Women today have more opportunities than they ever have. We can aim higher and achieve things that our grandmothers could only dream about. This is a good thing, but good isn’t the same as easy. For many of us, having it all means that we live hectic, busy lives, and often spend most of our energy taking care of work, family, and social commitments, with little left over for ourselves.
You can’t draw water from an empty well, so it is important to find things that will enrich your body, mind, and soul, energizing you so you can keep moving forward in a positive way. For some women, this means tapping into a spiritual source. But many of us feel little or no connection to the religions we grew up with, which often revolve around a stern patriarchal father-figure God. We long to see ourselves reflected in the eyes of deity, to feel empowered and emboldened by our spiritual practices. We want, in other words, a goddess, not a god.
This may in part explain the explosion in popularity of Wicca and other forms of neo-Paganism, or modern Witchcraft. Some sources say that Wicca is the fastest growing religion in North America. What is it that draws people to Witchcraft, and how does a spiritual path with its roots in ancient beliefs and traditions transform itself into a practice that resonates so deeply with today’s modern woman?
There are a number of explanations for the phenomenon. Witchcraft is a nature-based religion at a time when many people feel isolated by technology and yearn to connect with the natural world. As the threats to our environment grow ever more severe, the idea of working with the planet instead of against it is very attractive.
Wicca is also an accepting religion. Unlike the Judeo-Christian faiths that many of us grew up with, Wicca welcomes members regardless of sexual orientation, marital status, gender identification, or lifestyle choices. For many people who never quite fit with the rules and expectations of the more formal religions, finding a spiritual path that welcomes nonconformists comes as a tremendous relief.
While there is no easy way to sum up the differences between traditional religions and modern Witchcraft, you could probably say that Christianity is based upon the concept that your belief in Christ will save you, and Judaism is based on tradition and the laws contained in the Torah. Witchcraft is a more practical and—you should excuse the expression—down-to-earth religion, in which there is nothing standing between the practitioner and a relationship with deity. Witchcraft has fewer rules and less judgment, and we believe that it empowers us enough that we can save ourselves.
For women, however, the greatest appeal may be the worship of a goddess (or goddesses). No stern patriarchal God here. Instead, Wicca and most other forms of modern Witchcraft embrace deity in both the feminine and the masculine. Suddenly, women can look at the divine and see themselves reflected back. It is empowering, inspiring, freeing, and joyous. Who wouldn’t want to be a Witch?
There are many different Witchcraft paths and a multitude of approaches to its practice. But not to worry. This book will guide you on the journey to connecting with the feminine divine both without and within, and open the door to this magical religion that will enlighten, uplift, and energize your life. More than that, though, goddess worship can give women tools to survive and thrive in an ever-more-challenging world.
Many of us are frustrated, frightened, triggered, helpless, and yes, outright enraged at the current state of our cultural environment. Sisters, I feel you. Holy crap, how I feel you. But the best way to move past and beyond these feelings is to embrace our own feminine power. Channel that rage and fear into positive change in your own corner of the planet, and then send it outward. Modern Witchcraft can be both empowering and inspiring—it’s time to take back our spirituality and turn ourselves into kick-ass manifestations of the goddess, right here on Earth.
A few common myths about Witchcraft have persisted throughout the centuries. Some of them started as a kind of propaganda by the Church when it moved into Europe and took over power from the preexisting Pagans, and then were further exaggerated and spread by popular culture, like movies. After all, a wicked Witch is a lot more exciting than the nice herbalist who lives next door. Others are simply misconceptions due to lack of knowledge about how Witchcraft is actually practiced.
You’ve probably heard a few of these, and might even believe one or two. Let me tell you why they’re not true.
You can probably find plenty of other wild tales about Witches, but I can assure you it’s likely that the truth is a lot less provocative. That doesn’t mean modern Witchcraft isn’t intriguing, inspiring, fun, empowering, and filled with the potential to change your life in all kinds of positive ways. Just don’t plan on turning anyone into a toad anytime soon.
A NOTE ABOUT PREJUDICE AND MISUNDERSTANDINGS
As I mentioned, there are lots of people who don’t understand modern Witchcraft or those who practice it. If you are “out of the broom closet” (that is to say, practicing openly), you may run into some of them. I’m not saying this to discourage or frighten you, because everyone has the right to practice their spiritual beliefs and you can’t let others stop you from pursuing yours. But you may want to keep in mind that it is possible you will run into folks who are in need of, shall we say, some gentle reeducation. (Again, no, you cannot turn them into toads. I said gentle reeducation.) Be prepared to explain about nature-based religions, goddess worship, and the fact that Paganism is the oldest form of spiritual practice in the world. Also be prepared for some people to believe the worst no matter what you say. In which case, simply smile, say “blessed be,” and walk away.
A FURTHER NOTE ON SOME WITCHCRAFT LANGUAGE
There are a few words and phrases that are used almost exclusively by modern Witches, and if you start hanging out with the witchy folks, you are likely to come across a few. “Blessed be,” for example, is often used in written and verbal communication. For instance, when one of my witchy fans writes me a note, they often end with “Blessed be.” It is also used at times during rituals.
Other common phrases include “Merry meet,” which is a fancy way of saying hello. If you happen to be wearing a pentacle in public, another Witch may say, “Merry meet” as a way of saying, “I see you are a Witch. So am I.” At the end of some group rituals, the group may say in unison, “Merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again.” This is always done with great joy and well, merriment.
Spells and rituals are sometimes ended by saying “So mote it be.” This is a slightly archaic way of saying “so must it be” and is used a bit like “amen.” The difference is that “so mote it be” is more assertive than a simple “amen,” and is another way to put your energy and intent behind whatever magical work you have just completed.
The archaic forms are left over from the start of Wicca, when those practicing it intentionally used more formal language than we might be used to, as a way of setting apart what they did in ritual from their regular lives. Not all modern Witches bother with such things anymore, and you can decide for yourself whether or not you want to. Just don’t be surprised if you go to a gathering and someone you’ve never met comes up to you and says, “Merry meet,” and then gives you a big hug. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.