Scott Cunningham's preface, however, spoke volumes for his honesty in his approach to, and representation of, religion. Not only Wicca but what he has written is what I believe every religion should be saying of itself. It is for that reason, the strength of his preface, that I've included the two and a bit pages here. Read this first, and then I'll explain.
| This book, the result of sixteen years of practical experience and research, is a guidebook outlining basic Wiccan theory and practice. It is written with the solitary student or practitioner in mind; there are no coven rituals or magical group dynamics described herein. The Wicca as described here is "new." It is not a revelation of ancient rituals handed down for thousands of years. This does not invalidate it, however, for it is based on time-honoured practices. A three-thousand year old incantation to Inanna isn't necessarily more powerful or effective tan one improvised during a private rite. The person practising the ritual or spell determines its success. If centuries-old incantations are nothing more to you than senseless gibberish, chances are the ritual won't work, any more than would a Shinto ceremony in the hands of a Methodist. To be effective, rituals myst speak to you. Rituals are at the heart of Wicca for some, and are pleasant adjuncts to Wicca's philosophy and way of life for others. In Wicca, as with every religion, ritual is a means of contacting the Divine. Effective ritual unites the worshipper with Deity. Ineffective ritual kills spirituality. There are rituals in this book, yes, but they're guideposts, not holy writ. I wrote them so that others, using them as general guidelines, could create their own. Some people might say, "But that's just your stuff. We want the real Wicca! Tell us the secrets! There is not, and can never be, one "pure" or "true" or "genuine" form of Wicca. There are no central governing agencies, no physical leaders, no universally-recognised prophets or messengers. Although specific, structured forms of Wicca certainly exist, they aren't in agreement regarding ritual, symbolism and theology. Because of this healthy individualism, no one ritual or philosophical system has emerged to consume the others. Wicca is varied and multi-faceted. As in every religion, the Wiccan spiritual experience is one shared with Deity alone. This book is simply one way, based on my experiences and the instruction I have received, to practice Wicca. Although I write it, it didn't hatch out of thin air. The jeweler who faces rough emeralds didn't create the gemstones; nor the potter the clay. I've tried to present a blending of the major themes and ritual structure of Wicca, not to create a new form, but to present one so that others can develop their own Wiccan practices. When I began learning Wicca, there were few books, certainly no published Books of Shadows. Wiccan rituals and magical texts are secret within many traditions of Wicca, and it wasn't until recently that any systems have "gone public." Due to this fact, few Wiccans wrote books describing the rituals and inner teachings of Wicca. Those outside the Wicca (or the Craft as it is also known) who wrote of it could necessarily report only garbled or incomplete pictures. Within a few years of my introduction to Wicca, however, many authentic, informative books began to be published. As I continued my studies, both independently and under teachers I had met, I realised that anyone trying to learn and practice Wicca solely from published sources would gain a sadly unbalanced picture. Most Wiccan authors tout their own form of Wicca. This makes sense: write what you know. Unfortunately, many of the foremost Wiccan authors share similar views, and so most of the published Wiccan material is repetitive. Also, most of these books are geared toward coven (group)-orientated Wicca. This poses a problem for anyone unable to find a minimum of four or five interested, compatible persons to create a coven. It also lays a burden on those who desire private religious practice. Perhaps my true reason for writing this book - besides numerous requests - is strictly personal. I not only wish to present an alternate to staid, structured Wiccan books, I also want to return something for the training I have received in this contemporary religion. Although I occasionally teach, and Wicca always draws a crowd, I prefer the medium of printed words to point out some of the things I have learned. Although nothing can replace one-on-one teaching, this isn't practical for all those desiring to learn. And so, several years ago, I began jotting down notes and chapters that eventually became this book To avoid becoming too narrow minded (Sybil Leek once said that it was dangerous writing about your own religion - you're too close to it), I've had Wiccan friends read and comment on early drafts to ensure that the picture of Wicca presented here isn't too limited or dogmatic. Please don't misunderstand me. Though this book's goal is a wider understanding of, and appreciation of Wicca, I'm not proselytizing. Like most Wiccans, I'm not out to change your spiritual and religious beliefs; it's none of my business. However with the continuing interest in non-traditional religions, concern over environmental destruction and a wide interest in the Wiccan religion, I hope this book partially answers one of the questions I'm most commonly asked: "What is Wicca?" |
If ever there were words which describe religion as a way of life, then for me, these are them. In starting this particular work, I was of the impression I was starting to read something which was as aged as time itself. No such luck. This religion is not yet a century.
If there is any writing which openly demonstrates that religion should not be the basis for law and should not be taken in preference for law, then this is the strongest example I have read. The openness with which Cunningham has acknowledged that a religion is a personal choice has to be greatly applauded.
The other part of this which intrigues me greatly is as Cunningham writes, "A three-thousand year old incantation to Inanna isn't necessarily more powerful or effective tan one improvised during a private rite. The person practising the ritual or spell determines its success." which interests me greatly.
I believe that the human species is capable of more than we give it credit for. That which does happen and can not readily be explained, is quickly attributed to a deity before we have properly looked in to the alternative.
A person who is ill in hospital and has lost the will to live, will inevitably die despite all the treatment given. We acknowledge this as a natural event which is born from that persons giving up on their desire to live and although we have no physical explanation for it, we nevertheless accept it.
To reverse this situation, there are examples of people with a great zest for living who have recovered from cancer and instead of attributing this to the power that the human mind has over the progress and composition of the body, the events are instead attributed to a miracle ... as if that explained anything either!
Cunningham's writing on this subject leads me to conclude that his belief is that the success of a incantation will come from the mind and heart of the person performing it, rather than the rite itself. This is the kind of logic and admission that speaks to me.
In history, magic and recipes made from various ingredients were not understood. Today we know why certain herbs and plant have the properties and effects on human body chemistry that they do, but the people of some time ago would not have known this and it is lack of understanding which can make these things seem like wonderment. Those wielding this knowledge would then have considerable power and respect within the community.
Now, however, even basic knowledge about medicines have become more common and this could have played a part in the downgrading of the general practitioners status in our communities. The average person now has an understanding about the basis of general practice and *POOF* the mystique is gone.
The last thing I have to say before losing myself in this book is that here is a proof that religions come and religions go. They are not set in stone and are unlikely to last for the entire history of the human race. Even more reason for the separation between church and state.
0 comments:
Post a Comment