First time poster.... (literary help requested)

[lek]

First off the bat, let me say I'm not Wiccan, I'm Christain, but that has nothing to do with my being here really. Since in reality, I haven't been a practicing Christain in a few years now...though I do hold the faith in my heart still.

I suppose my reason for being here is to gather info, I'm writting a book currently and am looking for some insight into Wicca since several of my characters are of the Wiccan faith.
The story is supernatural of origin, but I do want to keep my characters as realistic as possible. I was wondering if some of you would mind educating someone who is largely ignorant about Wicca---(something I freely admit, LOL)

I feel I should explain why I chose to work with Wiccan characters in my book when I am not Wiccan. I guess it begins with an open curiosity. I'm not looking to change religions, but I do like to learn about other faiths. I also get the feeling, (correct me if I'm wrong) that Wiccans are more I don't know how to say it....more 'in tune' with other worldly aspects. I love the supernatural, always been interested in it myself....but prior I've written mainly sci fi.
So, I figured this new story of the supernatural would be one that might fit with Wiccan characters nicely. But, I do want to remain rooted in reality, that's another reason why I'm here...seeing shows like Charmed if one didn't know better they'd think Wiccans could disappear and reappear at will....pretty cool if you can, but I doubt it's realistic.

Well, I've rambled enough for now. If anyone could see to help me out, I'd appreciate it alot.


peace out!



BTW: Very nice board, love the layout, nice, functional straight forward!

[[scifichick]]

I am sure other more knowledgable people will answer. I think having specific questions will help as well. Are you looking for reading suggestions, or will you utilize this forum as your resource? From the reading I've done, Wicca is a very personalized religion and there are many answers to the same questions. I also thinks that word "supernatural" doesn't apply to Wiccan beliefs. If it exists in Nature, it's natural. That's not to say that what they do in "Charmed" is natural - it's impossible to do things they do.

[Wolf*]

one of your best bets would be to look at some wesites.

http://wicca.timerift.net/

http://www.bewitchingways.com/

[lek]

I am sure other more knowledgable people will answer. I think having specific questions will help as well. Are you looking for reading suggestions, or will you utilize this forum as your resource? From the reading I've done, Wicca is a very personalized religion and there are many answers to the same questions. I also thinks that word "supernatural" doesn't apply to Wiccan beliefs. If it exists in Nature, it's natural. That's not to say that what they do in "Charmed" is natural - it's impossible to do things they do.

scifichick,

Thanks a lot for your reply. I guess I am looking for this board to be a resource for some of my general information. I don't have to go into too much detail, but just the right abount of detail will give the story an authentic sound. Though I am a fiction writer and, artistic licence will be used

I guess you just provided me with my first insight. Supernatural does not exist in Wicca. Things like ghosts then, fall into the spiritual realm then? Or are they considered a part of the world?

Well, I think I'll cook up some more detailed questions and post them generally to anyone in this thread. I don't want to put you solely on the spot, but feel free to add your thought. As I said, I know virtually nothing.

BTW, you're into scifi? I used to write science fiction, actually still do, I just felt I was spinning my wheels in that area and wanted to try something different. What kind of scifi shows are you into? I'm a huge Farscape fan and I love the new Battlestar Galactica.

Thanks again for your insight!


lek

[lek]

one of your best bets would be to look at some wesites.

http://wicca.timerift.net/

http://www.bewitchingways.com/

Awesome, thanks alot. I bookmarked both of those links. Any and all info is appreciated. I knew rather than surfing the net for hours aimlessly it'd be better to come someplace where folks know about this.


later


lek

[[scifichick]]

Things like ghosts then, fall into the spiritual realm then? Or are they considered a part of the world?

Well, keep in mind that I'm new to this. I just have an advantage over you that I read few books I would consider spiritual realm a part of the world. And then I guess world can be divided into spiritual, physical, and who knows how many other realms.

What kind of scifi shows are you into?

Stargate all the way!!! hehe I also like Stargate Atlantis. Enjoy Tripping the Rift, oh so much, very funny I watch Battlestar Galactica too, if I'm not too sleepy.

[lek]

Ok, I thought up some general questions. I apologize if they sound stupid, or if they show my ignorance too much

1) What gods/goddesses are primary to Wiccan faith? Are they main deities you pray to?

2) Do demons exist in Wicca?

Specifically, how does Wicca account for the evil of the world? Does it stand on the belief that evil comes from the hearts of man, or does it allow for an intelligent source of evil (ie Satan)

3) What is the Wicca view on violence?

I'm aware of the primary tenet which says something like, "do no harm".
I know every body is different but is it possible to say that, generally Wiccans abhor violence?

4) Are Wiccans usually vegitarian?

It's something I've heard, that Wicca is tied to nature closely and killing an animal to eat it, is considered wrong. Might be complete BS, but if it is, please let me know.



That's all the comes to mind right now. Thanks again everyone for your help, I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.




lek

[lek]

Well, keep in mind that I'm new to this. I just have an advantage over you that I read few books I would consider spiritual realm a part of the world. And then I guess world can be divided into spiritual, physical, and who knows how many other realms.

What kind of scifi shows are you into?

Stargate all the way!!! hehe I also like Stargate Atlantis. Enjoy Tripping the Rift, oh so much, very funny I watch Battlestar Galactica too, if I'm not too sleepy.

I kind of had the feeling that was the case. I'm not sure where the term, 'supernatural' originates. But heaven and hell in Christainity would strike me as other realms, or levels of existence too...but then what do I know? LOL

Stargate is cool. I admit I haven't seen it too much, which sounds almost impossible, it's a remarkably popular series. I guess BSG is my main interest now. I always say it seems like the quickest hour all week.



lek

[AnuChild]

I suppose I'd fit more as a Christo-Pagan - certainly not initiated into a specific Wiccan tradition - but I'll give this a shot.

1) What gods/goddesses are primary to Wiccan faith? Are they main deities you pray to?

That depends on your tradition. I worship Athena and Jesus at the moment.

2) Do demons exist in Wicca?

Malevolent spirits do, but not in the Christian sense of fallen angels.

Specifically, how does Wicca account for the evil of the world? Does it stand on the belief that evil comes from the hearts of man, or does it allow for an intelligent source of evil (ie Satan)

I'm not sure. I think a lot of it is just that there is good and bad in the world and in everyone. We aim to be the best that we can be.

3) What is the Wicca view on violence?

Pro or con? lol. Okay, Anti-violence, but I think most religions are.

I'm aware of the primary tenet which says something like, "do no harm".
I know every body is different but is it possible to say that, generally Wiccans abhor violence?

Abhor violence? Personally, I - and all of the many Pagans I know - dislike violence, but we have also all been trained in martial fighting to a certain extent, myself included. We wouldn't iniate violence, but we are more than willing to defend ourselves.

4) Are Wiccans usually vegitarian?

Vegetarian? Not a single Wiccan or Pagan I know is vegetarian.

Hope that helps.

[[scifichick]]

I'll give it a shot too

1) What gods/goddesses are primary to Wiccan faith? Are they main deities you pray to?

All the gods/goddesses are just different faces and visions of one Divine/All (there are few names for the "all" that I came across already). As it's difficult for people to comprehend the all incompassing Divine, we personify them. The first division of Divine happens when we split it in male and female. And then those can be split further, to the point where you feel that you can personally connect with the deity. I don't have a favorite deity at this point. It's easier for me to envision God and Goddess without putting any constraints on them as to what they are. And, I am also not familiar with the deities from different mythologies, so I can't relate.

2) Do demons exist in Wicca?
Specifically, how does Wicca account for the evil of the world? Does it stand on the belief that evil comes from the hearts of man, or does it allow for an intelligent source of evil (ie Satan)

I don't think there is an intelligent source of evil. I don't think Wiccans believe in Satan. I don't believe that there is evil in Nature. There are things we can view as such, but they really aren't evil. I also don't believe that people are inherently evil. I think that we all have a dark and light sides to us. I guess some people just can't subdue and live with their dark side. Oh, one more point... Wiccans in general don't believe in heaven or hell. We believe in reincarnation. You can't really reincarnate if you are stuck in either of those.

3) What is the Wicca view on violence?
I'm aware of the primary tenet which says something like, "do no harm".
I know every body is different but is it possible to say that, generally Wiccans abhor violence?

Basically it says that you can do whatever you want as long as you are not harming anyone, and that includes yourself. Also, Wiccans believe that whatever you do, will return to you three times more. So, if you harm someone in any sence, it will come back to you at some point in life. I don't think everyone can see the correlation between what they do and what happens to them, but things definitely come back. I don't believe that this means you can't defend yourself.

4) Are Wiccans usually vegitarian?

I read somewhere that there are some, but certainly not all. I'm not. I wouldn't go hunting, as now it's a sport and not a survival, but I do eat meat.
I just want to say again that this are my views only and some information I picked up from few books. So don't be too harsh on me if I got something wrong

[BlackenedRose*]

Lek, I would be very happy to help you out here. If you have msn, add me and we can have long and interesting conversatipons, as I am quite knowledgeable about these kind of things (being an avid fantasy reader and knowing what I like to hear) and have waaaay too much time on my hands.............otherwise just email me at kuro_hana@hotmail.co.uk.

[lek]

Ok, let me see if I'm understanding.


1) There is one Divine, God/Goddess....but that entity is broken down into others, Athena and I believe I've heard Diana mentioned. Both of these are the same God/Goddess though.

So, in a prayer/spell, you don't have to appeal to a certain goddess, Athena, or Diana for special matters? Like love, or to quell strife so on?

-------------

2) There is no Satan in Wicca. There are evil spirits though. And it is held that good and evil exist within humanity, along with the potential to do either.

I do have one question related to this. Good and evil, or the potential for both, reside innately in humans....so Wiccans don't believe that outside forces, good or evil can effect us? Or is it possible for an evil spirit, something from my Christian faith, I might call a demon to influence people.

That's brings to mind another question sorta....the Divine is good, right?

So, would it not stand to reason, there is an evil counterpart to the Divine? If no, where would evil come from in the first place?

----------------

3) Wiccans loathe violence, and will only fight if it's for self defense--I think I get that....no questions there...


-------------

4) And, meat eating, basicallly okay....I've heard that from a few people now, so I'm leaning toward thinking that's true for all, at least most.

------------


I think I am getting a better picture here, well, there's no 'think' about it, I definitely am... I do have some more questions, but I'll wait until the details on these ones are hammered out. Thanks again guys!

[lek]

Lek, I would be very happy to help you out here. If you have msn, add me and we can have long and interesting conversatipons, as I am quite knowledgeable about these kind of things (being an avid fantasy reader and knowing what I like to hear) and have waaaay too much time on my hands.............otherwise just email me at kuro_hana@hotmail.co.uk.

Cool, thanks. I don't have MSN messanger, I have AOL....but given the time diff email might be easier, I'll be in touch. Thanks BlackenedRose!



lek

[moonlit]

Ok, I thought up some general questions. I apologize if they sound stupid, or if they show my ignorance too much

1) What gods/goddesses are primary to Wiccan faith? Are they main deities you pray to?

I pray to one God

2) Do demons exist in Wicca?

I believe they do

Specifically, how does Wicca account for the evil of the world? Does it stand on the belief that evil comes from the hearts of man, or does it allow for an intelligent source of evil (ie Satan)

I believe in a Satan

3) What is the Wicca view on violence?

Violence is bad. lol but I'm not like big on that

I'm aware of the primary tenet which says something like, "do no harm".
I know every body is different but is it possible to say that, generally Wiccans abhor violence?

4) Are Wiccans usually vegitarian?

Meat is good. I eat meat lol

It's something I've heard, that Wicca is tied to nature closely and killing an animal to eat it, is considered wrong. Might be complete BS, but if it is, please let me know.



That's all the comes to mind right now. Thanks again everyone for your help, I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.




lek

There are many branches of wicca and paganism so many ppl have differant answers for these questions.

as for Ghosts and the spiritual level. Ive recently done a study on the levels of being. I'll list them for you. So you can look up some info on them.

Spiritual
Mental
Astral
Etheric
Physical

each one of these levels links with the one above and below it.

The SPIRITUAL Level is the level from which all other levels emanate and to which they return. In humans this level corrisponds to the spiritual body, the transcendent core of the self.

The MENTAL level is the level of abstract consciousness, the realm of timesless and spaceless meaning, the laws of logic and mathmatics, and the fundamental patterns of the cosmos. In humans this level corrisponds to the mental body, the essential immortal patturn of the self.

The ASTRAL level is the level of concrete consciousness, therealm of dreams abd imagination and of ordinary mental activity. In humans this level corrisponds to the astral body, or the subtle body of imagination and the personality that is the vehicle for most out-of-body expiriences.

The ETHERIC level is the level of life force closely linked with breath and living matter. in humand this level corrisponds to the etheric body or aura, the subtle body of vital energies.

The PHYSICAL level is the "lowest" of the levels, identical to physical matter as we percieve it with our 5 ordinary sences. In human beings, this level corrisponds to the physical body.
[/b]

[[scifichick]]

1) There is one Divine, God/Goddess....but that entity is broken down into others, Athena and I believe I've heard Diana mentioned. Both of these are the same God/Goddess though.
So, in a prayer/spell, you don't have to appeal to a certain goddess, Athena, or Diana for special matters? Like love, or to quell strife so on?

They are not exactly the same. They are all part of one. Athena and Diana are just two of many goddesses that you can appeal to because you like their personalities. I'm sure you are familiar to some degree with let's say Greek mythology. If you have a liking to a particular God/Goddess from there, you can definitely pray/ask for help from that God/Goddess. So, no, you don't have to appeal to a specific one. The point is to feel close and connected to the deity, in whatever way it's easier for you.

2) There is no Satan in Wicca.

See, you already got different answers for this one I wasn't brought up Christian, so I don't believe in Satan. From Wiccan books, I figured that Wicca don't believe it. But then there are multiple flavors of Wicca I guess.

That's brings to mind another question sorta....the Divine is good, right? So, would it not stand to reason, there is an evil counterpart to the Divine? If no, where would evil come from in the first place?

OK, my thoughts on this... The Divine is neutral, it simply is, outside of our understanding of good and evil. For example, is electricity good or evil? I envision Divine is being neither good nor evil, simply an all encompassing power/substance/being - the All. When we draw that power, we'll give it the intent of good or evil, or somewhere in between. There are very few things in life that you can say, oh, that is definitely evil.