Clearing Up the Wiccan and 'Pagan' Faiths...

[sha_lyn]

Paganism is a broad term to describe many religions. It would be like using the term Abrahamic to describe those religions that come from Abraham, Christianity, Judaism ,Islam etc
Wicca is a Pagan religion, just as Christianity is an Abrahamic religion.
Then there are different branches of Wicca just as their are different branches of Christianity.

This page sums Wicca pretty well IMHO. http://www.ravenwoodchurch.org/beliefs.htm

The eclectic coven I belong to could be compared to a non denominational church.

 

[PrincessTiff]

But I fail to see how that applies to the topic, especially when the topic is about Wiccans/Pagans, and not 'proper citation of sources'.

I, for one, would rather read YOUR interpretations of the Wiccan/Pagan practices and beliefs. If I wanted to read Wikipedia or google it I would have done so myself.

As a side note- You must not be studying for finals . I'm in the middle of finals myself and i've barely had enough time to sleep much less get on here as often as I used to.

 

[flying_babyb]

Any new questions? My ex-fience is a wiccan.

 

[luvthemouse71]

Just wanted to thank the OP for starting such an informative thread and to anyone who answered questions honestly and politely, even when it appeared they were being baited by some posters.(some of the replies had a little "tone" to them ) There are always going to be miconceptions about pagans and other people of non traditional faiths. I choose to take the high road and it appears that many of you do the same. Kudos!

 

[Laura]

A couple of years ago my aunt and uncle--(aunt by blood, uncle by marriage)--were invited to a Handfasting by a couple on my uncle's side of the family. They really had no idea what Wicca was or what a Handfasting was. After getting the invitation my aunt got a call from a friend who was also invited to the wedding and who goes to the same church (Catholic) as my aunt. The friend was very upset about the event and asked my aunt if she was going to go. My aunt said of course and the friend objected, "But they are devil worshippers! They'll be sacrificing animals. We can't go. It would be against the Church to go." The call got my aunt worried so she actually decided to go and ask her priest about it. Luckily the priest explained Wicca to my aunt and assured her there would be no devil worshipping or animal sacrifice. He told her it would not be "against the Church" or a sin to go to the Handfasting. He did add though that it was her duty as a Catholic to make sure she indicates to the couple that while she is happy for them, she would have been happier if they had married in the Catholic Church. (She, of course, said no such thing.)

That's kinda funny; handfasting was part of my wedding ceremony. To quote from my program:

The origin of the phrase “tying the knot,” handfasting was practiced by the Celts, among other people, during the Middle Ages. In Scotland it remained a legal ritual of marriage until 1939. Weddings of other cultures such as Egyptian, Hindu and Latino contain their own versions of handfasting.

DH was really excited about the handfasting. We both have Celtic ancestries, and DH is even part Scottish (Clan Donnachaidh). So I thought since we weren't having a religious ceremony we would use handfasting to honor our heritage. Nobody said anything about animal sacrifices; but then I'm a vegetarian so they probably thought it wasn't likely!

 

[fabshelly]

A warlock is a betrayer.
See this link:

http://www.faqs.org/qa/qa-6227.html



But, I do see where you're coming from: (Same link)





The holidays and rituals of Christianity are far more Pagan than Christian...but that's another thread.



A very delicious smoothie!



The 'pagan' denomination covers many religions, as we've stated before. You are correct in it being a catchall.



Every Pagan is different, even if the difference is in the name of the God they worship. Me, personally, I believe all God/esses are a part of a whole, and that the name means nothing...it's just the denominations' way of labeling themselves. Kind of like some Christians believe that Buddhists still worship God, but under a different name.



Wiccans are Pagan, though.



I had 'tried' and 'experimented' with many religions, including Christianity, but none of them felt 'right'. I didn't feel that there wasn't anything...I'd always felt there was something. What spurred my search was that 'empty' feeling. My family was fine with it. I was raised into the 'religion comes to the person' aspect. They don't care what I am, as long as I'm happy and safe.



It's an interesting group.




Some believe that aspect of the Diety...I, myself believe the Diety is female.



It's always good to read up on religion, even if you're devout in your own. It's important to life, I think...our modern day laws are based on past religious tenets.

I agree with the bold heavily.



Because I always had a problem with the 'nothing' aspect. There was always 'something', I just hadn't found it, and Paganism was, and is, the most beautiful religion in my eyes. I have always enjoyed nature's gifts and splendor, and that certainly aided my decision.



The two witches were deemed Wiccan. Willow always identified herself as a witch, though, and Tara identified themselves a Wiccan. On every website, they were Wiccan. Willow was a part of the English Coven, by the way, in season seven, as well as with Tara in the College Coven in season...four?

I picked up on this religion because of the Coven aspect...and, to be honest, I wanted to do magic. But I learned better.

Oy.

If anyone really wants to know about Wicca, etc., they'd do well to look somewhere else than this thread.

I'd ask Laurie Cabot, myself. Not only is she deeply spiritual and knowledgeable, she's also got a great sense of humor and a lot of patience.

I practiced for over a decade before returning to Christianity - but my understanding of Christ is so much more profound than before. I think God likes an open heart and mind. IMNHO!

 

[Ariel Mae]

i'm so glad someone posted this. most people are ignorant to the whole Pagan and Wiccan religions. it's nice to see someone coming out and explaining things to everyone who have questions.

Well, to be honest, it comes from the 'Catholic: Clearing Up' thread. That, and in History, the topic of Wicca came out, so it hit me, ya know?

Hello Ariel Mae! I'm a Wiccan I used to be atheist, though.

Let's see...I was Atheist...then I researched Christianity and Judaism, Buddhism and Hinduism, Wicca for about a year, and have settled where I am.

As a side note- You must not be studying for finals . I'm in the middle of finals myself and i've barely had enough time to sleep much less get on here as often as I used to.

The finals here aren't that tough. There's still time to breathe.

I, for one, would rather read YOUR interpretations of the Wiccan/Pagan practices and beliefs. If I wanted to read Wikipedia or google it I would have done so myself.

Well, it's called 'supporting facts with citations'....I don't want it to be just my personal viewpoints, ya know?

Just wanted to thank the OP for starting such an informative thread and to anyone who answered questions honestly and politely, even when it appeared they were being baited by some posters.(some of the replies had a little "tone" to them ) There are always going to be miconceptions about pagans and other people of non traditional faiths. I choose to take the high road and it appears that many of you do the same. Kudos!

Thanks!

Oy.

If anyone really wants to know about Wicca, etc., they'd do well to look somewhere else than this thread.

I never said I knew Wicca WELL, but that I knew it a BIT, and that comes from the research notes I'm providing.

I'd ask Laurie Cabot, myself. Not only is she deeply spiritual and knowledgeable, she's also got a great sense of humor and a lot of patience.

That's like saying if you want to know about psychics, ask Sylvia Browne! Lauria Cabot is one form of Wicca. There are MANY.

I practiced for over a decade before returning to Christianity - but my understanding of Christ is so much more profound than before. I think God likes an open heart and mind. IMNHO!

Good viewpoint.

 

[debster812]

You bolded it yourself. Short on time.

I have finals coming up, and don't exactly plan on living here.

It's not acceptable for debates and college essays, but for simplicity and time, it's proper.

But I fail to see how that applies to the topic, especially when the topic is about Wiccans/Pagans, and not 'proper citation of sources'.

So....you started a thread to 'clear things up', but don't have the time, inclination, or knowledge to actually do so?

And to the poster who accused others of taking 'tone' with the OP, you should check out some of her gems on the Catholicism thread. Lots of offensive and insulting posts.

I'd love to get some real, in depth answers as well, not the 'cliffs notes' Wiki references.

 

[RealMickeysGirl]

Hello Ariel Mae! I'm a Wiccan I used to be atheist, though.

Hi CheezDoodle - what drew you to Wicca?

Once again - my interest in peoples journies to their spirituality - not being snarky.

Also - do you agree with the definitions and explinations or do you have a different experience and beliefs (what is your primary deity)?

 

[Maleficent13]

I'd love to get some real, in depth answers as well, not the 'cliffs notes' Wiki references.

The thing is, most Wiccans don't advertise their faith, or feel the need to announce it to a general audience. It's a private thing. Also, I can answer questions of my beliefs, but wouldn't presume to say it applies to anyone else. Since I don't think my personal beliefs are anything 75,000 DISsers would care about, I wouldn't start a thread about it.

 

[debster812]

The thing is, most Wiccans don't advertise their faith, or feel the need to announce it to a general audience. It's a private thing. Also, I can answer questions of my beliefs, but wouldn't presume to say it applies to anyone else. Since I don't think my personal beliefs are anything 75,000 DISsers would care about, I wouldn't start a thread about it.

Ahhhh, yes, but you are a wise woman.

 

[Laura]

And to the poster who accused others of taking 'tone' with the OP, you should check out some of her gems on the Catholicism thread. Lots of offensive and insulting posts.

So non-pagans can be snarky to the OP about her beliefs? It's disrespectful to me.

 

[debster812]

So non-pagans can be snarky to the OP about her beliefs? It's disrespectful to me.

I'm sorry, you're right. I should not have been that snarky to her and should have thought about the others I insulted as well. I apologize.

 

[Laura]

I'm sorry, you're right. I should not have been that snarky to her and should have thought about the others I insulted as well. I apologize.

That's very nice of you.

 

[irishbosoxfan]

Oy.

If anyone really wants to know about Wicca, etc., they'd do well to look somewhere else than this thread.

I'd ask Laurie Cabot, myself. Not only is she deeply spiritual and knowledgeable, she's also got a great sense of humor and a lot of patience.

I practiced for over a decade before returning to Christianity - but my understanding of Christ is so much more profound than before. I think God likes an open heart and mind. IMNHO!

The bolded red kinda frosted my hiney! I know I for one came here and offered up information-good information--yet because of a gripe with the OP that is crap also??

And as for asking Laurie...Can I just say that she is a wonderful lady who I have had the opportunity to meet on a couple of occasions however unless you plan on making a day trip to Mass with an appointment in hand you're not going to see her---she no longer runs the store herself and has teachers for her classes. But if you try and miss her,, Salem has some great seafood restaurants and you can visit the House of Seven Gables which is about a 5 minute walk down the street!

If you truly are interested in Wicca you'd be better served getting some books to read. Raymond Buckland offers many easy to read books including the 'Complete Book of Witchcraft'----Scott Cunningham also has a lot to offer including the book 'Living Wicca'

There are many forms of Wicca available,you need to find the one that works best for you.

So....you started a thread to 'clear things up', but don't have the time, inclination, or knowledge to actually do so?

And to the poster who accused others of taking 'tone' with the OP, you should check out some of her gems on the Catholicism thread. Lots of offensive and insulting posts.

I'd love to get some real, in depth answers as well, not the 'cliffs notes' Wiki references.

I have offered information that did not come from Wikipedia--but seeing as that we have made it to page 5 and noone has commented on it((other than the OP quoting it to defend herself)) then I am led to believe that this thread is not about learning about Wicca but rather it has become a means to get back at the OP for a prior thread.

 

[Crankyshank]

The bolded red kinda frosted my hiney! I know I for one came here and offered up information-good information??

I feel the same way. while I am not currently practicing (although I do honor the wheel of the year), I do have a lot of information about Paganism and have several good friends and family members that practice different branches of Paganism - including a High Priestess. We have so many great religious discussions here about Christianity and Judaism and I would love to have one about Paganism if people are serious about wanting questions answered. I promise I won't be spouting from wiki although I will probably provide links as back up or clarification to something I posted.

 

[debster812]

irish--if you had continued to read, you would see that I apologized DIRECTLY to Laura, and indirectly to everyone else I might have offended (yourself, Crankyshank, et. al.)

So I'll say it again.

I'm SORRY. I will now leave this thread, OK?

Originally Posted by debster812
So....you started a thread to 'clear things up', but don't have the time, inclination, or knowledge to actually do so?

And to the poster who accused others of taking 'tone' with the OP, you should check out some of her gems on the Catholicism thread. Lots of offensive and insulting posts.

I'd love to get some real, in depth answers as well, not the 'cliffs notes' Wiki references.

I have offered information that did not come from Wikipedia--but seeing as that we have made it to page 5 and noone has commented on it((other than the OP quoting it to defend herself)) then I am led to believe that this thread is not about learning about Wicca but rather it has become a means to get back at the OP for a prior thread.

 

[Crankyshank]

irish--if you had continued to read, you would see that I apologized DIRECTLY to Laura, and indirectly to everyone else I might have offended (yourself, Crankyshank, et. al.)

So I'll say it again.

I'm SORRY. I will now leave this thread, OK?

Debster, you didn't offend me. The sentence about going elsewhere for information insulted me because I really was trying to give information. If people don't want it, that's fine. I would just rather know in advance ykwim?

 

[irishbosoxfan]

Debster, you didn't offend me. The sentence about going elsewhere for information insulted me because I really was trying to give information. If people don't want it, that's fine. I would just rather know in advance ykwim?

I was typing out stuff but said bump it because it didn't sound right.

But you said what I was trying to and in a whole lot less words!!

There's no need for anyone to leave the thread for any reason!

 

[Laura]

There's no need for anyone to leave the thread for any reason!

I agree! I don't know a whole lot about Wicca in particular, but I've read up on the history of Celts and Druids. I'd like to learn more about other pagan beliefs and maybe answer any questions if I possibly can.