When it comes to celebrating Sabbats in the Wiccan religion, there are often several ways to do so. One of which is to attend a public ritual, another is to hold a private one. Depending on the level of experience and position of the Wiccan leading the ceremony, it may or may not be appropriate to invite outsiders, especially if it is the first time one is attending Wiccan Rituals.
Beltaine celebrates fertility and the spring renewal of the earth; Whereas, at Samhain, initiates celebrate, remember and honor the death of ancestors and other loved ones. The others which are held throughout year are often approached with rituals which can contribute to self-transformation, healing and the like. Other than these holidays, most covens, or circles also meet on each Full, and New Moon to perform ritual magic, and create everything from nothing, and nothing from everything depending on the ritual and purpose.
While there is no definitive definition of the term Wicca, or witchcraft, it should be noted that the two are separate and apart. For the act of witchcraft, often involves the use of man-made, or natural magic. Often that of man made being described as black, or evil magic, while that of natural being described as white, or good magic.
While in the Christian faith there are different denominations, these groups often adhere to the philosophies, theories and practices of different Gods and Goddesses as recorded in history. While some may adhere to the Christian faith, most often Wiccans are considered Pagan, at least from a societal point of view.
There are also local, national and international pagan gatherings that many of these individuals and local groups travel to on a regular basis. When this is the case, many take entire families to each event. During which, children and teens often unite with other like minded individuals of the same age, often forming bonds which can last a lifetime.
Through these acts alone, it becomes clear that Wicca is not the only religion which has used rituals and ritual tools over years. In fact, many of the High Holy Days in the Catholic church and religion were born out of early Paganism. One of the main aspects of the Wiccan religion is that it celebrates both the male and female aspects of a deity both as a single, and united entity.
While some Wiccan traditions celebrate Mother Earth and Father Sky as the main entities of worship; Others pray to the God, Pan, and the Goddess, Diana, which are believed to represent male and female aspects of the one true Androgyne. Androgyne is believe to be the first Goddess whose image was recorded in a statue having both male and female body parts. She is the oldest known living artifact which resembles both genders in one embodiment of the Goddess. A picture can be found in Professor Lanier Graham's book Goddesses In Art, which is a text for a class by same name, and also available to the public through online bookstores.
Ultimately, as long as rituals and ritual tools are used for good, then Wicca is serving a purpose. The somewhat negative reputation associated with Wicca has largely been brought about by those involved in dark, or black magic who have abused the name and symbols associated with the religion. Something that has now become a problem in film, television and real life.
Beltaine celebrates fertility and the spring renewal of the earth; Whereas, at Samhain, initiates celebrate, remember and honor the death of ancestors and other loved ones. The others which are held throughout year are often approached with rituals which can contribute to self-transformation, healing and the like. Other than these holidays, most covens, or circles also meet on each Full, and New Moon to perform ritual magic, and create everything from nothing, and nothing from everything depending on the ritual and purpose.
While there is no definitive definition of the term Wicca, or witchcraft, it should be noted that the two are separate and apart. For the act of witchcraft, often involves the use of man-made, or natural magic. Often that of man made being described as black, or evil magic, while that of natural being described as white, or good magic.
While in the Christian faith there are different denominations, these groups often adhere to the philosophies, theories and practices of different Gods and Goddesses as recorded in history. While some may adhere to the Christian faith, most often Wiccans are considered Pagan, at least from a societal point of view.
There are also local, national and international pagan gatherings that many of these individuals and local groups travel to on a regular basis. When this is the case, many take entire families to each event. During which, children and teens often unite with other like minded individuals of the same age, often forming bonds which can last a lifetime.
Through these acts alone, it becomes clear that Wicca is not the only religion which has used rituals and ritual tools over years. In fact, many of the High Holy Days in the Catholic church and religion were born out of early Paganism. One of the main aspects of the Wiccan religion is that it celebrates both the male and female aspects of a deity both as a single, and united entity.
While some Wiccan traditions celebrate Mother Earth and Father Sky as the main entities of worship; Others pray to the God, Pan, and the Goddess, Diana, which are believed to represent male and female aspects of the one true Androgyne. Androgyne is believe to be the first Goddess whose image was recorded in a statue having both male and female body parts. She is the oldest known living artifact which resembles both genders in one embodiment of the Goddess. A picture can be found in Professor Lanier Graham's book Goddesses In Art, which is a text for a class by same name, and also available to the public through online bookstores.
Ultimately, as long as rituals and ritual tools are used for good, then Wicca is serving a purpose. The somewhat negative reputation associated with Wicca has largely been brought about by those involved in dark, or black magic who have abused the name and symbols associated with the religion. Something that has now become a problem in film, television and real life.
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