Thursday, November 18, 2010

What is a Witch in 2010?

"All the comes from the Earth, shall return to the Earth".

The title of witch is one that still causes a great amount of confusion in discussions. Thus, I thought it best to give my definition of a witch upon opening this blog. Witchcraft or Wicca is a nature based religion. The traditions, celebrations, symbolism and deities all have a basis around the cycles of nature. The most common cycles observed are the lunar/moon cycles and the seasonal cycles of the year.

If we were to look back at the evolution of humankind, thousands of years ago we were dependant on the natural environment for survival, just as animals are today. As we started to utilise agriculture, understanding the cycles became more important to ensure we planted crops at the appropriate time. The onset of the industrial revolution marked a point in history where humankind started to disconnect from these cycles. Today we are finding that generation by generation, this disconnect increases.

As a child I was lucky to live surrounded by Australian bush. Here I played, rode my bike, caught tadpoles and frogs and grew a connection to nature. A day rarely goes by now when we don't hear about the negative affects of climate change. I do see one positive effect of this attention. More and more people are rediscovering a connection to nature. Connecting to the natural environment is allowing people to find balance and well being. People are recycling, walking instead of driving, utilising natural remedies, turning off electrical appliances and so much more.

Wicca simply takes that connection to the next level. Wicca honors and explores the magic and spirit of the natural environment that exists beyond the physical.

I am a witch initiated twelve years ago within one of the covens of Australia's Church of Wicca. As a child I felt a connection to nature and Wicca has allowed me to deepen that connection increasing the multi leveled principles of the universe. As a species we came from being one with the earth and I am one who is returning to the earth.

In this blog I hope to share with you some of the magic of nature and Wicca. I look forward to your comments and your questions.

Blessed be.