Hey, guys! It's me, Dawn, and today, I wanted to talk about a way to introduce your friends to your religion. I don't mean to convert them and show them that "Wicca is the right path," kind of introducing. I mean, get them somewhat comfortable with Wicca.
I know this is cliché, but a lot of media is depicted with Wicca. The fictional Harry Potter series has some Wiccan ideas in it. For example, Harry had trouble controlling his magickal powers until he got a wand. It's portrayed that this directs the energy better, which is true. Then there are cloaks and that sort of thing. The Houses are like their covens, if you think about it...
The point is, this sounds weird, but do some fun crafts that everyone would never think about. In the near future, I will make Harry Potter scarves and my friends love the idea. It shows that I care to put time and effort in them, and they might get their interest in Wicca sparked.
Also, a book series that I've checked out that accurately demonstrates concepts of Wicca would be the House of Night series. They cast circles, they have professors, a Priestess, worshipping the Goddess Nyx... They go as far as connecting with elements. It's amazing. So, if your friend (it may be more effective on the female friends because it's girlier) can't figure out what you do in Wicca, suggest this series. I think it's awesome because the authors are Wiccan, too!
You could also explain to them in symbols and what they mean. I don't have a pentacle/pentagram/Wiccan necklace, but if I did, I would explain the cycle of things and how they intertwine. I'd explain the Witches' Knot and what have you to them, and they would understand. A couple friends would most likely get one too.
Most of my friends are Christian, and they don't know I'm a Wiccan... But, one is more accepting and HAS read the House of Night series. One of my friends have discovered divination, and one loves faery folklore. Another actually has a Wiccan name for her middle name (Ravensong). So, in a way, they are familiar with Wicca... They just don't know what to call it yet.
I hope that these suggestions would help you. They're helping me.
Blessings and much love,
Dawn )O(
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
What is an Eclectic Wiccan?
Hi, guys! Instead of posting another Wicca 101 entry, I would like to talk about Eclectic Wiccans.
People believe that eclectic is not a tradition. And to be honest, I have looked it up, and according to the Internet, it is a blend of traditions.
I consider myself eclectic. Why? I believe women have a little more power in Wicca (Dianic) and combine it with some beliefs from all of the other traditions (more so Alexandrian than the others). Honestly...
I don't understand why people decide to say that being an Eclectic Wiccan "is not a tradition." Look on YouTube and Tumblr. There's a LOT of solitary practitioners out there and you will acknowledge that it is where many Wiccans lie.
Sorry, but I am a little annoyed.
As usual, I give you blessings and send you positive energies, loves.
)O(
Dawn
People believe that eclectic is not a tradition. And to be honest, I have looked it up, and according to the Internet, it is a blend of traditions.
I consider myself eclectic. Why? I believe women have a little more power in Wicca (Dianic) and combine it with some beliefs from all of the other traditions (more so Alexandrian than the others). Honestly...
I don't understand why people decide to say that being an Eclectic Wiccan "is not a tradition." Look on YouTube and Tumblr. There's a LOT of solitary practitioners out there and you will acknowledge that it is where many Wiccans lie.
Sorry, but I am a little annoyed.
As usual, I give you blessings and send you positive energies, loves.
)O(
Dawn
Monday, November 26, 2012
Wicca 101: The Deities
Hey, guys! Sorry I haven't posted anything in a while. My grandfather had transitioned on into another realm, and planning a funeral with my family and all has been hard work!
So, today, I will briefly talk about the deities, also known as the God and Goddess. Yes, a duotheistic perspective. Actually...
This would depend on the Wiccan/Pagan. Some believe in 1 God or 1 Goddess. Most believe in one of each. Some, like I, am polytheistic and worship many. You don't have to use Greek or Roman Mythology. Many use other cultural Deities, like Indian, Asian, Norse, etc.
Some, like I, worship different aspects of the God and Goddess. I work with Hestia, Apollo, Hecate, and Artemis the most. I can connect to them. If you can connect to them, then they might be a good fit for a deity. For example, I absolutely love to express myself, and Apollo is the God of Music, Lyrics, and Writing in general. It is easy for me to worship him, and that is why I connect with him so well.
Honestly, if you were to search this path on finding a deity, you would need to search yourself. It may not happen overnight. My first Goddess was Aphrodite, and I couldn't seem to bond with Her. Here I am, about... 3 months later, and find that a mix of Goddesses suit me.
Again, everyone is different, and everything will fall in its place when it is intended to.
So, yeah, that's the brief synopsis of the deities in the religion of Wicca.
Blessed be! )O(
-Dawn
So, today, I will briefly talk about the deities, also known as the God and Goddess. Yes, a duotheistic perspective. Actually...
This would depend on the Wiccan/Pagan. Some believe in 1 God or 1 Goddess. Most believe in one of each. Some, like I, am polytheistic and worship many. You don't have to use Greek or Roman Mythology. Many use other cultural Deities, like Indian, Asian, Norse, etc.
Some, like I, worship different aspects of the God and Goddess. I work with Hestia, Apollo, Hecate, and Artemis the most. I can connect to them. If you can connect to them, then they might be a good fit for a deity. For example, I absolutely love to express myself, and Apollo is the God of Music, Lyrics, and Writing in general. It is easy for me to worship him, and that is why I connect with him so well.
Honestly, if you were to search this path on finding a deity, you would need to search yourself. It may not happen overnight. My first Goddess was Aphrodite, and I couldn't seem to bond with Her. Here I am, about... 3 months later, and find that a mix of Goddesses suit me.
Again, everyone is different, and everything will fall in its place when it is intended to.
So, yeah, that's the brief synopsis of the deities in the religion of Wicca.
Blessed be! )O(
-Dawn
Monday, November 19, 2012
Wicca 101: Magickal Names
Hi, guys! The first thing I want to establish is that my Magickal Name has switched from Echo to Dawn. I feel as though that I have been more attached to Dawn than Echo...
So, what is actually your Magickal name? It's a name that provides privacy to those who practice Wiccan/The Craft. Of course, my real name isn't Dawn. It's something else.
Usually, Magickal Names are inspired by nature. They can consist of a first and last name. For example, my first name would be Dawn because I am a morning person. I love sunlight and watching the sunrise. I won't tell you guys my new last name to keep a little more privacy, but I admit, it does sound a little Harry Potter-ish. That means like "Lovegood," "Ravenclaw..." That sort of thing.
Finding it is an interesting process. Sometimes you can get them through dreams, through meditation... I actually got mine from a television show. Actually, that character inspired me to try Wicca and its ways. Here I am now. You could even make up one. Like myself, some change theirs because it doesn't suit them or they feel like they need to devote themselves to another aspect of nature.
Your name has energies that come along with your name. So if you name yourself "Skullcrusher Nightmare," you just might get some bad vibes. And, if you name yourself after a God or Goddess, you will take the characteristics of that deity. If you act in malevolent ways while being named after a God/Goddess, the results ARE NOT GOING TO BE PRETTY.
I hope you'll find a Magickal Name that is close to you!
Blessed Be! )O(
Dawn
So, what is actually your Magickal name? It's a name that provides privacy to those who practice Wiccan/The Craft. Of course, my real name isn't Dawn. It's something else.
Usually, Magickal Names are inspired by nature. They can consist of a first and last name. For example, my first name would be Dawn because I am a morning person. I love sunlight and watching the sunrise. I won't tell you guys my new last name to keep a little more privacy, but I admit, it does sound a little Harry Potter-ish. That means like "Lovegood," "Ravenclaw..." That sort of thing.
Finding it is an interesting process. Sometimes you can get them through dreams, through meditation... I actually got mine from a television show. Actually, that character inspired me to try Wicca and its ways. Here I am now. You could even make up one. Like myself, some change theirs because it doesn't suit them or they feel like they need to devote themselves to another aspect of nature.
Your name has energies that come along with your name. So if you name yourself "Skullcrusher Nightmare," you just might get some bad vibes. And, if you name yourself after a God or Goddess, you will take the characteristics of that deity. If you act in malevolent ways while being named after a God/Goddess, the results ARE NOT GOING TO BE PRETTY.
I hope you'll find a Magickal Name that is close to you!
Blessed Be! )O(
Dawn
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Wicca 101: The Book of Shadows
Alright, so what is a Book of Shadows?
A Book of Shadows is a record of information that one acquires over time. They are used for correspondences such as days, spells, prayers, chants, and other religious things. Some have a Book of Mirrors, which is more like a spiritual diary. Sometimes, they are combined with a BoS. Personally, I like keeping them separate.
The beauty about a Book of Shadows is that it can be kept in anything, from a fancy journal to a notebook or a 3" binder. Some even have them on their computers! I have found binders to be more practical; you can organize it a lot. So, a BoS is pretty affordable.
As for what to actually put in your BoS, it is entirely up to you. I put CERTAIN correspondences in there, spells, chants, poetry, and other religious texts in there. Again, do what feels right to you. Remember, witches and Wiccans alike find this more of an intuitive, personal book.
I heard a couple of Wiccans say that they had poured their hearts out in a notebook one day and that had become a Book for them. That's one thing you can do. PERSONALIZE IT. Doodle in it. Design pages. Use fancy writing if you want. Your Book of Shadows is YOURS.
Most importantly, it is your spiritual journey. Most people say that they aren't fond of others reading it. That's acceptable. Books are passed down in family generations too. That's ok.
Overall, the Book of Shadows is your "Personalized Scripture" to the Wiccan faith. No 2 Books are the same, and they do not have to be all fancy-schmancy. I hope that you will find something that speaks to you and you are attached to.
-Echo
A Book of Shadows is a record of information that one acquires over time. They are used for correspondences such as days, spells, prayers, chants, and other religious things. Some have a Book of Mirrors, which is more like a spiritual diary. Sometimes, they are combined with a BoS. Personally, I like keeping them separate.
The beauty about a Book of Shadows is that it can be kept in anything, from a fancy journal to a notebook or a 3" binder. Some even have them on their computers! I have found binders to be more practical; you can organize it a lot. So, a BoS is pretty affordable.
As for what to actually put in your BoS, it is entirely up to you. I put CERTAIN correspondences in there, spells, chants, poetry, and other religious texts in there. Again, do what feels right to you. Remember, witches and Wiccans alike find this more of an intuitive, personal book.
I heard a couple of Wiccans say that they had poured their hearts out in a notebook one day and that had become a Book for them. That's one thing you can do. PERSONALIZE IT. Doodle in it. Design pages. Use fancy writing if you want. Your Book of Shadows is YOURS.
Most importantly, it is your spiritual journey. Most people say that they aren't fond of others reading it. That's acceptable. Books are passed down in family generations too. That's ok.
Overall, the Book of Shadows is your "Personalized Scripture" to the Wiccan faith. No 2 Books are the same, and they do not have to be all fancy-schmancy. I hope that you will find something that speaks to you and you are attached to.
-Echo
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Wicca 101: What is Wicca?
Many beginners of this religion may come and ask, "What IS Wicca? Oh, it's witchcraft, right? I must be Wiccan because I am doing witchcraft." That is not the case.
Wicca is a religion. It branches off from the generalized category of Paganism. Wicca focuses on energies from the aspects of the elements (Water, Earth,Air, And Fire) and the form of the spirit. This is best represented by the pentacle or pentagram. Both symbols show that these aspects are connected. Also, everyone is made up of these elements.
A stereotype about Wiccans is that we "worship the devil." As a matter of fact, we do not believe in the devil. We believe in the God and Goddess. In other words, we are a polytheistic religion.
There's no real "book" of this religion. We decide to make our own. It's known as the Book of Shadows. (There will be separate post about this, as there is a lot to this book.)
Unlike other religions that are structured, Wicca is more of a religion that is adapted by you, for you. You do whatever feel is right. Most Wiccans believe in the Wiccans Rede's famous lines. In Layman's terms, it is: Do what you want, but do not hurt a person or tamper with free will.
There's a lot more that I have not mentioned, but do not fret. I will cover some more of the basics, dears.
Wicca is a religion. It branches off from the generalized category of Paganism. Wicca focuses on energies from the aspects of the elements (Water, Earth,Air, And Fire) and the form of the spirit. This is best represented by the pentacle or pentagram. Both symbols show that these aspects are connected. Also, everyone is made up of these elements.
A stereotype about Wiccans is that we "worship the devil." As a matter of fact, we do not believe in the devil. We believe in the God and Goddess. In other words, we are a polytheistic religion.
There's no real "book" of this religion. We decide to make our own. It's known as the Book of Shadows. (There will be separate post about this, as there is a lot to this book.)
Unlike other religions that are structured, Wicca is more of a religion that is adapted by you, for you. You do whatever feel is right. Most Wiccans believe in the Wiccans Rede's famous lines. In Layman's terms, it is: Do what you want, but do not hurt a person or tamper with free will.
There's a lot more that I have not mentioned, but do not fret. I will cover some more of the basics, dears.
A Brief Introduction
Hi there! My Magickal Name is Echo! As of right now, I've been studying Wicca for about a year. I'm eclectic, and proud of it! I'm also in the broom closet right now, which means no one knows for various reasons. On top of this, I'm 17.
On this blog, I'll be posting information on Wicca and Witchcraft,
thoughts pertaining to my path, and things that would be helpful for incoming Wiccans to start with.
To be honest, I have a feeling many are going to get a lot of use from this blog. As for when I'll post, I'll try to do it daily. I can't promise that I will DO it everyday, but...
Anyways, I'll post something else later tonight.
On this blog, I'll be posting information on Wicca and Witchcraft,
thoughts pertaining to my path, and things that would be helpful for incoming Wiccans to start with.
To be honest, I have a feeling many are going to get a lot of use from this blog. As for when I'll post, I'll try to do it daily. I can't promise that I will DO it everyday, but...
Anyways, I'll post something else later tonight.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)