The word "Wiccan" derives from the Old English word "wicca," which means "wise one" or "magician." However, in modern usage, Wiccan refers to a contemporary Pagan religious movement that emerged in the mid-20th century. Wicca is a nature-based spirituality that honors and reveres the Earth and its cycles. It incorporates ritual practices, belief in deities and goddesses, and a focus on personal growth and development. One significant aspect of Wiccan beliefs is the veneration of nature and the acknowledgment of a divine presence or energy that permeates all living things. This belief is often referred to as "nature worship" and emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings.
At the time, the Oregon Nursery Company was the largest nursery on the West Coast and one of the area’s largest employers. But the business declined over the years and closed just before the Great Depression in 1927.
They were looking for a combination live work space when they found the listing for the old Orenco grocery, built in in 1908 by the Oregon Nursery Company. The husband-and-wife team of August Hesse and Courtney Pheils-Hesse both practicing Wiccans purchased the combination store and residence in March, renovated the space over the summer, and opened their shop, Through the Veil, on Oct.
This belief is often referred to as "nature worship" and emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings. Wiccans seek to live in harmony with nature and strive to protect and preserve the environment. Wiccans also practice rituals and ceremonies to celebrate the changing seasons and mark significant milestones in their lives.
Witchcraft store opens in historic Orenco Mercantile
Through the Veil The restored Orenco Mercantile opened on Oct. 1 as Through the Veil, a retail store selling witchcraft supplies and other oddities. (Samantha Swindler/Samantha Swindler/ The Oregonian)
Just in time for Halloween: The historic Orenco grocery building in one of Hillsboro’s oldest neighborhoods has reopened as a retail store selling Wiccan items, witchcraft supplies and oddities.
The husband-and-wife team of August Hesse and Courtney Pheils-Hesse – both practicing Wiccans – purchased the combination store and residence in March, renovated the space over the summer, and opened their shop, Through the Veil, on Oct. 1.
They’ve given the former grocery a gothic makeover, installing a gloss-black tin ceiling, dramatic green chandeliers and chartreuse damask-patterned fabric wallpaper. Outside, a 12-foot skeleton greets visitors. Inside, shoppers will find oils, sages, animal skulls, candles and crystals.
“We’ve got everything you might need for spell casting,” Pheils-Hesse said. “Books galore, tarot cards, incense. We try to carry anything and everything you could need as a practicing Wiccan, witch, or pagan.”
Pheils-Hesse also creates custom ritual clothing and sells a selection of robes, cloaks and gowns.
Shoppers who aren’t seeking religious items will still find plenty to peruse, from artwork and jewelry to Halloween-themed housewares and spooky figurines.
Hesse formerly owned a retail shop in Michigan that sold spiritual gifts and books. Last December, the couple decided to relocate to Oregon – a move prompted by “intuition,” Hesse said.
They were looking for a combination live/work space when they found the listing for the old Orenco grocery, built in in 1908 by the Oregon Nursery Company. The nursery had founded Orenco as a company town two years earlier and taken the town’s name from the company initials.
At the time, the Oregon Nursery Company was the largest nursery on the West Coast and one of the area’s largest employers. But the business declined over the years and closed just before the Great Depression in 1927.
The city of Orenco was officially dissolved in 1938, but the Orenco Mercantile lived on until 1968. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the Orenco area was eventually annexed by Hillsboro, though the neighborhood retained its unique rural character.
Since 1983, the mercantile building had been owned by a couple who lived in the attached home and used the former grocery to house their large collection of antiques. The mercantile’s new owners plan to retain the space’s historic look as they continue renovations. They hope to eventually open the store’s second floor to offer Wiccan classes and full moon gatherings.
If you go: Through the Veil, 6698 N.E. Alder St. in Hillsboro, is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, and closed Monday. Find the store online at facebook.com/throughtheveilshop.
The city of Orenco was officially dissolved in 1938, but the Orenco Mercantile lived on until 1968. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the Orenco area was eventually annexed by Hillsboro, though the neighborhood retained its unique rural character.
These rituals often include the use of symbols, such as the pentacle and the triple moon, as well as tools like candles, incense, and crystals. Wiccan rituals are designed to honor the gods and goddesses, connect with the divine, and manifest positive intentions and goals. Another key aspect of Wiccan beliefs is the concept of the God and Goddess as divine beings. Wiccans worship a duality of deities, often represented as a male god and a female goddess. These deities are seen as embodying different aspects of the natural world and are revered for their wisdom, power, and guidance. Wicca emphasizes personal spiritual growth and development. Practitioners often engage in self-reflection, meditation, and spellwork to enhance their spiritual understanding and to manifest positive change in their lives. Wiccan ethics are guided by the principle of "harm none," which encourages practitioners to act in ways that do not cause harm to themselves, others, or the natural world. In conclusion, the word "Wiccan" encompasses a modern Pagan religious movement that emphasizes the veneration of nature, the practice of rituals and ceremonies, the worship of a male god and female goddess, and personal spiritual growth. Wiccans seek to live in harmony with the Earth and strive to create positive change in their lives and the wider world through their beliefs and practices..
Reviews for "The Semantic Journey of "Wiccan" from the Margins to the Mainstream"
1. John - 1/5 - I found "What is the sense of the word wiccan" to be incredibly confusing and poorly structured. The author seemed to jump around from topic to topic without providing any clear explanations or examples. I was left feeling frustrated and no closer to understanding the sense of the word. The writing style was convoluted and difficult to follow, making it a chore to read. Overall, I would not recommend this book for anyone looking to learn about wiccan.
2. Sarah - 2/5 - As someone who has a basic understanding of wiccan, I was disappointed with this book. The author failed to provide any new insights or information beyond what can be easily found online. The explanations were often vague and lacked depth, leaving me wanting more. Additionally, the book was riddled with spelling and grammatical errors, which made it difficult to take seriously. While it had the potential to be an informative read, "What is the sense of the word wiccan" fell flat and left me unsatisfied.
3. Emma - 1/5 - This book was a waste of my time and money. The author's writing style was pretentious and overly verbose, making it difficult to understand the main points. I was hoping for a straightforward explanation of the sense of the word wiccan, but instead, I was bombarded with unnecessary jargon and convoluted language. It seemed like the author was trying to sound intelligent rather than actually provide useful information. I would caution anyone considering reading this book to look elsewhere for a more coherent and accessible explanation of wiccan.