Put me in a Box, but let me choose the Box

Have you ever noticed that people like putting other people in boxes? For me this has been always very apparent in the magical community where it seems to be necessary to follow a tradition or path or join an order in order to have an identity, but it is of course a wider issue too.

Why do we have the need to do this to ourselves and those around us? Is it part of our identity as human beings that we need to define other humans (and ourselves) in this way? I can remember so many incidents at conferences and other events over the years when people introduced themselves as “My name is xxx, and I am a Druid / Wicca / Chaos Magician / Thelemite / etc etc…” Likewise, it has been interesting to watch assumptions about what I do, become “what I do” in the eyes of others.

Then there is the definitions of these labels which are attached, which at the best of times are blurry. Yet, it is strange to observe that any attempt to clarify the definitions are usually met with difficulty by those who prefer to have blurred vision. After all, if a definition is blurred, it becomes a “catch all” which means no work, no effort and no dedication is required.

So which box are you in, and which box do you put me in?

and why?

Another nearly-Spring day?

Dear all,

This past few weeks David and I have been moving home.  From the one side of the Brecon Beacons and its harsh, beautiful Black Mountains in Monmouthshire, to the other side of it in Powys.  On the day of our house move the day started with beautiful Spring sunshine, and when the last van load of our belongings made it over the Brecon beacons the snow started falling heavily, covering all the roads and peaks by sunset that day.  It was beautiful and a wonderful excuse for lighting a hearth fire in our new home on our first night there!

The next morning the Sun was shining again in its full glory and the snow soon cleared, land the days have progressively been lengthening again, with the British Isles soon entering British Summertime, and with the Spring Equinox now only days away, there is much to celebrate, especially for those amongst us who prefer the slightly warmer weather! 

When I ventured out on Monday for some shopping in our small town, from out of the hedge in front of our house emerged a hare!  I was both surprised and rather in awe of seeing this magical creature staring at me no more than 4 or 5 metres away.  The last time I saw a hare that close-up was at Stonehenge some years ago when I visited with two friends.  Here in Wales the hare has a long history of being regarded with superstition.  Most famously the hare of course is very much associated with witchcraft, with many believing that the witch is able to transform herself into a hare at will.  Stories illustrating this ability abounds not only in Wales, but all around the British Isles, and the hare, as a result is believed to have supernatural powers of transformation.  It is additionally believed that some Welsh families have an inherited ability to turn themselves into hares, but this is as one would expect with an animal so associated with the female of the species, confined to the ladies of the family.    This is according to Anne Ross, writing in “Folklore of Wales” still a very sensitive matter for those families due to the disapproval which such myths still receives from the Church even today.

With the Spring Equinox only a day away, Spring is nearly officially with us now and today looks to be a beautiful day.  I am hoping to see our Hare-neighbour again soon and discover whether he is animal or witch – either is fine with me!  For now I need to return to the work of catching up with emails and business now that we have our broadband at home there is no more excuses! 

Equinox Blessings

Sorita d’Este

Phoebus with Admetus

I woke up this morning thinking of this poem, so I thought I would share. 

Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250-1900.

George Meredith. 1828-1909

773. Phoebus with Admetus

WHEN by Zeus relenting the mandate was revoked,
Sentencing to exile the bright Sun-God,
Mindful were the ploughmen of who the steer had yoked,
Who: and what a track show’d the upturn’d sod!
Mindful were the shepherds, as now the noon severe
Bent a burning eyebrow to brown evetide,
How the rustic flute drew the silver to the sphere,
Sister of his own, till her rays fell wide.
God! of whom music
And song and blood are pure,
The day is never darken’d
That had thee here obscure.
Chirping none, the scarlet cicalas crouch’d in ranks:
Slack the thistle-head piled its down-silk gray:
Scarce the stony lizard suck’d hollows in his flanks:
Thick on spots of umbrage our drowsed flocks lay.
Sudden bow’d the chestnuts beneath a wind unheard,
Lengthen’d ran the grasses, the sky grew slate:
Then amid a swift flight of wing’d seed white as curd,
Clear of limb a Youth smote the master’s gate.
God! of whom music
And song and blood are pure,
The day is never darken’d
That had thee here obscure.

Water, first of singers, o’er rocky mount and mead,
First of earthly singers, the sun-loved rill,
Sang of him, and flooded the ripples on the reed,
Seeking whom to waken and what ear fill.
Water, sweetest soother to kiss a wound and cool,
Sweetest and divinest, the sky-born brook,
Chuckled, with a whimper, and made a mirror-pool
Round the guest we welcomed, the strange hand shook.
God! of whom music
And song and blood are pure,
The day is never darken’d
That had thee here obscure.

Many swarms of wild bees descended on our fields:
Stately stood the wheatstalk with head bent high:
Big of heart we labour’d at storing mighty yields,
Wool and corn, and clusters to make men cry!
Hand-like rush’d the vintage; we strung the bellied skins
Plump, and at the sealing the Youth’s voice rose:
Maidens clung in circle, on little fists their chins;
Gentle beasties through push’d a cold long nose.
God! of whom music
And song and blood are pure,
The day is never darken’d
That had thee here obscure.

Foot to fire in snowtime we trimm’d the slender shaft:
Often down the pit spied the lean wolf’s teeth
Grin against his will, trapp’d by masterstrokes of craft;
Helpless in his froth-wrath as green logs seethe!
Safe the tender lambs tugg’d the teats, and winter sped
Whirl’d before the crocus, the year’s new gold.
Hung the hooky beak up aloft, the arrowhead
Redden’d through his feathers for our dear fold.
God! of whom music
And song and blood are pure,
The day is never darken’d
That had thee here obscure.

Tales we drank of giants at war with gods above:
Rocks were they to look on, and earth climb’d air!
Tales of search for simples, and those who sought of love
Ease because the creature was all too fair.
Pleasant ran our thinking that while our work was good.
Sure as fruits for sweat would the praise come fast.
He that wrestled stoutest and tamed the billow-brood
Danced in rings with girls, like a sail-flapp’d mast.
God! of whom music
And song and blood are pure,
The day is never darken’d
That had thee here obscure.

Lo, the herb of healing, when once the herb is known,
Shines in shady woods bright as new-sprung flame.
Ere the string was tighten’d we heard the mellow tone,
After he had taught how the sweet sounds came.
Stretch’d about his feet, labour done, ’twas as you see
Red pomegranates tumble and burst hard rind.
So began contention to give delight and be
Excellent in things aim’d to make life kind.
God! of whom music
And song and blood are pure,
The day is never darken’d
That had thee here obscure.

You with shelly horns, rams! and, promontory goats,
You whose browsing beards dip in coldest dew!
Bulls, that walk the pastures in kingly-flashing coats!
Laurel, ivy, vine, wreathed for feasts not few!
You that build the shade-roof, and you that court the rays,
You that leap besprinkling the rock stream-rent:
He has been our fellow, the morning of our days;
Us he chose for housemates, and this way went.
God! of whom music
And song and blood are pure,
The day is never darken’d
That had thee here obscure.

Introduction to the Wiccan Tradition

Because of the many years I taught Wicca through the Avalonia Homestudy course (Towards the Wiccan Circle, now available as a self-study guide through Avalonia books) I still often get emails from individuals who are keen to study the tradition and is looking for an introduction.  I am reproducing the following article, which I wrote for Avalonia.co.uk, here as a generic introduction for those who are new to the tradition and is seeking an overview. 

The Wiccan Tradition: An Overview

What Wicca Is

“Wicca encompasses an entire worldview and way of life, and is always there in the way you look at and interact with the world. It is an experiential system of magick, mysticism and spirituality that works with the divine as both masculine and feminine, whilst emphasising growth through balance and discipline. This balance, be it of light and dark, feminine and masculine, or active and passive, acts as a dynamic tension to create harmony and enable the individual to progress in their development through understanding their relationship with themselves and the world around them.”

Circle of Fire, Sorita D’Este & David Rankine, 2005/2008

“Wicca” is probably amongst one of the most misunderstood terms used in modern Spirituality. Not only is there still a great deal of misinformation attached to it amongst the general public, it is also often misunderstood within the modern Pagan community and applied to a huge variety of practices and traditions, some of which bear little resemblance to the practices, beliefs and ways of the traditions from which they claim to originate. Partially this may be due to the fact that the published rituals and teachings of the Gardnerian and Alexandrian tradition has often been used as the inspiration for the rituals and practices of traditions with very different beliefs, sometimes watered down to such a level that it no longer contains much in common with the practices from which they originate, etc. This often leads to a great deal of confusion, debate and misunderstanding.

Wicca, although having many things in common with Paganism, Druidry and Pagan Witchcraft, is a tradition in its own right. Sometimes also called “The Wica” or “The Craft” or “The Old Religion” by those who practice it, it is a Mystery Tradition, in which initiation plays an important role. There are dozens of new “traditions” of Wicca born every year, most of them are developments of Gardnerian or Alexandrian Wicca, or have been born out of the published materials available on these two traditions:

Gardnerian Wicca
This tradition of the Craft was first publicised by Gerald B Gardner during the 1950′s after the repeal of the Witchcraft & Fraudulent Mediums Act. Membership is through initiation into an established Coven with lineage traceable back to Gerald Gardner or one of his High Priestesses, including Doreen Valiente, Patricia Crowther, Lois Borne.

For more information on Gardnerian Wicca read:

Books by Gerald Gardner (including Witchcraft Today; High Magic’s Aid)
Patricia Crowther “Lid of the Cauldron”
Lois Borne “A Witch is Born”
Doreen Valiente “Witchcraft Tomorrow”; “The ABC of Witchcraft”; “Natural Magic”
Prof. Ronald Hutton’s “Triumph of the Moon”

Web: http://www.geraldgardner.com/

 

Alexandrian Wicca
During the 1960′s emerged a new tradition of Wicca, this time lead by Alex and Maxine Sanders, the “Alexandrians” as they became known, had a more inclusive view towards magickal practices. Alex Sanders claimed initiation from his grandmother into a Welsh tradition of the Craft, the teachings he passed down was a heady mix of what the Gardnerians did, other traditional practices, as well as Ceremonial Magick, Qabalah etc. Alexandrian Wicca is an initiatory mystery tradition, membership is through initiation into a coven able to trace their initiatory lineage to Alex or Maxine Sanders.

For more information on Alexandrian Wicca read:

June John’s “King of the Witches”
Janet & Stewart Farrar “The Witches Bible (Compleat)”
Maxine Sanders “Firechild”
Maxine Sanders “Maxine – Witch Queen”
Prof. Ronald Hutton’s “Triumph of the Moon”

Web: http://www.maxinesanders.co.uk/

The term “British Traditional Wicca” or BTW is now sometimes used to distinguish between Gardnerian and Alexandrian Wiccan traditions (and the initiatory traditions derived directly from them) and the newer (usually USA based) traditions created since the 1970′s – some of which have very little in common with these.

Some General Facts about Wicca

Ethics
The Core philosophy of Wicca is contained within the Wiccan Rede “An It Harm None – Do As Ye Will” this is an ethical guide, stressing the need for each practitioner to take responsibility on a personal level for all their actions.

The Four Elements
The Four Elements of Air, Fire, Water & Earth all play an important role in ceremonies. They are invoked at the Four Cardinal points of the circle to bless and guard the magick circle during ceremonies with their unique gifts and powers.

The Wheel of the Year
Wiccans celebrate the changing seasons, through the “Wheel of the Year” or “Witches Sabbats”. There may be four or eight of these a year depending on the preference of the Coven.

The Goddess & Horned God
Wiccans offer reverence to both a male and female deity, ie. a God and a Goddess.
Wiccans consider the Moon to be the most important heavenly body, the Moon is often associated with Goddesses invoked in Wiccan ceremonies – including Aradia, Diana, Artemis, Hekate, Ceridwen.

The Gods usually invoked within the Craft are most often associated with Forests or the Sun and include Cernunnos (Horned One), Gwyn Ap Nudd, Pan, Apollo, Lugh.

Initiation & Rites of Passage
Wiccans have a number of “rites of passage” of which initiation into the tradition (first degree) plays an important role as it is a shared experience in which the newcomer is “reborn” as a member of the tradition and is welcomed into the Coven in the same way that all other members were first brought into the Craft too.
Wiccans traditionally work “skyclad” (ie. nude) although some prefer to also work robed or cloaked.

Old Ones & Ancestral Spirits
The Old Ones, or the Spirits of Place, are often invoked in Wiccan ceremonies (especially when working outdoors) – the Ancestors (being both the spiritual and physical ancestors you have) are also sometimes called upon for their blessings, help and guidance.

The Ritual Space
Wiccan ceremonies take place in a specially prepared magick circle. This is usually cast and consecrated by a High Priestess, the way in which it is done vary between traditions.

History
There are many debates concerning the exact origins of the Wiccan tradition, but regardless of where Wicca originated, we know that since the days of Gerald Gardner (who claimed initiation into a Coven of the Wica in the New Forest during the 1930′s) Wicca has evolved, grown and developed into a vibrant and modern system of magick that is effective, simple yet meaningful. It is practiced by many people, both in and outside of Covens and both in and outside the initiatory veils.

The Term
At the end of the day what is important is that if you use the term to describe yourself you should be fully aware of what it means, and sure that Wicca is what you actually do and practice, and that the spiritual beliefs associated with the tradition is also something you share. You are only a Wiccan if what you practice is Wicca – and although that sounds easy, it is not unless you were fortunate enough to find a good (and reputable) teacher and coven who trained you and initiated you into the tradition. It is not impossible to learn aspects of the tradition by yourself with the aid of books, and through courses and workshops, but ultimately without experiencing the rituals fully, it is also not possible to share in the experiences and therefore gain experience through which knowledge and understanding is passed on, of some of the important rituals of the tradition (as these are usually designed for a group of people who have been trained specially for the roles they take). If you are unable to due to work, family or other commitments to work with a Coven but wish to explore the tradition by yourself, this is of course possible, but you may at a later stage wish to explore possibilities of being initiated to further your understanding of the tradition.

Finding a Coven
Finding a Coven is not easy either, over the years many people have contacted me to ask where their “local” coven is! There are Covens all over the UK, Europe and Americas today, however groups are autonomous and each group make their own decision – so “finding” a coven may only be the first step in regards to gaining membership and initiation and you may have to travel many hours to attend meetings on a regular basis with a coven who will both accept you as a member, and whom you will enjoy working with. You may find the listings of moots, groups and workshops (as well as larger festivals) on www.witchvox.com helpful.

Remember you have the right to ask questions of a teacher or group you may work with. They should be able to give you answers for most questions, although of course some things will be “oathbound” – but “oathbound” should not be an excuse for not giving any answers! If you plan on meeting with people make sure to do your homework first so that you can ask intelligent and informed questions. Good teachers and groups will appreciate that you have made an effort and this may count in your favour when they make a decision on whether to take you as a member or not. In addition to this obvious benefit, you will also be able to text the group to see whether or not their practices, believes, ethics and knowledge is suitable to you.

Alarm Bells & Cautions
You are told everything is a secret and they are unable to tell you anything else, except how old and ancient and magickal the tradition is. A genuine Wicca Priestess or Priest should be able to offer you answers to most of your questions. (Providing they are sensible questions)

If you are uncertain ask them to provide you with a referee at a large Pagan / Witchcraft organisation that will be able to “vouch” for them, or maybe an author or other public figure who may be willing to vouch for their authenticity and reputation. It is a good idea to attend local conferences and moots and ask people if they have heard of the group / person. Bear in mind that one opinion may be useful, but that it is usually best to ask for several. Also don’t go around advertising that you are about to join a coven as usually covens do prefer to be private about their affairs! Take on board what you hear, but remember that it decision is YOURS. You may hear negative gossip from someone who had been excluded from a group (due to their own bad behaviour, but not like they are going to admit to that.)
If meeting a potential teacher or coven through the internet or other “advertisements” please exercise caution in the same way you would for a blind date.

What Wicca is Not
Although things have changed a great deal in the world, although people are generally more informed about different faiths and spiritual practices; and although people are generally more open minded in this day and age, there are still a number of misunderstandings about the Wiccan tradition that should be addressed from the start.

1. Wicca is not the same as Witchcraft. Witchcraft is not a religion, nor is it attached to any particular tradition. In theory it is possible that people from all world religions can practice Witchcraft, and indeed practice it without any religious associations. On the other hand, you cannot be, for example, a Muslim Wiccan, Satanist Wiccan or a Christian Wiccan etc. [Where as someone may be a Muslim Witch, Satanist Witch or a Christian Witch]
2. Wicca is not a fashion accessory. Although it has become trendy in some circles due to the “Hollywood Factor” it is a serious spiritual and magickal path, requiring dedication, patience, hard work, study and practice. Wearing a pointy hat, long black velvet dress or medieval garb does not make you a Wiccan, expecting this to happen will make you the laughing stock!
3. Wicca is not just any combination of Witchcraft, Paganism and Magick, nor is it a “What Feels Right” path. It is a specific combination of rituals, believes and magickal practices – which may be adapted to suit an individual coven or person (after they have learned the basics first).
4. Wicca is not something to play with. If that is what you really really want, go and buy (as a friend of mine describe them) one of “those carpet covered books with spells in it” and go and spend a fortune in your local occult shop buying all the tools that will impress (or scare) your friends and family when they visit (preferably with large pentacles on all of it). I am sure that the shop will appreciate your patronage, so you will be doing something good! (But err, just don’t call what you do Wicca, make up a grander sounding word for it, with an equally grand sounding title for yourself – start with Grand Lady or Dark Lord and add lots of magickal sounding adjectives, nouns and verbs)

If you are interested in learning more about the Wiccan Tradition I would recommend the following books as good primers which will not only help you gain an insight into the history of the tradition, but also the symbolism, beliefs and practices:

1. Triumph of the Moon by Prof. Ronald Hutton
2. Circle of Fire by Sorita D’Este & David Rankine
3. Wicca Magickal Beginnings by Sorita d’Este & David Rankine
4. A Witches Bible by Janet & Stewart Farrar
5. Wiccan Roots by Philip Heselton
6. Gerald Gardner & the Cauldron of Inspiration by Philip Heselton
7. Fire Child by Maxine Sanders
8. Wicca by Vivianne Crowley
9. High Priestess by Patricia Crowther

—- compiled & written by Sorita D’Este for Avalonia (c) 1997, 2007 —-