In Case There Was Any Doubt

Near the end of the chapter SC encourages his readers to write out their specific beliefs as a way to help solidify the core belief system.  I like this idea and it is therefore the subject of this posting.  Belief according to moi! 

The Goddess and the God:  I’ve already stated that I believe both are necessary.   I tend to visualize the Goddess as very pale, white-blonde hair, with a shimmering, flowing gown.  Depending on what aspect I am calling for, she may change appearance slightly for obvious reasons, but when I am performing a full moon ritual or praying, that’s the image in my head.  For the God, I see him as muscular, robust, bare-chested, elk horns on his head, with red-auburn hair.  Again, his appearance may be different according to the aspect being called.  Part of what drew me to Wicca was the idea of two main deities.  This recognizes the equal participation in life of both male and female without one or the other being dominant.  I find that very important for humanity—respect for both genders as essential to life.  Even plants have both male and female parts ya know.

Reincarnation:  I’ve mentioned this before, but I am not sold on the idea.  I think it is probably possible, but absolute truth?  Not so sure on that notion.  I do however sometimes think about what on earth I am supposed to learn in this incarnation if I’ve been down this road before, so I can’t say I have fully discounted the idea of reincarnation.  I prefer to think in terms of one life, one shot, make the most of the time you’ve got in case this is all there is. 

Magic:  Life is magic.  The very notion that we live on a planet with so much bounty and so much diversity is magic.  I find many aspects of this life magical.  That said, I don’t think magic in the context of a ritual and circle as always necessary.  When practiced and performed with purity of intent and honest to goodness belief, I enjoy feeling like I am sending out good stuff into the world.  There’s enough ick out there that what magic I do perform—whether it be full on ritual or prayer—I think provides a little balance.  I also find writing my spells to be a lovely creative exercise.  But performing magic is not an essential part of my practice.  I have—on more than one occasion-- held full moon rites without spellwork. When there is need, I will practice it.  I also think it is important to learn how to practice magic and send energy toward a purpose.  Once you do, then how often you perform it in the future is up to you.  I do tend to perform more magic for other people than for myself.  Whatever the need may be, I do believe in adhering to the idea of the threefold law—whatever you send out comes back threefold.

Interactions with other religions:  My religion is my business.  I am working toward being more open in discussing it with some who aren’t aware, but still and all—my business.  I do believe that everyone has a right to practice whatever religion they want to as long as they don’t harm anyone or try to make me convert.  I’m not going out recruiting and I would really appreciate it if they let me alone too.  I know people get very passionate about their religion and some feel the need to spread their good word and I pray that when confronted the Lord and Lady guide my tongue and my mind so I can listen and then speak up when needed.  When I see laws like the one in Indiana where a group is trying to compel compulsory recitation of the Lord’s Prayer at school, I get feisty.  It requires a lot of deep breaths for me not to rant.  If a private school wants to do that—cool.  If a parent who homeschools wants to do that—great!  However, with public education as it is now it is ludicrous.  Number one, it’s choosing Christianity above all other religions therefore violating expression of religion.  Number two, it is using the government to impose one perspective on all.  Number three, which version of the prayer shall be used?  It varies from church to church after all.  An observed moment of silence where anyone can say their own little prayer if they want, I could see that.  However, why do we need a law for that?  I think my religious beliefs do guide my political beliefs, but the minute we start writing laws based on a particular religion, we’ve got a problem.  Anyway, to each their own.  Spirituality and religion is a highly personal pursuit and if people would stop and look for what they have in common rather than fighting over who is right, I think we’d be a much happier world. 

Racism and Prejudice:  I must admit, I found this part a little astonishing.  SC states on page 137 “many covens simple won’t let non-Caucasians receive training and initiation.”  What?  On the one hand Wicca accepts anyone—male, female or black, white, brown etc.—then he says this?  I suppose it is only human nature; the same exists in other religions so why should we be exempt?  I do however find that idea contrary to the concept of harm none.  Not only are they harming the person they exclude, but they harm themselves by refusing to see beyond their prejudice.  They can have their beliefs and they can call themselves Wiccan and they can invite who they want to their clubhouse, but I would steer clear of any such coven.

There you have it.  My core beliefs according to what SC sets forth in this chapter.   Above all, harm none.  Blessed be.