wiccan

[Seaharbour]

What i think is that most people need have this need to worship something outsides of themselves, it can be anything, people name this god differently but what is common that people feel they must obey, worship something...and I guess I feel more at peace to just exist and just be...not having to do anything but just love people and be kind and just exist...

[ptsum]

Personally I believe in Shamanism, my niece is Wicca, and we have a common belief. First and foremost is, To Do No Harm, and although Shamanism is older than Wicca, neither one claims to be greater than the other, both have a belief in nature and its surroundings, every living thing has a spirit, and we should respect that, and live in harmony with each other and our surroundings.

[Lior Arel]

Originally Posted by Desdemona123

Years ago was the world of Gerald Gardner starting in the late 30s and published after the UK repealed the Anti-Witchcraft Acts in 1951 (I believe, that is off the top of my head, I've not had to pull that one out in awhile).

Sigh....it's all modern writings. Wicca, while indeed a wonderful religion for many, is not ancient or old. (Witchcraft is...but Wicca and Witchcraft are not the same.)

Have you ever read Truimph of the Moon by Hutton? Very scholarly and accurate work.

I was going to point that out (though Gardner claimed an ancient coven revelead the writings to him).

I would encourage anyone to explore various religions and philosphical systems (Wicca in the post modern sense is more of a philosophy than a religion) and decide what, if any, is right for you.

You may also want to explore different christian denominations, Judaism, Janism, Buddism, Hindu, etc. There are so many to explore!

I hope peace and enlightenment find you!

BTW: Most of the tenents of modern Wicca I find beautiful, however I don't subscribe to their belief set. I'm a wierd cross between Anglican, Orthodox, and Spiritualist. My priest says I'm a "mystic christian". Don't ask -- I'd have to write a book to describe my beleifs. Hey! Maybe I'll start my own religion (just kidding).

[ptsum]

Originally Posted by james203

I am considering becoming a wiccan.i need a change in my life & i figured " why not ".i live near the city with the most wiccans in the usa.( redlands,ca ) & a few of them want to talk to me.i was raised a catholic but that was not my choice & i remember a few priests that were xtra friendly towards the boys.anyways....i just am having a hard time believing in someone i have never ever seen ( god ).

james203, We can all sit here and tell you about the different religions that we belong to, but to be honest, that's all we can do, whatever you decide to do its your choice and you are the only one that can make that choice, do what you think is best for you, do what you feel comfortable with, do what your heart and mind tells you, and don't allow any of us to tell you differently.

[WHITEWOLF508]

Many people fear Wicca and Wiccans because they are afraid of the whole witchcraft and sorcery thing. Spellwork is nothing really more than prayer. The crafter is focusing their energies on a specific task whether it be getting more money or finding someone to love. However, it does not work if you do not take that other step by being active in your quest---i.e. looking for a job or going to places where other people are.

Christians seem to believe that there is a danger that Wiccans are conjuring the devil. There is no devil in Wicca. We all have both light and dark within ourselves. We are not irresponsible in our actions i.e. the devil did not make me do it. We realize though our studies how we effect the outside world as well as oursleves and we must take responsiblity for those actions.

As a Wiccan, I seek to achieve balance; the middle path bewteen the two opposing forces...light and dark, good and evil, night an day, life and death, male and female. Without that balance wnad without a recognition of the two opposing forces, going to extremes can cause dissension in my family and disruption in my life. I do not need a priest, minister or rabbi telling me how to believe and how to act in my pursuit of the spiritual. My studies and my internal wisdom have already taught me the best way for me.

For I believe that the majority of our religous leaders know no more than I and seek only to line their own pockets by selling something that can never be seen..salvation and a place in heaven. I am surprised that they have not been sued for promising something that has not come true.

If you wish to study Wicca, then are many good books on the subject by practiconers. Read a great deal before you attempt to get involved with any groups. There are just as many charlatans out there in Wicca that will try to take advantage of you for money, sex or whatever as in any other group.

Best of luck to you