Esbat

[sitonmyinterface]

I'm interested in witchcraft, always have been, but I can't completely jive with certain disciplines due to the fact that I don't believe in gods and goddesses as actual personified beings living somewhere in the elements, but moreso believe in our our own innate power to make things manifest from universal life-force energy. I believe thoughts are actions that set certain things in motion. However, like attracts like, and intentions we put out towards others may find their way back to us. I can see how deities can represent intentions but I can't fall into league with actual deities belief/worship.

I've always wanted my very own book of shadows, have wanted to write little spells and create my own charms and sigils, but solely for the purpose of visualization. I think that is what it all boils down to, personally. No sky daddies and mommies. Maybe I could even publish it but doubt the community would be interested due to it not being "official" or "sincere" etc... All in all, there are no rules when it comes down to it. Inputs?

Comments

[specter_rot]

Do the thing. Gods and deity are not a requirement for working witchcraft.

[sitonmyinterface]

:) I guess it boils down to it all being a personal experience. I like the coven concept but not sure if each in a coven have to share exact philosophies.

[specter_rot]

I'm not part of a coven but from what I understand, they generally do all share similar philosophies. I work much better by myself, especially since my own concept of deity is... unconventional.

[sitonmyinterface]

I'd like to hear about your deity concept sometime.

[specter_rot]

I've actually got a draft for a post saved on my phone that I'm gonna post as soon as I finish it

[sitonmyinterface]

Cool!

since 1995

[beachglass]

I became curious at the young age of 15.
in my studies & reading, I've found that connecting with nature is the best route to take.

remain very open minded, and it's better to be in a good place in your life(free of stress or major life issues)so you are able to be more receptive to everything. :)

Re: since 1995

[sitonmyinterface]

I have been interested and reading since pre-pubescense! I loved the concept of "being born a witch", and loved that teen witch movie as a kid, lol.

Re: since 1995

[beachglass]

yeah, I got rid of all my books years ago.
it's something I let go of because I'm a mommy, and I have zero time for personal hobbies.
otherwise, I'd give them to someone like you :)

[october_rain]

There aren't any rules and I feel it's a very personal path, custom to the individual. I claim the label of a natural born witch and it has been nothing short of wonderful to embrace that part of me, that goes back in my ancestral line as well. I was never really into the Wicca and newer practices, but lean more towards the Old Ways and the spirit of traditional witchcraft as it relates to embracing nature.

It's good that you feel a connection to this path for yourself. Just follow what feels right and natural to you. :-)

[sitonmyinterface]

Awesome, thanks for commenting. While I can get snippits here and there, wicca doesn't resonate with me. I would be similar in being more attracted to the old ways, healers, etc..

[pandie]

We should sit down at some point and hash this out.

Long story short: not all witches believe in gods and goddesses as actual personified beings. There's animism, which sounds more along the lines of my impression of what you believe from our chats. Hoodoo is very similar, too. While you know I love me my gods and goddesses, I also do a lot of work with the intrinsic powers that are inherent to the individual thing.

And there's no reason you can't write you own book of shadows without sky mommies and daddies. You'd be surprised at how many people would resonate with it. If it's something you want to work on, I can see if there's a way I can help you.

As an aside, working with the energies around you (rather than with gods/goddesses) would be a wonderful topic for a workshop at Turning the Tide. If you wanted to work towards a small goal before a big goal of a book.

[sitonmyinterface]

Very cool, and yes maybe we can go over it sometime. Tell me more about this small goal regarding TTT :)

[pandie]

I've found small goals (eg: 45-60 minute presentations) are way easier than a book. Plus they help you feel what works, what doesn't, what resonates, what doesn't...

We're always looking for new topics, insights, and voices for Turning the Tide. There's folks who come to our celebration who also don't do the sky mommy and daddy thing, so I think what you're working on would speak to them, too. Plus you can chill for a weekend, have fun at a drumming circle, etc. :)

I know working on my workshop for my seership gathering really helped me to narrow my focus. Thinking about EVERYTHING is hard and daunting. Picking one topic and digging into it not only helps you focus, but also gives you such great and wonderful insights into that topic.

[sitonmyinterface]

Ah you mean attending these presentations to week out what resonates and what doesn't? Or giving a presentation because, um... eek. I mean what AM I working on? Haha

[pandie]

Giving.

Teaching someone something is the best way to learn it yourself. Even if you never actually teach it or share it, making an outline and figuring out how you would describe it is a good way to get a better sense of what you feel and what you believe. It'll help you get the definitions and basis you need to launch into your book :)

[sitonmyinterface]

I agree that teaching is an excellent learning tool.

[tjoel2]

I say, take what works for you and go with it! A lot of what you describe here sounds to me like an earth witch. I actually have a book of shadows and write all kinds of things there. You should definitely do it!

[sitonmyinterface]

NIce! What other sorts of witches are there?

[tjoel2]

There are SO many different types of witches: traditional witch, green witch, kitchen witch, hedge witch, eclectic witch, hereditary witch, sea witch.....

This is a really good site:

https://www.kitchenwiccan.com/pagan-wiccan/types-of-witches/

[sitonmyinterface]

Thanks :D