So I Have a Lot of Questions....

Perfect compass with the Tree of Life on Etsy by JewelsbyNature

First, why is it taking so long to finish this book! I have like 8 more, and I still have a quarter left to read.

More importantly, though, I have questions regarding the content of the book, and what I don't understand of it. Like where do I begin!? Obviously, I've already gained so much information but I feel like I need to at least finish the book before I can even get started...but how do I know that what comes later in the book will have me completely prepared? Certainly it would be easier to learn from a coven, but I just think that finding one that I completely agree with might be difficult. But I wonder if I would even be recognized in the community as an educated and practiced witch if I didn't belong to a coven. I don't want all this hard work to be for nothing. And I don't know how well I grasp some of the Rede of the Wiccae.

21. With the fool no season spend
or be counted as his friend

So basically, should I judge someones character/personality and not be their friend because? Or does a fool mean more than what I know it to be? Then there's ...

25. True in love ever be
unless they lover's false to thee.

If you know me at all, this hits home hard. So whatever happened to forgiveness? Or does this assume there was no apologies or recognition on the lover's part?

There are technical concerns, too. Like what if the tools I used for magick were used for a mundane purpose? What are the consequences? Why am I never supposed to use it for mundane purposes again once I've used it for magick? And how, then, do some people make their mantels their altars? The book also says to resist the temptation to invite a friend to ritual. It uses the scenario of wanting to show off knowledge, which wouldn't be why I'd invite someone, but rather to share the experience with them. Like Shane, should I never invite him? I'm certain I'd sometimes want him to be a part of it so long as he's willing. My next question is obviously a minor detail, but this book suggests I make my Book of Shadows a loose leaf book and take only the sheets I need to into ritual. But, you see, I think loose leaf is a little tacky if you can't get good paper, and where can I get good paper? And where can I get a unique looking binder type book to keep it in? And I like the idea of keeping all my magick notes with me in ritual. After all, isn't there energy in the written work I do as well? My only concern doing it my way, is how do I find an old spell I wrote if I can't alphabetize it? Where I really get confused, however, is when we begin to mention the quarters and the 5 points of the pentagram. For example, a censer represents Air and is to be placed in the Eastern part of my alter. But if I substitute a cauldron for my censer, I now represent fire, so does it then go in the Northern or Eastern Part? And then how does the pentagram itself get oriented, it would be impossible for it all to be in the right direction...so spirit goes at the top?

There are so many more....

• The pentagram is also referred to as the Devil's Star, but would witches call it that if we don't associate it with evil?
• Not relating to witchcraft, why does the moon grow right to left and English is read left to right?
• If Samhain is the Wiccan New Year, why does The Witches' Almanac say it starts with Ostara, the Vernal Equinox? And then even more perplexing, why does it actually start with Yule once you open it?
• Samhaim is clearly one of the most significant Sabbats, but when most friends and relatives celebrate that evening, should I abandon them? Yes, I care about this, very much so, but let's be honest, if Halloween is on a weekend, not many parties will be on different nights.
• And Yule, I know some traditions will carry over, but do I need to abandon my childhood (Christian-ish) family traditions? P.S. I'm curious to know how Wiccans view chopping down Christmas trees, because it bothers me.
• As for staying within one pantheon, does that mean forever? Can I work within multiple as long as I don't mix and match?
  
• Lastly, I've been reading about all the different guests you can invite to ritual. Surely, I'm going to make a mistake and piss someone off, why should I even bother?

Phew....that's a lot....and I still have 9 more chapters to go...

Witchy Woman

As a dedicate, I will need a magickal name. I'm having trouble finding it, so I'm going to answer a few questions from the Idiot's Guide...

1.) Do you have an affinity for a particular God or Goddess whom you have read about?

Yes, Gaia. I admire her and since I have known of her, I have always felt a stronger connection with her as a Goddess than with the Chrisitian God. When I began to lose my connection with Catholicism, I knew there was one thing I could believe in: Mother Earth. The only downside is that she's not an Irish Goddess, she's Greek. And I'm more interested in Celtic traditions.

2.) Do you have a favorite myth or legend? What is it? Who are the characters? With which one do you identify most strongly?

I'll get back to you on this one... I was having trouble thinking of them, then I thought about the movie Robin Hood, though I would rather associate myself with a female character. Then, this morning, I found my Irish Myth, Legend and Folklore book from my grandparents. I thought it were a sign. But all the stories are more like ghost stories and about fairies and bad witches. I'm going to look into my art books because I KNOW there's someone. For now, there's Robin Hood. The phoenix is also intriguing, though it's not like I've had a lifelong fixation with it.

3.) Is there a species of animal that is special to you? What qualities does that animal have?

The wolf. Teacher, Intuition, Loyaltiy, the Shadow, Devoted, Loving, Intelligent, "Strength and knowledge to stand alone...knows the importance of family and friends."

4.) Are you particularly drawn to one of the four Elements- Air, Fire, Water, or Earth? What about other natural substances such as different types of wood or metals?

While I love being in and near water, I have a strong appreciation and connection with Earth. Wood or metal? Well, I like silver, but I have no strong connection with it or any other metal. I'm not sure I understand what is meant by wood? Not tree? Ok, well I like Mahogony, but that's not much of a name... Because that's the next question...

5.) What is your favorite plant? Favorite flower? Favorite tree?

I have a respect for Oak, however, for it's history with human kind. I'll look into wood some more as I'm sure I'm forgetting a tree that I do like. Favorite plant? Bamboo for it's renewable qualities? Flower is the black rose, though, I'm aware that's not a real flower....I've always liked forest related names: Sylvia/Sylvana

What about adding words to the end.....like heart, oak or whisper....I think I have it...though I think I'll keep it to myself and the Wiccan community and not on the world wide web...... an update...I tried my hardest to think about choosing a name as I fell asleep, reading that it may come to me in my dreams and it didn't work. Other, more depressing current events of my life kept popping up. But after having thought of the name, I dreamed that I was using it on applications in the Wiccan community! I bought a car yesterday, maybe that's because of all those forms I was filling out...maybe it's a sign that it works?

All this I need to do research on....or shouldn't I? I would rather it come to me....I'll sleep on it.

Do You Believe In Magick?

Magick...not magic. Magick is the realm of witches and may include healing, the harnessing of psychic forces, and even divination. "Performing magick makes you feel good. It's a healthy form of self expression because the magick in witchcraft comes from the power that is already within you."

The most powerful change that a person can make is change from within.

As I begin my research on the religion, my original reasons for choosing Wicca have been reaffirmed.

Witches use natural energies to enhance their lives and to heal and protect themselves, their loved ones, and the Earth.

Wiccan witches try to live in harmony with Nature and take responsibility for the environment.

In The Complete Idiot's Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft, Second Edition, the first book I've opened out of a recent haul from a trip to Ukazoo books, and from which the above quotes are pulled, witchcraft is explained in a way that anyone can understand. It also corrects old misconceptions as it shows how simple and pure the theology of Wicca actually is.

Wiccans believe they must act for the good of all, including themselves.

It's reassuring to read some of the book's suggestions with regards to negative circumstances in your life, which relates directly to my recent past. If something bad happens, you are to ask yourself, " What am I supposed to learn from this?" Everything happens for a reason, I suppose. But also, in a list of basic principles written in the 1970s, the Council of American Witches (no longer in existence) said, "We are concerned with our present and future." The authors of the book later follow with "So look ahead and avoid dwelling on the past." Advice that I've always had trouble taking to heart, no matter how much I wish I would. I only hope that through my study and experiences of Wicca traditions, I will one day reach my goal of living entirely in the present and not at all in the past. Rather than worry about what once was, as a Wicca, I can enjoy the little things in life and learn what it means to be on this Earth and to be a part of life on Earth.

The only time a Wiccan must think about the past is when karma comes around. Karma is just a lesson, and it will force us to think about our past actions and learn not to make the same mistake again. The negativity of karma may not come back at you right away, but it will come back. Obviously, karma is meant to prevent harmful behavior. And the Wiccan Rede is a principle central to Wiccan belief that Wiccans live by.

An it harm none, do what ye will.

It basically sums up the ten commandments in one phrase. In whatever you decide, choose what will cause the least harm. Pretty powerful, huh?

In the second chapter, I learned a little bit about the history and influences of witchcraft. One group which I'm particularly interested it, be it my Irish background or the fact that I used to play as this class in video games, are the Druids. The Druids expanded on the ancient Shaman's practice by refining their knowledge and putting it to practice. Like other pagan religions, the Druids suffered religious persecution and their population dwindled. Though it wasn't explained too elaborately in the book, I plan to look into Druids more.

As I conclude my studies for the week, I'll recite and post a rhyme meant to increase tolerance in myself and in people around me:

We should learn from the Earth's
Most patient teachers
That religious tolerance
Be one of our features.
In all human hearts,
Have this light shine.
Let us all welcome it
Through spirit, body, and mind.
Water it and nurture it.
Let it continue to grow.
So suffering and loneliness
No longer will know.
For what you sent out
Returns to thee times three.
This is my will.
So mote it be.

Let The Games Begin!

So why, you ask, do I want to sample all these different religions? Well, I am a spiritual person, and what to be a child of religion, but in the broadest sense possible. I want to know the beliefs that shape the people around me, and understand life so that I might make better choices. I also have Catholicism to thank, because had I not been frustrated with it, I wouldn't have felt the need to explore other options.

Though I cannot blame the entire religion for the corrupt behavior of some of its clergy, I am disappointed in the Catholic church nonetheless. Furthermore, I can not agree with some of its teachings. My brother is gay, I am pro choice (even if I would never get an abortion myself, I would never tell another living and capable woman what she can and cannot do), and call me Doubting Thomas, but I'm not so sure Jesus did all those things the Bible says he did.

Hence, the sampling shall commence. I will begin with Neopaganism. Though that is just one term describing a wide variety of movements, perhaps it would be easier than breaking down into all the different denominations. For example, I'm interested in Wicca, but not so much in the sexual intercourse initiation rite....eh, it's not for me. I'm drawn to Paganism because of my interest in nature. Yes, it's more than just witchcraft (though I'm kind of excited to learn about spells. Alas, that most likely only comes after that sex thing I mentioned.....). I've made a few new contacts so far, and will be exploring them further this weekend.

We're off!

"I Am Still Learning"

-Leonardo DaVinci

How can I know what I am if I don't know everything I can be? I'm talking about religion. I was raised Roman Catholic in a family with somewhat of a religious background. My dad was very close to becoming a priest while my father's aunt, Sister Mary Ellen, was a nun at a nearby Basilica. My grandfather would read passages at the church I attended, and two close family friends are priests. I received communion, but was never confirmed. Recently, I've began to deviate from Catholicism. I am not Atheist as I believe in higher beings and spirits; nor am I truly Agnostic, because I know (for the most part) what it is I believe in. But I simply can't be sure that I agree with all aspects of any dogma unless, of course, I claim to be of my own religion, believing in my own set of beliefs. For the last few years, I've done just that, claiming to follow my own religion particular to my life and that of no one else. I cannot pretend there haven't been times in the last few years when I wished I could have turned to a religion. I used to mock religion for being a panacea to all peoples' problems, but then I hit the lowest point in my life, and I had no God to talk to. My makeshift belief system had no scripture to give me hope. When I needed it the most, I ridiculed others who swore by religion. But with good reason, I might add, for the most misguided and dishonest beings were the ones I knew to glorify their religious beliefs. People like those turned me off of organized religion.

But there's so much I don't know about life, and even less I know about faith. I am extremely spiritual, I just don't know how to apply my passion. In an attempt to feel a stronger connection to my life and the life around me, I plan to spend the next years belonging to a different religion each year. Maybe I will learn something about myself in the process.

Halloween!

Free Burrito Day at Chipotle!

My friend and i sat in my car, looking at each other wrapped in tin foil...

"are we really going to walk into Chipotle like this? what if no one else is doing it? what if our pitiful attempt isn't good enough? we look more like robots than burritos...will they still give us one? will we walk away in shame? ho...w embarrassing will this be on a scale of 1-10?"

Sigh, this is the first time I've hung out with this girl alone, and this will surely be the last.

As we walk across the parking lot, I spot a shiny man from afar. We aren't the only ones! I wave in excitement. Braced for strange looks, we walk in the door, only to find dozens of human burritos. Wearing tin foil sombreros and tin foil eye patches, one donning a tin foil mohawk. And a metallic army follows behind us! Chipotle never tasted so delicious.

And as I fount out last night, wearing tin foil makes you incredibly hot. useful knowledge for when the world freezes over.