Post by Senbecc on May 20, 2007 22:57:54 GMT -5
Begin with the basics, the basics must become a science. My advice would be to not buy books on any Wiccan tradition except to get a feel for the basics of the tradition you mean to follow. Instead buy books that are focused around deep breathing, visualization, meditation, perhaps even a spiritual journey or two. There are an infinite number of ways to accomplish even the finest detail, let no one tell you your way is 'wrong'. It will never be wrong as long as you deepen spirit, find deity, and further knowledge. To me ANY serious study will include all five tenants of Fionn's wheel. these would be:
Knowledge of Nature
Knowledge of Mind
Knowledge of Spirit
Knowledge of Magic
Knowledge of Being
I think you will find that any given tradition worth it's salt will have similar philosophy on the study of it's ways. Now...On to actual "spell" work. "Spells" should be deeply rooted in a person's belief systems. The essence IMO behind a good spell caster is truth (This can be personal, group, cultural, spiritual, and absolute). Things like wands, calenders, athames, and the like are as you said "tools" for focusing one's own spiritual energies as well as their truth in being.
How this work will effect the being and truth of the intended will depend greatly on how they themselves determine reality. A spell is a channel for the spirit river and magic to flow. The most important thing a person can do to give power to their magic and spells is discover their inner truths, and the deities of their people, and keep in mind that one's conscious self only makes up about ten percent of the whole. The rest of you is what is creating life around you!
1. Any magical system will work effectively if it describes reality in truth and is internally consistent in its focus.
2. A person must know themselves before attempting to work their will on reality.
3. Reality is governed by many powerful beings and entities with whom one should have a harmonious and truthful relationship.
Learn to develop such skills slowly and carefully through study, practice, dedication, and inquiry. Take NO ONE'S "word" for anything. Not even the authors until it has with stood your complete scrutiny, and inquiry. When you see debates on what "Wicca" is (and around here you will) then come to know and understand both sides of the debate, become a master of your tradition, and indeed all traditions, and know where it's different eclectic traditions come from and you will be deeply respected by all.
Senbecc, resident Druid and Filidh.
Knowledge of Nature
Knowledge of Mind
Knowledge of Spirit
Knowledge of Magic
Knowledge of Being
I think you will find that any given tradition worth it's salt will have similar philosophy on the study of it's ways. Now...On to actual "spell" work. "Spells" should be deeply rooted in a person's belief systems. The essence IMO behind a good spell caster is truth (This can be personal, group, cultural, spiritual, and absolute). Things like wands, calenders, athames, and the like are as you said "tools" for focusing one's own spiritual energies as well as their truth in being.
How this work will effect the being and truth of the intended will depend greatly on how they themselves determine reality. A spell is a channel for the spirit river and magic to flow. The most important thing a person can do to give power to their magic and spells is discover their inner truths, and the deities of their people, and keep in mind that one's conscious self only makes up about ten percent of the whole. The rest of you is what is creating life around you!
1. Any magical system will work effectively if it describes reality in truth and is internally consistent in its focus.
2. A person must know themselves before attempting to work their will on reality.
3. Reality is governed by many powerful beings and entities with whom one should have a harmonious and truthful relationship.
Learn to develop such skills slowly and carefully through study, practice, dedication, and inquiry. Take NO ONE'S "word" for anything. Not even the authors until it has with stood your complete scrutiny, and inquiry. When you see debates on what "Wicca" is (and around here you will) then come to know and understand both sides of the debate, become a master of your tradition, and indeed all traditions, and know where it's different eclectic traditions come from and you will be deeply respected by all.
Senbecc, resident Druid and Filidh.