Wiccaft places near me refer to the locations and spaces where individuals interested in Wicca, a modern pagan witchcraft religion, can gather and practice their beliefs. These places can include stores, shops, community centers, and even outdoor spaces like parks or forests. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of Wiccaft places opening up around the world, including in various cities and towns. These establishments aim to provide resources, tools, and guidance to individuals who identify as Wiccan or are curious about the religion. Wiccaft places can be a hub for like-minded individuals to connect, learn, and explore their spirituality. Many of these locations sell a wide range of Wiccan supplies, such as herbs, crystals, candles, tarot cards, and spell books.
I find these kinds of prayers/litanies/poems inspiring as a writer. They add enormously to the sense of depth in a world, and they can become important plot points: witness the magical powers Patrick’s Rune has in A Swiftly Tilting Planet, or the wizards’ frequent struggles with how to interpret the Oath and act ethically. And they can, on occasion, add to my life, as touchstones that can provide comfort or courage
In the 1960 s and 1970 s right into the mid-1980 s karate tournaments were very popular and since at that time there were no kick-boxing or mixed martial arts contests karate and judo tournaments were the only venue for most of the young Martial Artists from white to black belt. Without going into extensive detail I quickly discovered that Sifu Lee , in spite of his young age, being a year older than myself and is a very able bodied and accomplished Martial Artist.
Many of these locations sell a wide range of Wiccan supplies, such as herbs, crystals, candles, tarot cards, and spell books. Some may also offer services like divination readings, workshops, and classes on various aspects of Wicca and witchcraft. These places can also serve as safe spaces for Wiccans to gather and celebrate their rituals and ceremonies, especially during significant holidays like Samhain, Yule, and Beltane.
The Geek’s Prayer: Spirituality, comfort, and conviction in SF lit
“A Swiftly Tilting Planet.” Novel by Madeleine L’Engle; painting by Rowena Morrill.
… That’s a very long title for a post that probably won’t live up to it.
I’ve been rereading a bunch of books lately, including some of Diane Duane‘s Young Wizards series. (I just bought her revised and updated versions of the first seven books for my Kindle; she has a sale that I think ends today that you should totally go take advantage of.) A couple nights ago a friend got me thinking about the intersection of Shakespeare and the Young Wizards universe, and I ended up rereading the Wizard’s Oath in order to translate it into iambic pentameter, as one does:
In Life’s name, and for Life’s sake, I say that I will use the Art for nothing but the service of that Life. I will guard growth and ease pain. I will fight to preserve what grows and lives well in its own way; and I will change no object or creature unless its growth and life, or that of the system of which it is part, are threatened. To these ends, in the practice of my Art, I will put aside fear for courage, and death for life, when it is right to do so–till Universe’s end.
That’s the version from So You Want to Be a Wizard, the first book in the series; slightly different permutations appear in other books. I’ve heard from multiple people that they figured, when they first read the books, that the Oath was slightly different in each book for safety’s sake — so that none of the non-wizardly kids reading would recite the actual, accurate Oath and accidentally find themselves pledged to a lifetime of fighting entropy etc etc.
What struck me, while I was rereading the Oath and trying to work it into a rhyming, metered scheme, was how much it reminded me of the Prayer of St. Francis, which has always been one of my favorite Catholic prayers:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
I couldn’t tell you which came first for me, the Oath or St. Francis; honestly, I probably became cognizant of them at about the same time, age 10 or so, so maybe it’s no wonder that they each remind me so much of the other.
Of course, if I’m going to talk about prayers and YA sci-fi, I can’t not talk about Patrick’s Rune, introduced to me by Madeleine L’Engle in A Swiftly Tilting Planet:
At Tara today in this fateful hour
I place all Heaven with its power,
And the sun with its brightness,
And the snow with its whiteness,
And fire with all the strength it hath,
And lightning with its rapid wrath,
And the winds with their swiftness along their path,
And the sea with its deepness,
And the rocks with their steepness,
And the earth with its starkness
All these I place,
By God’s almighty help and grace,
Between myself and the powers of darkness.
Wikipedia tells me that this is based on the Lorica of St. Patrick, and that the term lorica — a prayer for protection — comes from the Latin for “armor.” This might explain why I always find myself thinking of this poem when I’m on planes.
A third prayer/incantation that was part of my childhood did not come from the source you think it did:
I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain.
That’s the litany against fear from Frank Herbert’s Dune, which I have neither read nor seen. No, instead, I got this from the Earthworm Jim cartoon, wherein Jim’s sidekick Peter Puppy would frantically chant the first three lines in stressful situations. Maybe not as dignified a context as Herbert originally intended — but still effective, since it sank into my little geeky brain at a formative age.
My last one, from Spider Robinson’s Callahan’s Crosstime Saloon series, is the law of conservation of pain:
Shared pain is lessened; shared joy, increased. Thus do we refute entropy.
I find these kinds of prayers/litanies/poems inspiring as a writer. They add enormously to the sense of depth in a world, and they can become important plot points: witness the magical powers Patrick’s Rune has in A Swiftly Tilting Planet, or the wizards’ frequent struggles with how to interpret the Oath and act ethically. And they can, on occasion, add to my life, as touchstones that can provide comfort or courage
Are there similar things in books you’ve read that you’ve particularly liked? I thought about including the Gunslinger’s Creed from Stephen King’s Dark Tower series, but it hasn’t had such an influence on my day-to-day life. (Although back when I was doing karate on a regular basis with my very intense sensei looking on and telling me things like “Don’t think about doing it, just do it!” I would occasionally sulkily think I do not aim with my eye, I aim with my hand in an attempt to motivate myself.)
Edit: I was reminded of this, as an appropriate wrap-up.
This is something I don’t take nonchalantly for according to Chinese custom it is an honor to be acknowledged in this manner and I view it as such. Without going into extensive detail I quickly discovered that Sifu Lee , in spite of his young age, being a year older than myself and is a very able bodied and accomplished Martial Artist. His system Yu Jau Dai Yune Do, The Way of Universal Totality , is an internal art derived from elements and principles of Tai Chi Chaun Pa-kua and Hsing I. In 1976 he began training me in his method and while I was a black belt I started at the bottom to learn the rudiments of this particular method based on sound principles. Like in the karate and Ju-jutsu I was learning his method was heavy-laden with realism at its core and we were using boxing gloves and special equipment to train our techniques which back in the 1960’s and 1970’s were not quite in the mainstream vogue yet. Suffice it to say that under Mr.Lee’s tutelage my ability was improved something by the way that was acknowledged by Grandmaster Siringano Sr to Sifu Lee privately in the late 80’s at his annual karate tournament. I was then competing and placed in. This was a true statement and both of us considered it a great honor to be acknowledged by as. Master Siringano was a man of few compliments so if he gave you one you cherished it.
Many establishments often organize gatherings and rituals that are open to the public, allowing newcomers to experience Wiccan practices firsthand and meet other practitioners. Additionally, Wiccaft places can also play a vital role in providing educational resources and information about Wicca. They may have knowledgeable staff who can answer questions and offer guidance to those seeking to deepen their understanding of the religion. These establishments can be essential in dispelling misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding Wicca, helping to create a more inclusive and accepting environment for all. When looking for Wiccaft places near me, it is important to remember that availability may vary depending on your location. However, with the rise of online stores and communities, it has become easier to access Wiccan supplies and resources even in areas where physical establishments may not be present. Overall, Wiccaft places near me offer a space for Wiccans and those interested in the religion to gather, learn, and celebrate their spirituality. They provide a valuable resource for individuals seeking to explore or deepen their understanding of Wicca, fostering a sense of community and support within the Wiccan community..
Reviews for "Essence of the Craft: Unveiling the Best Wiccaft Places Near Me"
1. Jenny - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to visit a Wiccaft place near me, but unfortunately, I was extremely disappointed. The store was small and cluttered with products that seemed cheaply made. The staff seemed disinterested and not very knowledgeable about their own products. I was looking for guidance and recommendations, but they were unable to offer any meaningful help. Overall, my experience was underwhelming, and I wouldn't recommend this particular Wiccaft place to anyone.
2. Mark - 1/5 stars - I had a terrible experience at the supposedly "best" Wiccaft place near me. When I entered the store, it felt like stepping into a time warp. The interior was outdated and poorly maintained. The staff was unfriendly and gave off an unwelcoming vibe. It was clear that they didn't value customer service. The selection of products was limited and lacked variety. Overall, I left feeling frustrated and definitely won't be returning.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes when I visited the Wiccaft place near me, but sadly, it fell short of my expectations. The store lacked organization, making it difficult to find what I was looking for. The staff appeared disorganized and uninterested in helping customers. Additionally, the prices were unreasonably high for the quality of the products. I left feeling like I wasted my time and money, and I won't be returning to this store in the future.
4. Alex - 3/5 stars - My experience at the Wiccaft place near me was average at best. While the staff was friendly, the store itself lacked ambiance and had a basic selection of products. I was hoping for a more immersive and engaging experience, but this place fell short. It's worth a visit if you're in the area, but I wouldn't go out of my way to visit it again.