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About Rev. Amy Blackthorn Ph.D, DD. HPS, RM
Expertise
I am a Reiki Master, I teach Wicca 101, 202 and more specific advanced subjects. I can answer questions on several Traditions. I have experience in subjects including, Astrology General Wiccan information, Dianic Wicca, Folk Magick and indigenous Religions, including Celtic Reconstruction, Native Herbal uses, Hoodoo and Green WitchCraft.

Experience
I have 15+ years experience in the above topics, including the Initiatory traditions of Gardnerian Wicca and Green WitchCraft.

Organizations
Maryland Delaware Wiccan Pagan Alliance, Alternative Religions Education Network, Lady Liberty League, Pagan Clergy Association

Publications
My first publication was in "The Seeker Journal" at the age of 16. This was an 18 page in depth look at the similarities between Wiccan holy days and Christian ones.

Education/Credentials
Numerous degrees including one in Horticulture and initiation into different Religious orders, including Intensives with Susun Weed and other Notable Wiccan and Pagan Authors, Scholars and Elders. Reiki Master

Awards and Honors
I run a Temple, in addition to my "mundane" life working in a hospital and running my own business.I have had 4 years of formal training in one Tradition, and was Initiated as a Green Witch. I've taught classes in MD, DE and PA. I've been contacted on several occasions to act as a Media liason for ABC television and the Sci-Fi Channel in matters of the Wiccan religion and have been featured locally on AM and FM stations, including multiple appearances on 'The Paranormal Cafe.' I run Meeting groups locally for Witches and other Magickal people to meet and greet, and am currently working with friends in MD and DE to build stores to better serve our Community.

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Pagan/Wiccan Religion - becoming a wiccan

Expert: Rev. Amy Blackthorn Ph.D, DD. HPS, RM - 10/25/2009

Question
Hello my name is melissa and I'm 15 years old, currently I am a jehovahs witness and currently I do not feel that this religion is for me, I do, however, feel that being a wiccan is the best thing for me, but I don't know amyone who is a wiccan can u possibly give me some guidance?

Answer
Spells can work for anyone. Magic is a system, not a religion. It's also not good or bad. It's how you choose to use it.

I know magic works because I've been doing it for years. Wicca is just one of many faiths that embrace Magic. But Wiccans and Witches aren't
the only ones who use magic.

You can be both a Wiccan and a witch, these two words are not the same. None of these words has anything to do with devil worship.

One of the biggest sore points among Wiccans is the improper usage of the terms "Wiccan" and "Witch". Too many people use the terms interchangeably,
presuming that they both mean the same thing. They do not.

Wiccan
Wicca is just one of many faiths that embrace Magic. Wicca is a religion, and someone who follows that religion is called a Wiccan. Sometimes it
can be difficult to accurately define Wicca, and not all Wiccans will define themselves the same way. Observing the 8 Wiccan Sabbats, honoring the
Gods and/or Goddesses, creating sacred space for rituals, to name a few. Many traditional Wiccans also feel that belonging to a coven is also a
requirement and that those who practice their religion as a solitary, should not refer to themselves as Wiccan. Personally, I'm still not sure on
that point. Typical Wiccans also practice magick, and therefore are also witches. You cannot be a "natural Wiccan" any more than you could be a
"natural Christian".

Witch
The practice of witchcraft is not associated with any religion, therefore you can be a witch and yet also be a member of any number of
religions (or none). Using the natural energies within yourself, along with the energies of herbs, stones or other elements to make changes
around you is considered witchcraft. Though the skills and gifts that are part of witchcraft can be inherited from parents or grandparents,
you aren't automatically a witch just because your grandmother may have been one. The use of magick takes practice, experience and learning.
On a side note, a male witch is called a witch, not a warlock.

Pagan
While I'm explaining terminology, I thought I would throw in "Pagan" as well. Paganism refers to a variety of non-Christian/Jewish/ Islamic
religions that are usually polytheistic and are often nature-based. Wicca is only one Pagan religion, but there are others such as Santeria,
Asatru, or Shamanism. Many people do not necessarily identify with a specific religion, and just use the broad term "Pagan" to define their
spiritual path. Pagan religions are distinct and separate from each other, and it should not be assumed that they are just different names for
the same faith.

Suggested Reading List

Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham

Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham

Complete Book of Incense, Oils and Brews by Scott Cunningham

Book of Shadows: A Modern Woman’s Journey into the Wisdom of Witchcraft and the Magic of the Goddess by Phyllis Curott

Green Witchcraft by Aoumiel (Ann Moura)

True Magick by Amber K

Inner Temple of Witchcraft: Magick, Meditation and Psychic Development by Christopher Penczak

Heart of Wicca: Wise Words from a Crone on the Path by Ellen Cannon Reed

The Spiral Dance by Starhawk

Natural Magic by Marian Green

Wheel of the Year: Living the Magical Life by Pauline Campanelli

The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan
Witchcraft by Ronald Hutton

AmysGreenDreams.etsy.com

pagan.meetup.com
wicca.meetup.com
witches.meetup.com

azuregreen.com

abaxion.com

ecauldron.net

paganwiccan.about.com

witchvox.com

wicca.timerift.net

Christians becoming Wiccan
http://www.wicca-spirituality.com/christian-wicca.html

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