The Witch Within

So I am new to blogging and it probably shows but I am enjoying myself. I asked all my Facebook pals what my next blog should be about and my Mother-in-Law-to-be suggested Wicca. Even so, I thought I had better explore the blogniverse a little first to discover what everyone else writes about. On this site, for instance, the blogs seem to be fairly equally divided between dogs, cooking and religion. Some even seem dedicated to all three topics! Now it just so happens that I cook and I own a dog so apparently I am in good company. As for religion, well that's when things go a little awry.

I was raised a Christian. I went to church and Sunday school. I read the bible. I sang hymns in assembly and went carolling with my sisters. It wasn't straightforward in my house though. You see, my mum was raised CofE, whilst my dad was strict Catholic. They decided, for reasons I'm not prepared to divulge here, not to have me christened at all. I was always told I could choose my own path. You should have seen the look on their faces when I told them I'd chosen Wicca! After a rocky start (Mum thought I was going to worship cane furniture whilst Dad thought I would start slaughtering small animals) they have accepted my decision in the typical "it's just a phase" parent way. That was ten years ago.

So why did I choose Wicca?

I have spiritual beliefs that don't conform with any one religion. When asked, I describe myself as Wiccan but only because this is the label that ticks most boxes. I don't belong to a coven and I don't dance naked under a full moon (although Clint might like me to do the latter!) I do observe the sabbats and I do, very occasionally, work spells.

Most Christians regard Wicca and paganism with distrust. They hear the word witch and conjure up images of satanic worship. There is no devil in Wicca. Wicca is about harmony and balance. It holds respect for nature and our planet at its core. Most Wiccans are fervent recyclers and green campaigners. Personally, I regard it as more a way of life than a religion.

When you consider how most Christian festivals are based on pagan ones, I often wonder why people think us so odd. We may have different names for Easter and Christmas but the traditions and symbols are not so dissimilar; eggs at Easter, trees and holly at Christmas!

As for spells, I would liken them to prayers. A Christian will perhaps light a candle, place their hands together and get down on their knees to ask God for their most heartfelt wish. A Wiccan usually performs a slightly more elaborate ritual when working a spell but in essense it is the same. The difference is that as a Wiccan you believe the "wish" will come true. More than that, you believe that the very reason it will come true is because you believe it! For those sceptics reading this, I can honestly say that every spell I have woven has worked!

I am neither a goth or a new-age hippie. I am also not your stereotypical pagan, I don't think. Wicca is a self-build DIY religion. You are not inhibited by dogma. You can adopt aspects of other faiths into your own. That is the beauty of Wicca for me.

I would never try and convert someone to my "faith". I think everyone has the right to believe what they want and do what they want provided it doesn't hurt themselves or others. Such is the pagan way!

I just wish all faiths could live and let live. Well, at least they don't burn us anymore!