AN EXPLANATION OF TERMS

PAGAN

A Pagan is a person who believes that everything has a soul or spirit. This is called Animism, and all Pagan religions share this belief. Rivers, animals, rocks, trees, and land are all filled with their own unique spirits for people who are Pagans. Pagans see the divine spirit in all life, as do some members of other religions. The term Pagan is an old English word that is derived from the Greek paganus, probably meaning "country-dweller". Most dictionaries define Pagans as those who observe a polytheistic religion. Some go so far as to suggest that Pagans worship false gods. This erroneous notion comes from the idea that if one is not a Christian, then one must be antichristian and therefore in league with the Devil. Simply stated Paganism is an earth based religion. Pagans are not anti-Christian, anti-Jewish, Anti-Muslim or anti-anything. They are simply people who do not believe in the 'One God' of the Old Testament or the Koran. That fact does not make them evil, nor does it mean that they worship evil spirits such as the Judao-Christian concept of Satan or the Devil. In actual fact Pagans do not even recognize the concept of an organized evil entity (Satan) nor do they acknowledge a place (hell) for the punishment of evil doers. Often you will see the words Pagan Wiccan used in this joined manner. Most will agree that all Wiccans are Pagan, but not all Pagans practice Wicca.


WICCA

The religion known as Wicca is the fastest growing religion in North America today and since 1986 has been recognized as a legal religion in the USA. Most of the world religions require that a follower recognize the 'One God' and accept the teaching of its church, temple or mosque. Wicca, an earth based religion, honors both the male (God) and female (Goddess) aspects of the All expressed as Akasha. In the Wiccan religion you can choose a deity from any number of pantheons from many world cultures, modern or ancient. Through ritual and times of celebration the Wiccan practitioner pays homage to the Lord and Lady, be it solitary or in a group setting. The Goddess or Lady is usually represented by the moon and silver, while the God or Lord is represented by the Sun and gold. Wiccans honor the seasons, the solstices, the equinoxes, the earth and all aspects of nature. Within most established orthodox religions of the world, various denominations abound. Wicca is no different in that one also finds variations as to how the religion is practiced. There is nothing to fear and nothing sinister in their ways, in fact the Wiccan Rede or first rule is "as it harms none, do what ye will." The Threefold Law states, in that any harm you do will come back on you threefold. By the same logic, the good you do comes back threefold as well.


WITCHCRAFT

For many people, the term Witch conjures up images of black robed women with pointed hats, long twisted noses complete with wart. They chant while stirring a boiling black cauldron or ride through the air on brooms in the light of the full moon. Witches own black cats and consort with the Devil and practice black magic in satanic rituals. Utter nonsense! Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, Witches do work with spells, candles, incense and rituals. Some of the spells and rituals do involve chanting and some may even use a cauldron. No, Witches do not believe nor do they recognize a Christian entity known by various names such as Satan, Lucifer, or the Devil. However, negative forces do exist and care is taken during magical practices to protect one's sacred space. The word Witch comes from the Old English 'wyk' meaning 'to bend or shape' and the Anglo-Saxon 'wit' meaning 'to have knowledge or wisdom '. Witches practice magic, and many also practice Wicca. Many but not all witches are Wiccan and not all Wiccans are witches. Both male and female practitioners of the 'Craft' are known as witches. (Note: the term 'Craft' in this context is not to be confused with its use in Masonic practices.) There are many recognized forms of Witchcraft operating today, too much in fact to discuss here. Some Witches follow prescribed forms of practice, some work with groups, known as covens and some practice alone as Solitary Witches. Whatever the path one follows the rules are basically the same; The Wiccan Reed. "And it harm none, do what thou wilt." The Rule of Three. "Any harm you do comes back upon you threefold."