Question: How
do you become an Elder?
Answer: I'm
from the Old School, to be an Elder in the Craft, one needs to have completed
the Cycle of Saturn. When we are born, the planet of Saturn
is set in a certain astrological position. When it accomplishes one
complete cycle to return to that position, it usually takes 29 to 31 years.
So in one aspect, an Elder has to be incarnate in this life long enough
to have accumulated some of life's experiences. Then if one has gained
enough wisdom, they develop a "Mysterious Countenance", it is
in their aura. Therefore, a true Elder never has to egotistically demand respect. With
their presence alone they command respect. When
the community recognizes an Elder, it is generally by this axiom
and the Elder fits the role by the way they act, think, and feel.
"People do not care how much you know, until they first find out how
much you care."
Back to Top
__________________________
Question: Is
there a difference between Wiccan/Pagan priesthood and clergy?
Answer: Yes,
A high priest/ess is generally accepted as in the role of ritual
leaders. Their jobs or duties are mostly leading or running
a coven. In past times Wicca or witchcraft was propagated by the small
coven system. Today, some covens train and initiate through the degree
system for priesthood. So when a person or couple reaches 3rd degree
they can hive off from their mother coven and form their own.
Clergy in the pagan community, is more of a commitment
to not only a coven but to the entire community to serve the people
and the deities
at large. Today,
with the formation of legal, Wiccan and pagan churches, the clergy can be licensed
by the state and have tax exempt status. Some people feel to make the commitment
to be clergy requires more personal sacrifice as the service extends to more
people than just to a coven.
Some believe it is a calling from the old gods.
Back
to Top
__________________________
Question: Isn’t magick
limited by the Wiccan Rede” an harm none,
do thou what thou wilt’?
Answer: This
has been a running discussion between Wiccans and pagan for years. First,
the Rede is not ancient script and cannot be traced back any further
than Gerald Gardner, and there have been different
variations of it since its inception.
Second, it is not a law or rule, It is a Rede. The word “Rede” means
advice or counsel.
In my opinion the Rede is a statement of personal ethics. Much like what we
all were taught in this society as children. You do not start trouble but you
do not run from it either
One version of the Rede is an harm none, do thou what thou wilt, lest it be
in self defense of thy life. Now to me, life includes not only my physical
life but also my mental emotion and spiritual lives as well.
There is nothing in our Religion that says we have to turn the other cheek.
We do not have to stand there and take it. We can defend ourselves physically,
mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and magically. As long as we take responsibility
for our actions.
So no, The Rede does not limit our magick, providing
we are willing to accept the "Law of Three" and understand the difference between
right and wrong actions.
Back
to Top
__________________________
Question: There
is talk about Wiccan and pagan religions becoming too organized
and therefore losing
their spirituality what do you think?
Answer: I
have heard this argument, and the statement always follows “we
are becoming too much like the Christians.” My answer
is, where you think the Christians got it from. I believe the
Druids were
very
organized, and so were the Shaolin temples as well as the Tibetan Buddhists
monasteries. They were well established long before Christianity came
along.
The spiritual
paths of nature based religions are, and have always been the paths
of individual journeys to the higher self. It doesn't’t
matter if one chooses to practice alone, in a group, in the forest,
in a city, or in a church building or for that matter sitting behind
a computer. While seeking out the ancient ways, their truths, wisdom,
and power, to me has always been an internal thing first and then
externalized
into our mundane lives. Pretty much like the words in the charge of
the goddess, “Know
the mystery, if that which you seek you find not within yourself you
will never find it without.”
Back
to Top
__________________________
Question: Wicca
has been called a loose sexual religion with a belief in infidelity.
Is this true?
Answer: No,
while some Wiccans/Pagans practice sexual rites, in general, sex
is considered a scared act. When one fully understands the
force with which we work, and to a degree control, it creates responsibility.
To ignore that
responsibility and not put it into ethical practice in your life
is to dishonor yourself and the gods.
Back
to Top
__________________________
Question: Do
you see the lord and lady as actual entities or forces of nature?
Answer: That
depends on which witch you talk to. The old question comes to
mind “Did
the gods create us, or did we create the gods?”
I see them as both. I relate to them in my conscious mind through
the aspects of masculine and feminine energy that exist in
all manifestations. I also conceive
them through my subconscious as being very real sentient beings.
Back
to Top
__________________________
Question: There
are so many traditions in witchcraft, how do I know which one is
right or correct?
Answer: We
consider all traditions valid. It makes little difference
in modern Wicca or Paganism
whether a tradition is an old tradition passed on
for generations or a brand new one. If its tenets, ethics, and structure
are sound and have integrity and it fits your needs for your path then
it’s for you.
My advice is to
study and learn about all traditions before choosing to follow one.
Then again you might want to be eclectic, utilize several
aspects of more than one tradition and create your own.
Back
to Top
__________________________
Question: I
know marijuana is illegal, but what if utilizing it is part of
my path? What is your opinion on this?
Answer: We
do not advocate the use of illegal drugs nor do we condone breaking
the law, however; I do realize that in some spiritual paths the ritualistic
use of hallucinogens are utilized.
The federal government
ruled it was ok for Native Americans to use peyote in their religious
rituals.
I cannot say that this practice is wrong or that it is right. It
might be right for some but wrong for others. I think it is up to
each individual
to make his/her own decision according to their path.
As a
legal institution, our church does not allow illegal drugs on its
property.
Back
to Top
__________________________
Question: The
books I have read say never enter a circle without perfect love
and perfect trust. How is that possible in an open circle at a festival
with
people
you don’t know?
Answer: This
has been discussed among the elders. The general consensus
in modern paganism is the festival circles are mainly celebration,
and one should generate perfect love and perfect trust for the spirit
within each individual not the personality expressing through the vessel.
The total attitude
of perfect love and perfect trust was designed primarily for close
nit groups working magick.
Back
to Top
__________________________
Question:
How do I know if Wicca is the spiritual
path for me?
Answer: Choosing
a spiritual path is not an easy task or one to be taken lightly. I would
suggest you study the philosophy and ethics of any religion you may
think is your path. Knowing that these philosophies
and ethics match your own is a determining factor as well as following
your heart. Does it feel right to you? Does it call to you? How do you
feel when participating in the religious ceremonies? Ask yourself these
questions they should help you determine if Wicca is your path.
Back
to Top
__________________________
Question:
How do I know if the group I am working
with is the right group for me?
Answer:
To be a part of a group you must feel like you
fit in, even though at first it may be exactly right, give it some time
before making a decision. Get to know the people
in the group spend time with them and find out if you feel comfortable
in their presence. If you feel the people are trustworthy, honest and
are following a spiritual path similar to yours then it may very well
be the right group. If you feel uncomfortable or do not think the group’s
ethics match yours then it probably isn’t.
Back
to Top
__________________________
Question:
Most of the books I have read on Wicca
say you should start circle facing the East, I feel more comfortable
starting in the North, is this wrong?
Answer: It
is not wrong if that is what you feel. Many times we feel different
things and that is alright. Follow what your gut
tells you and do what you feel is right. There is no absolute set way
to do things, there are ways that have worked for many but may not work
for you. Research all avenues and follow what you feel.
Back
to Top
__________________________
Question: My
daughter is 9 years old. She was asked by one of her schoolmates
to attend a local youth camp meeting at her church. My heart
says yes, but my mind says no. What do you suggest?
Answer: Although
I have raised my family to be wiccan, I too have crossed this
bridge. In our area Pagans / Wiccans are definitely
looked down on. Initially I had the same reaction, but in the
end
I decided to discuss the situation with my child. I
explained how others perceived our religion and how I would
really like for her to see how others practiced their religion.
I was afraid she
was about to be plunged into a situation she was not ready for. However,
it was a great experience. She had a great time, discussed
wicca and christianity in just a couple of brief conversations and
the remaining time was spent enjoying the company of her friends
and their families.
Today, her friends
and their families have been to our church, they have had sleep-overs
at both homes and I feel it was a great opportunity to open the minds
and hearts on both sides.
Before saying "yes", ensure this will be a safe environment for her and simply
not a set up to take advantage of the situation and cause hurtful memories.
Back
to Top
__________________________
Question: I'm
15 years old and have met someone who is Wiccan. They have told
me that they have been to the "Temple" and told me
I should go too. I would like to know what I have to
do to become
Wiccan. I have never been very religious and go to church a few
times a year.
Answer: Being
15 years old is a difficult age, with so many things to deal
with in
ones life. Although you are young, we have children much younger
in the craft, as well as in our own church. Saying this, their
parents are fully aware of what they are doing as well as support
and encourage their participation. Have you spoken to your
parents about the Wiccan religion? If you feel you cannot speak
to them about this, maybe Wicca / Paganism is NOT the right
choice for you at this point in time.
First, I'm concerned that you wish to change your religion and second, that you
never really had one prior to this. I must tell you that we encourage all of
our youth, as well as others, to explore as many of the worlds religions as possible
prior to making a commitment to begin to search the path of Wicca / Paganism.
Obtain some books, read them and totally understand what it is that Wicca represents.
You can check our Library section for some book recommendations, as well as the
Magick Moon.
The steps to
being considered a seeker in the Wiccan religion is proving for one
year and a day that you are faithful and DO wish to "live" the Wiccan
path. This is NOT a religion for just the weekends. This is a religion
that is lived to the fullest each and every day. Once you are accepted
as a seeker by the church, you would then become a seeker for one
year and a day to begin the journey of enlightenment and learn the
basics of the religion. Then you would become a student of the first
degree for one year and a day. After this step if the church elders
feel you are NOT ready, they have the power to set you back into
the cycle to begin this journey all over again until you DO show
the growth required to proceed.
You see, we take this very very seriously. We also know
that there are individuals out there that Wicca will NOT
be the right path for. We feel that the religions of the
World all fit together so that we can all find the path that
may be right for us. We wish you much success on your journey.
Back
to Top
__________________________
Question: As
a wiccan priestess in the community, how am I supposed to react
to people questioning me about other religions and topics of
interest
that
are not really Pagan.
Answer: Being
an Priest/ess, you must always be open to others and their
needs. You are not only a Priest or Priestess of the Pagan
faith, but you are there for guidance for anyone seeking any
such help or counsel. If you are an Elder of the community
as well, it is extremely important to realize you are expected
to be a notable resource of information, guidance and support
to all in your community and not just the Pagans.
Let
me give you an example of this, all be it a
simple one. While heading
to a business meeting one day, wearing a blazer and of
course my collar. A lady approached me and asked if she could
have a moment of my time. I quickly
realized she mistook me for a Catholic Priest, but what the
heck, she needed me right... The lady asked what
the proper tradition for wearing a carnation on Mothers
Day at church on Sunday was. What was the color to wear if
her mother
was no longer living. Well, it was a good thing I knew of
this tradition even thou it was not necessarily a Pagan
tradition. I politely told her if her mother was alive, it
was to be a red carnation and if she had passed, it was to
be a white carnation. The lady smiled, looked at her companion
and said " I new it, I was right all along" Of course I had
to tell her not to quote me on this as I was a Wiccan Priest!
Instead of shock
and dismay, the lady patted me on the back and said "You took the
time to help me and you knew the answer to my question." " I don't
care what kind of Priest you are." "Thank you vary much and have
a blessed day."
You
see, we must try to be there for everyone at any time of need
no matter what. It is our obligation to the community to be support,
council or even a simple friend when someone needs us. This had been
proven to me many years ago.
Back
to Top
__________________________
Question: What
is considered improper language or conduct in the company of
children at a Pagan gathering.
Answer: I
would consider most Pagan gatherings and festivals to be Rated
PG13. This is for the simple fact that we are such a free and
open group of people with many paths that cross and overlap. There
are no set rules or guidelines within our faith that would
restrict any acts, language or ideas and for the most part,
we are an open society that must rely on at least a minimum
of
moral values or rules when at open events.
One
time I attended a gathering that I had not been to before.
I pitched my tent
and took a nap prior to the evenings open rit. Later in the evening
I awoke and got ready for circle. I arrived at the circle with my
daughter which is 16 and quickly
found several people there in the circle skyclad. I
did not know this circle or event would have people attending that
were this open, but at the same time I also knew that this was not
just a streak fest. I asked my daughter if she was uncomfortable
or good to go with the environment and then proceeded with the evenings
plans.
For some, this
may have been offensive, but for me, it was a simple act of freedom
which we as Pagans enjoy. Open and unrestricted. I am sure there
were others with younger children that remained at camp while this
was going on and yet others that joined in.
We
need to realize there are more people in this world other than ourselves.
Be
open and possess the ability to adjust for each an every situation.
Try not to condemn others for what they believe and practice. After
all, we are Pagans and are supposed to have open minds right?
Back
to Top
__________________________
Question: I
am looking for the Rede of Elders. I keep finding 27, 42, 84. I know
there are 39 and 22 are needed for true memorization. The other 17
are needed for reference. The 22 needed for memory are picked by
the individual. Are there any websites or books that I could possibly
be looking at? Is there any thing that I am over looking?
Answer: The
Ordains or Ardanes were written by Lady Sheba. There
is a book called The Grimore of Lady Sheba. You could probably
find what
you are looking for in it. This book is available at TheMagickMoon.com.
To go now, Click
here
Back
to Top
__________________________
Question: I
stumbled across your site and I had to stop in and ask you what
you thought of the Christian religion and especially Jesus. I
have read that you believe in a God and a Goddess, but how can
so many people be wrong and you be right?
Answer: First
of all let me thank you for taking the time to write us and for
the chance to have a discussion instead of any type of a confrontation. I
do believe in both the male and female aspect (God and Goddess)
but this does not mean that I feel that Christianity as a whole
can be denied. I have always felt that there are certain truths
to what is taught and followed by the christian faith, but it is
not to say that we can't both be right on the subject of religion.
I have yet to find in written and proven documentation
where it is felt that ONLY the christian faith is the right way
and only
way. This has been taught by ministers for years and years and
for the most part have a closed mind. If this were true, then the
majority of the world religions would be wrong. Then you have the
interfaith wars between the various christian factions such as
Baptist, Methodist, Church of Christ etc all saying THEY are right
and the other are wrong. This to me is also wrong. It is confusing
to me when a body of people come together (christian) and say others
are wrong for what they believe, then turn around and tell each
other that the other's churches are wrong because they do not wear
their hair a certain way, or wear the right clothes, or have a
certain status in the community.
Let us take what
Jesus said and follow it, live in peace and harmony while we learn
from each other, and follow our paths all be they separate yet towards
the common goal and that goal being the greater good for all
mankind. Personally I think Jesus was a wise man. He had twelve close
deciples plus himself. This makes a coven. He performed miracles,
or what I feel were manifestations of powerful magick (kabala)
and was always teaching us to not harm one another, to love your
neighbor etc, etc. This in a sense is nothing more that our rede,
"In harm none, do what you will" And then there is the law of three
which basically has shown us all what we put out to the world will
come back three fold. This means I want to put nothing but perfect
love and good will out toward the masses and in turn I would hope
I receive it.
I hope you will
take what I have said and think about it with an open mind. Keep
in touch and feel free to write us or come visit us any time.
Back
to Top
__________________________
Question: Hi, I am not at all sure how to aproach this.I am 18, I was raised not quite
christian but closer to that than anything else however I do not accept the general beliefs expressed by christianity. Everything i have read has hinted
that i look into the Pagan/Wiccan religion. i have recently discovered that one of my co-workers is a high preist. He told me willingly and knows i am
interested in that sort of thing but i don't know how to go about becoming a pagan or if i even seriously want to. I dont even know if i really trust my
co-worker enough to seek answers from him. the plus is that i do not feel he is pushing me into anything, but i do feel he may think me a young fool who
is not worthy of teaching. what should i do? should i seek another high preist/ess? should i just read about stuff and try practicing on my own?
Answer: First of all
let me say thank you for writing us and asking some of the difficult
questions that seem to be bothering you at this point. I will try
to give you the best and most honest answer I can to help you on your way.
Most religions teach the same basics
and for the most part have the same end result. However, they do
have a lot of different
and definitely diverse ways of getting there.
I guess the most serious point that is to be made here is
that most people on this earth desire some sort of personal
need for faith or something that is spiritual to help guide
their sails per say to get them through the good as well as
bad times. In saying this, there are various ways of getting this “fix” and
most opt for the easiest and least resitive paths they can
find because it is in their mind to do so, but not their souls
to live.
Let me explain:
Look at the Jews, Muslims, Pagans, Wiccans and Christians. Yes, there
are
other religions, but let’s just look at these few for a moment. I
can point to all of these religions and show you the pros and cons
of practicing them, but the main point of choosing a religion
is not the time you put in the temple, church or circle,
but it is what you do the remaining time of the week and
the majority of your lifetime that you live.
I can point to each of these religions and find someone
that is of that particular faith, but for some reason chooses
not to live it. Yes, they go to the meetings and they do their
part when called upon, but they still do not choose to live
the religion. The most important thing we can do is actually “LIVE” what
we believe.
I remember when I was a child and I had to go to church
on Sunday. I stress “HAD” to go. It was something
that was supposed to happen each and every week if I wanted
to go or not. Now I am speaking of childhood, but there are also adults that do the same thing. They think that if they
“SHOW” others that they practice their belief,
then they will gain the “
Keys to the Kingdome” per say. In saying this, it does not add
up to practice a religion and be true to yourself, let alone your god
or goddess if
you do not live that particular religion every day, 24 hours per
day right?
Now that I have said this, lets look at Paganism. There
are many different paths in Paganism to follow. In that
grouping (paganism), there is Wicca which also has many paths you can
follow.
How can you possibly just wake up one day and decide to
follow a particular path? Well you cannot. It takes a lot of time to
do this. You must read and study and ponder these things for
quite some time to se if it is a fit. Just like a good pair
of shoes. You must look into what brand
of shoe fits the best and since you are to walk in that shoe day in
and day out, I would think you would want that shoe to fit
very well before you decide to wear the pair.
Paganism in general is not for everyone just as being a
Jew, Muslim or Christian. I would really need a good fit before
I chose to live my life as any of these prior to my making
a choice. If I chose wrong, I would then be living a lie or not be true to myself.
Although you have a coworker that is pagan, it may interest you to
know that there are so many pagan paths to follow, this may
be the reason you feel they are looking down on you. It may
not be looking down at all. It may be that they understand
there are many paths, and they do not want to
obstruct you in any way while you are making this choice and they also
do
not want to waste your time.
This is a good thing. You must never feel pressured to be
something. You must never feel uncomfortably about any one of these
paths at all while visiting or practicing them.
An old statement when entering a circle for example is “in perfect
love
and perfect trust.” This means that I should not enter this circle
unless I have perfect love and perfect trust for any and all
that are also in this circle. Unless I can trust others in
this circle, why am I there? It
would simply drain the energies and clowd my eyes while in the circle. This
in turn has a drastic affect on others as the same time.
SO, I would look inward at this time. I would ask some important questions about
why I do not like the religion I was raised with.
What was it that made you feel uncomfortable at the time you were there?
Was it simply the people? Was it the surroundings? Was it the faith
itself?
Some of these things can be changed by simply going elsewhere
and practicing the same faith under another roof. At the same
time, if it was the faith itself, then did you take the time
to visit other denominations? You said “I was raised
not quite Christian but closer to that than
anything else however I do not accept the general beliefs expressed
by Christianity.”
Are you sure it was Christianity you had issues with, or
was it a particular denomination? For example, there are large differences
between the Catholic and the
Baptist. There are differences in the Church of Christ as well as the
Methodist, yet ALL of these denominations fall under one path and that
is Christianity.
Now in saying this. Was the issue with God, Jesus or Christ? Or was it
the particular denomination you were raised?
I can tell you I have been to quite a number of different churches
and
they are ALL the same when it comes to the basics, but their beliefs
and
how they practice differ greatly. Now if it was Christianity in general
that was the issue, what was it that
you did not like?
Now, as you search for that perfect fit (perfect pair of
shoes) you must
also look at that same issue in the new path. Does it exist? To what
degree does it exist? If not at all, how different is it. Is it a real
sticking point that makes
you choose from one path to another? All of the paths of faith have some
sort of something associated with them
that may bring a trial or tribulation. It is the nature of the beast
per
say. Faith or spirituality is not to be perfectly easy or simple
all of the
time. If it were, we would all be gods right?
So, I think you need to meditate and really look inward. Ask yourself
the
tough questions first. Be honest and do not lie. It is only you that
will hurt in the long run.
ALL faiths and religions are only spokes in a wheel. We are all joined
in the outer ring by a common denominator (need for faith and spirituality)
and joined again at the center (our destination if we live our life truthfully
and obtain our proverbial “Keys to the Kingdome”) It is
our job to choose the right path, and actually live it to the
fullest the entire seven days per week and not just the holy day(s).
My suggestion to you is after you answer yourself honestly and have
meditated on the issue for quite some time, if you then have decided
to change your path, please read a lot on the subject you
think may fit better. After you have read as much as you can
and have a decent knowledge of the
subject, then seek a temple, a church, or a circle and ask to attend.
See if it IS a comfortable fit. Attend several meetings and
after that time, then and only then seek to make that life
long choice and take steps to
become a member of that particular faith.
If it were at out church for example, you would need to
study for one year and a day, then after that, become a seeker
if we decide you are a good fit for the group. After a year
and a day of studying as a seeker, then another year and a
day as a first year initiate. After that, the various
degrees and or levels are achieved as we look on and certain things
are attained and or achieved. We are there for you every step
of the way as a group and as you yourself grow into your own.
I hope this helps in some way, and I hope you let us know how you
are and
how you decide.
We are all brothers and sisters in the world and we love
to be a part that
when we can.
May the goddess bless you and all of your choices you are to make in
the
future.
Back
to Top
__________________________
