Well, the main difference is how indepth you go...

think of it this way... there are 2 ways to set a table..

One - all the basic needs are set out (Reg Circle)
Two - full blown table set as if Royalty was coming (Ceremonial)

With a Reg Circle you are doing the basics.. but when a Full Ceremonial Circle is being done, you pull out all the stops. It not only adds to the sacredness, but you will find the energy raising has a different feel to it as well.

Hope this helps

Blessings!

Actually, there are all male, all gay, Dianic coven around.

I'd like to know why majick at all?

After all my studies in this area it seems certain to me that one can accomplish just as much or more with simple divination and pure psionics as with any number of complex rituals. Your thoughts?

Q. Whats the difference between Paganism, Wicca and Witchcraft?
From Patti Wigington,
Your Guide to Paganism / Wicca.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
A.
Wicca is a tradition of Witchcraft that was brought to the public by Gerald Gardner in the 1950s. There is a great deal of debate among the Pagan community about whether or not Wicca is truly the same form of Witchcraft that the ancients practiced. Regardless, many people use the terms Wicca and Witchcraft interchangeably. Paganism is an umbrella term used to apply to a number of different earth-based faiths. Wicca falls under that heading, although not all Pagans are Wiccan.



The term “pagan” (derived from the Latin paganus, which translates roughly to “hick from the sticks”) was originally used to describe people who lived in rural areas. As time progressed and Christianity spread, those same country folk were often the last holdouts clinging to their old religions. Thus, “pagan” came to mean people who didn’t worship the god of Abraham.

Did I hit on a sensitive spot? I am entitled to my opinion, aren't I, even if it's not a popular one? It seems flakey to me because I seriously don't believe one can get an accurate reading for another person online... unless you've invested a significant amount of time conversing with the other person... you know really making a connection. I spend a lot of time grounding myself before I even begin a tarot reading. Then I spend time meditating on the person that's going to be read. Then I spend time meditating and asking the cards the specific question (if any) that the person may have. It's a process that I personally am very meticulous and methodical about. Also, I take tarot more seriously than to just flip some cards just because I'm bored. But to each their own. Have fun doing tarot your way as I will doing it my own way.
"Loathe & Darkness"
Tosses a Black Rose
Lady Valkyrie

I posted the following in tomie's thread, "philosophy and doctrine of witchcraft" and I thought it be appropriate to post it here as well. It covers a lot of the questions already asked and then some. Not to mention it's good to get the perspective of more than one Pagan, right GeminiGoddess?

What is Paganism?
The word "pagan" comes from the Latin word "paganus" which meant "civilian" or "country dweller." "Paganus" is also related to the Latin word "pagus" which means "the country district." Early in the Christian church's history the churches were mainly found in the larger cities, which meant that the majority of city dwellers were Christians. However, the further outside of the city you went you would find less and less Christians. In fact you would find those who still practiced the land's native religion/spiritual practices. City dwelling Christians referred to such people in a derrogatory was as "pagans." The same can be said of the word "heathen" which originally meant "one who lives on the heath." In modern times Paganism refers to any religion that is not of Christian, Judaic, or Islamic origins.

How old is it?
It's as old as humankind... as old as humankind began looking towards something other than themselves as the creators of life. It's definately older than Christianity.

Is it a religion?
I don't think it's one specific religion, but rather a specific title which many different religions and spiritual beliefs come under.

What are the beliefs/ practices/ rituals within Paganism?
Because Paganism is merely a title which many different religions and spiritual beliefs fall under, there are far too many different beliefs, practices, and rituals to be described here.

What is Wicca? Wicca is a nature-based neo-pagan religion popularized in the mid 1950 by a man by the name of Gerald Gardner. The first tradition (denomination if you will) of Wicca he created is called Gardnerian Wicca. Since then many other traditions of Wicca have popped having roots in the core beliefs of Gardnerian Wicca. However, some more modern traditions of Wicca, such as Dianic Wicca, pretend to be an authentic form of Wicca, but in reality they are nothing more than a feminazi all girls club that do not even acknowledge Gods at all but focus only on Goddess worship. By Wicca's very nature it's core beliefs is that the God and Goddess are equal and both work together. So in my opinion Dianic Wicca is not a tradition of Wicca at all and should just be called Dianic Witches. One last thing on Wicca, the word Wicca and Pagan are not interchangeable. Not all Pagans are Wiccans but all Wiccans are certainly Pagans.

What is Witchcraft? Witchcraft is not a religion. Witchcraft is the practice of Magick. Aleister Crowley said that "Magick is the Science and Art of causing Change to occur in conformity with Will." One doesn't need to have a belief in a Higher Power to perform Witchcraft (Magick). An atheist can practice Witchcraft (Magick) if they wanted to. But having a belief in a Higher Power certainly doesn't hurt one's performance as a Witch. Witchcraft can coupled with any religion in the world... even Christianity... and yes I can back up my claims.

I would like to add something about "The Wiccan Rede" because someone has already brought it up. Far too many believe that the terms Wiccans, Witches, and Pagans are all interchangeable terms... they are not. Because so many believe that the terms are interchangeable they also believe that all Wiccans, Pagans and Witches alike must abide by The Wiccan Rede. This is simply not true. I would like to talk a bit about The Wiccan Rede...

Main Entry: 1rede
Pronunciation: 'rEd
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English -- more at READ
1 archaic : to give counsel to : ADVISE
2 archaic : INTERPRET, EXPLAIN

Main Entry: 2rede
Function: noun
1 archaic : COUNSEL, ADVICE
2 archaic : ACCOUNT, STORY


The Wiccan Rede
Full Version

Bide within the Law you must, in perfect Love and perfect Trust.
Live you must and let to live, fairly take and fairly give.

For tread the Circle thrice about to keep unwelcome spirits out.
To bind the spell well every time, let the spell be said in rhyme.

Light of eye and soft of touch, speak you little, listen much.
Honor the Old Ones in deed and name,
let love and light be our guides again.

Deosil go by the waxing moon, chanting out the joyful tune.
Widdershins go when the moon doth wane,
and the werewolf howls by the dread wolfsbane.

When the Lady's moon is new, kiss the hand to Her times two.
When the moon rides at Her peak then your heart's desire seek.

Heed the North winds mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail.
When the Wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.

When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss you on the mouth.
When the wind whispers from the West, all hearts will find peace and rest.

Nine woods in the Cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow.
Birch in the fire goes to represent what the Lady knows.

Oak in the forest towers with might, in the fire it brings the God's
insight. Rowan is a tree of power causing life and magick to flower.

Willows at the waterside stand ready to help us to the Summerland.
Hawthorn is burned to purify and to draw faerie to your eye.

Hazel-the tree of wisdom and learning adds its strength to the bright fire burning.
White are the flowers of Apple tree that brings us fruits of fertility.

Grapes grow upon the vine giving us both joy and wine.
Fir does mark the evergreen to represent immortality seen.

Elder is the Lady's tree burn it not or cursed you'll be.
Four times the Major Sabbats mark in the light and in the dark.

As the old year starts to wane the new begins, it's now Samhain.
When the time for Imbolc shows watch for flowers through the snows.

When the wheel begins to turn soon the Beltane fires will burn.
As the wheel turns to Lamas night power is brought to magick rite.

Four times the Minor Sabbats fall use the Sun to mark them all.
When the wheel has turned to Yule light the log the Horned One rules.

In the spring, when night equals day time for Ostara to come our way.
When the Sun has reached it's height time for Oak and Holly to fight.

Harvesting comes to one and all when the Autumn Equinox does fall.
Heed the flower, bush, and tree by the Lady blessed you'll be.

Where the rippling waters go cast a stone, the truth you'll know.
When you have and hold a need, harken not to others greed.

With a fool no season spend or be counted as his friend.
Merry Meet and Merry Part bright the cheeks and warm the heart.

Mind the Three-fold Laws you should three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is enow wear the star upon your brow.

Be true in love this you must do unless your love is false to you.

These Eight words the Rede fulfill:
"An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"

Written by Adriana Porter and was published by Lady Gwen Thompson (Adriana Porter's Granddaughter) in The Green Egg magazine in 1975


The Wiccan Rede
Short Version, Most Commonly Used
These Eight words the Rede fulfill:
"An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"


This short phrase has a long and rich history. Gerald Gardner who started the first official Tradition of Wicca called Gardnerian Wicca. Prior to Gerald Gardner's third book The Meaning of Witchcraft, published in 1959, Gardner did not discuss ethics. In "The Meaning of Witchcraft" Gardner says, "(Witches) are inclined to the morality of the legendary Good King Pausol, '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."

The Good King Pausol was a character in the book called "The Adventures of King Pausole" published in 1901 by Pierre Louÿs. More specifically the line that Gardner was referring to out of the book, "The Adventures of King Pausole" was, "Do no wrong to thy neighbor. Observing this, do as thou pleasest." Some believe that Gardner was influenced by the older Law of Thelema created by Aleister Crowley, however, this has been up for debate for a long time now.

Now enter in Doreen Valiente. The short form wiccan rede was first publically mentioned 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. Doreene Valiente's Wiccan Rede quote was also published in volume one (1964) of the Pentagram, the UK newsletter that hosted the event and as will be discussed later was subsequently published beween circa 1965 and 1966 in the United States in The Waxing Moon newsletter. In 1965 the Rede was again quoted without references in Justine Glass' book Witchcraft, The Sixth Sense.

Some believe that Gardner wrote the eight word Wiccan Rede. Others believe that Doreene Valiente, who edited a lot of Gardner's work, wrote it using his work. To me, personally, it doesn't matter who wrote it. To some it's really important and makes for some heated debates.

As I mentioned above the word Rede means counsel or advice. Simply put you can lead a horse to water but you can make the horse drink the water. Just because counsel or advice is given doesn't mean it's going to be taken and used. Notice that in the quote above from Gardner's book "The Meaning of Witchcraft" he says they (witches) are INCLINED to the morality, he doesn't say that they are BOUND.

Gerald Gardner had 161 Laws called the Old Laws or The Ardane for all those who were Gardnerian Wiccans. Since that one tradition of Wicca was started many others have followed, some taking with them some of the laws others leaving the laws behind others taking the laws and adding to them, etc. Today, most Wiccans do not follow all 161 of these Laws. Wicca has evolved. Much like Christianity has evolved. Christianity certainly is not the same today as it was when it first began. The Wiccan Rede is not a Law and was never a Law. It is however, wise advice and good counsel for when you practice magick.

To me it seems that the Wiccan Rede has become dogmatic within the Wiccan community. In fact many who are not well informed often believe that all Witches, Pagans as well as Wiccans must abide by The Wiccan Rede or else they are considered a part of the "Dark Arts" or considered to practice "Black" Witchcraft. I don't believe in this whole "White" and "Black" Witchcraft BS. Magick is neither "black" or "white." Within all of Nature there is both good and evil, beauty and cruelty, black, white, and even shades of grey. So it is within Human Nature and the practice of Witchcraft. One cannot go through life without harming something else. And sometimes justice needs to be served on those who harm others.

I do not speak for all Pagans, Witches, or Wiccans. I can merely speak for myself. If there is someone who is out to harm my loved ones in any way, shape, or form, and the usual methods of help are not successful for me and my loved ones I will turn to Magick. I will use Magick as a way to protect me and my loved ones from harm. If need be, I will use Magick to bring about justice when all earthly methods of justice have not prevailed. In short one's own moral compass decides what is right and wrong. That's why "The Wiccan Rede" was given as advice not holy law, when practicing Magick, because it's not something that you go into lightly. At the same time, one can not be a doormat for certain people in this world who would take advantage of you in a heartbeat. I've looked at "The Book of Satan" by Anton Szandor LeVay for some very wise advice on this subject...

1. “Love one another” it has been said is the supreme law, but what power made it so? Upon what rational authority does the gospel of love rest? Why should I not hate mine enemies -- if I “love” them does that not place me at their mercy?
2. Is it natural for enemies to do good unto each other -- and WHAT IS GOOD?
3. Can the torn and bloody victom “love” the blood splashed jaws that rend him limb from limb?
4. Are we not all predatory animals by instinct? If humans ceased wholly from preying upon each other, could they continue to exist?
5. Is not “lust and carnal desire” a more truthful term to describe “love” when applied to the continuance of the race? Is not the “love” of the fawning scriptures simply a euphemism for sexual activity, or was the “great teacher” a glorifier or eunuchs?
6. Love your enemies and do good to them that hate and use you -- is this not the despicable philosophy of the spaniel that rolls upon its back when kicked?
7. Hate your enemies with a whole heart, and if a man smite you on one cheek, SMASH him on the other!; smite him hip and thigh, for self-preservation is the highest law!
8. He who turns the other cheek is a cowardly dog!
9. Give blow for blow, scorn for scorn, doom for doom -- with compound interest liberally added thereunto! Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, aye four-fold, a hundred-fold! Make yourself a Terror to your adversary, and when he goeth his way, he will posses much additional wisdom to ruminate over. Thus shall you make yourself respected in all the walks of life, and your spirit -- your immortal spirit -- shall live, not in an intangible paradise, but in the brains and sinews of those whose respect you have gained.

Just because I'm a Christian Pagan Witch doesn't mean I'm one of those fluffy "love, light, and harmony" type Witches.

I believe what Jesus taught and what Anton LaVey taught concerning love and enemies. The key factor is the specifics of any given situation. What Jesus teaches is not beneficial to any human being in every single situation. What LaVey teaches is not beneficial to any human being in every single situation. One cannot be like Jesus teaches and allow everyone treat you as a doormat all the time. At the same time one cannot be like LaVey teaches and allow anger and bitterness to take over ones heart and soul. One must gain the wisdom to determine which philosophy would be the most beneficial to oneself in that particular situation.

By the way, what tarot deck do you use? Personally I like using The Sacred Circle Tarot deck. But I've also been known to use The Rider-Waite Tarot deck, not the Universial Waite Tarot.

Which path do you follow, im more of an aglectic green witch, yet i also study draconic.

Is Wicca just for women?

i would really be interested in learning all the differences and what they stand for......

Love & Light
Sister

thanks....love and light sister

What are the common religious practices of Wiccans ?