What is Paganism and being a Pagan Mean?

I often get asked about what is Paganism and what constitutes being a pagan.

I find Wikipedia a great source of information. Here are some snippets I took to help you understand what the word Pagan and Paganism really means.

Incidently (or maybe not so) the growth of Pagans and Pagan religions is at an all time high at this point in time.

Remember too that whilst it is accepted by many that witches and pagans are synonomous. That Witchcraft exists in ALL religions - not just Pagan ones


Paganism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "Both 'pagan' and 'heathen' have historically been used as a pejorative by adherents of monotheistic religions (such as Judaism, Christianity and Islam) to indicate a disbeliever in their religion. 'Paganism' is also sometimes used to mean the lack of (an accepted monotheistic) religion, and therefore sometimes means essentially the same as atheism. 'Paganism' frequently refers to the religions of classical antiquity, most notably Greek mythology or Roman religion, and can be used neutrally or admiringly by those who refer to those complexes of belief. However, until the rise of Romanticism and the general acceptance of freedom of religion in Western civilization, 'paganism' was almost always used disparagingly of heterodox beliefs falling outside the established political framework of the Christian Church. It has more recently (from the 19th century) been used admiringly by those who believe monotheistic religions to be confining or colourless.

Christianity itself has been perceived at times as a form of paganism by followers of the other Abrahamic religions[3][4]because of, for example, the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, the celebration of pagan feast days[5], and other practices [6] - through a process described as "baptising" [7]or "christianization". Even between Christians there have been similar charges of paganism levelled, especially by Protestants[8],[9], towards the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches for their veneration of the saints and images.

Pagan religions

The pagan religions are divided into two great groups: the American Paganism and the European (or classic) Paganism.



* Ancient Greek religion
* Ancient Near East Paganism
* Celtic polytheism
* Baltic paganism
* Finnish paganism
* Germanic paganism
* Paganism in the Eastern Alps
* Slavic paganism
* Egyptian Paganism


Neopaganism

In another sense, as used by modern practitioners, Paganism is a polytheistic, panentheistic, or pantheistic religious practice, often nature-based. Most Pagans consider themselves to be religious, however some others use the term for a form of Atheism, Agnosticism, or philosophy. Neopaganism includes reconstructed religions such as Hellenic polytheism, Celtic Reconstructionist Paganism, and the many Germanic revivals such as Ásatrú, Heathenry, Norse paganism and Theodism. Due to the fact that Reconstructionist religions are polytheistic revivals and elaborations based on surviving cultural practices, many Reconstructionists prefer to be called Pagans, not Neopagans. It might best be assessed that they inhabit a grey area between Pagan and Neopagan.

Also categorised as Neopagan are religions such as Forn Sed, Neo-druidism, Longobardic Odinism, Lithuanian Romuva, and Slavic Rodoverie that also claim to revive an ancient religion rather than reconstruct it, though in general the difference is not absolutely fixed.

Modern eclectic traditions such as Discordianism, and Wicca and its many offshoots are Neopagan, although Wiccans and Wiccan-influenced Neopagans may also refer to themselves simply as "Pagan".

Modern nature religion

Many current Pagans in industrial societies base their beliefs and practices on a connection to Nature, and a divinity within all living things, but this may not hold true for all forms of Paganism, past or present. Some believe that there are many deities, while some believe that the combined subconscious spirit of all living things forms the universal deity. Paganism pre-dates modern monotheism, although its origins are lost in prehistory.

Witches Also Celebrate Valentines Day!

I know that for many Valentines Day is more deserved of being called Hallmark Day

The thing though with a day like today - is that it reminds us of something that is worthwhile doing 24/7 for every day of the year...

And that is to LOVE one another.

This is not confined to romantic love alone - this is about opening your heart and giving of yourself and your positive regard to others.

As opposed to waiting, hoping or demanding you get it first.

You see this is also what makes Witches so powerful.

A true witch who practices the craft draws on his/her power by going into their heart.

It is about consciously creating with an open heart space.

When we are in a state of love, joy, peace, calm, fulfilment we are able to manifest more powerfully what it is we desire.

Now you might read that and think - "that's impossible, how can I do that, when I want this so so much?!"

And that is what it is ALL about. That you can see, touch, taste and feel what you want to have as if you have it now - so you feel those joyous, happy, loving feels as you would when your heart's desire comes to you.

As remember the universal principal is that LIKE attracts LIKE.

So whether it be today - Febraury 14th or any other day - I encourage you to open your heart - as when you do...you will be opening your power to consciously create magick in your life!

Happy Valentines Day to Witches and those still yet to become...

Arabella

Granddaughter of Jailed ‘Witch’ Seeks Pardon

Granddaughter Seeks Pardon for a Woman Convicted of Witchcraft During World War II

My heard goes out to this brave woman who is seeking a pardon for her grandmother. She was convicted under an 18th century anti-witchcraft law during World War II, because her accurate predications and psychic counseling made the military authorities nervous.

Her granddaughter was taunted in school for having a grandmother labeled as a "witch," and now she is seeking a pardon for her grandmother.

To read the entire story, click on the link below. This woman needs to be heard.

Granddaughter of jailed ‘witch’ seeks pardon

Arabella Jolie

Granddaughter Seeks Pardon for a Woman Convicted of Witchcraft During World War II

My Spell Didn't Work - So Witchcraft Doesn't Work!

"Witchcraft doesn't work - so my spell didn't work!"

I sometimes receive emails from people saying exactly that to me. They cast a spell yesterday, last week, a couple of weeks ago and it didn't produce the results they desired.

A couple of things I say consistently in response to that are:

The foundation of witchcraft is based on belief – believing that something you desire can and will happen. Like attracts like.

So the key is for you to be in that position of believing that you have the power to create what you desire, and the spell is your vehicle to do this. Otherwise, no amount of spell casting or magick making will work.

The power comes from the witch themselves – and everyone has that power.

When you decide you have that, then you will see spells working for you very quickly.

So that is how you begin, then when you have cast your spell...

If you are waiting (think fingers drumming on the table top, or waiting expectantly for it to materialize) for the spell to happen - your energy and focus is actually on that it 'might not happen' - whereas the key to casting a spell is to know with absolutely certainty it will happen for you and then you let it go. Waiting is not a factor as you know it is going to happen.

You do not cast a spell and then expect it to happen overnight or within a week - as again that is telling that your energy is on fear, anxiety and that it may not happen.

YOU are the key to the spell working - and it is about you having that certainty of what you want to have happen will - you can feel it as if it is your reality now.

I can promise you that when you fully, truly and deeply believe that what you want to have happen will - to the point that you can see, feel, touch and taste it - it will eventuate.

Because...LIKE ATTRACTS LIKE - the energy you put out will come back to you in like. If you focus on hoping, worrying or wondering if it will happen - you will stay in that state - it wont eventuate. When you trust, know and accept it as a certainty - so it becomes.

Discover Your Personal Power Through Witchcraft

Arabella

"Witchcraft doesn't work - so my spell didn't work!"

Is Witchcraft Evil?

Hi there,

I want to spend some time answering some questions I typically get asked about Witchcraft.

The first one is: "Is witchcraft evil?"

Short answer is no it's not! :-)

Witchcraft - true witchcraft comes from an open hearted, loving space. And it is about working as one with the universal energies and nature to consciously create.

A witch can divine for her/himself - there is absolutely nothing wrong with consciously creating positive things for yourself.

The key is that you do not knowingly spell cast at the expense of another.

Nor must you EVER divine against another's free will. This is especially important when casting love spells. You can indeed put out a person's name - and let it go, also stating that you ask the universal energies to bring you what is for your highest good.

So witchcraft in many many ways - is the root of all personal development today!

It is about consciously creating.

A witch's power comes from his/her ability to be able to see, feel, taste, touch what it is they want as if they have it now. They have absolutely certainty and belief and are focusing on what they do want versus what they don't.

Witches also should never cast a spell involving another person without that person's express request or approval to do so.

I personally am a fan for people casting their own spells for themselves - as I believe we have the greatest power to attract what it is we want - as like attracts like.

Where the power of a group spell can be useful is if a friend or coven members asks you to support them with a particular spell - it might be for improved health, or strength in the face of a difficult personal situation.

There are many more things I want to write about.

I will leave those for another time :-)

BB

Arabella

A Cleansing Spell

I thought you might enjoy this...this is a tried, tested and true
Witchcraft ritual around Cleansing.

Magickal Cleansing spells have very little to do with actual
cleanliness - as we traditionally define it.

A Cleansing spell at it's most basic removes psychic and spiritual
debris.

A certain level of this debris accumulates constantly. As you
become more pyshically aware, you may become more conscious to this
and feel a greater desire to have regular cleansing rituals.

Cleasing spells remove low-level spiritual entities that knowingly
or unknowingly obstruct or weaken your own psychic work. Lessening
your chances of success.

In addition cleansings welcome and make room for more helpful,
benevolent spirits.

With cleansing spells you may choose to cleanse areas, people,
ritual tools or other objects.

This sort of magick is extremely personal magick and the results
are apparent immediately. As in you FEEL cleansed.

There are many different cleansing spells/rituals you can
undertake, some with candles, brooms, bells and much more.

I would like to share with you a very simple and abudantly powerful
cleansing spell using the...

SMUDGE STICK

***************
A Smudge Stick is a small wand made from dried botanicals.

Smudging is the process of using directed smoke to cleanse an area,
person or object.

Smudge sticks are readily available from New Age stores or you can

make your own...

1) Dry bunches of herbs

2) When they have completely dried, bind them together with thin
cotton thread

3) When needed, the stick is lit and the smoke is directed towards
and over whatever needs cleansings

4) You may use your bare hands to direct the smoke

PLEASE BE AWARE OF SAFETY!

Smudge sticks are neat, compact and easily controlled, descreet and
mobile.

Smudge sticks tend to smolder long after the flames appear to have
died out.

Do not leave the stick unattended or out in the open. Rest it
fully on a metal tray or dinner plate when finished using it - and
do not let it come into direct contact with anything flamable.

Have water nearby as a back-up.

What herbs to use
***************

i) White sage or common garden sage

ii) Rosemary

iii) Juniper

iv) Sandalwood

v) Thyme

Protecting Your While Working With Witchcraft

Here's another little spell I wanted to share with you when working with magick and spell casting:

Protecting Yourself While Working With Witchcraft Magick

There are other things that you will need to do in order to keep yourself safe. All spell work should begin with some ritual to cleanse and protect the space you are working in. Some call this “Casting the Circle.” There are an endless number of variations on ways to prepare your space. Some are more complicated than other. The important thing is to find a ritual that works well for you personally. Below are two options, the first being more simple.

To Prepare and Cleanse a Sacred Space Spell I

Tools and Ingredients

Alter or Sacred Space
Salt

Step 1. Lightly sprinkle salt in a circle around yourself while speaking the following words: I consecrate this place/ for the Goddess within and without/ Only love and good can remain/ hate and evil are cast out.

To Prepare and Cleanse a Sacred Space Spell II

Tools and Ingredients

Alter or Sacred Space
Ceremonial knife
One white candle
One red candle
One blue candle
One black candle


Step 1. Imagine your space as a circle and set the candles around it. Place the white candle at a point facing East, the red candle at point facing South, the blue candle at a point facing West and the black candle at a point facing North. If you are using an alter, it is best to position it in the Northern corner.

Step 2. Carrying the knife, go to the Eastern corner and light the candle. Rise and remain facing East. You will now trace a pentagram (five-pointed star) in the air using the knife. Begin at the top of the pentagram and go down to the left, continuing until you return to the top. As you trace the pentagram, speak the following words: I invoke the East and Power of Air/ I call on the Breath of the Goddess/ Protect and guide me.

Step 3. Carrying the knife, go to the Southern corner and light the candle. Rise and remain facing South. You will now trace a pentagram in the air using the knife. Begin at the top of the pentagram and go down to the left, continuing until you return to the top. As you trace the pentagram, speak the following words: I invoke the South and Power of Fire/ I call on the Flame of Her spirit/ Protect and guide me.

Step 4. Carrying the knife, go to the Western corner and light the candle. Rise and remain facing West. You will now trace a pentagram in the air using the knife. Begin at the top of the pentagram and go down to the left, continuing until you return to the top. As you trace the pentagram, speak the following words: I invoke the West and Power of Water/ I call on the Water of Her womb/ Protect and guide me.

Step 5. Carrying the knife, go to the Northern corner and light the candle. Rise and remain facing North. You will now trace a pentagram in the air using the knife. Begin at the top of the pentagram and go down to the left, continuing until you return to the top. As you trace the pentagram, speak the following words: I invoke the North and Power of Earth/ I call on the Earth that is Her body/ Protect and guide me.

Step 6. Complete the ritual by stating, The circle is cast and consecrated/ in the name of the Goddess within and without

Arabella

"Attract A New Love" Spell

I thought you might enjoy this witchcraft spell :-)

Sometimes, even when you are ready for a new relationship, things seem to need a little push.

Simple chance can play such an important part in helping a potential love come across your path. Using a spell to invite those with certain qualities into your life can be an effective way to attract new love, or try to attract the love of someone already in your life. The spell below does more than that by also putting energy into allowing others to see you for the attractive, unique and loving person you are.

To Attract a New Love Spell

Tools and ingredients

Alter or Sacred Space
5-6 inch circle of red fabric
Blue ribbon
Red candle
Dried lavender
Small piece of rose quartz
Small piece of copper (a coin, ring or piece of wire is acceptable)
Ylang Ylang oil
Orange oil
A plate

Step 1. After collecting the tools and ingredients, prepare your space according to your own ritual, or by lightly sprinkling salt in a circle around yourself while speaking the following words: I consecrate this place/ for the Goddess within and without/ only love and good can remain/ hate and evil are cast out.

Step 2. Light the red candle and think for a moment about the type of person you want to attract into your life. Select three qualities that you want them to have, for example honesty, strength and sensuality. If you already know who you are trying to attract, think of their name and visualize them. Then consider the best aspects of yourself and try to think of the three things you most want others to see in you, for example, intelligence, enthusiasm and grace.

Step 3. Place the plate on the alter and set the red fabric circle on it. Take a pinch of the dried lavender and hold it in your clasped hands. Inhale the aroma of the lavender while speaking these words: My heart is open and ready for love/ may the Goddess bless my new journey.

Step 4. Rubbing your hands together, allow the lavender to sprinkle onto the red fabric circle.

Step 5. Place a few drops of the Ylang Ylang oil onto your hands and then begin to rub the oil into the piece of rose quartz while speaking the following words at least three times (insert the qualities of type of person you wish to have in your life): Bright One inside and around me/ let one with ______, ______, and ______ come into my life!

Alternative. If you already know the person whose love you are trying to attract, use this incantation instead: Bright One inside and around me/ if it will be for the good of all/ Let ______ and I see each other with open hearts and open minds/ that love may begin anew.

Step 6. Place the piece of rose quartz onto the red fabric.

Step 7. Place a few drops of the orange oil onto your hands and rub the oil into the piece of copper while speaking the following words at least three times (insert the three things you most want others to see in you): You, who are all things beautiful and true/ let me feel you inside of me/ always remembering the _______, _______, and _______ that exist in me.

Step 8. Place the piece of copper onto the red fabric.

Step 9. Take the red candle and hold it above the fabric, allow one drop of wax to fall on the items gathered below for each of the following sentences: In your name, Goddess, I am ready for love/ Let those with _______,________, and _______ come into my life/ Let all see the ______, _______, and _______ inside of me/ By my will, so mote it be!

Alternative. If you already know the person whose love you are trying to attract, use this incantation instead:

In your name, Goddess, I am ready for love/ Let ______ and I see each other with open hearts and open minds / Let him see the ______, _______, and _______ inside of me/ By my will, so mote it be!

Step 10. Gather up the circle to form a pouch. Use the blue ribbon to close it tightly with seven knots. Keep the pouch with you, tied around your neck or waist, until your spell has accomplished its goal.

Arabella

A Happy Home Spell

I am a great believer in your home being your foundation to your
own wellbeing.

In today's modern world we have so much going on in our lives -
with our jobs, our relationships, our family, our health, our
finances, OUR SELVES!

That sometimes you might be feeling like a juggler that truly could
do with about 3 more pairs of hands!

When all else is not peaceful on the home front it can be extremely
hard to concentrate on anything else.

Sometimes more than anything, you need to have a peaceful home and
a family (or flatmates) that don't argue.

This is where magick and witchcraft can help:

Now the ideal is to perform a HAPPY HOME spell before you move into
a new place - believing that it is easier to prevent trouble than
fix it.

AND you can still get powerful results from a spell cast when you
might be right in the midst of strife.

In fact a favorite spell of mine is the:

Basil Happiness Spell
*********************

I especially like this one because it has the added benefit of
attracting financial abundance as well - you see basil is the herb
of positive abundance.

First up:

1) Buy a new broom yourself (and discard any old ones) and use this
new broom to sweep the floors of any old negative energy hanging
around (this broom MUST be new - to bring in positive new
experiences).

2) Grow Basil in your garden, around the house

and/or

3) Place pots of fresh basil by your front entrance and around the
perimeter of your home

and/or

4) If it's not possible to grow basil - then place fresh basil in a
vase in a prominent spot in your kitchen, replacing it weekly or as
soon as it starts to spoil.

This Basil will draw into your house joy, harmony, tranquility,
cooperation and peace.

And also be aware that YOU TOO must have the right and matching
energy and focus of a desire to have a happy, harmonious home - do
not project the responsibility onto others.

Remember LIKE attracts LIKE.

So cast this spell and YOU also be what you are asking for :-)

Peace

Arabella

Welcome To The Underground Witchcraft Secrets Blog

Welcome to the official Underground Witchcraft Secrets Blog. Here you will learn about practicing White Witchcraft, including Spell Casting, Wicca and Magick in general.

You will grow to learn that the foundation of Witchcraft is around conscious creation - which I will go into more depth about in upcoming posts.

Peace

Arabella