These are the basic beliefs and rules that are in my book of shadows. These ideas will vary from coven to coven and Wiccan to Wiccan.
The central idea of Wicca is that the Goddess and the
God are revered, just like in any other religion.Many, but not all, Wiccians believe in reincarnation. The
soul will return many times, but the reasons why can be unknown, or can be due
to the idea of Karma.Everything you send comes back times 3. This means that if
you do good, good will come back threefold; if you do harm, harm comes back to you
threefold. This, for obvious reasons, is often called the Threefold Law.Wiccians accept that every religion is right to its adherents.
There is no "right" or "wrong" religion, even if you happen to
disagree with said religion. This can also be applied to accepting people of
other backgrounds and races. It's accepting what's different and not judging it, or degrading it because it's different from your own ways and thoughts.The Earth is our home, our Goddess and God. It's not a tool. This
is a basic respect for the Earth, and a call to treat it with respect and preserve
it. (all of the Wiccians that I've talked to have this same viewpoint)
Harm None. This applies to the environment, other people,
animals, yourself. Treat things with respect. The Goddess and the God are desrving of worship, they have given us our life, our world and magic. Treat them with respect, observe their holidays and remember the ritual days.NO Bloodshed. No bodily fluids of any sort, from any
source should be spilled in the ritual circle, or at any time. It goes along
with the harm none rule.Observe the holidays. Be sure to hold a ritual, or a prayer,
or chant on the holidays. This one goes along with worshiping of the Goddess and God.Magic should only be used in times of need, and never for
any harm. Magic can be used for personal gain, as long as you don't harm anybody. Magic can also be used to help others, and that is when (for me) it seems to work the best.Learn from all sources. You can use books, other people, nature, as
long as you learn something. Knowledge can come from many surprising sources. This something can be scholarly, or spiritual.Mock not the rituals and ways of others. No one person is
right or wrong.The rules may be changed when the need arises, as long as
they don't violate the rule of harm none. As you grow,
so will the rules.Teach those willing to learn, for free.Don't take money for magic. If you do a spell to help someone,
do it for free, and not for gain. The reward should be helping someone, not
money. Secrecy. Many covens and individuals still follow the rule
of secrecy. They don't give out anything, the rules or beliefs or rituals. In my opinion,
the rules and beliefs can be told, so non-Wiccians know what Wicca is, and won't
misunderstand it.
� 1997 [email protected]