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