Some of you may already know that I also co-author a blog with my best friend, Mama Kelly over at 2 Witches Blog.  Today is our grand opening of our very own domain for 2 Witches.com.  It has taken us a few months to move over two years worth of posts and over 95 pages of content, but it was well worth the effort and I invite everyone to stop by and check it out.  (Note: we also have a Forum, so please stop and be sure to check out all the topics of discussions and join in, including Ask A Witch (get a link back).

I thought it would be appropriate to post here a little bit about what it means to me to be a Wiccan (a witch). 

First a little bit about me. I’m 53-years-young, married to an awesome guy, and mom to a delightful daughter. I work in a cubicle, drive a 10-year-old car, have a mortgage, and own a cat (she is grey striped – not black). I don’t fly on brooms, have no warts, and only wear my black, pointy hat on special occasions (like a Halloween costume party). The only slightly unusual thing about me that you might notice is that I have a few small tattoos. But if you didn’t know me, you would not be able to tell that I am a witch by passing me on the street. We are everywhere! (just kidding) However, the point is a witch can be anyone, from any background, of any age, and we are just normal folks going about our daily lives like everyone else. What makes us a little different is that when the moon is full, you might find some of us out in the woods having a good howl. (again, just kidding!)

I was drawn to Wicca at a young age and read my first book about it when I was 12. I met a woman when I was 18 who I studied with and was a member of her circle for about 7 years. In my late 20’s, I was invited to be a guest speaker at a college and ended up lecturing on several occasions throughout my home state for a few years. I also branched off on my own to form a Wiccan circle. As people moved, married, and experienced various other life changes, the circle disbanded and since then, I have been a solitary Wiccan (witch). I do, however, enjoy attending pagan festivals and open circles or picnics that are held by Wiccan or like-minded eclectic pagan groups.

When trying to explain what it means to be a witch, it is useful to have some overall definitions, a bit of historical perspective, and clear up some common misconceptions.  For those who are interested I invite you to read An Introduction to Wicca I put together at our new location for 2 Witches Blog.

Below is an excerpt:

Basic Wiccan Facts, Beliefs and Traditions

  • There are many different traditions of Wicca, so there is no one way or “right” way to be a witch.
  • “Harm none” is the guiding rule for all who follow the path of Wicca.
  • Wiccans strive to live in harmony with nature and others.
  • The Divine (Great Spirit) is viewed as being both male and female, or the God and the Goddess; however, in some traditions, there is more emphasis on the feminine.
  • What is referred to as “magic” is actually focused thought, will and emotions, often using symbols and various tools or items as focal points and\or to enhance the focused intentions.
  • The Earth (the Mother of all Life) and all the creatures of the Earth are honored and held sacred.
  • The soul continues to exist beyond the veil of death, and lives in an afterlife (Summerland) until it is time to be reborn.
  • The 8 seasonal changes of year are celebrated at the solstices and equinoxes.
  • The phases of the moon mark the times to gather to honor the Goddess and God.
  • Witches respect all positive, life-affirming spiritual traditions and religions.

What Witches Are Not

  • Witches do not worship the devil. The devil is a Christian concept and has nothing to do with Wicca (historically or today).
  • Witches are not evil. They adhere to the basic principle of “harm none,” as well as the belief that all you do comes back to you threefold.
  • Witches do not recruit or brainwash any one. Being a witch is a personal choice that has to come from heart and spirit, and is not something that is drummed into anyone. Witches have no desire to “convert” anyone.

Why I Am A Witch

Wicca is the spiritual tradition that resonates with my soul and with which I feel most comfortable. I enjoy the rituals and ceremonies, and my soul is uplifted by the connection with the Divine in Nature. For me, being a witch is also about honoring the Divine God and Goddess within each person and within myself. It is about healing the planet, connecting with the Web of Life, and helping to bring balance, harmony, and peace to my life and those around me.

There you have it, wicca and me in a nutshell.  I hope you’ll stop over 2 Witches Blog and check out the new domain, poke around a bit, check out some of features and highlights, such as our new forum, Harry Potter Party details, Blog Your Blessings (Sunday), and much more.

Bright Blessings, Lady Rose

(Full Introduction was also cross posted On the Horizon written by Lady Rose as a guest post in two parts: Aug. 3 and 10, 2008)

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