A common ignorance today is the misuse of labels, Hoodoo; voodoo, punk; pop-punk, thick; fat etc. It’s important to know what you’re talking about, ESPECIALLY when it comes to religions! Paganism versus Wicca to be exact.

A HISTORY LESSON:

The term pagan which comes from the Latin word paganus was originally used in ancient times as a derogatory term to define anyone living in rural towns. Eventually, as Christianity came into play and spread throughout the roman empire, the term evolved to be used as a slur for all outsiders to the Christian faith. In biblical times when one was referred to as a pagan it meant one of two things, either the people in question believed in other gods, or such people believed in no god whatsoever. The term atheist was not yet coined to expose a distinction between the two. Now, we use three terms: We have atheism, meaning without god/ religion, which we attribute to those who oppose the belief in any deity. We have satanists, derived from ancient Hebrew meaning opposer. A satanist recognizes the possibilities of a god but opposes the hypocritical dogma of the the holy church and all it’s teachings. Thirdly, we have pagan which is now attributed to any religion based upon the worship of nature to any extent, anyone with an earth-based faith is pagan, though the array of different pagan religions are not interchangeable.

Wicca is one of many pagan faiths. Brought to attention in 1954 by one Gerald Gardner as a branch of witchcraft -though arguably not the same witchcraft that the ancients put into practice- Wicca is a set of practices which promote oneness with nature, ourselves, and each other which originated in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Wicca and Witchcraft are NOT the same thing. Wicca is a TYPE of witchcraft, not the whole thing.

No matter what you believe, whether it be a branch of Christianity, or a branch of Paganism, Animism, Pantheism, Shamanism, or Polytheism, it does not dispute the fact that we are all entitled to our beliefs and should be respected and understood. We can only be understood if we teach each other and learn from each other with open minds and compassionate hearts.

I say this but it is common for myself and others to use these words interchangeably. It depends as all things with your audience, if you are in the company of some people who identify with one rather than the other, then please respect their wishes. Otherwise, use whatever words you are the most comfortable with, never fear unnecessary judgement. 🙂

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All About the Pagan Religion

Paganism describes a group of religions that is focus on nature. Paganism is a diverse community. Some of the parts of the Pagan community includes: wicans, druids, shamans, scared ecologist, odinists, and heathens. Some of the groups focus on certain traditions or practices which includes: ecology, witch craft, celtic traditions, or certain Gods. Majority of the Pagans all share a vision that comes from their belief about the natural world vitality and spirituality. The waning moon simply means that the moon is getting smaller moving from a full moon to a new moon.

Some people think pagans are sexual deviants, they think they worship the devil, are evil, practice black magic, and harm people and animals. However, that is not the truth and that is why it is necessary to define who the pagans are and what they stand for. Pagans worship in many forms from feminine to masculine imagery. The God and the Goddess are important and are widely recognized. In the Goddess worship the woman play a very important role in the pagan movement. Pagans believe in treating all of the sexes in their religion equal.

Unlike all of the other religions pagans do not have a place to worship. They do not believe in worshiping in a building that was made by human hands. The pagans believe majority of the church ceremonies should be conducted outside. Their ceremonies are conducted in the woods, caves, hill tops, or by the shore. The ceremonies begin by making a circle which is called their scared space it has no beginning or end in other words it is equal.The circle is called a magic circle. During the pagan ceremony the magic circle provides sacred space and the rites, as well as the magic work are conducted with in this space.

The magic circle concentrated power is a door way to the Gods. Depending on the way the circle was divided define and effect the environment and the energies it created with in the magic circle. In conclusion, Pagan is a very interesting religion especially the magick circle which is a doorway to the other Gods. This is part of the best part of the religion because all religions talk about God.

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This article will help explain the waxing moon and its special meaning. Wiccans believe in both religion and magic as sources of reverence and power, and an esbat is when those two elements coincide in the form of a ritual or religious service with a focus on a magical element. Specifically, esbats occur in accordance with moon cycles and are celebrations of the Goddess, who is represented by the moon. The Goddess is one of two important religious figures in Wiccan religion. She symbolizes femininity and is worshiped alongside the Horned God, or father, who represents masculinity.

The moon has four cycles, allowing for a possible four esbats per month. The four stages of the moon’s cycle are new moon, waxing moon, full moon, and waning moon. Learning the four cycles and their purpose is important for every Wiccan, but especially important for female practitioners of magic, or witches.

The Waxing Moon

The waxing moon occurs after the new moon, which symbolizes a time for beginnings, however the waxing moon symbolizes a time for growth. For this reason, it is important for the focus of the esbat to be on an enterprise that is in a state where it will benefit from growth. This requirement can take many forms and covers a broad area.

For example, an obvious and ancestral example might be a ritual to help enhance the growth of a field after it is planted. Similarly, modern day Wiccans might perform a similar ritual for their gardens. However, there are other modern-day applications as well. An offering to increase the profit of a business, for instance, or for a relationship to rekindle or flourish.

How To Perform the Esbat

Esbats are held in the evening after the moon has risen. Ideally, for the waxing moon esbat, the ritual would be held when the moon has reached one-fourth of its ascension cycle. To begin, cast a circle and set up an alter. Afterward, rely on an experienced member of your coven to speak a prayer or spell, or perform one silently, before placing something symbolic of the growth you desire to occur on the alter. Esbats usually conclude with a final spell or prayer and a celebration, which includes seasonal food and drinks.

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If you are part of the Wiccan ritual, you can do a ritual when there is a New Moon. The first thing that you should do is cast a circle. You can cast a circle or purify the area to make it sacred. You should perform outside to get a good look at the new moon as well as the sun setting.For this ceremony, you should bring a white candle, a handheld mirror and a small bowl should be put on the altar. You should perform this ritual at sunset.

As soon as the sun drops below the horizon, you should be able to see the new moon rising. If you do this ceremony with ceremony, you should make the children feel part of the ceremony by having them spot the new moon. As soon as the new moon is in the sky, you should unwrap the candle and speak:

Welcome back, Moon!
We’re glad to see you.
Another life cycle has passed
another four weeks gone by
and our lives have moved to the next level.

You should set the candle on the altar and light it. You should face the moon and speak:

Today is a new 24 hours,
and a new 4 weeks begin.
As the waters flow, and the moon goes above us,
we are grateful that The Moon has returned.
She watches over us, ever vigilant,
yet always not the same,
and we are grateful for her light.

The children present at this ceremony should wave to the moon and thank her for coming back. You should then turn to the east to where the sun is rising in the morning. You should pick up the mirror and hold it until you can look at the new moon in the mirror. You should then speak:

Bring us your intelligence, your guidance,
Your protection, in the coming 4 weeks.
You are with me at every step,
watching and showing me the way,
And I am grateful

After placing the mirror back on the altar, beside the candle, you should pause to think about new beginnings and new commitments. You should heat the small bowl, full of blessing oil, then put the water on the foreheads of the people in the ceremony. You should speak:

May the moon, bless you.

If you are alone, you should put the water on your forehead and bless yourself for the new moon.
You should end the ceremony with closing the circle.

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An esbat is a ritual that is related to the practice of the Wicca religion. Wicca is a modern, pagan religion previously referred to as witchcraft. The name Wicca was first introduced in the 1950s by an English anthropologist and archeologist named Gerald Broussea Gardner. Wiccan practitioners do not acknowledge a central authority and therefore there is a varied interpretation of how Wicca is defined. A universal agreement across denominations is that Wicca is a pagan form of religious practice that focuses on the natural world for its belief system. Wicca is primarily a duotheistic religion, worshiping two gods, one representing feminine and the other representing masculine.

Most Wiccans believe in magic, a force that can manipulate nature through witchcraft, sorcery or spells. A Wiccan code of morality states that you should do no harm to others through magic and if you do you will suffer negative consequences. Belief in an afterlife among Wiccans includes reincarnation of the human soul which returns to Earth to learn and advance the spiritual self.

Wicca is based in natural elements and many traditional Wiccans hold the five classical elements of spirit, water, air, earth and fire in high regard. Natural cycles play a major role in Wiccan rituals and ceremonies and often coincide with phases of the moon and changing of the seasons.

Esbats are ritual observances that occur in conjunction with phases of the moon. Unlike the more formal Sabbats, celebrations of the equinoxes and solstices, esbats are less formal meetings of a coven, or group of Wiccans. Some Wiccan denominations prefer to hold esbats during the full moon but esbats can be observed during any phase of the moon. There is an esbat for each full moon so Wiccans observe 12 esbats a year. Some practitioners observe a thirteenth esbat in observation of the blue moon. A blue moon is the occurrence of a second full moon within a one month period. The reason a blue moon occurs is due to the natural lunar cycle which takes an average of 28 days. Approximately every 28 lunar cycles extra days accumulate because the Roman calendar is longer than then the natural cycles. When enough days have accumulated a blue moon is observed.

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Autumnal Equinox/Mabon

Mabon or the autumnal equinox is one of the eight Sabbats or celebrations based on the cycles of the sun that is observed by pagans and Wiccans alike. Wiccans have a deep respect for nature along with a pantheistic worldview. Some practice some form of ritual magic that is almost always considered good or constructive. Some Wiccans are solitary practitioners; others belong to covens. The Autumnal Equinox or Mabon is a time for Wiccans to celebrate the harvest and a time to reflect on and honor the changing seasons.

Our biological connection to the earth’s seasonal cycles call us to ponder the gift of the bounty of the fields along with the many blessings in our lives. There is a balance at this time of year between light and dark when the Sun crosses the celestial equator from north to south as the fall equinox takes place on or about September 21. The term equinox is derived from the Latin and means “equal night”. This transitional period of the year allows us to experience and to enjoy equal amounts of light and dark. It is a perfect time to reflect on the many blessings in our lives and to take notice of what we may do better and how we may make our lives more purposeful and productive.

As the earth gives us food so should we strive to give of ourselves to others thus as we take care of the harvest, so should we take care of those currently in our lives and those who we are yet to meet. It is a time for giving thanks for what we have and a time to contemplate what we can give to others. The Autumnal Equinox is also a time to remember that all life is sacred and to know that when we do good in the world it is destined to return to us threefold. It is a perfect time to plan a feast or celebration to enjoy the bounty of the harvest with friends and family and to share and to give thanks for all of the blessings in our lives.

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Midsummer- A Time for Light and Life

Midsummer is the day that is the peak of summer. It is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, the time when the power of the sun is the strongest. Also known as Litha, Midsummer is a time of inner power and light. It is a celebration of life, a thank you for the bounty given during the growing season, and a preparation for the decline to come.

There are a lot of differences in the way Litha is observed. Some scholars deny that the ancients celebrated Midsummer, and others say it was imported. Druids celebrate the day, but call it Alban Hefin. In their lore, it represents the battle between the Oak King and the Holly King, and represents the Wheel of The Year in its completeness. Stonehenge has a gateway aligned with the rising midsummer sun, and is a popular place for modern druid enthusiasts to go.

For modern Wiccans, it is one of the lesser Sabbats, and is called Litha in tribute to the Lord of the Light. It is a day and night of celebrating, being thankful for the summer. Many Wiccans spend the day outdoors, swimming and enjoying the sun. Historically there would be nude dancing around bonfires from sunrise to after sunset, but that is not practical for many Wiccans in today’s society.

To honor the day today, just go outside. Take the children out, go to the beach, the park, the woods. Wear braided circlets of clover and flowers at the wrists and ankles for the ladies, and oaken crowns for the men. Do a barbeque or have an outdoor fire to end the day, and stay up into the night. Watch the sun set, and give thanks for the bounty of the season.

Many Wiccans will make protective charms prior to Litha so they can be charged during the day since Midsummer is the most powerful day for the sun. Acknowledge any relationships during this time as June is the month for marriage and commitment.

Also, the fairies are more prevalent during Midsummer, and it is traditional to leave out offerings of fresh herbs like lavender, chamomile and rose petals in the evening for them.

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Wiccan Beltane /Floralia

Beltane is a Gaelic festival that marks the beginning of the Spring and is typically held anywhere from April 30th to May 1st (falling in between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice) when the livestock is sent out into the Summer pastures to graze; a celebration of bonfires, flowers and the fertility of Spring the time of sowing seeds of all kinds. It is one of Ireland’s oldest festivals and has its roots in an ancient Roman festival, Floralia, which celebrated flowers and sexuality.

Having faded into obscurity by the mid-century it has been revived by Wiccans and Celtic Neopagans and is a celebration of fertility and hope for the coming period of growth leading up to the fruition of the fall harvest. Loose flowers, garlands and bouquets are a symbol of this and are used for decoration everywhere, inside the home and pasture, braided in hair and on the animals, often mirroring the color of the flames serving to remind everyone of the blessings of nature and of the season.

Beltane serves to protect and enhance the ties between the people, the gods of the home and the land. Large bonfires are lit in the fields while the people and their animals walk around them, between two or leap over them. These fires can be started with what is called a May Bush, usually made from a small tree or shrub with thorned branches and covered with decorations evocative of fire in color or form.

Today Beltane festivals are as much a cultural celebration as a religious time of offerings and rituals. The current Wiccan festivals, in addition to the traditions above, includes maypole dancing and the symbolic marriage of a May Lord and May Lady with their wedding feast following. It is one of the eight Wheel of the Year Sabbats, falling before Midsummer and after Ostara. Wiccan Beltane focuses on the fertility of the season and the cycle of life. The foods of the feast reflect this cycle in the whole grains, beans, dairy and honeyed treats that are popular.

Incorporating a number of spring traditions from many cultures the Wiccan Beltane maintains and honors its ancient roots of hope, abundance and fertility to this day. Jalin Marshall Jersey

What is Ostara all about?

Throughout the dark winter months, nature holds back. It’s a time when the abundance of nature is not available, and our ancestors worked hard to survive it. When spring arrives, the world wakes up and the cycle of life begins anew with the promise of prosperity. The coming of spring is marked by the vernal equinox, when the Earth’s axis tilts neither toward nor away from the sun. The days will become longer, and the land becomes fertile once more.

This is an important time of year because it reminds us that we are alive. It is relief from the dark uncertainty of winter and the affirmation of new growth. Ostara is a celebration of all these things – the coming of spring, life, fertility, revitalization. The God and the Goddess are joined so that the Goddess may conceive.

There are many ways to celebrate Ostara, but many traditions developed from the old agricultural way of life in Europe. At this time of year, animals come out of hibernation, and leafy vegetables begin to grow. People did not need to rely on their winter stores, so they might serve the best of the cured meats and root vegetables that they had preserved for the winter. Many people continue this tradition by serving ham, eggs, fruit, and honey cakes. Some people fast or perform a spring cleaning because they’ve been cooped up all winter.

This is also a time to focus on new beginnings in your life. Warm weather and sunlight banish the “winter blues” and many people become more active. It’s a good time to get in shape, plant a garden, and perform magick. Our own selves reflect the changes that the Earth is going through, and we can access that vigor, that lust for life. We should also take the time to reflect on the wonder and abundance that is around us and to make note of the many overlooked things that make our lives easier.

Ostara is the beginning of spring and relief from winter. It’s the fertile time of year and best for planting seeds – be they flowers, vegetables, or your intentions. Celebrate life and be thankful for the gifts of the Earth.

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