First off, we must realize that Wicca is a very spiritual religion. All of us find a connection with "power" that is higher than ourselves. Very simply put, Earth Religion recognizes that there exisits a Universal Energy afloat everywhere and at all times. Every object in existance is made up of this energy. In essence, all objects are alive with this energy. This energy is the "Creative Energy". So then, this energy is the foundation and creativeness of the God and Goddess. (We believe in a balance of female and male powers - hence two figures) In a ritual's purest form, this universal energy (without gender or characteristics) is what is used or Worshipped. God and Goddess are the second purest form of this energy (with gender and human type characteristics). Many people will choose worshipping the God and Goddess and asking for their help, rather than dealing directly with the creative energy, since the God and Goddess can more easily be related to. The third purest form of this universal energy is a SECOND group of Gods and Goddesses. These Gods and Goddesses specialize in specific areas ... such as a Goddess for Love (Venus). For good example of this second group of Gods and Goddesses, we should look to the Egyptian Pantheon of multiple Gods and Goddesses. With this higher power around us at all times and in all places, the key then becomes how we honor and take part in this higher power. The Purest Connecting directly with the Universal Energy Here we go directly to the power of the energy, and do not ask a God or Goddess for help. It is a very spiritual form of "self-help". Users of Witchcraft can tap into these energies. Witches learn from Earth (and sometimes Celestrial) objects to open their bodies to absorb and reflect certain energies. By lighting a green candle, surrounding it with Malachite gemstones, and sprinkling some Cloves on their altars, they share money attraction energies with these objects. Over many years a witch may be able to freely open energy channels without the aid of Earth-Based objects. Malachite and cloves have been found to attract money acquiring energies. These money energies are just one part of the Universal Energy, and it is the money energy that creates the Malachite and Cloves. ( Rose Quartz gems and Lavendar, are created with a different energy, so their "powers" would be different ) The question is, how to use this energy to create a desired effect. Very simply put, a Witch can distinguish between diferent energies and tap into the energies that will create the outcome that they would like. For example, a person who wishes to have more money, should acquire some Malachite. By using this object two things can happen: * 1) The acquired object can "share" its specialized energies with the Witch. By doing so, the Witch's energy level may increase in this area. IE: Malachite may lend extra "money accuiring" energies to the Witch. * 2) The Witch can learn how to manipulate their own energy or free Universal Energy to create the desired effect. IE: A Witch can study, use, and "communicate" with a piece of Malachite, to eventually learn how to manipulate, absorb, or reflect money related energies the way that Malachite does. The Second and Third Level Connecting with the Gods and Goddesses At the second and third purest level, spells and rituals are done much the same as above, but we also call on the assistance of Gods and Goddesses. One can see how this can easily make your spell or ritual more powerful, expecially if you were to call upon a God or Goddess that specializes. Spells and Rituals Witches perform spells, such as the one described above. Spells are the rough equivalent of "prayers" in other religions. There are typically two important aspects to spells: * 1) Rituals are used to communicate with Gods, Goddesses, and Spirit Guides (if one has those beliefs). Scents, colors, textures, etc. are specific to certain Gods, Goddesses, and Spirit Guides. These items may be used during a ritual to attract the desired "listener". We give both thanks and can request assistance. * 2) During a spell or ritual , the herbs, oils, candles, incense, gems, etc. on the altar can "transfer" or share their energies with the Witch. This will also help to create the desired effect in the Witch. What Wavelength are you on ? This is a more advanced idea, but it needs to be mentioned here quickly. Just as there are differences between stones and herbs, there are differences in people. These differences (personality, looks, attitude) come from the idea that we are all composed of a slightly different combination of the Universal Energy. Because of these different compositions in people, we are all tapped into a slightly different energy wavelength and this can cause variations in spellcasting methods. For example, one person on one wavelength may find that Rose Quartz works well for love, while another person on another wavelength may find it useful for attracting business success. (The majority of people may find Rose Quartz relates to love, but that does not mean that the minority is wrong ... just different) Not all spells and rituals work the same for all people. Witchcraft is a very positive, happy belief structure. It is written directly in our code to harm no one. Unlike Christianity, we have no Satan. There is absolutely no purely negative creature in our beliefs. We do not need to apologize for our past or present (so-called) sins, because we have not "inherited" any. There is nothing that our ancestors have done to require us to request for forgiveness. There is no "big white gate" that we need to try so hard to get through. We accept just about anyone into our belief structure. There is no in-born negativity. PERIOD. Witchcraft is usually performed outside in beautiful mother nature. Spells, rituals, and the like are performed on any day or night (because they are all sacred) - not just Sunday or Wednesday. Some of us belong to covens, which is a group of Witches that gather on full moons and Wiccan holidays to do rituals. Every once and a while you may run across a Witchcraft "sanctuary". In loose terms - this means a place where Witchcraft is regularly performed and where Witches may gather. This can be somewhat compared to a church, but a closer comparision would be Witch's Sacred Space or Circle. Again in very general terms, this simply means a locale "cleared" of harmful and/or negative energies and set for performing Magick. The beautiful part is that Sacred Space can be created ANYWHERE. So if a comparison must be made, a Witch's "church" is the Earth and the Universe. We do not "preach". We do not "recruit". WE believe, and that is enough. you will not find us knocking on your door with booklets, nor will you find us trying to "convert" the unwilling. What you WILL find is unity, love, happiness, and a helping hand. If you have an honest desire to study Witchcraft, in any of its many forms, most all of us are more than willing to help. We are connected with a passionate love for the craft and for each other, even if we have never met. No where will you find stronger ties. The fires have raged before. Now and forever we hold this in our hearts. With every heart beat our beliefs are reinforced. And with every heart beat, we know that we will never allow the fires to harm another again. We are the Wiccan Community. We are the Pagan Community. We are the Shamanic Community. We are Witches. We are as one in family.