A Witch's Sacred Journey

“When a human reaches up to his/her Higher Mind and accesses the vibrational gifts from that realm (of his or her own higher consciousness), she or he will be filled with inspiration and courage. And this type of inspiration and courage could change the world through actions that are then taken by that individual.”
… anonymous …

The quote above is the same that was used for our lesson on Devotion within the wiccan path. Getting involved at a deeper level with the community that shares your beliefs and then moving this to a place of service and extension of your gifts into the greater world are one in the same with developing your devotional state. Those steps taken towards cultivating that state of being are the guiding forces that lead you to your exact place within a larger community. Take some time to go back and review this topic, then formulate your own points of connection in moving it into the outer workings.

Lesson 8: The Path of Devotion

We are both in a wonderful time and also a very confusing time within the magickal and pagan community. There is a plethora of information available, that even twenty years ago would have been difficult to find. Covens, lodges and other groups freely advertise on the internet and finding a place of study, community and practice has, in some ways never been easier. As with anything of this nature, the abundance of choice and diversity can be overwhelming and confusing. To one who is a novice, finding places and people of quality can sometimes be discouraging and disenchanting if they fall into a group that is not truly practicing the old ways, but rather looking to make a profit or have ready pickings for unscrupulous magickal, moral and ethical practice. None of these things, however, should be a deterrent for keeping you from seeking out and successfully becoming part of something larger than your own personal practice. In the final lessons next month, we sill discuss in more depth the choice of solitary practice vs. coven/group membership. Regardless of what that preference may be, there will come a time when you will want to share your ideas, participate in a larger group’s activities and put yourself out there in the community of seekers like yourself.

How to Get Involved

The first steps involve doing your research. Keeping abreast of the news and those making it within the community is a great staring place. Throughout these lessons I have given you multiple points of contact that are reputable, highly respected and ethically sound teachers and groups. Additionally, there are several pagan festivals and pride days that are held throughout the country. Often, just having a taste of what is available can take you in new directions and also solidify your own personal practice and work. Having a broad base of experience and interaction with others on similar or different paths offers opportunity for greater discernment and refining of what your core beliefs are. Hearing or participating in another’s celebration of an Esbat or Sabbat, provides fertile ground for modification, revision and addition of some new ideas for your own. These are experiences that are not available in a book. Although many a book will be written on these subjects, nothing can substitute for seeing first hand how and what magick others make.

The Tradition to which I belong, The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel, is one that I can speak firsthand about the joys and opportunities inherent in being part of a larger organization. We have within our Tradition, multiple covens, multiple layers of both personal and Tradition/Coven workings and access to a wealth of practices and knowledge base. One does not have to look far to find another who may have similar interest or experience in a magickal topic that has piqued interest. We host workshops, have service projects and attend larger festivals as a group to share and learn from those attendees. This is the greater gift of community.

The Path of Service

“Service is part of our religion. It doesn’t have to be, but the more we include it, the stronger, healthier, and wiser we all become.” ..T. Thorn Coyle.

The above is taken from an excellent article by T. Thorn Coyle entitled “Service is Power”

How, Why, Where

One of the primary tenets of a wiccan path is the acknowledgement that we are all interconnected, and because of that connection we are ever mindful of the imprint we leave not only on our planet, but on our fellow human beings.

Recycling and caring for the planet are projects that become lifestyle changes in support of a nature-based spiritual path. Sustainability and supporting locally grown foods and resources are other ways you can be of service to the Earth and environment.

For some ideas check out: The EPA’s Guide to Recycling:Recycle, Reduce, Reuse.

Charity’s and giving of money, if you have the extra, but more importantly giving of your time and efforts go a long way towards connecting you more deeply to those around you. And, always remember the old adage ” charity begins at home”. Being kind to yourself, your loved ones and those who live and directly interact with you is being guided by a heart-centered focus. Anything you do that is for the good of others should be done in a spirit that is of true giving. Doing out of obligation or for the recognition and glory is moving along a path of illusion and false pride.

Many witches serve in soup kitchens or deliver home meals to the elderly or homebound. Organizing a food drive or joining a community watch are also ways that some get involved. All of these activities affirm care and concern for others and their well being. Not surprisingly, many witches work in health care or professions that involve education, counseling, advocacy or social work. Others have avocations that provide services such as reiki, energetic healing, yoga or meditation teachings. Those who have a creative and artistic bend write, sing, dance, paint, cook and transform and touch lives through their visual/kinesthetic talents. Every witch has many skills and outlets that just need awakening that may be shared freely in the name of the Divine God and Goddess that are inspiring and of service to those around them.

Always keep in mind that the essence of your core beliefs as a witch are more apparent and make the greatest impact by those things that we do selflessly, by those actions that are done without reward and acclaim and by the heart-filled service we offer to another. These are what truly align you with this Path.

Next Week
The Pagan Community and Its Resources

We dance the circle
And move to
Rhythmic drum.

Each connected to the other
A tribe, a gathering
A weaving into one.

Time moves the Great Wheel
We lift our spirits high.

In celebration we declare
That our Gods have come nigh.

We are the community
That serves with open hand.

It is our Great Earth
Mother upon which in
Unified work we stand.

Strong in our connections
Mind, body and hearts in sync.

Father Sun’s passion
Flames at our central core
From its quickening we drink.

Voices raised in joy
and love as hands create.

We heal and we offer devotion
Our magickal work is truly great.

And so in perfect love and trust
We embrace the Path ahead.

The Greater work of our community
Infused with every step we tread.

First steps, first paths
Now blaze strong forever
Enlivened now by more
Than one.

As we continue to grow and thrive under the Great Canopy of Nature, her bounty is recognizable and available at every turn. For those who move along her fertile terrain it is now time to reach out and explore the diverse nature and offerings of this great community of nature-based faith that we are becoming a part of.

This month we will take a look at the pagan community, its resources and the many ways you can become involved, informed and enchanted by its connection. Whether you choose to remain a solitary or join a coven, outside of the personal and/or group work that you engage in there is the call to service inclusive of a larger base of people that is inherent within the commitment to walking a Wiccan Path. We’ll take a look at how this component can enhance your own work as well.

Foundations of Practice

The Foundations page this month offers some suggestions for reaching out to the broader community. Festivals, gatherings and service works should now be part of the foundation you have built.

Reading and Resources:

Our resources this month are embedded within and part of the Pagan Community pages. They are varied and abundant on the internet. Take a look at the work of the Mystery schools and Traditions listed. Check out the Reading section for a listing of books on the environment and recycling.

So, let us join in the circle that is community, lift our hearts to the call to service and greet the others who share our canopy of grace…..

Sound the call to those
Traveler’s upon the Path.

Make your presence be known
As seeker and initiate
As dedicant and adept
We are all one.

For it is in the subtleties and
Strengths of the larger
Community that our foundation
Is firmly rooted.

And from each unique
Limb and fiber of an
Ever growing Tree the
Most powerful magick of
Collaboration is woven.

From those singular roots
That join in the Union
Of perfect love and perfect
Trust we find our place of
Service and our loving home.

Our Connection to Community