Wiccan Traditions and Paganism

Thursday, September 4, 2008

1. what are Venus of Willendorf dolls?
24,000-22,000 BCE fertility dolls, Venus figurinesDiscovered in Austria by archeologists, she is both the earliest depiction (estimated at 30,000 - 25,000 BCE) of the human form and the first known religious image of the Mother Goddess
Oolitic limestone
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_of_Willendorf
http://witcombe.sbc.edu/willendorf/willendorfwoman.html
http://www.goddessgift.com/colin-heaney-art-glass/goddess-willendorf-1.htm
2.What are the seven known planets before the twenthieth century? Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Pluto:http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/463008/planet#
3. What is goddess worship?Goddess spirituality, Goddess veneration. aspects" of a single "Great Goddess", mirroring the concept of a Singular God (e.g. Dion Fortune)Tantra one worship Sakti (Power), that is, God in Mother-form as the Supreme Power
4.What is the Sator sqaure ?Sator Square is a word square containing a Latin palindrome featuring the words SATOR AREPO TENET OPERA ROTAS written in a square so that they may be read top-to-bottom, bottom-to-top, left-to-right, and right-to-left. The earliest known appearance of the square was found in the ruins of Herculaneum which was buried in the ash of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. Therefore, its origins may well predate the Christian era.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sator_Arepo_Tenet_Opera_Rotas++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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spirits

Nature Spirits ~ Devas ~ Elementals ~ Trees

Read This file With Music
Devas are part of the Angelic Kingdom and are in direct service to

the world of nature expressing themselves as one of the 4 elements.

The exist in the ethereal world which runs parallel to our own.
They can be seen or felt intuitively or through the lens of a camera.
The Jews call them Shedim. The Egyptians called them Afries. Africans named them Yowahoos. Persians called them Devs.
NATURE SPIRITS
Ellie with Nature Spirits - upstate New York - November 1994
To 'talk telepathcally with nature spirits is to understand that they were created to help restore the balance of nature as humanity is bi-polar and in a constant state of destruction. The destrucrion of the exco-systems around the world - the Amazon ran forests - are just example.
There are those of us who love the gentle and compassionate frequencies of many nature spirits - working with them - or just being in their energies as we move towards the evolution of consciousness.
Nature Spirits are one way that allows human consciousness to connect beyond the physical and otherstand other realms.
Pan is the God of the nature spirits. He is half man and half goat. The nature spirits are for the most part composed of etheric matter. Their job is to build the plants. They channel the etheric forces they receive into physically constructing the particular plant patterns they are receiving from the devas. They are the physical workers who carry out the architectural blueprints. They express great joy and delight in their work. They vary in size from a fraction of an inch to elves who are three to four feet tall.
Elemental Kingdom
There are four basic elements of nature: fire, air, earth, and water. Within each of the four elements are nature spirits that are the spiritual essence of that element. They are made up of etheric substance that is unique and specific to their particular element. They are living entities oftentimes resembling humans in shape but inhabiting a world of their own.
The beings in the Elemental Kingdom work primarily on the mental plane and are known as "builders of form." Their specialty is translating thought-forms into physical forms by transforming mental patterns into etheric and then physical patterns. Each of them is a specialist in creating some specific form whether it be an electron or interstellar space.
Elementals range in size from smaller than an electron to vaster than galactic space. Like the angels, elemental beings begin their evolution small in size and increase their size as they evolve. The elementals serving on planet Earth materialize whatever they pick up from the thoughts and feelings of mankind. This relationship was intended to facilitate the remanifestation of "heaven on Earth."
They take their orders from the devas.
They do not remain individualized as humans are. These beings are animated by the thought power of the lower angels and so are thought forms of sorts.
They may be etheric thoughts forms, yet they have etheric flesh, blood, and bones. They live, propagate off spring, eat, talk, act, and sleep. They cannot be destroyed by frosser material elements such as fire, air, earth, and water because they are etheric in nature. they are not immortal. When their work is finished they are absorbed back into the ocean of spirit. They do live a very long time--300 to 1,000 years.
They have the power to change their size and appearance almost at will. They cannot, however, change elements.
Earth Gnomes
The nature spirits of the Earth are called Gnomes.
Subgroups:BrowniesDryadsDurdalisEarth SpiritsElvesHamadryadsPansPygmiesSylvestresSatyrs
Fire: Salamanders
The salamanders are the spirit of fire. Without these beings, fire cannot exist. You cannot light a match without a salamander's being present. There are many families of salamanders, differing in size, appearance, and dignity. Some people have seen them as small balls of light, but most commonly they are perceived as being lizard-like in shape and about a foot or more in length.
The salamanders are considered the strongest and most powerful of all the elementals. Their ruler is a magnificent flaming being called Djin. Those who have seen him say that he is terrible, yet awe-inspiring in appearance.
Salamanders have the ability to extend their size or diminish it, as needed. If you ever need to light a campfire in the wilderness, call to the salamanders and they will help you.
It has also been said that salamanders (and the other elemental beings) can be mischievous at times. For example, a fiery temper and inharmonious conditions in a person's home can cause these beings to make trouble. They are like children in that they don't fully understand the results of their actions. They are greatly affected, as are all nature spirits, by human humankind's thinking.
Air: Sylphs
The sylphs are the air spirits. Their element has the highest vibratory rate of the four (beside earth, fire, water). They live hundreds of years, often reaching one thousand and never seeming to get old. They are said to live on the tops of mountains. The leader of the sylphs is a being called Paralda who is said to dwell on the highest mountain of Earth.
Sylphs often assume human form but only for short periods of time. The vary in size from being as large as a human to being much smaller. They are volatile and changeable. The winds are their particular vehicle. The work through the gases and ethers of the Earth and are kindly toward humans.
They are usually seen with wings, looking like cherubs or fairies. Because of their connection to air, which is associated with the mental aspect, one of their functions is to help humans receive inspiration. The sylphs are drawn to those who use their minds, particularly those on creative arts.
Water: Undines
The undines are the elemental beings that compose water. They are able to control, to a great degree, the course and function of the water element.
Etheric in nature, they exist within the water itself and this is why they can't be seen with the normal physical vision. These beings are beautiful to look at and are very graceful.
They are often seen riding the waves of the ocean. They can also be found in rocky pools and in marshlands. They are clothed in a shimmery substance looking like water but shinning with all the colors of the sea, with green predominating. The concept of the mermaid is connected with these elemental beings.
The undines also work with the plants that grow under the water and with the motion of water. Some undines inhabit waterfalls, others live in rivers and lakes. Every fountain has its nymph. Every ocean has its oceanids.
The undines closely resemble humans in appearance and size, except for those inhabiting smaller streams and ponds. The undines often live in coral caves under the ocean or on the shores of lakes or banks of rivers. Smaller undines live under lily pads.
The undines work with the vital essences and liquids of plants, animals, and human beings. They are present in everything containing water. There are many families of undines, as the chart indicates.
The ruler of the undines is a called Necksa. The undines love, serve, and honor her unceasingly. They are emotional beings, very friendly and open to being of service to human beings.
The smaller undines are often seen as winged beings that people have mistakenly called fairies. Those winged beings are seen near flowers that grow in watery areas. They have gossamer wings and gossamer clothing.
Subgroups
LimoniadesMermaidsNaiadsOceanidOreadsPotamidesSea MaidsWater Spirits
Reference: Joshua David Stone
Trees

The 'tree' represents the Tree of Life - the feminine, nourishing, sheltering image of the Great Mother, rooted in the earth reaching toward the heavens, evocative of eternity. Nature spirits live in forests and connect with the tones of the trees.
As you sit at your computer close your eyes.Visualize a tree ... whose branches extend around

and through planet Earth connecting everythingforming a matrix that links everything together.
The Tree of Life
The Nature of Nature GodsThunderbolts - June 4, 2008

holidays

The following links will take you to specific holiday rituals crafted by Akasha to help you celebrate each holiday. We hope you find them useful in maintaining you connection with the Lord and Lady. As Akasha completes more of the rituals, I will activate the remaining links. Gentle Breezes!
Samhain
Yule
Imbolc
Ostara http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ostara
Beltane http://www.strangehorizons.com/2001/20010423/beltane.shtml
Litha
Lughnasadh
Mabon
Copyright © 1997-99 Akasha, Herne and The Celtic Connection wicca.com. All rights reserved.
Holidays Index Main Index

wiccan traditions

The Alexandrian tradition comes out of the coven started by Alex Sanders in England. Alex claims he was initiated by his grandmother in 1933, but many Alexandrian rituals are almost identical to Gardnerian ones, with a little more emphasis on ceremonial magic. The tradition's rituals, while basically Gardnerian, are modified with many Judeo-christian and Ceremonial Magick elements. Covens work skyclad. The eight Sabbats are observed and the Goddess and God are observed. Sanders did much to popularize the Craft but perhaps one of his best acts was to initiate Stewart Farrar. Farrar later formed his own coven and went his own way. Mary Nesnick, an American who was initiated into both Gardnerian and Alexandrian traditions, combined them in 1972 and created a new tradition called Algard. (From "Celtic Myth and Magick" by Edain McCoy)Alexandrian Book of Shadows (Public Domain)From the Covenant of the Goddess Homepage - http://www.cog.org/wicca/trads/alex.htm Back to the Top
"British Traditional Wicca" is defined as the family of Wiccan Traditions who can trace their lineage to Gerald Gardner, and/or to Alex and Maxine Sanders; or whose Wiccan practice is based upon, or derives from, the above but without having initiatory lineage back to Gardner or Sanders."(Taken from the Star Kindred Website)Beaufort House Index of English Traditional Witchcraft The Star Kindred Web Ring - http://www.starkindler.org/kin-ring.html Keep Wicca Traditional: http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Square/7290/ - Interesting Site, while I don't totally agree, the webmaster makes a very valid point! Back to the Top
The use of a Celtic/Druidic pantheon mixed with a little ritual Gardnerian, and heavily stressing the elements, nature and the Ancient Ones. They had a vast knowledge of and respect for the healing and magickal qualities of plants and stones, flowers, trees, elemental spirits, the little people, gnomes and fairies.(From "To Ride a Silver Broomstick" by Silver RavenWolf)For a breakdown of many of the other celtic traditions click here.Cerridwyn's Cauldron: http://www.fortunecity.com/roswell/lovecraft/195/Epona's Pagan Randomness: http://members.tripod.com/~Epona_Seaborn/home.html Back to the Top
This is one of the many Welsh-based traditions. It was originally founded by Gavin and Yvonne Frost in the early 1970's. As "The Church and School of Wicca" the material is presented to students by correspondence, though the course is virtually the same as the material presented in their book The Witches Bible. Originally (in the book) there was no mention of the Goddess at all and there were various sexual aspects which dismayed many who were otherwise drawn to the tradition. The latter situation has recently been modified and there is now mention of the Goddess. It is a widely spread tradition, found throughout this country and abroad. For further information contactThe School of WiccaP.O. Box 1502New Bern, NC 28560Website: http://www.wicca.org/Back to the Top
Circle was begun in 1974 by Selena Fox and Jim Alan. Its headquarters are at Circle Sanctuary, a 200 acre Nature preserve and organic herb farm in the rolling hills of southwestern Wisconsin. Circle coordinates Circle Network, "an international exchange and contact service for Wiccans, Neo-Pagans, Pantheists, Goddess Folk, Shamans, Druids, Eco-Feminists, Native American Medicine People, Seers, Ceremonial Magicians, Mystics and others on related paths." They publish an annual source, the Circle Guide to Pagan Resources as well as a quarterly magazine Circle Network News. Both of which I highly recommendto everyone! Circle sponsors a variety of seminars, concerts and workshops at the home base and around the country. At least once a year they also sponsor a special program for Wiccan and other Pagan ministers, and at Summer Solstice hold the National Pagan Spirit Gathering. Circle is incorporated as a non-profit spiritual center and is recognized as a legal Wiccan Church by state and federal governments. Circle differs from many traditions of Wicca in that it is more aligned with Shamanism and Amerindian ways than with the Wicca of Western Europe found in the majority of Craft traditions. Futher information may be obtained from: CircleP.O. Box 219Mt. Horeb, WI 53572E-mail- circle@mhtc.net Web Site: http://www.circlesanctuary.org Back to the Top
A cross-traditional federation of over one hundred covens, plus solitary elders and associates, who have joined together to win recognition for the Craft as a legitimate and legally recognized religion.The Covenant of the Goddess was organized in 1975 at Coeden Brith. It is incorporated as a non-profit religious organization in California, though it has grown to be a nationwide organization with members throughout the United States, as well as a few in Canada and Overseas. Decisions are made at an annual Grand Council or in local councils which may cover a city, state or an even larger area. The Covenant publishes The Covenant of the Goddess Newsletter and sponsors the COG Merrymeet Festival and Grand Council each year. The festival is open to non-members too. The Covenant makes ministerial credentials availabel to qualified members. It also publishes materials on the Craft and does a great deal of public education work with the media, law enforcement agencies, government officials, and interfaith groups. A coven can apply for membership if it a cohesive, self-perpetuating group which has been meeting for six months or more; the group follows the code of ethics defined by COG; the coven has three or more members studying for the priesthood, one of whom is an Elder; and the focus of the group's ritual and theology is the worship of the Goddess and the Old Gods (or the Goddess alone). Address: COGP.O. Box 1226Berkeley, CA 94701Web site: http://www.cog.org Back to the Top
First pinpointed by Margaret Murray in 1921 in "The Witch-Cult in Western Europe," this term appears to include a mixture of various traditions. However, their prime focus in recent years is on the Goddess, and has been pegged as the "feminist" movement of the Craft.(From "To Ride a Silver Broomstick" by Silver RavenWolf)Dianic Feminist Wicce is a tradition started by Ann Forfreedom that is both religious and practices magick. It includes both female and male practicioners ("It is not lesbian oriented and not separatist" states Ann), solo practicioners, mixed covens and all female covens. "Dianic Feminist Wicce encourages female leadership, insists that a Priestess must be present for a Circle ritual to be held and involves its practitioners in feminist and humanist issues." Groups work either skyclad or robed. Further information may be obtained from: Goddess Rising 2441 Cordova Street Oakland, CA 94602(From "Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft")Daughters of the Moon: http://www.daughtersofthemoon.com/About.com page on Dianic Wicca: http://paganwiccan.miningco.com/msubdianic.htm , "Why go Dianic?" (From Mama Roses Kitchen) - http://www.iit.edu/~phillips/personal/philos/dianic.html Back to the Top
Although this isn't exactly an "official" tradition there are many Wiccans that call themselves Eclectic, in fact most solitary Wiccans consider themselves eclectic. What this means is that they have combined elements from several different traditions into one they feel comfortable with. Many of the newer traditions started out as Eclectic.All One Wicca: A book on Wicca Online and FreeA Sutdy in the Universal Eclectic Wiccan Tradition The Temple (Traditional Wicca): http://www.geocities.com/~lynna/temple/index.html (home page http://www.wildweb.net/)"The best-known of the neo-pagan religions is Wicca, known to some as Witchcraft, an explicitly nature-focused faith tradition which sees all the gods and goddesses of mythology as aspects of one God and one Goddess, who are Themselves ultimately the masculine and feminine aspects of one primal divinity which is immanent within the living world, not separate from it." (taken from site)For a very good history of Wicca - http://cti.itc.virginia.edu/~jkh8x/soc257/nrms/wicca.html The Witches' Sanctuary - http://members.tripod.com/~WitchesSanctuary/ardane.htm The Witches' Voice - http://www.witchvox.com Witchcraft/Wicca 101 - http://www.witchvox.com/basics/witchcraft101_1.html The Celtic Connection - http://www.wicca.com/StarFire Rising (lots of good information, not for the beginner): http://www.starkindler.org/index.html A Witches Cauldron - Different Types of Witchcraft - http://www.pathcom.com/~newmoon/Diana's Grove: http://dianasgrove.com/Back to the Top
This was the first denomination of the craft to make itself known publicly (in the 1950's, in England). Because of that, many people mistakenly think that it is the only "true" Wicca. It is named for its founder, Gerald Gardner, who actually launched the tradition a few years after the end of World War 2. For many years Gardner was accused of inventing the whole concept of Wicca and of getting Aleister Crowley to write its rituals. Today he has been pretty well cleared of both these charges. The Gardnerian Book of Shadows can now be seen as a compilation from various sources, much of it actually contributed by Doreen Valiente. For a detailed examination of the birth of Gardnerian, see Janet and Stewart Farrar's books Eight Sabbats for Witches and The Witches' WayThe Gardnerian tradition places emphasis on the Goddess over the God, with the female generally lauded over the male. It has a degree system of advancement and does not allow for self-initiation. Covens work skyclad and aim to have "perfect couples" - equal numbers of male and female, paired. Covens are, theoretically at least, autonomous. Gardnerian Wicca is found in most countries around the world. For more information contact: Joyce Rasmussen383 Harrison StreetCouncil Bluffs, IA 51501Beaufort House A Gardner Biography - http://www.interlog.com/~bcholmes/gardner.html Back to the Top
The Georgians, founded by George E. Patterson in 1970, were chartered by the Universal Life Church in 1972, as The Church of Wicca of Bakersfield. In 1980 they were chartered as The Georgian Church."The Georgians are eclectic, much based on Garnerian-Alexander plus some English traditionalist and some original...God-Goddess oriented but lean more towards the Goddess." They generally work skyclad but individual groups or individuals may do as they wish. They are both religious and magickal and celebrate the eight Sabbats. Members are encouraged to learn from all available sources. More information may be had from:The Georgian Church1908 Verde St.Bakersfield, CA 93304Georgian Online Newsletter (lots of information)Back to the Top
An eclectic neo-Pagan path which was organized in Delaware withing the past decaade. Calling themselves Wiccan, they focus on balance and learning. Celtic beliefs are a Part of their teachings. Still concentrated in the easten states, covens are formed from study groups which include both old-timers and novices. Notices about the formation of Sacred Wheel study groups can be found in Pagan periodicals, especially those based in the northeastern United States."We are a Wiccan religion dedicated to the health of Mother Earth, and to all her children in whatever forms they may take. We recognize that every human carries the divine spark of God and Goddess within and work in the world to help to realize the potential implicit in that divine gift. We are a religion reborn from ancient stock into a new world, a new era, and a new life, evolving and adapting through time. May Wisdom, Understanding, and Beauty guide our actions in this and all the other worlds." (from Sacred Wheel site)The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel - http://www.sacredwheel.org/Back to the Top
This tradition was founded by Raymond Buckland in 1973. It has a Saxon basis but is, in fact, a new denomination of the Craft. It does not pretend to be either a continuation or a re-creation of the original Saxon religion. Main features of the tradition are the fact that it has open rituals (all of them are published and available), it has a democratic organization that precludes ego trips and power plays by coven leaders, there can be Coven or Solitary practice and there is the reality of Self-initiation in lieu of Coven Initiation, if desired. Seax-Wicca is found throughout the United States and in many countries around the world. For more information see "The Tree: Complete Book of Saxon Witchcraft" by Raymond Buckland.(I was unable to find a website dealing directly with Seax-Wica, beyond the usual definitions here and there. If you know of one, please send it to me!)Back to the Top

Thursday, September 4, 2008

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