The Wiccan way of life
I thought I would share with you about the Wiccan way of life and what it means to me, personally I think if you have an interest in crystals and stones and you are actually on my site then you are already probably either Wiccan or Pagan or very interested in the craft!
My own personal venture to becoming Wiccan started ten years ago, I was searching for something but I wasn't really sure what I was searching for! I had been down the lines of the church and spoken to people from different conventional religions and listened to what they had to say but for me personally it wasn't happening there was still more I wanted to do and more I needed to find out.
One day I happened to be in a local store and came across a magazine that took my interest within this magazine was a free set of Tarot cards, not knowing anything about them at that time or even what they meant or what you could do with them I decided to buy the magazine.
I found myself drawn to the pictures of the cards, now these cards were very basic ~ obviously they were free! But it started something deep within me and I found them fascinating. That started me on a mission of sorts I wanted to know what the symbols were and how they came about and of course how to read them. I have a very quizative nature at the best of times so I set myself on a mission to find out about them and what they could do for me.
This of course took me quite a while! I never realized at the time just how many theories there were for the Tarot so I started to delve deeper ~ I am not the sort of person who can only have a little information on a subject I am interested in, I have to know everything!
Well as time went by I came to know quite a lot of things about it and I started to read the cards myself, I would practice on anyone who was willing to sit down with me for a few mins! I guess thanks Mom and Dad is in order here! I soon became more confident in reading the cards and now to me it is second nature and a great passion of mine.
Once I had learnt the Tarot I found that led me on to other things, so pretty soon I became interested in the Angel cards and of course the usual pattern emerged and I had to learn everything about those too!
I found that dealing with the Tarot and the Angel cards brought on another interest and that was crystals and this was to eventually lead me to the path I was obviously destined to be on and that was Wiccan.
So I thought I would share with you the basics of the craft and the Pagan way of life and I hope you enjoy this information and that it leads you to your destination in life.
I thought I would share with you about the Wiccan way of life and what it means to me, personally I think if you have an interest in crystals and stones and you are actually on my site then you are already probably either Wiccan or Pagan or very interested in the craft!
My own personal venture to becoming Wiccan started ten years ago, I was searching for something but I wasn't really sure what I was searching for! I had been down the lines of the church and spoken to people from different conventional religions and listened to what they had to say but for me personally it wasn't happening there was still more I wanted to do and more I needed to find out.
One day I happened to be in a local store and came across a magazine that took my interest within this magazine was a free set of Tarot cards, not knowing anything about them at that time or even what they meant or what you could do with them I decided to buy the magazine.
I found myself drawn to the pictures of the cards, now these cards were very basic ~ obviously they were free! But it started something deep within me and I found them fascinating. That started me on a mission of sorts I wanted to know what the symbols were and how they came about and of course how to read them. I have a very quizative nature at the best of times so I set myself on a mission to find out about them and what they could do for me.
This of course took me quite a while! I never realized at the time just how many theories there were for the Tarot so I started to delve deeper ~ I am not the sort of person who can only have a little information on a subject I am interested in, I have to know everything!
Well as time went by I came to know quite a lot of things about it and I started to read the cards myself, I would practice on anyone who was willing to sit down with me for a few mins! I guess thanks Mom and Dad is in order here! I soon became more confident in reading the cards and now to me it is second nature and a great passion of mine.
Once I had learnt the Tarot I found that led me on to other things, so pretty soon I became interested in the Angel cards and of course the usual pattern emerged and I had to learn everything about those too!
I found that dealing with the Tarot and the Angel cards brought on another interest and that was crystals and this was to eventually lead me to the path I was obviously destined to be on and that was Wiccan.
So I thought I would share with you the basics of the craft and the Pagan way of life and I hope you enjoy this information and that it leads you to your destination in life.
So What is Wicca
Wicca refers to practices and beliefs along with traditions and basically it is an earth based religion and an on going learning process thru life. It is both a spiritual tradition and has a set of practises called 'the craft'
We work with the seasons and tides of the earth and the moon phases, planets and the stars.
We also follow the Wiccan Rede which is 'harm none' see the Wiccan rede below
Wicca refers to practices and beliefs along with traditions and basically it is an earth based religion and an on going learning process thru life. It is both a spiritual tradition and has a set of practises called 'the craft'
We work with the seasons and tides of the earth and the moon phases, planets and the stars.
We also follow the Wiccan Rede which is 'harm none' see the Wiccan rede below
There are four rules and they are as follows
1. If it harm none, do what you will.
This means you can't go around putting curses on people who have upset you! You can't bind someone against his or hers will that is called manipulation and is wrong for the Wiccan way of life.
2. What you send out returns threefold
This is called the rule of three so whatever energies you send out in magic will return to you threefold with intensity! Send out good things and they will come back to you with good things. We all have enemies and bad days and we all know that some times some one will try and hurt us, but by being in control and without sending out malice and anger you protect your karma, plus you can simply bounce back any unkind comments and hurt feelings sent your way.
3. Have enough for your needs and slightly more
Spell casting generally if you ask for help through your spells you will normally get a little more than you asked but be reasonable and don't be greedy, being greedy and asking for more than you need can have a counter affect and can rebound back on you and it is considered unethical.
4. Balance
When you ask for something in a spell you should always give a little back this could be to a person, an animal or a place in need. This doesn't have to be financial it could be a little of your time or maybe helping out some how, this will increase your positive energies in the cosmos.
Your Wiccan Essentials
So then what items do you need for your Wiccan rituals? Well this isn't easy to answer because basically it all comes down to you and what you want to do. Some people love to have lots of items around them and some very few. To help you I have listed what I consider to be the essentials you will need to practice the craft. However I am sure you will add to these as you go! First however let us have a look at all the different items their are this way you can decide what you would like to have for the craft.There are four main tools and they are the athame, the wand, the chalice and the pentacle.
1. If it harm none, do what you will.
This means you can't go around putting curses on people who have upset you! You can't bind someone against his or hers will that is called manipulation and is wrong for the Wiccan way of life.
2. What you send out returns threefold
This is called the rule of three so whatever energies you send out in magic will return to you threefold with intensity! Send out good things and they will come back to you with good things. We all have enemies and bad days and we all know that some times some one will try and hurt us, but by being in control and without sending out malice and anger you protect your karma, plus you can simply bounce back any unkind comments and hurt feelings sent your way.
3. Have enough for your needs and slightly more
Spell casting generally if you ask for help through your spells you will normally get a little more than you asked but be reasonable and don't be greedy, being greedy and asking for more than you need can have a counter affect and can rebound back on you and it is considered unethical.
4. Balance
When you ask for something in a spell you should always give a little back this could be to a person, an animal or a place in need. This doesn't have to be financial it could be a little of your time or maybe helping out some how, this will increase your positive energies in the cosmos.
Your Wiccan Essentials
So then what items do you need for your Wiccan rituals? Well this isn't easy to answer because basically it all comes down to you and what you want to do. Some people love to have lots of items around them and some very few. To help you I have listed what I consider to be the essentials you will need to practice the craft. However I am sure you will add to these as you go! First however let us have a look at all the different items their are this way you can decide what you would like to have for the craft.There are four main tools and they are the athame, the wand, the chalice and the pentacle.
Athame
This is a two edged knife and usually has a black handle some witches only use the athame to direct energy and never use it to cut anything, others use it for all magical applications and some use it in the kitchen for cooking. There is also another knife called a Boline which is also used see Boline below.
Altar
The alter is your work space and really it is the first thing you will need to have for all your magickal workings, this doesn't have to be fancy or involve taking up a lot of room something simple and small is just as good and it is personal to you so choose what works best for you. You can be elaborate or simple the choice is yours.
Altar cloths
These come in all shapes and sizes and they are used on the alter, you can of course make them your self in different colours to represent each of the sabbats or just to decorate your altar
Amulets
These are nature made objects used for protection or for magickal intent
Bell
Normally used to invoke the Goddess or to ward of negativity and some use it during a ritual to signify the beginning or ending of a certain part of a ritual or spell.
Book of shadows
One of the most important items to have it is a book for all your magickal workings you should record all of your rituals, spells, thoughts and any other information you want to put in it. You can buy a fancy journal or have a ring binder the choice is yours as to how fancy you want it. I actually made my own which makes it special to me.
Boline
Is traditionally a white handled curved knife, used to cut herbs, sigils into candles and cords, with in a cast circle. Although today not always a curved blade, a Boline is a female knife and sacred to the Goddess.
Broom
Sometimes called a besom, the broom is used to sweep away negativity and purify the space. You can of course make your own broom from birch twigs and using willow to bind it together. When doing handfastings couples use it to jump over to solomise their union. It is considered unlucky to move the broom from one house to another so if your moving house leave your broom behind and either make or buy another one for your new home.
Candles
Different coloured candles are used for many different spells and personally for me you ca never have enough candles in all colours of the rainbow! See candles under the wiccan essentials on the left for all your candle needs.
Cauldron
Used for cooking, brewing and candle making the cauldron has many uses and a good quality one can last you many years.
Censer
This is used to burn incense always put some sand, or kitty litter into the base this will help to prevent cracking
Chalice
The chalice is used for food and drink or you may simply place it on your alter and fill with water to represent the element of water
Diving tools
Black mirrors, tarot, angel cards, runes, numerology, I-ching and also a candle flame
Herbs
Herbs can be used for magickal purposes for spells, having in sachets and their are many herbs these days see herbs on my link on the left. They are often burnt during a spell or a ritual
Incense burner
There are many different designs on the market and essential if you want to burn on charcoal and use good incense.
Pentacle
A pentacle is a flat disk and can be made of metal or wood it is inscribed with a pentagram. Personally I have two one is silver which I wear all the time on a necklace and the other is always on my altar.
Oils
Essential oils are used for anointing candles, tools, the alter and the body in spell working. All herbs and oils have their own energies and are essential for the craft.
Stones and Crystals
Tumblestones and crystals are also essential to the craft and their are many to choose from see my link for information on all the tumblestones.
Wand
Traditionally the wand should be made of wood and by the person who is going to use it, if your unable to do this then the wand you buy you should handle as often as possible to allow your energies and sending your thoughts into the object.
The Sabbats
Wiccan is a nature based religion and we have eight festivals, or Sabbats, these are the Wheel of the year as it turns through the seasons. Celebration is key to the Wiccan faith, and each sabbat, roughly six weeks apart through the year, it is a time for feasting, having fun and for taking time to appreciate the wonders offered by nature with the reappearance of the season.
The Greater Sabbats are religious festivals celebrated at more or less equally spaced intervals throughout the year. There are a total of eight Sabbats in the Wiccan calendar, four of which are greater Sabbats, and four are the lesser Sabbats.
The Greater Sabbats are:
Samhain also known as Halloween or All Hallow's Eve, which is celebrated on October 31st. Celebrated from sundown to sundown as witches begin a new day at sundown. The most important festival of the year for witches as it is the Celtic New Year.
Candlemas
also referred to as Imbolc or Brigit's Day, celebrated on February 2nd.
Signifies the beginning of spring, although that may be hard to fathom today as many countries are still covered in snow during February. Candlemas is the Christianized name for this festival with Imbolc being the more common Pagan name.
Beltane
also known as May Day is celebrated on May 1st. The second most important holiday of the Pagan year.
Lammas
also called Lughnasadh celebrated on August 1st. Traditionally a time of giving as the harvest is upon us and a time to count our blessings.
There are also four lesser sabbats. All four are directly linked to the sun. Midsummer and Midwinter are solstices and the remaining two are the Vernal and Autumnal equinoxes. A solstice is either the longest or shortest day of the year and an equinox is when the day and night are of equal length. There is one shortest day, one longest, and two of equal length in a year which explains why there are four lesser sabbats.
The four lesser Sabbats
Winter Solstice
also known as Yule or Christmas celebrated 25th December. The date is set as December 25th but for Wiccan and Pagans we are actually celebrating the winter solstice, which occurs on or about the 21st of December.
Vernal Equinox
also known as Ostara, Spring Equinox, Lady Day
Date: March 21st. The Vernal or Spring Equinox is the time of year when day and night are equal with daylight increasing from this day onwards.
Summer Solstice
also known as Litha or Midsummer's Day
Date: June 21st. The Summer Solstice is the longest day and shortest night of the year. Commonly referred to as Midsummer's Day as this day marks the middle of summer when the sun is at its peek.
Autumn Equinox
also known as Mabon or the Harvest Festival
Date: September 21st. The Autumn Equinox is the second day of the year when night and day are of equal length.
The Sabbats, both Greater and Lesser, are a highly important part of modern Wiccan practice. They are holy days, celebrations, and an opportunity to reflect, all in one.