a teacher at several times in my life and I have taught different things at each of these times. People evolve and so do spiritual philosophies or they wither and die. I think we especially fall prey to scholarship. If it has been researched and well-documented, then it is truth. Is it? If my own inner bell is screaming out--THIS IS NOT TRUE, NOT FOR ME--then why do I have to accept it as truth just because three authors wrote it down and documented it back to what someone reportedly said in 1500 BC.
I think reading everything you can get your hands on critically is the key. Allow the information (note that I said information and not knowledge) to sink into your brain and then YOU decide what works for you. But make darn sure it is a well-informed decision and also remember that what you believe today could be washed away by some new revelation tomorrow.
I choose Wicca as my path right now because there are some wonderful psychological bases for its premises. Read Carl Jung, read Joseph Campbell, read Clarissa Pinkola Estés, and read Vivianne Crowley's Wicca: The Old Religion in the New Age. Think about what they have to say and whether it speaks to you.
Then continue to read the authors, psychologists and philosophers whose writing excites your brain. I think that what some folks see as me tearing down another's path is just me being critical of that path as not the one that speaks truth to me. If I teach, I must teach what I believe deep in my heart and mind. I speak freely and many mistake my own Virgo picky tendencies for a not so constructive criticism of their own personal path.
I just worry because I see so many people teaching, doing advanced spell work, binding rituals, and other more advanced Wicca craftwork without having really studied in depth what it is that they are doing. This astonishes me and worries me. I then start to preach a return to basic Wiccan teachings and values and this is misinterpreted as Wiccan fundamentalism. I just feel very strongly that before we try a wild idea of a Pagan flight of fantasy ritual, we should make sure we are well-grounded in the basics.
I agree with the idea that we are all blind men feeling different parts of the elephant. The point I am trying to make is that I DO want those who wish to learn about Wicca to analyze WHAT they believe and WHY and make sure they are building their belief system on a rock foundation instead of a paper one. I don't think we all start with the same information. I love both Scott Cunningham's and Vivianne Crowley's books, but there is a world of difference in what they wrote. Both have elements of truth. Some of us read critically, study deep and ask questions. Others blindly accept what a "teacher" tells them.
I have been a teacher at several times in my life and I have taught different things at each of these times. People evolve and so do spiritual philosophies or they wither and die. I think we especially fall prey to scholarship. If it has been researched and well-documented, then it is truth. Is it? If my own inner bell is screaming out--THIS IS NOT TRUE, NOT FOR ME--then why do I have to accept it as truth just because three authors wrote it down and documented it back to what someone reportedly said in 1500 BC.
I think reading everything you can get your hands on critically is the key. Allow the information (note that I said information and not knowledge) to sink into your brain and then YOU decide what works for you. But make darn sure it is a well-informed decision and also remember that what you believe today could be washed away by some new revelation tomorrow.
I choose Wicca as my path right now because there are some wonderful psychological bases for its premises. Read Carl Jung, read Joseph Campbell, read Clarissa Pinkola Estés, and read Vivianne Crowley's Wicca: The Old Religion in the New Age. Think about what they have to say and whether it speaks to you.
Then continue to read the authors, psychologists and philosophers whose writing excites your brain. I think that what some folks see as me tearing down another's path is just me being critical of that path as not the one that speaks truth to me. If I teach, I must teach what I believe deep in my heart and mind. I speak freely and many mistake my own Virgo picky tendencies for a not so constructive criticism of their own personal path.
I just worry because I see so many people teaching, doing advanced spell work, binding rituals, and other more advanced Wicca craftwork without having really studied in depth what it is that they are doing. This astonishes me and worries me. I then start to preach a return to basic Wiccan teachings and values and this is misinterpreted as Wiccan fundamentalism. I just feel very strongly that before we try a wild idea of a Pagan flight of fantasy ritual, we should make sure we are well-grounded in the basics.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Response to my last post
XXXXXX@yahoo.com writes:
I've noticed the 'discussions' too. like, if you don't cast a circle or use the right color candle, it 'doesn't count'
****Thank you for commenting****
Answer from Branwenn:
Do you cast a circle or not? This is one of the first questions I hear. I think you should, but I also think that EVERYTHING counts. Nothing is right or wrong--it is what works best for you. BUT, there are some good reasons WHY Wiccans DO things the way they DO. Not all of it is just arbitrary, although it can be at times. Mostly, there is a good reason for casting a circle. (One often overlooked is respect for the Energies/Entities with whom you are working.)
It is also one of the small differences between Wicca and other types of Paganism like Druidry or Asatru. Some folks cast a circle to create a feeling of safety and protection; some to shift between the physical and "etheric" planes (this is the idea of standing between the worlds, one foot equally balanced in each plane); and, some see the circle as a container used to store energy until the right moment to release that energy towards a certain goal. All are correct; which one you clearly know and feel should determine which one you use.
"A circle is regarded as a space "between the worlds," neither in this world nor yet in the next. It is a place to commune with the deity and be at one with the gods."
(Raymond Buckland)
"The circle is constructed with personal power which is felt (and visualized) as a stream from the body through the Athame and out into the air. When completed, the circle is a sphere of energy which encompasses the entire work area." (Think more than 3 dimensions here-Branwenn)
(Scott Cunningham)
"By creating a circle we are psychically sweeping that area clean of any negative influences or any inappropriate energy, and then creating a wall or boundary around it so that none might enter while you are working."
http://www.psychicwise.biz/casting_a_circle.htm
***************************************************
Response continued: It reminds me of when I investigated Christianity and went to a bunch of different denominations with different traditions, all 'right' of course and the others wrong. There are the 'high church' Catholics and Episcopalians with rigid dogma and traditions and the 'low church' Baptists and Pentecostals who actually have fun in church. They all think the others are going to Hell. They don't see where they are similar, only concentrate on the differences, and then kill each other for them (Ireland, e.g.) I recently heard a word I like for those who are rigid and think they are the only ones right: Episcopagans. I also like Episcopagians. So, some of us are high church and some are low church. Let’s concentrate on the similarities and not stoop to Christian tactics
*****************************************************
Branwenn responds: Hmmm--First of all-I am NOT advocating rigid beliefs of any kind. Killing one another over religion is one of the stupidest things that can happen in this or any century. The "troubles" in Ireland are so complex and so political and still, completely incomprehensible and stupid to me, even as a life-long, Protestant-raised, Irish descendant of those same "troubles." I am against ALL kinds of fundamentalism, even Wiccan fundamentalism. I do not wish to impose my beliefs ON anyone.
BUT, I think we need to take the time to clearly define what it is that we believe and why. Is it stooping to Christian tactics--or is it just clearly defining for yourself exactly what it is that you believe? I am eclectic by some Wiccan traditionalist standards and dogmatic by some more liberal neo-Pagan standards. So which am I? I think by knowing yourself, understanding who and what you are and what you believe, you aid your development and learn to live the way you were meant to live.
You "find your bliss" according to Joseph Campbell or you realize your "WILL" according to Aleister Crowley (Do as thou wilt shall be the whole of the law. Love is the law. Love under will.) The idea is that your "WILL" is the path that you MUST do. I studied briefly with the William Blake Camp of the OTO. They explained it to me this way. (Thank you, Paul Hume, for trying to pound this into my thick Wiccan skull.) Your WILL is that which you cannot help but do. You have to do it to become whole. It is known as "your path" and "your bliss" and as the "Great Work" to some.
If you are doing your WILL, then you are and will be happy, balanced and successful and continue to grow and flourish. If you do not do your WILL, well--look around you. We are a society of people who are cut off from our true selves, from our WILL. Look at the fragmented lives and personalities. Look at the pain and suffering, unrest and misery. This is what comes of not doing your WILL.
So, I say, KNOW THYSELF, just like in the mystery traditions of ages past. And also, remember, I am putting together my thoughts coherently so that I can begin to follow my own WILL again and re-find my own bliss.
I've noticed the 'discussions' too. like, if you don't cast a circle or use the right color candle, it 'doesn't count'
****Thank you for commenting****
Answer from Branwenn:
Do you cast a circle or not? This is one of the first questions I hear. I think you should, but I also think that EVERYTHING counts. Nothing is right or wrong--it is what works best for you. BUT, there are some good reasons WHY Wiccans DO things the way they DO. Not all of it is just arbitrary, although it can be at times. Mostly, there is a good reason for casting a circle. (One often overlooked is respect for the Energies/Entities with whom you are working.)
It is also one of the small differences between Wicca and other types of Paganism like Druidry or Asatru. Some folks cast a circle to create a feeling of safety and protection; some to shift between the physical and "etheric" planes (this is the idea of standing between the worlds, one foot equally balanced in each plane); and, some see the circle as a container used to store energy until the right moment to release that energy towards a certain goal. All are correct; which one you clearly know and feel should determine which one you use.
"A circle is regarded as a space "between the worlds," neither in this world nor yet in the next. It is a place to commune with the deity and be at one with the gods."
(Raymond Buckland)
"The circle is constructed with personal power which is felt (and visualized) as a stream from the body through the Athame and out into the air. When completed, the circle is a sphere of energy which encompasses the entire work area." (Think more than 3 dimensions here-Branwenn)
(Scott Cunningham)
"By creating a circle we are psychically sweeping that area clean of any negative influences or any inappropriate energy, and then creating a wall or boundary around it so that none might enter while you are working."
http://www.psychicwise.biz/casting_a_circle.htm
***************************************************
Response continued: It reminds me of when I investigated Christianity and went to a bunch of different denominations with different traditions, all 'right' of course and the others wrong. There are the 'high church' Catholics and Episcopalians with rigid dogma and traditions and the 'low church' Baptists and Pentecostals who actually have fun in church. They all think the others are going to Hell. They don't see where they are similar, only concentrate on the differences, and then kill each other for them (Ireland, e.g.) I recently heard a word I like for those who are rigid and think they are the only ones right: Episcopagans. I also like Episcopagians. So, some of us are high church and some are low church. Let’s concentrate on the similarities and not stoop to Christian tactics
*****************************************************
Branwenn responds: Hmmm--First of all-I am NOT advocating rigid beliefs of any kind. Killing one another over religion is one of the stupidest things that can happen in this or any century. The "troubles" in Ireland are so complex and so political and still, completely incomprehensible and stupid to me, even as a life-long, Protestant-raised, Irish descendant of those same "troubles." I am against ALL kinds of fundamentalism, even Wiccan fundamentalism. I do not wish to impose my beliefs ON anyone.
BUT, I think we need to take the time to clearly define what it is that we believe and why. Is it stooping to Christian tactics--or is it just clearly defining for yourself exactly what it is that you believe? I am eclectic by some Wiccan traditionalist standards and dogmatic by some more liberal neo-Pagan standards. So which am I? I think by knowing yourself, understanding who and what you are and what you believe, you aid your development and learn to live the way you were meant to live.
You "find your bliss" according to Joseph Campbell or you realize your "WILL" according to Aleister Crowley (Do as thou wilt shall be the whole of the law. Love is the law. Love under will.) The idea is that your "WILL" is the path that you MUST do. I studied briefly with the William Blake Camp of the OTO. They explained it to me this way. (Thank you, Paul Hume, for trying to pound this into my thick Wiccan skull.) Your WILL is that which you cannot help but do. You have to do it to become whole. It is known as "your path" and "your bliss" and as the "Great Work" to some.
If you are doing your WILL, then you are and will be happy, balanced and successful and continue to grow and flourish. If you do not do your WILL, well--look around you. We are a society of people who are cut off from our true selves, from our WILL. Look at the fragmented lives and personalities. Look at the pain and suffering, unrest and misery. This is what comes of not doing your WILL.
So, I say, KNOW THYSELF, just like in the mystery traditions of ages past. And also, remember, I am putting together my thoughts coherently so that I can begin to follow my own WILL again and re-find my own bliss.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
What is Wicca Today?
There is so much disagreement and controversy about Wicca. Pagans I meet are telling me, "Well, I am Pagan, but I am not too crazy about those Wiccans." We seem to be viewed as the stuck-up older sisters and brothers of today's "new" Pagans. The entire problem seems to center around the idea of hierarchy. I was first initiated into a very egalitarian Starhawk-oriented coven--this was long before the "Reclaiming Tradition" was ever named. Secondly, I was initiated into a so-called Gardnerian coven of what I still feel is dubious nature. They said they were Gardnerian. I'm not too sure they weren't Alexandrian or a mish-mash of both and none of it too solid. The High Priestess disappeared and I never heard from her again after my Second Degree Initiation. I found that I liked the first coven--wide-open, liberal left as they come, insistently sexual and skyclad as they were--a lot better than the stuck-up Gardnerian group with their $100 dress-up robes.
What's this she's saying? I thought she operated her own group according to the degree system? Huh? How does this make sense? Well, sometimes I am a mass of contradictions. Common sense is a path of moderation between too extremes. Everything in moderation, even moderation.
One of the biggest problem we have in Wicca today is that we are tied to our traditions instead of enhanced and enlightened by them. We are afraid to change, but if we don't change, we will wither and die like any other organism in a static state. Growth means change, evolution. But how fast do we change? What do we change? Why? How? These are the questions that many do not take the time to ask themselves. "This is the way we have always done it," is the lament you her when the dedicants ask, "Why?" Is that a good enough reason? What do YOU think?
I have found myself staying away from the Pagan community. All of the bickering, disagreement and back-biting has led me to wonder about our entire path from time to time. Of course, I mostly seem to have these problems with Pagans who aren't all that crazy about Wiccans. I sometimes wonder if we even belong in the same category with the other Pagans? We're not better, just different, on so many ways. What has been your experience with the greater Pagan community if you define yourself as mostly Wiccan in your orientation? What have been the differences as you see them?
PLEASE post comments here and I hope to get us into a good discussion of the differences between the Wiccan path and other pagan paths.
What's this she's saying? I thought she operated her own group according to the degree system? Huh? How does this make sense? Well, sometimes I am a mass of contradictions. Common sense is a path of moderation between too extremes. Everything in moderation, even moderation.
One of the biggest problem we have in Wicca today is that we are tied to our traditions instead of enhanced and enlightened by them. We are afraid to change, but if we don't change, we will wither and die like any other organism in a static state. Growth means change, evolution. But how fast do we change? What do we change? Why? How? These are the questions that many do not take the time to ask themselves. "This is the way we have always done it," is the lament you her when the dedicants ask, "Why?" Is that a good enough reason? What do YOU think?
I have found myself staying away from the Pagan community. All of the bickering, disagreement and back-biting has led me to wonder about our entire path from time to time. Of course, I mostly seem to have these problems with Pagans who aren't all that crazy about Wiccans. I sometimes wonder if we even belong in the same category with the other Pagans? We're not better, just different, on so many ways. What has been your experience with the greater Pagan community if you define yourself as mostly Wiccan in your orientation? What have been the differences as you see them?
PLEASE post comments here and I hope to get us into a good discussion of the differences between the Wiccan path and other pagan paths.
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