looking for advice on the wiccan religion

I am interested in the wiccan religion, in that I profoundily connect with wiccans affinity with nature. However, can I be part of a wiccan group even if i am not a believer in spell work- i.e. the only way i believe it could work is through focusing on something you might want to change, and use that focus for self-direction. I am attracted to the idea of seeing the divine within nature, but not convinced by the existence of many God's. If this does not allow me to be Wiccan, does anyone know of a pagan religion that might facilitate these beliefs? Thank you to anyone who might have any advice on the matter

 

Do you consider yourself somewhat of a Christian?

 

you don't have to confine your self to a single religion. it is ok to just believe what you believe and be ok with it

 

Don't read any books by 'Silver Ravenwolf' or anyone else with an equally silly name.

Read Raymond Buckland's big blue book, and read Scott Cunningham's "Wicca for the Solitary Practitioner" for a solid foundation on Wicca.

Also keep in mind that there are as many traditions of Wicca as there are Solitaries and Covens. You'll find quite a lot centering on basic nature-God/Goddess themes, but some choose all sorts of other pantheons. It is important to believe in magic, yes, but how you define magic now may not be just what magic really is - so do some research first.


Also, even if you don't end up Wiccan - having a good knowledge of it will give you a solid basis for studying other pagan and occult systems.

 

Very true
The belief in divinity manifesting through nature, is pantheism. Which is something I've known Wiccans to believe in. It's a pretty flexable religion with regards things like that.
I don't think spell work is compulsory either.

Just noticed you're in the UK, so I'd recommend having a look at 'the children of Artemis' website (www.witchcraft.org).

 

Thank you for the advice; Grim, I will definitely take a look at that reading list, and Sage the link is one i have not seen before, so thank you for telling me about it- it looks good. Dark Nomad, i am definitely not a Christian- I left Christianity five years ago...although i am curious as to why you asked. Caelynn you are right; yet, I think "confining yourself" to a religion does mean it is possible to have a sense of belonging within a group- perhaps that is a completley different issue altoghether.

 

The reason I would ask is that if you are a Christian and looking to expand into Wicca you are opening some troublesome doors. The problem with mainstream Christianity is that it tends to shun anything that is not Christian. Christian friends who are completely open-minded and interested in the nature aspects of Paganism end up so conflicted that they end up not knowing where to turn.

From the Pagan aspect, you can do whatever you wish. From the Christian aspect, it's "choose one or the other" and the simple fact that feel the need to choose usually excludes you from Christianity. So Caelynn is correct, it's OK to believe whatever you wish, just be prepared for others who may feel differently.

 

I know many pagans and wiccans who dont practice spell work for whatever reason. Some view it is a way to empower themselves to help with self-direction. As to wether you can be part of a group is dependent on the group itself.

Also there are many wiccans who have only 1 or 2 gods or goddesses. It is all about what is right for you.

Some have said don't read this book or that. Read them all and make you your own mind. use what is right for you and dont use what don't workfor you.
I have read Siver-Ravenwolf and found her to be a good writer. Buckland & Cunningham are also good writers.

 

just make it up.

 

sounds more like pantheism. i am a pantheist and there are many subjects that i agree with my pagan/wiccan friends on, but there are many i don't. namely the magic and the gods/goddesses like you said.

as far as i can tell you, most 'groups', whether actual covens or just wiccan social groups/friends will accept you if you don't practice magic. that is in my experience, though. usually they will gladly accept you and respect your beliefs if you want to learn and practice with them. i consider myself mostly judeo/christian and i fit along fine with most wiccan/pagan groups.

 

Thats why I asked. I think its a lost cause to mix the two because they are so conflicting(Wicca and Christianity). Once upon a time I thought it was ok until I studied more Christian myths and the basis of Wicca.

Scott Cunningham(sp?) is a very good author on Wicca. Although I am not really Wiccan myself I have his book Earth Power. You should check into it, its about natural magic and that sort.

 

I am Wiccan myself and I rarely do any spellwork. Anyone who tells you that you can't be Wiccan if you don't practice spellwork is a liar.

I agree with the above poster who said don't read anything by Silver Ravenwolf. I've read a few of her books and she just seems like she's out to get money. Occasionally if I need a spell I'll look for something in one of her books but I always adjust it beyond recognition.

Raymond Buckland is a good author. I have his Encylopedia of Witchcraft, and it is a very informative and very in-depth book. Another good book is A History of Modern Witchcraft. I can't remember the author's name but she presents a very in-depth history of Wicca and witchcraft.

I wish you the best on your journey ^_^
Peace, and Blessed Be.

 

Funny, the more I have read the more I identify as a witch not a wiccan...You must understand yourself if you want to understand the role wicca, paganism, or anything else can truly play in your life.