I haven’t done much in regards to my faith lately. My husband is Catholic, and because it was important to him, we had our son baptized in our Catholic church. I work at the Jewish Community Center preschool, and now that I’m back to work and my husband is back to school, we go to church every week.
I get religion in every week this way, but I feel like this routine still leaves something to be desired as far as spirituality goes. I am neither Jewish nor Catholic: I am an eclectic Pagan with Wiccan leanings.
What does that mean? I’m aware that there are many people out there who don’t know what “Pagan” or “Wiccan” really mean – possibly, you’ve never even heard those words before.
“Pagan” usually refers to a group of western, nature-based, pre-Christian religions. “Neo-Pagan” is a more accurate term for me, as it is a revival of those ancient religions. I say “eclectic Pagan” because I like aspects of many of those religions, and I choose which parts work for me to create my own amalgam. “Wicca” is one of the Pagan religions; it is the most common Pagan tradition today (tradition here being analagous to sect).
“Wicca” is characterized by the belief in one or more Gods and one or more Goddesses, the reverence of nature, and the creed of “If you harm none, do what you will.” There are many other aspects to it, but those are the basic tenets.
Some Wiccans practice in covens, groups as small as 2 or 3 and as large as 13 or more (some prefer to stick to the number 13). Some practice alone; they are known as solitaries. Many believe in magic (or magick), that is, that we as human beings have the power to do divine works – to affect change on a physical level. Some may use candles, incense, crystals, rituals (think like the Christian ritual of communion), prayer, meditation, or any number of other practices.
Wiccans and Pagans celebrate 8 major holidays – Sabbats – corresponding with the changing of the seasons (yes, the word Sabbat comes from the same root as Sabbath and Shabbat). Some choose to celebrate Esbats as well, which correspond with the lunar phases.
There is more information to be learned about Wicca and Paganism than can be told in a single blog post, so for now, I will wrap it up. These are the basics, but I will continue to expand on them and share more as it comes up. I’m still learning, too!
Blessed be,
Spirit
Leave a comment