Wiccan religion is a modern pagan, witchcraft-based belief system. It is centered around the worship of the Earth and the recognition of the divine in nature. Wiccans follow a polytheistic belief system, honoring multiple gods and goddesses, often from Celtic or Greco-Roman traditions. Wiccans celebrate the cycles of the seasons and the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. They hold rituals and ceremonies to mark these occasions, often following a calendar known as the Wheel of the Year. These rituals can involve the use of spells, divination, and other magical practices, and are typically conducted in a sacred space called a "circle.
Update 7/18/16: Mystical Emporium Inc. has likewise met the fate of it’s predecessor and is now permanently closed.
I adopt a global perspective to clarify the changes that occult healing underwent following the popularisation of new printing technologies, mass media and transnational spiritualism in early twentieth-century China. The relative stability and political freedom enjoyed in the French Concession and International Settlement created what Wen-Hsin Yeh has called the Shanghai splendour.
These rituals can involve the use of spells, divination, and other magical practices, and are typically conducted in a sacred space called a "circle." Central to Wiccan beliefs is the concept of "harm none." Wiccans strive to live in harmony with nature and do not believe in causing harm to others.
Harry's Occult Shop
Open since 1917, Harry’s Occult Shop originally began as a traditional pharmacy. However, many of the first customers that came into the shop were Black southerners, who would repeatedly ask Harry for various powders and oils of an “occult” nature. The southerners came up to the north bringing their Hoodoo, (a type of folk magic not to be confused with voodoo) traditions with them, and a consumers demand for the appropriate powders, blessed candles and incenses.
At first confused by these requests, Harry began researching the Occult (also known as White Magic), and soon began creating his own Occult powders and spiritual products on the premises, complete with his own homemade labels. Harry became known for advising customers on emotional and physical problems and helping them to use his products to treat their conditions. Harry proclaimed the mottos of the shop to be “We Aim to Help” and “Light a Torch for the Good and Cross Swords Against Evil.”
While often associated with evil, the word Occult simply means hidden, unheard or unseen, and the occult products Harry sells come out of a long American tradition of Spiritualism, Mysticism and Hoodoo. According to the shop they are used only to create positive energies and bring about changes in the recipient.
While Harry’s has gone through a series of owners since 1945, it continues to be known for teaching customers how to use “candles and other Occult products such as oils, incense, herbs, baths, floor wash, seals etc. to put positive energies” into the universe, and “to help change the negative blockages that are affecting the world.”
Today the shop is managed by Marcia Finnegan, who, along with other “spiritual advisors” in the shop, continue to coach customers on how to use their special Occult products to remove negativity from their lives. In addition to the original shop, Marcia has a wellness center on the second floor specializing in “Reiki healings, Neuro Linguistic Programming, Hypnotherapy, and Stress Management.”
Update: After having been open for nearly 100 years Harry’s Occult Shop has closed its doors. It has re-opened as Mystical Emporium Inc. on 1210 S St. Philadelphia. However reopened in a former nail salon with bright lighting, the new store lacks much of the atmosphere of the original Harry’s.
Update 7/18/16: Mystical Emporium Inc. has likewise met the fate of it’s predecessor and is now permanently closed.
Update 1/14/18: Mystical Emporium Inc. has become Harry’s World and is now open to the public. This update is of discovery and not the actual date it opened. It is now located at 1210 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147. You can call them at (215)-309-3326.
The importance of handwritten texts for talismanic learning should not be underestimated: rather than published in transcription form, the Compendium was for decades produced as a printed manuscript. The 1922, 1924, 1925 and 1935 editions of the Compendium, the only copies available to us today, were all produced through photolithography (yingyin 影印), a newly arrived technology publishers did not measure efforts to underline. In a series of advertisements issued in the 1920s, the East Asia Press and World Books announced, in large characters, that their edition of the Compendium was ‘purely a photocopy of Mr Yu’s original manuscript’, and assured that no changes were made to the printed version. 37 This, combined with the fact that most of the specialised texts of talismanic healing that have survived to this day are manuscripts, reveal that the written word, even in its modern printed form, remained essential for the efficacy of talismans and spells. 38 The use of manuscripts as a support for the transmission of talismanic knowledge and the practice of publishing talismanic texts as printed manuscripts both remain common in China today. 39 In the case of Yu’s book, this strategy enjoyed a remarkable success: published for the first time in 1922, two years later the Compendium was already in its fifth edition. Advertisements for the book can be found all through the 1930s.
They believe in the "Rule of Three," which states that whatever energy or action someone puts out into the world will come back to them threefold. Wiccans also have a strong emphasis on personal responsibility and individual spiritual exploration. They do not have a central authority or dogma and instead rely on personal experience and intuition to guide their spiritual path. Wiccan religion has gained popularity in recent years, attracting many individuals who are interested in exploring alternative spiritual practices and connecting with nature. It embraces a reverence for the Earth and seeks to live in harmony with the natural world..
Reviews for "Wiccan Spells: Understanding the Practice of Magic in Wiccan Religion"
1. John - 1 star - I found the definition of the Wiccan religion to be confusing and poorly written. It seemed like the author didn't have a clear understanding of the subject matter and the information provided was more of a jumbled mess than a coherent explanation. It left me with more questions than answers and I would not recommend this definition to anyone looking to learn about Wicca.
2. Sarah - 2 stars - As someone who has studied Wicca for years, I was disappointed by this definition. It lacked depth and failed to capture the true essence of the religion. It seemed like a superficial overview that barely scratched the surface. Additionally, there were a few inaccuracies that made it clear the author didn't do enough research. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and would suggest looking for a more comprehensive source if you want to learn about Wicca.
3. Mark - 1 star - This definition of the Wiccan religion was too vague and generalized. It didn't delve into the various traditions and practices within Wicca, making it seem like a one-size-fits-all religion, which it definitely is not. It failed to highlight the diversity and complexities of Wiccan beliefs and practices, leaving the reader with a shallow understanding of the religion. I would not recommend this definition to anyone seeking accurate information about Wicca.
4. Jessica - 2 stars - While the definition of the Wiccan religion had some basic information, it lacked depth and failed to address important aspects such as the ethical principles followed by Wiccans and the reverence for nature. It felt like a rushed and incomplete explanation that left out key elements. I would suggest seeking out more comprehensive resources if you want a better understanding of Wicca.
5. Michael - 2 stars - I found the definition of the Wiccan religion to be too simplistic and watered down. It didn't do justice to the complexity and spiritual depth of Wiccan beliefs and practices. I was hoping for a more nuanced explanation that would help me understand the intricacies of this ancient religion, but I was left disappointed. I would recommend looking for more detailed sources if you want to truly grasp the essence of Wicca.