Humanities & Classics 3270
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Sixties Forum
Humanities & Classics 3270 |
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After reading Cows, Pigs, Wars, and Witches and studying a little on Wicca/Witchcraft religion in my Women, Religion and Spirituality class I thought I could put some input on this subject for a better idea of it.
I recently read a book on Wicca/Witchcraft religion called, "Dance of The Spirit", by Starhawk. As an overview of the book, Starhawk basically describes in detail what a coven is, how to join, and most importantly, the wholeness and spirituality a person can receive from it. Taking a look at what a coven is ideally, servesw as the training ground in which each member develops her or his personal power. The support and security of the group reinforces each member's belief in herself. POwer used here is another word for energy, the subtle current of forces that shape reality. As a group they realize that the energies they're raising are real, not merely symbolic. They're are many rituals in which the group gains this power and sense of self.
ON the other hand, to join a coven can be quite difficult. Witches still are seen negatively in our society because people still lack the history and knowledge of what they consist of, so you won't find a listing of them in the Yellow Pages. Generally you have three options: practice on your own, form your own coven, or wait and find one by word of mouth. Also, there are some classes starting through Open Universities or metaphysical bookstores. Working alone is not ideal, but to start out it does have some advcantages. AS one Witch has said, "Working alone has its good points as well as bad. Your training is rather erratic-but then it is in a lot of covens, anyway. The advantage is that you learn to depend on yourself and learn your limitations. When you do join a coven, you know what you want and what works best for you." "Solitary worship is far more preferable than joining the wrong group. A true coven will never ask you to do something you feel is wrong for you. Any form of force, coercion, or high-pressure sales tactics is contrary to the spirit of Witchcraft."
Thirdly, and most importantly one can gain a great form of spirituality through Witchcraft. ONe aspect of the spirituality you gain is in relation to Mother Nature. There is a great stress in human relation to nature through this. For example, many rituals involve the moon, salt water for the sea, and the Tree of Life, which is one of the most important meditations, which can be practiced individually, as well as in a group.
Along with this, the Directions (North, South, East and West) are often used to correspond and connect with elements. For example, East corresponds with the element Air, South corresponds with Fire, West with Water and North with Earth. This brings on a great sense of connection by using this.
This is just part of the whole concept of Wicca/Witchcraft religion. Here is a listing of books if you are interested infinding out more about this. Enjoy!!!!
To Ride a Silver Broomstick:New Generation WItchcraft, by Silver Ravenwolf
Hedgewitch, by Rae Beth
Dreaming the Dark, by Starhawk
Holy Book of Women's Mysteries, by Z. Budapest
Grandmother Time, by Z. Budapest
Grandmother Moon, by Z. Budapest
Goddess in the Office, by Z. Budapest
Goddess in the Bedroom, by Z. Budapest