The Purpose of the Wiccan Religion - Research Paper Example

? Wicca                 Wicca Wicca is considered one of the oldest religions and one which is based on shamanism, which is regarded as the first religion (Cunningham, 2005). Since Wicca is the religion of witches, whose negative reputation has been known all throughout history, the religion has been shrouded in mystery and secrecy. Nevertheless, an in-depth look into the nature of Wicca somehow dispels most of the previous negative concepts associated with it. Far from its reputation of destructiveness, Wicca is actually a religion of natural healing and deep spirituality. Due to the absence of higher authority, prophet or Bible in Wicca, it is difficult to specify the basic tenets and principles of the religion. Nevertheless, there remain 13 principles upon which Wiccan belief is based. First, Wiccans feel the need to attune themselves to nature or the “natural rhythm of life forces” (Robinson, 2010). These forces are usually determined by the movement of the moon. Second, Wiccans recognize the fact that they are stewards of nature and that this responsibility stems from their own intelligence and consciousness. Third, Wiccans believe in the possibility of achieving supernatural power, but would most likely believe that non-Wiccans cannot possess the same thing. Fourth, Wiccans recognize the creative power of sex as well as the role of the masculine and feminine polarities in achieving creative power. Fifth, Wiccans recognize the dualistic existence of a world which is both physical and psychological or spiritual. Nevertheless, unlike other religions which focus their attention on the latter, Wicca presupposes the equal purpose of both worlds. Sixth, Wiccans do not recognize any leader or hierarchy of leadership but only those who have shared their wisdom with others. Seventh, Wiccans recognize the unity among religion, magic and wisdom – and they consider this particular worldview as Witchcraft or the Wiccan Way. Eighth, Wiccans recognize that the title “Witch,” when ascribed to oneself, does not in any way have a negative connotation. Instead, a “witch” means someone who “[seeks] to control the forces within himself” in order for him “to live wisely and without harm to others and in harmony with nature” (Robinson, 2010). Ninth, Wiccans regard life as a journey towards the continuous development of consciousness. As one’s consciousness develops, his knowledge of the universe also expands. Tenth, Wiccans feel a particular “animosity” towards Christianity and all other religions that declare themselves to be “the only way,” for this is tantamount to denying freedom to many other ways of achieving spiritual development. Eleventh, Wiccans basically do not want to dig deep into history and would consider themselves different from the wicked witches of the old. Twelfth, Wicca does not accept the idea of absolute evil but this does not mean that they recognize Satan or the Devil. Wiccans also do not rejoice in the suffering of others and do not advocate greed. Thirteenth and last, Wiccans believe that the secrets to good health and well-being lie within Nature (Robinson, 2010). In addition to the above 13 principles, Wiccans also believe that God, “The One” or “The All” is the one force that has created this universe and is still constantly creating it. God for the Wiccans is both male and female, and would regard the various Gods and Goddesses as mere aspects of “The All,” However, as Wicca is a decentralized religion with no clear higher authority, some Wiccans are pantheists, others are atheists, while some remain as agnostics (Robinson, 2010). Moreover, the Wiccan version of the Golden Rule is “Do what you want, as long as you harm none” (Cunningham, 2005). Harming none, however, means both not harming others and not harming oneself. Therefore, if one abuses his body and denies it the necessities of life or gives it too much pleasure, then one violates this moral principle (Cunningham, 2005). For the Wiccan, birth is not the beginning of existence but only a phase in the life of a continuous birth, death and rebirth cycle. Birth signifies the entrance of a human being into the physical realm. Moreover, baby blessings or wiccaning are common among Wiccans upon the birth of a child. The rituals are neutral for the parents recognize the fact that the child has the freedom to choose his own religion someday (Arthen, 1993). The Wiccaning or Birth ritual is similar to the sacrament of baptism in the Catholic Church. Wiccans recognize that the birth ritual is a reminder that the baby has actually “chosen: to be born to its parents and that the parents must state their vows to nurture the child, and everyone else present must be allowed to speak out their feelings about the child. It is interesting to note though that it is the priest and the priestess who speak the most during the wiccaning ceremony (Randal, 2009). Birth is the first degree of Wicca and it is through a ceremony that an initiate is converted to a Wiccan. For a Wiccan, the initiation to the religion is a moment renewal or rebirth. As a number of initiates to the Wicca had issues of abuse or psychological suffering, the “birth” or initiation to Wicca resembles a decision to reclaim personal power. This moment of renewal also marks the time when one has to leave the old life and start anew in an effort to re-write the past. Furthermore, this is a time when one realizes that he can make his own destiny. For the Wiccan, therefore, destiny is not something that a deity has set upon him but something which he himself makes (“The Three Degrees,” 2011). Also for the Wiccan, death is “merely a shift in planes of existence” (“What are the Central,” 2011). This means that when someone dies, he merely transfers his existence from the physical plane to the spiritual plane. Death for the Wiccan is nothing to fear for one remains connected with his loved ones even after death. Moreover, based on Wiccan teachings, death is simply “honoring the cycles of life” and if one honors its beginning then one also has to honor its end (“What are the Central,” 2011). When it comes to end of life issues, a Wiccan must face death, pain and suffering with boldness and courage. The idea is that it is only through pain, suffering and death that one can purify himself and free himself from the trap of self-pity and the temptation of the ego (“The Three Degrees,” 2011). In short, death from the Wiccan point of view is a journey of purification and letting go of material attachments. Moreover, it is also a time when one gets the opportunity to develop courage, resilience and acceptance. As to what happens after death, many Wiccans simply believe that the person now exists in a spiritual plane of existence but some believe that the souls are destined to go to Summerland, an ancient legendary place where souls meet each other and await re-birth (Robinson, 2010). Between life and death is marriage. Handsfasting, or Wiccan Marriage, is a set of guidelines that two people must carry out as a ritual in order to effect a ceremonial marriage. The handsfasting ceremony usually lasts a year and a day, and marriage follows after. Traditionally, handsfasting required both man and woman to slightly cut their palms or wrists in order to shed some blood but at present a ribbon can replace the blood ritual. This is followed by an exchange of written vows and rings (“Handsfasting,” 2011). Aside from the birth and marriage rituals, Wiccans celebrate various religious holidays. Wiccan holidays basically conform to nature and therefore follows the natural cycle of birth, death and re-birth. The Wiccan holidays usually begin with Samhain or the Wiccan New Year, held on October 31, or Halloween. This is the time when Wiccans write New Year’s resolutions on slips of paper and burn them in a cauldron. Another Wiccan holiday is the Yule or the Winter Solstice, which is held on December 21 and is a time of joy, feasting and gift-giving. Other holidays include Imbolc or Candlemas on February 2, the Ostara or Spring Equinox on March 21, Beltane on May 1, Midsummer or Summer Solstice on June 21, the Lghnasadh on August 1, the Mabon or Autumnal Equinox on September 21, and the monthly Sabbats during the full moon. When sabbats are held, people gather for community counseling or sharing of hobbies and interests (Randall, 2011). Whether it is marriage or birth, all aspects of life somehow depend on health. Health is a sensitive issue in Wicca. For Wiccans, every physical illness has an underlying spiritual cause. The spiritual cause is usually a spiritual imbalance brought about by something that has to be learned, a purpose that has not been realized, a misunderstanding of one’s real self, a straying away from one’s true purpose in life, or feelings that have been suppressed. Often, the solution to an illness is loving oneself, for “[one’s] body is not [one’s] enemy but [one’s] most faithful and devoted friend” (“Return to Natural Health,” 2011). The body therefore serves as a signal of what is going on in one’s spirit. In order to regain spiritual strength, a Wiccan must love the light that lives inside him, love the same light in others, and love even one’s illness, because love is an “infinitely powerful healing force” (“Return to Natural Health,” 2011). Aside from loving oneself, another solution to an illness and an effective way to prevent it is to deal with it physically, mentally or emotionally. Physically, one should have lots of sleep and eat fresh organic produce. Mentally, one should laugh and smile all day long, and maintain a positive outlook in life. Emotionally, one should forgive others and oneself and avoid judging others (“Return to Natural Health,” 2011). It is also interesting to note that Wiccans may employ the use of spells and gems in order to heal oneself fast (“How do Wicca Spells,” 2011; “Magickal and Healing,” 2011). Furthermore, various forms of divination such as tarot cards and runes may also be used to inquire into the true cause of the illness (“Wiccan Medical,” 1996). Two important subjects on health are euthanasia and organ transplantation. When it comes to this concept, Wiccans consider it as a matter of individual choice whether one should proceed with euthanasia or not. The reason is that death is a natural part of life, regardless of how death happens. Moreover, just like euthanasia, organ transplantation is also a matter of individual choice (“Wiccan Medical,” 1996). Wicca is not about evil witchcraft but rather about developing a conscious awareness and deep connection with nature. The purpose of the Wiccan religion is a different kind of salvation – not salvation from sin and hell as in Christianity – but instead a redemption from illness, attachment to the material world and from anything that can destroy the self and others. References Arthen, S. C. (2011). Rites of Passage: Celebration of Birth. Retrieved Sept. 13, 2011 from FireHeart: http://www.earthspirit.com/fireheart/fhcob.html Cunningham, S. (2005). Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner. Trans. James W. Ellington. 3rd ed. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Publications, Section I. Hansfasting: A Wiccan Marriage Ceremony. (n.d.). Retrieved Sept. 29, 2011 from Forbidden Fruit: http://heavenzgate2.tripod.com/forbiddenfruit/id9.html How do Wicca Spells Work. (2011). Retrieved Sept. 29, 2011 from Wicca – Lunar Spirituality – Element Symbols: http://www.wicca.in/how-do-wicca-spells-work/#more-54 Magickal and Healing Attributes of Gems. (2011). Retrieved Sept. 29, 2011 from Wicca – Lunar Spirituality – Element Symbols: http://www.wicca.in/magickal-healing-attributes-of-gems/#more-68 Randall, K. (2001). Wiccan Interview. (2011). Retrieved Sept. 26, 2011 from Tripod.com: http://members.tripod.com/~jennifer_polan/submissions/wiccan.html Randall, K. (2009). A Wiccaning Ritual I. Retrieved Sept. 29, 2011 from Coven of the Fertile Earth: http://www.ecauldron.net/wiccaning1.php Returning to Natural Health and Wellness. (2011). Retrieved Sept. 25, 2011 from Wicca Spirituality: http://www.wicca-spirituality.com/health-and-wellness.html The Three Degrees of Wicca: Birth, Death and Love. (2011). Retrieved Sept. 26, 2011 from the Congregationalist Wiccan Association of British Columbia: http://www.cwabc.org/?p=471 What are the Central Wicca Beliefs. (2011). Retrieved Sept. 26, 2011 from Wicca Spirituality: http://www.wicca-spirituality.com/wicca-beliefs.html Wiccan Medical Guidelines. (1996). Retrieved Sept. 27, 2011 from Coven Oldenwilde: http://www.oldenwilde.org/oldenwilde/gen_info/med_guide.html Read More