Pagan Blog Project 2014

Pagan Blog Project 2014

Friday, March 29, 2013

For The New Witches


For The New Witches and Those Who Would Like To Be


Welcome! So you are interested in Witchcraft? Good for you! Allow me to give you some pointers.

Witchcraft, the study of magick is a large subject and a diverse one. In order for you to not feel too overwhelmed, consider the different parts that make up this Craft, and begin learning about one or two of these subjects. Please keep in mind that this is a practice of experience, and unlike Book Religions there are many different ways to do something. Find yourself a teacher (you can drop me a line if you are interested) or read a variety of books from different authors to get a great overview on each part of the craft.

Here are some subjects that are involved in the practice of Witchcraft (this is by far not a complete one, but one to get a new person started)


Herbology
Healing
Crystal Work
Working with Deities (the spiritual side of the craft)
Ritual
Sabbats (Holidays)
Working with Spirit Guides
Psychic Work/Intuitive Guidance
Divination
Spells

and more.


I put spells on the end of the list for a reason. While this is the subject that is mostly asked about by the new person, it is the one that should be considered not as the first thing to jump in - we are not only about spells, we are a spiritual practice in most cases of many flavors - there are Witches associated with many religious paths, whom connect with their deity as a part of their magickal practice. There are also Witches with no religious affiliation at all. Limiting this practice to spells would be like limiting the practice of Christianity to the practice of prayer.

Most people, when seeking the path of this Craft think of Wicca. Any teaching I share is from that perspective and that worldview. So for you Seekers, you are welcome to ask questions, you can reach me here via the comment section, via my  Shrine of Hecate page on Facebook or email me at homeschoolwitch@gmail.com .
Please keep in mind that Wicca, Witchcraft and any magickal path are a subject that takes long term study. Even if we will  only share a part of the journey together - may this be of longer or shorter time - dedication and openness to learning is an requirement for a deeper student/teacher relationship.


Hail Hecate!

Monday, March 25, 2013

Contemplating the Witches Pyramid - To Be Silent


To be silent is, in my opinion, a far deeper concept then just concerning oneself with not sharing the personal details of the practice of our Craft. Meditation, true listening to others, our inner/higher self and the divine, as well as being more aware of our use of words in day to day connection are also embraced in this pillar. This concept cautions us to look inward, take a more distant stance and pause.

On its surface this concept seems a harder pillar to keep then the others, as our need to share ourselves and/or find validation is expressed through communication. But we are told to hold back, even when we want to share. We are told to sit still in a world that is bustling with activity, noise and all types of distractions. There is always something that could come in the way of practicing this specific corner of the pyramid.

In the practice of this, we do find ourselves gaining discipline. This discipline, needed to bring our crafting to its best, serves us well in all the aspects of being a Witch.
Therefore while many begin with the side of the pyramid that pertains to knowledge, I suggest to begin in silence. It is in this silence that knowledge can be gained that go beyond books and has to be felt, and experienced. In this silence, ones own connection to the divine can find a way to communicate with you in the way that fits you best. Remembering that the communication experienced with the Energy of the Universe and the Gods are yours and yours alone, also should be left within this silence, to be shared only with you and the spirits, with the rare exceptions of your mentor/teacher.

Hail Hecate!