progress)
supposed to be all about it. Perhaps this site isn't everything you'd expect from a Wicca
101 course, but it's not really meant to be. The message board is there for people who
have questions. If you have a question I can't answer I might be able to point you in the
right direction. So many people have such an odd conception of what Wicca is, and it's
very tempting to write a treatise on what it isn't, but I'm trying very hard to resist that urge.
One of the best essays describing what Wicca is was written by my priestess, you might
want to review it and see how it matches with what you're thinking.
studying any other religion, it either captures you or it doesn't. Actual Wiccans are like
other real people. You couldn't pick me out of a crowd as a Wiccan, or my husband
either. We're two normal, average people working two normal, average jobs to make
ends meet like most everyone else. We live our religion, we don't wear it or shout it.
defines a religion as "a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith."
What? It doesn't say anything about God or the gods or the divine at all! A religion
doesn't need to revolve around the principle of worship, and Wicca doesn't restrict it's
adherents to a certain form of worship, though in general worshipping a single deity of a
single sex and claiming it's the only "God" doesn't fit with the rest of Wiccan principles.
We're looking for balance and that idea isn't balanced at all.
seem to be often confused. The following list may be helpful (see the link above for the
sources):
atheist : one who believes that no deity exists.
monotheist : one who believes that there is only one god
duotheist (popular term) : one who believes in two gods, usually one female and the
other male
henotheist : one who believes in/worships only one god while not denying the existence
of others
polytheist : one who worships more than one god
pantheist : one who equates god with the forces and laws of the universe, and one who
worships all gods indifferently
deist : one who follows a movement or system of thought advocating natural religion
emphasizing morality, and in the 18th century denying the interference of the Creator with
the laws of the universe
The confusing thing is that most Wiccans I know don't strictly adhere to one of these
doctrines. My own philosophy isn't easily categorized. I believe that there is ultimately
only one Force responsible for the existence and functioning of the universe, and yet I
don't think it has anything to do with me on a personal level. I believe in the existence of
many gods, who together comprise the duality of "goddess" and "god" and yet who are
individuals, not just little bits of each. That makes me a mix of four out of the sevem
definitions above. Usually I'll just smile and say "I'm Wiccan."
to do with a divine force. A Wiccan isn't defined as so because of his or her beliefs
about the nature of diety (in general), but by his or her agreement with and adherence to
Wiccan principles. Our religion, if you will, can be reduced to a moral code.
Most people have heard of the Wiccan Rede. Most Wiccans can quote it at you if you
ask. I'd say the vast majority of them believe it all boils down to "harm none," I used to
think that as well. The Wiccan Rede is only the starting point, it doesn't actually get you
very far. "An it harm none, do as you will" says literally "if it doesn't hurt anyone do what
you want." That sounds so easy, but think--where in there did it say not to hurt anyone?
Where did it say what harm is? Who or what is included in "none?" The Rede implies
that harm is a bad thing, which is reasonable, so not causing harm would seem like a
good thing then, which is also reasonable. But how should we determine what this
means? In the Universal Eclecltic Wicca tradition we have four other ethics or principles
that help us interpret the Rede. We call the set The Five Points of Wiccan Belief. While
other Wiccans may call these principles something different or have more of them, the
premise is still the same. We believe that we should work to constantly improve
ourselves. We should strive to become attuned with the self, universe, and the divine
(note: not "the gods"). We should take responsibility for our actions, and we believe that
we reap as we sow.
We reap as we sow...that's a good starting point for determining what harm is. Do you
remember the Golden Rule? I swear it was plastered in every one of my gradeschool
classrooms, but most peopel never learn it. "Do unto others as you would have them do
unto you." Treat others as you want to be treated. Take only actions you would wish to
receive. Chances are if you wouldn't want someone to do it to you it's probably "harm."
Actions that keep us from attuning, that deny the divinity of self, others, or universe are
"harm." Remember, "do unto others."
board conveniently located here. I'd love to talk with you about it!
