Spirituality and Self Help
Meet a Northern Witch
by Rayvin
Ever wonder if Witches were real? Well, let me tell you what I know,
based on my personal experience and research. The term "Witch" invokes
stereotypes and misconceptions, but I hope that you will read on and
come to understand, if only enough to be open to learning more.
Witches are, in fact, real and living in your town and mine. They are
spread across many parts of the world; their numbers are growing in
Canada and the United States. They are NOT evil and DO NOT worship
Satan. He is not part of their deity system. They believe that each
person is responsible for his or her own actions.
Most Witches believe in a three-fold law: where what you send forth
comes back times three. This is also known as Karma. It would not make
much sense to do things that were "evil" or nasty, if what you did would
come back upon you three times as strongly.
Witches belong to a broader religious category: Paganism. Like
Christianity, Paganism has many denominations or paths. All of these
paths share a respect and reverence for nature, as well as a strong
sense of spirituality. Paganism includes but is not limited to Wicca,
Druidry, Asatru, and Witchcraft. There are also strong similarities
between Aboriginal Spirituality and Paganism.
Pagans do not snap their fingers, wiggle their noses or wave their wands
to make things happen. Some, not all, do use Magick and cast spells.
However, unlike the fun fiction of the movie, TheCraft or television
shows like Charmed, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or Bewitched, spells don't
automatically make things happen. Spells are like prayers. They are away
of getting in touch with nature and focussing your will and intent on
your desired goals. If you don't also act according to that intent, then
nothing will happen.
For example, if you saw a Blue Jay for the first time ever, you might
think to yourself, "Wow, a real Blue Jay! I knew they existed, but I
never thought I'd actually see one. It's so pretty. Hmmmm? I wonder what
they eat?" Then you decide to get a book. You surf the web get a little
more information since your curiosity has been intrigued. Two days
later, you see another one. Then it seems like you see them everywhere.
You even notice them on signs and television. Ads for "The Toronto Blue
Jays" stand out now. Blue Jays are abundant here in Northern Ontario,
and they have always been here, but until you notice and pay attention,
you don't see them. This is how a Magick spell works. You focus your
intention and you begin to see more clearly, and things that may have
been there all along seem to come suddenly to the surface.
Like spells, many Pagan symbols have been misunderstood. For instance,
the pentacle, a five-pointed star inside a circle, is a common symbol of
The Craft. It is not used by all paths but is considered a symbol of
protection by many. The points of the star represent the elements:
earth, air, fire, water and spirit. The circle represents unity and the
cycle of life, with no beginning and never ending. You might be
thinking, "I've seen Satanists wearing this symbol." Yes, Satanists have
taken our sacred symbol inverted it to use as their own just as they
have taken the crucifix, inverted it and used it as their own. Some bad
people may claim to be witches or pagans; this does not mean all Pagans
are bad. Every religion has, at one time or another, been claimed by
people who do bad things. However, these people do not represent any
faith as a whole.
Paganism is NOT a cult. A cult has one central leader that dictates what
everyone in it is to do. Many Pagans are solitary practitioners; hence
they lead only themselves. Some groups meet to practise together: this
gathering may be called a coven, circle or perhaps fireside. Pagan
gatherings may take place outside in order to be close to nature, but
Pagans will meet indoors if the weather is not favourable.
Many Pagans worship a God and Goddess equally. However, some paths
worship only a Goddess. Some worship a single God and Goddess; other
Pagans worship many or see others as a form of the main one or two.
Most of the Pagans I know volunteer in community groups and charities.
They are parents, care-givers, teachers, lawyers, musicians, business
owners, artists and students. They are kind and caring. They respect
others and accept differences. They smile a lot. And while some do like
black, they wear many colours. They seek only to be accepted for who
they are and do not try to convert or recruit others. People choose this
spiritual path of their own free will.
If you would like more information about Paganism, please fell free to
contact me.
Thank you for being open-minded.
Blessed be!
Rayvin
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