Spirituality and Self Help
Meet a Northern Witch
by Rayvin
Ever wonder if Witches were real? Well, let me tell you what I know, based on my personal experience and research. The term "Witch" invokes stereotypes and misconceptions, but I hope that you will read on and come to understand, if only enough to be open to learning more.
Witches are, in fact, real and living in your town and mine. They are spread across many parts of the world; their numbers are growing in Canada and the United States. They are NOT evil and DO NOT worship Satan. He is not part of their deity system. They believe that each person is responsible for his or her own actions.
Most Witches believe in a three-fold law: where what you send forth comes back times three. This is also known as Karma. It would not make much sense to do things that were "evil" or nasty, if what you did would come back upon you three times as strongly.
Witches belong to a broader religious category: Paganism. Like Christianity, Paganism has many denominations or paths. All of these paths share a respect and reverence for nature, as well as a strong sense of spirituality. Paganism includes but is not limited to Wicca, Druidry, Asatru, and Witchcraft. There are also strong similarities between Aboriginal Spirituality and Paganism.
Pagans do not snap their fingers, wiggle their noses or wave their wands to make things happen. Some, not all, do use Magick and cast spells. However, unlike the fun fiction of the movie, TheCraft or television shows like Charmed, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or Bewitched, spells don't automatically make things happen. Spells are like prayers. They are away of getting in touch with nature and focussing your will and intent on your desired goals. If you don't also act according to that intent, then nothing will happen.
For example, if you saw a Blue Jay for the first time ever, you might think to yourself, "Wow, a real Blue Jay! I knew they existed, but I never thought I'd actually see one. It's so pretty. Hmmmm? I wonder what they eat?" Then you decide to get a book. You surf the web get a little more information since your curiosity has been intrigued. Two days later, you see another one. Then it seems like you see them everywhere. You even notice them on signs and television. Ads for "The Toronto Blue Jays" stand out now. Blue Jays are abundant here in Northern Ontario, and they have always been here, but until you notice and pay attention, you don't see them. This is how a Magick spell works. You focus your intention and you begin to see more clearly, and things that may have been there all along seem to come suddenly to the surface.
Like spells, many Pagan symbols have been misunderstood. For instance, the pentacle, a five-pointed star inside a circle, is a common symbol of The Craft. It is not used by all paths but is considered a symbol of protection by many. The points of the star represent the elements: earth, air, fire, water and spirit. The circle represents unity and the cycle of life, with no beginning and never ending. You might be thinking, "I've seen Satanists wearing this symbol." Yes, Satanists have taken our sacred symbol inverted it to use as their own just as they have taken the crucifix, inverted it and used it as their own. Some bad people may claim to be witches or pagans; this does not mean all Pagans are bad. Every religion has, at one time or another, been claimed by people who do bad things. However, these people do not represent any faith as a whole.
Paganism is NOT a cult. A cult has one central leader that dictates what everyone in it is to do. Many Pagans are solitary practitioners; hence they lead only themselves. Some groups meet to practise together: this gathering may be called a coven, circle or perhaps fireside. Pagan gatherings may take place outside in order to be close to nature, but Pagans will meet indoors if the weather is not favourable.
Many Pagans worship a God and Goddess equally. However, some paths worship only a Goddess. Some worship a single God and Goddess; other Pagans worship many or see others as a form of the main one or two.
Most of the Pagans I know volunteer in community groups and charities. They are parents, care-givers, teachers, lawyers, musicians, business owners, artists and students. They are kind and caring. They respect others and accept differences. They smile a lot. And while some do like black, they wear many colours. They seek only to be accepted for who they are and do not try to convert or recruit others. People choose this spiritual path of their own free will.
If you would like more information about Paganism, please fell free to contact me.
Thank you for being open-minded.
Blessed be!
Rayvin
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