Affirmations for Appreciation

A p p r e c i a t i o n
I appreciate myself.
I appreciate my time, my energy, and my uniqueness.
I attract and surround myself with people who appreciate me.
I acknowledge and appreciate everyone I encounter.
I attract situations in which I feel appreciated.
 
These affirmations were inspired by the teachings of Orin as written by [...]

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The Threefold Law: the Patriarchy’s gift to Wicca?

Most Wiccans recognize two related moral codes – the Wiccan Rede and the Threefold Law.
The Rede states “As it harms none, do what you will.” In simple terms this means “do what you like as long as no one gets hurt, including yourself.”
The Threefold Law states that whatever energy one puts forth (in words, thoughts, and/or actions) [...]

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The Wiccan Rede, Part II: Meaning

In part two of this three part post, I’ll examine the meaning of the maxim many Wiccans strive to live by: As it harms none, do what you will. 
From attorney, activist, and Wiccan author Phyllis Curott in her interview with Guy Spiro of The Monthly Aspectarian:
We are indicted in the rest of the religious community for that. They look [...]

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Silly Fundamentalist Award of the Week

And the Silly Fundamentalist Award of the Week goes to…Rev. Kelvin Franklin of Sword Ministries, author of Understanding Spiritual Warfare 2: Know Your Enemy. Of particular amusement is Section 4 of this well-informed and skillfully-written treatise, Occult Symbols.

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The Wiccan Rede, Part I: Corresponding Forms

If there’s one thing most religions can agree on, it’s the Ethic of Reciprocity, commonly known as “The Golden Rule.” In Wicca, it’s called the Wiccan Rede: As it harms none, do what you will.

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Affirmations for Healing

Recently I visited Earth Sanctuary on Whidbey Island here in Washington State. It was an experience that’s not easy to describe. Tranquil, serene, revitalizing, and sacred are a few words that seem appropriate. While there I came across a string of seven flags strung between two trees, each the color of a chakra. On each flag [...]

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“Terra Fide” by Carl McColman

Carl McColman recently posted a great (though slightly lengthy) article on his website/blog that discusses (among other things) how Neo-Paganism isn’t immune from the politics, power plays, and fear-mongering someone like me might typically associate only with Christianity. It was a good read that broadened my perspective considerably.

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The Power of Simplicity

Wicca and Witchcraft have been sensationalized a great deal by the media over the last decade. Movies and TV have painted fantastic and unrealistic pictures of both, attracting many newcomers to the Old Ways. Some undoubtedly drift on to another less-demanding path once they’re dis-illusioned – once they discover there’s nothing supernatural involved. (But…I just spent $300 on [...]

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Wicca and Witchcraft: Intertwined but Distinct

The words “Wicca” and “Witchcraft” cannot be used interchangeably, though they are related. 
According to Scott Cunningham in the book Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, Wicca is “a joyous religion springing from…kinship with nature. It is a merging with…the universal energies which created all in existence. It is a personal, positive celebration of life.” [...]

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Practicing the Craft during a Void of Course Moon

At this writing, the moon is Void of Course. Every few days the moon moves through a different astrological sign. The time between leaving one sign and entering the next is described as “Void of Course,” often noted as VOC or v/c on lunar charts. The length of this period can vary from a few minutes to several hours.
I’m [...]

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