Tuesday, 10 March 2015

Common Wiccan Rituals And Ceremonies

By Leslie Ball


Wicca is the name given to a pagan religion that has existed for centuries. Many often get it wrong and believe that Wicca has to do with the occult and dark practices of magic, however, the truth is the contrary. In fact, Wicca is a very peaceful religion that is linked to nature and has a lot to do with magic and witchcraft, but not of an evil kind. There are common Wiccan rituals and ceremonies that happen during the year.

Wiccan festivals are primarily seasonal-based. For some pagans, there are only 4 festivals which occur during the equinoxes and solstices of the year. In Wicca, however, there are 8 festivals, which include the 4 midpoints between the solstices and equinoxes. These festivals are called the Sabbats.

Many ritual practices in this religion are conducted in what is known as a sacred circle. The reason for this is that the magic is contained and therefore cannot get out of control. The religion of Wicca is aligned with the use of white magic as opposed to religions like Satanism, which are strongly associated with black magic.

Ritual practices in Wicca are usually for one of the following reasons: to offer protection, banish negativity, to heal or to aid fertility. Spells are cast, accompanied with chants in order to bring about desired results. Wiccans generally believe that whatever they put out into the world will come back to them three times greater.

Most ritual practices tend to happen during any one of the Sabbats. Pagans like to make use of either a full moon or a new moon for their rituals. During a ritual practice, one can attain a higher level of consciousness or have an enhanced religious experience.

Certain objects are commonly associated with these ritual practices. A knife or dagger, referred to as an athame, is almost always present. A chalice, wand and pentacle can often be seen as well. Objects commonly associated with witches, like a broomstick or a cauldron can be present in the circle, as well as candles or incense. These objects, or tools, are usually placed on the altar found inside the circle.

Raising the Cone of Power is an act performed by a group of coveners who wish to send healing energy to anyone who is not in the circle with them. This group of people holds hands in a circle and everyone chants or dances in unison to increase the energy. They all focus on a common point above the centre of the circle, which the energy is directed to, thereby forming a cone.

There is no specific God or character that is worshiped in Wicca. However, those practicing this religion do refer to a God or Goddess figure in certain rituals, with the God often representing the Sun and the Goddess the Moon. Both the God and the Goddess can be invoked by those of higher standing in the coven during a sexual ritual where they engage in intercourse. Apparently, this act raises magical energy that can be used for casting certain spells.




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