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The rules are simple:
Be Kind
Be Respectful
Be Forgiving
Be at Peace
All are welcome of any faith, questions are encouraged, sharing is encouraged. Blessed Be!
Rules
'AN IT HARM NONE, DO WHAT THOU WILTThe rules are simple:
Be Kind
Be Respectful
Be Forgiving
Be at Peace
All are welcome of any faith, questions are encouraged, sharing is encouraged. Blessed Be!
R: 0 / I: 0 / P: 1
A: Wicca is an earth-based religion having the belief in two Deities: The God and The Goddess. They also honor them in their many forms, such as Isis, Astarte, Demeter, Kali , Pan, Apollo, Zeus, Mercury, and so on. We believe that all in the world is holy. From the proud eagle, to a rock on a trail, to a butterfly, and even trees. It is a peaceful path, stressing that you should not only show respect for others, but for yourself and our earthly mother.
Q: How long has Wicca been around?
A: The Wiccan religion, sometimes called the old religion, also known to many as "Witchcraft", has existed since pre- Christian times. With the advent of the Christian system of beliefs, the followers of the old religion were forced into hiding. The new Christian followers were attempting to convert the non-Christians, or Pagans, to their religion. Rumors of the old Gods being devils and therefore no good were quickly spread. The Christians believed that anyone who chose not to follow their religion was a heretic and would be doomed to burn in a place they call "Hell". The non-Christians were called "Witches" and were persecuted and thrown in jail for many years because of the vicious stories created about them.
Q: What is the basis of the Wiccan religion?
A: Today with the freedom to choose any religion that one may want, some of the misconceptions created about the old religion are finally beginning to be cleared up. The Wiccan religion is a nature-oriented religion. The Wiccan, or "Witch" is concerned with preserving nature's beauty and trying to solve some of the present problems of pollution. The Witch has a deep appreciation for nature and all of her wondrous woodland creatures as well. With this focus, we are in agreement with one of our fellow pagan groups, the Amerindian.
Q: Do Wiccans believe in God?
A: The belief of most Witches is that "God" is a supreme force which is genderless. This image is hard to picture in the mind's eye. Therefore, in order to create an image that is easy to imagine and relate to, the Wiccan pictures a God and a Goddess as their source of worship. Just as there are male and female in most of nature's creatures, so is there also a male and a female God in the Wiccan religion. The male God of Wicca has been named many different names and according to the different traditions of Witchcraft. Some of the names are: Cernunnos, Pan, Faunus and Osiris. Different names by which the Goddess is known by are: Aradia, Isis, Diana and Cerridwen. Some Witches prefer to generalize by calling them "Lord and Lady", or simply "God and Goddess". The nighttime and moon are attributes of the Goddess. The sun is associated with the God, hence the terms "Moon Goddess" and "Sun God". The Witch decides upon the image of the supreme being or God and Goddess with whom they feel communication flows most easily.
Q: What holidays do Wiccans celebrate?
A: Most Witches celebrate full moons and holidays that are called "Sabbats. These are times when natural Earth energies are at peak. Sabbat gatherings are celebrational services acknowledging seasonal changes. In ancient times, the common people used the forces of these periods to aid in the growing of their crops, which were necessary for their survival.
Q: What are some of the holidays?
A: In order to help facilitate the in bringing of Pagans to Christianity, the Christians adopted many Pagan holidays, such as what is celebrated as Easter, named after Eostre (one of the Wiccan Goddesses) in March, and of course, Christmas. Wiccans celebrate the birth of the sun, not the son. December 21st, the day the sun comes back to life, is called Yule. All of the non-religious items usually associated with Christmas, such as a tree, yule log, and so on, were Pagan first.
Q: What is Sympathetic magic?
A: Wiccans use a type of visualization or meditation which is often termed "Magic(k)". One type of magic that some Witches utilize is called "Sympathetic" magic. Sympathetic magic has been used for centuries. It is the theory that like attracts like. It is believed that prehistoric man also used this type of magic for successful hunting. As an example, the prehistoric man would make an image of a bison out of mud and sticks. He would then hunt and kill the image with the thought that this is what he would do to the real bison. It was believed that this ritual would bring them good luck. After the bison was killed, the prehistoric man would thank the spirit of the bison for its gift. In the same way, some Witches may use a clay or wax image of the object they wish to obtain, or a person who needs to be healed.
Q: Are there other types of magic?
A: Another type of magic used by the Wiccan is when he or she will picture in his or her mind the goal that is wished to come true. The person will concentrate and/or meditate on this picture in his or her mind as if it had ALREADY come true. This method of magic is often called "Creative Visualization".
Q: How does the moon relate to Wiccan ceremonies?
A: Whatever type of magic utilized, the ritual is performed according to the different phases of the moon. During the time that the moon is waxing (growing larger) positive spells for increase, beginning anew job, good luck and fertility are performed. During the time that the moon is waning (growing smaller) negative spells such as for decrease, ending a job or breaking a bad habit are performed. Wiccans celebrate both the new and full moons. So there are 13 of each, approx. every 2 weeks, plus the 8 Sabbats.
Q: What do Wiccans use to do their spells?
A: Wiccans use "tools" to help them with their magical practices. The tools are articles that help the Wiccan to concentrate on what he or she is trying to accomplish. Tools such as the athame and wand are simply objects through which the Wiccan and direct his or her energy for use during the ritual.
Q: What does it mean to cast a circle?
A: An invisible circle is often drawn by the Witch with his or her tool of choice. The circle is drawn to mark the sacred space where the ritual will occur. It is also believed that this invisible boundary will keep out all negative vibrations, and condense the persons personal energies. The use of herbs, incense and candles are all means of helping to "set the mood".
Q: Do Wiccans do animal sacrifices?
A: No.
Q: Do Wiccans worship Satan?
A: Witches do not believe in Satan or perform fiendish acts of black magic. The followers of the old religion believe in the three-fold law of karma. This law states that any type of magic being performed, whether for good or evil, will eventually "boomerang" back to the sender three times as potent as whatever is being sent out. For example: a spell performed to make a person sprain his wrist may come back to the sender and cause him to break his leg, a fate considered three times worse. Likewise a spell performed to send a person good luck will also come back to the sender. He may receive three times as much good luck as he or she has sent out in the spell. A Witch would obviously not want to perform any evil spells for this reason.
Q: Do Wiccans try to convert people?
A: The goal of today's Witch is not to convert anyone back to the old religion. The Wiccan respects the fact that everyone has his or her own religious choices and that everybody may or may not hold the same opinions as the next guy. Witchcraft does not claim to be the ONLY way. Each person in every different religious tradition interprets his or her own religion in a slightly different way then everyone else. This writing may not reflect the EXACT feelings of all witches. It is only an explanation of the basics of Wiccan beliefs so that the religion may be viewed for what it really is. The Wiccan religion is anatural, peaceful religion.
Q: What is the difference between Pagan and Wiccan?
A: All Wiccans are pagans, but not all pagans are Wiccan. You can compare it to saying, all Baptists are Christian, but not all Christians are Baptist. Wicca is just one branch of Paganism, as are Amerindians, Asatru's, Buddhists, Satanists, voodoo, etc.
Q: Do Wiccans have Church?
A: Wiccans meet in Covens, usually having 13 members in it, but that is not a rule. Thirteen is a manageable number of people to contain within a 9 foot circle (or 13 foot). Wiccans meet in something called a covenstead, which is usually a members home, different each time. However some covens meet in the Unitarian Universalist churches, which are very friendly towards us.
Q: Do Wiccans have funerals, baptisms and weddings and if so, how do they differ?
A: Yes, we have all those. A wedding is called a handfasting,and may be legal or not as the people prefer. If not legal, it is usually called for one year, and then performed again this time for 9 years if both parties wish to continue. I have done many, both legal and otherwise. Baptisms are called Wiccannings, and are done when the baby is new born, and then again, at age 13 or thereabouts, when the child is ready to commit, since we have no right to commit a child to something he/she might not want as they grow older. We do have ceremonies for weddings. Yes, we have funerals, sometimes an entire ceremony, or sometimes a high priest or priestess will speak a few words at a Christian ceremony providing the minister/priest will let us.
Q: Isn't this witchcraft?
A: To some degree yes. But not all Wiccans practice witchcraft and not all Witches are Wiccan. Think of it as like this: Wicca is the Job, and Witchcraft is a tool used in that job. Witchcraft is nothing more than prayers that use natural object to increase their force.
Q: So you hate Christians right?
A: No.
Q: If you don't worship Satan, why are you wearing that Satanic symbol?
A: This symbol is a pentacle. It is a five-pointed star encased in a circle. It represents the four elements (Earth, Air, Fire and Water) and Akasha (Spirit). Upright (one point up). It is a positive symbol, just like the Christian Cross, and the Jewish Star of David. Inverted (two points up) is much the same as an inverted cross, it is a holy symbol corrupted by Satanists and Hollywood.
Q: Are you Jewish?
A: No, a Jewish star has six points, my pentacle has five.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What exactly is Wicca?A: Wicca is an earth-based religion having the belief in two Deities: The God and The Goddess. They also honor them in their many forms, such as Isis, Astarte, Demeter, Kali , Pan, Apollo, Zeus, Mercury, and so on. We believe that all in the world is holy. From the proud eagle, to a rock on a trail, to a butterfly, and even trees. It is a peaceful path, stressing that you should not only show respect for others, but for yourself and our earthly mother.
Q: How long has Wicca been around?
A: The Wiccan religion, sometimes called the old religion, also known to many as "Witchcraft", has existed since pre- Christian times. With the advent of the Christian system of beliefs, the followers of the old religion were forced into hiding. The new Christian followers were attempting to convert the non-Christians, or Pagans, to their religion. Rumors of the old Gods being devils and therefore no good were quickly spread. The Christians believed that anyone who chose not to follow their religion was a heretic and would be doomed to burn in a place they call "Hell". The non-Christians were called "Witches" and were persecuted and thrown in jail for many years because of the vicious stories created about them.
Q: What is the basis of the Wiccan religion?
A: Today with the freedom to choose any religion that one may want, some of the misconceptions created about the old religion are finally beginning to be cleared up. The Wiccan religion is a nature-oriented religion. The Wiccan, or "Witch" is concerned with preserving nature's beauty and trying to solve some of the present problems of pollution. The Witch has a deep appreciation for nature and all of her wondrous woodland creatures as well. With this focus, we are in agreement with one of our fellow pagan groups, the Amerindian.
Q: Do Wiccans believe in God?
A: The belief of most Witches is that "God" is a supreme force which is genderless. This image is hard to picture in the mind's eye. Therefore, in order to create an image that is easy to imagine and relate to, the Wiccan pictures a God and a Goddess as their source of worship. Just as there are male and female in most of nature's creatures, so is there also a male and a female God in the Wiccan religion. The male God of Wicca has been named many different names and according to the different traditions of Witchcraft. Some of the names are: Cernunnos, Pan, Faunus and Osiris. Different names by which the Goddess is known by are: Aradia, Isis, Diana and Cerridwen. Some Witches prefer to generalize by calling them "Lord and Lady", or simply "God and Goddess". The nighttime and moon are attributes of the Goddess. The sun is associated with the God, hence the terms "Moon Goddess" and "Sun God". The Witch decides upon the image of the supreme being or God and Goddess with whom they feel communication flows most easily.
Q: What holidays do Wiccans celebrate?
A: Most Witches celebrate full moons and holidays that are called "Sabbats. These are times when natural Earth energies are at peak. Sabbat gatherings are celebrational services acknowledging seasonal changes. In ancient times, the common people used the forces of these periods to aid in the growing of their crops, which were necessary for their survival.
Q: What are some of the holidays?
A: In order to help facilitate the in bringing of Pagans to Christianity, the Christians adopted many Pagan holidays, such as what is celebrated as Easter, named after Eostre (one of the Wiccan Goddesses) in March, and of course, Christmas. Wiccans celebrate the birth of the sun, not the son. December 21st, the day the sun comes back to life, is called Yule. All of the non-religious items usually associated with Christmas, such as a tree, yule log, and so on, were Pagan first.
Q: What is Sympathetic magic?
A: Wiccans use a type of visualization or meditation which is often termed "Magic(k)". One type of magic that some Witches utilize is called "Sympathetic" magic. Sympathetic magic has been used for centuries. It is the theory that like attracts like. It is believed that prehistoric man also used this type of magic for successful hunting. As an example, the prehistoric man would make an image of a bison out of mud and sticks. He would then hunt and kill the image with the thought that this is what he would do to the real bison. It was believed that this ritual would bring them good luck. After the bison was killed, the prehistoric man would thank the spirit of the bison for its gift. In the same way, some Witches may use a clay or wax image of the object they wish to obtain, or a person who needs to be healed.
Q: Are there other types of magic?
A: Another type of magic used by the Wiccan is when he or she will picture in his or her mind the goal that is wished to come true. The person will concentrate and/or meditate on this picture in his or her mind as if it had ALREADY come true. This method of magic is often called "Creative Visualization".
Q: How does the moon relate to Wiccan ceremonies?
A: Whatever type of magic utilized, the ritual is performed according to the different phases of the moon. During the time that the moon is waxing (growing larger) positive spells for increase, beginning anew job, good luck and fertility are performed. During the time that the moon is waning (growing smaller) negative spells such as for decrease, ending a job or breaking a bad habit are performed. Wiccans celebrate both the new and full moons. So there are 13 of each, approx. every 2 weeks, plus the 8 Sabbats.
Q: What do Wiccans use to do their spells?
A: Wiccans use "tools" to help them with their magical practices. The tools are articles that help the Wiccan to concentrate on what he or she is trying to accomplish. Tools such as the athame and wand are simply objects through which the Wiccan and direct his or her energy for use during the ritual.
Q: What does it mean to cast a circle?
A: An invisible circle is often drawn by the Witch with his or her tool of choice. The circle is drawn to mark the sacred space where the ritual will occur. It is also believed that this invisible boundary will keep out all negative vibrations, and condense the persons personal energies. The use of herbs, incense and candles are all means of helping to "set the mood".
Q: Do Wiccans do animal sacrifices?
A: No.
Q: Do Wiccans worship Satan?
A: Witches do not believe in Satan or perform fiendish acts of black magic. The followers of the old religion believe in the three-fold law of karma. This law states that any type of magic being performed, whether for good or evil, will eventually "boomerang" back to the sender three times as potent as whatever is being sent out. For example: a spell performed to make a person sprain his wrist may come back to the sender and cause him to break his leg, a fate considered three times worse. Likewise a spell performed to send a person good luck will also come back to the sender. He may receive three times as much good luck as he or she has sent out in the spell. A Witch would obviously not want to perform any evil spells for this reason.
Q: Do Wiccans try to convert people?
A: The goal of today's Witch is not to convert anyone back to the old religion. The Wiccan respects the fact that everyone has his or her own religious choices and that everybody may or may not hold the same opinions as the next guy. Witchcraft does not claim to be the ONLY way. Each person in every different religious tradition interprets his or her own religion in a slightly different way then everyone else. This writing may not reflect the EXACT feelings of all witches. It is only an explanation of the basics of Wiccan beliefs so that the religion may be viewed for what it really is. The Wiccan religion is anatural, peaceful religion.
Q: What is the difference between Pagan and Wiccan?
A: All Wiccans are pagans, but not all pagans are Wiccan. You can compare it to saying, all Baptists are Christian, but not all Christians are Baptist. Wicca is just one branch of Paganism, as are Amerindians, Asatru's, Buddhists, Satanists, voodoo, etc.
Q: Do Wiccans have Church?
A: Wiccans meet in Covens, usually having 13 members in it, but that is not a rule. Thirteen is a manageable number of people to contain within a 9 foot circle (or 13 foot). Wiccans meet in something called a covenstead, which is usually a members home, different each time. However some covens meet in the Unitarian Universalist churches, which are very friendly towards us.
Q: Do Wiccans have funerals, baptisms and weddings and if so, how do they differ?
A: Yes, we have all those. A wedding is called a handfasting,and may be legal or not as the people prefer. If not legal, it is usually called for one year, and then performed again this time for 9 years if both parties wish to continue. I have done many, both legal and otherwise. Baptisms are called Wiccannings, and are done when the baby is new born, and then again, at age 13 or thereabouts, when the child is ready to commit, since we have no right to commit a child to something he/she might not want as they grow older. We do have ceremonies for weddings. Yes, we have funerals, sometimes an entire ceremony, or sometimes a high priest or priestess will speak a few words at a Christian ceremony providing the minister/priest will let us.
Q: Isn't this witchcraft?
A: To some degree yes. But not all Wiccans practice witchcraft and not all Witches are Wiccan. Think of it as like this: Wicca is the Job, and Witchcraft is a tool used in that job. Witchcraft is nothing more than prayers that use natural object to increase their force.
Q: So you hate Christians right?
A: No.
Q: If you don't worship Satan, why are you wearing that Satanic symbol?
A: This symbol is a pentacle. It is a five-pointed star encased in a circle. It represents the four elements (Earth, Air, Fire and Water) and Akasha (Spirit). Upright (one point up). It is a positive symbol, just like the Christian Cross, and the Jewish Star of David. Inverted (two points up) is much the same as an inverted cross, it is a holy symbol corrupted by Satanists and Hollywood.
Q: Are you Jewish?
A: No, a Jewish star has six points, my pentacle has five.
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Why do you follow a fake religion?
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/panmankey/2012/07/my-religion-is-just-as-fake-as-yours/
Would you respond like this?
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Have a nice day. Blessed be <3
Solar Eclipse
We are going to have a solar eclipse in Spain this Friday and I'm wondering what magick can be done during that time. I'm going to be searching about this on other sites, since this place is empty but anyways, anybody got some experiences with this? Share them here.Have a nice day. Blessed be <3
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Why not /rel/?
Why use a board dedicated to a particular religious orientation when you can use the general religion board?
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Well
I suppose it's no surprise that we're a slow board. I'm going to keep it alive, though.
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Why not turn to some real Neopaganism instead?
Lel
>WiccaWhy not turn to some real Neopaganism instead?
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Primal craft
Not sure if this place is active or not but I wanna know what the people here think about Primal Craft?
For those who dont know what Primal Craft is, check this http://primalcraft.com/index.php?p=1_4_About
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Book of shadows fer YOU
Hi wicca, heres a wiki for you all, /fringe/ doesnt seem to want it they say the name is to wicca.
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How does magick work?
What is magick? How does it work? What is spiritual energy?
pic unrelated
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Spirits and the supernatural
Something that Ive been wondering, how does wicca deal with spirits and supernatural things like that?
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I saw a quote by Pat Robertson about feminism, and, while just as nutty as you would expect, got me thinking about Wicca and feminism.
Many if not most of the wiccans I know or have met irl would self-identify as feminists without hesitation, and many people site the overly patriarchal themes of Christianity as something that drove them to paganism. I have noticed that there is a division between the more common Wiccan and pagans such as Robin Artisson solely on the lines of Artisson's rejection of feminism.
My question is this, is feminism an essential component of Wicca, or do male and female energies predate and are incompatible with feminism?
Embed unrelated.
Wicca as skyclad feminism
Hi folks,I saw a quote by Pat Robertson about feminism, and, while just as nutty as you would expect, got me thinking about Wicca and feminism.
Many if not most of the wiccans I know or have met irl would self-identify as feminists without hesitation, and many people site the overly patriarchal themes of Christianity as something that drove them to paganism. I have noticed that there is a division between the more common Wiccan and pagans such as Robin Artisson solely on the lines of Artisson's rejection of feminism.
My question is this, is feminism an essential component of Wicca, or do male and female energies predate and are incompatible with feminism?
Embed unrelated.
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Slow
Not much going on in the world today, so I'll just post this nice video and try to get this board in motion some day.
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This is a Sabbat of purification after the shut-in life of Winter, through the renewing power of the Sun. It is also a festival of light and of fertility, once marked in Europe with huge blazes, torches and fire in every form. Fire here represents our own illumination and inspiration as much as light and warmth. Imbolc is also known as Feast of Torches, Oimelc, Lupercalia, Feast of Pan, Snowdrop Festival, Feast of the Waxing Light, Brighid's Day, and probably by many other names. Some female Witches follow the old Scandinavian custom of wearing crowns of lit candles, but many more carry tapers during their invocations.
Ritual for Imbolc/Candlemas
Supplies: Symbol of the season, such as a white flower, snow in a crystal container, also needed, an orange candle anointed with cinnamon, frankincense or rosemary oil (unlit), red candle to represent the elements, and your ritual supplies.
Arrange the altar, light the candles and censer, and cast the Circle.
Invoke the Goddess and God.
Say such words as the following:
"This is the time of the feast of torches,
When every lamp blazes and shines
To welcome the rebirth of the God.
I/we celebrate the Goddess,
I/we celebrate the God;
All the Earth celebrates
Beneath its mantle of sleep."
Light the orange taper from the red candle on the altar. Slowly walk the circle clockwise, bearing the candle before you. Say these or similar words:
"All the land is wrapped in winter.
The air is chilled and
Frost envelopes the Earth.
But Lord of the Sun,
Horned One of animals and wild places,
Unseen you have been reborn
Of the gracious Mother Goddess,
Lady of all fertility.
Hail Great God!
Hail and welcome!"
Stop before the altar, holding aloft the candle. Gaze at its flame. Visualize your life blossoming with creativity, with renewed energy and strength.
If you need to look into the future or past, now is an ideal time.
Works of magic, if necessary, may follow.
Celebrate the Simple Feast.
Thank the Goddess and God.
Release the Circle.
Imbolc
As you know, Imbolc (Candlemass) is coming up for the northern hemisphere on February 2nd.This is a Sabbat of purification after the shut-in life of Winter, through the renewing power of the Sun. It is also a festival of light and of fertility, once marked in Europe with huge blazes, torches and fire in every form. Fire here represents our own illumination and inspiration as much as light and warmth. Imbolc is also known as Feast of Torches, Oimelc, Lupercalia, Feast of Pan, Snowdrop Festival, Feast of the Waxing Light, Brighid's Day, and probably by many other names. Some female Witches follow the old Scandinavian custom of wearing crowns of lit candles, but many more carry tapers during their invocations.
Ritual for Imbolc/Candlemas
Supplies: Symbol of the season, such as a white flower, snow in a crystal container, also needed, an orange candle anointed with cinnamon, frankincense or rosemary oil (unlit), red candle to represent the elements, and your ritual supplies.
Arrange the altar, light the candles and censer, and cast the Circle.
Invoke the Goddess and God.
Say such words as the following:
"This is the time of the feast of torches,
When every lamp blazes and shines
To welcome the rebirth of the God.
I/we celebrate the Goddess,
I/we celebrate the God;
All the Earth celebrates
Beneath its mantle of sleep."
Light the orange taper from the red candle on the altar. Slowly walk the circle clockwise, bearing the candle before you. Say these or similar words:
"All the land is wrapped in winter.
The air is chilled and
Frost envelopes the Earth.
But Lord of the Sun,
Horned One of animals and wild places,
Unseen you have been reborn
Of the gracious Mother Goddess,
Lady of all fertility.
Hail Great God!
Hail and welcome!"
Stop before the altar, holding aloft the candle. Gaze at its flame. Visualize your life blossoming with creativity, with renewed energy and strength.
If you need to look into the future or past, now is an ideal time.
Works of magic, if necessary, may follow.
Celebrate the Simple Feast.
Thank the Goddess and God.
Release the Circle.
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Do you have a favorite deck?
Do you have a favorite spread?
What card best represents you?
Do you believe your deck should never be touched?
Do you read for others or only yourself?
For myself, I am a bit of a purist. I don't allow other people to touch my deck, but I have a secondary deck that people can mess with or examine the cards or whatever. I primarily use the Hanson-Roberts deck for myself and the Morgan-Greer deck for others.
The Knight of Rods is most often used to describe me. Or, if you prefer, the ENFP type.
Tarot
I think it'd be a good idea to discuss some aspects of Tarot. It's a consistently popular tool for divination and self-discovery.Do you have a favorite deck?
Do you have a favorite spread?
What card best represents you?
Do you believe your deck should never be touched?
Do you read for others or only yourself?
For myself, I am a bit of a purist. I don't allow other people to touch my deck, but I have a secondary deck that people can mess with or examine the cards or whatever. I primarily use the Hanson-Roberts deck for myself and the Morgan-Greer deck for others.
The Knight of Rods is most often used to describe me. Or, if you prefer, the ENFP type.
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Purification rituals fall into three basic categories: purification of the soul, purification of the material and purification through conversion. The most commonly known purification ritual in the United States is baptism. The Christians use baptism as a means of purifying the soul as well as purification through conversion. One cannot take the baptism ritual without conversion to Christianity. The tradition came from the Jewish mikvah - the ritual bath used to purify converts and to purify people at Yom Kippur - which is an example of purifying the material. However, water purification rituals are an idea so old that they fade into pre-history and there is no way to prove their origins.
While baptism is one of the more simple purification rituals, there are many cultures that use purification as not just a ritual, but as a way of life. For example, the Shinto purification process is a daily activity and a means of existence, rather than a single ritual. It is too complex of an idea for me to break down in a simple essay, but I have come across several websites concerning Shinto purity and one of the best sites for information I've found is:
http://pnc-ecai.oiu.ac.jp/jhti/shinto/project1.html
Many Pagan traditions involving purification come in the form of the use of materials, or low magic, to purify things in the material world. Pagans have historically purified themselves with fire, incense, blood sacrifice, and, in some cases, sea onions. A good example of low magic purification is the creation and use of an herbal broom to give your environment and your body a "clean sweep." This is accomplished by collecting the branch of a fallen tree and tying herbs gathered during the new moon to it using raffia or hemp cord. Common herbs for an herbal broom include: sage, cedar, fennel, lavender, mint, rosemary, dill, and parsley.
Once using the broom, one can take the dried herbs and greens, light them, and wave the smoke about your house in a form of smudging. Smudging is an old Southwestern Native American low magic method of purification combining both the divinity of smoke and the use of aromatherapy. The most common plants used in smudge sticks are sagebrush, sweetgrass, cedar, juniper, mugwort, yerba santa, and rosemary. If you are creating your own smudge sticks, you should have a good knowledge of herbs and plants so that they may be harvested at the right time and used properly. Even simple purification rituals are not for the lay person as certain combinations of herbal smoke can produce toxins and carcinogens.
Tarot cards are another means of low magic purification. The Tarot allows a person to look into themselves to find the reasons for impurity and to help find solutions. There are specific spreads used when attempting this form of divination and information can be obtained from the amazing variety of Tarot-related websites on the internet.
Some purification rituals involve Tantric meditations or ritual dances such as Tai Chi in a form of high magic purification. High magic purification tends to focus on the spirit and mind rather than the material. Yoga is the most widely practiced and well known of all high magic in the United States. A less known form of high magic is the Kabbalist rituals. In these rituals, the Kabbalist meditates on holy names and wraps themselves in the Wings of God (talit) and seeks to enter each level of Heaven by the deciphering of the Seven Seals of God. However, just as one who is not willing to convert to Christianity cannot take part in the ritual of baptism, Kabbalist meditation and rituals are not available to non-Jewish people.
In my own personal life, I use purity as a way of life as well as a ritual. I begin with maintaining a healthy body through Tai Chi, avoiding excessive use of alcohol or other indulgences, and avoiding consumption of animal products. If negative energies or other influences invade my environment, I use the art of smudging to be rid of them. Using the Caddo tradition of my family, I make smudge sticks from pinon resin, juniper, and tobacco. These are all fire elements and are used to "burn away" the negative energies and bad influences. One begins by the creation of the stick, focusing all of your mental energies into its creation. This purifies the mind as all energies are now being focused into a single task, which is a common form of meditation. Often ritual songs are sung, but, as in most Native American rituals, the songs have no actual lyrics, but are rather pulled from the soul as a series of hard breaths and vowel grunts. The song purifies the soul because it is widely believed that only in song can the soul be purified. Then the stick is burned and the purifier bathes his/her body in the smoke, paying special attention to the face and hair. Once the body is purified, then the stick is taken around the house and lands in order to purify everything in the environment.
Purity, however, has a wide variety of meanings. Many different paths, religions, cultures, and individuals see "pure" as something completely different. For example, a person who is a devoted vegan may see someone who consumes animal products as being impure or unclean. It is important to realize that purity is a concept and there are no hard-set rules on what comprises purity. It is also important to remember that there is no lawgiver when it comes to karma. While your definition and ideas of that which is pure may differ from another's idea of purity, it is better that you learn from each other, rather than argue and fight. To me, purity is balance. I could not imagine living in a world where everyone and everything met my ideals. I see the purity and beauty in the lily blossoms, but when I turn over the leaves, I see the ichneumonids feeding on living caterpillars. This is not an impurity, but rather a balance. It is the recognition of the divine nature in the beauty and the purifying balance of the obscene.
"Words have the power to both destroy and heal. When words are both true and kind, they can change our world." - Buddha
Purification with Simplicity
Purification has a wide variety of connotations and possibilities and often comes with some very complex rituals designed to purify mind, spirit, body and objects. There is such a wide variety of possible rituals that it is nearly impossible to enumerate them all. In fact, I will only touch on a few of the thousands of possibilities and hope that my fellow essay writers will cover others.Purification rituals fall into three basic categories: purification of the soul, purification of the material and purification through conversion. The most commonly known purification ritual in the United States is baptism. The Christians use baptism as a means of purifying the soul as well as purification through conversion. One cannot take the baptism ritual without conversion to Christianity. The tradition came from the Jewish mikvah - the ritual bath used to purify converts and to purify people at Yom Kippur - which is an example of purifying the material. However, water purification rituals are an idea so old that they fade into pre-history and there is no way to prove their origins.
While baptism is one of the more simple purification rituals, there are many cultures that use purification as not just a ritual, but as a way of life. For example, the Shinto purification process is a daily activity and a means of existence, rather than a single ritual. It is too complex of an idea for me to break down in a simple essay, but I have come across several websites concerning Shinto purity and one of the best sites for information I've found is:
http://pnc-ecai.oiu.ac.jp/jhti/shinto/project1.html
Many Pagan traditions involving purification come in the form of the use of materials, or low magic, to purify things in the material world. Pagans have historically purified themselves with fire, incense, blood sacrifice, and, in some cases, sea onions. A good example of low magic purification is the creation and use of an herbal broom to give your environment and your body a "clean sweep." This is accomplished by collecting the branch of a fallen tree and tying herbs gathered during the new moon to it using raffia or hemp cord. Common herbs for an herbal broom include: sage, cedar, fennel, lavender, mint, rosemary, dill, and parsley.
Once using the broom, one can take the dried herbs and greens, light them, and wave the smoke about your house in a form of smudging. Smudging is an old Southwestern Native American low magic method of purification combining both the divinity of smoke and the use of aromatherapy. The most common plants used in smudge sticks are sagebrush, sweetgrass, cedar, juniper, mugwort, yerba santa, and rosemary. If you are creating your own smudge sticks, you should have a good knowledge of herbs and plants so that they may be harvested at the right time and used properly. Even simple purification rituals are not for the lay person as certain combinations of herbal smoke can produce toxins and carcinogens.
Tarot cards are another means of low magic purification. The Tarot allows a person to look into themselves to find the reasons for impurity and to help find solutions. There are specific spreads used when attempting this form of divination and information can be obtained from the amazing variety of Tarot-related websites on the internet.
Some purification rituals involve Tantric meditations or ritual dances such as Tai Chi in a form of high magic purification. High magic purification tends to focus on the spirit and mind rather than the material. Yoga is the most widely practiced and well known of all high magic in the United States. A less known form of high magic is the Kabbalist rituals. In these rituals, the Kabbalist meditates on holy names and wraps themselves in the Wings of God (talit) and seeks to enter each level of Heaven by the deciphering of the Seven Seals of God. However, just as one who is not willing to convert to Christianity cannot take part in the ritual of baptism, Kabbalist meditation and rituals are not available to non-Jewish people.
In my own personal life, I use purity as a way of life as well as a ritual. I begin with maintaining a healthy body through Tai Chi, avoiding excessive use of alcohol or other indulgences, and avoiding consumption of animal products. If negative energies or other influences invade my environment, I use the art of smudging to be rid of them. Using the Caddo tradition of my family, I make smudge sticks from pinon resin, juniper, and tobacco. These are all fire elements and are used to "burn away" the negative energies and bad influences. One begins by the creation of the stick, focusing all of your mental energies into its creation. This purifies the mind as all energies are now being focused into a single task, which is a common form of meditation. Often ritual songs are sung, but, as in most Native American rituals, the songs have no actual lyrics, but are rather pulled from the soul as a series of hard breaths and vowel grunts. The song purifies the soul because it is widely believed that only in song can the soul be purified. Then the stick is burned and the purifier bathes his/her body in the smoke, paying special attention to the face and hair. Once the body is purified, then the stick is taken around the house and lands in order to purify everything in the environment.
Purity, however, has a wide variety of meanings. Many different paths, religions, cultures, and individuals see "pure" as something completely different. For example, a person who is a devoted vegan may see someone who consumes animal products as being impure or unclean. It is important to realize that purity is a concept and there are no hard-set rules on what comprises purity. It is also important to remember that there is no lawgiver when it comes to karma. While your definition and ideas of that which is pure may differ from another's idea of purity, it is better that you learn from each other, rather than argue and fight. To me, purity is balance. I could not imagine living in a world where everyone and everything met my ideals. I see the purity and beauty in the lily blossoms, but when I turn over the leaves, I see the ichneumonids feeding on living caterpillars. This is not an impurity, but rather a balance. It is the recognition of the divine nature in the beauty and the purifying balance of the obscene.
"Words have the power to both destroy and heal. When words are both true and kind, they can change our world." - Buddha