The Wiccan Religion
 
 
 The word "Witchcraft" dates back many hundred of years and means 
literally "The craft of the wise". This is because the Witches of 
the old were the wise ones of their village, knowledgeable in the 
art of healing, legal matters and spiritual fulfillment. A Witch 
had to not only be a religious leader, but also the doctor, 
lawyer, and psychologist of the village. Today, people have 
reclaimed this word in their pursuit of Wiccan religion. 
A With is an initiate of Wicca, one who has earned the right to 
call themselves Priest, or Priestess, through study, self 
evaluation, and spiritual living. Wicca itself, is an attempt to 
re-create European (mostly) Shamansistic Nature Religion, 
adapting it to fit our modern lives. 
 Witches are worshippers of the Earth and it^s many cycles. We 
believe that deity is found not only outside to our realm, or 
plane of existence, but that is found within every living thing 
and all that support it. Therefore, we attempt to live in harmony 
with the Earth and each of its creatures. Wiccan tend to involve 
themselves with ecological pursuits. Wicca observe the holidays 
of Pagan Europe; Eight festivals spaced evenly about the wheel of 
the year, at the quarters (equinox^s and solstices) and the 
cross-quarters (midpoints between the equinox^s and solstices). 
They are called: Yule (Dec 21) Tmbolc (Feb2), Lady Day (March 
21), Beltaine (May 1), Midsummer (June 21), Lugnassed (Aug 1), 
Mabon (Sept 21), and Samhain (Oct 31). Actual dates vary slightly 
from year to year, as they are based upon actual celestial 
events. Many Wiccans also celebrate the Full Moon, of which we 
have 13 per year. 
 The basis for Wiccans moral conduct is found in the statement 
"An Ye Harm None, Do What Thou Wilt." This is a mock archaic 
phrase, suggesting that any behavior that harms none, is morally 
acceptable. Harm is defined by anything that takes away, or works 
against an individual^s free will. It is, of course, impossible 
to exist, or even cease to exist, without causing harm, so 
Wiccans look to fulfill this as closely as possible. A Wiccan 
attempts to make choices based on what will cause the least harm, 
and promote the greatest overall positive effect. Wicca teaches 
self discipline, personal responsibility kinship  ith our 
plant and its creatures, open-mindedness and the virtues of 
diversity. Wiccans do not proselytize, as we believe that each 
must find the path that is right for them, and that all religions 
are different paths to the same truths. We draw our beliefs and 
practices from our own experiences, and that of others, 
understanding that age does not makes a religion any more 
valid, not does political support, numbers of followers or 
material holdings of its temple. Religion is a very personal 
thing, one which can only be validated by the experience of the 
individual. Wicca provides a link for those who follow similar 
paths to share their experiences. 
 
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