Wicca is a modern pagan religious movement that emerged in the mid-20th century. It is guided by the fundamental belief in the existence of a divine power that can be found in nature and within oneself. The word "Wicca" is derived from the Old English term for "witch" and is often associated with witchcraft, although not all Wiccans practice witchcraft. Being Wiccan implies a deep connection and reverence for nature. Wiccans view nature as sacred and believe in the presence of a divine energy that flows through all living things. They celebrate the cycles of the seasons and the natural world, honoring the earth, the sun, the moon, and the four elements - air, fire, water, and earth.
This unique collection of essays by an exceptional international group of Africanists demonstrates the central role that divination continues to play throughout Africa in maintaining cultural systems and in guiding human action. African Divination Systems offers insights for current discussions in comparative epistemology, cross-cultural psychology, cognition studies, semiotics, ethnoscience, religious studies, and anthropology.
This unique collection of essays by an exceptional international group of Africanists demonstrates the central role that divination continues to play throughout Africa in maintaining cultural systems and in guiding human action. Although all of the essays provide rich ethnographic data, the essays in the fourth and fifth section are the most interesting from a theoretical perspective.
They celebrate the cycles of the seasons and the natural world, honoring the earth, the sun, the moon, and the four elements - air, fire, water, and earth. Wiccans also value personal responsibility and autonomy. They believe in self-discovery and self-growth, and often engage in rituals and practices to help them connect with their inner selves and spiritual truths.
African Divination Systems
"This volume of finely crafted case studies is also the vehicle for an important general theory of divination. . . . this is a book overflowing with ideas that will powerfully stimulate further research." —Journal of Ritual Studies
"The essays in this collection provide a very useful overview of both the diversity of African divination systems and of recent approaches to their study." —Choice
This unique collection of essays by an exceptional international group of Africanists demonstrates the central role that divination continues to play throughout Africa in maintaining cultural systems and in guiding human action. African Divination Systems offers insights for current discussions in comparative epistemology, cross-cultural psychology, cognition studies, semiotics, ethnoscience, religious studies, and anthropology.
Introduction
The Study of Divination, Present and Past
Philip M. Peek
Part One. Becoming a Diviner
The Initiation of a Zulu Diviner
Henry Callaway
Part Two. The Search for Knowledge
Nilotic Cosmology and the Divination of Atuot Philosophy
John W. Burton
Divination in Madagascar: The Antemoro Case and the
Diffusion of Divination
Pierre Verin and Narivelo Rajaonarimanana
Part Three. Cultural Systems within Divination Systems
Diviners as Alienists and Annunciators among the Batammaliba
of Togo
Rudolph Blier
Divination Among the Lobi of Burkina Faso
Piet Meyer
Divination and the Hunt in Pagibeti Ideology
Alden Almquist
Mediumistic Divination among the Northern Yaka of Zaire:
Etiology and Ways of Knowing
Rene Devisch
Part Four. Divination, Epistemology, and Truth
Splitting Truths from Darkness: Epistemological Aspects of
Temne Divination
Rosalind Shaw
Knowledge and Power in Nyole Divination
Susan Reynolds Whyte
Simultaneity and Sequencing in the Oracular Speech of
Kenyan Diviners
David Parkin
Part Five. Toward a New Approach to Divination
African Divination Systems: Non-Normal Modes of Cognition
Philip M. Peek
Afterword
James W. Fernandez
Contributors
Index
"The essays in this collection provide a very useful overview of both the diversity of African divination systems and of recent approaches to their study. The introduction critically reviews the preoccupations of earlier students of African divination. The essays that follow are divided into five sections that explore, in turn, the identity of the diviner; comparative and historical issues; the central role of divination in the articulation of cultural ideas, norms, and values within society; the making of knowledge through the divinatory process; and the integration of normal and nonnormal ways of knowing within the divination process. Although all of the essays provide rich ethnographic data, the essays in the fourth and fifth section are the most interesting from a theoretical perspective. They provide the clearest critique of previous positivist approaches to divination, which focus on the outcomes of the divinatory process while failing to appreciate the meanings and truths that inhere to, and are articulated by, the process itself. Of particular interest are the facinating articles by Rosalind Shaw and Philip Peek. Highly recommended for advanced undergraduates.December 1991"
~R. M. Packard, Tufts University
"The essays in this collection provide a very useful overview of both the diversity of African divination systems and of recent approaches to their study." —Choice
Unlike traditional organized religions, Wicca does not have a centralized authority or dogma, allowing practitioners to follow their own path and individual beliefs. Another key aspect of being Wiccan is the practice of magick. Wiccans believe in the use of magick as a way to create positive change in their lives and the world around them. Magick is seen as a natural part of existence and is used for healing, protection, and manifestation. Wiccans also have a strong emphasis on ethical behavior. They follow the Wiccan Rede, which states "An it harm none, do what ye will." This principle encourages Wiccans to act in a way that does not cause harm to themselves, others, or the environment. It promotes the importance of personal responsibility and accountability for one's actions. Overall, being Wiccan implies a deep reverence for nature, a personal journey of self-discovery and growth, the practice of magick, and ethical behavior. It is a spiritual path that encourages individuals to connect with their inner selves, the natural world, and the divine energy that permeates all existence..
Reviews for "Wicca and Psychic Abilities: Tapping into Intuition"
1. Jane - 1 star
I found "What does it imply to be Wiccan" to be a complete waste of time. The author fails to present a coherent explanation of what it means to be Wiccan. The book is filled with fluff and personal anecdotes that don't provide any real insight into the subject. I was hoping for a deep dive into the beliefs, rituals, and practices of Wicca, but instead, I got a superficial and disjointed collection of stories. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a serious exploration of Wiccan spirituality.
2. Mark - 2 stars
I have to admit, I was disappointed with "What does it imply to be Wiccan". While the book touches on some interesting aspects of Wicca, it lacks depth and fails to provide a comprehensive understanding of the religion. The author's writing style is also quite confusing, making it difficult to follow the main points. Additionally, I was hoping for more practical guidance on how to incorporate Wiccan practices into my life, but this book fell short in that regard. Overall, I found it to be a mediocre resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of Wicca.
3. Emily - 1 star
"What does it imply to be Wiccan" completely missed the mark for me. The author's perspective feels biased and lacks objectivity, making it difficult to trust the information presented. Moreover, the book seems more focused on self-promotion and selling a particular viewpoint rather than providing an authentic exploration of Wiccan beliefs. I was left feeling unsatisfied and questioning the credibility of the author's claims. I would not recommend this book to anyone genuinely interested in learning about Wicca.
4. John - 2 stars
As someone new to Wicca, I was excited to read "What does it imply to be Wiccan", but unfortunately, it left me underwhelmed. The book lacks organization and clarity, often meandering from one topic to another without providing adequate explanations. I frequently found myself confused and struggling to connect the dots. Additionally, the author's writing style is needlessly verbose, often obscuring the main points they are trying to convey. Overall, I would recommend seeking other resources for a more comprehensive understanding of Wicca. This book didn't deliver what I was looking for.