A Brief Introduction to Wicca

     Religion is always a tricky subject to approach when someone asks you what you believe in.  A lot of times they are asking simply to try to convert you to their system of beliefs, or simply just to make your belief system unacceptable.  I embrace all systems of belief, and I truly believe that all religions will lead us back to the All-Life.  Religion should be about enlightening oneself and I suggest that you do not stop searching until you find the one that truly uplifts your spirit.  What do I mean by that?  Our spirit needs to be nourished just the same as our bodies, find a religion that suits you and fills your heart with love, honor, peace, grace, and wisdom.  Try to steer yourself clear of those that make you feel fear, guilt, or by all means unworthy of life.  Our spiritual Father, and Mother are there for guidance, just the same as you would guide your own child.  Always loving, and always caring, they are willing to let you get into trouble and experience pain sometimes in order for you to learn and grow.

     The belief system that I have found most fulfilling in my life is called "Wicca".  Although Wicca is a relatively new religion, it is based on very old concepts which date back to the first religion called "Shamanism".  Wicca is a nature based religion which teaches respect and reverence for nature and life.  Wicca also teaches that the All-Life (God) is within us, as well as residing outside the body.  The All-Life is a part of everything around us. It really is not that hard to see, it just takes a little time and a little study to open oneself up to see it.  "How one treats life, is how one will be treated by life".  Wicca sometimes involves magick, and ritual, but not always.  Magick is a personal choice, but usually most who practice Wicca, practice some sort of "magickal" rites.  A ritual does not always involve magick.  A ritual may be something as simple as lighting a candle for reverence and remembrance of the God and Goddess (which I find most effective), but it can also be extremely elaborate, including chants, dances, and even fasting.  So long as a ritual is done with true feeling and true intent, it is almost always effective.

     Most people who follow Wiccan beliefs also come to accept  reincarnation.  Reincarnation is the fact that we as part of life, are also bound by the cycles of life.  Cycles which are evident in everyday life also play a part in our spiritual life.  The changing of the seasons is a good example of how we are bound to cycles.  Think of all the things you do to prepare yourself for winter, or even to prepare yourself for summer.  Our spirits follow a similar path.  During the spring, life is born, and it grows outward, as spring changes into summer, life tends to mature. This is when most outside work tends to be done.  As summer changes to autumn,  it is time to harvest and reap the rewards of all the hard work done during the summer. We work in autumn so that we may prepare for the upcoming winter months.  As autumn changes to winter, life tends to hibernate and get some much needed rest in order to burst forth again in the spring.  All this is done in order for life simply to grow.  Likewise we as a part of life follow the same path.  Our spirits will grow and learn in just the same manner, therefore suggesting that after we die, we will be reborn again.  Much like the rebirth of spring, after a long hard winter.    

     Wicca overall has one simple but strong ideal..."Do what thou will, so long as it harms none".  This means do what you want in order to learn and grow, but do not learn at the expense of others.  Harming none, means not to harm other people, animals, or other life.  Now this brings into question eating meat and even plants because this is life also.  As an organic species, we must nourish ourselves with organics and this includes plants and animals.  Many Wiccans do not eat meat, but this is not always the case.  So long as proper respect and appreciation is given to the animal, and even the fruits and vegetables that you are eating, it should be in compliance with the Wiccan philosophy.  Usually a prayer or meditation before eating is done to show proper respect and thankfulness for the animal that gave its life, and also to the All-Life.

     In all actuality, Wicca is NOT that different from modern day Christianity.  Many people who believe in Wicca, also believe in different facets of Christianity.  In recent, it seems that Christianity and Wicca have come into a disdain of each other.  A true Wiccan should not look down upon, or criticize other religions, including Christianity.  Christianity is simply just another way for people to find the light within themselves.  Once we as a people can come to love and respect each others differences, we truly will be able to move humanity forward. 

     There are many more different facets of Wicca, and this listing is only a few.  Should you want to learn more about Wicca, please take a look under "section articles".  It contains information regarding the two most important facets of any religion, and I believe it will be of assistance no matter what spirituality you believe.  Also browse through my Links section.  It has many references on books which can help you become more acquainted with Wicca as well as becoming more acquainted with yourself and the All-Life.

     Find life wherever you can, but the true spirit finds life in all.