I want to welcome everyone to my first page. I have included a brief biography of myself, just to let you know who I am. I hope to also introduce you to Wicca, explain some basics about it, and, most importantly, disspell some unfortunate myths about the craft. I want to clarify that any information in this page is presented as solely my own beliefs, and may not reflect those ideas established by any major Wiccan Tradition. I hope my intentions are met for each person who visits here and I hope that you satisfy your intentions as well.
Just a little note about me:
I was born Dawn Melissa in Denver, Colorado, September 18, 1974. I am very much a virgo! I was raised mostly in San Antonio, Texas and graduated from Judson High school (Converse, Texas, a suburb of San Antonio) in 1992. I graduated from The University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2000. The short list of my dearest friends in the world includes Janinne DuRoy and Todd Aldrich.
I spent 2 years in the Army. I was stationed at Ft. Stewart, Georgia and worked as a Preventive Medicine Specialist - which basically means I inspected dining facilities (on post and in the field) and tested water and the containers it was stored in.
During a month-long training exercise in the desert of California (NTC for those who know what I'm talking about!), I first came to realize the Wiccan path, although I didn't know it was called that at the time. I saw all things in a different light, including my role in the flowing ribbon of life. Through time I found Wicca to be the path that matched my ideas and the perspective I had found. I would be happy to share the actual event with anyone who would care to inquire.
I moved back to San Antonio in 2000. I teach high school Chemistry and Epistemology. I am also in graduate school at the UT Health Science Center for Physiology.
Wicca is an Earth Religion, borne of Pagan and even Druid ancestry. Wicca is commonly called Witchcraft (and I use these these terms interchangably). It includes the use of magic, which is, simply, calling upon the power of divine forces to manipulate our material world. In other words, it is working with the Goddess (or other chosen deity) to change something in our lives.
A principle difference between Wicca and most Modern Religions (including Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, etc.) is that Modern Religions focus on one male deity, for example "our heavenly father," the male Buddha, the male savior, Jesus. According to the pamphlet "The truth about Witchcraft", by Llewelyn Publications, 1988, Wiccans "view nature as a manifestation of Deity. Because of this, they believe that a male divinity, revered without a female deity is, at best, only half correct." Since nature's essence is life, and the female is regarded as the giver of life, Wiccans regard the Goddess as an integral part of our belief system. Typically, the Moon is seen as female, while the Sun is seen as male. While the life-giving force of Nature (hence, "Mother Nature"), as well as logic, creativity, and nurturing are seen as female, the fruits of harvest, strength, and sexual energy, are typically associated with the male. Neither is more powerful or essential than the other, they are equal.
A second principle difference between Wicca and Modern Religion is that Wiccans do not claim Wicca to be the "one true way" to salvation. Within the Wiccan community, many different views exist, and are tolerated. The point here is that Nature is a force, and how each of us wishes to embrace this force for our own use is different. Some Wiccans believe that nature is divided into many entities, similar in form to the Christian God (although not limited to one entity), while others, like myself, tend to regard the divine as simply, forces in nature manifest only as different or opposing forces, though none-the-less divine. I revere the life force of the great Live Oak tree, as well as the life force of the powerful moon. I revere the power of my female body, it's life giving potential, as well as the integral life force of the male body. Each member of this ribbon of life, whether seemingly insignificant or obviously essential, is worthy of reverence. And in the daily consideration of our sisters and brothers (whether it is the moon, a pet, a person, or a tree) we honor the Goddess (Mother Earth).
Wiccans, further more do not typically attempt to convert others to our way of life. We acknowledge that every person finds their own path to peace, and we do not find the necessity of converting all our neighbors to our path.
The Wiccan Rede is "If it harm none, do what you will". This is the single rule of Witchcraft. We are not required to offer particular deeds in exchange for salvation, we merely understand that it is not appropriate to enjoy life at the expense of others. This rule is complete, and succinct.
The main misconception of Witchcraft is that it is Satanic, or evil. First, Wiccans do not believe in Satan. We acknowledge sole responsibility for our actions; if we choose to harm, or wish misfortune upon others, it is of our own free will. Satan is a creation of Christianity. Wicca is a path that is peaceful, and magic is used almost exclusively for healing or to coerce good fortune into our lives. The only other understanding common across all variations of Witchcraft is that everything you do is returned to you threefold. Whether this is a wive's tale, or truth, it is an important consideration in the practices of Wiccans. Out of respect for all creatures, we do not wish harm or misfortune upon others.
Secondly, magic is not buying favor from the Devil. As I explained, Wiccans do not acknowledge a Devil. Aside from this, Magic is simply the focusing of our own inherent energy (or force) in a particular direction for the purpose of change. This is not unlike prayer in Modern Religion. Prayer is simply the focusing of your energy to encourage change, although prayer is typically directed at a Deity, and utilizes spoken words, while magic is directed at the thing we wish to change. Meditation is also similar to magic. Typically Wiccans use tools (including the altar, on which candles, and various other tools are placed), while few do not.
Lastly, I wish to discuss the Pentacle. This is the five-pointed star (a pentagram), within a circle. This symbol is not Satanic. It symbolizes five elements: the Spirit or the All (at the top), Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. The Spirit is the complete energy of all in existance (the whole Deity, if you will, which we are a part of), while the others are elements of Earth which are necessary for and utilized in the processes of life. Although there are other interpretations of the Pentacle, this is generally accepted. The Pentacle is not worn or used upside down (except in very rare occasions, but not to be interpretted as evil). So next time you see someone with an inverted Pentacle who proclaims to be a Black Magic Witch (which doesn't exist in true Witchcraft), you will know they obviously haven't researched their professed faith!
I want to thank everyone who actually read everything I had to say here. I hope you'll email me with any suggestions, thoughts, stories of your own, or otherwise. I would love to hear from each and every one of you! Push the button below to email me.
It is my wish that your path be filled with
blessings of light and peace.
Blessed Be,
DawnMelissa
