Magical Cheer Stardust of Dreams: In the realm of dreams and aspirations, there exists a magical cheer stardust that ignites the fire within each individual. This enchanting substance has the power to transform ordinary thoughts into extraordinary dreams, fueling ambition and propelling one towards success. The magical cheer stardust of dreams is not a tangible entity, but rather a metaphorical representation of the motivation and positivity that can be found within oneself. It is a force that uplifts spirits and encourages individuals to chase after their desires, no matter how daunting the journey may seem. When sprinkled upon one's dreams, this ethereal dust infuses them with a sense of vibrancy and possibility. It is the secret ingredient that empowers individuals to believe in the extraordinary power of their aspirations and envision a future filled with achievement and fulfillment.

Wisdom Of Wicca: Columnist introduces tenets of pagan faith

Editor’s Note: As most of you know, last week was Amanda Bancroft’s final column for The Free Weekly. We will miss her terribly, but we know she will keep making ripples in the world and wish her the best! This week, we’d like to introduce to you one of several columnists who will take turns filling this spot.

Raven Ebonywing serves as the Microsoft Teams events coordinator for Aquarian Tabernacle Church International. She is a second-year student at Woolston-Steen Theological Seminary and student of Lady Belladonna Laveau. She also serves as the high priestess in the WISE tradition of Creation’s Grimoire Church of Wicca in Bentonville and is a member of the Benton County Interfaith Alliance.

Blessed morning, all, and merry meet. In this, my first column, I wish to address what we believe in as pagans, witches and Wiccans.

Jesus is to a lot of people a wonderful ascended master to turn to when asking for help to forgive yourself or someone else. However, he is not the only deity I turn to. Keep in mind that we are pagan; this does not at all mean we are anti-Christian. We respect you and your religion with an open heart and open mind. It simply means we believe in more than one god in the ancient ways. Neither do we try to convert others to our religious beliefs, as it is not our way or the will of the goddess.

A lot of pagans believe in a source of creation energy in which we are all connected. It is Chi, it is Ki, it is something to love and embrace. This energy lives in everything, you, me, the trees, the sky, the ground we walk on. We access this energy through meditation, connecting our roots to the source and speaking to the consciousness as a unified whole. This universal consciousness does have a voice and holds the knowledge of the past and present. This energy always has been there and always will be there for years after this life cycle ends.

Growing up in a Jewish and Southern Baptist family, this is what I was taught as the bare core of what “God” was. But again, we do not see this in a biblical narrative. The reason is, we believe the Bible was written by man. As far as believing in more than one god, we have many different gods and goddesses we look to for guidance. Each of our gods and goddesses have faced challenges, mistakes and hardships we can relate to. In popular neo-pagan and Wiccan beliefs, once you put so much energy into worshiping a deity, this deity exists to you. This deity will reach out, speak to you and protect you if called upon. I will go ahead and answer the most common question: No, Wiccans do not worship Satan.

We have come a long way since our pagan brothers and sisters were accused of witchcraft. And I love that pagan beliefs are becoming far less taboo. But the hostility toward us still exists. I am hoping with this article that I can clear some of this misunderstanding about Wicca and witchcraft, introducing who we are in a positive perspective.

Creation’s Grimoire Church of Wicca, Aquarian Tabernacle Church International and myself as a priestess do not condone using the craft to harm others. I cannot legally do so; I do not want to do so; and I find it disrespectful to the gods to do so in their name. It is not in my place to interfere with the lords of karma and the law of three.

Remember, when we react, it is best to remind ourselves to react with love, oneness, compassion and kindness. What you put out always comes back to you threefold, so let that threefold be a positive impact on yourself and those around you. Sending someone love and healing has a far better impact and outcome than sending harm their way. Treat others how you would want to be treated at your lowest. I am not a perfect person, but mistakes we make are there for us to learn and grow from. These mistakes are gifts from the goddess, and she is not to be questioned.

Here are a few Wiccan laws for reference.

4. Let the power of the craft flow from you only in love — or not at all. For it has always been known that the energy webs which we weave and maintain shall eventually return to encircle their creator. Thus our works become either the net which entangles and binds us, or the web of light by which we find the gods.

17. Never shall you use magick, nor the craft, to cause harm, for this is misuse of the power, and it is not to be condoned.

26. Show honor to all people, that they may look up to you, and respect you, and their eyes shall become a mirror for your soul.

28. If a stranger sojourns with you, you shall do them no wrong; they shall be as one of the circle, born amongst ye, and you shall deal with them as you would yourself.

75. Those that do wrong without knowledge shall be held innocent; those that do wrong through carelessness shall be judged lacking in wisdom, and dealt with according to the nature of the transgression. Those who do wrong with deliberation and forethought shall be thrice punished, and the lords of karma shall lay low their pride.

84. Any priestess, priest, or elder who consents to a breach of the laws regarding the use of the craft to cause harm to others must immediately be relieved of their office, for it is the lives of the children of the goddess which they endanger, as well as the honor of the craft.

May your days be fulfilled, and your chalice always overflow. Goddess bless.

Email Raven Ebonywing at [email protected].

Survey Reveals Americans’ Feelings about Wicca

A new national survey conducted by The Barna Group shows that while many adults are not familiar with Wicca, nearly half of the adult population has reserved having an opinion on that religious group even though its best-known practices directly contradict the religious faith that they personally embrace.

Barna Access Plus

Strengthen your message, train your team and grow your church with cultural insights and practical resources, all in one place.

Wicca is Largely Unknown

A slight majority of Americans (55%) say they have not heard the term “Wicca.”

Among the 45% who have heard of, the segments most familiar with Wicca include people younger than 60 (50% are familiar with the name, compared to 35% of older adults); Christian evangelicals (65%); Skeptics (61% of atheists and agnostics); Asian Americans (52%); upscale adults (62%); and those who describe themselves as socio-politically liberal in most cases (55%).

Wiccan Practices, Beliefs and Adherence

Wicca is a faith system that has no central organization or theological belief system defined for all of its adherents. It may be best understood through its typical practices, which include performing magic and sorcery, casting spells and engaging in witchcraft. It is a ritualistic faith based on a loose set of pagan beliefs that are generally pantheistic in nature. Those who are involved commonly go through initiation rites for membership, teaching and leadership. Contrary to a widespread assumption, however, Wicca is not synonymous with Satan worship. Wiccans most frequently worship gods and goddesses that are found in nature. Wicca generally embraces the notions of karma and reincarnation, and promotes a laissez faire form of morality.

Barna Group studies indicate that while young people, in particular, are interested in witchcraft and are comfortable with the idea of worshipping nature, few Americans claim to be Wiccan. Based on interviews with more than 4,200 adults during 2008, Barna studies showed that Wiccans represent about one-tenth of one percent of all adults. The company estimates that despite widespread public fascination with the group, among the nation’s 230 million adults, less than one-quarter of a million adults associate with Wicca as their primary faith group.

Defining Wicca

Among those who have heard of Wicca, nearly two-thirds (62%) described it as an organized form of witchcraft. Smaller proportions defined Wicca as a form of Satanism (7%) or as a religious cult (7%). About one-fifth (18%) said that although they were familiar with the name, they knew little or nothing about Wicca.

Opinions about Wicca

When asked to express their view of Wicca, 6% held a favorable view (2% very favorable and 4% somewhat favorable), and 52% held unfavorable views (7% somewhat unfavorable and 45% very unfavorable).

Perhaps the most intriguing response was from the remaining 43% who said they did not know what they thought of Wicca or had no particular opinion about it.

Those who possessed a “very unfavorable” view were most likely to be found among residents of the South and Midwest (52% of whom had a very unfavorable opinion); born again Christians (67%); and socio-political conservatives (61%).

The survey also showed that among people who voted for Barack Obama for president 38% had a very unfavorable view of the witchcraft group, compared to 57% of those who voted for John McCain holding a very unfavorable view.

Teenagers Hold Similar Perspectives

A study released by The Barna Group in 2005 among a national sample of more than 4,000 teenagers found that young people’s views of Wicca were similar to those of people 18 or older. Among teens, 60% were not familiar with Wicca. Among those who were, 58% held unfavorable views of the group.

Potential Growth

Wicca has significant opportunities for growth, according to researcher George Barna. Among the conditions that would facilitate an increase in the number of Wiccans in America are:

1. the fascination that adolescents and teenagers have with casting spells, performing magic, being an integral part of a small group of like-minded people, and the opportunity for creative expression accompanied by demonstrations of power
2. the highly individualistic nature of the faith
3. its sensitivity to nature and the environment
4. the moral ambivalence of its codes and beliefs at a time when America’s young adults, teenagers and adolescents are not attracted to strict moral rules and practices
5. the necessity of a high degree of personal participation
6. the appeal of the secrecy in which Wiccan activities and relationships are undertaken
7. the profitability – and, therefore, likely continued flow – of books, movies and television shows that feature appealing characters engaging in Wiccan activity
8. the growing determination of Americans to tolerate and accept worldviews, philosophies and religious practices that stray from those of the traditional or widely-recognized religions (e.g., Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism)
9. the cultural value placed upon personal experience and adventure rather than adherence to a strict ideology

However, Barna also noted that Wicca faces significant growth challenges in the years to come. Among its challenges are:

1. the absence of a centralized organization that will fund, plan and intentionally promote its beliefs and practices
2. the lack of one or a handful of charismatic, widely-recognized and respected leaders to champion its cause
3. not having a recognized guidebook or body of “sacred literature” to define and facilitate its practices and growth
4. the likelihood of stiff resistance from several of the larger, traditional faith groups that are popular in the U.S., such as Christianity.

Barna said he expects Wicca to continue to fly below people’s religious radar until it develops higher profile, more structured leadership, which is in some ways antithetical to Wiccan practices. However, he also expects significantly growing numbers of young Americans to embrace elements of Wiccan practice, such as spell casting and performing magic rituals, which have proven to be central behaviors featured in various popular media presentations in recent years. Many young adults will not consider themselves to be Wiccan but will adopt some of its practices and thinking alongside their more traditional religious views and behaviors.

Barna Access Plus

Strengthen your message, train your team and grow your church with cultural insights and practical resources, all in one place.

Administration » Principles of Wiccan Belief

Principles of Wiccan Belief
1. We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the moon and the Seasonal Quarters and Cross-Quarters.
2. We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility towards our environment. We seek to live in harmony with nature, in ecological balance offering fulfillment to life and consciousness within an evolutionary concept.
3. We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than that apparent to the average person. Because it is far greater than ordinary it is sometimes called “supernatural”, but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all.
4. We conceive of the Creative Power in the universe as manifest through polarity — as masculine and feminine — and that same Creative power lies in all people, and functions through the interaction of masculine and feminine. We value neither above the other, knowing each to be supportive to the other. We value sex as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of energies used in magical practice and religious worship.
5. We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological, worlds known sometimes as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconscious, Inner Planes, etc. – and we see in the interaction of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena and magickal exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment.
6. We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who courageously give of themselves in leadership.
7. We see religion, magic, and wisdom in living as being united in the way one views the world and live within it – a world view and philosophy of life which we identify as ‘Witchcraft – the Wiccan Way’.
8. Calling oneself “Witch” does not make one a Witch – but neither does heredity itself, nor the collecting of titles, degrees and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the forces within themselves that make life possible in order to live wisely and well without harm to others and in harmony with Nature.
9. We believe in the affirmation and fulfillment of life in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness giving meaning to the Universe we know and our personal role within it.
10. Our only animosity towards Christianity, or towards any other religion or philosophy of life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be ‘the only way’ and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practice and belief.
11. As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft, the origins of various terms, the legitimacy of various aspects of different traditions. We are concerned with our present and our future.
12. We do not accept the concept of absolute evil, nor do we worship any entity known as “Satan” or “the Devil”, as defined by the Christian tradition. We do not seek power through the suffering of others, nor accept that personal benefit can be derived only by denial to another.
13. We believe that we should seek within Nature that which is contibutory to our health and well-being.
********* This is not in any way an all-encompassing credo applicable to all groups who consider themselves Wiccans or Witches, but rather is the set of principles adopted by one such group. As there are differences between various Christian sects, so are there difference between those of Wicca. However, while the specifics may differ, the general attitude and reasoning behind these declarations remains relatively consistent.
The Wiccan Credo is a Wiccan poem. Some Wiccans believe that it was written circa 1910 CE by Adriana Porter. Others suggest that it was created during the very early years of Gardnerian Witchcraft, during the 1940s and 1950s. (1) It includes the text of the main Wiccan rule of behavior, the Wiccan Rede, and a reference to the Threefold Law.
The third last stanza refers to the “Threefold Law”. It states, in part:
“Mind the Threefold Law you should, Three times bad and three times good.”
The end of the Credo contains one version of the Wiccan Rede. It reads:
“Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill:
An’ it harm none, Do what ye will. Blessed Be to thee.”
The Wiccan Rede and Threefold Law:
“Rede” is derived from an Old English word “roedan” which means to guide or direct. (1) One common version of the Rede is:
“An it harm none, do what thou wilt.” “An” and “wilt” are Old English words for “if” and “want to.”
Alternate renderings of the Wiccan Rede are:
An it harm none, do as ye will
Ãn it harm none, do as ye will
An ye harm none, do what ye will.
A’in it harm none, do what thou wilt.
An’ it harm none, do what thou wilt.
If it harms none, do what you will.
Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill, An’ it harm none, do what ye will.
Do what you will as long as it harms none
The Rede states that a Wiccan is free to do what ever they want to, as long as it does not harm themselves or anyone else. Harm is normally considered to include manipulation, domination, attempts to control, physically injure, emotionally harm, or hurt another person or group in any way.
The Threefold Law (a.k.a. the Law of Return) adds a reward for those who follow the Wiccan Rede, and a punishment for those who violate it. The law states that:
“All good that a person does to another returns three fold in this life; harm is also returned three fold.”
The Rede and Law obviously prevent a Witch/Wiccan from doing harm to themselves or to others, taking harmful drugs, etc. “This belief constantly reminds us that there are many consequences to our actions and we must consider all possible outcomes before acting. The Wiccan Rede thereby binds Wiccans to do the right thing.” (2)
Some followers of other religions have attributed many evil activities to Wiccans — from the laying of curses to conducting love spells; from conducting human sacrifices to performing black magic. These actions are strictly forbidden to all followers of Wicca. In most cases, beliefs in evil magic by Wiccans can be traced back to European religious propaganda during the late Middle Ages and Renaissance in Western Europe which was used to justify witch hunting and burning.
Comparing the Wiccan Rede with behavioral rules of other religions:
The Wiccan Rede is one of many Ethics of Reciprocity which are found in essentially all of the world’s religious texts. In Christianity, the Ethic of Reciprocity is sometimes called the Golden Rule. It urges believers to treat other people decently. For example, in Christianity, three of the 50 or so Gospels which circulated in the 1st century CE state:
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:12, King James Version. “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” Luke 6:31, King James Version. “…and don’t do what you hate…”, Thomas (6).
Those Ethics of Reciprocity which are found in non-Wiccan religions concentrate on one’s duties to other people. The Wiccan Rede goes further by also prohibiting a Wiccan from engaging in an action that hurts themselves.
The Pentateuch — the first five books in the Hebrew Scriptures — lists 613 behaviors that the ancient Hebrews were expected to either adopt because they are not sinful, or avoid because they are wicked. These laws are referred to as the Mosaic Law. About two dozen of these behaviors are grouped into the Ten Commandments. In contrast to the 613 specific injunctions, the Wiccan Rede consists of only one general rule which is intended to govern all behaviors.
Most religions teach very specific rules of behavior. The Roman Catholic church, for example, sorts them into two categories: mortal and venial sins. In contrast, the Wiccan is not given a list of prohibited and compulsory actions. They forced to consider all of the likely ramifications of each action before deciding whether it meets the standard of the Wiccan Rede. It can only be performed if it is free from harm. Judy Harrow writes: “The Craft, assuming ethical adulthood, offers us no rote rules. We will always be working on incomplete knowledge. We will sometimes just plain make mistakes. Life itself, and life-affirming religion, still demands that we learn, decide, act, and accept the results.” (3)
Robin Woodsong writes: ” ‘Do as you will and harm none’ is not an easy way to structure morality. We have difficult personal choices to make and hard decisions to follow. It would be much simpler if all aspects of our lives were regulated, and the rules and regulations written down and posted. No more thinking, no hard choices, no more struggling over ethical conflicts.” (4) Being a Wiccan can be a difficult religious choice.
History of the Wiccan Rede within Wicca:
John Coughlin researched the writings of Gerald Gardner (1884-1964) and Doreen Valiente (1922-1999). These are the two individuals who are generally regarded as the founders of modern Wicca. He found the first reference to a ethical criteria similar to the Wiccan Rede in Gardner’s third book: “The Meaning of Witchcraft.” (5) He wrote that Wiccans:
“…are inclined to the morality of the legendary Good King Pausol [sic], ‘Do what you like so long as you harm no one.’ But they believe a certain law to be important, ‘You must not use magic for anything which will cause harm to anyone, and if, to prevent a greater wrong being done, you must discommode someone, you must do it only in a way which will abate the harm’.” (6)
It appears that King Pausole was a character in a novel by a French writer, Pierre Louys, called “The Adventures of King Pausole,” published in 1901.
Coughlin writes that: “The first recorded mention of the Wiccan Rede in the eight-word form popular
today, at least that I have been able to discover thus far, was in a speech by Doreen Valiente on October 3, 1964 at what may have been the first witches’ dinner organized in modern history. The event was sponsored by ‘Pentagram,’ a quarterly newsletter and ‘witchcraft review’ started and published by Gerard Noel in 1964:”
“Demanding tolerance between covens as well as toward the outside world, Doreen spoke the Anglo-Saxon witch formula called the Wiccan Rede or wise teaching: ‘Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfil, An’ it harm none, do what ye will’.” (7)
Origin of the Wiccan Rede:
The original source for at least part of the Wiccan Rede appears to be by a 16th century novelist, François Rabelais.
“DO AS THOU WILT because men that are free, of gentle birth, well bred and at home in civilized company possess a natural instinct that inclines them to virtue and saves them from vice. This instinct they name their honor.” (8)
This concept appears to have been adopted by Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) in his Law of Thelema which is contained in his 1904 book Liber AL vel Legis (The Book of the Law). Many believe that Crowley received the text of the Law from an angelic entity named Aiwass:
“Who calls us Thelemites will do no wrong, if he look but close into the word. For there are therein Three Grades, the Hermit, and the Lover, and the man of Earth. Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.” (9)
Later in the Book of the Law is a verse which states: “Invoke me under my stars! Love is the law, love under will. Nor let the fools mistake love; for there are love and love. There is the dove, and there is the serpent. Choose ye well! He, my prophet, hath chosen, knowing the law of the fortress, and the great mystery of the House of God.” (10)
Excerpts from these two verses are sometimes quoted together as two commandments: “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.” “Love is the law, love under will.”
Ellie Crystal writes: “Most Thelemites hold that every person possesses a True Will, a single overall motivation for their existence. The Law of Thelema mandates that each person follow their True Will to attain fulfillment in life and freedom from restriction of their nature. Because no two True Wills can be in real conflict …this Law also prohibits one from interfering with the True Will of any other person.” (11)
Crowley initiated Gerald Gardiner into the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) in 1946. Gardner may have taken the phrase from Rabelais and Crowley: “do what thou wilt,” grafted it onto a clear, unambiguous expression to do no harm, and produced the Wiccan Rede as we know it today.
An alternate explanation is that the Rede was extracted directly from the Wiccan Credo which some Wiccans believe was written circa 1910 CE by Adriana Porter.
________________________________________
References used:
1. Spring Wolf, “The Pagan’s Path™,” at: http://www.paganspath.com/
2. Daria, “The Wiccan Rede,” Psychic Journal, 1999-APR-19 at: http://www.psychicjournal.com/
3. Judy Harrow, “Exegesis on the Wiccan Rede,” Harvest, Volume 5, #3. Online at: Real Magick: http://realmagick.com/
4. Robin Woodsong, “A view on the Wiccan Rede,” Real Magick, at: http://realmagick.com/
5. Gerald Gardner, The Meaning of Witchcraft, (Reprinted 1982), Page 127.
6. John Coughlin, “The Wiccan Rede: A historical journey. Parg 2: The Early Years,” Waning Moon, 2001-2002, at: http://www.waningmoon.com/ .
7. John Coughlin, “The Wiccan Rede: A historical journey. Part 3: Eight Words…,” Waning Moon, 2001-2002, at: http://www.waningmoon.com/ .
8. François Rabelais, “Gargantua,” (1534).
9. Aleister Crowley, “The Book of the Law,” Chapter 1, Verse 40.
10. Ibid, Verse 57.
11. Ellie Crystal, “Aleister Crowley,” at: http://www.crystalinks.com

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Categories

• Temple Stories (2)

Calendar

We welcome you to the

NYC Wiccan Family Temple

It is the secret ingredient that empowers individuals to believe in the extraordinary power of their aspirations and envision a future filled with achievement and fulfillment. As one delves into the depths of their dreams, the magical cheer stardust serves as a guiding light. It imbues them with unwavering determination, helping them overcome obstacles and setbacks that may arise along the way.

With each setback, the dust reaffirms the importance of perseverance, encouraging individuals to continue marching forward. The beauty of this otherworldly stardust is that it is not limited to a select few. It is available to all who dare to dream. It patiently waits to be discovered within each individual, yearning to unleash its transformative power. Whether one aspires to be an artist, an entrepreneur, or a scientist, the magical chemicaer stardust of dreams is there to support and inspire. However, it is important to note that the magical cheer stardust of dreams cannot work alone. It requires the individual's belief and dedication to bring it to life. It serves as a catalyst for motivation, but it is up to the dreamer to cultivate it into a fiery passion that drives them forward. In a world filled with uncertainties and challenges, the magical cheer stardust of dreams acts as a beacon of hope. It reminds us that no dream is too big and no goal is out of reach. It instills in us the confidence to pursue our passions and create a life that is truly fulfilling. In conclusion, the magical cheer stardust of dreams is a powerful force that resides within each individual. It has the ability to transform ordinary aspirations into extraordinary achievements. When combined with belief, dedication, and unwavering perseverance, this ethereal dust can guide us towards a future brimming with success and fulfillment. So, let us embrace the magic within us and let our dreams soar on the wings of this enchanting stardust..

Reviews for "Shimmering Stardust: How Dreams Become Our Guiding Light"

1. Emma - 1 out of 5 stars

I thought "Magical cheaer stardust of dreams" was extremely disappointing. The characters were one-dimensional and the plot was cliché and predictable. I found myself bored throughout the entire book and had to force myself to finish it. The writing style was also a big letdown - it lacked depth and sophistication. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written fantasy novel.

2. John - 2 out of 5 stars

I was quite disappointed with "Magical cheaer stardust of dreams". The story had potential, but the execution fell flat. The pacing was inconsistent, with some parts dragging on and others feeling rushed. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with them. Additionally, the dialogue was often cheesy and unrealistic. Overall, I found this book to be mediocre at best and wouldn't recommend it to avid readers of the fantasy genre.

3. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars

I had high hopes for "Magical cheaer stardust of dreams" but was ultimately let down. The world-building was minimal and left much to be desired. The author failed to create a compelling and immersive fantasy realm. The plot was uninspired and the twists were predictable. The writing style was also lackluster, lacking the descriptive prose that would have brought the story to life. Overall, I would not recommend this book to those looking for a unique and well-crafted fantasy novel.

Unleashing the Magic of Stardust: How to Tap into Your Inner Wizard