What do all Wiccan's believe? (Earth, beliefs, experience, atheist)

[Reverend Rick]

Originally Posted by Gentoo

I think a lot of that depends on the tradition the Wiccan follows, either that, or they can make their own judgements. But I would say that a lot of Wiccans (myself included) believe that souls exist and reincarnation is what happens to them.

What of the summerlands? You beat me to the post Lama.

[Reverend Rick]

I believe balance is where the wiccans are lacking. I have heard many witches say, a witch that cannot hex is not going to be able to heal. Magick is true balance and can cut both ways. The rule of three is laughed at once one learns how to control energy.

All this said, Wiccans are very nice people. Witchcraft and Magick is not for everyone. I mean this in the most respectful way, The Wiccan faith is Witchcraft lite or goody two shoe magic.

[MaddLlama]

Originally Posted by Reverend Rick

What of the summerlands? You beat me to the post Lama.

Recently I've heard a lot about the Summerlands as a temporary resting place for reflection before the next life. I'm not sure where it comes from, but it's an interesting idea.

[Draka]

Originally Posted by Reverend Rick

I believe balance is where the wiccans are lacking. I have heard many witches say, a witch that cannot hex is not going to be able to heal. Magick is true balance and can cut both ways. The rule of three is laughed at once one learns how to control energy.

All this said, Wiccans are very nice people. Witchcraft and Magick is not for everyone. I mean this in the most respectful way, The Wiccan faith is Witchcraft lite or goody two shoe magic.

I don't quite believe that. The main tenet of Wicca is to "Harm None", so therefore there is no reason ever to "hex" someone. However, where the balance comes in is realizing that "harming none" includes yourself. If you full-well know that someone is harming you then you have a right to defend yourself against that harm. That's where certain spells come into play. Not so much as to "hex" someone, but to turn around the effects of what they are doing to others onto themselves. It's kind of like giving karma a kick-start to teach a lesson. This isn't malicious in any way, but a safety measure if anything. "Binding" someone to prevent them from causing harm to themselves or others falls into this as well. There is no real intent to harm, but rather to prevent. I really do not like the reference of "goody two shoe magic". I find it insulting. Like we all believe that everything is pink and happy and white-light goodness without any ability to deal with the real world. That's just not true.

And the "Rule of Three" is not really about magic at all. It is about how you live your life and all actions that you take, including magic, and much more. It is simply a guideline of karma. Take "what goes around comes around" and add "s**t rolls downhill" and add them together. This is not something to be laughed at, but a great rule of thumb to live by. "Don't start nothin', there won't be nothin'"

Originally Posted by MaddLlama

Recently I've heard a lot about the Summerlands as a temporary resting place for reflection before the next life. I'm not sure where it comes from, but it's an interesting idea.

That's actually how I've always thought of it. It is the state that the spirit creates for itself while awaiting return. The time spent there differs for everyone as each spirit is different and on its own path and timetable for its "schooling".

[MaddLlama]

I think Wicca gets a bad rap from the myriad of uninformed, and fluffy Wiccans that are out there. Ultimately I don't think magic is polarized at all, but neutral. But by the same token, the witch who only sees the black or the white, but not the grey area is less effective. A curse isn't exactly appropriate conduct, but there are some Wiccans who operate as is magic were only "good".

Also, plenty of non-Wiccan witches eschew the Wiccan view of magic, because it's "soft". But, I'm not sure a harsher approach is any more or less valid.

[Gentoo]

Originally Posted by Reverend Rick

I believe balance is where the wiccans are lacking. I have heard many witches say, a witch that cannot hex is not going to be able to heal. Magick is true balance and can cut both ways. The rule of three is laughed at once one learns how to control energy.

Balance is what Wiccans are trying to achieve, a lot aren't there yet. Just like leading a sin-free life is what Christians are trying to achieve, most (I hate to say all) aren't at that stage yet. It's the same thing, everyday is a new trial to use the wisdom learned from the previous day in order to better achieve that goal.

All this said, Wiccans are very nice people. Witchcraft and Magick is not for everyone. I mean this in the most respectful way, The Wiccan faith is Witchcraft lite or goody two shoe magic.

Then you really don't know much about Wicca. While it may come across that way, there is a lot going on behind the scenes. Most of us may choose not to hex someone, but not solely because of the Rede or the Three-fold Law, but because (I believe) we're good people who really don't want to see anyone else hurt, especially due to our actions.

I have the power, I just don't use it like that. I have the know-how to turn that negative energy into a positive thing. That's not goody two shoe magic if you ask me.

[Reverend Rick]

I meant that comment in the right spirit of things, if I insulted anyone, please except my apology. Grey magick is the most powerful because it is truly balanced. Anyone who wants to practice magic, magick or witchcraft should do their homework as far as protection is concerned. As long as someone grows spiritually, it's all good.

I was a moderator in a Pagan forum for over 5 years and was a witch as well as a ceremonial Magickan. I started out as Wiccan, but moved on to witchcraft and later on got into the ceremonial arts. I believe I have a clue to make an informed comment.

The only advice that I will give is, be careful what you wish for, you just might get it. If you are not specific in your intent, the powers that be have an interesting sense of humor.

A person who can feel energy and later store and control it has the power to achieve much. The majority of Wiccans I know are eclectic and do not abide by Gardners ways 100%.

[Mike182]

Originally Posted by Reverend Rick

What of the summerlands? You beat me to the post Lama.

as i understand the reconstructed Celtic tradition that Gardner drew upon with Wicca, Summerlands were a place where the spirit/soul could rest and be refreshed in the presence of the Gods and Goddesses in between incarnations.