25 Apr 2011, 3:42 pm
25 Apr 2011, 3:44 pm
So xsamx, you are having trouble understanding some aspects of Wicca? First, it would be helpful if we knew what type of Wicca you practice. If you are unsure, if you could quote some of the books or references you have used to learn about the practice, it would give us an idea of what form of Wicca you are having trouble with.
You said you are having trouble understanding some parts. Can you give a specific example, like a small passage from a book? A link online? I think there are several people here who would be able to explain specifics if they can understand what exactly you are having trouble with.
Thanks for clarifying your comprehension difficulties - it makes it easier for us to work with you when we know our words are being missed.
25 Apr 2011, 3:51 pm
25 Apr 2011, 6:04 pm
Well, first let me explain that I do not practice Wicca, I am not Wiccan, I am not a witch. I have some knowledge of Wicca because it was an academic interest of mine - I study all world religions. But, I also learned about it while searching for my own personal religion - wicca and I simply were not a good match. I can give you a general opinion - for the official 'wiccan' opinion, you'll need to ask an official wiccan.
In Wicca there is a clear difference between 'white magic' and 'black magic'. It is important that you know the difference. The Wiccan creed is "In that it harm none, do as you will". Black magic is all about the intent to harm another. Many Wiccans are VERY opposed to this since it violates their creed. Be prepared for that reaction if you use the term 'black magic'.
I think you may be referring to 'black magic' in reference to your interest in Osiris. He is a powerful god in the Egyptian pantheon and one of his strong associations is as a god of the dead. In traditional belief a god of the dead would be considered 'bad' and practising magic in his name might be incorrectly considered 'black magic'. This isn't the way it works in Wicca. Gods and goddesses are not good or evil. If you are spellworking for positive purposes, you may call on any god to work that positive magic. A god of the dead is just another aspect of the cycle of life - there is no good or evil involved. Your intent is what will make your spellwork 'white' or 'black'.
I found this sight that explains a basic history of Osiris that may be easier to understand. Facts About Osiris
The Egyptian pantheon is one of my favorites. There are many great pagan sights with more information on them - just try google. If you have questions on individual gods you can post it here - I'd be glad to help however I can. What exactly are you having trouble understanding about Osiris? He is one of the gods that has many aspects that witches could call on in spellwork.
Let me know if anyof ths helps and if I can help with anything else.
25 Apr 2011, 6:13 pm
Nice. So is that a reaction to all religions, or just Wicca?
Pretty much all religion but staunch athiests as well.
Wicca is a load of new age cobblers cobbled together out of 18th and 19th century romanticism. If you want to 'worship the earth' do it by deed not superstitious rituals, apply the four R's, Rethink - Reduce - Reuse - Recycle. If you want a sense of community be a good neighbour.
I personally can't see any response to the 'mysteries' of life other than agnosticism [without knowledge] as being rational in this age of science. Religions cause more harm than good both personally and socially, they allow a person to abdicate responsibility to a 'higher power' and be lazy when it comes to operating the meat they inhabit. Religious disputes cause so much pain and induce reactionary fundamentalist tides that cause so much suffering - do really need more?
Sorry if this offends but I cannot help but mock a little, would you prefer I held my tongue?
peace j
Bloodheart
Veteran
Joined: 17 Jan 2011
Age: 43
Gender: Female
Posts: 2,194
Location: Newcastle, England.
25 Apr 2011, 6:24 pm
25 Apr 2011, 6:38 pm
In Wicca there is a clear difference between 'white magic' and 'black magic'. It is important that you know the difference. The Wiccan creed is "In that it harm none, do as you will". Black magic is all about the intent to harm another. Many Wiccans are VERY opposed to this since it violates their creed. Be prepared for that reaction if you use the term 'black magic'.
I think you may be referring to 'black magic' in reference to your interest in Osiris. He is a powerful god in the Egyptian pantheon and one of his strong associations is as a god of the dead. In traditional belief a god of the dead would be considered 'bad' and practising magic in his name might be incorrectly considered 'black magic'. This isn't the way it works in Wicca. Gods and goddesses are not good or evil. If you are spellworking for positive purposes, you may call on any god to work that positive magic. A god of the dead is just another aspect of the cycle of life - there is no good or evil involved. Your intent is what will make your spellwork 'white' or 'black'.
I found this sight that explains a basic history of Osiris that may be easier to understand. Facts About Osiris
The Egyptian pantheon is one of my favorites. There are many great pagan sights with more information on them - just try google. If you have questions on individual gods you can post it here - I'd be glad to help however I can. What exactly are you having trouble understanding about Osiris? He is one of the gods that has many aspects that witches could call on in spellwork.
Let me know if anyof ths helps and if I can help with anything else.
and yes im very awere on if i did do something the affects on others it would have but hell i dont do that its more intorest. and i pritty much all ready went over what you said before with someone so i do understand that part. what i was trying to understands not that its: Do i got to beleive litterly in the gods and stuff storeys?
Bloodheart
Veteran
Joined: 17 Jan 2011
Age: 43
Gender: Female
Posts: 2,194
Location: Newcastle, England.
25 Apr 2011, 6:39 pm
Wicca is a load of new age cobblers cobbled together out of 18th and 19th century romanticism. If you want to 'worship the earth' do it by deed not superstitious rituals, apply the four R's, Rethink - Reduce - Reuse - Recycle. If you want a sense of community be a good neighbour.
I personally can't see any response to the 'mysteries' of life other than agnosticism [without knowledge] as being rational in this age of science. Religions cause more harm than good both personally and socially, they allow a person to abdicate responsibility to a 'higher power' and be lazy when it comes to operating the meat they inhabit. Religious disputes cause so much pain and induce reactionary fundamentalist tides that cause so much suffering - do really need more?
Sorry if this offends but I cannot help but mock a little, would you prefer I held my tongue?
Nope, speak your mind.
Wicca isn't new age - granted it could be argued as being cobbled together out of various bits and pieces from other religions and practices (Paganism, European witchcraft, Eastern philosophy, Freemasonry, Golden Dawn, Mysticism, Occultism, Judaism, and god knows what else). It's not quite about worshipping the earth, it's a bit more complex than that...but most Wicca do follow the four R's and are good neighbours
I'm not going to argue too much on your argument about religions place in society - I do think religion gets a bad rap due to fundamentalists (not all can be blamed for the actions of a few), but as a Pagan-atheist I will argue against anything but agnosticism being the only rational choice, to a point.
Not all religions allow a person to abdicate responsibility to a higher power, my religion doesn't because my religion doesn't believe in any higher power. Keeping on subject Wicca being a prime example of this too, their ethics are not dogmatic and really once initiated many of the ethical teachings are thrown aside, often Wicca will incorporate utilitarianism but at the end of the day ethics are left very much down to the individual so any responsibility is firmly on their head.
25 Apr 2011, 6:56 pm
25 Apr 2011, 7:12 pm
Wicca is a load of new age cobblers cobbled together out of 18th and 19th century romanticism. If you want to 'worship the earth' do it by deed not superstitious rituals, apply the four R's, Rethink - Reduce - Reuse - Recycle. If you want a sense of community be a good neighbour.
I personally can't see any response to the 'mysteries' of life other than agnosticism [without knowledge] as being rational in this age of science. Religions cause more harm than good both personally and socially, they allow a person to abdicate responsibility to a 'higher power' and be lazy when it comes to operating the meat they inhabit. Religious disputes cause so much pain and induce reactionary fundamentalist tides that cause so much suffering - do really need more?
Sorry if this offends but I cannot help but mock a little, would you prefer I held my tongue?
Nope, speak your mind.
Wicca isn't new age - granted it could be argued as being cobbled together out of various bits and pieces from other religions and practices (Paganism, European witchcraft, Eastern philosophy, Freemasonry, Golden Dawn, Mysticism, Occultism, Judaism, and god knows what else). It's not quite about worshipping the earth, it's a bit more complex than that...but most Wicca do follow the four R's and are good neighbours
I'm not going to argue too much on your argument about religions place in society - I do think religion gets a bad rap due to fundamentalists (not all can be blamed for the actions of a few), but as a Pagan-atheist I will argue against anything but agnosticism being the only rational choice, to a point.
Not all religions allow a person to abdicate responsibility to a higher power, my religion doesn't because my religion doesn't believe in any higher power. Keeping on subject Wicca being a prime example of this too, their ethics are not dogmatic and really once initiated many of the ethical teachings are thrown aside, often Wicca will incorporate utilitarianism but at the end of the day ethics are left very much down to the individual so any responsibility is firmly on their head.
It sounds as though we may be on the same page, I prefer to dodge labels these days but would loosely describe my 'profile' as, agnostic/utilitarian naturist/syndicalist - similar products different branding?
To each their own I guess... peace j
Bloodheart
Veteran
Joined: 17 Jan 2011
Age: 43
Gender: Female
Posts: 2,194
Location: Newcastle, England.
25 Apr 2011, 7:48 pm
25 Apr 2011, 7:59 pm
25 Apr 2011, 8:10 pm
25 Apr 2011, 9:21 pm
