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What is Wicca?
This chapter will try to explain the general beliefs, philosophy, and ethics of Wiccan and Pagan groups. Most groups will agree with all or most of what this chapter has to say. Although there will be a few groups that disagree vehemently.
There is a large amount of misinformation about Wiccan and Paganism floating around in our society, most of it the wild imaginings of non-Wiccan/Pagan folk. There erroneous ideas are fueled by lurid movies, television, the scandal magazines and the anti-everything-not-orthodox fanatics. So, before I discuss what Wicca or Witchcraft is, I will discuss what it is not.
Wicca is not a cult, for cults actively recruit members, isolate them from friends and family, brainwash their members to be totally obedient to the cult leader, punish members who try to leave, and teach that their way is the only way. You will find that most cults are offshoots of an orthodox religion.
A true Wiccan group never proselytizes for members. Those drawn to Wicca find others of like mind; no proselytizing necessary. Witches do not stand on the street corners with pamphlets, nor do they ring your doorbell. By the same token, a
Wiccan group will carefully screen applicants for those who are sincere and who will enrich the group. They do not want those interested in the latest fad of black clothing, weird make-up, and tons of clanking jewelry, nor do they want fence sitters who will inevitably become troublemakers. Careful selection of applicants avoids the problem of members leaving. However, members who become uncomfortable with others in the group are free to leave and join another Wiccan group or begin to practice by themselves.
Wiccan folk have strong sense of family and respect for elders (providing that respect is merited), and will not advocate breaking familial ties. If you should encounter the rare group that has the leader demanding obedience, leave quickly. Dictatorship is not a part of the usual Wiccan philosophy. Although there needs to be a leader or leaders in a Wiccan group to coordinate activities and lead rituals, they do not demand obedience. To avoid this situation, many groups have experienced, qualified members rotate in the roles of High Priestess and High Priest. They also do not encourage any of their members to call themselves “guru” or “master”, although they may vote to bestow the title of “elder” on an older, experienced member.
Wiccan/Pagan folk do not believe that their spiritual path is right for everyone. Witchcraft is a self-demanding path, not suited to those who need to be told what to do and when to do it. Witches firmly believe that all responsibility for actions or inactions falls directly on the shoulders of each person. Since we object to other religions attempting to dictate our spiritual paths, most Wiccans go out of their way to avoid perpetrating this “sin” on others.
One of the vilest accusations against Wiccans or Witches is that we worship the devil and are Satanists performing blood sacrifices and having wild sexual orgies spiced with drugs. First, we do not believe in the Christian devil and would never consider worshipping such a foul, negative entity. The devil is a creation of the orthodox religions, which seem to know far more about this creature than witches do.
We do not kill animals or humans in our rites, as we believe the life force and life it self to be very sacred. Witches believe that everything in the universe has great value and is worthy of respect, whether it is animate or inanimate. We do not consider humans to have more value than animals.
As for the sexual orgies, Wiccans are far more apt to avoid sexual promiscuity than other religions. Probably because there are few if any sexual taboos. Female Witches know their value as humans and are unlikely to believe that their life is meaning- less without a man, even on a casual basis. Male Witches also realize the sanctity of sexual union, believe that the Goddess can be manifested within every woman, and are less likely to engage in meaningless sex. On rare occasions so-called High Priests
demand sexual rites before an initiate is allowed to join the group. If you should have the misfortune of encountering such a group or leader, remove your self from their influence at once. This is not the normal Wiccan practice.
Most Wiccan groups or solitaries avoid illegal drugs and seldom overindulge in alcohol, if they drink at all. It is impossible for anyone to remain rational and alert--necessary qualities for practicing magic-- while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A Witch cannot fully experience spiritual truth while under the influence of anything.
So what exactly is the truth behind Wicca and Witchcraft? Witchcraft is an ancient nature religion that dates back to the Neolithic times. These religions were not called Wicca, but were generally referred to by archaeologists and historians as Goddess religions. Witch and Wicca were used much later, during the European Middle Ages. Before that, Witches were known as shamans or wise men and wise women, or followers of the Old Way.
The name Wicca comes from the Old English word Wicce, which means “wise” or “wisdom”. The name may also have connections to the Indo-European word wic, which means “to bend, turn, or shape.” Witches do bend and shape energy whenever they perform magic.
Witchcraft is only a very small part of the large religious community called Paganism. The words Wicca, Witchcraft, and the Craft are actually interchangeable. Some followers prefer to call themselves Wiccan and thus avoid the stereotyped mental image of the ugly, evil Witch. Others us the name Witch, hoping to remold that stereotyped image in modern minds. Being eclectic, I call myself Pagan, since I am not a follower of any orthodox religion. However, Paganism also includes a wide variety of names other group names besides Wicca.
In modern usage, the word Witch or Wiccan is applied to both female and male members of this religion. Very few groups use the term Warlock for males. Warlock was not used until medieval times in Scotland and was then primarily used to denote a malicious sorcerer. Some groups use the old definitions of Wicca for males and Wicce for females.
Basically, Wicca or Witchcraft is an ancient nature religion with a belief in the duality of deity: that is, there is both a Goddess and a God. Usually, the Goddess holds the prime place in Wicca, with the God acknowledged as Her consort, helper, and co-creator. This acknowledgment and worship of the Goddess or Goddesses set Witchcraft apart from orthodox religions. However, some Pagan groups are more male God-oriented than those in Wicca.
Wiccan groups, or covens as they are called, are led by a High Priestess and a High Priest. These leaders do not have absolute power in a group (or coven), but represent the Goddess and the God during rituals. They are also responsible for coordinating the groups activities. They hold their positions by
Consensus of the group members and because of their experience and knowledge. The High Priestess and High Priest of any coven may step down in favor of others, rotate the responsibility with other experienced members, or be voted out by the members. There is no absolute hierarchy of power in Witchcraft, just as it is rare to find a Wiccan church building.
We believe in reincarnation; that everyone has lived many loves and will live many more lives in the future. Witches are not alone in this belief, as many other of the world’s religious believe the same thing.
We believe that karma, or cause and effect, operates in every life, whether a person believes in it or not. Every true Witch knows that we do not have the luxury of pointing a finger
At someone else as responsible for our breaking any spiritual, ethical, or universal law. People are responsible when they do things that they shouldn’t, and when they do things that they should. No one pays the penalty but the person who committed the acts. However, we also know that not every negative thing that happens to a person is connected with “bad” karma.
Witches celebrate the changing seasons of the year through the observations of eight (8) ancient holy days: Imbolc, Spring Equinox, Beltane, Summer Solstice, Lughnasadh, Autumn Equinox, Samhain, and Winter Solstice. They also acknowledge and celebrate the New and Full Moons every month, as well as the rites of passage.
Witches acknowledge the existence of psychic powers, among them healing, foretelling, and magic (the casting of spells). Magic is not a religious belief, but simply a sideline to better the lives of Witches and their extended families. Using magic also carries an admonition not to interfere with or control others. Deliberate interference or causing harm will bring the law of Karma into action.
Like many in the New Age groups, Witches believe that each person has a spiritual or astral guide and teachers. We also acknowledge the existence of nature spirits and other non-earthly beings, such as Fairies, dragons, Elementals, and other mythical creatures. Communication with the dead is possible, although whether one wishes to do so is a personal decision.
The primary difference between Witches and the orthodox religions is of ancient origin: we recognize the existence and power of the Goddesses and worship the Goddess as well as the God. We do not acknowledge the erasure of “sins” by one supreme male god or his representative, priest or otherwise; we are each responsible for paying for our own mistakes. We do not believe that women are of lesser quality and value than men; after all, we are each born of a woman, and women are a physical manifestation of the Goddess Herself.
We do not believe in hierarchies that dictate decisions. We do believe that each woman can be a priestess and each man a priest, and each person is a free individual responsible for their actions. Our chalice of wine or juice existed long before the Christian ceremony; it represents a joining of male and female, not some one’s blood. Our rite of “baptism”, or its equivalent, was once part of the ancient Mystery Religions and represents a conscious decision by an adult initiate to undertake a new path in life. It is not a “saving” from “sin”. We do not believe in the devil or in hell, although we acknowledge the Goddess Hel, who rules over the land of the dead, according to the ancient Norse. We do not sacrifice animals or humans. We believe that all life, animate and inanimate, is sacred and should be used wisely treated with respect. Ad, perhaps the greatest obstacle (besides the Goddess) that stands between Witches and the orthodox religions is we believe in and practice magic to improve our lives.
If you can accept all of these beliefs and have turned away from the orthodox religions because you feel they don’t offer you what you are seek in a spiritual path, then Witchcraft is made for you. If, however you don’t want to let go of the orthodox deity, but you want to practice magic, I suggest that you delve into ceremonial magic, whose practitioners believe in one male god and call upon angels and demons in their work. Ceremonial magic arose in the Middle Ages as an acceptable method of working magic. It uses the Hebrew names of God, Plus the names of angels and demons. Because it was practiced by scholars and churchmen alike ( all males ), the orthodox Church turned a blind eye to it.
Wicca is the most satisfying way to live a life. Once you become Wiccan you will not be able to envision another way. If your heart and soul draw you to this path, then I say, “Welcome.” If not, may you continue your search until you find the path you seek.
Abracadabra Healing talismans were of various types, but one of the most common was that which bore a Word Of Power. Frequently, the word was repeated a number of times with a letter dropped from it each time. The person to be healed would speak the complete word, then the truncated words, until there was nothing left to pronounce. If the sick person was too ill to speak, then some one else could speak the words on behalf of the patient. This was a form of Sympathetic Magic: as the word diminished. So did the disease.
The paper or parchment on which the decreasing word was written was worn around the neck of the sick person, tied there with flax. The words would be said every day. At the end of a nine-day period, the talisman would be taken to an easterly flowing stream and, with a final recitation of the words, the patient would throw the talisman over his or her left shoulder into the water, allowing the water to carry away both it and the disease.
Abracadabra was used to heal a fever. The earliest known mention of this was in 208CE by Quintus Serenus Sammonicus, physician to the Roman Emperor Severus. Sir E. A. Budge, however, believes the formula is based on some thing much older than that.
A B R A C A D A B R A
A B R A C A D A B R
A B R A C A D A B
A B R A C A D A
A B R A C A D
A B R A C A
A B R A C
A B R A
A B R
A B
A
Many attempts have been made to explain the meaning of
Abracadabra. Sir A. W. Wallis Budge thinks it most likely to have been derived from the Chaldean words Abbad Ke Dabra, maning “perish like the word.”
Dr. Moses Gaster, a noted Jewish scholar, gave this formula:
Ab Abr Abra Abrak Aabraka
Abrakal Abrakala Abrakal
Abraka Abrak Abra Abr Ab.
And the people called Moses and Moses prayed to God,
And the fire abated. May healing come from heaven from
All kinds of fever and consumption-heat to N son of N.
Amen. Amen. Amen. Selah. Selah. Selah.
Budge describes the above as “the perfect Hebrew amulet” since it contains the magical name Abrakala, text from the bible, a prayer that is equivalent of a pagan incantation, and the “threefold Amen and the three fold Selah.”
There is a similar Jewish spell to banish a demon known as Shebribri, believed to cause disease of the eye. The name is said repeatedly: “Shebribri Briri Riri Iri Ri.“ with the belief that he will gradually diminish to nothing.
The word Abracadabra has been so overused in connection with magic that it has come to be thought of as no more than a nonsense word used by stage magicians, Yet it was originally a word believed to have great power. Many magicians and Witches in the Middle Ages employed it on talismans for a great many purposes other than its original one of curing disease. Daniel Defoe, in his Journal Of The Plague Year (1722), mentions the use of Abracadabra by those wishing to ward off the plague.
Some scholars believe that the word comes from the name Abraxas, claimed by the Basilidian sect of Gnostics as their supreme deity. It was believed that Abraxas ruled over 365 lesser Gods, and hence, over the 365 days of the year. In Ceremonial Magic, according to Collin De Plancy’s Dictionnaire Infernal of 1863, Abraxas is depicted as having serpents for feet and sometimes the head of a cockerel.
Afterlife Witches believe in a life after death. Individual beliefs may nary, but most Witches think of it as being very much like the present plane of existence. It is, however, a place where the lessons of life just completed may be reviewed and where (as with the Wiccan belief in reincarnation) the necessary lessons for the next life are planned.
There is no belief in a “Final Judgment,” with its rewards and punishments. It is thought that we receive our rewards and punishments in this life, according to how we live it (see Karma).
Gerald Gardner, the “Grand Old Man Of Witchcraft,” responsible more that anyone for the re-awakening of interest in the Old Religion, was interested in spiritualism at an early age. In spiritualism, the afterlife is known as the “Summerland,” a term coined by Andrew Jackson Davis in mid-1800s. The afterlife is so called in Wicca as well. Whether or not the Wiccan term can be solely attributed to Gardner is unknown, although there seems to be no refrence to it by that name prior to Gardner’s teachings.
According to a Gallup Poll in 1980, 71 percent of Americans believe in an afterlife. Many religions place that afterlife in one place, without the “heaven” or “hell” of orthodox theology.
The length of time spent in the Summerland , between lives, is indeterminate. Since there is no concept of time in the afterlife, it could be minutes or it could be centuries. Wiccans believe that it is possible for those in the physical body, on this plane, to communicate with spirits in the Summerland by various means.
Mystery Religion Witchcraft/Wicca is a mystery religon similar to the anceint Greek mysteries
Harm none
Blessed be
So mote it be
**Page Added By Sexywiccangoddess**
There is a large amount of misinformation about Wiccan and Paganism floating around in our society, most of it the wild imaginings of non-Wiccan/Pagan folk. There erroneous ideas are fueled by lurid movies, television, the scandal magazines and the anti-everything-not-orthodox fanatics. So, before I discuss what Wicca or Witchcraft is, I will discuss what it is not.
Wicca is not a cult, for cults actively recruit members, isolate them from friends and family, brainwash their members to be totally obedient to the cult leader, punish members who try to leave, and teach that their way is the only way. You will find that most cults are offshoots of an orthodox religion.
A true Wiccan group never proselytizes for members. Those drawn to Wicca find others of like mind; no proselytizing necessary. Witches do not stand on the street corners with pamphlets, nor do they ring your doorbell. By the same token, a
Wiccan group will carefully screen applicants for those who are sincere and who will enrich the group. They do not want those interested in the latest fad of black clothing, weird make-up, and tons of clanking jewelry, nor do they want fence sitters who will inevitably become troublemakers. Careful selection of applicants avoids the problem of members leaving. However, members who become uncomfortable with others in the group are free to leave and join another Wiccan group or begin to practice by themselves.
Wiccan folk have strong sense of family and respect for elders (providing that respect is merited), and will not advocate breaking familial ties. If you should encounter the rare group that has the leader demanding obedience, leave quickly. Dictatorship is not a part of the usual Wiccan philosophy. Although there needs to be a leader or leaders in a Wiccan group to coordinate activities and lead rituals, they do not demand obedience. To avoid this situation, many groups have experienced, qualified members rotate in the roles of High Priestess and High Priest. They also do not encourage any of their members to call themselves “guru” or “master”, although they may vote to bestow the title of “elder” on an older, experienced member.
Wiccan/Pagan folk do not believe that their spiritual path is right for everyone. Witchcraft is a self-demanding path, not suited to those who need to be told what to do and when to do it. Witches firmly believe that all responsibility for actions or inactions falls directly on the shoulders of each person. Since we object to other religions attempting to dictate our spiritual paths, most Wiccans go out of their way to avoid perpetrating this “sin” on others.
One of the vilest accusations against Wiccans or Witches is that we worship the devil and are Satanists performing blood sacrifices and having wild sexual orgies spiced with drugs. First, we do not believe in the Christian devil and would never consider worshipping such a foul, negative entity. The devil is a creation of the orthodox religions, which seem to know far more about this creature than witches do.
We do not kill animals or humans in our rites, as we believe the life force and life it self to be very sacred. Witches believe that everything in the universe has great value and is worthy of respect, whether it is animate or inanimate. We do not consider humans to have more value than animals.
As for the sexual orgies, Wiccans are far more apt to avoid sexual promiscuity than other religions. Probably because there are few if any sexual taboos. Female Witches know their value as humans and are unlikely to believe that their life is meaning- less without a man, even on a casual basis. Male Witches also realize the sanctity of sexual union, believe that the Goddess can be manifested within every woman, and are less likely to engage in meaningless sex. On rare occasions so-called High Priests
demand sexual rites before an initiate is allowed to join the group. If you should have the misfortune of encountering such a group or leader, remove your self from their influence at once. This is not the normal Wiccan practice.
Most Wiccan groups or solitaries avoid illegal drugs and seldom overindulge in alcohol, if they drink at all. It is impossible for anyone to remain rational and alert--necessary qualities for practicing magic-- while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A Witch cannot fully experience spiritual truth while under the influence of anything.
So what exactly is the truth behind Wicca and Witchcraft? Witchcraft is an ancient nature religion that dates back to the Neolithic times. These religions were not called Wicca, but were generally referred to by archaeologists and historians as Goddess religions. Witch and Wicca were used much later, during the European Middle Ages. Before that, Witches were known as shamans or wise men and wise women, or followers of the Old Way.
The name Wicca comes from the Old English word Wicce, which means “wise” or “wisdom”. The name may also have connections to the Indo-European word wic, which means “to bend, turn, or shape.” Witches do bend and shape energy whenever they perform magic.
Witchcraft is only a very small part of the large religious community called Paganism. The words Wicca, Witchcraft, and the Craft are actually interchangeable. Some followers prefer to call themselves Wiccan and thus avoid the stereotyped mental image of the ugly, evil Witch. Others us the name Witch, hoping to remold that stereotyped image in modern minds. Being eclectic, I call myself Pagan, since I am not a follower of any orthodox religion. However, Paganism also includes a wide variety of names other group names besides Wicca.
In modern usage, the word Witch or Wiccan is applied to both female and male members of this religion. Very few groups use the term Warlock for males. Warlock was not used until medieval times in Scotland and was then primarily used to denote a malicious sorcerer. Some groups use the old definitions of Wicca for males and Wicce for females.
Basically, Wicca or Witchcraft is an ancient nature religion with a belief in the duality of deity: that is, there is both a Goddess and a God. Usually, the Goddess holds the prime place in Wicca, with the God acknowledged as Her consort, helper, and co-creator. This acknowledgment and worship of the Goddess or Goddesses set Witchcraft apart from orthodox religions. However, some Pagan groups are more male God-oriented than those in Wicca.
Wiccan groups, or covens as they are called, are led by a High Priestess and a High Priest. These leaders do not have absolute power in a group (or coven), but represent the Goddess and the God during rituals. They are also responsible for coordinating the groups activities. They hold their positions by
Consensus of the group members and because of their experience and knowledge. The High Priestess and High Priest of any coven may step down in favor of others, rotate the responsibility with other experienced members, or be voted out by the members. There is no absolute hierarchy of power in Witchcraft, just as it is rare to find a Wiccan church building.
We believe in reincarnation; that everyone has lived many loves and will live many more lives in the future. Witches are not alone in this belief, as many other of the world’s religious believe the same thing.
We believe that karma, or cause and effect, operates in every life, whether a person believes in it or not. Every true Witch knows that we do not have the luxury of pointing a finger
At someone else as responsible for our breaking any spiritual, ethical, or universal law. People are responsible when they do things that they shouldn’t, and when they do things that they should. No one pays the penalty but the person who committed the acts. However, we also know that not every negative thing that happens to a person is connected with “bad” karma.
Witches celebrate the changing seasons of the year through the observations of eight (8) ancient holy days: Imbolc, Spring Equinox, Beltane, Summer Solstice, Lughnasadh, Autumn Equinox, Samhain, and Winter Solstice. They also acknowledge and celebrate the New and Full Moons every month, as well as the rites of passage.
Witches acknowledge the existence of psychic powers, among them healing, foretelling, and magic (the casting of spells). Magic is not a religious belief, but simply a sideline to better the lives of Witches and their extended families. Using magic also carries an admonition not to interfere with or control others. Deliberate interference or causing harm will bring the law of Karma into action.
Like many in the New Age groups, Witches believe that each person has a spiritual or astral guide and teachers. We also acknowledge the existence of nature spirits and other non-earthly beings, such as Fairies, dragons, Elementals, and other mythical creatures. Communication with the dead is possible, although whether one wishes to do so is a personal decision.
The primary difference between Witches and the orthodox religions is of ancient origin: we recognize the existence and power of the Goddesses and worship the Goddess as well as the God. We do not acknowledge the erasure of “sins” by one supreme male god or his representative, priest or otherwise; we are each responsible for paying for our own mistakes. We do not believe that women are of lesser quality and value than men; after all, we are each born of a woman, and women are a physical manifestation of the Goddess Herself.
We do not believe in hierarchies that dictate decisions. We do believe that each woman can be a priestess and each man a priest, and each person is a free individual responsible for their actions. Our chalice of wine or juice existed long before the Christian ceremony; it represents a joining of male and female, not some one’s blood. Our rite of “baptism”, or its equivalent, was once part of the ancient Mystery Religions and represents a conscious decision by an adult initiate to undertake a new path in life. It is not a “saving” from “sin”. We do not believe in the devil or in hell, although we acknowledge the Goddess Hel, who rules over the land of the dead, according to the ancient Norse. We do not sacrifice animals or humans. We believe that all life, animate and inanimate, is sacred and should be used wisely treated with respect. Ad, perhaps the greatest obstacle (besides the Goddess) that stands between Witches and the orthodox religions is we believe in and practice magic to improve our lives.
If you can accept all of these beliefs and have turned away from the orthodox religions because you feel they don’t offer you what you are seek in a spiritual path, then Witchcraft is made for you. If, however you don’t want to let go of the orthodox deity, but you want to practice magic, I suggest that you delve into ceremonial magic, whose practitioners believe in one male god and call upon angels and demons in their work. Ceremonial magic arose in the Middle Ages as an acceptable method of working magic. It uses the Hebrew names of God, Plus the names of angels and demons. Because it was practiced by scholars and churchmen alike ( all males ), the orthodox Church turned a blind eye to it.
Wicca is the most satisfying way to live a life. Once you become Wiccan you will not be able to envision another way. If your heart and soul draw you to this path, then I say, “Welcome.” If not, may you continue your search until you find the path you seek.
Abracadabra Healing talismans were of various types, but one of the most common was that which bore a Word Of Power. Frequently, the word was repeated a number of times with a letter dropped from it each time. The person to be healed would speak the complete word, then the truncated words, until there was nothing left to pronounce. If the sick person was too ill to speak, then some one else could speak the words on behalf of the patient. This was a form of Sympathetic Magic: as the word diminished. So did the disease.
The paper or parchment on which the decreasing word was written was worn around the neck of the sick person, tied there with flax. The words would be said every day. At the end of a nine-day period, the talisman would be taken to an easterly flowing stream and, with a final recitation of the words, the patient would throw the talisman over his or her left shoulder into the water, allowing the water to carry away both it and the disease.
Abracadabra was used to heal a fever. The earliest known mention of this was in 208CE by Quintus Serenus Sammonicus, physician to the Roman Emperor Severus. Sir E. A. Budge, however, believes the formula is based on some thing much older than that.
A B R A C A D A B R A
A B R A C A D A B R
A B R A C A D A B
A B R A C A D A
A B R A C A D
A B R A C A
A B R A C
A B R A
A B R
A B
A
Many attempts have been made to explain the meaning of
Abracadabra. Sir A. W. Wallis Budge thinks it most likely to have been derived from the Chaldean words Abbad Ke Dabra, maning “perish like the word.”
Dr. Moses Gaster, a noted Jewish scholar, gave this formula:
Ab Abr Abra Abrak Aabraka
Abrakal Abrakala Abrakal
Abraka Abrak Abra Abr Ab.
And the people called Moses and Moses prayed to God,
And the fire abated. May healing come from heaven from
All kinds of fever and consumption-heat to N son of N.
Amen. Amen. Amen. Selah. Selah. Selah.
Budge describes the above as “the perfect Hebrew amulet” since it contains the magical name Abrakala, text from the bible, a prayer that is equivalent of a pagan incantation, and the “threefold Amen and the three fold Selah.”
There is a similar Jewish spell to banish a demon known as Shebribri, believed to cause disease of the eye. The name is said repeatedly: “Shebribri Briri Riri Iri Ri.“ with the belief that he will gradually diminish to nothing.
The word Abracadabra has been so overused in connection with magic that it has come to be thought of as no more than a nonsense word used by stage magicians, Yet it was originally a word believed to have great power. Many magicians and Witches in the Middle Ages employed it on talismans for a great many purposes other than its original one of curing disease. Daniel Defoe, in his Journal Of The Plague Year (1722), mentions the use of Abracadabra by those wishing to ward off the plague.
Some scholars believe that the word comes from the name Abraxas, claimed by the Basilidian sect of Gnostics as their supreme deity. It was believed that Abraxas ruled over 365 lesser Gods, and hence, over the 365 days of the year. In Ceremonial Magic, according to Collin De Plancy’s Dictionnaire Infernal of 1863, Abraxas is depicted as having serpents for feet and sometimes the head of a cockerel.
Afterlife Witches believe in a life after death. Individual beliefs may nary, but most Witches think of it as being very much like the present plane of existence. It is, however, a place where the lessons of life just completed may be reviewed and where (as with the Wiccan belief in reincarnation) the necessary lessons for the next life are planned.
There is no belief in a “Final Judgment,” with its rewards and punishments. It is thought that we receive our rewards and punishments in this life, according to how we live it (see Karma).
Gerald Gardner, the “Grand Old Man Of Witchcraft,” responsible more that anyone for the re-awakening of interest in the Old Religion, was interested in spiritualism at an early age. In spiritualism, the afterlife is known as the “Summerland,” a term coined by Andrew Jackson Davis in mid-1800s. The afterlife is so called in Wicca as well. Whether or not the Wiccan term can be solely attributed to Gardner is unknown, although there seems to be no refrence to it by that name prior to Gardner’s teachings.
According to a Gallup Poll in 1980, 71 percent of Americans believe in an afterlife. Many religions place that afterlife in one place, without the “heaven” or “hell” of orthodox theology.
The length of time spent in the Summerland , between lives, is indeterminate. Since there is no concept of time in the afterlife, it could be minutes or it could be centuries. Wiccans believe that it is possible for those in the physical body, on this plane, to communicate with spirits in the Summerland by various means.
Mystery Religion Witchcraft/Wicca is a mystery religon similar to the anceint Greek mysteries
Harm none
Blessed be
So mote it be
**Page Added By Sexywiccangoddess**
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