About Kate Morgan Expertise As a practicing Wiccan, I can answer most questions concerning this faith. I also study other Pagan spirituality and feel confident about answering questions concerning those traditions. I am a solitary practitioner, though I do practice with others on some Sabbats, so I may not be able to answer some questions concerning coven worship, but I could certainly do my best to help. I am well-versed in most forms of divination. I am also familiar with the Gods and Goddesses of many traditions and cultures.
Experience I have practiced Wicca for several years, and read the work of many Wiccan and Pagan authors.
Education/Credentials I have taken the time to read as much as possible, exposing myself to different views and beliefs.
what are some of the things wiccans do and what is your faith in wicca again
i lost the message somehow and what do i need to do to become a solitary wiccan
what are the rituals and seasons and holidays/celebrations that should be attended and
revired, what is fasting and how is it performed, how do you find a god and how would
i plan out what i believe and how would i talk to a god or het one to talk/aprouch me,
is there anything i can do to have this happen, um what are some things i can do to learn
for a year and a day who are the gods/godesses
Answer Hello again. I'm not sure how far along you are in your year and a day of study, but I will help set you up for the end of that time when you are ready. Remember that although study is important, it is not enough. You must live Wicca. Cast the circle and meditate on each Sabbat. Then you will have some actual Wiccan experience before initiation. Since you sound interested in solitary practice, you will have to self-initiate. By this point, you should have made some sort of contact with the Gods, and know which ones you will call in ritual.
I will give you a simple example of how to self-initiate. There is a more detailed format in Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft, which is definitely worth a read. It is the format I used when I initiated myself into Seax-Wica. If you don't use that, you can just go by what I give you.
Perform the initiation on the waxing or full moon. This rite is symbolic of a birth, so you want to approach it as pure as possible. Go skyclad if you can, wear a white robe if you cannot. This is where fasting comes into play. Wiccan fasting usually lasts 24 hours. For these 24 hours, eat only wholegrain bread, honey, and herbal tea. Refrain from sexual activity. Immediately before the ritual, wash your whole body. Add purifying sea salt to this bath.
All you will need is anointing oil (olive or mugwort), a pentacle necklace and a nine-foot white cord. All your other ritual tools are not needed. For the simple feast, bring your favourite food and drink.
Cast the circle and call the quarters. Next, recite the Charge of the Goddess, followed by the Charge of the God. I recommend this website: bewitchingways.com for invocations, chants, and ritual outlines. You can use these, or alter them to suit you. Once you have done this, approach the altar (if you have one) or the centre of the circle.
Say, "Lord and Lady,
I come before thee,
humble but without fear.
I have studied thy ways
and sought long after thee.
please, aid me and bless me
on this quest."
Perform the fivefold blessing. Annoint yourself with oil at each point:
Feet: "Blessed be my feet, which shall tred the hidden path."
Knees: "Blessed be my knees, which shall kneel at the sacred altar."
Womb/Phallus: "Blessed be my womb (phallus), the seat of my power."
Breasts: "Blessed be my breast, erect in beauty and strength."
Lips: "Blessed be my lips, which shall utter the sacred names."
At this point, you should meditate. You will likely receive some sign from the Gods that they have heard you and are welcoming you. Take time to feel their presence. When you finish, approach the altar. Hold your pentacle high.
Say: "Lord and Lady,
I present my measure,
a symbol of all that I am,
in token of my dedication.
in perfect love
and in perfect trust.
I, _______ (If you have chosen a Craft name, use it. If not, use your birth name), swear ever to cherish and never reveal the secrets which Gods may reveal to me, Except it be to a worthy person in the centre of a consecrated cirlcle, such as I am now in. And I will ever remain true to the Gods and to the art, and I shall help my true brothers and sisters of the art. This is my solemn vow. So mote it be!"
Tie the white cord around your waist as a symbol of your oath.
Say: "Lord and Lady,
I consecrate myself unto thee
as thy witch
and true Priest/Priestess."
Now, begin the simple feast, remembering to offer some for the Gods. When you are finished, thank the Gods, thank the Quarters, then close the circle. You are finished.
There are 21 holidays in the Wiccan year: 8 Sabbats and 13 Esbats. Esbats are full moons. These are the rituals where you work magick and celebrate. Sabbats are the seasonal holidays marking the turning of the Wheel of the Year. These are intended for worship of the Gods, and only in extreme need would you work magick.
Here is a list of the Sabbats, their approximate dates (I say approximate because solstices and equinoxes vary slightly from year to year) and the basic reason WHY you are celebrating and worshiping.
Samhain (Sow-win): October 31. Samhain marks the beginning of the Wiccan year. This is a time when the veil between the worlds is thin. The God has weakened and died, and we have the chance to be close to our ancestors during this time. The Crone Goddess awaits the God's rebirth at Yule.
Yule: December 21. The God is reborn by the Goddess. This is also known as Mother Night. The days begin to get longer again.
Imbolc (Im-olk): February 2. Also known as Candlemas. The Goddess recovers from giving birth. As the sun reappears, the God grows and strengthens.
Ostara: March 21. The Goddess is rejuvenated, and bursts out in her Maiden aspect.
Beltaine: May 1. The God and the Goddess are young lovers. It is this night that the Goddess is impregnated by the God with the fruits of the harvest. It is a celebration of fertility and love.
Midsummer: June 21. On this magical night, the longest day of the year, the God has reached the peak of his powers. This is the only Sabbat where it is truly appropriate to work magick.
Lammas: August 1. The God's powers weaken. This is the first of the three harvest festivals, and the Goddess is heavily pregnant, taking on her mother aspect. The God is cut down with the corn and grain, sacrificing himself so we can eat during the winter.
Mabon (May-bun): September 21. This is the second harvest festival, with Samhain being the last. We must say goodbye to the God, who is soon to die.
Some Wiccans believe that the Sabbats are for God worship, while the Esbats are for Goddess worship. For me, I include both in every ritual, because the two are like loving parents, ever-present all the time. Why exclude either of them?
As for your year and a day of study, read as much as you can. You can find information on different Gods and Goddesses online and in books. Again, make sure you have some ritual experience during this time. This is your chance to develop your belief system within Wicca. You will read about many different beliefs and ideas. You can decide what you will choose to accept and what you reject. If the source is reputable, the information should be as well. Join witchvox.com and read the articles. Go to the library and look at the encyclopedias for information on different Gods, or look for stories about them online. Meditate within the consecrated circle and chant, asking the Gods to be present with you and be heard. It takes time and perseverance, but they will find you. Use your imagination and try everything once.
I hope this will help you start out. Every Wiccan needs the help of a teacher or mentor to be able to get off on the right foot. Even though Wicca is a religion that is fairly open, you must still be prepared to do the work and follow the rules. If you can do this, it is extremely rewarding. I was fortunate to have a good friend to help me along, and I hope I have done the same for you. Though having a guide is helpful, there are some things, such as choosing a tradition or contacting the Gods, that can only be done for yourself. Farewell and blessed be!
