| Sex, Nudity and the Craft
Sky-clad rites were not a part of the traditional witch�s routine. Not only would it have been dangerous for a woman to be seen totally naked as she went about her business, it was inappropriate. No one, man or woman, ever went before their god/goddess totally unclothed. Even if they were clothed only in ritual paint and leaves, they wore something. To do otherwise would have been insulting to their deities. After all, worship was a special occasion and special occasions deserve the best! Gerald Gardner, a known nudist, thought it would be nice to have naked people at his rites. He put forth the idea that the energy raised could not penetrate clothing and therefore all rites must be done in the nude. Now, anyone with any sense could tell you that, if the energy we raise can manifest change on a physical level, travel through the astral or facilitate healing then it can surely penetrate through your clothes. Initiation by sex was also not a common practice until Mr. Gardner, self- proclaimed witchcraft movement revivalist, came along. Yes, a young priestess would perform the Great rite with her consort at Beltane, but these two chosen ones were trained all of their lives for such an act. They were serving as God and goddess and not a simple initiatory rite. When sex is used as part of initiation it causes great imbalance. If a priestess in training couples with an experienced priest, then he takes on a serious karmic debt on behalf of the more inexperienced person. The same goes for a male initiate and a skilled Priestess. The Book of Shadows Once upon a time there was a great Book of Shadows whose purpose was to help one interpret the future by reading shadows. This legendary book has long since passed into other realms, or is perhaps in some far off eastern land. Countless folks who embark upon the path of witchcraft dutifully copy every line of this BOS, mistakes and all, because they are either told to by their High Priestess or they feel it contains all they need to know about being a witch. However, traditional witches did not have such a book. These women and men were illiterate for the most part and learned things by rote, not writing. They were also aware that any working undertaken needed to be original and a true act of spirituality. There is no use in using other people�s spells. Their energy comes from the person who created them and once they are used up are spiritually spent. Adapting another�s spells or rites for your own use is perfectly fine. As long as your intentions are clearly put forth there is no reason why your inspiration should not begin with someone else�s work. However, elaborate spells spoken word for word out of some book contain no power. The Goddess likes originality. That�s why she created us all to be different. If she wanted to hear us chattering on like parrots then we would all be exactly alike. It is your energy and your intentions that make things happen. I do not keep a book of shadows. However, I do have a nice, hand-bound journal that I write my musings, spell work and ritual results in. Everything in one this book is original and intended for my eyes-only. Sharing it with another person would give away my power. Just as copying the old Book of Shadows completely has no power at all. Be original. Write what comes from your heart. All of my rituals and working are spontaneous. I know my intent, but not what I will say or do once the rite begins. What comes is what is supposed to come and is a direct link to my spirit. I also have a loose-leaf notebook full of information that I am happy to share. Most of the information there is gathered from other sources so contains no personal power for me. Being a Witch Being a witch means you celebrate life in all its many forms. Go out and enjoy the sunset. Create a collage to honor your inherent divinity. Laugh every chance you get. Further your knowledge by continuing to learn and study. Share your knowledge with those who have a keen interest, but guard it from those who are just seeking the thrill. The goddess will guide you every step of the way so that you too may find your proper path and natural way of honoring. |
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