Modern witches are attuned to the earth and its seasons; they embrace the gifts of the earth such as crystals, herbs, and the elements. Likewise, modern witches align themselves with planetary movements and lunar tides. It is the solstices and full moons in the wheel of the year celebrated by witches, traditions that have lasted since long before the days of Christianity.
WICCA
Wicca, a modern Pagan religion that worships the Earth and nature, was established in the 1940s and '50s by Gerald Gardner. Gardner defined witchcraft as a positive and life-affirming religion. The central Wiccan theme is, "if it does no harm, do your own will." Gardner also ascribed to this definition many witchcraft practices and skills that had existed for centuries and been part of many different religions and cultures. These practices included such things as divination (foreknowledge), herb-lore, magic and psychic abilities.Wicca has no belief in a Devil and does not subscribe to the Christian idea of Hell, so the idea that modern witches worship the devil is nonsense. There are many conflicting definitions of "Wicca" and "witch," and even modern-day witches don't all agree on how to define themselves and their religion. Most, however, call themselves witches (male or female) and their religion Wicca. There are actually several Wiccan traditions now that have varying beliefs, all loosely based on the Gardnerian ideals.
The Wiccan belief is that when witches, through rituals, become in tune with the overall life force or cosmic energy. This allows the witch to somewhat control that energy (meaning the energy from themselves and their environment) and direct it for "personal" change through magick.
Magic vs. Magick
Books and other references about witchcraft use the spelling "magick" rather than "magic." While this spelling isn't in some dictionaries, it is the accepted spelling within Wicca (and possibly other Pagan religions that use magic). The alternate spelling is to differentiate what the witch does from what a magician does -- in other words, magic that invokes a deity to channel power as opposed to illusion.
The Wiccan Rede
The Wiccan witch's law and code of ethics
Hear now the word of the Witches, the secrets we hid in the night, When dark was our destinys pathway, That now we bring forth in the light.Mysterious Water and Fire, The Earth and the wide-ranging Air, By hidden Quintessence we know Them, and we will keep silent and dare.
The birth and rebirth of all Nature, the passing of Winter and Spring, We share with the life Universal, rejoice in the Magical Ring
Four times in the year the Great Sabbat, returns, and the Witches are seen, At Lammas and Candelas dancing, on May Eve and old Halloween
When daytime and nighttime are equal, when sun is at greatest and least, The four lesser Sabbats are summoned, again Witches gather in feast.
Thirteen silver moons in a year are, thirteen is the Covens array, Thirteen times at Esbat make merry, for each golden year and a day.
The power has passed down the ages, each time between woman and man Each century unto the other, ere times and the ages began.
When drawn is the Magickal circle, by sword or athame of power, Its compass between two worlds lies, in the land of shades of that hour.
Our world has no right to know it, and the world beyond will tell naught, The oldest of Gods are invoked there, the great work of Magic is wrought.
For two are the mystical pillars, that stand at the gate of the shrine, And two are the powers of Nature, the forms and the forces divine.
And do what thou wilt be the challenge, so be it in love that harms none, For this is the only commandment, By Magick of old be it done.
Eight words the Witches Rede fulfill: If it Harms none, Do what Thou Will!
What this means is that witches should not perform magick that would harm another person. And if they do, it will come back to them threefold. So, if a witch hexes someone, he or she will experience misfortune that is three times worse. This is a very important part of the Wiccan belief. The magick they perform is supposed to be for personal change only.
Wiccan ritual Tools
Athame (knife)
the athame is an important part of many rituals. The athame is a double-edged knife with a blade about 6 inches long. It is not terribly sharp, it is used to mark the edges of the circle and to stir the salt and water that are used to consecrate (or make sacred) the circle. It is also used sometimes to carve symbols or words into candles.Bell
There is no official or required use of one. Some examples of when a bell might be rung is when the circle is opened or closed, to invoke the God or Goddess or simply to signify when certain phases of the ritual are ending or beginning.Besom (broom)
Witches don't actually fly on brooms, although many do have them. They're used to purify an area of lingering energies before "casting a circle." Circles are cast before any ritual.Boline (knife)
The boline is another knife used in Wiccan rites. In contrast to the athame, the boline is very sharp and is usually made of copper. Its sole use is to cut herbs.Book of Shadows (Witch or Coven)
It is the written record of everything the witch or coven needs to know, such as the descriptions and explanations of all of the rituals and spells.Candles
When a circle is cast for a ritual, there are four quadrants representing north, south, east and west. Quarter candles of specific colors are used: north is green (earth), south is red (fire), east is yellow (air) and west is blue (water). The candles are placed at the perimeter of the circle. There are also three candles used on the altar, the color of these candles represents the ritual being performed.Pentacle
The pentacle is a five-pointed star (a pentagram) enclosed within a circle. The "upright" pentacle or pentagram (one point up, two points down) is a widely recognized symbol of witchcraft. The points represent earth, fire, water, air and spirit. The circle represents the God and Goddess that allow the energy of the pentagram to be focused. It is symbolic of the idea of bringing together spirit and earth.Wand
Many witches use wands. Wands represent fire and the life force of the witch. It is a symbol of power, wisdom and healing. The wand, like the sword, staff and athame, can be used to cast the circle. It may also be used to direct energy during a spell.Staff
Witches can use a staff like they would a wand. The staff is usually shoulder height.Sword
Some witches choose to use a sword rather than an athame to mark the boundaries of the circle.Thurible (incense burner)
Incense represents the element of air. When burned, it also represents fire, both of which are used to purify the area or the tools being used.Clothing
Special Clothing is optional for most rituals, although most covens require that everyone must be in agreement before going skyclad (naked). Otherwise, witches wear long, hooded robes of varying, usually dark colors.
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