Wicca...Mother Nature's Spell

A Look into the not-so-different traditions between Wicca and Christianity, in my opinion.

Wicca is primarily a pagan religion, with roots in Shamanism and a deep true relationship with nature. This religion was started "pre-Christian" time and is primarily a Celtic tradition. Christianity is a spiritual religion as well, that uses God, Jesus, the saints in place of nature. Both actually have very similar traits, that many do not realize. I decided to write this piece after reading several debates on a message board. I researched the information for myself, combined it with my own beliefs, experiences and knowledge, to come up with what I hope will be an understandable editorial.

My earlier childhood years, I was raised in a home where Wicca beliefs, white witchcraft and nature were respected. A little later down the road, my parents converted to Christianity, becoming "born again" Christians. I often have had people say to me, "Oh, that must have been confusing to you". I would simply reply with a no. I found the two religions to be somewhat similar in nature, no pun intended.

As I grew older, got married and had children, we adopted the Christian lifestyle, coming and going from it as many Christians do. I feel it left my children with a solid up-bringing though. Even during my church days, I felt very drawn to the Wiccan beliefs. Not really understanding it in any certain depth, I just remembered it being a very calm lifestyle. Today, I find myself still reading about it, researching it and respecting the Pagan way, without disturbing my "Godly" ways.

I truly believe in the power of the mind. Positive energy and negative energy is very real, whether you believe or not. How many times have you got yourself through a tough situation by staying focused, calm and overall positive? How many times have you felt doomed, and doom happened? It is energy around you that can have this effect on you.

Christians pray, ask for healing, request guidance and do their absolute best to be up-standing people. Doing good for the good of others, worshiping God in an attempt to show their love and appreciation for what he has done for them. These rituals are highly respected, no matter which form of Christianity you are. Catholic, Protestant, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Buddhism, Jewish or even non-denominational.

Wiccans pray, but in a different sort of way, they ask for guidance and healing too, but pull energy from nature to do so. A Wiccan is not some sexy woman dressed in all black flying around on a broomstick, although there are times I wish I could do that, or at least feel in the mood to do that! Wiccans respect nature and their surroundings. They do good for the good of others too. They usually are kind-hearted and peaceful people. Very rarely will you run across a Pagan that isn't in at least a semi good mood.

Science has proved that there are benefits to certain herbs, crystals and matter, drawn from the Earth. Christians have proven that there are great benefits to prayer, church and giving your life to Christ. I am actually having a hard time figuring out why the two religions have become such a debate? It seems society has turned it into a power struggle of evil vs. good. I for one, believe there is good in both. I do know that media, television shows and some fundamentalists have taken the idea of Wicca completely out of context, blaming all our murder, crime, mis-guided youth and drugs on the "Wiccans of Today". Believe me, if a Wiccan was capable of casting a spell that could turn you into a frog, there would be an over-population of frogs!

Christians and Wiccans cannot tell you the winning lottery numbers, they cannot bring you back from the dead and they surely cannot fly, neither one. What both of them can do, is add beauty to the world through positiveness and love. Making their surroundings a little bit of a better place. This editorial should not be an encouragement for you to run out and become a devoted Christian or Wiccan, but rather put an emphasis on doing good, being good and doing your absolute best to be a positive person.

There are some people out there that turn both of these religions into a scary mess, by going to far with beliefs and "pushing" it onto others. This is called an "occult". Always stay away from these kinds of groups, on either side. Spirituality is a personal choice within. Religion should be a personal choice as well. Positive energy does not work if you, yourself do not believe in being positive or believe in what you are practicing. Praying will do you no good, if all you do is roll your eyes and mock at it. Nature will not help you either if all you do is snicker and giggle while meditating. These are serious religions with serious beliefs, that should be respected.

Some of my debates have been against Wicca, asking why the spells? Spells are merely "affirmations" of sorts. They are chants, energy or personal reminders to create a surrounding. Yes some spells can be effective if done seriously, I have seen it happen. Prayer is an "affirmation". Prayer can cause change to a situation with much force, if taken seriously and allowed to do so. This all boils down to "positive energy" a "belief".

Of course I am no expert, and always welcome insight, advice or corrected information, it only makes us smarter and more well rounded individuals. This is just my opinion based on my own personal research recently.

During my research, I ran across many places on the net, that portrayed woman claiming ties to witchcraft, for the good and evil side of it. The real pagan lifestyle does not incorporate evil into their beliefs, on the contrary, they have a deep desire to steer away from forces that are evil. A true respect for nature does not involve using "magic" or "sacrifices" of any living thing. Christians do not sacrifice or use "magic" either. The two religions seem to be the safest on the market today, if you ask me!

Gods, Goddesses, Spirits, Saints, herbs, crystals, candles, bibles, books, hymns, chants, wands, gavels and affirmations are all part of both religions at some point. When you see a wiccan holding a "wand" she is not about to make you go "ribbit", she is commanding order, within herself and her surroundings, it is merely a "tool". Take a look at where this theory derived from, and it's many uses.

A gavel is a small ceremonial mallet commonly made of hardwood, typically fashioned with a handle and often struck against a sound block to enhance its sounding qualities. It is used by judges, chairmen, and auctioneers. To call for attention or to punctuate proclamations. It is customarily struck to indicate the opening and closing of proceedings, giving rise to the phrase "gavel-to-gavel" to describe the entirety of a meeting or session.

The origin of the gavel's use, indeed of the word itself, is uncertain; in Middle English it refers to rent or tribute paid to a lord. At one time it was known as a practice that originated in heathen Scandinavia. Masonic organizations used the maul as a symbol as early as the 18th century, through which the hammer may have come to represent meetings and order.

The "wand" used in Wiccan or pagan rituals, adopts the same theories and uses. It is to call order to, or bring about authority. I have not seen too many modern Christian Churches use this type of tool, but have seen bells, candles and incense used to accomplish this same type of order.

There are many websites out there that can explain all the different types of religions, beliefs and practices. A few nice ones that I found are:

http://www.divinedigest.com/

http://www.christiananswers.net/q-aiia/religionssame.html