A Guide To Children & Teens
Interested In A Magikal Path

 

Tribulations Of Being A Kid
Believe it or not, most adults do remember what it's like being a
child. We've been there ourselves. The problem is sometimes many adults
forget the trials and tribulations they went through. The hardest thing
for many children is expressing their views or beliefs to their parents.
When in fact, many parents would welcome the discussion.

I'm not going to tell you how to be the best kid you can be. That
would probably be pointless. What I am going to try to provide is some
insight, ideas and suggestions in talking to your parents about your
beliefs. What you should know about the religion of Witchcraft, and what
to look out for as you walk this path.

Mutual Respect
First and foremost, Witchcraft is a religion of respect. You can't
claim to practice this belief system if you don't practice that basic
concept. If you are disrespecting your parents, you're not practicing
the path of the craft.

Just as you want your parents to respect your views, you should
respect theirs as well. Most of the decisions your parents make about
your life are made out of love and concern for your well being. So try
to be a little thankful for that, and give them the respect of
swallowing your pride and talking to them openly and honestly.

Another basic concept of many Witchcraft traditions is what you put
out, you get back. So if you want respect, give it. It will come back to
you.

Starting The Journey
Anyone wanting to learn about a new religion has to begin with some
reading and research. There's no way around it. If you're truly
interested in this religious path, begin your study in the basic
concepts of Metaphysics. When you have an understanding of
reincarnation, the soul and spiritual bodies, karma and energy, then you
can research the finer details of a Witchcraft tradition.

I strongly suggest you start your research by talking to your
parents and asking for help. Now don't roll your eyes. If you approach
the situation with the right attitude, you most probably will be
surprised with their response.

How To Talk To Your Parents
You will have to decide how open your relationship is to know how
to begin. If your a child who goes to church every Sunday, you begin by
finding other labels to describe your beliefs before you talk to them.
Words like Witch, spells and Witchcraft might set your parents off and
close the exchange of ideas.

I'm not talking about being deceitful. I'm talking about using some
brain power to be able to speak with your parents intelligently. Being a
teacher, I'm often asked to take on new students who are minors. I will
not do this, without a parents permission. In my office that means
meeting with the child and parent in a conference.

But what I will do, is give you some ideas on how to approach your
parents for that permission. So here are some examples. The key to this
is..be open. Don't get defensive, don't get an attitude. No matter how
much you think you know; you don't know it all.

* It might be best to pick your moment for discussion. And
sometimes it's easier for kids to talk to one parent at a time. So while
your mom if fixing dinner, or your dad is driving you to a music or
karate lesson (or whatever) ask them questions about what they believe.
The key is to listen! Their ideas are just as valid as yours.
* You might ask, What do you think God is? Let them answer, and
then try to tell them what you believe. Or if you don't know, say that.
* Ask them what they think happens to you when you die. Listen
to their answer. Then tell them what you believe. If you don't know, say
that. Ask them what they think of reincarnation. And tell them what you
think.
* Ask them if they believe in magik. Tell them what you think.
* Hopefully you will have gotten far enough in this conversation
where your questions are easier to ask. You might even be able to ask
additional questions based on what they say. Some where along they way,
they're going to ask you why you're asking these questions. Be honest.
Tell them because you've been thinking about it lately. Even though you
were raised, Christian or Jewish or whatever, you're interested in other
religions and you just wondered.
* The key to all these questions is asking this.. "Will you help
me do some research on the web tonight about religions?" I'm not saying
I'm going to join one, I'm just curious.
* I would suggest you learn about many religious paths. Not just
Witchcraft. So try to go with the flow. The more you learn about many
beliefs, the more you'll learn about your own.
* Start a notebook with the basics of each religion. For instance:
o It's name
o When it was founded
o Who/ if anyone founded the faith
o Where is it practiced the most
o How many people practice the belief
o What are the basic concepts of the belief
* Eventually, you'll be able to learn a great deal about many
faiths and so will your parents. You'll learn about just how similar
many faiths are.
* Another suggestion, the first religion you should research, is
the one your parents practice. Then ask them what they think the
opposite of that religion is. And look it up through a search engine.
Then ask about one of the other mainstream religions, Christianity,
Judaism, Muslim and Buddhist are the most common. Then ask about
Witchcraft. Start with our site if you like. The Covenant of The Goddess
at cog.org. or the Witches Voice at witchvox.com are also wonderful
places to start. You want a site that is light and up beat.

What Witchcraft Isn't
In order to talk to your parents, you should have an understanding
of what witchcraft is and isn't. I'm going to guess you know what it is
since you've gotten this far. But let's make sure you know what it isn't.

First and foremost, Witchcraft is not devil worship. Witchcraft is a
pre-Christian religion and we do not believe in the existence of the
devil. So it's kind of hard to worship something you don't believe in.

Secondly, Witchcraft is not about spells and potions and magik.
There is a big difference between spellcraft and Witchcraft.

Now that we've got those out of the way.

* A spell is merely a focused prayer with a specific intent
behind it. Not all people on the path of Witchcraft practice spellcraft.
Those that do, never cast upon any person without that person's permission.
* A spell is not an easy way out of situations and in our
beliefs there are always consequences for casting.
* We do not cast to make someone else do something against their
will. That means, we don't approve of love spells, hate spells, or
spells that manipulate someone else in anyway. To us, that is
interfering with their free will and choice, and thereby affecting the
lessons or karma that person is here to learn. In short, it's affecting
the advancement of their soul and that is a big no no.

Things To Lookout For
Now that we have some of the basic understanding and misconceptions
out of the way. You should also know what to look for when you're
beginning your research. Here are a few tips.

* A formal teacher will not take on a minor child as a student
without written and often times, verified permission from a parent. If
you have a friend who is talking about a teacher who is teaching them,
without their parents knowledge, this is a sign of trouble.
* If a teacher can offer you nothing that proves their status of
leader or initiation as a teacher, this is a sign of trouble.
* If your getting information from websites that do not provide
information about their research material; or the research material is
based solely on modern craft books, this could be a sign of trouble.
* If your new to the path (less than a year) then there is no
way you have a complete understanding of the religion to be casting
spells. That's a sign of trouble; period!
* If you are casting spells to harm someone, or threatening to
cast a spell on someone, (good, bad, or indifferent) this is a major
sign of trouble and a complete lack of understanding about this religion.
* If you're casting spells to bind or protect someone, this is
also a sign of trouble. We do not "bind" people. We can only protect our
selves, or those who ask for the help on themselves. Never upon someone
who doesn't know the spell is being cast upon them.
* If you're only talking about spells, this is a sign of trouble
and lack of research. -- do you see a pattern here? --
o Modern media focuses on spellcraft without fully knowing
what they're talking about. Consequently, people want to be like what
they see on TV. We're nothing like that.
* If you're claiming to be a natural witch or born witch;
there's no such thing. There is no witch DNA. Being a witch is a
spiritual choice, not a birth right. No one is born a witch and no one
is born a religion. Even being raised in a home with a particular
religion, does not make one a member of that religion; unless they chose
to be so.
* If you're claiming to have psychic gifts and is therefore a
witch. Nope wrong again. Being psychic is not specific to one religion
over an other. And it certainly doesn't make someone an automatic witch.
* If you're claiming to have "power"; Nope, wrong again. Power
is an illusion. No one can have more a less power than anyone else.
There is emotional "power" in having a spiritual path but that is
considerably different than being self powerful.
* If you're claiming to be part of a coven, sign of trouble.
Either it is really a group of friends who are working as a study group;
in which case you should call it that. It's a group of kids who have
banded together to practice rituals; in which case it's doubtful any of
you have the experience or knowledge to truly do this. Or it's a group
of people who are more interested in the size of their group than the
ethics of a real coven. All these can be a sign of trouble.

So What Do You Do?
There are many well written books on the subject of witchcraft. The
problem most of us in the community have is, many will only read the
modern publications and not even do the basic research concerning the
concepts of the religion itself.

If you're truly interested in this path, then you should first and
foremost, study the basic concepts of metaphysics. Read and research the
history of religions and how they each have evolved over the many
thousands of years. You should be open to all paths of knowledge and not
condemn anyone's beliefs. All positive paths are valid and right for
that person who believes in them.

You should study archeology, anthropology; especially if you believe
in a tradition that is based on an ancient culture, such as Dianic Wicca
or Celtic traditions.

After all this basic research, then you can begin basic study into
magik.
I hope this article has given you some ideas into how to be open
with your parents. I hope you can build on these ideas and create a
closer relationship with them. I also hope it has given you some
suggestions to make talking to your parents a little easier and maybe
even a little less frightening.

 

This is only just a short Intro to all the different kinds of Wicca and Paganism out there.  This will give you an Idea of a starting point to study.  

Introduction to the Wiccan Religion and Contemporary Paganism

by Selena Fox, High Priestess of Circle Sanctuary

The Wiccan religion, also known as "The Craft," "Wicca," "Benevolent Witchcraft," and "The Old Religion" is a diverse and decentralized religion that is part of contemporary Paganism. Today, there are thousands of individuals and groups practicing various forms of the Wiccan religion and other Pagan paths throughout the United States, Canada and around the world.

There are many forms of the Wiccan religion. Hereditary, Shamanic, Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Celtic, Traditionalist, Dianic, Faerie, and Eclectic are just some of the variety of Wiccan traditions, or paths. In addition to Wiccans, Contemporary Paganism includes Pantheists, Goddess spirituality folk, Druids, Animists, Gaians, Eco-feminists, and other Nature Spirituality practitioners. Within most Wiccan and other Pagan traditions, there are a variety of types of groups as well as individual practitioners. Groups differ widely in size, structure, purpose, orientation, symbology, ritual practices, and other ways. There is even more variation among those practicing Wiccan/Pagan spirituality on their own without being part of a group that meets regularly. Some Wiccan and Pagan traditions are initiatory; others are not. Initiatory practices vary from tradition to tradition and include initiations by deities and spiritual helpers through dreams and vigils/vision quests, self-initiations, and initiations by teachers and groups.

Although there are many differences, there are also some spiritual practices and philosophies that Wiccans and other Pagans tend to have in common. They love and respect Nature and seek to live in harmony with the rest of the ecosphere. Many have personal communication and friendships with various animals, plants and other lifeforms. They honor the cycles of Nature. Many do rituals at New and Full Moon times and also at the eight seasonal Festivals, called Sabbats, spaced six to seven weeks apart throughout the year and coinciding with the Solstices, Equinoxes and midpoints between, usually called the "Cross Quarters." Samhain, popularly known as Halloween, is the New Year in most Wiccan traditions.

The Wiccan religion and other forms of Paganism are pantheistic in that the Divine is seen as everywhere and in everything. They also are animistic in that every human, tree, animal, stream, rock, and other forms of Nature is seen to have a Divine Spirit within. Many traditions are monotheistic in that there is an honoring of Divine Unity. They also are polytheistic in that the Divine is honored in a variety of female and male deity forms - Goddesses and Gods -which are aspects of the Divine Female and Divine Male and their Unity.

Wiccans and other Pagans also honor the Elements of Nature -- Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Spirit -- and their associated directions -- North, East, South, West, Center -- in the sacred Circles where rituals are held. Rituals usually include a combination of meditation, invocations, movement, music, and the use of magical tools.

As part of their spiritual practice, many Wiccans and other Pagans develop their intuitive abilities and practice magic, directing psychic energy for particular healing and helping purposes. In working magic, Wiccans are to adhere to the Wiccan Rede, which is the central ethical law of the religion: "And it harm none, do what you will." Most Wiccans acknowledge that whatever magical force is sent out returns magnified to the sender. Wiccans do not perform evil magic and do not worship the devil or Satan, which is the anti-God of the Christians. The Wiccan religion is pre-Christian and post-Christian, not anti-Christian.

Although the Wiccan religion and other forms of Contemporary Paganism draw on ancient roots, especially from pre-Christian Europe, they also embody the new. Many practitioners are creating new chants, meditations and rituals, and are sharing them with others through publications, correspondence and face-to-face contact at ecumenical festivals.

To become more involved with Wiccan/Pagan spiritualities, we suggest you:
Become part of Circle Network. When you are part of our Circle Network mailing list, you will receive mailings from us about events, books, tapes, and other information of interest to Wiccans and other Nature Spirituality practitioners. Your name and address will be kept confidential, unless you elect to have them published through one or more of our networking periodicals. There is no fee for joining the Network and receiving the Circle Network Bulletin which is mailed out occasionally, but donations to cover the costs of postage and printing are very much appreciated and are tax deductible. Please keep us informed every time your mailing address changes.

Read Wiccan and other Pagan periodicals in order to learn about different viewpoints, practices and philosophies. Here are a few samples from the current issue of our quarterly newspaper, Circle Magazine. It is the most widely circulated and read Wiccan/Pagan periodical today, and is available from us by subscription. Information about most other periodicals currently being published by various centers and groups in the world is included in our Circle Guide to Pagan Groups.

Read Wiccan and Pagan books. A few good titles: The Spiral Dance by Starhawk; Drawing Down the Moon by Margot Adler; Ancient Ways by the Campanellis'; and Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham. These are available from Circle and other Pagan resource centers.

Listen to Pagan music, especially ritual songs and chants. This will help you get a feeling for what Pagan ways are all about. We carry a variety of cassette tapes of Wiccan/Pagan music.

Attend ecumenical Pagan festivals in order to meet a wide range of practitioners from different Wiccan/Pagan paths. One of the largest, oldest and most well known of these kinds of festivals is the International Pagan Spirit Gathering which we sponsor each year at Summer Solstice time in Wisconsin.

Write others in your area, and if and when it seems right, make face-to-face contact. If you are not yet legally an adult and want to get involved with adult practitioners face-to-face, you should discuss this with your parents first and get their permission, or wait until you reach the age of consent and focus on doing reading and personal practice until then. Most groups, teachers and festivals are not open to involvement with non-adults unless parental permission has been obtained.

Visit Wiccan/Pagan centers and sacred sites. Circle Sanctuary, where our center is headquartered, is open to visitors during our Sabbat celebrations and at other events. Other centers are listed in the Circle Guide to Pagan Groups.

Take part in classes, seminars, retreats, and/or other learning experiences. Workshops and other training are offered at Circle Sanctuary as well as through other centers, groups, and traditions.

Spend time spiritually communing with Nature. When you feel ready, do some of the meditations and rituals published in our newspaper and in our recommended books. Keep a journal and record your experiences.
Blessed Be.

Circle Sanctuary PO Box 219, Mt. Horeb, WI 53572 USA Phone: 608.924.2216, weekday afternoons 1-4 pm central time.

© 1994, Selena Fox, Circle Sanctuary, Box 219, Mt. Horeb, WI 53572 USA