...born a witch or indoctrinated somehow? Are spells very different from ceremonies that shamans do?
2007-09-14 05:19:39 · 17 answers · asked by NONAME 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Anyone can do a spell. In fact, a lot of people do spell casting without even knowing it. Praying is actually a form of spell casting. So, when christians are praying, they are trying perform magic without even realizing it.
Basically, any attempted use of, or supplication of, a supernatural being, or supernatural power, is an attempt to do magic.
Prayers that could have an effect on the material world are classified as "thaumaturgy", prayers that are not meant to affect the material world are "theurgy". (A lot of Wiccans don't actually use these particular classifications however. The terms are borrowed from other sources).
Some Wiccans probably are of the opinion that you do have to be born into or indoctrinated into a particular group. However, they are a minority in the Wiccan community. The most common opinion is that anyone can do magic.
Shamanic practices are useful in casting spells. However, there are many other techniques as well. Making a wish on a falling star could even be considered an attempt to cast a spell.
2007-09-14 05:34:24 · answer #1 · answered by Azure Z 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Wicca is an initiatory religion which means you would need to be initiated into by a Wiccan High Priest/ess. However, there are many who do self-initiations and consider themselves Wiccans. As a Wiccan you would need to follow The Wiccan Rede which is much more than "harm none". And no matter what religious path you follow, keep in mind that there is a cause and effect to your actions. Witchvox.com is a great website for basic information also read, read, read. Wicca is a spiritual path that includes much more than just spells.
2007-09-14 05:29:43 · answer #2 · answered by Keltasia 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
A spell can be many things- an affirmation, a prayer, a blessing, a pure thought, a desire, or a full-fledged ritual.
You don't have to be born into the Craft or initiated either. It's the fastest growing religion for a reason, you know. :)
Might I suggest you read material from Scott Cunningham? He was a great teacher and author on the subject. Check out "The Truth About Witchcraft Today" for starters.
Blessed Be!
2007-09-14 05:24:01 · answer #3 · answered by ~*Live, Love and Blessed Be*~ 3 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Anyone can practice magic, but some people have an easier time of it than others. It does take learning and practice, but there are plenty of people who learn on their own or through books: a personal teacher handing down the mysteries of the universe is not required.
Shamans enter the spirit realm to make changes that affect the physical world. Spells generally do not involve or require an out of body experience. It involves various forces that can be tapped in this realm.
2007-09-14 05:26:41 · answer #4 · answered by Nightwind 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Anyone can do a spell. Spells are a ritual to bring about change. So technically what shaman, druids, etc.. do is casting a spell, it is just the name of it that is different and where one believe the power of the change comes from.
Blessed Be )O(
2007-09-14 05:40:55 · answer #5 · answered by Stephen 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm not Wiccan, but I am witch, and anyone can do a spell. It's a simple matter of focus. Some are different from ceremonies and some are indistinguishable.
2007-09-14 05:23:57 · answer #6 · answered by KC 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
People come at what you're calling 'spells' from a lot of different directions for a lot of different purposes. Some are born to it, some learn it.
But it's all about energy and while some techniques work better for some people than others, all attempt to manipulate arcane energy.
2007-09-14 05:39:16 · answer #7 · answered by Jack P 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Anyone can. You don't have to be "born" anything. Or indoctrinated. In fact, Wicca is against indoctrination because its against a persons will.
Different from shamans? Well... yes. You'd have to experience it to know exactly how they're different.
2007-09-14 05:28:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
We all have Magic within us. But it is wise to study and read up on real witchcraft first! Start with basic meditation and make sure the Magical path is the one for you. As someone before me answered, a good author would be Cunninham.
2007-09-14 06:26:16 · answer #9 · answered by Zaden W 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go visit my site and you can read the Magick 101 page. I'm trying very hard to help people new to the Craft understand just what they are doing and why. Magick is about complete focus, while stimulating all senses to bring you into focus on all levels of your being.
Please enjoy my site and if you have any questions, please email me and I will do what I can to answer you.
BB's
2007-09-14 05:52:45 · answer #10 · answered by humanrayc 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋