LITHA:

Good morning and welcome everyone. I am glad to see you all here. This morning we will be covering some basic information/common questions about Wicca. Feel free to ask questions related to the particular points I have written during the class. After class I will take general questions about any topic.

LITHA:

Ready? Here we go! (wink)

safphire:

ready

LITHA:

I like to start each class with a short meditation in preparation for learning. Everyone get comfortable and take a couple of nice deep breaths.

Aine:

ready

LITHA:

In and out.

deep as you can

Relaxing your shoulders and neck

breathing out the tension

relaxing the head and face muscles

imagine you are a flowing river, relaxed, and refreshed

now imagine a sunny field, not too warm, not too cold

this is a perfect place for learning, because your brain will be focused and alert.

everyone stretch your arms over your heads...

take one last deep breath

and be here now

Good! Let's begin.

LITHA:

One of the witches' most basic beliefs is the reality of magic. The physical world is only part of our reality; there are vaster realms of reality which we use more than the common five senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste to appreciate. Witches have psychic senses, as do all people, though in most people these senses or abilities are inactive or latent. Questions so far?

IamPan:

How do they develop?

LITHA:

They are innate, we are born with them. They develop through use. Practice.

Aine:

i had them as a child what happened?

LITHA:

A point should be made here about magic. Magic is NOT forcing Nature into doing your will. Magic is natural. It is the harmonious movement of energies to create a needed change. Like muscles that don't get used, these abilities will atrophy if they are not used.

Sunflowerme:

i have visions and feelings often... they are complete but often overpowering...how can i guide them?

Aine:

thanks

LITHA:

Do you meditate, Sunflowerme?

Sunflowerme:

yes...

LITHA:

(wink) PA

LITHA:

That is the best way to guide them. Know that you are in control. Build your inner sense of control. This is accomplished through practice.

LITHA:

ok, moving on.... Another basic belief of witches is adherence to the Wiccan Rede, which states, "An' it harm none, do what thou wilt." Understand that allowing wrong to go unchecked is NOT harming none. It is harming everyone. Questions?

PAnightowl:

sometimes I have trouble in controlling rage when dealing with perceived "wrong"

IamPan:

What about the bombing in OK? We all wanted harm done to those who had committed the crime.

IamPan:

especially for the children.

LITHA:

Meditation and prayer to the Goddess for strength and self control will help, PA.

LITHA:

Pan, those feelings are natural ones. But none of us visited harm on those responsible for the bombing. Feelings are one thing. The Rede is talking about Actions.

IamPan:

I think there were actions taken, though.

LITHA:

Feelings rise and fall within us almost without our notice.

IamPan:

Is it still wrong?

Emerald Bay:

But if energy follows thought, aren't harmful thoughts the same as action, just unseen?

LITHA:

Those who took actions will be sufficiently dealt with.

LITHA:

No, Emerald Bay. Energies must be directed.

IamPan:

But, thoughts are directed if we dwell on them.(?)

Emerald Bay:

But what if you are thinking in particular of someone, thinking harmful thoughts. Isn't that directing it?

LITHA:

Your feelings, Pan? Feelings are never wrong. Feelings are like the oil gauge in our cars. They tell us what is happening inside of us. It takes more than thought to direct energy, EB, it takes energy to direct energy. And here again, thoughts and feelings are not the same things.

IamPan:

Thoughts are things on the Astral Plane. (?)

Emerald Bay:

So are you saying that feelings are the emotional punch packed behind the thoughts?

LITHA:

That is one way to look at it, Pan.

PAnightowl:

or vice versa

IamPan:

As you let them go they become reality (?)

Aine:

what about anger ?

LITHA:

I am saying feelings are like a thermometer. they have energy of their own which can be directed through thoughts. Anger is a healthy feeling. Anger is our protection. It tells us when our needs have been violated.

Aine:

true

IamPan:

Sorry Litha, trying to understand two differing concepts to make one complete.

Sunflowerme:

would you energy statement be the same as saying there is always electric current in the house but you need to flip on the switch to make the light come on...

LITHA:

Anger is an important emotional strength. People without anger are doomed to be victims all their lives.

LITHA:

Good illustration, Sunflowerme. Thank you. That is the same.

KnightHawk:

how do you control anger?

LITHA:

By expressing it in healthy, non-violent ways. Talking, community service, etc. Bottling anger will turn it to rage, and rage can be very dangerous.

Aine:

it packs a powerful punch

LITHA:

ready to go on?

Emerald Bay:

Yes

Aine:

yes

Sunflowerme:

yes

KnightHawk:

yes.

PAnightowl:

yes

Sylvergryphon:

yes

covntri:

yes

Elenya:

yes

LITHA:

Witches are polytheistic, meaning they honor and worship a variety of gods, or aspects of gods. The two main deities are the Goddess, and Her consort, the Horned God. Religions that honor and worship one god are called monotheistic, while those worshipping all gods are called pantheistic. The Goddess is a female deity who is related to the ancient Mother Goddess in her three aspects of Maiden, Mother, and Crone. The Horned God, NOT to be confused with Christianity's Satan, is the male aspect. Different witches use different names, the names you choose to use for the Goddess and God are highly personal and sacred. When you choose your Goddess and God, you should have researched this topic carefully. questions?

Sylvergryphon:

How about a different name for the God and Godess for different times of the year?

Emerald Bay:

Aren't all the gods and goddesses representations of aspects inherent within all human beings?

Sylvergryphon:

Or for different needs?

LITHA:

That is acceptable, certainly, Sylvr

KnightHawk:

Why do Christians confuse Satan with Wiccan Gods?

LITHA:

I don't know, KH. You will have to ask a Christian

Sylvergryphon:

The old religions Gods always become the new religions devils

LITHA:

No, Emerald. God/des/ses are entities unto themselves.

LITHA:

They existed before humans.

IamPan:

Yet, aren't all one and one all?

safphire:

I found two Goddesses through study and also found how they work with me. Is that how it is done?

PAnightowl:

a political stance was taken 2000 yrs ago...to supplant and rename the old religions in order to exalt the new church of Christianity...it was a war

LITHA:

Parts of the God/des/ses are in each one of us, yes, because they created us.

KnightHawk:

I am confused... One book I read, said there weren't...never mind...

LITHA:

Yes, and no, Pan. Different aspects of different deities are invoked on different occasions.

IamPan:

Litha, is it unfair for a coven to only honor one goddess?

LITHA:

No, Pan. It is standard practice to have a particular Goddess of each coven.

KnightHawk:

One book I read said there was a Goddess and a God... another was polytheistic... They were both Wiccan..???

IamPan:

ok

safphire:

I Cannot disclaim the essence of the Christian God. How does this God work in the picture? Surely He is as real as The lord and Lady.

Sylvergryphon:

What about covens that worship many Deities

IamPan:

Isn't that the one we call "The One" ?

LITHA:

KH, one thing you will find about Wicca, is that there is no one set of rules. This information is very general that I am giving you.

KnightHawk:

Thank you..

Sunflowerme:

Litha... if you belong to a coven and do not honor the same Goddess is their an etiquette that should take place?

IamPan:

Yes.

LITHA:

Saf, the Christian God may very well be the Horned God, the male aspect of the Goddess. Christians just have a very distorted view of him, that's all.

safphire:

Thank you Litha

LITHA:

Covens that worship many deities are doing what is right for them.

Sylvergryphon:

The Lady is also represented as the Virgin Mary.....In my belief any how

Elenya:

So we each have to write our own "set of rules" Litha?

IamPan:

and Jesus is a Lord.

LITHA:

Sunflower, usually you are required to honor the coven's Goddess to become a member.

Sunflowerme:

Thank you Litha,,

Aine:

will women regain their place in the world as before?

IamPan:

But, only in coven practice....?

Sylvergryphon:

agree Pan

LITHA:

We have only one rule in Wicca, Elenya. "Harm none."

LITHA:

Everything else is up to the individual. The Goddess speaks to each one of us in different ways.

IamPan:

Go ahead Litha.

Sylvergryphon:

Sorry Litha

LITHA:

Women are gaining an equal place here, Aine.

KnightHawk:

Aine.. I have noticed that women are just now beginning to gain power... They have always been discriminated in the past.

LITHA:

It's ok, Sylvr.

Sunflowerme:

Is it like a tree Litha....roots firm{old beliefs}...one trunk {Rede} many branches with many colored leaves beautiful all and serving the health and life of the tree?

LITHA:

Whose question did I miss?

Sylvergryphon:

Mine

IamPan:

Beautiful way to put it Sun!

LITHA:

Sunflowerme, that is a good illustration.

LITHA:

What was it, Sylvr?

PAnightowl:

good imagery Sun

Sylvergryphon:

Can the Godess be worshipped by us....In the Christian church do you think?

Sylvergryphon:

church

KnightHawk:

exclusions???

LITHA:

Not according to Christian doctrine, Sylvr.

Sylvergryphon:

No According to our beliefs?

LITHA:

We view the Goddess as the Creatress, they see Mary as something entirely different.

IamPan:

Don't they already?

Sylvergryphon:

Yes, but....

IamPan:

How?

LITHA:

You mean can we worship Mary, Sylvr?

Sylvergryphon:

If i go to a Christian church can I worship Her in Mary's form?

Sylvergryphon:

Rather than set up my own altar?

Sylvergryphon:

Am I making sense?

PAnightowl:

why not Syl...we have no boundaries

LITHA:

No, Sylvr. That would be dishonoring our Goddess, who is not the Christian Mary.

Sylvergryphon:

Why?

IamPan:

Why?

LITHA:

Because, PA, Mary is finite where the Goddess is infinite.

Sylvergryphon:

Mary is only finite by human distinction.

PAnightowl:

Litha.. I did not learn of her in that way....

Aine:

Celtic religion is like a mixed pot isn't it?

IamPan:

But, Litha, the Goddesses have aspects.....

IamPan:

Isn't that the same?

LITHA:

Yes, and Mary can very well be worshipped as an ASPECT of the Goddess.

LITHA:

But not the Lady herself.

safphire:

She is to marry a Christian and I am in love with a Christian. This would lead to another good class. Many of us are in a situation.

IamPan:

ok, I get the point.

LITHA:

How did you learn it, PA?

PAnightowl:

can only relate to my Upbringing..

LITHA:

Please, share.

PAnightowl:

when the ancestors came from the old country

Sylvergryphon:

ok sorry don't want to get you all too off topic

PAnightowl:

there was no coven

Kat et al:

can someone tell me exactly what we are talking about

PAnightowl:

there was a Christian community

LITHA:

It's all right, Sylvr

PAnightowl:

the community aspect of relationships was important

safphire:

Kat, best to listen. pagans are on course with this

IamPan:

ssshhhh!

PAnightowl:

to attend a Christian church did not mean that you became a Christian but that you worshipped with others

LITHA:

We are having a class, KAT. I am sorry you are lost, and that you missed the beginning. I will be doing the class again during the week.

LITHA:

I see, PA. My ancestors did not view things that way from what I understand. But it is a perfectly acceptable belief.

Sunflowerme:

much like what you would see in Guatemala today PA...pagan and Wiccan beliefs that have merged with Christianity.. so that there would be peace in the community....

PAnightowl:

but your ideology, or projected image of the Goddess was assimilated into the dogma of Christianity because you could recognize in Mary the old Gods

Sylvergryphon:

EXACACTLY!!!!

PAnightowl:

what was looked for was the similarities of beliefs rather than stressing the differences

Sylvergryphon:

Thanks PA

IamPan:

Interesting.

LITHA:

That is a good point, PA. I will accept that definition of worshipping Mary as the Goddess, then.

LITHA:

ready to go on?

Herne:

Blessed Be Litha

Sunflowerme:

yes

Sylvergryphon:

yes

safphire:

yes, we must

covntri:

yes

KnightHawk:

yes.

Elenya:

yes

IamPan:

please.

PAnightowl:

please understand that this included the old testament also, Judaism was a good primer in practice since they did write everything down.. we didn't

Aine:

yes

PAnightowl:

yes will get off soapbox

LITHA:

Nature is a very large part of our Craft. We recognize that not only is the Earth our home, but she is also part of our Goddess. This makes ecological awareness and environmental

LITHA:

consciousness a religious responsibility, not merely a good deed.

LITHA:

And let me make one final point: There is no such thing as "black" or "white" witchcraft. If someone claims to be a witch and is practicing harmful things, that person is not a witch and

LITHA:

is not practicing witchcraft. Satanic witchcraft is an oxymoron, there is no such thing and the two terms are simultaneously contradictory. Satanists practice Satanism, not Witchcraft.

LITHA:

Questions?

Sylvergryphon:

AGREE!!!

ADAM2000:

True

PAnightowl:

agree

Sunflowerme:

true

Sylvergryphon:

BUT....

IamPan:

What is Witchcraft if it isn't black or white?

Kat et al:

this is great thanks

LITHA:

Witchcraft is witchcraft.

Sylvergryphon:

What about the Santerians?

IamPan:

Besides the Craft....

Sylvergryphon:

Evil done in the name of Good is still evil.

LITHA:

Witchcraft has always been witchcraft and always be.

Herne:

Excuse me?

Sylvergryphon:

Good done in the name of Evil is still Good

IamPan:

Why do you say not "black" or "white"

LITHA:

I am merely telling you that the distinction between the two are misnomers.

LITHA:

I am not saying that evil magick is not practiced.

KnightHawk:

What is Gothic? I haven't been able to find Info on it, It seems to had "black" magic in it?

IamPan:

?? Sylvr.

Sylvergryphon:

What about Santerians?

LITHA:

What about them, Sylvr?

Sylvergryphon:

They practice magic that harms others

IamPan:

Aren't they Mexican witches?

Sylvergryphon:

The still use the craft

Sylvergryphon:

(voodoo)

Herne:

Does it matter which deities you worship to be a witch? Can you make your own?

LITHA:

It is not witchcraft, Sylvr. They can use techniques of the Craft. It is not the same as Wicca.

Sylvergryphon:

Where do they fit into your last statement?

LITHA:

You can make your own, Herne.

Sylvergryphon:

Ok But It's still magic

LITHA:

Yes, but let me make a point here. MAGIC DOES NOT EQUAL OR MEAN WITCHCRAFT.

Sunflowerme:

Harm will come to those who Harm....I thought our belief was to heal and care much like being stewards of the earth is that correct Litha?

PAnightowl:

Sylvr...it is the physical practice of a belief...it is not a Wiccan belief

Sylvergryphon:

Yes I know

IamPan:

Thank You Litha!!!!

LITHA:

Many people besides witches practice magic.

Sylvergryphon:

Yes I know

LITHA:

Yes, Sunflowerme, again, you hit the nail right on the head. (g)

Emerald Bay:

What exactly do you consider to be "magick"?

Sunflowerme:

thank you Litha

Sylvergryphon:

never mind

Herne:

Do you agree with the Principles of Belief outlined by the Council of American Witches Litha?

IamPan:

Smart little "Flower" isn't she?

KnightHawk:

I am sorry, Litha, but I really must get going... one question off topic... When do you hold classes?

LITHA:

Anybody can practice magick. Such a person is a magician, not necessarily a witch.

LITHA:

Yes, Herne, I do.

LITHA:

But I don't hold it as law in my own practice.

Elenya:

Wiccan magick is always done in harmony with nature and the direction of natural forces. Witchcraft does not. Right??

PAnightowl:

sidebar....why was the council disbanded

LITHA:

It is posted on the BB, KH. MP

IamPan:

Wrong

Sunflowerme:

peaceful travels Knight

LITHA:

No, Elenya. Witchcraft works the same as Wicca.

IamPan:

Witchcraft=Wicca.

safphire:

= wise. Wicca is first a religion. many do not practice the craft

LITHA:

I'm not sure of all of the details, PA, but one reason was practicality.

IamPan:

Craft of the Wise?

PAnightowl:

Witchcraft was a popularized term to encompass those who were not Christian.. therefore the enemy

Aine:

i thought so

Sylvergryphon:

I thought it meant wise person?

IamPan:

Henceforth the name change...

Sylvergryphon:

Like a herbal healer

LITHA:

This brings me to the end of the information I have prepared for this week. Know that this in no way encompasses all that Wicca is. Future classes will discuss various aspects. Your

LITHA:

questions and/or comments are welcome at this time.

IamPan:

Litha!!???

LITHA:

Yes, Pan?

LITHA:

It is the Craft of the Wise, yes.

IamPan:

Witchcraft and Wicca are one and the same are they not?

PAnightowl:

that was not my teaching Pan

LITHA:

There has been much debate on that, Pan, but the general consensus is that they are the same.

IamPan:

No, PA, my clarification.

LITHA:

Different people may hold different beliefs.

IamPan:

Ok

LITHA:

Remember that Wicca embraces ALL life affirming teachings.

IamPan:

AND all of Life!

IamPan:

:

LITHA:

So, everybody. Ready for a quiz?

safphire:

LOL

PAnightowl:

My teaching was Wicca craft was husbandry, herbalists, midwifery...etc. Others called it Witch craft as a derogatory term

IamPan:

:)

Herne:

Infinite diversity in infinite combination :}

Sunflowerme:

Litha when the craft came from the old country to the new world was there an infusion of Native American spirituality.. I see some similarities?

Sylvergryphon:

TEST

Sylvergryphon:

No one said anything about a test

LITHA:

Just kidding, all.

Kat et al:

I was wondering if Litha is being channeled Is this good time to ask?

safphire:

no Kat el

Elenya:

PA-That is the meaning I has read of, not Wicca

LITHA:

Actually, Sunflowerme, Wicca is a shamanistic religion.

safphire:

all let her continue

IamPan:

Litha is a real person.

Kat et al:

sorry

LITHA:

There are many, many similarities.

Sunflowerme:

thank you Litha....I see how I found this place now

IamPan:

They started at the same time, didn't they? As near as we can tell.

PAnightowl:

yes Sun.. there has been a calling hasn't there

LITHA:

Understand that the debate rages on as to the modern definitions of Wicca and Witchcraft, but they are generally synonymous.

Sunflowerme:

yes PA...in the form of an Ancient Spirit..

LITHA:

That is not an absolute, however. The only absolute in Wicca is "Harm none"

PAnightowl:

it started very strongly for me about 8 months ago

Aine:

LITHA does a guide or teacher have to be a spirit or can it be human?

IamPan:

Sun, I am Wiccan, but I have a council of Native Elders around me all the time.

Emerald Bay:

I have a question: We talk about "magick" a lot, but HOW is it done?

LITHA:

It may very well be human, Aine.

Sylvergryphon:

Here's a question

LITHA:

That, Emerald Bay, could be a class all by itself. (g) (wink)

PAnightowl:

LOL

safphire:

Exclude soul man now without comment. before he comes down stairs

IamPan:

ir two. (G)

DreamWitch:

and should be...

Sylvergryphon:

Is the USE of plants against the belief of living in harmony with the universe??????

Herne:

Many classes

IamPan:

No sylvr if done with reverence.

LITHA:

Put it this way, EB, I am still learning about magick after 61 years.

IamPan:

and Love.

Kat et al:

Thanks all i need to leave now will check BB for other classes

Sylvergryphon:

ok, I have a guest reading this and he just asked me that

LITHA:

No, Pan.

IamPan:

No?

Sunflowerme:

Litha...explain the family lines and how they relate to the belief?

PAnightowl:

Syl...herbalism is part of the craft

Sylvergryphon:

yes....

LITHA:

I don't understand your question, Sunflowerme.

LITHA:

whose family lines?

IamPan:

Heredity

safphire:

Some of the question are getting very general. Have you completed the text Litha?

Sylvergryphon:

Lineage is counted through the female

IamPan:

(spelled it wrong:()

Sunflowerme:

thanks Pan...Heredity Litha

LITHA:

I have, Safphire. What did you think?

safphire:

Oh wonderful. thought there was a block. All is well then . My apologies

safphire:

I have found help and food for thought here today

LITHA:

What did everyone think of the meditation at the beginning?

Sylvergryphon:

I've GOT a topic for another class!!!

LITHA:

Is it worth doing again?

safphire:

loved it

PAnightowl:

I knew it would be good here today.. tip of the hat to Litha

Sunflowerme:

wonderful...and yes please do it again

DreamWitch:

I'll try to get here on time next time....

safphire:

You are welcome to write a class Sylvr

Aine:

loved it

LITHA:

Thank you, PA. (warm smile)

Sylvergryphon:

:::shrinking back in horror:::

Elenya:

Thank you, Litha. I see I've a long way to go in my studies...

Sylvergryphon:

No way!!!!

Elenya:

studies

Sylvergryphon:

I just wanted to bounce your idea off everyone

LITHA:

Thank you all. You are very good students. Excellent questions and comments. My psychology class could learn a lot from you all!

Sunflowerme:

Thank you Litha... you guide with a gentle hand and soft words the way of a peaceful soul.

safphire:

LOL

PAnightowl:

LOL

Sunflowerme:

LOL

Emerald Bay:

Thanks Litha.

LITHA:

Studies never end, Elenya. Welcome to the path. (warm smile)

Aine:

yes thanks

safphire:

I must go to work now. I hope to ask more questions later Litha and to see all of you soon.

PAnightowl:

El... thanks for comments on BB... good thoughts!

safphire:

Merry Part

DreamWitch:

MP, saf

PAnightowl:

MM Saf... blessed be

Sunflowerme:

Peaceful Travels safphire...........

covntri:

MP

Elenya:

MP Saf...be in touch

Aine:

mp

Sylvergryphon:

MP

safphire:

I love you guys

IamPan:

Litha, Thank you for putting up with me!!

LITHA:

HUGS and THANKS, SAF!!!

Sylvergryphon:

and me!!

PAnightowl:

MP all thanks for being here

Sylvergryphon:

Question!!!!!

LITHA:

You are all most welcome. You are a delightful group!

Sunflowerme:

Peaceful Travels PA..............

Sylvergryphon:

Could we possibly do a class about interfaith relationships?

Sylvergryphon:

Might Help a lot of people

IamPan:

Must go. Blessings of the Goddess in all Her guises on all of you!!!

LITHA:

I could do that one. But not in the next two weeks.

IamPan:

Love to all!

DreamWitch:

MP, Pan!

Sunflowerme:

Peaceful Travels IamPan..........

covntri:

MP

LITHA:

MP Pan

Herne:

Why don't you make one Syl, you have something you believe about it, don't you?

Sylvergryphon:

oh yes..

Sylvergryphon:

But I don't know if I could teach

Sylvergryphon:

Maybe I'll try

LITHA:

All it takes to teach is a willingness to learn

LITHA:

Well, Herne, what did you think? (g)

Sunflowerme:

You'll never know what you can do Sylvr until you try...there is much open to you if you are open to it.

Herne:

Then prepare it and discuss in class in the questioning period, all have perspectives that they should share, all are teachers

Elenya:

Litha, this has been enlightening, but I must take my leave.

LITHA:

Thank you, Elenya. Pleasure to have you here!

Elenya:

Brightest Blessings everyone

Sunflowerme:

Peaceful Travels Elenya....much love

DreamWitch:

MP, Elenya