THE ARCANE ARCHIVE
	a cache of usenet and other text files pertaining to occult, mystical, and spiritual subjects.

To: lorax 
From: Rain 
Subject: True Witchcraft FAQ Re: Alt.Religion.Wicca Frequently [snip] 
Date: Sun, 1 Jun 1997 08:50:40 -0700 (PDT)

Thanks for the "cc" of your post on this.  I'm very glad to see the issue
raised again, although I'm not sure who notices it or follows what is
(unfortunately it seems this year) the relative subtlety of the arguments
and views you bring up.  I *love* your suggestion/idea to put together
competing REF files and encourage their compilation immediately.  The
"True Witchcraft FAQ" is one such file which just recently emerged by
someone with (what I assume is) the wonderful pseudonym of "Crystal
Miller."  I first saw it this last month when posted by Raven BlackBane,
who is taking up so much bandwidth on ARW of late.  It's a straight graft
off of the 1995 "composite FAQ," but a good piece I felt.  You indicated
in your post that you hand't seen it, but I thought you would enjoy it and
so append it, below. 
                             - Rain@teleport.com        

------- start of forwarded message -------
From: blackbane@bbs-1.anneli.com (Raven BlackBane)
Newsgroups: alt.religion.wicca
Subject: True WitchCraft F.A.Q.
Date: 8 May 1997 06:47:31 -0400
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   This list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is designed as an
   introduction to traditional Witchcraft, as well as a reference for
   those investigating the way of Witchcraft for the first time.
   This FAQ is about Witchcraft and NOT Wicca. Witchcraft and Wicca are
   two seperate things. The views expressed here are reflective of
   more traditional forms of Witchcraft.  Wicca is a religion, while
   Witchcraft is a way of life.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Questions:

   
  INTRODUCTIONS
  
   
     * 1.1) What is Witchcraft?
     * 1.2) How is it related to Paganism?
     * 1.3) Is Witchcraft the same thing as Wicca?
     * 1.4) Do all Witches practice magick?
     * 1.5) Is Witchcraft a form of Satanism?
     * 1.6) Are male Witches called warlocks?
     * 1.7) Can I be born a Witch?
       
   
  BASIC ORIENTATION
  
   
     * 2.1) What are some common, basic beliefs in Witchcraft?
     * 2.2) What Gods do Witches worship?
     * 2.3) Who are the Ancestors?
     * 2.4) What is the Other World?
     * 2.5) What is a tradition in relation to Witchcraft?
     * 2.6) What is a path in relation to Witchcraft?
     * 2.7) What is the Homeland?
     * 2.8) What is the elemental correspondence to the cardinal
       directions, and why is it used?
     * 2.9) What ritual tools do Witches use?
     * 2.10) Is there a set liturgy or liturgical calendar?
     * 2.11) What is the ethical standard for Witchcraft?
       
   
  BELIEFS AND PRACTICES
  
   
     * 3.1) How do I become a Witch?
     * 3.2) Can I be a Christian, or a Jew, or a Muslim, or a Buddhist,
       or other religous affiliation, and still be a Witch?
     * 3.3) What is a"dedication" and "rites of passage" in Witchcraft?
     * 3.4) What are the major traditions in Witchcraft?
     * 3.5) What is a grimoire? How do I get one?
     * 3.6) What is a household and how do I join one?
     * 3.7) Do you call guardians into a sacred area?
     * 3.8) Do Witches believe in reincarnation?
     * 3.9) What is a hedgewitch?
       
   
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
   
   
  INTRODUCTIONS
  
   
   
   
   1.1) What is Witchcraft?
   
   
   Witchcraft is the practice of the native ways of Europe after the
   advent of Christianty. Witchcraft is the name that was given to these
   practices by the Christian Church. Before that, the people who
   followed a religion were just believers. There were special roles that
   equated to what we would now call a priesthood. These positions often
   involved law enforcement, settling of domestic disputes, counseling,
   omen consultation, blessings, administration of medication, keeping
   the calender, and such. There are names for those who took these
   positions, but the name changes with the area.
   
   
   People continued, even under persecution, to worship their Gods. These
   ways often dominated in the more remote areas, and tended to
   localize themselves to specific regional areas, or were kept within
   the members of a family. In these families, the traditions of the
   way were passed down from generation to generation. Many were
   forced to masquerade under the cover of Catholism, even though they
   were not truly Catholic.
   
   
   Ireland, however, was never touched by the Inquisition, and for the
   most part was free from witch-hunters in general. This allowed many
   practicioners of Witchcraft to continue their worship fairly
   unhindered.
   
   
   Some people who follow these native ways of Europe do not refer
   to themselves as Witches. The term "Witch" is something that was
   placed upon these beliefs. However, using the term "Witchcraft" is an
   easy way to collectively identify these religious beliefs and those
   who follow them.
   
   
   
   1.2) How is Witchcraft related to Paganism?
   
   
   
   
   The term Paganism is used in contemporary times to refer to nature
   oriented religions which recognize the male and female duality which
   is found within nature. Paganism is an umbrella concept which
   encompasses many religions from some sects of Buddhism, to
   Neo-Druidism, to Wicca, and even to some forms of Christianity.
   Witchcraft is one of the many religions which fits under the umbrella
   of Paganism.
   
   
   
   
   Some of the older Europeans which are considered to be "Pagan" do not
   refer to themselves as such. The reason for this is because the term
   pagan refers to an unenlightened one. Instead, they will often call
   themselves Heathens.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   1.3) Is Witchcraft the same thing as Wicca?
   
   
   No. Wicca and Witchcraft are two seperate things. Wicca was founded
   by Gerald Gardner in the late 1930's. It is comprised of Western
   European folk traditions and Eastern philosophy in an effort to form
   an OTO encampment. Although initially Wicca was based more in magickal
   pursuits, it has hence forth developed into a more spiritual religion.
   Today, Wicca can be seen as an ecclectic system of beliefs with an
   underlying static ritual and ethics base. Although some traditions in
   Wicca may cater to a specific culture, the rituals and ethics will
   still have this commmonality ehich identifies it as being Wiccan.
   
   
   Witchcraft is heavily based in traditions. There is no Wiccan Rede,
   Watchtowers, or the concept of self-initiation. There is, however,
   some form of initiation or rite of passage, and a strong concept of
   the homeland. Witchcraft is usually practiced by famtrads or
   traditionalists.
   
   
   Many Wiccans incorrectly refer to themselves as Witches. However,
   someone who practices Witchcraft will either refer to themselves as
   being solely a Witch, will use another manner of description
   altogether, will say that they follow the Old Ways or similar, or will
   not comment. They will not say that they are Wiccan.
                ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 
   
   
   1.4) Do all Witches practice magick?
   
   
   No. Magick is a tool. As a tool, it can be used within any religion.
   Some people who follow the way of Witchcraft do not practice
   magick, just as some people who follow the religion of Buddhism do not
   practice magick.
   
   
   It would be inaccurate to say that magick has nothing to do with
   Witchcraft. However, there are those who choose not to practice
   magick. Foremost, Witchcraft is a way of life.
   
   
   
   1.5) Is Witchcraft a form of Satanism?
   
   
   No. Satanism is a product of Christianity. Witchcraft has nothing to
   do with the philosophy or anti-Christian religion of Satanism.
   
   
   During the medieval period, the Christian Church made many attempts to
   phase out Witchcraft, and thus promoted the idea of the Devil as
   having horns. Being as any deity which existed outside of the realms
   of Christianity was seen as being of the Devil, it is an easy
   assumption that the Horned God was the Devil himself. However, the
   Horned God has nothing at all to do with the Devil.
   
   
   
   1.6) Are male Witches called warlocks?
   
   
   In an attempt to ostracize those who followed the old ways from
   the realms of popular society, the Church categorized Witches as
   warlocks. The word "warlock" translates as the Scottish Gaelic term
   for a liar, oathbreaker, back-stabber, or someone generally not to be
   trusted.
   
   
   Many people use this as a term for a male Witch in contemporary
   society, but any Witch referred to as such will be greatly insulted by
   the term. Those who use the term "warlock" should not be trusted for
   information because they are either ignorant of the term and are most
   likely not knowledgeable about the Craft anyways, or they are most
   likely teenagers involved with pseudo-satanism who think that name
   sounds cool.
   
   
   If someone betrayed a coven, the members might mark them as a warlock
   by taking a blade and slashing them across the forehead so that
   everyone who met the person would recognize them as such and would
   know not to trust that person.
   
   
   
   1.7) Can I be born a Witch?
   
   
   No. To become a Witch, one must become a practicioner of the way.
   Different traditions have different methodology for becoming a part of
   their tradition. For most, this involves some form of self-dedication
   to the Gods. Even for those born into a famtrad, a conscious decision
   to follow the Old Ways must be made.
   
   
   
   
Basic Orientation

   
   
   
   2.1) What are some common, basic beliefs in Witchcraft?
   
   
   Witchcraft is comprised of many individual traditions that may differ
   greatly from one another at times. However, there are some key
   elements which most traditions follow. One, is the keeping of secrets
   or mysteries. There are some things which have not been written in a
   book and never will be. There is usually some form of initiation or
   rite of passage, although it may or may not be referred to as such.
   For some who are a part of famtrads, this is followed through certain
   rites which occur when an individual reaches specific times within
   their life cycle. For others, the rite of passage may be done after an
   individual has completed a a time of study along with specified tasks.
   
   
   
   
   
   2.2) What Gods do Witches worship?
   
   
   The God and Goddess are seen as the male and female aspects of Nature.
   They do not reign over the Universe, they instead are the Universe
   itself. Most of the early inhabitants of Europe followed one God and
   one Goddess, even though there might be many more deities in their
   particular pantheon. Often times the particular pair of deities
   someone followed would reflect some important aspect of their life
   such as their occupation, location, or path in life. The God is
   usually represented a protector or hunter, and the Goddess is often
   related to fertility or the land.
   
   
   The Gods are not ominpotent. They have egos and what we would consider
   to be human characteristics.
   
   
   
   
   2.3) Who are the Ancestors?
   
   
   Witches also look to the Ancestors, or those who have gone before. The
   Ancestors have different names in different cultures, but the concept
   is the same. Witches often consult the Ancestors for advice and help.
   Sometimes the Ancestors can also be called on as guardians as well as
   advisors. We somtimes even offer them gifts and leave food out for
   them. The Ancestors, however, are not Gods but rather respected or
   honored ones.
   
   
   
   
   2.4) What is the Other World?
   
   
   The Other World is a term used to refer to the realm where the
   Ancestors dwell. Most traditions within Witchcraft recogize the Other
   World, although the name used to identify it might be different. The
   realm of the Other World is often seen as being the place that lies
   beyond our senses, and just beyond the boundary of our dreams. In some
   cultures, it is seen as being the realm of the dead. There are places
   which are commonly recognized as being sacred loci where the two
   worlds might converge upon one another; these are trees, hills, lakes,
   rivers, caverns, wells, and even areas covered in thick mists.
   
   
   
   
   2.5) What is a tradition in relation to Witchcraft?
   
   
   A tradition is the system or variety of Witchcraft that someone
   follows. Sometimes a tradition will have a specific name, which
   usually is in the language of the relevant culture. More commonly,
   however, the name of the tradition is simply that of the culture from
   which that system of beliefs stems from.
   
   
   A Famtrad is a family tradition. This term is used to refer to those
   whose tradition is followed within their family. Those who are famtrad
   often have grown up within Witchcraft as part of their everyday lives.
   
   
   
   
   
   2.6) What is a path in relation to Witchcraft?
   
   
   A path is used to refer to the specific life goals that someone has
   within their tradition. A path can usually be defined by taking into
   account a person's interests, career choice, motivations, and goals in
   life. The Gods which a person chooses to follow are partially
   determined by their path in life.
   
   
   
   
   2.7) What is the Homeland?
   
   
   It was believed by the early inhabitants of Europe that the Gods they
   worshipped inhabited the land itself. Many were migratory people, and
   so as they travelled across the continent they took their Gods with
   them. As they travelled, though, these people often looked toward the
   North Star, Polaris, for guidance. It was a fixed point in the night
   sky that they used as a reference point.
   
   
   When these early Europeans wished to honor their Gods, they created a
   connection between their homeland, where their Gods resided, and the
   land where they stood. In this way, the new land became a part of the
   homeland. The elemental correspondences to the cardinal directions act
   as a way of aligning yourself with the homeland.
   
   
   
   
   2.8) What is the elemental correspondence to the cardinal directions,
   and why is it used?
   
   
   These correspondences help to align the Witch to the homeland. Most
   early Europeans were migratory peoples and used the star Polaris as a
   reference point in the night skies. The exact set of correspondences
   differed from area to area, as each region differed in its geography,
   climate, and cultural beliefs.
   
   
   Not all Witches use a elemental correspondence to the cardinal
   directions. Some worship their Gods at specific locations, and others
   have a different set of elements and relationships to those elements.
   An example would be those people of certain Celtic traditions who
   instead use Earth, Sky, and Water, and preferably worship on a
   cliffside near the ocean where the three worlds of these elements meet
   together as one.
   
   
   
   
   2.9) What ritual tools do Witches use?
   
   
   There are a wide variety of tools which Witches use. Each tradition,
   though, uses a different set of tools. Perhaps the ritual tool used
   the most is the ritual blade. Some traditions use common items used in
   everyday life, where as other traditions demand that the tools be
   hand-crafted by the person for the specific use in ritual.
   
   
   Some of the other more popular tools used are the stang or staff, the
   cup or horn, the cauldron, the wand, the cord, the besom, the llech,
   and the sword or spear.
   
   
   The stang has two forms: the horned staff, and the scarecrow. The
   stang in it's form as a staff looks just like a staff that may or may
   not be topped with animal horns. The stang in it's form as a scare
   crow is a wooden cross with the skull at the top of some horned animal
   (ie cow, deer), wearing a white linen shirt.
   
   
   The cord in most traditions denotes those who have reached, for lack
   of a better term, the priesthood within Witchcraft. It is used for a
   wide variety of things such as handfastings. Sometimes there are even
   dances which are done with the cords linked together.
   
   
   The llech or stone has several different forms and uses. Often it is
   used as a foundation, and is used to stand on, or is used as an altar
   stone. It can also take the form of a hagstone or godstone.
   
   
   
   
   2.10) Is there a set liturgy or liturgical calendar?
   
   
   Different traditions observe different Festivals. Some of the most
   common occur on the solistices and the equinoxes, and the times
   between them. Other observances take place on the new and full moons.
   Sometimes the major Festivals in some traditions are set to correspond
   to the new or full moon, and in other traditions they occur on
   specific days which are usually measured as being halfway between the
   equinox and the solstice.
   
   
   The number of observances in a year varies according to the tradition.
   Regardless, the Festivals are set according to the seasons and act
   somewhat as markers. The year usually begins in early to mid November,
   although in some traditions the new year will start in mid to late
   March.
   
   
   Rituals were determined by the position of the sun and moon influenced
   the times when one should plant or harvest their crops, breed animals,
   or kill livestock. These times defined when the Gods should be
   worshipped. Because Witchcraft differs between traditions, the exact
   Festival days also differs. These Festival days are usually celebrated
   on the evening preceding the actually day, as the night was seen to
   belong to the next day. The length of a day was measured from sunset
   to sunset.
   
   
   
   
   2.11) What is the ethical standard for Witchcraft?
   
   
   
   
   Witchcraft teaches responsibility for one's actions. There is no good
   or evil. There is only the intent that one has when commiting an
   action. For example, a tornado, which causes a lot of destruction, is
   not good or evil..... It just is.
   
   
   Emphasis is thus placed on the intent of the action. This is such that
   the whole of the action is the sum of its consequences. Energy is not
   constant. In terms of returned energy, this means that the energy can
   have many things happen to it along the way including: deflection,
   absorbtion, transformation, etc.
   
   
   We do not follow a Rede, or any Law except that which is written
   within our own hearts. We take responsibility for our actions.
   
   
   Things are brought into the perspective of survival and intent of the
   individual. Many Witches look at this in terms of protection of clan,
   family, and self. So, many will take action to curse or hex if
   wrongfully provoked.
   
   
   
   
Beliefs and Practices

   
   
   
   3.1) How do I become a Witch?
   
   
   Probably the easiest place to start would be by going to the nearest
   library. You should probably begin by reading the legnds and folklore
   concerning the culture you are interested in. This will only provide
   an understanding of the beliefs within Witchcraft, though. The real
   question is something you must ask yourself, "What are my beliefs?"
   Your personal beliefs must correspond to those within the Craft. If
   they do not, then the best you can ever do in Witchcraft is to emultae
   the way without ever really understanding and practicing it. It
   must be something that is already within your heart.
   
   
   Most people who come to learn the traditions of Witchcraft already
   have some basis in the way. Witchcraft is more than holding

   rituals and worshipping the Gods, it is a way of life. It is an
   understanding of seasons and an appreciation of life. It is learning
   to take responsibilty for yourself and what you do.
   
   
   After you have a basis in the beliefs, the next step would be to
   dedicate yourself to the Gods. From that point, you have decided to
   follow the way of Witchcraft, and are a believer in the ways. You
   may or may not decide to seek out someone to instruct you in the
   traditions, and pass the lineage on to you. It, however, is advisable
   that you do. From there, you can make a choice to continue your
   learnings and become what can be called for lack of a better term, a
   part of the priesthood.
   
   
   
   
   3.2) Can I be a Christian, or a Jew, or a Muslim, or a Buddhist, or
   other religous affiliation, and still be a Witch?
   
   
   No. Witchcraft is a way of life all unto its own. The traditions within
   the Craft have their own belief structures.
   
   
   
   
   3.3) What is a"dedication" and "rites of passage" in Witchcraft?
   
   
   Dedication is when a person decides to worship the Gods, and learn the
   ways of Witchcraft. A dedication ritual is something that is composed
   by the person themselves wherein they pledge themselves to the service
   of the Gods. Just because someone has gone through a dedication but
   not through a rite of passage does not mean that they are not devoted.
   Devotion to the Gods is personal, and that is why it is expressed
   through a self-dedication.
   
   
   Rite of Passage, or Initiation is a formal ritual wherein a person
   must has spent a period of study and has reached a certain point
   wherein they are given a set of tasks to complete. Some traditions
   have different degrees, wherein other have certain points in the life
   cycle wherein this ritual takes place. One of the most important parts
   of the Rite of Passage or Initiation is when the lineage is passed
   down. The lineage is the line of essence which has passed from Witch
   to Witch for all the preceding generations. There are also sometimes
   Naming Ceremonies. These are sometimes included within the Rite of
   Passage or Initiation, although in some traditions they remain
   seperate.
   
   
   
   
   3.4) What are the major traditions in Witchcraft?
   
   
   That is very difficult to say. Each family, village, and area had
   their own tradition. As time progressed, and the persecution began to
   become more severe, the various traditions began to condense and
   intermingle with other traditions. Many traditions merged with other
   traditions, and although the way was preserved, it began to take
   many different shapes.
   
   
   
   
   3.5) What is a grimoire? How do I get one?
   
   
   A grimoire is a book of rituals and and lore which is usually
   handwritten by the individual. The name grimoire is used as a general
   term, as the actual name for this book is kept a secret in most
   traditions. Even when the name for this book is discussed, it
   sometimes varies from between traditions.
   
   
   In most traditions, the grimoire is composed by the individual, and
   the rituals contained therein are sometimes even written in runes or
   pictures so as not to be understood by someone else. The rituals
   themselves are based in the traditions of the particular tradition,
   but also contain individual flourishes as well. On occasion, the
   contents of the grimoires may be copied from a main book.
   
   
   
   
   3.6) What is a household and how do I join one?
   
   
   The difference between coven and household are enough to warrant a
   distinguishment. For the Wiccan they might be considered to be the
   same. But for the famtrad or traditionalist, there is a huge
   difference.
   
   
   Not everyone in a household is necessarily of heathen/pagan religious
   beliefs, just as everyone within a family is not necessarily of the
   same religious beliefs. Often, the people who belong to a household
   are solitary practicioners, that only come together for specific
   rituals instead of always practicing together as a coven would do.
   
   
   A good definition of a household would be to compare it to the
   medieval households. It is more like a collective wherein many
   families or individuals might be united together.
   
   
   
   
   3.7) Do you call guardians into a sacred area?
   
   
   Some traditions do, and some traditions don't. Guardians are often
   called to protect the sacred area. As many traditions do not have
   specific boundaries for their sacred area, the guardians can roam the
   area freely and protect the area from unwanted influences. In general,
   they are a good idea.
   
   
   Guardians are often the spirits with whom a person feels comfortable
   with and has developed some form of a relationship with. Possible
   guardians might be one of the Ancestors, a "spirit guide," or other
   spirtual entity.
   
   
   
   
   3.8) Do Witches believe in reincarnation?
   
   
   No, or at least not in the typical sense. There are many beliefs
   regarding death, but usually there is some concept of the Other World
   where the soul goes to dwell for a time before it returns. Instead of
   being reincarnated, the person is transformed. Sometimes the
   transformation is into an animal form, and other times it is into a
   human, or even spirit form.
   
   
   
   
   3.9) What is a hedgewitch?
   
   
   A hedgewitch is a tradition within a tradition that is somewhat
   shamanic in nature, for lack of a better term. There are many
   different titles that those who follow this inner tradition are
   called: Hedge-Rider, Hedgewitch, Night Travellers, Myrk-Riders,
   Gandreidh, Badbh (name of a Goddess as well as a title), and Walkers
   on the Wind. These are the ones who engage in spirit flight, and
   journey into the Other World. It is this inner tradition which
   utilizes such things as flying salves and potions in order to gain
   access to the Other World. There are certain prerequisites which must
   be met before one can learn this particular tradition, however.
   
   
   A hedgewitch is able to go into the Other World, and call back the
   souls of those who are about to die. They can, in this capacity, be
   very powerful healers. They are also able to speak with those who have
   passed beyond. One of the rituals by which a hedgewitch can cross over
   into the Otherworld is called the "Ritual of the Raven."
   
   
   A bird of one kind or another is usually associated with the hedge
   traditions. Two of the most commonly associated birds are the raven
   and the goose.
   
   
   A mention should be made that the hedge signified the boundary of the
   village, and thus the boundary of the known world. Not all cultures
   had hedges, though. Some had stone wall, or earthen works. Regardless,
   this term is adopted as a way to commonly identify these traditions.
   
   
   It should be emphasized that not all Witches follow this inner
   tradition.
   
   
   
Resources
   
   Sir James G. Frazier, The Golden Bough, (New York: Macmillan, 1950).
   
   Nigel Aldcroft Jackson, Call of the Horned Piper, (Berks, UK: Capall
   Bann Publishing, 1994). ISBN 1-898307-09-1.
   
   Nigel Aldcroft Jackson, Masks of Misrule, (Berks, UK: Capall Bann
   Publishing, 1996). ISBN 1-898307-67-9.
   
   *NOTE* This book is multi-cultural and covers the Horned God from
   European to Middle Eastern to Hindi.
   
   Noragh Jones, Power of Raven, Wisdom of Serpent, (Edinburgh, UK:
   Floris Books, 1994.) ISBN 0-86315-186-8.
   
   *NOTE* Some parts of this book are heavily interwoven with pieces of
   medieval Christianity, but I still feel it represents a great deal of
   Scottish women's lore.
   
   Prudence Jones and Nigel Pennick, A History of Pagan Europe, (London
   and New York: Routledge, 1995.) ISBN 0-415-09136-5. Order it here!
   
   
   
   
                     Copyright and Distribution Notice
   
   
   This document is copyrighted by (c) 1997 Crystal Miller. The
   Witchcraft FAQ may be freely distributed so long as it is in it's
   entirety, including all credits and copyright notice. 

------- end of forwarded message -------

                            rain@teleport.com
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