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 Basic Wiccan Beliefs
Most Pagan traditions practice the worship of a Goddess and a God. This duality of deity helps to bring about a better feeling of balance for most Pagans. This duality is experienced in everything that surrounds us. Every physical object, and every form of energy, are viewed as being a part of the Goddess and God. The presence of both feminine and masculine attributes in all things is one of the most fundamental elements of most Pagan traditions.
One of the most noteable exceptions to the worship of a feminine and masculine deity is the Dianic Tradition. Most Dianic Traditions acknowledge the presence of both a feminine and masculine presence, but generally worship only the feminine deity.
Pagans worship in many different ways. There are so many different traditions out there, it would be next to impossible to chronicle all of them. Pagans are always free to choose which path they wish to follow. Pagans do not believe in admonishing others for the manner in which they choose to worship, nor do they admonish others for who they worship. Most of us prefer to communicate with others intelligently, and use the knowledge we acquire from others to help us along our own spiritual path.
Whether or not a Pagan agrees with another tradition, they still respect and love the members of other traditions. The Pagan community considers itself as one with each other. All members of the Pagan community learn and grow by learning from each other. We find that more preferable than dividing ourselves and arguing with each other, because of some minor theological differences. Who and how you worship is not nearly so important as who you are inside, and how you treat others.
The most highly respected people of the Pagan community are generally the elders. People are respected for their experience and knowledge. Most elders give their knowledge and experience freely. It is common practice among the Pagan community for people to help each other, in the quest for knowledge.
Most Pagans and Wiccans believe in the "Law of Three" which, simply stated, says that any action you take will be returned to you three-fold. This applies to both positive and negative actions. Any positive actions you take towards others are returned to you three-fold. Any negative actions you take towards others are also returned to you three-fold. This is one of our main laws, and it prohibits us from harming others. One of the major activities Pagans frown upon is proselytizing (recruiting). We do not actively seek others, and try to convert them to Paganism. If an individual feels that Paganism is the right path for them, they will learn about Paganism, and follow a Pagan path. The Pagan traditions teach love, caring, understanding, compassion, respect, and a myriad of other ideals. People choose to become Pagans because of Pagan value systems. To attempt to force someone into Paganism would be to blind them to another path that may be more suitable for them. People become Pagans of their own free will. It is not necessery to recruit Pagans through force, threats, peer pressure, or coercion. Stories of Pagans stealing children in the middle of the night, to force them into a coven are untrue. This wouldn't be much of a religion, if we had to scare people into becoming Pagans.
Most Pagans celebrate eight major holidays, known as Sabbats, each year.
The Sabbats are celebrations that date back several millenia, and are celebrations of the changing seasons. The Sabbats are a time for Pagans to thank the Goddess and God for all they have done, during the previous few months.
The Rede
Sabbats:
Samhain - October 31st
Samhain marks the coming of winter. It is more commonly recognized, by non-Pagans, as Halloween. This is a date that is often recognized as a time where the barriers between different planes of existence are at their thinnest. Pagans generally use this as a time of reflection, in memory of departed loved ones. This Sabbat also marks the symbolic death of the God, who awaits his re-birth with the coming of Yule.
Yule - Winter Solstice (occurs on or near the 21st of December)
Yule is celebrated on the Winter Solstice. It is on this day that the God is symbolically reborn. This is the shortest day of the year, and the days continually get longer, after this day. The sun was often recognized as the symbol of the God, in ancient religions. Most Pagans believe in reincarnation. This cycle of life and death for the God, are symbolic of the belief in life from death.
Imbolc - February 1st
Imbolc is a celebration of fertility and purification. It symbolizes awakening and inspiration. The God is beginning to grow, and his strength (the Sun) is beginning to be noticeable.
Ostara - Spring Equinox (occurs on or near the 21st of March)
Ostara is the first day of true spring. The day and night are equal in length. Plants are budding strongly. Some ancient Pagan traditions are still practiced on this day, such as coloring eggs (which are a symbol of fertility).
Beltane - April 30th
Beltane is commonly recognized as May Day, by non-Pagans. It is a celebration of love and desire. Many flowers and plants are often gathered, as decorations. The flowers are symbolic of the Goddess. "May Poles" were often erected (and sometimes still are), as symbols of the God.
Midsummer - Summer Solstice (occurs on or near the 21st of June)
Midsummer is the time of year at which nature is at it's peak strength. This is a time when many Pagans feel it is best for rituals and spells. Bonfires are often made, to symbolize and honor the God.
Lunasadh (Lammas) - August 1st
Lunasadh is observed during the beginning of harvest. Pagans are thankful for the food with which they have been blessed. Plants are withering, but they are also leaving seeds, a promise of their eventual re-birth. The God is beginning to weaken and dim with age, as the days grow shorter.
Mabon - Autumn Equinox (occurs on or near the 21st of September)
Mabon is observed at the end of harvest. The day and night are once again equal in length. The God is quickly losing strength, and is preparing for his end. Summer is over, and Winter is quickly approaching. |
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