WITCHCRAFT

Witchcraft, or the "Old Religion" has long been kept secretive.
One reason for this secrecy is fear of persecution. Recently, this has changed.
Witches can be open about who they are,
Although, even in the year 2002 there is still an element of fear and misunderstanding in American society.
The first ammendment protects our right to choose any religion we wish.
Teachers are now available through books, classes and websites.

Witchcraft is a religion which is centered around Nature, and its Dark and Light ryhthms.
Day and Night, Summer and Winter, Life and Death.
Witches have rituals which attune and balance us with the ryhthms of Nature, We are a part of nature.
We acknowlege the powerfull energies dwelling within us, and in everything around us.

Anyone sincerely interested in Witchcraft can learn about it and or practice it.
Solitarys are just as much "Witch" as coven members are.
Do not let an initiate with a large ego tell you different.
Formal Initiation can be Wonderful, but, a self dedication can be equally, if not More Powerful.
Some of us are just "born this way",
either through genetics, or reincarnation of the soul.

Witchcraft is Ancient, and most likely evolved through primitive shamanism,
it involves realities of both the physical, spiritual, and in between..
Altered states are often induced by chanting, drumming, meditation, music and dancing.
Some use Belladonna, the deadly nightshade, jimson weed or LSD to do this.
Many witches choose, or are given a "magickal" name, which is used among other Witches, and during ritual.

A common precept in "Modern" Witchcraft is "And if it harm none, do as thou Will", -including yourself.
This is a somewhat New philosophy.
Personlly, I see no harm in using witchcraft for protection and self defense, or even Anger and Revenge.
I beleive Negetive feelings should be acted on.
I adhere to Aliester Crowley's statement, "Do as Thou Will"
Not as in -what you "want" to do, but what is necessary to fulfill your "Higher Will" and true purpose,
What you are here to do.

Witches must have self control and self responsibility.
We do not blame others for what we ouselves have manifested.
Our powers are both Dark and Light. As is our nature.
We do not beleive in the theory of original sin, we are born "Perfect".
We realize that what we think, through will, "happens".
Powerful individuals should control the Power they have.
If they do not, It may Destroy them by thinking negitive things will happen.
Powerful thoughts have Powerful Reaction.

Many Witches beleive in Reincarnation, Magick, Divination, Healing, Astrology and other "Occult" arts.

Sacrifice is not common in Witchcraft, yet it does occur in some circles.
Most offer fruit, bread, wine and herbs to the Powers.
Personlly, I beleive any Blood sacrifice should be of your own.
And for a woman, her Menstral Blood, as women are most powerful at that time.
The blood of an animal or another does not carry the powerful energy necessary.

Rituals are most often held on the night of the full moon, and the eight days of power.

A Ritual can be very simple, or dramatic and complex.
Most prefer outdoor rituals, but, in situations, hold them indoors.

An average Ritual consists of:
Purifying oneself with either a special bath and/or smudging with incense,
Creating the circle area, (this should also be purified from other energies.)
(a circle defines the sacred boundry, containing the energy that is raised and offering protection from interfering energies),
Setting up the altar with candles, whatever decor, and tools,
(tools of the craft may include: a chalice, cauldron, wand, sword or athame, pentacle, water dish, censer, and salt)
Directional candles or Sigils, may be placed at the directional points.

(A special robe or jewelry may be worn, but not necessary, some prefer total nudity, or "skyclad", as it is most natural.)

As a ritual begins, the outline of the circle is defined, and consecrated with energy, or perfectly visualised in the minds eye.
the sprinkling of salted water and incense are traditional but optional, and the two altar candles are lit. One for the Female, and one for the Male Aspect.
Or, One for the Light and one for the Dark energys.
The directional energys are invited, or invoked.
(some call on the elementals, Archangels and/or watchtowers),

The directions & Elements
• East- yellow candle. Air. Sylphs, Angel Raphael.
• South- red candle. Fire. Salamanders, Angel Michael.
• West- blue candle. Water. Undines, Angel Gabriel.
• North- green or black candle. Earth. Gnomes, Angel Auriel.

The Powers are called upon to attend, Their names are many.
The ritual purpose is stated,
Energy is built up and released to fulfill any needed "Magick" to be done.
Most rituals end with food and drink (for celebration and grounding).
Some will Thank and dismiss the powers that they have called upon.
And the circle is broken.

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