Okay, I went out and got the book "Wicca" by Scott Cunningham. I read the whole thing while I was there at the book store. I couldn't put it down, it was such a damn good book. I took a few notes and wrote in the book, underlining things and whatnot. Then I saw the book "Living Wicca" which is like the sequel to the first book and I got that one. I read about half of it and then went to the shop and got some incense and a couple candles because I wanted to go home and cast a circle.
But there's something I don't get about the circle. In the books, it's east=air, south=fire, west=water, and north=earth. But I don't see it that way. North being earth makes no sense to me, and west being water makes no sense either.
I know it says in the books that "if something feels right, then it's right" but he specifically says that the corners are called in that other way. Am I allowed to call the corners the way that I see fit or do I have to stick to a certain way of doing it?
2007-01-28 04:28:51 · 10 answers · asked by Autumn 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yeah I always thought north would be air. I mean I think north, like the north pole and I don't think of earth at all. I think of air, like wind and stuff. When I think east I think water, since I live on the east coast and the ocean is to the east.
2007-01-28 04:42:09 · update #1
Sweetie, cast the Circle however you want to. Just remember the Rede "An it harm none, do as ye will."
Blessed Be.
2007-01-28 04:38:01 · answer #1 · answered by Maria Isabel 5 · 4⤊ 3⤋
Why doesn't it make sense to you, hon?
This is the way I see it:
East: Think of the East coast of America. The waters are choppier; colder. This is because of wind ... air.
South: The equator is hot, which comes from heat, which comes from fire.
West: Just the opposite of the East cost of America. The West coast is know for its warm and inviting ocean.
North: I think of North as the top of the earth. The top has to have some kind of stability, which come from rock, soil, grass tress, etc.
Also, if it's too confusing you don't have to cast circle with elements of earth attached to it at all. I don't. I cast circle by saying that I call upon the elements/spirits/guardians of the East, South, West, and North.
Remember, Cunningham's way is only one of many. Keep reading and keep asking questions until you find your own path.
You're doing wonderfully so far, it seems. Feel free to contact me if you have any more questions.
Blessed be!
2007-01-28 12:52:12 · answer #2 · answered by Joa5 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
The allignment of the elements is due largely to the works of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. There is a school of thought that places Earth in the east and Air in the north. Try that and see how it works for you.
Deo's Shadow Pagan Podcast does an episode on this topic. If you want to know more you can download it at http://www.deos-shadow.com
The fellow beneath me makes a valid point in that some people will allign the elements to whatever geographical features are near them. However, Wicca is neither pre-christian NOR is it Celtic. So they obviously didn't do it that way. Doesn't mean you CAN'T though.
And Kallan's absolutely right, do what feels best for you.
2007-01-28 12:40:31 · answer #3 · answered by Khalin Ironcrow 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Living Wicca is a brilliant book, and I preferred it to is first, but the first was still a good book.
As someone has already said, when Wicca first came about, it was practiced in Europe mostly, and the quarters were named accordingly. However, if your correspondances work for you, it isn't wrong. I always believe that the Gods don't mind the way we do things, just that we do them. Which is why I don't believe you have to be part of a coven to be Wiccan.
Good luck with your path.
BB
)O(
2007-01-28 17:58:40 · answer #4 · answered by Seph7 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Well Cunningham writes about Neo-wicca dressed-up as Wicca, if you are yourself Neo-wicca as apposed to Wicca then you can cast a circle as you please really.
It's your belief-system and your way of practicing.
Within Wicca there are no strict ideas, but in general the quarters are as they are in relation to their correspondences and the Guardians. It would be advised you study Wicca specifically to find out more about circle casting.
Neo-wicca is based from Wiccan beliefs and practices as per the outer-court teachings, not Wicca itself so if it feels right to you then do it the way it feels right, Wicca cast their circle a specific way for a specific reason. If you are a Seeker then read more on Wicca, as well as Neo-wicca, on circle casting.
2007-01-28 13:51:19 · answer #5 · answered by Kasha 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
That's a traditional way of doing it.. lots of people feel that the east is water to them.. directionally, it very well could be. If North isn't earth to you, then choose what is.. this is more about your visualization than anything else... do what feels best for you.
Many blessings on your path,
Kallan
2007-01-28 12:42:46 · answer #6 · answered by Kallan 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Most wiccan traditions were in europe before christianaty was ever daydreamed of. So geografically
South is fire because the sun is more in the south
Winds blow to the east
Oceans are to the west
Earth is all around but it is North since north is the last direction by default
I hope this helps make some sense.
2007-01-28 12:42:12 · answer #7 · answered by the Debater 1 · 2⤊ 4⤋
I'm eclectic, so I feel that you should do it however it feels right to you.
try it out and see what happens. the worst that could possibly happen is that your circle won't cast correctly, or it won't cast at all. but I really don't see that happening.
good luck and blessed be!
2007-01-28 12:48:36 · answer #8 · answered by Ariadne S 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Usually there are alot of Wiccans around here. I'd suggest you try posting your question again at a later time, as there appear to be none around right now.
Edit: Nevermind! *smile*
2007-01-28 12:39:46 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
Go with your gut. She will never lead you wrong.
2007-01-28 12:57:26 · answer #10 · answered by AmyB 6 · 3⤊ 2⤋