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 Spiritism
Spiritism or spiritualism, belief that the human personality continues to exist after death and can communicate with the living through the agency of a medium or psychic. The advocates of spiritism argue that death merely means a change of wavelength for those who die, and the medium is said to be able to receive radiations, frequencies, or vibrations that cannot be sensed by an ordinary person. Communication from the spirit world manifests itself in psychical phenomena (e.g., telepathy, clairvoyance, trance speaking, and apparitions) and in physical phenomena (e.g., leviatation, automatic writing, and poltergeist and ectoplasmic activities). Ectoplasm is the mysterious visible substance in which the forces of the "other world" materialize. Closely related to the concept of the ectoplasm is the aura, a colored emanation that supposedly surrounds all individuals and that can be perceived by the medium. By noting variations in the hues of a person's aura, the medium is able to describe his personality, needs, and illnesses. The shriveling of the aura is considered a sign of impending death. In what is know as solar plexus voice mediumship, a spirit appears to speak through a medium's body. Modern spiritism in the United States dates from the activities of the Fox sisters in 1848. Such notable figures as Andrew Jackson Davis, Daniel Dunglas Home, Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, and Arthur Conan Doyle later became widely known spiritualists. The Society for Psychical Research has carried on investigations with some phenomena, mainly in connection with telepathy and apparitions, in hopes of finding scientific explanations for various spiritualitistic occurences.
Source: Columbia Encyclopedia
Magic Box
A man of leisure for a year
After the school was blown up
Watching Passions with Spike
Makes a good profit
The price is right
With high death rate
He takes a chance
Opens the magic shop
Just like a library
Only the people pay
For what isn't returned
A bit overwhelming at first
But he makes it through
With Anya in charge of the money
Shopekeeper's Etiquette
Do's And Dont's
1. Be polite to the customers.
2. Don't scare them away.
3. A nice smile and say Have a nice day.
4. Don't chatter during a spell since it could have dire consequences.
5. Don't keep track of the ingredients that are being used for a spell because that's just plain rude and can be distracting.
6. Never ever call your boss stupid or insult him in any way after all he is the one that pays you.
 THE WICCAN REDE
Bide the Wiccan Law ye must,
In perfect love, in perfect trust.
Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill:
An ye harm none, do as ye will.
And ever mind the Rule of Three:
What ye send out, comes back to thee.
Follow this with mind and heart,
And merry ye meet, and merry ye part.
CHARGE OF THE GODDESS
Listen to the words of the Great Mother who of old was called
Artemis, Astarte, Demeter, Melusine, Aphrodite, Cerridwen,
Diana, Arianhod, Brigid, Hecate, Isis, and by many other names.
I am the beauty of the green earth and the white moon, and the
mysteries of the waters. From me all things proceed and unto me
they must return. Acts of love and pleasure are my rituals.
Let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion,
mirth, and reverence within you. And you who seek to
know me, know that your seeking and yearning will avail
you not, unless you know the mystery: if that which you
seek, you find not within yourself you will never find it
without. For behold, I have been with you from the Beginning,
and I am that which is attained at the End of desire.
Principles Of Belief
The Council of American Witches finds it necessary to define the modern Witchcraft in terms of the American experience and needs.
We are not bound by traditions from other times and other cultures, and owe no allegiance to any person or power greater than the Divinity manifest through our being.
As American Witches, we welcome and respect all life-affirming teachings and traditions, and seek to learn fromall and to share our learning within our Council.
It is in this spirit of welcome and cooperation that we adopt these few Principles Of Wiccan Belief. In seeking to be inclusive, we do not wish to open ourselves to the destruction of our group by those on self-serving power trips, or to philosophies and practices contradictory to these principles. In seeking to exclude those whose ways are contradictory to ours, we do not want to deny participation with us to any who are sincerely interested in our knowledge and beliefs, regardless of race, color, sex, age, national or cultural origins, or sexual preference.
We therefore ask that those who seek to identify with us accept these few basic principles.
1. We practive rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the moon and the seasonal quarters and cross quarters.
2. We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility toward our environment. We seek to live in harmony with nature, in ecological balance offering fulfillment to life and consciousness within an evolutionary concept.
3. We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than is apparent to the average person. Because it is for greater than ordinary, it is sometimes called "supernatural," but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all.
4. We conceive of the Creative Power in the Universe as manifesting through polarity as masculine and feminine and that this ame creative power lives in all people, and functions through the interaction of the masculine and feminine. We value neither above the other, knowing each to be supportive of the other. We value sexuality as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of energies used in magickal practice and religious worship.
5. We recognize both other worlds and inner or psychological worlds sometimes known as the Spirtual World, the Collective Unconscious, the Inner Planes, etc and we see in the interaction of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena and magickal exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment.
6. We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom and acknowledge those who have courageously given of themselves in leadership.
7. We see religion, magick, and wisdom in living as being untied in the way one views the world and lives within it a world view and philosophy of life, which we identify as Witchcraft or the Wiccan Way.
8. Calling onself "witch" does not make a wtich but neither does heredity itself, or the collecting of titles, degrees, and inititations. A witch seeks to control the forces within him/herself that make life possible in order to live wisely and well, without harm to others and in harmony with nature.
9. We acknowlege that it is the affirmation and fulfillment of life, in a continuation of evolution and development of unconsciousness that gives meaning to the universe we know and to our personal role within it.
10. Our only animosity toward Christianity, or toward any other religion or philosophy of life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be "the one true right and only way" and have sought to deny freedom to others and to surpress other ways of religious practices and belief.
11. As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft, the origins of various themes, the legitimacy of various aspects of different tradtions. We are concerned with our present, and our future.
12. We do not accept the concept of "absolute evil," no do we worship any entity known as "Satan" or "the Devil" as defined by Christian tradition. We do not seek power through the suffering of others, nor do we accept the concept that personal benefits can only be derived by denial to another.
13. We work within nature for that which is contributory to our health and well being.
The Council was formed in 1974 and was disbanded the same year but they continue to be quite valid beliefs.
 Witchy Dictionary
Altar: A table that is used for your tools and other supplies during ritual. It can be a table, a tree stump or whatever you have handy.
Amulet: An object made of metal or stone that is engraved with symbols and is worn for a good luck, protection, or love charm.
Athame: A double edged knife that is used to direct personal power during ritual. It is not used to cut anything on the physical plane.
Besom: A broom that is used to clean the area of negative energy.
Bolline: A white small knife that is used to cut herbs and to inscribe candles with.
Book Of Shadows or BOS: A book where you write spells, recipes, notes, entries...
Burning Times: The time between the 14th and 17th centuries where people were put to death for practicing witchcraft. It is believed that 9 million people were killed during this time and it's unlikely that all of them actually practice witchcraft.
Censer: A incense burner or other heat proof container for burning incense and offerings.
Circle: Magickal energy created by the witch which is usually marked on the floor by candles.
Cleansing: Removing negative energy from objects, people, or places.
Cone of power: Pyschic energy that is raised during ritual.
Consecration: Blessing an object to fill it with energy.
Coven: a group of witches often 13 people but sometimes more or less that meet on the full moons and sabbats to celebrate.
Craft: Another word for Witchcraft.
Dedication: Committing yourself to the Wiccan path.
Deosil: Walking clockwise which is done when you put up a circle.
Elements: Earth-North, Air-East, Fire-South, Water-West
Incantation: Singing, chanting to raise energy during ritual.
Libation: An offering to the God and Goddess and it can be wine, water etc.
Pagan: A person who follows a nature based religion.
Pentagram: A five pointed star that represents the elements. It also is a symbol of protection and is like the witch's version of the cross.
Poppet: A doll made to represent a person which is filled with herbs etc. Used for healing purposes.
Priest: The male leader of a coven.
Priestess: The female leader of a coven.
Ritual bath: A bath that purifies the body and mind before a ritual in which a personal blessing is said before getting into the water.
Sabbats: Wiccan Holidays: October 31:Samhain, December 21:Yule, February 1:Imbolc, March 21:Ostara, April 30:Beltane, June 21: Litha, August 1:Lughnasadh, September 21: Mabon
Scry: Divining the future using a mirror, crystal ball or a bowl of water.
Skyclad: Nude.
Solitary: A witch that practices alone.
Triple Goddess: A Goddess composed of three aspects: maiden, mother, and crone.
Visualizing: Creating an image in one's head.
Warlock: It is often wrongly used for a male witch. It actually means traitor and oathbreaker. A male witch is called a witch.
Webweaving: Networking with people who practice magick.
Wheel of the year: The eight holidays of a year. (The names are above listed with Sabbats)
Wicca: Another name used for Witchcraft and more user friendly since people even now have the wrong ida about the religion.
Widdershins: Going counter clockwise which is done when taking down a circle.
 Creating A Book Of Shadows
You can use something as simple as a three ring binder (or a scrapbook) that you decorate. The benefit of a three ring binder is that you can move stuff around. Generally a BOS is hand written but nowadays many people create their book on the computer which is fine but you should have a backup copy just in case and maybe have it printed out so you can look things up if you need to. This is like a bible for the witches since it contains all the info you gather on your journey to learning out more about this religion. Get creative in decorating to make it match your personality. You could use pictures and laminate the cover so it lasts or draw on it or whatever pops into your head. Over time you may find yourself with more than one BOS but if you're just starting out put everything in one book so it doesn't get too confusing. If you are serious about your studies you'll most likely take a class along with reading anything you can find on the subject or look for other people to network with.
Here are some suggestions: You might want to use a special pen to write in your BOS and only in your BOS. Also you could make your own special ink. Create a seal as your own special way of signing or perhaps write in Calligraphy if you have the knack and the patience to do that. Also maybe decorate the pages with a theme that matches the content like the fairy section could have fairy stickers or maybe use glitter for a fairy dust look about it.
Of course a Table Of Contents is a must so you know where to find the stuff you have gathered. If you copy a spell or something from a book or some other source please include the name of the author if possible. You could use dividers in different colors to separate the sections.
Part of the BOS will be a diary magickal and dream which you'll write in each day. It is best to get in the habit of writing in the morning after waking up so you will eventually over time remember your dreams more and more and maybe gain some insight into them.
Include things that interest you after all this is your BOS and not someone elses. If you love fairies by all means have a section on them. Some possibles are: Spells, Fairies, Divination:Tarot, Runes etc, Networking, Resources (Names and address of shops that sell supplies)Gods and Goddesses, Traditions, Symbols, Numerology, Herbs, Recipes, Quotes, Class Notes, Goals etc...
You'll continue adding as you go along your path. Protect your pages because nothing sucks more than spilling your drink and destroying several pages in the process. They have those plastic pages you can stick your page in to protect it.
Put a blessing in the front of your book and choose something that speaks to you. You may want to put the Charge Of The Goddess or something else.
 Full Moons
2003
January 18
March 18
April 16
May 15
June 14
July 13
August 12
September 10
October 10
November 8
December 8
2004
January 7
February 6
March 6
April 5
May 4
June 3
July 2, 31
August 29
September 28
October 27
November 26
December 26
The Moons
January: Wolf Moon
February: Storm Moon
March: Seed Moon
April: Hare Moon
May: Dyad Moon
June: Mead Moon
July: Wort Moon
August: Corn Moon
September: Harvest Moon
October: Blood Moon
November: Snow Moon
December: Oak Moon
New Moon: from exact new moon to 3 1/2 days after
Crescent Moon: 3 1/2 to 7 days after new moon
First Quarter: 7 to 10 days after the new moon
Gibbous: between 10 1/2 to 14 days after the new moon
Full Moon: 14 to 17 1/2 days after the new moon
Disseminating: 3 1/2 to 7 days after the new moon
Last Quarter: 7 to 10 1/2 days a fter the full moon
Balsamic (Dark Moon) 10 1/2 to 14 days after full moon
5-Pointed Star- The pentagram which represents Fire, Water, Air, Earth, and Spirit is also a symbol of protection. When you add a circle behind or around it it is called a pentacle. There is nothing evil about it whatsoever. Some witches do invert it but to represent their upward progress in witchcraft. It was actually a symbol that was used by Christianity in the Middle Ages so pentagrams could be found in old artwork or maybe on some stained glass windows.
8-Pointed Star- An ancient spiritual symbol with possible origins in Sumaria, where it symbolized Anu, the Creator God. This interwoven symbol, with design variations, can be found in many cultures from the Vikings to the American Indian. It is a symbol of magick and is associated with magickal forces. The number "eight" signifies strength and beauty, dominion, confience, good judgement and power. This sacred number shows up in the mystical sciences of the Middle Ages and its symbology is present in most of the world's religions.
9-Pointed Star- The symbol of the Ninefold Goddess as the source of inspiration for poetry, dance, history, sacred songs, tragedy, love, and music. The Muses emerged from the original Triple Goddess.
Spiritualitea Divination, Intuition, & The Sixth Sense
The materials are laid out before you: cards, stones, coins, even the stray leave in your teacup. You puzzle over the swords, cups, wands, and circles, or perhaps an unfamiliar alphabet, or even something as seemingly simple as a series of lines, broken and unbroken. And let's face it, of all the world's most perplexing mysteries, certain questions assert themselves at the forefrong of our thoughts: Does he/she still love me? Will I get a promotion? How can I improve my health? Where will this road take me? They're personal issues. the stuff of daily worries, the building blocks of our days.
But its this sort of divination really about the future or is it about now? Divinatory tools are triggers. We begin by recognizing its symbols, picking out the ones that resonate with us first. Some tools already comprise a sophisticated and complex language. When you learn its symbolic alphabet, you can begin to read its message, which is really a message from you to you. While the same symbols may present themselves to you or another reader, how you build the sentences from these esoteric words is yours alone. And by bypassing the language you use daily to communicate the mundane, it's possible for you to leap from left brain to right, delving into personal truths that are beyond mere logic.
Before casting runes or dealing cards, ask yourself what it is that you are seeking of divination. Determine whether or not you will only see what you want to see. What will change about your outlook or your actions if the answer is the opposite? Will you repeat your reading until you find what you were hoping for? Or are you truly ready to take what is given and accept the fact that what you hope for may not be what is best, that the problem you hope to solve likely has its answer within yourself rather than without, and that no matter what promises you perceive the cards to have given you, you still have to live with your reality today? Divination, in other words, is not an escape. It is not an easy way out. If used mindfully, it will help you to see the mountains you must climb, not avoid them.
Once you have accepted this, the method you choose for divination is largely irrelevant. There is no one way that is better than the rest. Ultimately, you need to go with the form that resonates with you most. While it may seem like an ambiguous statement, you will know what form is right for you. Don't belabor the issue. You are not tied to this deck or this method for the rest of your life. If something feels right, go with it. At a later point, more likely than not, this will shift and change, probably many times.
The most popular forms today are probably tarot cards (in one form or another) and Norse runes. Divination tools, however, are diverse beyond imagining. You can divine with almost anything. In ancient times, there were those who found truth by looking at the fresh entrails of a newly slaughtered beast, so if you want to find answers in the specks of fat dotting your breakfast sausage, go to it. A few more common methods include cartomancy, divining with cards; palmistry, analyzing the lines and contours of the human hand; tasseography, divining in a tea or coffee cup; phrenology, the analysis of the human head; and bibliomancy, finding answers by choosing random passages from the bible or another text.
The key to successful divination is to achieve an almost meditative state before your chosen instrument. For this reason, the practice of meditation is a valuable habit to acquire. Essentially, you are seeking to achieve a waking dream state in which your mind is not chattering on in its normal manner, preoccupied with sundry worries, and begin a journey of free association and storytelling with a willingness to let your mind go wherever it chooses to take you. No matter how unrelated an image, idea, or word may seem when it first flits across your thoughts, do not fight it. Don't get in your own way. Your mind knows where it is taking you.
If you are an artist, this state of mind is familiar to you. It is that place you reach when you are not consciously choosing your colors or where the next stroke of paint will go. You are simply flowing along with it. Like driving a car, the minute you stop to analyze what you are doing, the process becomes awkward and ultimately detrimental.
The answers come from within yourself. Let them come.
Document Copyright 1999 Spiritualitea.com & Sandra Mizumoto Posey, Ph.D., author of Cafe Nation: Coffee Folklore, Magick & Divination (Santa Monica Press, 2000). This article may be reproduced as long as no changes, additions, or deletions are made to the text. All the information in this paragraph must be included on the document whenever it is distributed or reproduced.
12 Steps To Finding A Spiritual Teacher You Can Trust by Sandra Mizumoto Posey, Ph.D.
Books abound on the array of neo-pagan faiths and Wiccan traditions, but after reading all we can, it is common to desire a teacher to inspire and guide us along our chosen path. Unfortunately, the world is full of hucksters eager to cash in on this desire. Money, however, is not the only "evil" to watch out for, and often not even the primary one. Potential religious teachers often seek the recognition or respect given to them by eager students. Sometimes, such respect is entirely unwarranted. Over the course of our lives, we may have teachers and learn these lessons through hard-won experience but how can you avoid these pitfalls and find a spiritual teacher with your best interests at heart? Here are some tips to help you find your way amidst the labryrinth of good and bad intentions.
1. Search for a tecaher who is both experienced and honest. There are many reputable teachers in a variety of traditions and they will welcome your questions about their lineage and training. If they are self-taught, a good teacher with lots of experience is not ashamed to admit they are. Claims of profound mystical powers are often a warning sign, as is how your prospective teacher handles proprietary information. Is it common for the teacher or other group members to pass along written information without crediting authorship? How can you tell? If the style of language used in the text does not match what your teacher or fellow group member usuallys uses, chances are they copied this information elsewhere without crediting its author. A good teacher will not only credit where they acquired information, they will make a point of teaching you to do the same.
2. Take your time & avoid anyone who moves too fast. Don't adopt a teacher on the basis of one meeting. Spiritual education is a life-long journey. There's no inherent value in rushing your decision. On the flip side: does your prospective teacher accpet you as a student without taking the time to really get to know you? This should be a two-way process and a teacher who does not take the time to evaluate prospective students is in se arch of quantity, not quality.
3. Get to know your teacher & his/her tradition. Sometimes the only way to get to know a teacher is by enrolling in a class they may offer online or at your local occult shop. Feel free to enroll in these without committing yourself to being their student on a long-term basis (ie, seeking initiaion or ordination with that teacher). Evaluate the information you are provided with in the class. Does it feel like the right path for you? Does his/her description of their tradition fall in line with your own research on that tradition. You haven done any research on his/her tradition? Back-up and do that before agreeing to anything!
4. Conduct a background check. What is your prospective teacher's background? Does s/he claim intitiations or degrees that you cannot confirm through outside sources? A reputable teacher will be happy to provide references. Be wary of individials who claim hereditary blood lines or training that you cannot verify. Find out his/her reputation in the spiritual comminity. Is the prospective teacher respected among his/her peers? If you meet your teacher at a festival, community even, or even in a chatroom, ask others of similiar stature and experience why they think of him/her. Does s/he allow contact with her former students that have completed their training with her? If not, consider it a warning sign.
5. Learn to spot power trips and puffery. Are you strongly urged by the teacher to take the next class (to the point of being pushy?) Does the teacher seem impressed with him/herself? Does s/he brage about who s/he knows or his/her own stature? Does your prospective teacher make rash, emotional decisions or always place blame on someone other than themselves/ Does your prosective teacher expect you to put them on a pedestal? If not, are you tempted to put them on one? Run far, far away. No matter who instigates such a relationship, it is not healthy for either party.
6. Ask questions about his/her personal and professional life. Is his/her emotional life in order? Spirituality affects and permeates all levels of our lives, and as such a good teacher should have stable relationships with their mate, family, friends, former teachers and former students. This is not to say that we don't all go through ups and downs, or that if you should necessarily quit working with someone when they go through inevitable woes life swings our way, but you'll both have a more rewarding experience if you start when you are both on a more stable footing. This, of course, will become readily apparent if you follow step 1 (above) and take your time: time will tell you whether or not your prospective teacher is merely ging through a rough period of chaos, dissension and blaming others seems to follow them wherever they do.
7. Find out if the teacher takes minors as their students without significant dialogue and permission from the student's legal guardian. For those who are underage- Yes, I realize you are eager to learn as much as you can about your chosen spiritual path, but remember that there is no reason to rush things. Even your parent's religion wil teach you valuable lessons regardless of what path you later choose to take. A good teacher will encourage that you learn your lessons from your family while you can.
8. Explore all your options. Does your prospective teacher encourage you to explore several paths before deciding his/hers is the right one? An experienced teacher will be able to provide you with a list of readings that illustrate perspectives different from his/her own. S/he should be willing to discuss these options with you without pointing out his/hers is the only right option. Certain traditions require significant investments of your time- if you are the type that likes to study many different paths simultaneously, talk this over with your teacher. Most will be fine with it, especially if you are still exploring and trying things out (they may even encourage it!), but because of the intensity of the training they may require you to decide upon one before beginning a priest/ess path with their group.
9. Evaluate what you expect from your teacher. What kind of relationships do other people in the group have with the teacher? You can tell a lot from context. Some teachers will prefer a more formal relationship, others informal. One isn't necessarily better than another, but knowing what you're after ensures a more likely fit. It's also a good idea to open up a dialogue by writing a list of what you are looking for and sharing this with the prospective teacher when you meet.
10. Ask prospective teachers what they expect from you. What will your homework assingments be like and how much time per week or month will you be expected to devote to them? How many classes and rituals do you need to attend? Be honest with him/her and yourself - can you balance the study load along with work, family life or school? If not, now may not be time time to begin this particular couse of study. If a fee is charged for lessons, does it seem reasonable (whatever that means for you - don't be afraid to ask what the fees are allocated for). Also ask if you are allowed to disagree with a teacher. You should certainly learn their traditon and fit reasonably well with their beliefs if you plan to dedicate and seek initiation, but questions and doubts should be part of the dialogue and not simply subject to blind fatih. Bear in mind however that the relationship you have with your teacher should also not be a constant source of philosophical (or other) disagreement.
11. Assess whether or not the ethics of a group is a good fit with your own. Some people think that "consciousness-altering" substances are a valuable part of ritual, while others would never even consider such a thing. From Dionysian revels to Native American worship, this isn't an easy question when you look at historic precedents, but whether your own ethics fall on one side or the other of this argument, make sure you discuss this with your prospective teacher ahead of time. Either way, avoid illegal substances and the groups that use them. Whether or not they should be legal is beside the point; common sense tells us that it is needlessly foolhardy to participate in illegal activities. Another area to consider: Certain favors from the student to the teacher are not considered ethical; the most obviousl ones are sexual favors. We're human; sometimes romantic relationships develope between members of a group, but they should not be expected as a matter of course, nor should they break any commitments you or the other party has made with your respective spouses nor should they be tied to your advancement in the group. Less obvious are things like washing the windows in the High Priestess; house (Helping to clean up the property after a ritual, however, is normal.
12. Trust your intuition. A teacher may check out all the points beatifully but the student's inner bell is clanging an alarm. In that case, the student should heed it.
Document Copyright 2001 Spiritualitea.com & Sandra Mizumoto Posey, Ph.D., author or Cafe Nation: Coffee Folklore, Magick & Divination (Santa Monica Press, 2000). This article may be reproduced as long as no changes, additions or deletions are made to the text. All the information in this paragraph must be included on the document whevever it is distributed or reproduced. Special thanks to Laura von Bosau for her significant contributions to this article and to Donna Albino and Denise Dumars for their thoughtful and insightful suggestions.
On The Proliferation Of Goddess Imagery In Popular Culture
Change happens slowly, but when it finally hits, the years of individual strides and steps eliminate in a burst of change. Trouble is, change doesn't always take effect in the ways we'd hoped.
When the "goddess movement" was birthed out of feminism in the early seventies by groups of women passionate about both political and personal growth, it started with small circles of women determined to use magic as a tool for change. Leading figures during this decode included such notables as Zsuzanna Budapest, Shekinah Mountainwater, and Starhawk. The Wiccan religion, which was first birthed by Gerald Gardner in the mid-twentieth century, had grown into a viable alternative religion in both Europe and America. As one of the first modern Western religions to worship a goddess as well as a god, it was a logical starting point from which feminists could build their new faith. Wicca formed the skeletal structure of the new women's religion, including seasonal rites and the use of magic, but was altered in ways that made it turly different. Some contiued to include male god imagery, but a significant variant not only focused solely on the goddess but made it a women's mystery religion where only women attended the rites, only women were taught magic, and seasonal rites became inseperable from the cycles of a woman's body as she moved from pre-menstrual maidenhood through her post-menopausal crone years. This sect came to be known by several monikers, such as Dianic Wicca, Dianic Witchcraft, and simply "goddess religion."
One of the primary sacred narratives of Dianic Witchcraft was built upon the idea that in civilizations past women held higher status than contemporary society and was only lessened when matriarchy gave way to patriarchy. Build upon archelogical finds of female staruy interpreted to be goddess, the idea was birthed first by scholars (such as Marja Gimbuts & J.J. Bachofen) who presented those ideas do not find currency any longer with most academics. This development has parrallels with the larger Wiccan movement, whose own sacred narrative includes the idea that it has a direct linear connection with pre-Christian European witch-cults (as proposed by Margaret Murray), an idea which contemporary academics have long considered unfounded. However, whether or not the idea of matriarchy is in fact a viable and factual history is beside the point. The role these ideas play among contemporary Dianics and Wiccans is as sacred history, a potent symbolic web upon which ideas for a new worldview and societal change can blossom and grow. Key factors of this different society for both groups include empowerment for women and a more symbiotic relationship with nature.
Witches of either sect understand that there is magic that happens when symbols become manifest as reality in the form of tangible objects. First it is only within the realm of the groups that birthed them- jewelry and adornments with representations of goddesses and magical symbols, bumper stickers, books on nature religions, etc- until the symbols, if not always the idea behind them seep into a wider cultural milieu. Items such as those mentioned above move from esoteric mail order catalogs and small metaphysical shops int the women's studies or occult sections of larger bookstores (in the case of books) or museum gift shops (in the case of deity statuary or jewelry). Spell candles can now find their way into gift shops of every sort. Still, even these things are perceived by the larger public as fringe items- possibly even with satanic implications (in the case of pentacles, for example). A lack of interest may even result in their falling below their radar at all. Then, arriving with a force that makes it seem almost sudden, despite the slow trickle over several decades, goddess symbolism is everywhere. "Good Witches" have become stock characters in TV dramas from "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" to Aaron Spelling's "Charmed."
In high end beauty catalogs and stores we find Charmed World's spell-casting kits that come with items such as "Wash that man out of your hair" shampoo and conditioner, Eau de Fortune money-drawing fragrance designed to release your inner tycoon!" and "Temptress" bubble bath in hot pink containers. The contact page of their website bears this caveat:
Charmed World is not affiliated with any organized religion. Rather, it is our belief that there is magic within all of us. We hope that our whimsical products empower people to be proactive in their lives, and at the same time, have some fun. We would also like to stress that our products cannot be used to bring harm to any one, nor to make any one act against their will. Have fun! And, most of all, have a "charmed" life!
The text above and at various places on their website suggest Wiccan influence without being explicitly stated. These pink potions are still in the broomcloset with regard to their inspiration. Wiccan influence can be seen in the "harm none" ethic voiced above as well and in the text of one of the spells: "I beseech thee, dear Goddess, let it be true. So be it!"
Despite their assertion that products cannot be used to "make anyone act against their will" their discriptions for this spell kits belie their stated ethics. The Tie the Knot magical spell, for example, bears this discription:
Would your man rather have a root canal than discuss your "future?" Do weddings make him comatose? Does he cringe everytime you pass a jewelry store? Help him lose those ball-and-chain blues, cast this spell to get to the "I do's."
Less explicitly witchy and even more mainstream is Jacqua Girls "Goddess Gathering Kit." According to their website, Jacqua Girls products has "distribution to more than 2,000 prestige gift shops, specialty, and department stores in the United States, England, Canada, Germany, Scandinavia, France, New Zealand, Japan, and Hong Kong." Package details state:
Get all your goddess girlfriends together for a night of rituals, and beauty to bring out the best in your life. Includes for 4 people:
Juturna Aromatherapy Spray
Isis Jasmine Incense
Kali Herbal Foot soak
Gaia Clay Mud Mask
Aphrodite Jojoba Lotion
Wish Boxes
Hestia candle
Bindis
Henna Tattoos
Invitations
Women have been gathering for thousands of years to share in story-telling, ritual, beauty, and bonding. In this fast-paced world we seldom take the time to gather in this ancient way. This kit was created to encourage you to gather with your friends for a meaningful and memorable time and discover your true goddess potential. So may it be!
Here again a Wiccan influence can be detected in the phrase "So may it be" and the names of popular goddesses, but otherwise the kit makes no mention of spirituality. Instead, the intent is to "discover your true goddess potential." As goddess imagery seeps further and further into popular cultrue, the word goddess begins to shed its religious implications and seems to connote beauty with a liberal dash of female bonding thrown in. Here we, make wishes, not magick. Dark and powerful Kali is relegated to soothing tired feet.
The Go Goddess game doesn't make any mention of magic or religion (though they do refer obliquely to spirituality and include "chakra-colored candles"), but does borrow a phrase from Dianic Witchcraft, paraphrased prominently on their website: "What does a goddess look like? Look in the mirror. You are a goddess." Below this, the creators state that the Go Goddess game is:
...an enriching catalyst to realize our dreams, recreate our lives and fulfill our unique potential. By bringing women together to share life's experiences, Go Goddess! is a great way to connect with friends, make new ones, and realize the goddess that's blossoming within each of us.
There are no right or wrong answers, and no judgements. Go Goddess is a concept for living, a spirtual oasis that bathes you in positive, supportive energies, and inspires you to be the best you can be- to be the best mate, mother, sister, daughter, lover, and friend. That's what we all want, isn't it?
Unlike the Jacqua Girls kit, the Go Goddess game leans more heavily toward female bonding and empowerment than beauty. This is pop psychology with a Goddess twist rather than either religion or cosmetics, but it seems clear that our beloved goddess is destined to attain pop culture saturation as a synonym for beauty- hairless beauty.
The most audacious use of goddess imagery is without a doubt the Gillette Venus Razor for women. The television commercial for this product pans over dozens of svelte women in white bathing suits kicking their smooth hairless legs to the pop tune lyric "I'm your Venus." The close-up of the razor itself reveals a handle shaped to look like a woman's body with her arms raised above her, much like the Nile river goddess. The slogan for this product, "Reveal the Goddess in You" (which by the way, trademarked) suggests that the word goddess, here refers to a woman finally free of all that unwanted body hair.
As much as we want to believe in symbols as archtypes that shape our consciousness as a species, symbols evolve and meanings change. The fact of the matter is that once the meaning has changed, it loses some of its power even for those who embrace it. The use of the swastika by the Nazis has never regained its luster. An extreme example, to be sure, but the goals of feminist witches have never been modest. They seek to change the world for the better, but unfortuantely much of the world does not want to change with them.
Document Copyright 2001 Spiritualitea.com & Sandra Mizumoto Posey, Ph.D., author of Cafe Nation: Coffee Folklore, Magick, & Divination (Santa Monica Press 2000.) This article may be reprouduced as long as no changes, additions or deletions are made to the text. All the information in this paragraph must be included on the document whenever it is distributed or reproduced.
Divination
The practice of foreseeing future events or obtaining secret knowledge through communication with divine sources and through omens, oracles, signs, and portents. It is based on the belief in revelations offered to humans by the gods and in extrarational forms of knowledge; it attemps to make known those things that neither reason nor science can discover. It is known that divination by means of crack patterns in shells was practiced in China as early as the 2nd century BC. In the West, before divination spread throughout the Greco-Roman world various branches of the practice as used by the Chaldaeans were considered superior to all the sciences. Among those branches the most significant were the study of the flight of birds, the study of water and water patterns, the study of the entrails of sacrificial animals (haruscpication), and the inspection of animals shoulder blades (scalpulimancy). The Greeks placed their greatest trust in the wisdom of the Oracle. Divination was essential to all the religions of classical antiquity; no state and hardly any individual would have dared take a significant action without first consulting the gods. Divination persists to the present day in crystal gazing, palmistry, fortune-telling, and astrology.
Source: Columbia Encyclopedia
Candle Magick Color Chart
Red: love, passion, energy
Orange: strength, authority, success
Yellow: communications, learning, mind
Green: money, prosperity, luck
Blue: healing, meditation, tranquility
Purple: spirituality, wisdom, pyschism
White: protection, purification, peace
Pink: love, harmony, friendships
Black: absorption and transformation of negative energy
Just use color charts as a guide since you may not feel a certain way about a color. You may not associate pink with friendships and may want to use purple instead. Just go with what you feel and don't feel obligated to follow some chart. Some colors are universal like red and pink when it comes to love and blue for healing or even sadness. It is up to the individual since that is the most important thing when you are working candle magick.
Gemstones and Crystals
Adverturine- Clears emotional stress
Apache Tear- Aids in removal of limits, soothes grief, provides insight and acceptance at times of death.
Amber- Calms and soothes, opens and cleanses chakras. Cleanses space of negativity.
Abalone- Aids in pyschic development, soothes emotions.
Moss Agate- Grounds, centers, calms.
Fossil Agate- Grounding, soothing.
Botswanna Agate- Inner knowledge.
Amethyst- Channels wisdom, soul knowledge
Azulicite- Understanding, awareness.
Amazonite- Soothes heart and throat, brings clarity, truth, and trust. Dispells negativity, general health and well being.
Amertine- Balances male and female energies, clears aura, emotions and tensions.
Angelite- Soft, peaceful, and calming. Enhances healing.
Apophylite- Soul level healing, knowing and inner wisdom.
Aqua-Aura Quartz- Brings energy, opens throat chakra for channeling.
Aquamarine- Promotes inner power, tranquility, and peace
Argonite- Positive change
Apatite- Restores harmony, dispels confusion, enhances creatitivy
Azurite/Malachite- Cleanses mind, heart, soul
Bloodstone- Intense healing stone, purifies blood, soothes cuts and bruises, restores vitality
Boji- Healing, channeling of energy
Blue Lace Agate- Calms, assists, inner attunement
Calcite (Green)- Prosperity, growth
Calcite (Red)- Love, emotional connection
Calcite (White)- Connection to the divine
Calcite (Yellow)- Awareness of life's purpose, happiness
Carnelian- Strength, courage, abundance
Charolite- Challenges, fears
Chrysoberyl- Protects, aids in awareness
Chrysocolla- Personal power, emotional balance
Chrsoprase- Astral travel, connects heart and third eye, headaches
Citrine- Comforting, energizing, manifestation, builds up aura, clearing
Copper- Natural metal of Venus, charges and transmites energy
Coral- Empowers, strengthens, lifts depression, relieves stress
Danburite- Stimulate memory, brings light. Known as Shaman's Stone.
Dalmation Stone- Balances energy
Elestials- Aligns with
Incense
Amber- love, comfort, happiness
Ambergris- psychic ventures, dreams
Anise- increase clairvoyance
Apple Blossom- peace, success
Apple- bring cheer, Samhain, healing
Balsam- fire, strength, break negativity
Basil- love, wealth, protection, harmony
Bayberry- protection, control
Bergamot- attract money, uplift spirits
Blueberry- ease emotional heart ache
Cardamom- gain courage for a situation
Carnation- protection, strength, healing
Cedarwood- healing, purification
Cherry- love spells, divination
Chocolate- peace, soften strangers
Cinnamon- purifying, stimulating, money
Citronellla- cleansing, warding
Clove- stimulating, stress relief, memory
Coconut- protection
Copal- love, purification, uplifting
Cranberry- uplifting spirits, love
Cypress- comfort, healing, protection
Dragon's Blood- potency, protection
Egyptian Musk- love, lust
Eucalyptus- healing, purifying
Frankincense- astral strength, protection
Frangi Pani- warding off, opeing
French Vanilla- love, psychic abilities
Gardenia- peace, love, healing
Geranium- power in rituals/magick
Ginger- success, empowerment, money
Heliotrope- pyschic power, attract wealth
Hi John- strength, confidence, prosperity
Hollyberry- protection, purify space
Honeysuckle- money, psychic powers
Honeydew- protection
Hyacinth- good luck, love, spirit
Jasmine- love, money, dreams
Juniper- calming, protection
Kyphi- attract love, success, banishing
Lavender- cleansing, healing, love
Lemon- pyschic/mental clarity
Lilac- warding off, soothing
Lotus- opening, elevating, protection
Musk- aprhodisiac, prosperity
Myrrh- meditative, healing
New Mown Hay- new beginnings, uplifting
Patchouli- love, growth, mastery
Pine- grounding, strength, cleansing
Rose- love, fertility, house-blessing
Witchy Books
Raymond Buckland
Complete Book of Witchcraft
Gypsy Witchcraft
Tree: Book of Saxon Witchcraft
Witchcraft From the Inside
Scottish Witchcraft: The History and Magick of the Picts
Wicca for Life- The Way of the Craft From Birth to Summerland
Ann Moura
Green Witchcraft I
Green Witchcraft II
Green Witchcraft III
Origins of Modern Witchcraft
Silver RavenWolf
To Ride A Silver Broomstick
To Stir A Magick Cauldron
To Light A Sacred Flame
Teen Witch
Margot Adler
Drawing Down the Moon
Janet and Stewart Farrar
The Pagan Path
The Witches' God
The Witches Goddess
Celtic Gods
Celtic Goddesses
Margaret Murray
The God of the Witches
Maria Kay Simms
The Witch's Circle
Janet Thomson
Of Witches
Sirona Knight
A Witch Like Me
Carl McColman
The Well-Read Witch
Paul Tuitean and Estelle Daniels
Essential Wicca
Starhawk
The Spiral Dance
Twelve Wild Swans
Steve Blamires
Glamoury: Magic of the Celtic Green World
Doreen Valiente
Witchcraft for Tomorrow
An ABC of Witchcraft
Natural Magic
Marion Green
A Witch Alone
Raven Grimassi
Wiccan Magick
The Wiccan Mysteries
Hereditary Witchcraft
Italian Witchcraft
Laurie Cabot
Witch In Every Woman
Power of the Witch: Earth, Moon, & The Magical Path
Love Magic Celebrate The Earth
Rosemary Ellen
Encyclopedia of Witches & Witchcraft
Edain McCoy
Witta: Irish Pagan Tradition
The Sabbats
Celtic Myth & Magick
Inside A Witches Coven
Making Magick
Celtic Women's Spirituality
Herbs
Agrimony- psychic healing, protection
Alfalfa- prosperity
Allspice- money, luck, healing
Aloes- love, spirituality
Angelica Root- exorcism, protection, visisons, healing
Anise, Star- purification, psychic ability
Arabic Gum- purification, offeratory
Arnica- protection from spirits
Asafoetida- exorcisms
Balm of Gilead- blessings, cleansings
Barberry Root- courage, strength
Bayberry Root- attract love, friends
Basil- love, protection, wealth
Bay Laurel- protection, strength, pyschic powers
Benzoin Gum- grounding, stablizing
Bergamot, Wild- creativity, luck
Bilberry Leaf- peace, tranquility
Black Cohosh- healing, fertility
Black Walnut Leaf- grounding, stabilizing
Bladderwrack- pyschic ability, connect with the element Water
Blessed Thistle- preotecion, Earth offering
Bloodroot- protection, health
Blue Cohosh- home blessing
Boneset- grounding, health
Borage- bravery, sacred to the Celts
Broom Tops- cleansing, protection
Buckeyes- wishes and hopes
Buckthorn Bark- protection, strength
Burdock Root- healing, courage
Calamus- luck, money, healing
Calendula- success, legal matters, protection
Camphor- purification, protection
Caraway- change
Cardamom- intelligence, eloquence
Cascara Sagrada- letting go, cleansing
Catnip- visions, love, cat magick
Cat's Claw- unhexing, protection
Cedar Chips- money, purification
Celadine- dreams and trance work
Centaury- psychic ability, unhexing
Chamomile- money, sleep, purification
Chaparral- purification, change
Chickory- alertness, happiness
Cinnamon- success, healing, psychic powers
Cinquefoil- money, dreams, legal matters, Also known as Five Finger Grass.
Cloves- protection, money, love
Coltsfoot- awareness, purification
Comfrey- safety, money
Copal Resin- love, purification
Cubeb- sexuality, love
Cumin- good luck, prosperity
Damiana- sexuality, love, visions
Dandelion- happiness, ease
Deer's Tongue- grounding, connects with the element Earth
Dill- protection
Dittany of Crete- manifestation, seance work
Dong Quai- sacred to women
Dragon's Blood Resin- protection, power
Echinacea- health, cleansing
Elder Blossoms- protection, prosperity
Ephedra- clearing, mental alertness
Elecampane- for work with Faery Realm
Eucalyptus- purification
Eyebright- clairvoyance, clairity
Fennel- protection, healing
Fenugreek- wisdom, success
Feverfew- healing, purification
Flax Seed- moon wisdom
Frankincense Resin- protection, spirituality
Galangal- protection, energy
Garlic- protection
Gentain- knowledge, home blessing
Ginko- intelligence, energy
Ginseng (Chinese)- stamina, sexuality
Grains of Paradise- luck, joy
Gurana- alertness, energy
Gum Mastic- rapid change, high spiritual level
Hawthorn Berries- protection, home blessing
Heal All- health, strength
Heather Flowers- purification, happiness
Henna (Red)- sexuality, love
Hibiscus Flowers- sacred to the Goddess
High John- Take into court for legal success.
Honeysuckle Flowers- courage
Hops- dream work, sleep
Horehound- protection, mental powers, healing
Horsetail- wisdom, understanding
Hydrangea- intuition, love
Hyssop- protection, purification
Irish Moss- psychic powers, cleansing
Jasmin Flowers- love, peace
Juniper- health, beauty
Kavakava- visions, protection, luck
Lady's Mantle- focus, power
Ladies Slipper- protection
Lavender- love, protection, peace, purification
Lemon Balm- love, success, healing
Lemon Verbena- purification, love
Lemongrass- purification, cleaning
Lobelia- protection, health
Lovage- love, peace
Maidenhair- romance, joy
Mandrake (American)- binding, strengthening, protection
Marjoram- spiritual bliss, strength
Meadowsweet- romance, marriage
Mistletoe- protection- love, fertility
Moss (Oak)- grounding, peace
Moss (Spanish)- binding
Motherwort- protection, strength
Mullein- courage, health, visions
Mugwort- psychic power, dreams, astral travel
Myrrh Resin- protection, health, spirituality
Nettle- protection
Nutmeg- change, health, visions
Orris Root- love, beauty, divination
Passionflower- peace, friendship, love
Patchouli- protection, money
Pennyroyal- strength, cleansing, intuition
Poppyseed- fertility, dreams, intuition
Plantain- healing, soothing
Queen of the Meadow- protection
Rasberry Leaf- peace, fertility
Red Clover- cleansing, purification
Rosehips- love, luck
Rosemary- protection, purification
Rowan- protection, visions
Rue- health, protection, mental power
Safflower- sucess, prosperity
Sage (Clary)- purification, home blessing
Sage (White)- loose bundles for cleansing
St John's Wort- purification, protection
Sandalwood (Red)- energy, courage, protection
Sandalwood (White)- spirituatliy, energy, cleansing
Scullcap- love, fidelity, peace
Seasalt- cleansing, purifying
Slipery Elm- protection
Solomon's Seal- protection, spirituality
Spearming- happiness, peace
Spikenard- wisdom, learning
Squill Powder- money, protection
Styrax Gum- grounding, truth
Tansy- connection wtih the Goddess
Thyme- cleansing
Tonka- love, money, courage, wishes
Uva Ursi- fertility, dreams
Valerian- sleep, protection, purification
Vervain- love, protection, healing
Vaertivert- grounding, protection
White Oak- strength, courage
White Willow- intuition, luck
Wintergreen- protection, healing
Witchgrass- happiness, luck
Witchhazel- purification, pyschic ability
Wolf's Bane- protection, healing
Wood Betony- for work with elementals
Woodruff- protection, blesisng
Wormwood- protection, banish anger
Yarrow- courage, love, power
Yellowdock- healing, fertility, money
Yerbemate- communing with the Gods
WITCHY MUSIC
Avalon Rising by Avalon Rising
Bending Tradition by Emerald Rose
Book of Shadows by Seven 13
Bridge to Iss by Nhanda Devi
Chants from Isis by Nhanda Devi
Brocellande by Broceliande Acoustic
Divine Favorites by Elaine Silver
Gaia, Earth Goddess by Desert Wind
Return to the Goddess by Desert Wind
Year of the Wicca by Thea
Pagan Churches and Organizations
Church Of All Worlds
PO Box 1542
Ukiah, CA 95482-1542
Circle Sanctuary
PO Box 219
Mount Horeb, WI 53572
Covenant Of The Goddess
PO Box 1226
Berkeley, CA 94704
The Earthspirit Community
PO Box 365
Medford, MA 02155
Our Lady Of Enchantment
Seminary Of Wicca
PO Box
1366
39 Amherst St
Nashua, NH 03061
(Send $2 for a sample copy of NL)
The Hermit's Grove
9724
132nd Av NE
Kirkland, WA 98033
Alachua Pagan Alliance
PO Box 12625
Gainesville, FL 32604
Bay Area Pagan Assembly
PO Box 850
Fremont, CA 94537
Aquarian Tabernacle Church
PO Box 409
Index, WA 98256
Temple Of The Eternal Light
928 E Fifth St
Brooklyn, NY 11230
(Send a SASE along with two first class stamps for info)
New Wiccan Church
PO Box 162046
Sacramento, CA 95816
Betwixt & Between
813 Exposition Av
Dallas, TX 75226
(Tarot Correspondence Course etc)
Builders Of The Adytum
5101-05 N Figueroa St
Los Angeles, CA 90042
Craftwise
PO Box 457
Botsford, CT 06404
Witchy Websites
Catalogs
(Free catalog)
Moon Scents And Magical Blends
PO Box 180310
Boston MA, 02118
White Light Pentacles
PO Box 8163
Salem, MA 01971
($3 for a 220 page catalog)
Worldwife Curio House
PO box 17095
Minneapolis, MN 55417
The Excelsior Index Works
1413 Van Dyke Av
San Francisco, CA 94124
Pyramid Books And New Age Collection
35 Congress St
Salem, MA 01970
Seven Stars
58 JFK St
Cambridge, MA 02138
Of course this is a work in progress so if you have any recommendations please email them to me at witchygirl@fangmail.zzn and mark the Subject as Witchy Stuff
Witchcraft
Many people have the wrong idea about this religion. Paganism predates Christianity and if you look you'll notice that there are traces of Paganism in the Catholic Church. In fact the pentagram was used by the church in medieval times. The pentagram is a five pointed star and is to the Witch (Pagan or whatever you choose to call yourself) is like the cross to the Catholics. The pentagram represents the elements including spirit and adding a circle around itm akes it a pentacle which is a symbol of protection. It is different from other religions because the focus is on the God and Goddess instead of just the God. You really can't have one without the other if you think about it. But this religion does branch out into other traditions and Dianics tend to focus on the Goddess. I personally like this balance because it is found everywhere. Since you can't just find a witch standing at the corner waving her broom and book of shadows around you may end up starting your journey along by reading books. There are lots of books out there so if you are interested read as many as you possibly can. If a person is truly committed you find find a way to learn what you need. You can either be a solitary who practices alone or join a coven. There are good and bad points about both. Since it can be tricky to find others the solitary route may be the only way you can go. Now that doesn't mean that at some point that you won't meet up with others by doing the networking thing which you can do. Go to local stores or go on the internet for resources. It is good to have that privacy when conducting ritual and feel the power of the God and Goddess going through you. There is also the fact that some do their rituals skyclad and face it many of us are self conscious and don't exactly want to bear all to other people. The downside of course is the fact that you are on your own in this with no one to talk to about stuff. It is nice to share things with others that share the same beliefs and won't stare at you as if you grew a third eye or something. I myself tend to think that a coven isn't for me but that could change at some point. A group of people at ritual can be quite a powerful thing. I would go for a group where others come together to chat and meet people not a coven but a group a witches that practice solo and want to meet other witches. It's a nature based religion so some feel comfortable going skyclad since it makes them feel closer to nature. This has nothing whatsoever to do with sex and isn't a requirement. Only some traditions do it and no one is ever forced to do something they don't want to. There is something for everyone. It is quite empowering for women since things are on an equal footing. There are priests and priestesses. It also doesn't condemn those that are gay. I find it impossible not to mention ridiculous to believe that a person would burn in "hell" for being gay. That just makes no sense to me. A nice God you got there. I challenege anyone to show me proof of that. I myself am not gay but I don't think that religion would appeal to a person. It's not a choice because if you really think about it who would choose it. Why would any God do that when the Gods are the ones that created us. I doubt that they would include gay people for others to hate and beat. That's as stupid as beating someone who has blue eyes or doesn't have the same skin color. Witchcraft seems to be a refuge for those that have felt out of sorts and have felt that something has been missing from their lives. Like many I felt a sense of coming home. This religion isn't for everyone but that doesn't make it any less valid. No one religion is the one and only way. Sure there may be things about other religions that might puzzle me but I respect their right to practice it so I ask for the same thing in return. Read a book on the subject and realize that it's just a religion and not something evil and ugly. Some people even combine the religion they were raised on so there are Catholic Witches and Jewish Witches. Who knows you most likely know a witch and don't even realize it. Witches are people just like everyone else. They come from all walks of life and professions. They don't have green skin and warts so don't go looking for that. Learn about something before you make any judgements because a open mind is a precious gift to us all.
The Nature Witch
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