[stylist] Bridgit and others

Tue Jun 4 21:44:00 UTC 2013

I get one book does not necessarily speak for an entire group, but Adler
not only is a practicing witch, but she has a variety of info and quotes
from others in the witch/Wicca/Pagan community. According to her, the
very word witch derives from the word Wicca.

In chapter two of Adler's book, she writes:

We saw that the word witch comes from the old English Wicce (W I C C
E)/Wicca (W I C C A), and these words derive from a root, Wic (W I C) or
Wiiek (W I E K(, which has to do with religion or magic. We saw that
many practitioners of Wicca will tell you Wicca means wise, although
that is etiological incorrect. Others will tell you Wicca comes from a
root meaning to bend or turn, and that the witch is the bender or
changer of reality. But etymology does not help one confront the
confusing feeling that lies behind the word witch, (Drawing Down the
Moon, Chapter 2).

Not all pagans are witches nor are all pagans Wiccans, but it would
appear that Wiccans associate with the term, though there may be some
who do not. Nonetheless, most Wiccans consider themselves witches, and
though there was a point in time when many tried to dissociate
themselves from the term witch because of the negative connotations,
many are now *reclaiming* the term, according to Adler.

Neo-Paganism is a blanket term given to all these *alternative*
religions/traditions just as Christians are not all Lutherans,
Catholics, Methodist, Baptists, etc. The term pagan though is widely
used among all groups under that umbrella.

In chapter three, Adler list other Neo-Pagan groups. She defines
Neo-Paganism as, "Outside of the various witchcraft traditions, the most
prevalent forms of Neo-Paganism are groups that attempt to recreate
ancient, European pre-Christian religions." Adler always states that
these groups do not include Eastern religions though some pagan groups
have incorporated Eastern ideals and rituals into their tradition.

As for Beltane, it's one of the important Celtic holidays. According to
Wikipedia, It does not last entire month of May but is held on May first
and goes from sun-up to sun-down. Bonfires are an important ritual, and
most bonfires are lit and people walk between two bonfires believing
this protects and encourages growth. Certain kinds of flowers can be
used believing they act as a source of protection as well, and some do
practice sex rights as a way to usher in growth and encourage fertility.

Beltane was originally a Celtic pagan holiday, but many neo-pagan groups
who are not Celtic in tradition have adopted the Beltane holiday, so
customs and rituals can differ from group to group.

Neo-Pagans of the Celtic tradition have a calendar that follows their
holy days, similar to the Christians. According to The Order of Bards
and Druids, the Celtic calendar is as follows:

Samhuinn- October 31 to November 2- believed the veil between worlds was
open, and Druids attempted to contact spirits from the other side.
People celebrated by wearing masks, pulling pranks and sharing food,
which has traveled down through the centuries as Halloween with
water-downed versions of customs from long-ago.

The winter solstice comes next, considered to be a time of death and
rebirth.

Imbolc February first- though mid-winter, it celebrates spring. The
first snow fall has happened, and it will soon clear. Poetry is often
written at this time praising the goddess and ushering in spring.

The spring equinox is celebrated next, which is the equality of day and
night, when the forces of light are on the increase.

Beltane May first- celebrates the fertility of the land and the coming
of summer. Not a month-long celebration but lasting from sun-up to
sun-down. Bonfires are lit and various customs and rituals are
performed.

The summer solstice comes next. Light is at its strongest and longest.
This is considered one of the most powerful days of the year, and Druid
traditions have a very complex practice.

Lughnasadh August first- celebrates the harvest, and in ancient times,
marriage contracts were made this day. Festivities recognize and
celebrate the coming of the harvest.

The autumnal equinox is celebrated next. It represents the end of the
harvest, and day and night are equal as in the spring, but soon the days
will grow shorter.

For more information, go to:
http://www.druidry.org/druid-way/teaching-and-practice/druid-festivals/e
ightfold-wheel-year-druid-festivals

Another website is: http://druidgarden.wordpress.com/tag/druid-holidays/

And since these holidays originated from the Celtic Druidic tradition,
here's a link to the Ancient Order of Druids in America, a Druidic
revival group practicing Druid customs and beliefs: http://www.aoda.org/

While other pagan traditions may borrow these holidays and incorporate
their own rituals and practices, according to the Celtic tradition,
Beltane is not a month-long celebration but is a festival held May first
from sun-up to sun-down.

Bridgit
-----Original Message-----
From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Eve
Sanchez
Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 3:11 PM
To: Writer's Division Mailing List
Subject: Re: [stylist] Bridgit and others

Drawing Down the Moon is a great informational book, but not always a
good read. It does drag quite a bit, but is helpful for learning and
starting an exploration. Not all Pagans consider themselves Neo-Pagans
however and there are other misconceptions in the book that many do not
agree with. Pagan is the blanket term for many many traditions which
includes Neo-Paganism, Druidism, Celtic Paganism, Wiccan, Witchcraft and
so many more. Witches could be Wiccans and Wiccans could be Witches, but
the two terms are definitely NOT synonymous. Yes, Bridget. Beltane is
May 1st. It is a major Sabbatt and the spirit of Beltane carries through
the entire month of May. The first full moon following Beltane is
referred to as the Beltane Moon. I did however have the times all
screwed up that night as to when the eclipse took place as well as the
time of fullness. It was still a beautiful night though. I look forward
to reading your prompt contribution when it comes. Sometimes good things
must be waited for. Eve

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 12:03 PM, Jacobson, Shawn D
<Shawn.D.Jacobson at hud.gov> wrote:
> I just ordered "Drawing Down the Moon" yesterday and hope to have it 
> from the library soon.  I recently read "The Reason for God" by 
> Timothy Keller and firmly believe that pop culture misunderstands 
> Christianity as much as it misunderstands Wicca.  Any great religion 
> has deep truths and pop culture is too shallow to really understand.  
> I also just read "Among Others" by Jo Walton; this is an excellent 
> book about magic (emphasizing caution in its use) and with a very life

> affirming ending.
>
> I am reading "Endpoint" a book of poems by John Updike.  I'm hoping 
> this inspires me to start up the poems again.
>
> I don't think I'm going to tackle the Salem Witch trials directly for 
> the writing prompt, but one of the poems I'm thinking of writing will 
> touch upon them tangentially.
>
> Shawn
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Bridgit

> Pollpeter
> Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 2:50 PM
> To: 'Writer's Division Mailing List'
> Subject: Re: [stylist] Bridgit and others
>
> It is a long book, and some of it is pretty far-out, though some of it

> does resonate with me. I really like the environmental conservation 
> element many pagan traditions get behind today along with the creative

> expression.
>
> Since most pagan ideals revolve around the natural world, many 
> contemporary groups emphasize the importance of conservation and not 
> destroying the natural world around us. I'm a little bit into this and

> the whole organic thing, so I like a religion that believes this a key

> part of worship and life in general.
>
> The end drags a bit as she gets a little redundant and includes a lot 
> of info about specific groups, festivals and other resources. If 
> anyone is interested in learning more about Wicca and neo-Paganism, 
> this is definitely the book to read.
>
> I finished Witch Hunt: Mysteries of the Salem Witch Trials during the 
> weekend. It uses actual documentation from the trials to attempt to 
> figure out why people accused others of such heinous acts. It's 
> written for teens, so it's not very long, and it doesn't delve into 
> the subject as much as I would like, but it was informative and 
> interesting nonetheless.
>
> That people may have or may not have been witches doesn't disturb me, 
> but that people could have behaved in such a way as the accusers did 
> is incredibly disturbing to me, especially considering the Puritan 
> culture and mindset.
>
> It may take some time, but I still want to try to post something for 
> the prompt. This is a fascinating subject, and I want to explore it in

> my writing.
>
> For now I better go. The baby is suppose to be sleeping, but he's 
> playing in his crib, smile. Better make sure the diaper is okay. I 
> wouldn't mind some magical powers to instantly switch his diaper from 
> a dirty one to a clean one, grin! I actually don't mind changing 
> diapers, but Little Man hates to be confined, and he squirms, twists 
> and does high-pitch shrieking  whenever his diaper is changed. I hope 
> this is a phase, frown.
>
> Bridgit
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of justin
> Sent: Monday, June 03, 2013 6:42 AM
> To: 'Writer's Division Mailing List'
> Subject: Re: [stylist] Bridgit and others
>
>
> I've read that book; it's pretty good.  Long though.  You are right 
> about how across the board, creative expression id a big part of 
> neopaganism.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Bridgit

> Pollpeter
> Sent: Monday, June 03, 2013 1:27 PM
> To: 'Writer's Division Mailing List'
> Subject: [stylist] Bridgit and others
>
> I've actually been reading various texts and books on the subject as a

> whole. I'm finishing Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, 
> Goddess-worshippers and other Pagans in America Today, by Margot 
> Adler, a journalist and Wiccan, or witch, as she states the two are 
> synonymous. Next I plan to read a book detailing the actual trials 
> during the Salem witch trials that has actual documentation from the 
> hearings. All very interesting.
>
> Like Eve, I want to do justice to anything I attempt. Even though just

> a simple exercise, I try to put my best into whatever I create. And I 
> go back and forth on nonfiction and fiction ideas. Though much of what

> is documented in Addler's book I find difficult to get behind, one 
> interesting fact that is almost across the board with neo-Pagans, as 
> they are called, is the importance placed on artistic expressions, 
> music, dance and poetry being emphasized. Many find spiritualism 
> through their art, and many believe these artforms are transformative 
> and transcendent. Personally, whether it be music, dance, acting or 
> writing, whenever I create, I feel alive, a sense of being something 
> bigger than myself. It's like I'm on the verge of discovering 
> something truly grand and big and beautiful. I've observed this 
> predominatly when dancing, singing and certain types of writing, 
> particularly when adopting a poetic voice. Hmmm... This could make an 
> interesting article for S & S.
>
> And BTW, Beltane is actually May first (what is referred to as May Day

> in modern culture) and celebrates fertility by the joining of the god 
> and goddess to usher in life with the coming of spring.
>
> Bridgit
> -----Original Message-----
> From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Eve 
> Sanchez
> Sent: Friday, May 24, 2013 10:45 PM
> To: Writer's Division Mailing List
> Subject: [stylist] Bridget and others
>
>
> I have been thinking of Bridget's prompt and must opt out of
responding to it. I think it is a wonderful prompt and is actually
something I have been thinking of writing on for quite some time now. It
is for this reason that I can not write at the moment, but I am not
saying never. I just feel for me, that it is too important a subject for
me to do a half ass effort on. I do not have the time at the moment to
devote to such a project, but will someday. I hope that others will
write on this prompt though and I look forward to reading the pieces. On
this beautiful Witchy night though, I send blessings. Go out just after
midnight and enjoy the magick of the lunar eclipse and the Beltane full
moon. The veil is thin at this time, so who knows
> who you might see.  ;)      (I am trying to figure out how to write
> "Oooooo-ooo-oooooo." for you to get the spooky effect I intend. Eve
>
>
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