What about Wiccans?

Question

So how many Wiccans out there really have studied their own faith? Many of us bash Christians, talking about the burning times and the intolerance of Christians who call us Satan worshipers.

How many actually know who Gerald Gardner is?
How about Doreen Valiente?
Where did the Rede come from?
Who thinks that Witches practice only "White Magick"?

For those of us who confront Christians about their ignorance, how many of us actually take the time to know our own faith?

How many of us actually take the time to post well-thought-out and well spelled posts?

How many of us have read something more than "To Ride a Silver Broomstick"?

I'm not doubting people, but just think that we ought hold ourselves to the same standards that we hold others. Where do you stand?

For those who think I'm not Wiccan, you're quite mistaken.

As far as the Frosts, they practice what they call a non-Pagan monotheistic religion. Most Wicca today can be traced through Gardner, and the Rede actually can be traced back to Crowley.

My point isn't to debate theology or thealogy, but just to find out if people are actually putting effort into their religion, or simply reading a book and calling themselves a witch. I'm asking if you are holding yourself to the same standards that you hold Christians to.

Answer 1

I'm asking if you are holding yourself to the same standards that you hold Christians to.

What a beautifully put, and well thought out post.

How many people here have read things outside the scope of Pop-Wicca?

How many have read John Dee, or Three Books Of Occult Philosophy by Henry Cornelius Agrippa, or even Rober Graves?

How many can debate Dr Margaret Murray's theories, or heck, even know who she is?

Hopefully this question will raise some eyebrows, and get some people thinking.

After 13 years, I'm sad to say, 90% of the people I run into are the "I've read one Silver RavenWolf book" witches.

Answer 2

I know who Gardner and Valiente were. I know what they did for Wicca. I know that the Rede most likely came from Crowley. I know that followers of Wicca should only practice "White Magick" but not all do. To date I have read 15 books on Wicca and working on 3 more, (yes "To Ride a Silver Broomstick" was one of them) and should have another 8 read by Samhain. Every book on Wicca I have read I have written a book report on so that I am sure I know what I understood from the book. I would say that the majority of the time I post a well-thought-out response and make sure to use spell check (even if Wiccan isn't recognized as a word).

Where do I stand on these things?
Well I am not a Gardinerian as I feel that skyclad is not necessary for magick to work, magick travels from planet to planet, through buildings and around the world, I don't think a layer of cotton is going to stop it. And I still have to admit that when I see a picture of Gardiner I get "creeped out" something about him bothers me and I cannot explain why.
In Wiccans, I admire the works of Scott Cunningham, the Farrars, Ted Andrews, D.J Conway, and Richard Webster.
I follow a tradition that is a mix of Celtic and Eclectic, with a touch of Norse in it.
I make sure that although we deal with the spiritual realm I remain grounded in the physical realm.
And I believe that we should hold ourselves to a higher standard then we hold others for the fact that we call ourselves Wiccans which can be loosely translated as "Wise Ones" and we should prove it to ourselves that we are.


Blessed Be )O(

Answer 3

I agree with you. We should treat others how we expect to be treated.

As for Hayden Life - The Frosts did NOT start Wicca!!!!! Gardner coined Wicca, and it was then brought to America by Raymond Buckland in 1962. Gavin was initiated into a different tradition coven in 1951.

He moved to California in 1968, 6 years AFTER Buckland had brought Wicca to the US. Gavin and Yvonne married some time in 1970 and started their own tradition of 'Frostie' Wicca, which has been said to have Celtic roots, but I personally do not agree with any of their teachings.

As for Silver Raven wolf, you are correct. She is rather wishy washy and does not guide new Wiccans well. I love the abrev. $RW!!!

I read pretty much every Wicca and Witchcraft book I can get my hands on, a couple have been Ravenwolf books, but not the 'Ride a Broomstick' kind.

Answer 4

That's a lot of questions.
I'm not Wiccan but I know who Gerald Gardner was and thought his books were interesting. I know who Doreen was and appreciate her talent for writing. I know the history of the Rede and how it is similar to the Law of Thelema. I know that magic doesn't have a color and that witches are capable of casting whatever spells they see fit.

I am rather ignorant about Christianity, so I probably wouldn't know if others are ignorant about it. I try to post well-thought-out posts. Careless spelling is a pet peeve of mine---and please don't get me started about that piece of trash book by $RW.......

I know enough about Wicca to respect those who follow that path. By learning about the history and the outer court teachings, I can relate to my Wiccan friends better and I've added some of their concepts to my practices. It saddens me that more people do not seriously look into the history of their path and learn about the elders who have paved the way for all of us following neo-pagan paths. What bothers me most isn't that there are some who are ignorant but that there seems to be so many who choose to remain ignorant---especially when they spread their misinformation.

I try to learn from good references but I have been wrong many times. The difference is that I am more than willing to objectively learn about other people's views even if I don't agree with them at first. I've learned a lot that way---about both my own path and other paths.

Answer 5

Yes, you have a very valid point.

Not just Wiccans, but pagans in general.

Many seem to view the whole "pagan thing" as a sort of spiritual salad bar- sample some of this, nibble some of that, put together a mish-mash of "alternative beliefs" and label yourself a Wiccan, or a Pagan--al without any understanding, study, or true belief in anything

Answer 6

A truly wise person once said that mysticism is the only true white magic. Black magic is any magic that infringes on another person's will and right to self-determination. This includes love spells, and any other spell that can alter a person's future.

Can any Wiccan truly say that none of their spells interferes with anyone's right to decide what is best for them?

Answer 7

I think I share your "give me more" attitude. I see 'Wiccans' post here all the time, but there is never anything of substance. Its almost like the label of 'Wiccan' is suppose to move me in some way. I see no teachings and the 'spell' aspect of it seems just naive at best and and actually damaging at trying to really understand the world at worse.

Sorry if I'm offending, but I'd like to see something of substance before I can take them seriously.

Answer 8

i don't know about you wiccans but I certainly have read the books that are part of my belief not only that but i've taken the time to read many others also

actually I quite like YA since my beliefs have managed to stay well out of the media in any recent times not many people know enough about it to critcise so i get a pretty good run

Answer 9

Yes, I know my religion. I spend a good amount of time learning it and practicing it. I learn about different practices within Wicca. I am no One Bood Wiccan Fluffy Bunny.

Answer 10

I'm a Pagan and I hold myself to a greater standard than I hold Christians.
But I feel ya, I've met a lot of newbie witches (and Wiccans for that matter) who seem to think that they invented metaphysics yesterday.