Wicca is a modern pagan religious movement that emerged in the mid-20th century. It is a nature-based spirituality that draws upon pre-Christian pagan traditions and witchcraft practices. While there is no central authority or dogma in Wicca, there are certain key elements that can be found in most Wiccan practices. First and foremost, Wiccans have a deep reverence for nature and the natural world. They see the Earth as a sacred living entity and view all living beings as interconnected and deserving of respect. Wiccans often engage in rituals and ceremonies that celebrate the cycles of the seasons and the phases of the moon, incorporating elements of nature such as herbs, crystals, and natural symbols.
If Moura's Tarot can embody her Green Craft well, it would be extremely valuable.
The deck looks lovely, but I m more interested in seeing exactly how the symbol and image choices sync up with the ideologies of Green Witchcraft described in Ann Moura s books. Interestingly, Leonard studied art at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, which is also where Pamela Coleman Smith studied for two years the institute had only been open six years when she enrolled.
Wiccans often engage in rituals and ceremonies that celebrate the cycles of the seasons and the phases of the moon, incorporating elements of nature such as herbs, crystals, and natural symbols. Another important element of Wiccan doctrine is the belief in the divine feminine and masculine. Wiccans worship a goddess, often associated with the moon, and a god, often associated with the sun.
The Green Witch Tarot
The Green Witch Tarot is the a deck that I’ve been waiting for ever since Ann Moura wrote Tarot for the Green Witch back in 2003. It is finally here and it is worth the wait. Charmingly illustrated by Kiri Østergaard Leonard, this is a deck full of stories, wisdom, and symbols. Interestingly, Leonard studied art at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, which is also where Pamela Coleman Smith studied for two years (the institute had only been open six years when she enrolled).
Moura tells us that:
“The Green Witchcraft approach to the tarot is based on a personal relationship with nature, earth magic, the elementals, and the power of the immanent Goddess and God in their many aspects, and to the faeries, spirits, and entities of the earth, otherworld, and underworld. The cards draw upon the season, sabbats, esbats, faerie lore, herbs, plants, animals, celestial energies, and the bounty of nature.”
I love how the cards are rich with story. Although it is not the most happy card, I can’t help but be drawn into the story of the Four of Chalices, pictured here:
Moura writes about the card:
“This is a card of dissatisfaction despite current success. Although one has sufficient emotional well-being, one is seeking something more. There is a sense of restlessness and of looking for greener pastures, perhaps due to satiation, too much of a good thing. One desires something new to feel revitalized. One may need to reassess one’s situation to be able to reach out to a prospect for greater fulfillment. Such an opportunity will not fall into one’s lap, so one must make the effort to seize it to accomplish what is desired. There may be a need to reevaluate a relationship or assess an unexpressed yearning that remains in remains in a faithful commitment. It is this self-exploration of what will bring greater emotional satisfaction that is tined with a latent longing to know if the right choices have been made and if what one has attained is genuine. Even with the external needs being well met, internal contentment is being questioned. This may signal a new direction in emotional expression so that a sense of balance, symbolized by the Three of Chalices in of the Four, returns.
“Dittany, an herb of desires, beginnings, and manifestation, grows in a flowerpot. A dragonfly, a symbol of guidance, activation, and inspiration, flies into the room.”
These deities are seen as complementary forces, representing different aspects of the divine. The goddess is often associated with fertility, nurturing, and intuition, while the god is associated with strength, action, and the cycles of life and death. Wiccans believe that these deities can be experienced and honored through personal rituals and meditation. The concept of magic is also central to Wiccan doctrine. Wiccans believe in the power of intention and the manipulation of energy to bring about change. They practice witchcraft, which involves spells, rituals, and the use of magical tools such as wands and cauldrons. However, it is important to note that Wiccan magic is not about controlling or harming others but rather about harmonizing with the natural energies of the universe to bring about positive transformations. Wiccans also value personal autonomy and individual spiritual growth. There is no central authority or hierarchy in Wicca, and each individual is encouraged to explore their own beliefs and practices. Wiccans often engage in self-reflection, meditation, and divination to deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them. Finally, Wicca places a strong emphasis on ethical principles, often summarized in the Wiccan Rede: "An ye harm none, do what ye will." This means that Wiccans strive to live in harmony with others and with the environment, taking responsibility for their actions and their impact on the world. They believe in the law of threefold return, which states that whatever energy or action is put out into the world will come back to the individual threefold. In conclusion, the key elements of Wiccan doctrine include a reverence for nature, the worship of divine feminine and masculine deities, the practice of magic, personal autonomy and spiritual growth, and adherence to ethical principles. While these elements may vary in emphasis and interpretation among different Wiccan traditions and individuals, they provide a guiding framework for Wiccan beliefs and practices..
Reviews for "Incorporating the core teachings of Wicca into your daily life"
1. John - 2/5
I found "What are the key elements of wiccan doctrine" to be quite disappointing. The book lacked depth and failed to provide a comprehensive understanding of Wiccan doctrine. The author seemed to skim over important topics, leaving me feeling unsatisfied and uninformed. Additionally, the writing style was dry and repetitive, making it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking to learn about Wiccan doctrine.
2. Emily - 1/5
I have to say, "What are the key elements of wiccan doctrine" was a complete waste of my time. The information presented was too basic and could easily be found with a quick internet search. There was no unique perspective or insightful analysis offered in this book. Furthermore, it felt like the author was simply regurgitating information without offering any personal experiences or anecdotes to make it more relatable. I would advise anyone interested in Wiccan doctrine to look elsewhere for a more informative and engaging read.
3. Amanda - 2/5
I had high hopes for "What are the key elements of wiccan doctrine," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The book lacked structure and organization, making it difficult to follow along. The author's explanations were often convoluted and confusing, leaving me more puzzled than enlightened. The lack of visual aids or diagrams also made it challenging to grasp complex concepts. Overall, I found this book to be underwhelming and would not recommend it to anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of Wiccan doctrine.
4. Michael - 2/5
"What are the key elements of wiccan doctrine" failed to impress me. The author's writing style was uninspiring, making it difficult to stay engaged. While the book did cover some essential elements of Wiccan doctrine, it lacked depth and did not provide enough context or historical background. I was disappointed by the lack of supporting evidence or references to reputable sources. This book could have been more informative and credible with better research and a more engaging writing style. Overall, I wouldn't recommend it to those looking for a comprehensive exploration of Wiccan doctrine.