Goddess Chant
Isis, Astarte,
Diana, Hecate,
Demeter, Kali,
Inna, Dane
- Deena Merger &
Charlie Murphy
Isis, Astarte,
Diana, Hecate,
Demeter, Kali,
Inna, Dane
- Deena Merger &
Charlie Murphy
| Basic Definitions |
Most of us are not born into Paganism,
Wicca or Heathenism. Finding teachers,
guides, classes and support groups can
be very difficult. As most Pagans do not
proselytize, those interested in the craft
have to actively seek out community.
This can be a daunting and time
consuming adventure. Luckily there are
now sites such as Witchvox.com that can
help a person connect with the larger
Pagan/Heathen community.
There are also a number of great books
available that can help a person learn the
basics as well as give them tips on how to
meet other Pagans,Witches and
Heathens. However, understanding the
world of Paganism, Witchcraft and
Heathenism can be a very complex so let's
start off with a few basic definitions.
Pagan: from the Latin meaning
"country dweller". In modern terms
"Pagan" refers to a group of religions that
find inspiration from ancient Celtic,
Gaulish, Roman, Greek and other
European cultures. As well as ancient
middle eastern cultures such as Egypt,
Assyria and Babylon.
Tradition: the word "tradition" can be
used as a way to describe the many
different Pagan and Heathen
denominations such as Wicca or Asatru.
It can also be used to describe a specific
set of personalized and modified rituals
and practices used by a particular group
or individual. In order to "formally" state
that a particular group has a tradition in
Wicca, there should be at least three
active "daughter" or "sister" covens that
have hived from the original coven. The
hived covens should adhere to certain
ritual standards in order to maintain
lineage.
Lineage: this term refers to a structured
training and initiation process through
an established group, teacher or Coven.
At one time, lineage was considered to be
all. With so many books, teachers and
groups out now this term is becoming
less meaningful and more controversial
as it often implies the existence of a
hierarchy and by association a kind of
"class" structure within the Wiccan
community. Since there are no
standards for training and few ways to
prove lineage, any claims to a particular
lineage should be subject to at least a
cursory investigation by a prospective
student. In other words, just because a
person states that they are trained by a
particular Coven or teacher does not
mean that they were. Nor does it mean
that they were well trained or that
actually did the work and know what
they are talking about.
Wicca: from the Anglo Saxon meaning
"to bend or to shape" or "wise". Wicca is a
specific Pagan denomination that
includes Gardnarian, Alexandrian,
Progressive and other Wiccan traditions
or "flavors". Some Wiccans will refer to
themselves as "witches" but not all are
comfortable with the term.
Wiccan Rede: " Eight words the Wiccan
Rede fulfil; an it harm none, do what
thou will"-Gerald Gardner. The Rede
along with the Law of Three and other
spiritual laws, make up the guidelines
for ethical behavior for a Wiccan Witch.
The Rede is specific to Wicca but many
Neo-Pagan and Heathen traditions may
have similar ethical guidelines. Most
Pagan traditions place a high value on
community so generally speaking most
will encourage behavior that creates
balance and leads to tighter bonds
between people, nature and the Divine.
Fearie: refers to a Pagan tradition that
focuses on ancient Irish and Scottish
folk magick. Sometimes Faerie is also
mixed with African and other indigenous
folk traditions.
Strega: Italian witchcraft. Strega was
first documented by Leland in Aradia:
Gospel of the Witches. Strega is
considered to be an older, hereditary form
of Witchcraft.
Heathen: the modern interpretation of the
word is "one who dwells on the heath".
Refers to people who honor the pantheons
and traditions of Northern European
cultures such as Iceland, Denmark,
Sweden, Norway, Fenland and what is
now known as Germany.
Asatru: from the Old Norse meaning
"true to the Asa" referring to the ancient
Northern European Gods/Goddesses.
Odin, Frigga and Thor are all from the
Aesir line of Gods/Goddesses. Freya and
Frey originate from the Vanir line.
Druid: A tradition that incorporates what
is known of ancient Druid practices. The
Druids were the historians, judges,
healers, seers and Preist/Preistess for the
ancient Celtic/Gailic peoples.
Reconstructionists Traditions: Modern
Pagan traditions that generally only
incorporate what is known to have been
practiced and believed by a particular
ancient culture during a specific time in
the lifespan of that culture.
Wheel of the Year: Sometimes called the
"Wiccan Wheel of the Year" refers to the
eight holy days or Sabbats (meaning "to
rest") of the Pagan community. Heathen,
Faerie and other traditions will often
share some of the same holy days to a
greater or lesser extent but have holy
days that are specific to their own
traditions. The Pagan/Heathen
community will often gather at or
around these eight Sabbats in a shared
celebration.
The Wheel of the Year is a combination of
the gatherings and celebrations of several
ancient cultures. While most of the
names for the Sabbats can be traced back
to one ancient European culture or
another, not all of the have this
distinction.
The Sabbats generally honor the phases
of the Sun and the effects the waxing
and waning Sun have on the Earth and
its creatures. The Solstices and
Equinox's mark the "high" and "low"
points of the Sun's cycle and the
relationship between day and night. The
Celtic Fire Festivals mark the "in
between" times. These are generally based
on natural occurrences that take place
during these times. Such as the Ewes
beginning to lactate or the first harvest
of grain or corn.
Sabbats are:
Samhain: celebrated on October 31st but
is actually marked when Scorpio is at 15
degrees. "Samhain" is Celtic for
Summer's end and celebrates the final
harvest of the season. It marks the
beginning of the "dark" part of the year
and is the Celtic New year. It is the third
and final of the three harvest festivals
and the first of the Celtic Fire Festivals.
Yule: Approximately December 20th or
when the Sun enters Capricorn. Yule
means "wheel". Yule marks the Winter
Solstice and the longest night of the
year. Yule celebrates the return of the
sun and from this night forward the
night will become shorter. Yule has its
origins in ancient Northern European
cultures.
Imbolc: February 2nd. Celtic meaning
"milk" or "in the belly" . Imbolc falls
approximately half way between Yule
and Ostara or the Winter Solstice and
Spring Equinox. In ancient times Imbolc
was marked when the ewes began to
lactate. Imbolc is the second of the four
Celtic Fire Festivals.
Ostara: Approximately March 20,
21st-when the Sun moves into Aries.
Ostara is a Scandinavian Goddess of the
spring and fertility. Ostara celebrates the
Spring Equinox. Symbols traditionally
associated with the Goddess Ostara are
eggs and rabbits.
Beltaine: April 30-May 1st. Celtic for
"bright fire". Beltiane marks the
beginning of the Summer or "light" half
of the year and the marriage of the
God/Goddess. Beltaine is the third of the
four Celtic Fire Festivals.
Litha: Approximately June 20 or 21st-
when the Sun enters Cancer. Marks the
Summer Solstice and the longest day of
the year. The God is seen as "the King in
his Prime". At this time we give thanks to
the bounty and warmth of the summer.
Lughnasadh: August 1st. The first of
three harvest festivals and the final
Celtic Fire Festival. Lughnnasadh
celebrates the Celtic God of Light-Lugh of
the many hands ("many hands" refers to
the many skills Lugh had mastered).
Celebrations often include games in
honor of Lugh's foster mother Tailtiu.
Lughnasadh marks the harvest of grains
such as corn, wheat and barley.
Mabon: Approximately September 21st or
when the Sun enters Libra. Mabon
marks the Fall Equinox. From this day
until the Winter Solstice the nights will
become longer. Mabon is the second of the
three harvest festivals (Lughnasadh and
Samhain are the other two). Mabon is a
Celtic/Druid God who is born to the Earth
Goddess Modron and is stolen away from
her when he is three nights old. He is held
prisoner and then is rescued by
Culweech. It is speculated that the time
Mabon is held prisoner is equal to the
time between Mabon and Yule or the
rebirth of the Sun.
Esbat: "to frolic". Esbat refers to the Full
Moon rituals performed by Wiccan
Witches.
Sabbat: "to rest". Sabbats are the eight
sacred days of the Wiccan Wheel of the
year. While there may be rituals
performed on these days, the focus is on
gathering and celebrating community.
Phases of the Moon
Because of the relationship between the
moon and woman's menstrual cycle the
moon is often (but not always)
associated with the feminine. In Wicca,
the phases of the moon are associated with
an archetype know generally as "Maiden,
Mother, Crone". The Maiden is associate
with the new (first day of Lunar cycle)
and waxing moon, Mother with the Full
Moon and Crone with the waning or dark
moon (last day of Lunar cycle).
New Moon: The time when the moon is in
between the Earth and the Sun. Visually
this is when the moon cannot be seen in
the night sky. This is both the final
phase of the waning cycle as well as the
first phase of the waxing cycle.
Approximately Day 29 and Day 1 of the
Lunar cycle.
Waxing Crescent: Approximately Day 4
in the Lunar cycle. The moon will be
"growing larger"-from right to left-and
will visually appear as a crescent shape.
First Quarter: Approximately Day 7 in
the Lunar cycle. This is also know as
"half moon". The visible side or lighted
side of the moon will be on the right.
Waxing Gibbous: Approximately Day 10
in the Lunar cycle. The moon will appear
to be almost full or even full expect for a
small, misshapen spot on the bottom left
of the moon.
Full Moon: Approximately Day 14 in the
Lunar cycle. The Earth is situated
between the Sun and the Moon. The Moon
will appear as a full circle in the night
sky.
Waning Gibbous: Approximately Day 18
in the Lunar cycle. The moon will appear
almost full except for a tiny misshapen
part on the right part of the visible
surface.
Last Quarter: Approximately Day 22 in
the Lunar cycle. The moon will appear as
a half moon with the visible side or
glowing side on the left.
Waning Crescent: Approximately Day
26 in the Lunar cycle. When the moon
appears as a crescent or bow shaped. For a
waning crescent the visible side is on the
left.
Blue Moon: when there are two Full
Moons in the same calender month. This
is due to the way modern calenders are
set up not because of any unusual
natural phenomenon.
Wicca or Heathenism. Finding teachers,
guides, classes and support groups can
be very difficult. As most Pagans do not
proselytize, those interested in the craft
have to actively seek out community.
This can be a daunting and time
consuming adventure. Luckily there are
now sites such as Witchvox.com that can
help a person connect with the larger
Pagan/Heathen community.
There are also a number of great books
available that can help a person learn the
basics as well as give them tips on how to
meet other Pagans,Witches and
Heathens. However, understanding the
world of Paganism, Witchcraft and
Heathenism can be a very complex so let's
start off with a few basic definitions.
Pagan: from the Latin meaning
"country dweller". In modern terms
"Pagan" refers to a group of religions that
find inspiration from ancient Celtic,
Gaulish, Roman, Greek and other
European cultures. As well as ancient
middle eastern cultures such as Egypt,
Assyria and Babylon.
Tradition: the word "tradition" can be
used as a way to describe the many
different Pagan and Heathen
denominations such as Wicca or Asatru.
It can also be used to describe a specific
set of personalized and modified rituals
and practices used by a particular group
or individual. In order to "formally" state
that a particular group has a tradition in
Wicca, there should be at least three
active "daughter" or "sister" covens that
have hived from the original coven. The
hived covens should adhere to certain
ritual standards in order to maintain
lineage.
Lineage: this term refers to a structured
training and initiation process through
an established group, teacher or Coven.
At one time, lineage was considered to be
all. With so many books, teachers and
groups out now this term is becoming
less meaningful and more controversial
as it often implies the existence of a
hierarchy and by association a kind of
"class" structure within the Wiccan
community. Since there are no
standards for training and few ways to
prove lineage, any claims to a particular
lineage should be subject to at least a
cursory investigation by a prospective
student. In other words, just because a
person states that they are trained by a
particular Coven or teacher does not
mean that they were. Nor does it mean
that they were well trained or that
actually did the work and know what
they are talking about.
Wicca: from the Anglo Saxon meaning
"to bend or to shape" or "wise". Wicca is a
specific Pagan denomination that
includes Gardnarian, Alexandrian,
Progressive and other Wiccan traditions
or "flavors". Some Wiccans will refer to
themselves as "witches" but not all are
comfortable with the term.
Wiccan Rede: " Eight words the Wiccan
Rede fulfil; an it harm none, do what
thou will"-Gerald Gardner. The Rede
along with the Law of Three and other
spiritual laws, make up the guidelines
for ethical behavior for a Wiccan Witch.
The Rede is specific to Wicca but many
Neo-Pagan and Heathen traditions may
have similar ethical guidelines. Most
Pagan traditions place a high value on
community so generally speaking most
will encourage behavior that creates
balance and leads to tighter bonds
between people, nature and the Divine.
Fearie: refers to a Pagan tradition that
focuses on ancient Irish and Scottish
folk magick. Sometimes Faerie is also
mixed with African and other indigenous
folk traditions.
Strega: Italian witchcraft. Strega was
first documented by Leland in Aradia:
Gospel of the Witches. Strega is
considered to be an older, hereditary form
of Witchcraft.
Heathen: the modern interpretation of the
word is "one who dwells on the heath".
Refers to people who honor the pantheons
and traditions of Northern European
cultures such as Iceland, Denmark,
Sweden, Norway, Fenland and what is
now known as Germany.
Asatru: from the Old Norse meaning
"true to the Asa" referring to the ancient
Northern European Gods/Goddesses.
Odin, Frigga and Thor are all from the
Aesir line of Gods/Goddesses. Freya and
Frey originate from the Vanir line.
Druid: A tradition that incorporates what
is known of ancient Druid practices. The
Druids were the historians, judges,
healers, seers and Preist/Preistess for the
ancient Celtic/Gailic peoples.
Reconstructionists Traditions: Modern
Pagan traditions that generally only
incorporate what is known to have been
practiced and believed by a particular
ancient culture during a specific time in
the lifespan of that culture.
Wheel of the Year: Sometimes called the
"Wiccan Wheel of the Year" refers to the
eight holy days or Sabbats (meaning "to
rest") of the Pagan community. Heathen,
Faerie and other traditions will often
share some of the same holy days to a
greater or lesser extent but have holy
days that are specific to their own
traditions. The Pagan/Heathen
community will often gather at or
around these eight Sabbats in a shared
celebration.
The Wheel of the Year is a combination of
the gatherings and celebrations of several
ancient cultures. While most of the
names for the Sabbats can be traced back
to one ancient European culture or
another, not all of the have this
distinction.
The Sabbats generally honor the phases
of the Sun and the effects the waxing
and waning Sun have on the Earth and
its creatures. The Solstices and
Equinox's mark the "high" and "low"
points of the Sun's cycle and the
relationship between day and night. The
Celtic Fire Festivals mark the "in
between" times. These are generally based
on natural occurrences that take place
during these times. Such as the Ewes
beginning to lactate or the first harvest
of grain or corn.
Sabbats are:
Samhain: celebrated on October 31st but
is actually marked when Scorpio is at 15
degrees. "Samhain" is Celtic for
Summer's end and celebrates the final
harvest of the season. It marks the
beginning of the "dark" part of the year
and is the Celtic New year. It is the third
and final of the three harvest festivals
and the first of the Celtic Fire Festivals.
Yule: Approximately December 20th or
when the Sun enters Capricorn. Yule
means "wheel". Yule marks the Winter
Solstice and the longest night of the
year. Yule celebrates the return of the
sun and from this night forward the
night will become shorter. Yule has its
origins in ancient Northern European
cultures.
Imbolc: February 2nd. Celtic meaning
"milk" or "in the belly" . Imbolc falls
approximately half way between Yule
and Ostara or the Winter Solstice and
Spring Equinox. In ancient times Imbolc
was marked when the ewes began to
lactate. Imbolc is the second of the four
Celtic Fire Festivals.
Ostara: Approximately March 20,
21st-when the Sun moves into Aries.
Ostara is a Scandinavian Goddess of the
spring and fertility. Ostara celebrates the
Spring Equinox. Symbols traditionally
associated with the Goddess Ostara are
eggs and rabbits.
Beltaine: April 30-May 1st. Celtic for
"bright fire". Beltiane marks the
beginning of the Summer or "light" half
of the year and the marriage of the
God/Goddess. Beltaine is the third of the
four Celtic Fire Festivals.
Litha: Approximately June 20 or 21st-
when the Sun enters Cancer. Marks the
Summer Solstice and the longest day of
the year. The God is seen as "the King in
his Prime". At this time we give thanks to
the bounty and warmth of the summer.
Lughnasadh: August 1st. The first of
three harvest festivals and the final
Celtic Fire Festival. Lughnnasadh
celebrates the Celtic God of Light-Lugh of
the many hands ("many hands" refers to
the many skills Lugh had mastered).
Celebrations often include games in
honor of Lugh's foster mother Tailtiu.
Lughnasadh marks the harvest of grains
such as corn, wheat and barley.
Mabon: Approximately September 21st or
when the Sun enters Libra. Mabon
marks the Fall Equinox. From this day
until the Winter Solstice the nights will
become longer. Mabon is the second of the
three harvest festivals (Lughnasadh and
Samhain are the other two). Mabon is a
Celtic/Druid God who is born to the Earth
Goddess Modron and is stolen away from
her when he is three nights old. He is held
prisoner and then is rescued by
Culweech. It is speculated that the time
Mabon is held prisoner is equal to the
time between Mabon and Yule or the
rebirth of the Sun.
Esbat: "to frolic". Esbat refers to the Full
Moon rituals performed by Wiccan
Witches.
Sabbat: "to rest". Sabbats are the eight
sacred days of the Wiccan Wheel of the
year. While there may be rituals
performed on these days, the focus is on
gathering and celebrating community.
Phases of the Moon
Because of the relationship between the
moon and woman's menstrual cycle the
moon is often (but not always)
associated with the feminine. In Wicca,
the phases of the moon are associated with
an archetype know generally as "Maiden,
Mother, Crone". The Maiden is associate
with the new (first day of Lunar cycle)
and waxing moon, Mother with the Full
Moon and Crone with the waning or dark
moon (last day of Lunar cycle).
New Moon: The time when the moon is in
between the Earth and the Sun. Visually
this is when the moon cannot be seen in
the night sky. This is both the final
phase of the waning cycle as well as the
first phase of the waxing cycle.
Approximately Day 29 and Day 1 of the
Lunar cycle.
Waxing Crescent: Approximately Day 4
in the Lunar cycle. The moon will be
"growing larger"-from right to left-and
will visually appear as a crescent shape.
First Quarter: Approximately Day 7 in
the Lunar cycle. This is also know as
"half moon". The visible side or lighted
side of the moon will be on the right.
Waxing Gibbous: Approximately Day 10
in the Lunar cycle. The moon will appear
to be almost full or even full expect for a
small, misshapen spot on the bottom left
of the moon.
Full Moon: Approximately Day 14 in the
Lunar cycle. The Earth is situated
between the Sun and the Moon. The Moon
will appear as a full circle in the night
sky.
Waning Gibbous: Approximately Day 18
in the Lunar cycle. The moon will appear
almost full except for a tiny misshapen
part on the right part of the visible
surface.
Last Quarter: Approximately Day 22 in
the Lunar cycle. The moon will appear as
a half moon with the visible side or
glowing side on the left.
Waning Crescent: Approximately Day
26 in the Lunar cycle. When the moon
appears as a crescent or bow shaped. For a
waning crescent the visible side is on the
left.
Blue Moon: when there are two Full
Moons in the same calender month. This
is due to the way modern calenders are
set up not because of any unusual
natural phenomenon.
Home
Classes for 2010
Full Moon Hafla
Clan of the Healing Wells
DeMyth-afing
the Wiccan Coven
"An ye harm none" on a
global scale
Recommended Books
Recommended Books 2
Basic Definitions
Eulogy
Rituals for Litha 2005
Meditations
About Me
Chants
Classes for 2010
Full Moon Hafla
Clan of the Healing Wells
DeMyth-afing
the Wiccan Coven
"An ye harm none" on a
global scale
Recommended Books
Recommended Books 2
Basic Definitions
Eulogy
Rituals for Litha 2005
Meditations
About Me
Chants
Music: "Santiago" by Loreena
McKennitt
McKennitt