Why does it even matter?
It matters because there are so many questions and variances
out there. The need for clarity is great, even if clarity can only be gain one
individual at a time. I decided to write this post because questions are often
asked about what Witches believe. Some even posed the question, “Can a Witch be
an Atheist?”
To me explaining what I believe is easy and yet it is the
hardest thing to do. Belief holds some form of obscurity. Belief is personal
and individual. It is not always easily expressed. I am a Witch and I know what
I believe, but I might not be able to express to you what I believe in a way
that helps you clearly understand my point of view.
Also, I can’t tell you what other Witches out there believe.
It simply not possible. There are too many facets and too many possibilities
out there to generalize them all correctly. The discrepancies far outweigh the
similarities.
I also think there is a whole lot of bickering out there about
what constitutes being a Witch. Too often I find we are blinded to the
possibilities because we are too far bent on forcing others to believe as we
think they should. So let’s take a breath and act like mature intellectually permeable
adults, shall we?
*I’m totally chuckling after writing that…
As best I can, I will explain my point of view and my
beliefs on a few areas I can think to discuss at this point.
Deity vs Nature
vs Energy vs Atheism
I do not consider myself Atheist, rather I am more agnostic
in my beliefs. I do not confirm nor deny the existence of Gods and Goddesses.
Personally, I don’t align myself with any one pantheon, rather I believe that
all pantheon are made up of the same energy. Something far bigger than human
likenesses and personalities. To me deities are humanized versions of a greater
universal energy. I feel traditionally people need the human association of a
face, name and personality, so they can better relate to the vastness of
universal energy. Why not, the universe
if enormous!
Dividing this energy up in to bite size pieces, placing a
face it, and calling it by name makes an easier connection. A vision of a
caring mother goddess rather and an omnipotent invisible energy is clearly
easier to relate to. If you came across a woman holding a small child carved
into marble you are more likely to relate to the image. She is a caring mother,
a caring mother goddess. However, if you are come across a blob of energy carved
into marble you might be very confused or mistake it for something demonic and
horrible. YES! I get it.
Don’t get me wrong. I love mythology. There is real value in
the stories told and the personalities of Gods and Goddesses. I find them
inspiring, endearing, powerful, and more. There is real purpose in the practice.
I just don’t necessarily call upon them as though they were a long distance
friend.
With that said, I also believe energy will present its self
as we can best conceive it. In example, if you are more attuned with animal
spirits, this is how the universe will communicate with you. To me, it is all
the same energy just manifesting itself in different ways so we can better understand
or receive a message. I resonate best with Animal spirits. They come to me all
the time. From birds staring at me through my bedroom window to foxes crossing
my path while on a hike. They come to me because they are my direct link to the
universe.
Another question I recently read is this, “Can a Witch be
and Atheist?” To me I don’t think it is possible. In a recent forum someone
claimed to be an Atheist to Satan. I feel like anyone who is throwing these
terms around does not have a clear understanding of what it means to be
Atheist. That or they are be funny. If they are being facetious, I get it. In
the context is was presented it was funny. *chuckle*
Witches and Wiccan’s a like, tend to believe in some sort of
higher power whether it be deity, nature, or the universe as a whole. There is
something beyond us here in this world. In my studies of Atheism this is not
the case. In my understanding of Atheism… This is it. There is nothing more. We
are it and this existence is it. Most Atheist I know and those with whom I have
spoken, follow this sort of belief. It is and remains my understanding that Atheism
requires a mindful rejection of a higher power and all faith based traditions.
Although, there could be many other sides to this philosophy out there. I have
not yet encountered them personally.
Now back to my thoughts on Deity. If am a worshiper of anything,
it is of universal energy and Nature herself. I believe there is something
larger than life out there, and it is far beyond anything we could possibly
imagine. I don’t believe it demands anything from us, except that we live by its
natural laws. BUT this energy pays close attention when we ask and show dedicated
interest. We are naturally attracted to one another, like magnets.
I believe it is neither male nor female. Rather, it is
something far bigger than that. Incomprehensible is the best word I can use. We
might scratch the surface of understanding, and we may even gain clarity of it
for a brief moment, but in our state, as humans, we cannot fully grasp it. We
can only respect and honor it as it is also a part of us. We are directly
connected even though we have distanced ourselves from this energy over the
past several centuries. It is the energy of nature, the trees, the animals, the
minerals, and even Gaia herself.
The best allegory I can offer is that of the Red Wood Forest.
It has been discovered that the enormous Sequoias of this forest are all
connected to one another. Unlike most trees, the magnificent Sequoias do not
have a large tap root that keeps them upright. Instead they intermingle their roots
to prevent one another from falling over. This proves effective as some of
these trees are over 3,000 years old. You don’t see this connected support,
from the perspective of standing on the surface. It is just beneath the
surface, unattainable except when you dig a little deeper. So perhaps we only
need to dig a little deeper to find our connections to one another as well as
the universe.
What makes
a Witch a Witch, but not Wiccan? AND… What makes a Wiccan a Witch?
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This one is a difficult subject because there are so many
hard opinions out there. I am not one for accepting insult where insult is not
meant. If you call me Wiccan fine, I am not offended. However, many others out
there will absolutely take offense. Some will out right chew you a new asshole
for making the assumption or generalization. As a community we should be
helping spread understanding instead of hostility. So for me to jump down your
throat because you simply don’t understand the differences, is wrong.
In my opinion, a label is just a label. To label ourselves
is same, just a label. You can call yourself anything you like, your actions
will speak the truth. Our actions and practices are what make us who or what we
are. Our actions, values, standards, and reactions make us who or what we are.
If you act like a bitch, guess what you’re a bitch. If you act professionally,
you’re professional. If you act kind, you are kind. If you are a mix of it all,
then you are eclectic. I do think labels are unfair at times, but they also help
us relate to one another. Ultimately through our actions and reactions, we determine
how the label is perceived.
I feel as a Witch you have free reign to do what you like
with your practice. It isn’t mine or anyone else’s place to judge. Just do your
best to know the terms and use them correctly. Be intelligent and correct.
There is nothing worse that some ignorant asshole with a loud mouth.
In my practice, I define a witch as someone who practices
the art and science of harnessing and using natural energy for a variety of
reasons. This is done spontaneously as well as methodically. Witchcraft
(non-Wiccan) requires no specific tools, rules, or association to a specific
sect/path/tradition. The guidelines followed are related to the laws of Nature.
There also is a very miniscule hierarchy. You might have an entire coven of
Witches all viewed as equals, but respect is positioned toward the elders/most
experienced within the group. A group like this will not meet often. Traditionally
Witches seem to keep to themselves and only gather together when a great need
is present.
In addition, Witches may not celebrate Sabbats as Wiccans
do. In my practice I honor the lunar cycles more than I do the Sabbats. Not to
say that I don’t revere or recognize Sabbats. I simply resonate better with the
cycles of the Moon.
From my point of view and experience, a Wiccan is one who is
methodical about every aspect of spell work, ritual, Sabbat, and deity. Most
Wiccans gather in covens and teaching circles and practice/worship under a High
Priest and Priestess. Although, there are quite a number who are solitary. Wiccan
traditions rely on specific rituals and initiations. There are specific rules
and bylaws one must follow, i.e. the Wiccan Rede.
Wiccans might also follow or associate with a specific path
such as Alexandrian, Celtic, Dianic, Eclectic, and the like. Wiccan practices
in my experience are highly ritualistic, like a catholic mass. Those who
resonate well with ritual or require specific routine, probably link well with
this type of practice.
A Wiccan can certainly adopt various aspect of Witchcraft. When
we look into the history of Wicca we find that the origins of Wicca are deeply rooted
within Witchcraft. Wicca was intended to be the revival of Witchcraft. A
rebranding of an old religion if you will.
Wicca also make a wonderful starting point toward becoming a
Witch. The rules, practices, and values help set one up for independence.
Spiritual
But Not Religious
This also brings up the question of Spirituality vs
religion. I don’t consider myself religious. I do consider myself spiritual.
You’ve heard the term #SBNR (Spiritual But Not Religious). This ideal resonates
well with me.
Why? Okay, here is how I see it. I don’t follow one sect, or
religious structure. Conformity related to anything with a creative disposition
is stifling to me. I pretty much do my own thing while following a simple
philosophy based on what Nature teaches. I don’t follow or hail to one
pantheon. I don’t abide by a written text, religious book, scripture, or the
like.
To me, religion requires you to follow specific man made
rules. In example, you must go to church every Sunday, you must read this book,
wear these clothes, and follow these rules. You must give a certain percent of
your income to the church or establishment. You must have a reverend, minister,
or leader governing your life, actions, and interpreting to you what should be believe.
There is always someone else calling the shots and telling you how to live and
move in the world. I prefer to be more independent.
This however, does not keep me from having compassion and
humanity. I am against injustice and I seek to live in a manner that honors my
path. My personal values uphold the truths I know within. I am free to change
my mind if an ideal no longer holds true in my life. I try to live well and be
good. I seek balance and while seeking prosperity. I try to keep my actions in
check, reminding myself that I am but a small spec in the universe. I practice
humility, restraint, and kindness. I am a volunteer in the community and seek
to make our world a better place. I do this because it is part of being human
not because there is someone watching my every move, judging my worthiness.
Laws,
bylaws, rules of a Witch (mine anyway)
I feel nature provides me with all the rules and guidelines I
need in order to live healthfully, and practice Magick effectively. I also live
two lives in a sense, my mundane and my spiritual. Many times they cross over
or mingle with one another. In my mundane life people meet me before they meet
my spiritual path. It is a rule I created for myself in order to cope with and somewhat
fit into the world we live in today.
Nature is fairly simple, and here are the basics. You want
something you must work for it. A wolf cannot eat without first tracking its
pray and then successfully killing it. The pack is depending on the kill to
survive. Same goes for the farmer. The farmer will be rewarded with thousands
of seeds later if he/she first preps, plants, and properly cares for his/her
current crop today. You and me, the people who need to eat, rely on the farmer
to have a bountiful crop.
I believe nature will provide to us vast abundance as long
as we put forth the effort to achieve what we desire. YES! That means you need
to work first and get paid later. It also means you need to put forth you best
effort every day. Half ass effort = half ass return.
Sometimes we don’t know where to start and we need guidance.
This is where the universe is also very helpful. All you need to do is ask for
guidance. Once you know what you need to do, it is time to get motivated. Get your
mindset in check, align your values, narrow your focus, roll up your sleeves,
and get to work.
The most basic law I follow is this: You receive nothing
without equivalent exchange. OR Something must be given before abundance can be
received.
This means I must first give up my time, money, talents, knowledge,
etc. if I want something from the universe. It also to me means I must be a
part of something bigger than myself. Remember the wolf hunting for dinner.
Well the wolf is not just hunting for him/herself. The pack is depending on
that kill and it is depending on the hunter to complete the task. That is not
to suggest that the pack is laying around doing nothing. It is quite the
contrary. The pack is either helping with the hunt or tending to other aspects involving
the pack. This philosophy is also reflected in various tribes from Native
American to Aborigine.
Picture a native tribe of people. Everyone is hungry. So a
hunting party goes out get dinner because in order to survive and thrive one
must eat. Back at home the tribe is preparing for this meal. Fires are stoked, blades
are sharpened, and vegetables/grains are prepared. There is also a lot to do once
the hunter return with what eventually be dinner.
The hunters do their part and the tribe does theirs. It is a
community effort. Their mentality is not focused on the individual, rather it
is focused on the whole. They know that when they all work together they all
benefit. Much of this philosophy has been lost to us in modern times. We have
come to believe that it is every man, woman, and child for their self. We
forget we are part of something larger. Like the mingling roots of the Sequoia hidden
beneath the surface. We all have an interconnectedness with one another.
Our actions effect one another. Perhaps not today or next
week but they do eventually in one way, shape, or form. We thrive when we work
together. Otherwise, we wonder around aimless and depressed, unfulfilled by
products, gadgets, and gimmicks. Sound familiar?
I am not saying there is never a time to think of yourself.
My caution is that we be mindful of the thin line between selfish and not.
If you have questions please feel free to message me
directly or comment below. I am sure I did not cover it all and I will revise
as necessary.
Bright Blessings,
Leandra Witchwood
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