Of Pentagrams And Pentacles by Mia Strizzi

Of Pentagrams and Pentacles

Mia Strizzi

A brief history of witches 01 history of witches and witchcraft 05 history of witchcraft: Ancient Period 19 witchcraft Symbols 23 wicca witchcraft or paganism? 41

A BRIEF HISTORY OF

WITCHES

etween 1482 and 1782, thousands of people across Europe were accused of witchcraft and subsequently executed. But why were so many innocent people suspected of such a crime, and what would they have experienced? Here, writing for History Extra, historian and broadcaster Suzannah Lipscomb dispels some of the myths surrounding witches, and explains why so much of what we believe about them is untrue… Witches are everywhere. In fairytales, fantasy and satire, they appear time and again as a versatile synonym for evil and transgression. But, in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, men and women of both high and low status believed in witches’ ubiquity in a far more disturbing way. Lord chief justice Anderson noted in 1602: “The land is full of witches… they abound in all places” – not as a symbol or figure of fun, but as a deadly threat to life, livelihood and divine order.

Suzannah Lipscomb

The large-scale persecution, prosecution and execution of witches in these centuries was an extraordinary phenomenon. It is also an episode of European history that has spawned many myths and much inaccuracy. Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code is one of the purveyors of such erroneous hype, stating: “The church burned at the stake an astounding 5 million women”, which would be astounding if true. The actual numbers are far lower, but still striking: between 1482 and 1782, around 100,000 people across Europe were accused of witchcraft, and some 40–50,000 were executed.

Neither were witches (with the exception of some targeted by the Spanish Inquisition) generally persecuted by the church. Although belief in witches was orthodox doctrine, following Exodus 22.18, the 16th and 17th-century witch trials were the result of witchcraft becoming a crime under law, and witches were prosecuted by the state. In England, witchcraft became a crime in 1542, a statute renewed in 1562 and 1604. As such, most witches across Europe received the usual penalty for murder – hanging (though in Scotland and under the Spanish Inquisition witches were burned). As such, most witches across Europe received the usual penalty for murder – hanging

Nor were all witches women, men could be witches too.

Witches It is a sad, sorry, and often harrowing tale

Although witchcraft trials happened in every county in the country, the best evidence survives from three major witch crazes in the British Isles – in 1590s Edinburgh; 1612 Lancashire; and 1640s Essex and East Anglia. Above all, we have tried to consider the perspective of the victims – that is, those who were accused of witchcraft. We consider the circumstances in which alleged witches were accused, and the power of both neighbourhood accusation and elite sanction We examine the way that torture (though illegal in England) was employed in late 16th-century Scotland and during the upheaval of the Civil War. We explore the role of the witchfinder, but also the willing collaboration of ordinary people in ridding the land of witches. And we look at what someone accused of witchcraft experienced as their fate. It is a sad, sorry , and often harrowing tale – but it is one that needs to be heard.

witches women, men could be witches too. Across Europe, 70–80 per cent of people accused of witchcraft were female – though the proportions of female witches were higher in certain areas: the bishopric of Basel; the county of Namur (modern Belgium); Hungary; Poland; and Essex, England. But one in five witches were male across Europe, and in some places, males predominated in Moscow, male witches outnumbered women 7:3; in Normandy 3:1. Nevertheless, because women were believed to be morally and spiritually weaker than men, they were thought to be particularly vulnerable to diabolic persuasion. Most of those accused were also poor and elderly; many were widows, and menopausal and post-menopausal women are disproportionally represented among them.

History of WITCHES and witchcraft

itches are one of the most traditional as well as mysterious entities we associate with Halloween. When you think of a Witch, it’s easy to conjure up an image of an old, ugly, hook-nosed woman, stirring up a steaming potion that is brewing away inside a cauldron. Of course her usual sidekick, the proverbial black cat is probably not far away as you envision the witch clearly in your mind’s eye. Have you ever wondered where this sordid image of a witch actually started? Did such vile beings really ever exist, or is this whole business of a hideous, green-faced, evil sorcerer just one fabricated myth? Here’s a look back at the history of witches and witchcraft.

Jenna Maxwell

Thousands of years ago, people were forced to live much more primitive lives than we currently know today. Without the luxury of modern medicine and treatments, when a person was sick, ill or in pain there was little that could be done about it. Becoming ill was much more dangerous in those ancient days, and the ramifications of any sickness were frequently much more serious. During those early days, there were some sage women that learned the value of healing herbs, and other types of homeopathic treatments. These women were actually very wise when it came to their knowledge of herbal remedies. Many people received aid and were helped by the homemade remedies made by these wise women. These astute women, skilled in the art of natural medicine, also sometimes functioned as

Little was understood about healing and medicine in those ancient days, and as Christianity spread across Europe, many clergy from the church felt very upset by the existence of learned women who were healing others with medicine and other remedies. As far as the church was concerned, all healing should be done strictly through men in the church. The word Witch actually is derived from the word “Wicca” meaning “Wise One.” Certainly once considered wise and a knowledgeable resource during trying times, witches were now considered to be something to be absolutely feared and avoided. There were many others who felt that if a person was sick or ill that it was God’s punishment for some sin committed and the suffering that came from it was just something that must be dealt with by the afflicted person. Over time, the healers began to be associated and accused of various things including heresy, being anti-Chris-

The word Witch actually is derived from the word “Wicca” meaning “Wise One.” The church viewed healing, once helpful to many, now as evil sorcery, pagan worship as well as something akin to black magic. These supposed witches were accused of very bad things, most specifically that of doing the devil’s evil bidding and being in cahoots with him in some orchestrated plan to destroy mankind. The accusations of witchcraft drove these healers further underground and many lived quiet lives deeply in remote peasant villages. By the late 1400’s it was not enough to sniff out, find and eventually question the witches about how they were practicing

The Church perpetuated the idea that witches were performing devil worship and black magic rituals.

Religious sources were planting enough fear as well as hysteria into the minds of the people that it ran rampant through many localities. Those accused of practicing any form of witchcraft were tried quickly and then were executed publicly as punishment, in very hideous and gruesome ways, for all in the village to see. The Church perpetuated the idea that witches were performing devil worship and black magic rituals. By killing those who were accused of such practices, it became very easy to scare the general population into conformity and obedience. It seems that although witches were accused of being evil and devilish, the actual truth may be that powerful religious men didn’t really like the idea of a strong The Church leaders were probably somewhat intimidated by these talented gals and it may have been easiest to just eliminate the problem, emphasizing of course, that the church was against black magic and evil, not medicine.

Let the Accusations Begin The situation soon reached epic proportions when it was no longer necessary for a person to be practicing rudimentary medicine or other such activities to be accused. It seemed that just about anything out of the

If a neighbor became disgruntled at someone, it was easy enough to eliminate that problem by making an appropriate allegation. It seemed that no one was completely safe from being blamed, but in particular the more unfortunate your circumstances were, the more likely you were to become a target. The Salem Witch Trials Samuel Parris’ daughter Betty, and his niece, Abigail Williams came down with a mysterious illness late in 1691 that caused them to have strange seizures or fits where their bodies would flail about wildly. The doctors at that time couldn’t pinpoint what was wrong with the girls largely because of their limited knowledge. These ill-advised doctors decided that since they couldn’t determine what was wrong, the girls must be bewitched. Having any association or link to witchcraft at this time in history was a really big deal and as soon as it was thought that the girls had some sort of an evil spell upon them, the accusations began to fly. The unfortunate and most obvious culprits were some of the least able to defend themselves. A woman named Tibuta, an Indian slave that had worked for the Parris family, was the first person accused by the young girls of casting a spell on them. A couple of local women were also accused, one who was homeless and very impoverished (Sarah Good) and another

Alhough eventually all these women were executed for supposedly practicing witchcraft, both of the Sarah’s proclaimed their absolute innocence until the day they died.

It seemed that no one was completely safe from being blamed

During this time of accusations, insinuations as well as extreme hysteria, many women were brought up on charges of witchcraft and were ultimately executed, usually by being burned alive while tied to a stake or by hanging. The events in Salem led to nearly 200 people being accused of being witches both in Salem and some of the outlying areas. Many people were eventually hanged for the crime, while several others died while awaiting their trials. By late 1692, the trials were eventually called to an end and any of the remaining of the accused were pardoned and subsequently released from prison, assuming they could pay for the food they had consumed while in prison. Even though the trials ended, the idea of maintaining religious control over the general population through scare tactics was far from over. was completely safe from being blamed, but in particular the more unfortunate your circumstances were, the more likely you were to become a target.

Many people were eventually hanged for the crime

Folklore and legend Witches and the practice of witchcraft continued to be feared and the legends and myths surrounding them continued to evolve quite

Because of the ancient festival of Samhain, (a celebration at end the harvest season) there is as great deal of folklore regarding witches that has come down through the ages. During Samhain, witches were thought to anoint themselves with a balm that made their face very shiny and light. Perhaps this ointment gave their skin an ethereal appearance, leading to rumors of flying.

Many legends told that black cats were spirits of witches recreated in animal form.

Early witches did carry brooms, not for flying of course, but these brooms were used to cleanse an area or room before a healing ritual could be performed in it. This practice, along with the fact that perhaps a witch was seen out on All Hallows Eve using a broom to aid in hopping a creek or riverbed, could have led to the notion that witches could fly and did so with the aid of a broomstick. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face it, it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take much in those days to start a vicious rumor nor did it necessarily need to have much truth in it. There are many superstitions and myths regarding the black cats that are often associated with witches as well. Many legends told that black cats were spirits of witches recreated in animal form. Other stories professed that black cats were just helpers of witches and assisted them in carrying out their black magic and were considered their supernatural counterparts.

Back in those days, it was also widely believed that on Halloween night, spirits of the dead could roam the earth freely, so perhaps it is not such a stretch to think that these same people may have believed that witches were out flying around in the midnight sky.........

Of course most of these stories have little truth to them, and mostly consist of mythological legends that have been told and retold by very superstitious people who then passed them on for generations. As far as the original hideous image of witches that we started this tale with—the cackling, old, ugly, hooked-nose lady stirring her cauldron; well, it’s likely that she never really existed except in the vivid imaginations of storytellers. Witches were often retold as being old and ugly beings because evil was considered to be ugly—thus it made the story that much better to portray the witch in this way. The cauldron that we associate with witches obviously stems from the large pot that potions and poultices were made in by the early healers to aid both the sick and afflicted.

Halloween and witches will always go hand in hand. Halloween and Witches Halloween and witches will always go hand in hand. You can bet that witches will remain as one of Halloween’s favorite personas for costume dress up as long as there are kids that are out trick or treating. Knowing and appreciating the rich historical value of witches throughout the ages is undoubtedly going to enhance your Halloween experience as well. Recreating a witch look for Halloween is a really great costume idea that is rich in both folklore and legend. After understanding the history of witches being thought to be one of them may actually be a really nice compliment in history was a really big

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s witch costumes have taken a wide and varied turn and not many women will choose to dress up as the ugly, old and haggard beings that are thought of in the myths and legends of yesteryear. Modern women like the idea of being a character that is both mystical and magical. A sexier, more captivating version of a Halloween witch fits the bill perfectly. There is also something very beguiling and bewitching about the modern takes on witches as well. A witch costume with a decidedly sexy and feminine flair will capture the flavor of the witch of yesteryear while still adding a modern twist that todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s woman is likely to embrace as she casts a unique Halloween spell of her very own.

History of witchcraft: W ancient period

Luke Mastin

itchcraft of some sort has probably existed since humans first banded together in groups. Simple sorcery (or the use of magic accessible to ordinary people), such as setting out offerings to helpful spirits or using charms, can be found in almost all traditional societies. Prehistoric art depicts magical rites to ensure successful hunting, and also seems to depict religious rituals involving people dancing in animal costumes. Shamanism, the practice of contacting spirits through dream work and meditative trances, is probably the oldest religion, and early shamans collected much knowledge about magic and magical tools. Witches of ancient Sumeria and Babylonia invented an elaborate Demonology. They had a belief that the world was full of spirits and that most of these spirits were hostile. Each person was supposed to have their own spirit which would protect them from demons and enemies, which could can only be fought by the use of magic (including amulets, incantations and exorcisms).. Western beliefs about witchcraft grew largely out of the mythologies and folklore of ancient peoples, especially the Egyptians, Hebrews, Greeks and Romans. Witches in ancient Egypt purportedly used their wisdom and knowledge of amulets, spells, formulas and figures to bend the cosmic powers to their purpose or that of their clients.

The Greeks had their own form of magic, which was close to a religion, known as Theurgy (the practice of rituals, often seen as magical in nature, performed with the intention of invoking the action of the gods, especially with the goal of uniting with the divine and perfecting oneself) Another lower form of magic was “mageia”, which was closer to sorcery, and was practised by individuals who claimed to have knowledge and powers to help their clients, or to harm their clients’ enemies, by performing rites or supplying certain formulas. Some argue, however, that the real roots of witchcraft and magic as we known it come from the Celts, a diverse group of Iron Age tribal societies which flourished between about 700 BC and 100 AD in northern Europe (especially the British Isles). They were believed to be descendants of Indo-Europeans, the Celts were a brilliant and dynamic people, gifted artists, musicians, storytellers, and metalworkers, as well as expert farmers and fierce warriors much feared by their adversaries,

the real roots of witchcraft and magic as we known it come from the Celts

They were also a deeply spiritual people, who worshipped both a god and goddess. Their religion was pantheistic, meaning they worshipped many aspects of the “One Creative Life Source” and honoured the presence of the “Divine Creator” in all of nature. They believed in reincarnation and that after death they went to the Summerland for rest and renewal while awaiting rebirth. By about 350 BC, a priestly class known as the Druids had developed, who became the priests of the Celtic religion as well as teachers, judges, astrologers, healers, midwives and bards. The religious beliefs and practices of the Celts, their love for the land, and their eneration of trees (the oak in particular) grew into what later became known as Paganism, although this label is also used for the polytheistic beliefs of the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. Blended over several centuries with the beliefs and rituals of other Indo-European groups, this spawned such practices as concocting potions and ointments, casting spells and performing works of magic, all of which (along with many of the nature-based beliefs held by the Celts and other groups) became collectively known as witchcraft in the Medieval Period.

witchcraft symbols Ken Biles

The pentagram The first and most obvious Witchcraft symbol, is the Pentagram. The Pentagram is a Witchcraft symbol of protection. The five pointed star within the circle has been used by various people, for various reasons throughout history. It has been found in one form or another as an important symbol of almost every ancient culture. Forms of this symbol have been found in Latin America, India, China, Greece & Egypt. There are many Witchcraft symbols. Magick is a symbolic Path. Pagan symbols can be found in the most unexpected places, including churches. When they rebuild Windsor Castle after the fire, Prince Charles was quite excited that one of his favorite things was restored in the renovation. It was a Green Man in one of the stairways. What follows is a list of symbols that every Witch should know. It has been found scratched on the walls of Neolithic caves, in rough diamond shapes. The Pentagram was used in Sumerian texts to mark directions, and in Babylonian drawings, where it marks the path the planet Venus makes on its travels. It was a secret Pagan symbol of the Goddess Ishtar. It was used as a symbol of all five visible planets in some cultures,

Pythagoras, the Greek mathematician and philosopher held that the number five was the number of Man because of the five-fold division of the body, as well as the ancient Greek division of the soul. He used the Pentagram to symbolize the five Elements that made up man, Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and mind or Spirit. Those same five Elements are still represented by the Pentagram in Witchcraft today. Scriptures, especially Hebrew, are abundant with references to Pentagrams. Even Christians have used the Pentagram as a symbol of Christ, during the Renaissance. Before the cross, it was the preferred symbol for jewelry and amulets of early Christians. It is still in use today in the Amish country of Pennsylvania, where you can see it painted on barns as a Hex Sign, to ward against evil influences.

Of Pentagrams and Pentacles The terms Pentagram, and Pentacle, are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference. A Pentagram is the drawn symbol, a Pentacle, is an object in the shape of a pentagram. The pentagram is not always the straight forward five pointed star in a circle, sometimes it is disguised within more intricate shapes to hide its significance from the uninitiated.

In Witchcraft, the Pentagram symbolizes the five Elements of Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit. Those in turn correspond to the colors of green, yellow, red, blue, and white, respectively. These correspondences are significant when working magick.

spirit earth

water

air

fire

The Pentacle is also a tool used in ritual. Usually made of wood, or metal, it is placed on the North side of the Altar, and holds salt. In this form, its only Elemental correspondence is Earth. The Pentacle is also used as jewelry by most Witches as a symbol of their faith, just as Christians wear the cross or crucifix. Typically, the Pentacle is warn with one point up, though in the Gardnerian tradition, it is warn with one point down to symbolize the person has achieved the Second Degree of knowledge. The Pentacle is also a tool used in ritual. Usually made of wood, or metal, it is placed on the North side of the Altar, and holds salt. In this form, its only Elemental correspondence is Earth.

The Crescent Moon The Crescent Moon is a Witchcraft symbol of the Goddess, and therefore usually worn only by women. It is shown in its waxing phase, and worn by young women of birthing age. The word Crescent comes from the Latin creare which means to create. This is a symbol of female fertility, and the ability of women to create life. Their faith, just as Christians wear the cross or crucifix. Typically, the Pentacle is warn with one point up, though in the Gardnerian tradition, it is warn with one point down to symbolize the person has achieved the Second Degree of knowledge. The Triple Goddess Another Lunar symbol is the Triple Goddess. It shows the moon in three of its four phases, waxing, full, and waning. The phases of the moon are linked with the monthly phases of a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cycle, each running about 28.5 days in length. The lunar phases are also symbolic of the human lifespan. The waxing moon equates to growing up, the full moon is the peak of adulthood, the waning moon is old age, and the Dark Moon is death. The Triple Goddess is usually warn as a circlet on the brow, and denotes the woman as a Priestess.

Antlers or Horns Just as women wear the moon symbol, men wear antlers or horns. For centuries Christians have incorrectly identified this as a Satanic symbol. Many Witchcraft symbols were purposely misidentified as Satanic. It is actually a masculine symbol of the God. The God in Witchcraft almost always has horns or antlers. In nature, most animals that are used for food, weather hunted or domesticated, the male of the species has horns or antlers.

Because the moon is a symbol of the female, and its glow is a cool silver, that color as well as the precious metal are associated with the feminine. The Sun, with its warm golden radiance is a male symbol, so Gold is the color and metal of the masculine. Typically, jewelry for a man will be made of gold, and for a woman will be made of silver.

The horns worn by male Witches are typically goat shaped, and antlers are shaped like a deer. This is a symbol of masculine virility, since antlers are used during rutting season to battle rival males for mating rights. Silver vs. Gold In Witchcraft just about everything has either a masculine or feminine aspect. Whether they be herbs, planets, or Elements, all can be defined as either masculine or feminine. Almost all Witchcraft symbols have either a masculine or feminine association. So too, there are masculine and feminine color.

The wheel of the year he eight-spoked wheel, symbolizes the cycle of the year. Each spoke represents one of the eight Sabbats, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lamas, Mabon, Samhain, and Yule. The significance of the wheel is that there is no beginning or end, it is continual. We may call January 1st the start of the year, (Though many Witches think of November 1st as the first of the year) but the calendar doesn’t stop,, it moves from day to day without end. It’s this cycle that the wheel of the year signifies. The wheel is also symbolic of any cycle. This can be the cycle of the seasons, or the moon, a woman’s menstrual cycle, a planetary cycle, or the cycle of life. In the Tarot, the Wheel of Fortune card shows this same Witchcraft symbol, in this case, it represents the person’s search for the purpose of their life. Even the Pentagram can be seen as a wheel. Any point can be up, and it looks the same. This alludes to the fact that cycles while they may look the same, are not. The cross Yes, the cross was a Witchcraft symbol long before the Christians adopted it. Typically in Witchcraft, the cross has arms of equal length, instead of the crossbar being shorter. This is because it is a symbol of balance. The Wheel can be seen as a circle around two crosses, one cross marking the major Sabbats, the other marking the minor.

Witch Runes There are many forms of writing that Witches can employ for symbolism, secrecy, or divination. These include Ogham, Theban, and Futhark runes. Typically the Theban runes are used in a Book of Shadows to keep spells and rituals secret. They can also be used to mark ritual tools, because the runes are more artistic than other scripts, and can be misinterpreted as a simple design. Theban runes are more than simple Witchcraft symbols, they are also a tool. The Theban runes are used as a substitution cipher when a Witch desires to keep something written secret.

the Theban runes are used in a Book of Shadows to keep spells and rituals secret. you can cast the Witches runes on a cloth, or on the table and read the meaning of the runes that are facing upwards only. If the eye is amongst the runes look at where the eye is looking. If there is a rune in front of the eye then this is the rune you must pay extra attention to. You can also read the Witches runes by picking on rune at a time while you ask the runes a question.

othilia

wunjo

eye

dagaz

women

The Triangle The Triangle is a purely feminine symbol. The three points represent the Triple Goddess of Maiden, Mother, and Crone. The bristles of the broom form a triangle. Inverted, it is the female pubic area. The triangle is a symbol of strength. It cannot be crushed as the narrow point is supported by the wide base. Triangles are also used in Triquetras. The word “triquetra” originally meant simply triangle or any three-cornered shape, but it has come to refer exclusively to a threepointed figure composed of three overlapping “vesicae piscis” (the shapes formed by the intersection of two circles with the same radius), sometimes with an added circle in or around it. The triquetra has been found on runestones in Northern Europe and on early Germanic coins (where it presumably had some Pagan religious meaning), as well as in early Celtic art.

The Spiral and celtic knots The Spiral is a symbol that has been found carved in Neolithic rock formations all over the world. While it is obvious that it was significant symbol of spirituality, just what its meaning was, is unknown. To Witches, the Spiral and Celtic Knots are a Witchcraft symbol of the Goddesss It’s also symbolic of the journey of life. This is a contemplative Witchcraft symbol. By following the spiral line with a finger, or just eyeballing it, this symbol forces you to slow down and relax. This symbolism is demonstrated in the Spiral Dance. eventually all these women were executed for supposedly practicing witchcraft, both of the Sarah’s proclaimed their absolute innocence until the day they died.

The ankh he ankh is an Egyptian symbol that stands for “everlasting life”. Heiroglyphic images of the ankh often show it as an object, held by the loop like a key. Though not originally a symbol that marked any particular spiritual path, it’s a common symbol among Pagans to show of their beliefs without the stigma of the pentacle. The septagram And now for a couple less commonly seen symbols. First, the septagram. This is a seven-pointed star, drawn in the same style as the pentagram just with a few more points. Unlike the association with Earth that the 5-pointed pentacle has, the septagram has a more spiritual meaning as the number 7 is connected to the astral or fairy realm. You can also view the points as representing the 4 elements, and then also above, below and within. It’s sometimes drawn with a circle joining all the points, but not always. It’s also known as the Elven Star. It is used interchangeably with or in place of the pentagram in Faery/Feri traditions in Wicca. Most often, the points are ascribed various correspondences, including seven symbolic directions (the four cardinal directions, plus above, below, and within), seven magical elements , or seven magical placessun, moon, sea, sky, wood, wind, and spirit/interconnection)

The witch’s sign The so-called Witch’s Sign is used in some traditions to mark ritual tools. It is similar to the solar cross, but its exact origin is unknown (It is similar to the Roman numeral thirteen, a reader suggests this may represent the coven of thirteen members) Similar devices were used in the medieval period to mark time. This emblem has largely fallen out of use. Mercury This glyph derives from an ancient Greek drawing representing the winged sandal or the caduceus wand of the messenger God Mercury. The symbol predates the god, having previously in use as an emblem of the Punic Goddess Tanit. The glyph represents the planet Mercury in astrology, Mercury as alchemical quicksilver, and as the magical element mercurius. The hexagram This one is not that well-known at all but I happen to like it so I’m including it. It’s sometimes called a unicursal hexagram because it’s a 6-pointed star that can be drawn as one continuous line rather than using 2 triangles (like in a Star of David). And like the other star symbols, the number of points has it’s own meaning. In this case, 6 stands for balance and continuity. Aleister Crowley used it to represent balance between the physical world and the astral world.

sulfer A symbol for the alchemical element Sulfur, (Brimstone) which is spiritually analogous to the human soul. Alchemically, sulfur has the qualities of masculine, hot and dry. Combined with Mercury (feminine, cool and moist), the pair were considered the parents of all metals. The symbol of sulfur is often used as an identifying symbol by Satanists, due to sulphur’s historical asociation with the devil.

the witch’s sign

mercury

hexagon

sulfer 36

saturn

coptic cross

saturn This glyph represents the planet Saturn, and it corresponding alchemical metal, lead. The image mimics the scythe of Saturn, the god of the harvest and time. The qualities of Saturn include limitation, protection, and restraint; lead is therefore used historically where these qualities are required- it is still common to see lead-lined caskets, and it is traditional to keep scriptures and religious relics shielded in lead reliquaries. Alchemically, lead was the prima matera, or primal matter, and represented the putrefaction and decay necessary for new life.The sigil is similar to the Hebrew letter Tau, which also has associations with time and death. coptic cross There are two types of Christian crosses referred to as Coptic. The original Coptic Cross is derived from the Egyptian Ankh and used by the early Christians in Egypt. Later forms, sometimes called “Ethiopian crosses,” are distinctive intricate interwoven and crossed designs worn primarily by African Christians. These are sometimes called “Lalibela” crosses, after Holy City of Ethipia where many examples can be found.

Orthodox Cross he Orthodox cross, made up of two horizontal and one diagonal bar crossing a vertical pole, is the symbol of the Russian Orthodox Church. The upper bar represents the sign “INRI,” (“Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”) the mocking title bestowed on Christ by the Romans in the New testament account of the crucifixion. The lower, slanted bar is simply a stylized footrest, a common design in early Christian crosses. Later folklore holds that the lower end points to hell, and the upper to heaven, representing the destinies of the two thieves crucified with Christ. The first thief, repentant, went to heaven, the second, who did not regret his sin, to hell.

orthodox

sigil of lucifer The Sigil of Lucifer is a lesser known historical magical sigil used occasionally as an emblem by modern Satanists. The image originates in the sixteenth century Italian Grimoirium Verum, or “Grimoire of Truth.” Used in conjunction with other symbols, its original purpose of the sigil was to aid in a visual invocation of the angel Lucifer. The figure is probably derived from an earlier work, most likely drawn from a magic square whose origins are now lost. The emblem is sometimes referred to as the “Seal of satan,” although this is not a historical usage. ogham The Celtic Ogham (pr: Oh-yam) alphabet dates from the fourth century. The alphabet is named for Ogmos, the Celtic god of knowledge and communication. Ogmos was associated with the Gaulish god Ogmios, and the Greek Hermes. The ogham alphabet has twenty letters, each named for a different tree sacred to the Celtic Druids. Each letter is made up of one to five straight or angled lines incised on a straight base line. Because the number of letters, and the number of lines that make up each letter, some scholars have theorized that the ogham may have originated as a system of hand signs, likely a system of communication used by the Bard class.

v sigil of lucifer

ogham

wicca witchcraft or paganism? Patti Wigington

the Theban runes are used in a Book of Shadows to keep spells and rituals secret.

s you study and learn more about magical living and modern Paganism, you’re going to see the words witch, Wiccan, and Pagan pretty regularly, but they’re not all the same. As if that wasn’t confusing enough, we often discuss Paganism and Wicca, as if they’re two different things. So what’s the deal? Is there a difference between the three? Quite simply, yes, but it’s not as cut and dried as you might imagine. Wicca is a tradition of Witchcraft that was brought to the public by Gerald Gardner in the 1950s. There is a great deal of debate among the Pagan community about whether or not Wicca is truly the same form of Witchcraft that the ancients practiced.

Regardless, many people use the terms Wicca and Witchcraft interchangeably. Paganism is an umbrella term used to apply to a number of different earth-based faiths. Wicca falls under that heading, although not all Pagans are Wiccan. So, in a nutshell, here’s what’s going on. All Wiccans are witches, but not all witches are Wiccans. All Wiccans are Pagans, but not all Pagans are Wiccans. Finally, some witches are Pagans, but some are not - and some Pagans practice witchcraft, while others choose not to. If you’re reading this page, chances are you’re either a Wiccan or Pagan, or you’re someone who’s interested in learning more about the modern Pagan movement.

it’s a journey TO something new, rather than running away from something else.

You may be a parent who’s curious about what your child is reading, or you might be someone who is unsatisfied with the spiritual path you’re on right now. Perhaps you’re seeking something more than what you’ve had in the past. You might be someone who’s practiced Wicca or Paganism for years, and who just wants to learn more. For many people, the embracing of an earth-based spirituality is a feeling of “coming home”. Often, people say that when they first discovered Wicca, they felt like they finally fit in. For others, it’s a journey TO something new, rather than running away from something else.

PAGANISM IS AN UMBRELLA TERM Please bear in mind that there are dozens of different traditions that fall under the umbrella title of “Paganism”. While one group may have a certain practice, not everyone will follow the same criteria. Statements made on this site referring to Wiccans and Pagans generally refer to MOST Wiccans and Pagans, with the acknowledgement that not all practices are identical. Paganism is a broad umbrella term which refers to various religions and religious beliefs across the world, often with modern connotations of spiritualist, animist or shamanic practices, or the beliefs of folk, ethnic or indigenous religions, or of polytheistic religions (such as Greek, Roman, Scandinavian and Celtic mythology).

Paganism is a broad umbrella term which refers to

various religions and religious beliefs across the world.

Not all people who practice witchcraft are Wiccans, or even Pagans.

Not all Pagans are Wiccan There are many Witches who are not Wiccans. Some are Pagans, but some consider themselves something else entirely. Let’s clear up one thing right off the bat: not all Pagans are Wiccans. The term “Pagan” (derived from the Latin paganus, which translates roughly to “hick from the sticks”) was originally used to describe people who lived in rural areas. As time progressed and Christianity spread, those same country folk were often the last holdouts clinging to their old religions. Thus, “Pagan” came to mean people who didn’t worship the god of Abraham. For others, Witchcraft is considered a religion, in addition to a select group of practices and beliefs. Not all people who practice witchcraft are Wiccans, or even Pagans.

There are a few witches who embrace the Christian god as well as a Wiccan goddess – the Christian Witch movement is alive and well! There are also people out there who practice Jewish mysticism, or “Jewitchery”, and atheist witches who practice magic but do not follow a deity. what about magic? There are a number of people who consider themselves Witches, but who are not necessarily Wiccan or even Pagan. Typically, these are people who use the term “eclectic Witch” or to apply to themselves. In many cases, Witchcraft is seen as a skill set in addition to or instead of a religious system. A witch may practice magic in a manner completely separate from their spirituality; one does not have to interact with the Divine to be a witch.

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there are a number of people who consider themselves Witches,

but who are not necessarily Wiccan or even Pagan. 52

paganism and pagan religions have no central hierarchy or dogma,

Generally speaking, Paganism and pagan religions have no central hierarchy or dogma, and enjoy spiritual diversity, believing that it is not always appropriate for all pagans to believe the same things, practise in the same ways or be organized under the same structure. Often pagan traditions stress personal responsibility for the burden of developing spiritual practices. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the use of magic and ritual within a spiritual context, a practice that brings us closer to the gods of whatever traditions we may happen to follow. Many pagan religious observances are built around the flow of the seasons,

and Paganism in general is often earth-centred, celebrating Nature, living creatures, etc. It often involves a belief in many gods (polytheism), but often with one chief or supreme god or goddess. Usually, Paganism has no buildings dedicated as places of public worship, and its adherents prefer to hold their ceremonies in woods, on hilltops, along the seashore, at standing stones, in parks, gardens and private homes. If you want to consider your practice of witchcraft as a religion, you can certainly do so - or if you see your practice of witchcraft as simply a skill set and not a religion, then thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s acceptable too.

Cover and book design by Mia Strizzi Avenir Next, 9pt Aruna Press and Aruna Thin, 19 pt and 30pt All content found in these pages is the original property of its creators and owners. Arcles, interviews, photograohs, and other text were collected and organized for the compilation of this book. which was created as a student design project. Some texts have been condensed, reformated, and edited to crease readability. Photographs have been edited to optimize their printed appearance.