The 13 Wiccan Principles The following set of thirteen principles was adopted by the Council of American Witches, in April,

1974. -- We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the Moon and the seasonal Quarters and Cross Quarters. -- We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility toward our environment. We seek to live in harmony with Nature, in ecological balance offering fulfillment and consciousness within an evolutionary concept. -- We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than that apparent to the average person. Because it is far greater than ordinary it is sometimes called supernatural, but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all. -- We conceive of the Creative Power in the universe as manifesting through polarity ~ as masculine and feminine ~ and that this same Creative Power lies in all people, and functions through the interaction of the masculine and feminine. We value neither above the other, knowing each to be supportive to each other. We value sex as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of energies used in magickal practice and religious worship. -- We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological, worlds sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconscious, Inner Planes, etc. ~ and we see in the interaction of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena and magickal exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment. -- We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who have courageously given of themselves in leadership. -- We see religion, magick, and wisdom in living as being united in the way one views the world and lives within it ~a world view and philosophy of life which we identify as Witchcraft. -- Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a Witch - but neither does heredity itself, not the collecting of titles, degrees, and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the forces within her/himself that make life possible in order to live wisely and well without harm to others and in harmony with Nature. -- We believe in the affirmation and fulfillment of life in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness giving meaning to the Universe we know and our personal role within it. -- Our only animosity towards Christianity, or towards any other religion or philosophy of life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be "the only way", and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practice and belief. -- As American {Or World-Wide!} Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft, the origins of various terms, the legitimacy of various aspects of different traditions. We are concerned with our present and our future. -- We do not accept the concept of absolute evil, nor do we worship any entity known as Satan or the Devil, as defined by the Christian tradition. We do not seek power through the sufferings of others, nor accept that personal benefit can be derived only by denial to another. -- We believe that we should seek within Nature that which is contributory to our health and well-being.

The Wiccan Rede

(the LONG version)

Bide within the Law you must, in perfect Love and perfect Trust. Live you must and let to live, fairly take and fairly give. For tread the Circle thrice about to keep unwelcome spirits out. To bind the spell well every time, let the spell be said in rhyme. Light of eye and soft of touch, speak you little, listen much. Honor the Old Ones in deed and name, let love and light be our guides again. Deosil go by the waxing moon, chanting out the joyful tune. Widdershins go when the moon doth wane, and the werewolf howls by the dread wolfsbane. When the Lady's moon is new, kiss the hand to Her times two. When the moon rides at Her peak then your heart's desire seek. Heed the North winds mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail. When the Wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast. When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss you on the mouth. When the wind whispers from the West, all hearts will find peace and rest. Nine woods in the Cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow. Birch wood in the fire goes to represent what the Lady knows. Oak in the forest, towers with might in the fire it brings the God's insight. Rowan is a tree of power causing life and magick to flower. Willows at the waterside stand ready to help us to the Summerland. Hawthorn is burned to purify and to draw faerie to your eye. Hazel-the tree of wisdom and learning- adds its strength to the bright fire burning. White are the flowers of Apple tree that brings us fruits of fertility. Grapes grow upon the vine giving us both joy and wine. Fir does mark the evergreen to represent immortality seen.

But - Elder is the Lady's tree burn it not or cursed you'll be. Four times the Major Sabbats mark in the light and in the dark. As the old year starts to wane the new begins, it's now Samhain. When the time for Imbolg shows watch for flowers through the snows. When the wheel begins to turn soon the Beltane fires will burn. As the wheel turns to Lammas night power is brought to magick rite. Four times the Minor Sabbats fall use the Sun to mark them all. When the wheel has turned to Yule light the log the Horned One rules. In the spring, when night equals day time for Ostara to come our way. When the Sun has reached it's height time for Oak and Holly to fight. Harvesting comes to one and all when the Autumn Equinox does fall. Heed the flower, bush, and tree By the Lady blessed you'll be. Where the rippling waters go cast a stone, the truth you'll know. When you have and hold a need, harken not to others greed. With a fool no season spend Lest you be counted as his friend. Merry Meet and Merry Part bright the cheeks and warm the heart. Mind the Three-fold Laws you should three times bad and three times good. When misfortune is enow wear the star upon your brow. True in love you must ever be unless your love is false to thee. Eight words the Rede fulfil "An' ye harm none, do what ye wilt".

The Witchs Code of Chivalry

- Chivalry is a high code of honor which is of most ancient Pagan origin, and must be lived by all who follow the Old ways. - It must be understood that thoughts and intent put forth on this plane will wax strong in other planes, and return... bringing into creation, on this world, that which had been sent forth. Thus, you should exercise discipline, for "as ye do plant, so shall ye harvest". - It is only by preparing our minds to be as Gods that we can ultimately attain godhead. - Above all else, you must be true to yourself. - A witches word must have the validity of a signed and witnessed oath. Thus, give thy word sparingly, but adhere to it like iron. - Refrain from speaking ill of others, for not all truths of the matter may be known. - Pass not unverified words about another, for hearsay is, in large part, a thing of falsehoods. - Be honest with others, and let them know that honesty is also expected of them. - The heat of the moment plays havoc with the truth. To keep your head is a virtue. - Contemplate always the consequences of your actions upon others. Strive not to harm. - Different covens may well have diverse views on love between members and with others. When a coven, clan, or grove is visited or joined, you should always find out their practices and abide by them, or leave. - Dignity, a gracious manner, and a good humor are much to be admired. - As a witch, you have power, and your powers wax strongly as wisdom increases. Therefore, exercise discretion in their use. - Courage and honor endure forever. Their echoes remain when the mountains have crumbled to dust. - Pledge friendship and fealty to those who warrant it. Strengthen others of this path and they will strengthen you. - You must not reveal the secrets of another witch or another coven. Others have labored long and hard for them, and cherish them as a treasure. - Though there may be differences between those of the Old Ways, those who are once-born must see nothing and must hear nothing. - Those who follow the mysteries should be above reproach in the eyes of the world. - The laws of the land should be obeyed whenever possible and within reason, for the most part they have been chosen with wisdom. - Have pride in yourself and seek perfection in mind and body. For the Lady asks "How cast thou honor another unless thou give honor to thyself first?" - Those who seek the mysteries should consider themselves as select of the Gods, for it is they who lead the race of humankind to the highest of thrones and beyond the stars.

The Charge of the Goddess

Whenever you have need of any thing, once in the month, and better it be when the moon is full, then shall you assemble in some secret place, and adore the spirit of Me, Who am Queen of Heaven. There shall you assemble, you who want to learn arcane secrets, yet have not won the deepest ones; to these will I teach things as yet unknown. You shall be free from slavery, and as a sign that you are really free, you shall be naked in your rites; and you shall dance, sing, feast, make music, and love, all in My praise. For Mine is the ecstasy of the spirit, and Mine also is joy on Earth; for My law is love unto all beings. Keep pure your highest ideal; strive ever towards it, let nothing stop you or turn you aside; for Mine is the secret door which opens upon the land of youth, and Mine is the cup of wine of life, and the cauldron of Cerridwen, which is the Holy Grail of immortality. I am the gracious Goddess, Who gives the gift of joy unto the heart of humankind. Upon Earth, I give the knowledge of the spirit eternal; and beyond death, I give peace, and freedom, and reunion with those who have gone before. I do not demand sacrifice; for behold, I am the Mother of all living, and My love is poured out upon the Earth. I am the beauty of the green Earth, and the white Moon among the stars, and the mystery of the waters, and the desire of the heart of humankind. Call unto your soul; arise, and come unto me; for I am the soul of Nature, Who gives life to the Universe. From Me all things proceed, and unto Me all things must return; and before My face, beloved of Gods and of all peoples, let your innermost Divine self be enfolded in the rapture of the infinite. Let My celebration be within the heart that rejoices; for behold, all acts of love and pleasure are My rituals. And therefore let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honor and humility, mirth and reverence within you. You who think to seek for Me, know your seeking and yearning shall avail you not unless you know the mystery: that is... if that which you seek you find not within yourself, you will never find it without yourself. For behold, I have been with you from the beginning; and I am that which is attained at the end of desire. Aradia de Toscano... researched and recorded by Doreen Valiente, with revisions

The God Charge

Come ye all and hark unto me, The Consort of the Lady, for I am your God. I was brought forth from the Goddess, empowered by the beauty and strength of Her song. I am her Son, Lover, and King as I am also your Son, Lover and King. I am born at the Winter Solstice, a promise of life renewed. As the Sun waxes, so does my strength, and I become the Stag of the forest, roaming free and untamed, until in the Spring, I join with Her, who is the Spirit of Nature Herself, and I am rapt in Her beauty. We join in a holy and sacred love, which brings life to the fields. I continue as the Stag, until at Summer Solstice, She who is Queen calls me to be her King, while I am at the Height of my power. I accept, knowing the responsibility this entails. I am a merciful King, who protects His creatures. At the Harvest, I willingly sacrifice myself, so that my creatures, who I love dearly are provided for during the lean months ahead, when snow and cold blanket the Earth in sleep and Death. I become the sailor of the last seas. As such, I become the Guardian of the Gate between worlds. I bring you to the Island Remembered where I give rest, so that you may become young and be born again as I must also, at Yule, to continue the Pattern. I am the Lord of the Dance, who dances in honor of the Singer of the Song; the Song which brought me forth. I am the Sun, who shines brightly, bringing forth light and warmth of day to the Earth, who is our Mother. I am also the flame, who brings light and warmth into the hearth of your homes, as well as the light and warmth in your hearts. Mine is the lightning which dances across the dark sky for Her favor. Mine is the Seed which empowers Life, and Mine is the comfort between lives, Mine is the lust in your nature, Mine is the joy of the dance in your hearts, Mine is the inspiration in your minds, which fuels progress. Mine is the strength and power of your being, tempered with compassion and mercy. I am your God, I was always here, always patient... waiting for you to return home again to me. I do not seek dominion over the Goddess who brought me forth, nor do I seek dominion over you my children. I do not threaten with damnation, hell, flood or plague, for I love my creatures far too much to do them such harm. I am in you and around you. Turn inward my children and experience your Divinity. The Goddess and Myself joined together make up the Whole and Continuous One, Who is Infinity, which is Divine. As such, We contain you, making you Divinity Incarnate. Know this and never forget this. You who are our creatures and children, are never dirty, but Divine. Strive to see this in each other, for even if you were to forget and forsake Me in this Life, remember the Law "LOVE UNTO ALL BEINGS, LOVE IS THE LAW AND LOVE IS THE BOND". Let My inspiration spawn power with and not power over. Seek not to have dominion over your fellow creatures who share this Time and Space with you. Defend the weak and the oppressed from those who would do this, for the corruption of power over others through fear is a cancer which has afflicted my children and makes me sad. Mine is the joy of the wild forests and of pleasures of hearth, home and each other. But these things will be forfeit, if the destruction of the Mother continues. Reach into your souls and call forth Llugh with His mighty Spear, and Cernunnos mighty and ever-living defender of the Wild places. Defend the Earth Mother from the rape and destruction brought forth by your kind, for if the Earth Mother should be killed, you my creatures, whom I love, will perish also. Know this in your hearts. The Time is now. Know that I am always with you and in you, when ever you have need of me, look to the Sun, or go to some wild place and call my name, and I will come. I am your father, your son, your brother and your lover......You are mine and I am yours through eternity.

The Charge of the Crone

I am the Queen of Magick and the dark of the Moon, Hidden in the deepest night. I am the mystery of the Otherworlds and the fear that coils about your heart in the times of your trials. I am the soul of nature that gives form to the universe; it is I who awaits you at the end of the spiral dance. Most ancient among gods and mortals, let my worship be within the heart that has truly tasted life, for behold all acts of magick and art are my pleasure and my greatest ritual is love itself. Therefore let there be beauty in your strength, compassion in your wrath, power in your humility, and discipline balanced through mirth and reverence.

You who seek to remove my veil and behold my true face, know that all your questing and efforts are for nothing, and all your lust and desires shall avail you not at all. For unless you know my mystery, look wherever you will, it will elude you, for it is within you and nowhere else. Behold, I have ever been with you, from the very beginning, the comforting hand that nurtured you in the dawn of life, and the loving embrace that awaits you at the end of each life, for I am that which is attained at the end of the dance. I am the womb of new beginnings, as yet unimagined and unknown.

Charge of the Dark Goddess

The Dark Goddess speaks to us, through the mouths of Lilith, Kali, Tiamet, Hecate, Nix, the Black Madonna, Nemesis and Morgaine. I am the Darkness behind and beneath the shadows. I am the absence of air that awaits at the bottom of every breath. I am the Ending before Life begins again, the Decay that fertilizes the Living. I am the Bottomless Pit, the never-ending struggle to reclaim that which is denied. I am the Key that unlocks every Door. I am the Glory of Discovery, for I am that which is hidden, secluded and forbidden. Come to me at the Dark Moon and see that which can not be seen, face the terror that is yours alone. Swim to me through the blackest oceans to the center of your greatest fears-the Dark God and I will keep you safe. Scream to us in terror, and yours will be the Power to Forbear. Think of me when you feel pleasure, and I will intensify it, until the time when I may have the greatest pleasure of meeting you at the Crossroads Between the Worlds.

The Witches' Rune

Darksome night and shining Moon, harken to the Witches' rune East and South, West and North, hear me now I call thee forth! By all the powers of land and sea, Be obedient unto me. Wand and pentacle, cup and sword, hearken ye unto my word. Cord and censer, totem and knife, waken all ye unto life. Powers of the Witches' Blade, come ye now as the charge is made! Queen of Heaven , Queen of Hel, send your aid unto my spell. Horned Hunter of the night, work my will by magick rite. By all the powers of land and sea, as I do say, 'so mote it be! By all the might of Moon and Sun, as I will, it shall be done!

How to Become a Wiccan or Witch Being a Wiccan or Witch is generally not something you are born as or just wake up one morning and decide to become. More often than not, you come across it by accident unless you were raised that way. Many find the philosophies of how Wicca and Witchcraft view nature are the same as the one's they currently hold. They just didn't know there was a specific belief system that shared the same views. As Silver RavenWolf accurately stated in her book To Ride A Silver Broomstick. "The Charge comes to each of us in a different manner. It is that moment in our lives when we feel the Magick of the Universe for the very first time coursing through us... and we know beyond all real and imagined shadows that this calling to the mysteries is indeed there. That it is truly there, and not a whimsical flight from reality." If you are one who has seen striking similarities between what you believe and have found here, there are generally accepted ways to increase your awareness and find communion with others who feel the same. The following are the steps I would recommend to any one who wishes to learn more. Read everything you can get your hands on that will tell you more about the beliefs of Wicca and Witchcraft. Only by learning as much as you can about the basic beliefs and tenets of this path can you decide if the old way's are right for you. While doing this, you will begin to form associations and hopefully find correspondances within yourself. Note these feelings in a journal or diary. Write down the reasons you think Witchcraft is your path. What does being a Witch mean to you? What do you hope to achieve and learn? What do you fear about following this path? How do you see the Goddess and God? What does the Divine mean to you? Be absolutely honest with yourself here, this is a private book and nobody else will ever read it. This notebook will help you design your dedication/self-initiation ritual and eventually evolve into your Book of Shadows. There are no right or wrong answers and it is not a test. It is only a way to help you define your understanding of this path. Most importantly, listen to your inner voice. It is usually very good council and will not lead you astray. If something you read, hear or are told does not feel right, then it usually isn't right for you. If everything still feels right and you are sure Witchcraft is the path for you wish to follow after all this studying, now is the time to perform a dedication ritual. This ritual should be yours and yours alone. Design it however you want to and in a way that will be most meaningful to you. A dedication ritual means exactly what it sounds like. You are dedicating yourself to the Craft and making the decision to

live life in closer harmony and balance with the earth and nature. You are making a commitment to yourself and the Divine. Mine was on the shore of a remote high cascade mountain lake here in Oregon. The dancing light of the campfire on the trees, a full moon reflecting off the snow pack fed waters of the lake all combined with the energy of surrounding nature. This setting was ideal for me but something completely different might be right for you. I haven't mentioned anything about spells because you need to complete the first two steps before you even think about working with spells. Before you begin working with magick, you need to understand what it is, where it comes from and the ethics involved. You will also need to learn and understand the basic structure of rituals, Casting circles, calling quarters, invoking the Goddess and God, raising and directing energy, grounding, centering and closing the circle. Magick is raising and channeling the energy found in yourself, nature and in the Divine. A Witch combines this energy with their focused efforts. It takes dedication, effort, energy and hard work to achieve a desired result. The main ethical tenet to always remember is the point of the Witches Rede: "An It Harm None." Magick is not Hollywood hocus-pocus. It is not bending the natural order of things to fit your needs or desires. If that is what you are looking for, you are in the wrong place. Witches have had enough bad press over the past few centuries and are working hard to turn those misconceptions around. We do not need people running around claiming to put spells and hexes on people because they cannot face reality, are not willing to work for what they want or are looking for an easy solution to their problems. Magick doesn't work that way... All your reading and study will help you prepare for this. The Suggested Reading Section of our on-line catalog offer some excellent resources to help you understand these basic concepts. You will also find that meditation and visualization exercises will increase your concentration. The ability to focus and visualize will greatly increase the power of your magick. Breathing exercises will help you focus as well so spend time on them. If you are interested in joining a Coven, most will require the traditional year and a day of study before initiating new members. This gives you time to explore the

religion and decide if it is the right path for you as well as giving you and the Coven members time to get to know one another. Covens are generally very selective and rightfully so. There are many out there who seek this path for all the wrong reasons. Blessed Be and may your path be Bright! Herne

Elements & Magick

The Ancients divided the world into four basic principles or *elements* earth, water, fire, and air. That viewpoint has mostly changed with advances of science, but the four elements are still accepted in magick, for they are more closely linked with emotions, the human psyche, and with nature than are modern explanations of the world. These *magical elements* are also of some importance in astrology. Many occultists think of the magical elements as forces, or as *qualities* of energy; especially within the astral world. Each element has a symbol and color. (Common symbols are -- fire: a triangle pointing up; air: a triangle pointing up and with a horizontal line through the middle of it; water: a triangle pointing down; earth: a triangle pointing down and with a horizontal line through the middle of it.) Colors of the elements are -- earth: brown and green; water: blue; fire: red; air: yellow... The Eastern tattvic system uses different symbols and colors. (The tattvic symbols are briefly described later on in this course.) The elements are often used in magick ritual. Magick sees relationships between things. These relationships are called 'correspondences'. Although magical correspondences are not literally equal to one another, you can think of them that way (such as gold equals sun). Tables of these relationships, called 'Correspondence Tables', are available (an important one is Crowley's '777'). Thus one thing or symbol can be used to suggest another. This is important in magick, for the magician may surround himself with as many appropriate correspondences as he can to vividly affect the senses; thus making his magical contact with the inner planes more lucid. The magical elements have correspondences with the tarot cards as the four suits. The four quarters (directions of the universe as used in magick ritual) and the Archangels also correspond with these same elements. Element Earth Water Fire Air Suit Pentacles Cups Swords Wands Quarter North West South East Archangel Uriel Gabriel Michael Raphael

Astrological signs also correspond with the elements. Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn are earth signs. Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are water signs. Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are fire signs. Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are air signs. ELEMENTALS

The magical elements are said to be peopled by spirits and mythological entities called elementals or nature spirits. These are grouped into four main categories: Earth Gnome Dwarfs Elves Brownies Hobgoblins Leprechauns Water Undine Nymphs Tritons Mermaids Mermen Sirens Harpies Salamander Fire Jin Genies Air Sylph Faries Angles

Elementals are usually only visible to those with clairvoyant sight and are more likely to be seen at night in the mountains or country away from cities -- especially if you are tired or sleepy. Although elementals exist naturally, it is also possible to create one which will exist for a limited time -- no elemental has immortality. A created elemental is called an 'artificial elemental'. To the Ancients, elementals were the physical explanation of the universe. However, some contemporary occultists see them only as symbols for forces and otherwise not 'real' at all. Another word sometimes used for elemental is 'familiar' (usually in medieval witchcraft); the term is ambiguous, as it might merely be an ordinary household pet such as a dog or cat. YIN YANG Chinese philosophy and acupuncture talk of yin yang. This is the idea of polarity, or opposite pairs, as shown: Yin Water Contraction Cold Feminine Moon Negative Passive Ebb Wane Yang Fire Expansion Hot Masculine Sun Positive Active Flow Wax

The list could go on. In Chinese literature it is quite long. Some occultists suggest everything can be similarly arranged into related opposite pairs. SIMPLE MAGICK Here is a simple magical technique you may wish to try. It is a variation of affirmation, which was discussed in an earlier lesson...To help you to achieve your goal (magical or otherwise), find a word or short phase which sums up what it is that you want to accomplish. Write the word (or phrase) down 10 times each day until you achieve success.

What Is Magick
I suppose I could ramble on for quite some time about what Magick of Wicca, Witches and Witchcraft is or is not. Instead, I will offer this brief writing I found somewhere. Unfortunately I cannot remember where I came across it or who the author was, but I thought it was clear, concise and to the point. It very simply dispels everything that some religions, old superstitions and of course Hollywood have tried to make people believe magick is. Magick is finding your connection to the Earth and all that is natural, alive and moving in the universe! It binds all that exists together. Magick is living in balance with the flow of life, and knowing that you are a vital force within that flow. Magick is everywhere! In the trees, rain, stars, and in the sea. It is the spark that quickens a seed to rise up from the soil. Magick is laughter, joy, wonder and truth the of the world around us! It is the subtle enchantment that reminds us not to waste a single moment of this gift that we call life! Magick is not greed, or power, or pretense...It is real. It exists. And it works. Magick is the mystery that lies in the secret soul of the world. It is the essence of creation. What we imagine, we have the power to create! MAGICK IS WITHIN YOU... With it you can create your dreams, heal your world, love your life and find the peace that lives in every human heart.

Nontoxic Flying Ointment 1

1 part Dittany of Crete 1 part Cinquefoil 1 part Mugwort 1 part Parsley Prepare using the formula for making an ointment in the herbal section and anoint the body prior to an Astral Projection session.

Nontoxic Flying Ointment 2

2 drops Sandalwood Oil 1 drop Jasmine Oil 1 drop Benzoin Oil 1 drop Mace Oil Add these essential oils to the ointment base and anoint the body prior to an Astral Projection session.

The Gazing Technique

By Leia There is only one technique that works for me. Maybe it can work for you too. This is to be done when going to bed. You need something to focus on; if it is in view the moon, the stars, a crystal, a favorite doll will work well... Use whatever you like. Just not a Candle or anything that burns! This method involves the body falling asleep, and you should never leave anything that burns unattended. I usually use my crystal ball for this. Place the object within your view and lie down in your bed. Just stare at the object as you doze off. The first few times may be frustrating. You may just fall asleep and that's it. But after a few tries, this worked for me. Keep staring at the object. As your eyelids become heavy, keep staring. Eventually your eyes will close, but you will still be able to see the object. You will still be staring at the object. Sit up or stand up, and don't be surprised to see your physical body sleeping peacefully in your bed! This works fairly well for me. When you are out of your body, do whatever you wish. I am still getting used to the out of body feeling (I achieved my first one only a month ago ), so I have not travelled any farther than the roof of our apartment building yet. This time is yours. Just tell people that you are attempting this and don't wish to be disturbed. Happy travelling!

A Christian Speaks of Wicca and Witchcraft

by James Clement Taylor I am a Christian and not a Wiccan. A Christian is one who has been baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and who has made a personal, free-will decision to commit himself and all his or her life to our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Both of these things are true of me. I am a member of St. Mary's Eastern Orthodox Church, Calhan, Colorado. In this paper, I am not speaking as agent for any church, but I am, entirely on my own responsibility, speaking the truth in love, as we Christians are supposed to do. A Situation of Strife and Shame: There are many Christians today who believe that anyone who is not a Christian is doomed to an eternity of suffering in hell. Any decent person, believing this, would be compelled to try to save as many people from this fate as possible. But is this belief correct? Jesus Christ, having noted the faith and righteousness of a Roman centurion, a Pagan, proclaimed: "Assuredly I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 8:1012) If we accept these words as true, and surely we should, then it is clear that heaven will contain many who are not Christians, and hell will contain many who are! Clearly, throughout the Gospels, Jesus Christ sets forth the criteria for entrance into the kingdom of heaven, and those criteria include love, kindness, forgiveness, and a refusal to judge others: "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matthew 6:14-15) "For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the same measure you use, it will be measured back to you." (Matthew 7:2) "But go and learn what this means: `I desire mercy and not sacrifice.'" (Matthew 9:13) "Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." (Luke 6:36-38) Is it not clear? Anyone who fails in these things, will calling himself a Christian save him? Anyone who obeys God in these things, will being unbaptized condemn him? Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to Me, `Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." (Matthew 7:21) Yet it is not by good works that we earn our way into heaven, because there is no way we can earn the free gift of God's mercy and grace, which alone can save us. But it is clear that it is not by faith, in the sense of sharing the Christian faith, that we are saved, either. The faith which saves us is not faith in the goodness of our works, nor faith that we have the right theology and/or belong to the right church. Rather, it is faith in God, and in His mercy:

"So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who has mercy." (Romans 9:16) But the Wiccans, you will say, do not have faith in God. Yet by their own theology, they certainly do. Those who call them Satan-worshippers are entirely wrong. They do not worship Satan, or even believe that Satan exists. Instead, they worship a Goddess and a God whom they understand as manifestations of a higher and unknown Deity. Now if you are a Christian, this will sound familiar to you, and it should. In the Bible we find the following: "Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, `Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, The One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you" (Acts 17:22-23) The Wiccans worship the Unknown God, as manifested to them in the form of a Goddess and a God. Therefore, our Bible tells us they worship the same God we do; and if they do not know this, we should know it! For those of us who are unable to simply stand on God's Word, and must prove to themselves the truth of what it proclaims the holy Apostle John has given us the method for doing this. You have only to attend any public Wiccan ceremony, and test the spirits which are there, to see "whether they are of God" (1 John 4:1). You will find that, while the power manifested there may be less than what you have experienced as a Christian, that power is clearly the power of God. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, these people of Wicca have been terribly slandered by us. They have lost jobs, and homes, and places of business because we have assured others that they worship Satan, which they do not. We have persecuted them, and God will hold us accountable for this, you may be sure, for He has said, "Assuredly I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me." (Matthew 25:40) Let us, from this point onward, repent of our misdeeds and declare that henceforth we shall obey Christ our God, and not judge others or condemn them, so that He will not have to judge and condemn us for our sins.