Wicca is considered to be a shamanic religion because of its center around nature. Shamanism has been classified as the first religion; the shamans were the first people with knowledge. They discovered this knowledge through communion with nature-shamans practiced self-inflicting pain, consumption of halluciongens, meditation, and concentration in order to achieve awareness with the unseen world. Magickal knowledge was obtained through the various states of consciousness. Wicca, however, does not use the methods of pain and halluciongens to achieve communion with nature. Instead, Wiccans practice singing, dancing, chanting, meditation, and/or concentration. Wicca teaches that through religious magick, one can commune with the God and Goddess.Wiccans also believe in a divine being. This being exists both as male and female (God/Goddess). Spirit is seen in both the physical and spiritual worlds; Spirit also dwells within us-as also in nature.
Another belief of Wicca is that of reincarnation. After physical death, our souls journey to Summerland(Wiccan version of heaven) where we continue to grow spiritually. Once things become right on Earth again, our souls are reincarnated so that we may continue our spiritual learning.
Now for what you have all been waiting for..magick. Yes, Wiccans do practice religious magick. Not the kind of magic you see on television and movies though (sorry). One of the most important concept of Wicca(in my opinion) is understanding that everything is made of energy-rocks, trees,water,fire,etc. Wiccans use the natural energy found in these objects to aid in our lives. Scott Cunningham describes it as,"..the projection of natural energies to produce needed effects." Can Wiccans just do whatever they want with magick?NEGATIVE! The Threefold Law(Karmatic Truth)states that any energy sent out-positive or negative-will return threefold. Eight little words determine the whole outlay of our lives-"an ye harm none, do what thee will". The Karmatic Truth not only applies to magick, but to our daily lives as well. Once I understood how karma works within our lives, I started to realize why some of the things that have happened to me had to happen. I used to wonder,but now I know..it's all about karma!! Now I make a conscious effort to try to be positive in whatever I say/do. Although I will admit I don't always have a happy demeanor..just ask my friends. But hey, I'm only human right..no matter how enlightened I may be. We know that no matter what we do in life will come back to us. It's like the cliche, what goes around comes around.
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