And what does Wicca say about my being a lesbian? I know they don't condemn it, but what do they say about it? And I'm sixteen by the way.
2007-01-27 05:31:56 · 16 answers · asked by Autumn 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Well the first step would be to not let the bible-thumpers and other intolerant people to tell you that you are doing something wrong. But seeing how you're a lesbian, I'm sure you're used to people spewing their intolerance at you. It's sad, really. Well the first thing to do is study it, and take your time studying it. Read books by Scott Cunningham and Margot Adler. Stay away from Silver RavenWolf at all costs.
As to what Wicca says about homosexuality, the answer is NOTHING. Wicca says nothing about it. It's natural and normal and there's nothing wrong with it. No one will care. Feel free to e-mail or IM me with any questions.
Blessed Be.
2007-01-27 05:41:26 · answer #1 · answered by Maria Isabel 5 · 7⤊ 2⤋
While many people interpret the Wiccan religion in different ways, there are also (like in any religion) those purists who believe that Wicca adheres to certain beliefs and practices, and that the others are just practicing a brand of Paganism that is SIMILAR to Wicca. These "purists" do not follow the "fluffy-bunny, Wicca is all good, white-lighter" stuff, but rather closer to the religious tenets set down by the creators themselves.
I would suggest reading, LOTS of reading. After all, knowledge is the key to understanding the rituals and beliefs in ANY religion. There are many different interpretations out there, and you should know them all.
Also remember that Wicca is still a relatively new religion (from the 1930's I believe), and though they might take ideas from Pagan (I'm talking here about the Non-Abrahamic definition from the roman times, etc, not the Neo-Pagans) religions, they are NOT an old religion. This is not necessarily a BAD thing, but something to remember, because it leads to the rampant belief that it is not valid because of its age.
Finally, remember to keep your mind open. Do not choose it as the "one for you" unless you truly feel the call to WICCA. If some of it fits you and some doesn't, keep reading about other religions. Perhaps you aren't Wiccan, but maybe Pagan. Or maybe just Spiritual.
As far as what they say about being LGBT, some are cool with it, and some think that it's unnatural. Remember, you're dealing with HUMANS here, not some super-power "Charmed" group. They all have their own ideas and beliefs. Most Wiccans will be accepting of LGBT. But most Wiccans will also say that so long as you're still living at home, you need to be respectful of your parents' wishes. So don't do it as a "rebellion" either, or you will gain NO respect.
2007-01-27 05:50:41 · answer #2 · answered by jlene18 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Wicca is completely blase about your sexual orientation, because the central creed of Wicca, 'An it harm none, do as ye will shall be the whole of the law." espouses freedom to do as you will, as long as you don't harm somebody or something else in the process.
As to starting as a Wicca, there are two ways you could go. The first is to find and join a circle. I'd say the best way to do this is by visiting these sites and seeing if you can find something in your area:
http://www.modernwiccan.com/
http://www.witchvox.com/
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Wicca_Wonders/
You could also just post on here for people to contact you.
The other path is that of the solitary witch. Here you basically build your own interpretation of Wicca, and follow your own path. If this sounds more your style,or if you want to test the waters before joining a circle, then try and get a hold of Scott Cunningham's classic Wicca: A guide for the solitary practitioner.
If you want to find out a bit more first, do a search for Wicca on Wikipedia (www.wikipedia.org) and follow some of the links from there.
Good luck, and if you have any specific questions, or need more advice, mail me.
2007-01-27 05:48:27 · answer #3 · answered by dead_elves 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I can't tell you what Coven life is like because I do not know. I am Pecti-Witan (aka Hedge Witch, not Wiccan) a "solitary" practitioner of "the Old Religion", and have been for many, many years. Being a "Witch" is nothing like what is portrayed in movies or on Television. There is nothing flashy about it. we are fairly simple people with "abilities" that everyone has, ours are just honed and utilized. Lots of research and practice. There is a lot to learn when you are dealing with herbal, mineral and candle magick.
BTW I do read tarot cards, rune stones and utilize a number of other "fortune telling" tools but would NEVER charge anyone for anything I do! Besides, I do not do "readings" or "cast spells" for others on demand. That sounds more like a con game to me!
Books are an excellent source, providing you get the right ones, there are some I would avoid and I second Maria's sentiment on Ravenwolf, you need something more basic, comprehensive and down to earth. I prefer Scott Cunningham. If you can connect with other practitioners that would also be a good way to learn. One question you must ask yourself is are you looking for the structured system of a Coven or would you prefer the life as a "Solitary"? Buckland has some very good books outlining both. But my favorite book is still "Wicca, a Guide for the Solitary Practitoner". It is a good place to start (or affirm). You might also want to look into Buddhism in your quest. I am a Witch/Buddhist. So before you make a decision on which path is right for you please do some reading. Your heart will tell you when you have found your path.
Your sexuality is of no consequence, it just does not matter.
Tho I am "straight" I have many friends who are gay, lesbian or bi. I think that the main goal of anyone who chooses this path is inner peace and happiness.
Normally I would tell you that you to have a thick skin, because even in this "advanced" civilization there are still those who believe we worship the devil (LMAO), and would rather turn a blind eye to the world around them. Some will even admit that they think we should be burned at the stake! Ignorance knows no bounds. But since your sexuality is an issue with them as well, I think you either have developed a thick skin or at least have the ability to tune them out!
I hope you find the answers you were looking for.
BB
)O(
2007-01-27 11:52:02 · answer #4 · answered by Enchanted Gypsy 6 · 3⤊ 3⤋
Wicca says nothing about being lesbian, as a matter of fact it's open and accepting of all walks of life w/o discrimination. You might find some GLBT specific info under Lesbian.com under spirituality, as well as witchvox.com etc.
It's generally accepted that you explore/study for a year and a day (whether you choose to as a solitaire or in a coven) and you learn about ritual, how to set up and maintain an altar, etc. various spells and such if you want, herbs, and the inner workings of it all. Also there are books out there on knowing your rights as a pagan/wiccan which I suggest you pick up on like "Pagans and the Law" by Dana D. Eilers who's an attorney and Pagan activist, and such. If you choose a coven, learn the ethics of how to choose a good teacher, there are books out there on how to discern who's really an ethical spiritual guide (yep, specifically for Wiccans and Pagans, but I forgot the title as I've given my copy to another) so that you don't wind up in a bad situation.
Know your rights, seek help when you need, study well, remember and honor the Rede and enjoy!
_()_
2007-01-27 05:56:13 · answer #5 · answered by vinslave 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check out Wicca: a Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham.
Check out different websites like www.witchvox.com
www.paganwiccan.about.com
www.wicca.timerift.net
www.wicca.com
and others until you turn 18 and can think about joining a coven if you like. :)
As for being a Lesbian, I'm happy that you know what you want in life. The Goddess says, "All acts of Love and Pleasure are my Rituals" that include same sex relationships.
:)
Blessings on your path!
PS if you're at your local library, check out the 133's in the Non Fiction section, it's where they keep the "witchy" type books.
2007-01-27 09:54:10 · answer #6 · answered by AmyB 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The best way it to talk to others who also practice Wicca or other forms of paganism.
This is a link to The Witches Voice. You should be able to find some other practitioners near your community using this website:
http://www.witchvox.com/
2007-01-27 05:43:51 · answer #7 · answered by genaddt 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
vern7us: first you have to become wiccan, or atheist, or buddhist, and then you'll see christianity is a horrible religion, and wicca is far more enlightened. But of course you've been taught anything different is evil.
The first steps? um, read up on it, I guess. Wikipedia and such.
2007-01-27 05:42:58 · answer #8 · answered by eldad9 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
First and foremost study is the most important thing, there is a lot of misinformation regarding Wicca and you have to be able to get to a point where you can tell the difference between truth and fiction by yourself. It is generally a good idea to look at the history and influences of Wicca, such as the Thelemic origins.
A good book to look at is Ronald Hutton's 'Triumph of the Moon' it is heavy reading but a good starting point, anything by Gardner himself would be beneficial too, web sites on Gardner, Valiente and sites on the general history of Wicca would be useful for you to take a look at.
Gerald Gardner - http://www.geraldgardner.com
Doreen Valiente - http://www.doreenvaliente.com
History of the Rede - http://www.wiccanrede.dreamhost.com
The Thelemic Origins of Wicca - http://kheph777.tripod.com/art_wicca-thelema.html
More on Gardner - http://www.themystica.com/mystica/articles/g/gardner_gerald_b.html
Some people believe that the misinformation about Wicca is beneficial because it separates the serious Seekers from those who are only looking into Wicca for 'fad value' as more often than not those who are not serious will only learn what they like the sound of, refusing to accept that what they have learned may be incorrect – Wicca is a constant learning path, you need to be able to keep an open mind and continue studying even if you don't like the sound of it.
The 10 Big Beginner Mistakes and Pitfalls - http://www.glasstemple.com/basics/index.php?conjure=topten_pitfalls
Wicca: For the Rest of Us - http://wicca.timerift.net
NWCI's advise to Seekers - http://www.newwiccanchurch.net/seekers/index.htm
Your age is an issue in that Wiccan covens tend not to initiate anyone under the age of 18 years old because they see it as a moral problem to teach minors, it can be a problem as often teens are just exploring their faith so not ready to commit to Wicca, also because of the adult nature of Wicca initiating under 18's could cause legal problems.
With that said however many Wicca groups run outer-court teaching to people interested in Wicca or to those they may consider initiating when they are old enough. It's a good idea to look to the local pagan community to find meetings and groups you could study with. – but be careful, many people claim to be Wicca when they are not, at best they could teach you about something other than Wicca, at worst they could put you at serious risk. Look on Witchvox for local moots and covens, or even just local pagans – http://www.witchvox.com
As well as real life groups I would also strongly recommend joining an online community, it will be difficult for you to find a group with knowledgeable people but when you do find one they will be able to help guide you through the misinformation and advise you on any questions you have. In fact, one group that would be very good, but I'd suggest just watching before joining in yourself, would be Amber & Jet - http://amberandjet.spiralpaths.org
As for Wicca and homosexuality, the doctrine does not teach against homosexuality and Wicca do tend to be very tolerant of other people – asexuality is a far bigger issue within Wicca than homosexuality is because at least with homosexuals in a coven the practices can be seen as purely symbolic.
The subject of sexuality does tend to be discussed a fair bit within Wiccan and Pagan communities, however I have yet to see it ever be seen or talked of as negative in any way. For the most part I think within Wicca a persons sexuality is a mute point, some covens do not allow homosexual people within their covens not because of intolerance but because of the way in which they believe power and duality is represented in their circle.
2007-01-27 07:24:37 · answer #9 · answered by Kasha 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
You have to cast MAGIC MISSILE.
Just kidding.
From what I learned in the military from my Wiccan friends, there's really no wrong way to be a Wiccan, as long as you follow the Rede.
2007-01-27 05:35:04 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 6⤋