Learn About Wicca, Spells and Magick

What is Wicca, Really? by LadySeluna

Wicca is often mistaken for Witchcraft. The truth of the matter is, Wicca is a religious faith all of its own. What might surprise many people even more is that Wicca is a very loving religious practice, one that demands its followers to adhere to strict ethics and high morals. Summed up, these ethics convey the Wiccan Law of "Harm None", which enforces those of Wiccan faith to be consistently mindful of their daily actions and resulting effects, and their interactions with mankind, animals, and the environment in which we live.

Wicca incorporates a combination of religious beliefs and practices. These include; Eastern Philosophy, Mystical Quabalah, and old European traditions. From Eastern Philosophy, Wicca derives its belief system of Cause and Effect, Karma and Reincarnation. The Quabalah lends its principles of Spiritual Evolution through 'path-working', as well as Esoteric Knowledges. And, from European tradition Wicca receives its passions and understandings of nature and many of its Deities.

What Do Wiccans Worship?

The foundation of Wicca is based on the teachings and belief that there are many forms of 'Divine Spirit' which reside with us here on Earth, as well as in 'Heavenly' Realms, all of which are benevolent, and accessible by mankind to assist us with our needs - both physical and spiritually. Many of these Divine Beings are found in Nature - in the elements, the sky, and the Earth 'Herself'.

How Do Wiccans Worship?

Wiccans base their primary observances on what is referred to as 'The Wheel of the Year'. This 'Wheel' contains eight times in each year where the changes of the seasons are celebrated by Ritual to pay tribute for the gifts and opportunities inherent in each season.

Examples include the asking for protection and needs to be meet during winter months, the 'calling forth' of spring (seed and planting time), and giving thanks for crop abundances in the autumn.

What Are "Wiccan Tools" and Why Are They Used?

During Rituals, Wiccans use 'tools' - or 'altar items', to assist them with their performances. These include athames, wands, chalices, bowls, candles, and pentacles. Most all of these items correlate with an element of nature, and each has a specific purpose to aid in rituals - which are often performed to portray the roles which Divine Spirits play in interacting and impacting our daily lives.

Wicca and Magick:

Much of the misconceptions about Wicca stem from its practice of performing 'magick'. This magick is often (wrongfully) attached to some type of devil-worship by those who do not take the time to research the facts. In truth, most Wiccans do not even believe in a devil. And, if they did, the Code of Ethics and Principles of Wicca would enforce its followers to stand clear of "him". Wicca promotes well-being unto all.

The Origins of Magick:

The art of performing magick dates back to prehistoric man, whereas tokens of appreciation were offered during semi-rituals by the tribes in hope of being granted particular blessings from the Gods of Old. The most common documented proof of the Gods that were believed in during this era were those of Fertility Goddesses and Gods of the Hunt, both of which were honored frequently in exchange for food and safety.

Magick Today:

Today, much of the makings of magick in Wicca is based on the same platform: Celebrations, dances, and feasts are performed to pay honor to particular Divine Spirits in exchange for blessings which are bestowed. Crafts are made and tokens are offered in the same fashion. These magicks range from elaborate gatherings of wiccan multitudes, to the less casual practices of solitary wiccans, whereas an individual (or group of a few) will perform smaller rituals to gain more personal-type blessings.

Other Tools of Craft:

It is believed by wiccans that most all natural materials, from stones to plants, withhold specific 'energies' which may be utilized in magick as additional aids for attaining specific results. The Most popular of natural materials is perhaps the usage of herbs. Herbs are incorporated into magick by way of making crafts by them for offerings and tokens of appreciation and honor. Herbs are a also incorporated into magickal workings for their large variety of pleasing fragrances, and for this reason are commonly used in incenses - which are burned during all religious ceremonies in effort to attract and compliment the Divine Spirits.

Wicca, during the past many years, has done much in the way of promoting religious tolerance in the publics eye. It is not within the religious practice of Wicca to solicit new members or reform those of other religious creeds. But rather, to teach, by example, the many blessings bestowed upon those who abide by the Law of Love, and kindness to all.

Each of the Great Religions of the World is based upon the teachings of making personal improvements and rising above our environments, helping those in need, and becoming more spiritually evolved. It seems impossible, therefore, that with so many similarities among various religions - that any particlar creed could be right or wrong.

With all of the struggles that separate mankind in today's world, I maintain that Religion should not be one of them. But in fact, should be a common ground that unites us all - despite a cultures 'name' for its God (or Goddesses) and the origins or mythic tales attached. I believe that "God" - in any aspect, is most likely BI-LINGUAL (speaking many languages) and is present to all cultures. I further suggest that any Almighty Being has better things to do than play monopoly among religious creeds. Education is the key, and there are many informative books on Wicca available.


The author of this article is Lady Seluna. To learn more about Wicca, please visit her site at http://www.Sacredshadows.net. For those of you in search of wiccan supplies, please visit: http://www.Sacredshadows.net/WiccanSupplies.htm for all of your magickal needs. You'll love our products and prices.
Wiccan Supplies

Article Source: NewAgeArticles.com

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There is a lot of confusion these days about these 2 terms, and many think the terms are synonymous. Before delving into specifics of each, let's start by pointing out the difference between witches and Wiccans.

- A witch is a person who practices magic/spellcraft.

- A Wiccan is a person who practices Wicca, an earth based pagan religion.

A Wiccan can be a witch, and a witch can be a Wiccan. But the terms do not mean the same thing. Why? Because you do not have to be Wiccan in order to practice magic and spellcasting. Therefore you do not have to be Wiccan to be a witch. And although Wiccans tend to practice magic (and are therefore witches) they do not necessarily do so.

This is where alot of people get it confused, which I find sad. I have talked to countless people who thought in order to practice witchcraft they had to give up their current religion and become Wiccan. Now that's fine if Wicca appeals to you and you no longer believe the teachings of your current religion. But it is not a necessity. You can be Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, whatever religion you already are, and still be a witch and practice witchcraft.

Where the biggest problem lies is usually with the other religion. I don't think there are alot of Christian priests who will give witchcraft the big thumbs up. The same goes for church leaders of most religions. But here's the thing you need to consider... (and let's use Christianity as our example since there are so many Christians) are you practicing the ideas of your religion... or are you blindly following a preacher? Just as you do not have to be Wiccan to be a witch, you don't have to worship the Pope to be a Catholic. When you are a member of a religion, it is because you believe in a good number of the ideas others of that religion believe in. It does not mean you are a slave to every word uttered, their church leaders, or every idea they have.

Each person is an individual. We all have our own personal thoughts, ideas, beliefs, and feelings. You do not have to believe every single thing of the religion you belong to. You believe in Christ? You believe you are saved through him? Well then you are a Christian. Your preacher tells you witchcraft is evil? Um, ok... he is entitled to his opinion. Does that make you stop being a Christian? Someone disagrees with your belief and that somehow takes something away from you? Why on earth would you think that?

Religion is a personal experience, and your beliefs are your own. Our so called religion is just a title we give ourselves. Something to be identified by. If you believe a little bit of Buddhism, a little Hindu, some Christianity and a little Wicca... let yourself. Don't pigeonhole yourself into a title. If you really need to have a response to give people who ask, pick whichever thing you are closest to and say you are mostly. "Hi I'm Selena, I'm mostly Christian!" or combine your beliefs into a single title "I'm a Christian witch," or "I'm a Wiccan Buddhist." Then at least you are being honest.

Don't know what you are yet or what you believe? Well you owe yourself the time to find out. Research it, contemplate it, and develop your own personal belief system. That is what I have done, and there are few things as fulfilling as that.

Me personally? I'm a Christian witch, and I'm proud of it. I practice spellcraft and I believe in Christ, just as the "title" implies.

If you have questions or comments about this guide feel free to contact me. However, please do not contact me to spread negativity. I only deal with positive people. I know there is a plethora of zealots that would love to tell me how wrong I am and try to pigeonhole me into their beliefs. Although I respect their beliefs, I am not interested in receiving angry, preaching or negative emails. I am secure in my beliefs and have researched them thoroughly. I think everyone should do the same. I do not look down on or judge other religions, religious hybrids, or people still trying to find their way. I am accepting of everyone's beliefs, and I am accepting of my own beliefs. And that is the greatest gift you could ever give yourself.

Written by Sandy from http://www.thewitchescupboard.com.

A Love Spell Could Put Some Magic In Your Love Life by Orion

Have you ever had a secret love and wished that person would notice you and be attracted to you? Have you longed to develop a loving relationship with someone special, but found that your best efforts don't seem to be good enough? Have you desired a stronger and deeper relationship with your lover or special friend, but come to accept that they just don't want it as badly as you do.

Wouldn't it be nice if there was something you could do to open your lover's eyes so they were as eager as you to enter into the deeper love relationship you desire?

Many people have found exactly this kind of magic in Wiccan love spells.

Love spells are used to enhance and nourish almost any relationship or love need whether you wish to be reunited with your love, encourage your lover to make a deeper commitment, have a more passionate sex life, or even find your true love.

**What are Wiccan Love Spells?

Love spells have become a very popular form of magic (magick). Wiccan white magick spells rely on the positive energy located in all people and all things. Wiccan love spells are effective because they are designed to intensify and amplify the positive energy that is already present in a situation. They do not attempt to manufacture energy that is not already there.

There is a very broad range of love spells, each of which focuses on a slightly different objective. For instance there are love spells for reuniting with a previous love, and others for finding your true love. There are love spells to increase the passion in your love live, and others to encourage your lover to become more committed to your relationship. There are even sex and fertility spells to help in those areas.

In other words, different love spells can be used to amplify or positively influence any aspect of your love relationship.

**Is Casting a Spell an Attempt to Manipulate Others?

Love spells, as well as other Wiccan white magick spells, work with the positive energy that is in all things and all people. That means the practice of spell casting respects the free will of the people towards which the spells are directed.

While it is true that there are black magick forms of Wicca, white magick Wiccan love spells can be just as effective when cast correctly and in the right spirit. A responsible Wiccan spell caster will use spells that are worded to not be manipulative or violate free will.

For example, a reunited lovers' spell can be worded to enhance, and bring to the surface feelings that already exist for you until your lover thinks of you so much they can't wait to have you back.

In this way the spell is not creating new feelings, nor is it making your lover bind to you outside of his or her free will. This is not only respectful of the free will of your lover, but it is also a fullfilment of your deepest desire. You want your lover to desire you from his or her own free will, not because they have been manipulated to do so, or because they have been put in a kind of trance over which they have no control.

**Who Can Cast a Wiccan Love Spell?

An experienced Wiccan spell caster is the best person to cast a love spell for you. For instance, at http://practikalmagik.com Orion has been casting spells for more than 25 years, and knows all the factors that go into casting an effective spell. The most important of these is the wording of the spell itself, but the date and time of the spell casting is also important. As Orion says, "experience has taught me that casting on the best date in the lunar month yields far greater results than if cast immediately regardless of the lunar cycle."

On the other hand, if you prefer to cast the spell yourself, that is possible too. But obviously if you are inexperienced you will need some guidance. Orion's "Love Spell Kit" will give you "the finest, most potent and powerful wicca love spell, herbs, crystals and candles. You will receive easy step-by-step instructions and the exact same tools used in our own personal love spell casting."

Love spells can be an effective tool for enriching your love life. But be sure to remember the adage, "Be careful what you ask for, because you just might get it." Think carefully of the type of love spell you want to cast, the possible results and what you hope to receive from the spell. You will find that love spells, as with any magick, can help turn your desires and wishes into realities in your life.

Visit Orion Tigerhawke's website for more information about Wiccan Love Spells. Orion guarantees you will get results or she will recast your spell until you do.


About the Author: Visit Orion Tigerhawke's website for more information about Wiccan Love Spells. Orion guarantees results or she will recast your spell until you do. Also see Orion's "Love Spell Kit"


Article Source: NewAgeArticles.com

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How To Incoporate Practical Magic Into Your Daily Life! by Cucan Pemo

More and more people these days are turning to witchcraft, paganism and wiccan spiritual practices as more meaningful and inclusive forms of religion. Since the printing of Gerald Gardner's Witchcraft Today, thousands have discovered the power it can have.

Although we live in a highly modernized, technological world, the ancient wisdom and knowledge that is imparted through witchcraft is still relevant today, if in fact even more so, since it is a peaceful, inclusive and deeply conscious tradition, that reveres the earth and earthly cycles. In this day and age, which is dominated by war and wanton environmental destruction, witchcraft offers a gentle nonviolent alternative way of making sense of our world.

Some people sadly, fear witchcraft because they wrongly associate it with the dark arts of Satanism. This is a grave misconception, which witches everywhere are seeking to dispel. According to Gardner, contrary to the popular perceptions, witchcraft is more to do with honoring the earth and the divine feminine. In fact, most people who practice witchcraft, do so because it is holistic, non-judgmental and non-patriarchal inasmuch as it honors the sacred creativity of women, and recognizes the life-giving force of the earth upon which we live. Many people see witchcraft as a deeply ecological religion, that seeks to protect the earth and it's gifts to humans.

Whether you want to incorporate witchcraft into your life in a serious and dedicated manner, or simply want to explore this spiritual tradition, learning about it first is the way forward. Because it is such a poorly understood and much maligned spiritual tradition, many witches are very private about their beliefs. In fact, most will not reveal themselves to be witches. Whether you go on to join a coven, or merely incorporate magic into your life on a private level, you too can start to weave spells into your life in order to transform your day to day reality. Many novices start out by practicing what I like to describe as "practical magic" - spells that can be incorporated into your life without requiring much effort or time.

Here are two good everyday spells to add to your spell book.

Protection charm

If you are concerned about your own well-being, or the well-being of someone dear to you, make sure you (or that other person) carries something blue on the body. By wearing something blue on your person, you will ward off destructive or negative forces. A good tip for women is to sew blue ribbon into their bras and underwear so that no matter what you are wearing on the outside, you will always have something blue on your body to protect you.

For men, carrying blue beads in your pocket is one way of performing this charm. Although this is a simple charm to carry out, it is extraordinarily effective. I recently gave a blue bead on a string to a male friend of mine who had been unceremoniously dumped by his girlfriend. He told me that within a day of carrying the bead he had not only gotten over his negative feelings about his girlfriend, but had secured a highly lucrative art deal and was felt he was on a path of rebirth. He carries his blue bead everywhere as a matter of course now.

House charm

Many people want to know how they can protect their homes from negative forces. This is a very simple spell that ensures your home draws in positivity, friendship and love. It can be performed at any time, but I recommend your do it when your family or flat-mates are not present, as you do not want to be interrupted.

To cleanse the house of any negative spirits or emotions, you light a candle and go from room to room, reciting the qualities that you want to exist in your home. When I performed this spell, I went from room to room, saying things like "Peace", "Happiness", "Creativity", "Love", "Friends", "Laughter" etc etc. Once you have visited every room, take a sprig of lavender and tie it above each external door. By tying lavender above the entrances to your house, you ensure that only good elements pass into it.

The two charms above show how easy it can be to practice magic. Whether you intend to delve more deeply into witchcraft, or merely incorporate a little "practical magic" into your life, witchcraft is a deeply spiritual and conscious religion that draws on ancient wisdom and knowledge that can truly enhance your life.


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Article Source: NewAgeArticles.com

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