WHAT LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
WITCHCRAFT
Below please find information on the modern religion of Witchcraft. After being the
victims of hundreds of years of 'bad press', Witches are beginning to go public and
to define themselves and their religion.
We hope, by this endeavor, to counteract the tendency to associate psychotic events
or Satanic rites with the practices of our life-affirming beliefs. Moreover, we acknowledge
the need to establish positive interfaith dialogue with members of other local religious
communities.
Although there are a number of Witchcraft Anti-Defamation Leagues throughout the
country, none are presently active in the Kansas City area. Thus, we at the Magick
Lantern have compiled this information to provide an overview of Witchcraft, or Wicca,
in its contemporary form. The Magick Lantern is a bookstore founded in 1984 to serve
the occult community of Kansas City. Its owner, Mike Nichols, is an ordained minister
of Wicca, with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities of that office.
We have included in this outline a brief statement on each of the following:
Of necessity, we have merely highlighted these aspects for you. We cannot illustrate
the entire panorama of our diverse religion, but we have tried to convey a basic
understanding of the Craft of Wicca. On request we can
furnish more detailed information or a representative authorized to speak on our
behalf.
Blessed Be,
Mike Nichols,
Proprietor
The MAGICK LANTERN
1715 Westport Road
Kansas City, MO 64111
816/531-7265
[N.B. -- The Magick Lantern ceased operation in 1989.]
DEFINITIONS
OCCULT -- occluded or hidden, secret; the study of secret or hidden knowledge. Secret
societies include the Masons and Rosicrucians.
EARTH RELIGION -- a religion whose main tenet is that the worshipper be in harmony
with the Earth and with all life. Such religions oppose the idea that the world is
a resource to be subdued and exploited.
PAGAN -- a practitioner of an Earth Religion; from the Latin 'paganus', meaning 'country
dweller'.
NEO-PAGANISM -- a modern Earth Religion which borrows and adapts from the best of
pre-Christian Pagan religions, sometimes with additions from contemporary religious
thinkers.
WITCHCRAFT -- a magical Neo-Pagan religion with many diverse traditions derived from
various cultural sources (though mostly European) around which Covens and solitary
practitioners base their practices. Modern Witchcraft traditions include: Gardnerian,
Alexandrian, Dianic, Celtic, Traditionalist, Faerie, NROOGD, Druidic and others.
THE CRAFT -- another name for Witchcraft.
COVEN -- a congregation of Witches, usually at least three but no more than 13 members.
WITCH -- one who worships the Goddess(es) and/or God(s) of Paganism, practices magic,
and considers her/himself to be a follower of the spiritual path of Witchcraft.
MAGIC -- the conscious use of psychic energy, accompanied by ritual, to accomplish
a goal; often spelled 'magick' to distinguish it from stage magic (such as sleight-of-hand).
SABBAT -- any one of the eight seasonal festivals equally spaced throughout the year,
celebrated by individuals and Covens of Witches.
ESBAT -- any one of the 13 lunar festivals throughout the year, celebratedby Witches
at the times of the full moon.
PENTAGRAM -- a five-pointed star, ancient symbol of good luck and protection. Displayed
with one point up, it is the most common emblem of Witchcraft. When displayed inverted
(two points up), it MAY represent negative magic (or Satanism), but not necessarily;
some traditions of Wicca (chiefly British) use it as a POSITIVE symbol of advanced
rank.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What form does the practice of Witchcraft take?
A. The form and context vary from group to group and between each ritual, and may
run the gamut from elaborate ceremony to spontaneous ritual to simple meditation.
Q. How do you see the Goddess?
A. As the immanent life force; as Mother Nature; as the interconnectedness of all
life.
Q. Do all Witches practice their religion the same way?
A. Yes and no. Wicca is a highly individualistic religion. Moreover, the number of
different sects within the Craft may give the impression that no two groups practice
the same way. Though practices may vary, most traditions have many similarities,
such as the working of magic and a respect for nature. Most Witches find enough common
ground for mutual supposrt and productive networking throughout the Craft community.
Q. Is Witchcraft a 'cult'?
A. No. Cults are groups that trade 'salvation' and a sense of belonging for the ability
to think for oneself. They indulge in 'extravagant homage or adoration' (Webster's
Dictionary) usually of an earthly leader of some sort. This is the antithesis of
the Witchcraft experience. Most Witches come to the Craft through reading and communing
with nature and later finding like-minded people. Witches are extremely individualistic.
Q. Do Witches have a bible?
A. No. A bible is supposedly the word of a deity revealed through a prophet. Witchcraft
is a Pagan folk-religion of personal experience. A Witch may keep a 'Book of Shadows'
which is more like an individual's workbook or journal -- meaningful to the person
who keeps it -- containing rituals, discoveries, spells, poetry, herb lore, etc.
Covens may keep a similar group book.
Q. Do Witches cast spells?
A. Some do and some don't. A spell is a ritual formula, or series of steps, to direct
psychic energy to accomplish a desired end. Energy may be drawn from the Earth, concentrated
and sent out into the world. Since Witchcraft teaches that whatever one sends out
is returned threefold, Witches tend to be very careful never to send out harmful
energy.
Q. Do Witches worship the devil?
A. No. The worship of Satan is the practice of profaning Christian symbolism, and
is thus a Christian heresy rather than a Pagan religion. The gods and goddesses of
the Witches are in no way connected to Satanic practices. Most Witches do not even
believe in Satan, let alone worship him.
Q. Are Witches only women?
A. No, although women do seem to predominate in the Craft overall. In fact, some
traditions have only women practitioners, just as others have only men. A male Witch
is simply called a Witch, never a warlock.
Q. How can someone find out more about Witchcraft?
A. Ours is not a missionary religion, and we never try to make converts. However,
for those who are interested, there are many excellent books, and many Witches teach
classes or facilitate discussion groups. In this way, people may make contact with
a like-minded Coven or form their own group. There are also Witchcraft networks,
periodicals, and national and regional festivals through which a seeker can make
contact with the larger Craft
community.
BASIC PHILOSOPHY
Wicca, or Witchcraft, is an earth religion -- a re-linking with the life force of
nature, both on this planet and in the stars and space beyond. In city apartments,
in suburban backyards, and in country glades, groups of women and men meet on the
new and full moons and at festival times to raise energy and put themselves in tune
with these natural forces. They honor the old goddesses and gods, including the Triple
Goddess of the waxing, full, and waning moon, and the Horned God of the sun and animal
life, as visualizations of immanent nature.
Our religion is not a series of precepts or beliefs, but rather we believe that we
each have within ourselves the capacity to reach out and experience the mystery --
that feeling of ineffable oneness with all life. Those who wish to experience this
transcendence must work, and create, and participate in their individual religious
lives. For this reason our congregations, called covens, are small groups which give
room for each individual to contribute to the efforts of the group by self-knowledge
and creative experimentation within the agreed-upon group structure or tradition.
There are many traditions or sects within the Craft. Different groups take their
inspiration from the pre-Christian religions of certain ethnic groups (e.g. Celtic,
Greek, Norse); in the liturgical works of some modern Witch poet or scholar (e.g.
Gerald Gardner, Z Budapest, Alex Sanders, Starhawk, Raymond Buckland, Robert Graves);
or by seeking within themselves for inspiration and direction. Many feminists have
turned to Wicca and the role of priestess for healing and strength after the patriarchal
oppression and lack of voice for women in the major world religions.
There are many paths to spiritual growth. Wicca is a participatory revelation, a
celebratory action leading to greater understanding of oneself and the universe.
We believe there is much to learn by studying our past, through myth, through ritual
drama, through poetry and song, through love and through living in harmony with the
Earth.
HOLIDAYS
Despite competition from twentieth century 'life in the fast lane', the awesome spectacle
repeated in the patterns of the changing seasons still touches our lives. During
the ages when people worked more closely with nature just to survive, the numinous
power of this pattern had supreme recognition. Rituals and festivals evolved to channel
these transformations for the good of the community toward a good sowing and harvest
and boutiful hunting.
One result of this process is our image of the 'Wheel of the Year' with its eight
spokes -- the four major agricultural and pastoral festivals and the four minor solar
festivals commemorating seasonal solstices and equinoxes. In common with many ancient
people, most Witches consider the day as beginning at sundown and ending at sundown
on the following day. Hence a sabbat such as November Eve runs through the day of
November 1st. Solstice and Equinox dates may vary by a few days depending on the
year.
October 31 -- November Eve -- Samhain
Samhain means 'summer's end', for now nights lengthen, winter begins, and we work
with the positive aspects of the dark tides. In the increasing starlight and moonlight,
we hone our divinatory and psychic skills. Many Craft traditions, and the ancient
Celts, consider this New Year's Eve. It is the one night when the veil that separates
our world from the next is at its thinnest, allowing the dead to return to the world
of the living, to be welcomed and feasted by their kin. The Christian religion adopted
this theme as 'All Saints Day' or 'All Hallows Day' (Nov. 1), celebrating the eve
as 'All Hallows Eve' or 'Halloween'. The alternative date of November 6 ('Martinmas'
or 'Old Hallows') is sometimes employed by Covens.
December 21 -- Winter Solstice -- Yule
'Yule' means 'wheel', for now the wheel of the year has reached a turning point,
with the longest night of the year. This is the seedpoint of the solar year, mid-winter,
time of greatest darkness when we seek within ourselves to comprehend our true nature.
In virtually all Pagan religions, this is the night the Great Mother Goddess gives
birth to the baby Sun God, because from this day forward, the days begin to lengthen,
light is waxing. The Christian religion adopted this theme as the birthday of Jesus,
calling it 'Christmas'. The alternative fixed calendar date of December 25th (called'Old
Yule' by some Covens) occurs because, before various calendar changes, that was the
date of the solstice.
January 31 -- February Eve -- Imbolc
Actually, this holiday is most usually celebrated beginning at sundown on February
1, continuing through the day of February 2. 'Imbolc' means 'in the belly (of the
Mother)' because that is where seeds are beginning to stir. It is Spring. Another
name for the holiday is 'Oimelc', meaning 'milk of ewes', since it is lambing season.
It was especially sacred to the Celtic Fire Goddess, Brigit, patron of smithcraft,
healing (midwifery), and poetry. A Coven's High Priestess may wear a crown of lights
(candles) to symbolize the return of the Goddess to her Maiden aspect, just as the
Sun God has reached puberty. Weather lore associated with this sabbat is retained
by the folk holiday of 'Groundhog's Day'. The Christian religion adopted a number
of these themes, as follows. February 1 became 'St. Brigit's Day', and February 2
became 'Candlemas', the day to make and bless candles for the liturgical year. The
'Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary' adapts the Maiden Goddess
theme. The alternative date of February 14 ( 'Old Candlemas', Christianized as 'Valentine's
Day') is employed by some Covens.
March 21 -- Vernal Equinox -- Lady Day
As Spring reaches its midpoint, night and day stand in perfect balance, with light
on the increase. The young Sun God now celebrates a hierogamy (sacred marriage) with
the young Maiden Goddess, who conceives. In nine months, she will again become the
Great Mother. It is a time of great fertility, new growth, and newborn animals. The
next full moon (a time of increased births) is called the 'Ostara' and is sacred
to Eostre, Saxon lunar goddess of fertility (from whence we get the word 'eostrogen'),
whose two symbols were the egg and the rabbit. The Christian religion adopted these
emblems for 'Easter', celebrated the first Sunday after the first full moon after
the vernal equinox. The theme of the conception of the Goddess was adapted as the
'Feast of the Annunciation', occuring on the alternative fixed calendar date of March
25 ('Old Lady Day'), the earlier date of the equinox. 'Lady Day' may also refer to
other goddesses (such as Venus and Aphrodite), many of whom has festivals celebrated
at this time. (The name 'Ostara' is incorrectly assigned to this holiday by some
modern traditions of Wicca.)
April 30 -- May Eve -- Beltaine
'Beltane' means 'fire of Bel', Belinos being one name for the Sun God, whose coronation
feast we now celebrate. As summer begins, weather becomes warmer, and the plant world
blossoms, an exuberant mood prevails. It is a time of unabashed sexuality and promiscuity.
Young people spend the entire night in the woods 'a-maying', and dance around the
phallic Maypole the next morning. Older married couples may remove their wedding
rings (and the restrictions they imply) for this one night. May morning is a magical
time for 'wild' water (dew, flowing streams, and springs) which is collected and
used to bathe in for beauty, or to drink for health. The Christian religion had only
a poor substitute for the life-affirming Maypole -- namely, the death-affirming cross.
Hence, in the Christian calendar, this was celebrated as 'Roodmas'. In Germany, it
was the feast of Saint Walpurga, or 'Walpurgisnacht'. An alternative date around
May 5 (Old Beltaine), when the sun reaches 15 degrees Taurus, is sometimes employed
by Covens. (The name 'Lady Day' is incorrectly assigned to this holiday by some modern
traditions of Wicca.)
June 21 -- Summer Solstice -- Litha
Although the name 'Litha' is not well attested, it may come from Saxon tradition
-- the opposite of 'Yule'. On this longest day of the year, light and life are abundant.
At mid-summer, the Sun God has reached the moment of his greatest strength. Seated
on his greenwood throne, he is also lord of the forests, and his face is seen in
church architecture peering from countless foliate masks. The Christian religion
converted this day of Jack-in-the-Green to the Feast of St. John the Baptist, often
portraying him in rustic attire, sometimes with horns and cloven feet (like the Greek
god Pan)! Midsummer Night's Eve is also special for adherents of the Faerie faith.
The alternative fixed calendar date of June 25 (Old Litha) is sometimes employed
by Covens. (The name 'Beltaine' is sometimes incorrectly assigned to this holiday
by some modern traditions of Wicca, even though 'Beltaine' is the Gaelic word for
'May'.)
July 31 -- August Eve -- Lughnassad
'Lughnassad' means 'the funeral games of Lugh', referring to Lugh, the Irish sun
god. However, the funeral is not his own, but the funeral games he hosts in honor
of his foster-mother Tailte. For that reason, the traditional Tailtean craft fairs
and Tailtean marriages (which last for a year and a day) are celebrated at this time.
As autumn begins, the Sun God enters his old age, but is not yet dead. It is also
a celebration of the first harvest. The Christian religion adopted this theme and
called it 'Lammas', meaning 'loaf- mass', a time when newly baked loaves of bread
are placed on the altar. An alternative date around August 5 (Old Lammas), when the
sun reaches 15 degrees Leo, is sometimes employed by Covens.
September 21 -- Autumnal Equinox -- Harvest Home
In many mythologies, this is the day the Sun God, the God of Light, is killed by
his rival and dark twin, the God of Darkness -- who was born at Midsummer, reached
puberty at Lammas, and lives a mirror-image life of the Sun God. From this mid-Autumn
day forward, darkness will be greater than light, just as night becomes longer than
day. So it is a festival of sacrifice, including that of the Sun God in his aspect
of Spirit of the Fields, John Barleycorn -- for this is the final grain harvest.
The Christian religion adopted it as 'Michaelmas', celebrated on the alternative
date September 25, the old equinox date (Old Harvest Home). (The Welsh word 'Mabon',
meaning 'son', is used by some Witches for the name of this holiday, although such
usage is recent and not attested historically.)
GENERAL PRACTICES
The roots of the religion called Wicca, or Witchcraft, are very old, coming down
to us through a variety of channels worldwide. Although any general statement about
our practices will have exceptions, the following will attempt to present a basic
foundation for understanding. Some of the old practices were lost when indigenous
religions encountered militant Christianity and were forced to go underground for
survival. The ancient mystery religions were lost when the practice of the rites
were stopped and the old verbal traditions were no longer available. Parents transmitted
their traditions to their children down through the centuries with parts being lost
and new parts created. These survivals, along with research into the old ways, provide
a rich foundation for modern practice. Other factors contributing to the revival
of the Craft are archeological and anthropological studies of the religious practices
of non-Christian cultures, the works of the Golden Dawn and other metaphysical orders,
and the liberalization of anti-Witchcraft laws.
Modern Witches hold rituals according to the turning of the seasons, the tides of
the moon, and personal needs. Most rituals are performed in a ritual space marked
by a circle. We do not build church buildings to create this ritual space -- all
of Earth is in touch with the Goddess and so any place may be consecrated to use
for a rite.
Within this sacred circle, two main activities occur -- celebration and the practice
of magic. Celebration is most important at the major seasonal holidays, called Sabbats.
At these times the myths of that particular holiday are enacted and dancing, singing,
feasting, and revelry are all part of the festivities. On these occasions we celebrate
our oneness with Life. Magic is more often performed at gatherings called Esbats,
which coincide with the phases of the moon. Types of magic practiced include psychic
healing sessions, the channeling of energy to achieve positive results, and work
toward the individual spiritual development of the coven members. Magic is an art
which requires adherence to certain principles. It requires a conscious direction
of will toward a desired end. It is an attribute of magic that what you direct your
will toward will return to you three times. Therefore, Witches are careful to practice
only beneficial magic.
When the celebration, teaching, or magical work is finished, the blessing of the
Goddess and God is called into food and drink which are shared by all. The circle
is opened and the space is no longer consecrated.
To create the circle and the working of magic, we use tools to facilitate a magical
mood in which the psychic state necessary for this kind of work can be achieved.
The tools are part of a complete and self consistant symbolic system which is agreed
upon by the participants and provides them with a 'map' for entry into unfamiliar
psychic spaces. Such a system, like a map, is arbitrary and not 'true' in an absolute
sense; it is a guide to a state which is ineffable and can be most clearly reached
through poetry and 'starlight' vision.
A primary tool, which is owned by most Witches, is an athame or ritual knife. The
athame is charged with the energy of the owner and is used as a pointer to define
space (such as casting a sacred circle) and as a conductor of the owner's will and
energy.
Other important tools are the symbols on the altar which denote the elements: earth,
air, fire, and water (some 'maps' include spirit). A pentacle (a pentagram traced
upon a disk, like a small dish) is often used to symbolize earth and its properties
-- stability, material wealth and practical affairs. Alternatively, a small dish
of salt or soil can be used to symbolize the earth element. A ritual sword is usually
used to symbolize air and its properties -- communication, wisdom, and understanding.
Alternatively, a thurible of incense or a bell may be used to symbolize the air element.
A candle or wand is used to symbolize the element of fire and its properties -- will,
transmutation, and power. A chalice of water is used to symbolize the element of
water and its properties -- cleansing, regeneration, and emotion. In raditions which
include the symbol of spirit, an ankh, quartz crystal, or some other object is used
to symbolize spirit and its properties -- perfection, balance, illumination and eternity.
There are many other minor tools which are used for some specific purpose within
magical workings, but the tools described above cover the basic tools used in the
practice of the religion of Wicca.
Since these tools are merely the conductors of personal energies, as copper is a
conductor for electrical energy, most covens provide some degree of training in psychic
development to strengthen each memeber's ability to participate in the religious
activities. Each individual decides what level of such training is useful for them.
We see psychic abilities as a natural human potential. We are dedicated to developing
this and all of our positive human potentials. The energies raised by these practices
and other religious activities are directed toward healing ourselves and the Earth,
and toward diverse magical workings.
SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY
'Drawing Down the Moon' (revised ed.) by Margot Adler
'Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft' by Raymond Buckland
'What Witches Do (2nd ed.)', 'Eight Sabbats for Witches', 'The Witches' Way', 'The
Witches' Goddess', all by Stewart (& Janet) Farrar
'The Spiral Dance' by Starhawk
'Witchcraft Today' and 'The Meaning of Witchcraft' both by Gerald Gardner
'The Holy Book of Women's Mysteries (V. 1 & 2)' by Z. Budapest
'ABC of Witchcraft', 'Natural Magic', and 'Witchcraft for Tomorrow' by Doreen Valiente
'The Truth About Witchcraft', a Llewellyn Educational Guide
NOTE: Much of the foregoing information was originally issued as a 'press release'
by Covenant of the Goddess. While whole portions were left basically intact (aside
from the correction of spelling errors), other sections (especially the material
on holidays) were substantially rewritten and expanded by Mike Nichols, who assumes
full responsibility for any inaccuracies thus incurred.
This document may be re-published only as long as no information is changed, credit
is given to the authors, and it is provided or used without cost to others. Other
uses of this document must be approved in writing by Covenant of the Goddess and
by Mike Nichols.
