Catholic Church Circulates Anti-Wicca/Witchcraft Guide

Catholic Church Circulates Anti-Wicca/Witchcraft Guide

Saturday February 5, 2011

"It would amuse me if it wasn't so sad: the Catholic Church is publishing a guide to help keep children from Wicca and witchcraft and evangelize to those who already practice.

Really? Of all the things in the world, you think Wiccans are a big enough threat to be specifically targeted? Am I supposed to be flattered? I'm not, really, since I make no attempt to be a threat nor a challenge, merely a disagreeing voice.

Worse, this has been brought about (yet again, as is so common in anti-Wiccan literature) by the popularity of things like Harry Potter. Harry Potter has nothing to do with Wicca, and very little to do with modern witchcraft beyond the word witchcraft. It's about as realistic as Glinda the Good Witch in the Wizard of Oz...because it's not real.

Seriously, if your faith is being threatened by a set of fictional children's books, you should spend more effort on introspection and less time making bogeymen out of disbelievers."

Source:
Catherine's Alternative Religions Blog
By Catherine Beyer, About.com Guide
http://altreligion.about.com/b/2011/02/05/catholic-church-circulates-anti-wiccawitchcraft-guide.htm
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1353517/Catholic-Church-issues-guide-convert-Harry-Potter-witches-Christianity.html

The Craft: Spells & Magick

Witchcraft - Wicca, Spells, And Magick

Author: Tasha Palladino

A Brief overview of Wicca:

When witchcraft is practiced as a religion, it is called by the Old English term for witch, Wicca. This term is used to counter all the negative stereotypes that society has given witchcraft. Wicca is primarily a religion that worships nature, and sees all creation as sacred. In fact, all Wiccan holy days follow the cycles of nature and the changes in the seasons. Wicca also worships both a male and female deity, a female Goddess and a male God, who had together created the world and everything in it.

Witchcraft is neither black nor white. Witchcraft is a religion that respects Mother Nature and She is neither completely positive or completely negative, this is the same for witches.

Spells are used by Wiccans, and are a series of rituals and prayers that are conducted in witchcraft to ask for divine help in a certain aspect of life. All spells must adhere to the witchcraft code of conduct, meaning that any spells used to harm another person is forbidden. In witchcraft, spells may also be changed or adapted to suit a Wiccan's personality or specific wishes in casting the spell.

What exactly is witchcraft, spells, and magick?

Twenty years ago, I asked myself those same questions, and I'm still learning the answers. My journey started at 15 years of age, with a very understanding mother and a visit to New Age Shop. I remember entering the shop with a sense of awe, and instantly being put at ease by a wonderfully sweet aroma that hung over the bookcases. Yet, out of all the potions, oils, and books that filled the place, the one thing that stood out to me the most was the man behind the counter. He looked more like George Clooney than something out of Halloween Fairytales, and that was my first lesson. Witches look just like everyone else. Of course you may run into the occasional witch who looks more fiction than fact but other than those, most are just your average Joe, the majority tend to choose to blend in as much as possible. Why? Not everyone is armed with 21st century thinking, and in some cases, witches are put into the same category as Satanists, heathens, and just generally bad people.

I eventually took more interest in magick, oh and not my spelling of magick. Witches refer to spells and divine help as magick, not to be confused with magic, which we consider to be what you would see at a show, a magician sawing a woman in half, card tricks, etc.. Magick, however, is sacred to all Wiccans. Ah yes, back to my story, I eventually took more interest in magic and at the age of 35 purchased an old building in New Jersey and turned into one of the state's only Wiccan Temples. I currently live at home with my two wonderful children and my familiar (husband as most people call it) enjoying life and being at one with nature. I currently make a living supporting my family by offering services at my temple and through my website http://www.witchcraftspellsnow.com/.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/witchcraft-wicca-spells-and-magick-665416.html

About the Author

My name is Tasha and I have been a witch for 20 years. I hope this article helps anyone who is curious about Wicca. Currently, I own Ill-Alli Temple in Northeastern USA and own a witchcraft spells site, WitchcraftSpellsNow.com.

Black Orpheus

Marcel Camus' Black Orpheus (a.k.a. "Orfeu Negro") took the art-house film world by storm, in 1959, with its stunning color photography of the Brazilian Carnival celebration and sultry bossa nova beats, winning both an Academy Award and the Palme d'or at Cannes.

Transplanting the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice to the slums of Rio de Janeiro, Black Orpheus brings Greek mythology to vivid, frenetic life.

Read Reviews

Terminology: Wicca, Wiccan

For many practitioners within the Craft, Paganism, Alternative Religions, and Alternative Spiritual Paths residing in the United States--the terms "Wicca, Wiccan" are only used due to the fact that Wicca is a legally recognized religion in theUnited States which "permits" us to practice the rites, rituals, and spells of Witchcraft in connection with the physical laws of Nature and the metaphysical laws of our Universe (or Cosmos). The Legal Basis For Wicca "Dettmer vs. Landon -This is the court case that made Wicca a legally recognized religion in the United States."The case was Dettmer v. Landon. A 29 year old inmate incarcerated at the Powhatan Correctional Center in State Farm, Virginia claimed that his First Amendment right to the free exercise of his religion, the Church of Wicca, was violated by prison officials who refused to give him any access to his religion's worship materials. Prison officials said that the worship materials that Dettmer seeked--candles; a statue; a white robe; incens[e]; and either sulfur, seasalt, or uniodized salt--would be hazardous to prison security. The prison officials also claimed that the Church of Wicca is not areligion entitled to First Amendment protection..." Full Article: Alternative Religions Educational Network (AREN) www.aren.org/documents/purplebook.pdf

Neo-Pagan Sacred Art and Altars

Neo-Pagan Sacred Art and Altars: Making Things Whole

"Fire-cat masks, earth mother icons, henna tattoos, ankhs, and water altars—these objects may sound like the inventory in an ancient druid's sanctuary. But they are part of the sacred reliquary created by contemporary artists and practitioners of Neo-Pagan ritual.

Calling themselves 'witches' and 'pagans' and drawing inspiration from pre-Christian polytheistic worship, the practitioners of Neo-Paganism have often been misunderstood by outsiders. In the uninitiated, their art and iconography have inspired fear.


In featuring the works of ten artists, Sabina Magliocco's Neo-Pagan Sacred Art and Altars unlocks the meanings of this religion's creativity and symbolism and makes its sacred nature understandable to non-specialists.


A stunning array of color plates and halftones will touch the imagination of insiders and outsiders alike, revealing the imaginative skills of some of the movement's most celebrated artists, as well as amateurs working at home with family and friends.


These masks and altars, earrings and necklaces create one of the Neo-Pagan movement's most striking features—its ritual art. Yet this is one of the first books to focus on these spiritual objects rather than on the sociology and psychology of the followers. The odd array of costumes and jewelry, as well as the juxtaposition of neo-primitive and medieval-looking styles, troubles outsiders and contributes to the movement's undeserved reputation for attracting eccentrics. Yet its sacred art is part of one of the most flourishing contemporary traditions in the United States."

The Burning Times

The Burning Times

"From the 14th to the 17th Century a hysteria spread across Europe which involved torturing and executing people based on accusations that they were witches. Whether any actual practicioners of a pre-Christian pagan tradition were persecuted as the result of a witch trial is up for debate. These books and texts are period documents which illustrate the methods, rationale (such as it was) and history of this persecution. They shouldn't be taken as illustrative of Neopaganism, but as a warning about religious tolerance and the fragile nature of justice." Read more...

Publications

The InnerLink Metaphysical Journal and Mystic Owl Curio are pleased to announce our new resource entitled "Publications". This wonderful and informative resource features the publicly available writings of Dr. Kheti A. Sahure.

And Dr. Sahure's published articles about topics and subject matter within the realm of Applied Occult Metaphysics are offered to everyone absolutely free of charge. This is one of our many ways of giving back to the Alternative Religions and Spiritualities global community and the world at large! And remember, all of our services are open to all who are interested in the subject matter that we provide.

Em hotep,

Brightest of Blessings

Hoodoo, Voodoo, and Conjure: A Handbook

Description
Hoodoo, voodoo, and conjure are part of a mysterious world of African American spirituality that has long captured the popular imagination. These magical beliefs and practices have figured in literary works by such authors as Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, and Ishmael Reed, and they have been central to numerous films, such as The Skeleton Key. Written for students and general readers, this book is a convenient introduction to hoodoo, voodoo, and conjure.

The volume begins by defining and classifying elements of these spiritual traditions. It then provides a wide range of examples and texts, which illustrate the richness of these beliefs and practices. It also examines the scholarly response to hoodoo, voodoo, and conjure, and it explores the presence of hoodoo, voodoo, and conjure in popular culture. The volume closes with a glossary and bibliography. Students in social studies classes will use this book to learn more about African American magical beliefs, while literature students will enjoy its exploration of primary sources and literary works.

Source: Amazon.com Editorial Reviews

Plant Spirit & Vodou (Voodoo) Shamanism

Plant Spirit Shamanism: Voodoo Shamanism

Author: Ross Heaven

What do we really know about ‘voodoo’ in the West? Almost nothing. Not even the correct spelling. Even now my computer underlines Vodou (its correct name) in red to inform me of a typo.

But feel the phoney word ‘voodoo’ in your mouth. It could be the first word a baby might form. A fantastic word - so many O’s. For most of us in the English-speaking worlds it has a somehow sexy, implacable feel, but one that is also dark and dangerous. This comes courtesy of the Western Empire's "reality tunnel". History is, indeed, the propaganda of the victors. No wonder they were scared. Vodou inspired the only successful slave revolt in history, defeating first the superior firepower and numbers of the French, then the British a few years later. ‘Black magic’ could be the only rational (sic) explanation…

It’s easy to see how the Empire's belief in the power of the rational mind to civilize "primitive cultures" would lead it to demonise Vodou. Vodou recognises other dimensions much greater in scope than the narrow little world that, even now, our culture insists is the only true reality.

Vodou, born in slavery, was more generous in its attitudes towards other beliefs. It absorbed them, adding to its pantheon of Gods and rituals. A profoundly adaptive belief.

You can read this book in many ways: as a history of the Vodou religion and its influencing cultures; or perhaps you want to immerse yourself in the rich mythological landscapes that are opened up to Western readers for the first time. But the real meal offered here is to go on a journey into the essence of Vodou - for Ross’ book calmly reveals how we can make contact with and attune ourselves to these spiritual realities. By use of elegant rituals and the focused creation of altars, we can all make contact with the loa, the guides from these dimensions.

These techniques seem naturally alien to us. In Christianity, altars and direct communication with God(s) has been the prerogative of priests. In Vodou, direct contact is the way. Some of the details may seem crazy to us. But this is just a cultural difference; one of many that we need to jettison if we are to explore other cultures in any real depth, beyond the prism of our own culture’s matrix.

And this, for me, is the great benefit of immersing myself in the exotic waters of such a rich system - to step outside of my own indoctrination and try out some other possibilities concerning my perception of life. When we do this we enrich our lives, enabling us to get a different perspective on some of our more limiting beliefs.

The two areas in which I am particularly beholden to Vodou are those of the trance state and the use of altars. I love using altars to focus my intention on what I want to bring in to my life. A sacred, still space, amongst the hubbub of daily affairs. Altars of bones, sculptures, images, drums, crystals… arranged in a way that means something to me. Connecting me to my source.

For the last nine years, I have also taught a system of movement called The Five Rhythms™. It is a system by which people can safely enter and exit trance states, devised by a brilliant Californian called Gabrielle Roth, whose background included the healing arts, theatre, and dance. She studied different cultures, spiritual techniques for entering trance/meditative states – particularly Vodou – and devised her elegant system with urban Westerners in mind.

Trance is a place where I feel I can return to my source. It wipes the slate clean of all the bullshit I have accumulated. It eases the grip of my conditioning and allows me to step outside of the limiting beliefs that compose my personality. It is a powerful primal state of intuition, creativity, and healing.

I also believe that it is the state that so many of us have used drugs to get in touch with. We know there is something more real out there than the dream we live in, and our spirit is magnetically drawn to it. Until this natural drive is addressed and given other, healthier, pathways, drugs will remain the most popular shortcut.

The White Rabbit beckons at the entrance to the wormhole…

Vodou Shaman: The Haitian Way of Healing and Power, by Ross Heaven, is published by Destiny Books (November 10, 2003). ISBN-10: 089281134X.

About the Author:

Ross Heaven is a therapist, workshop leader, and the author of several books on shamanism and healing, including Darkness Visible, the best-selling Plant Spirit Shamanism, and Love’s Simple Truths. His website is http://www.thefourgates.com where you can also read how to join his sacred journeys to the shamans and healers of the Amazon.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Plant Spirit Shamanism: Voodoo Shamanism

Church of Lukumi Babalu Aye v. City of Hialeah

Merry Meet,

To my fellow Santeros (Babalawos and Padrinos), Santeras (Iyanifas and Madrinas), et al:

With the recent upheaval and in light of Santerian Priest Rafael Giral ["Animal Cruelty Case Goes to Court" - 30 Oct 2008 - Source: http://www.rootsandrooted.org/?p=719], across the United States, concerning religious / devotional animal sacrificing--I must urge everyone to know your Constitutional rights (and the local ordinances for the geographic location where you reside, preside, and practice your freedom of religion and religious choice). Below is the synopsis of the landmark 1993 Supreme Court decision concerning "Church of Lukumi Babalu Aye v. City of Hialeah". And do not forget about Wicca becoming recognized as a religion, in 1986, via the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit case "Dettmer v. Landon":

[1] http://altlaw.org/v1/cases/533250
[2] http://www.tylwythteg.com/landon.html
[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dettmer_v._Landon

If ever has a time arrived, we must show our support of and for our religio-spiritual calling! We all should have become quite weary and very tiresome of the religious intolerance and ignorance perpetrated upon us by certain factions within the United States of America and abroad! We should never bow down to supidity!

Merry Part,
Summum Bonum,
Reverend Dr. K.A. Sahure VIº, DD, MscD (DMet)

Elder Arch High Priest & Arch Heirophant

Temple of Kemetic Wicca

U.S. Supreme Court

CHURCH OF LUKUMI BABALU AYE v. CITY OF HIALEAH, 508 U.S. 520 (1993)
508 U.S. 520
CHURCH OF LUKUMI BABALU AYE, INC. v. CITY OF HIALEAH
CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR
THE ELEVENTH CIRCUIT
No. 91-948
Argued November 4, 1992
Decided June 11, 1993

Petitioner church and its congregants practice the Santeria religion, which employs animal sacrifice as one of its principal forms of devotion. The animals are killed by cutting their carotid arteries, and are cooked and eaten following all Santeria rituals except healing and death rites. After the church leased land in respondent city and announced plans to establish a house of worship and other facilities there, the city council held an emergency public session and passed, among other enactments Resolution 87-66, which noted city residents' "concern" over religious practices inconsistent with public morals, peace, or safety, and declared the city's "commitment" to prohibiting such practices; Ordinance 87-40, which incorporates the Florida animal cruelty laws and broadly punishes "[w]hoever . . . unnecessarily or cruelly . . . kills any animal," and has been interpreted to reach killings for religious reasons; Ordinance 87-52, which defines "sacrifice" as "to unnecessarily kill . . . an animal in a . . . ritual . . . not for the primary purpose of food consumption," and prohibits the "possess[ion], sacrifice, or slaughter" of an animal if it is killed in "any type of ritual" and there is an intent to use it for food, but exempts "any licensed [food] establishment" if the killing is otherwise permitted by law; Ordinance 87-71, which prohibits the sacrifice of animals, and defines "sacrifice" in the same manner as Ordinance 87-52; and Ordinance 87-72 which defines "slaughter" as "the killing of animals for food" and prohibits slaughter outside of areas zoned for slaughterhouses, but includes an exemption for "small numbers of hogs and/or cattle" when exempted by state law. Petitioners filed this suit under 42 U.S.C. 1983, alleging violations of their rights under, inter alia, the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. Although acknowledging that the foregoing ordinances are not religiously neutral, the District Court ruled for the city, concluding, among other things, that compelling governmental interests in preventing public health risks and cruelty to animals fully justified the absolute prohibition on ritual sacrifice accomplished by the ordinances, and that an exception to that prohibition for religious conduct would unduly interfere with fulfillment of the governmental interest, because any more narrow restrictions would [508 U.S. 520, 521] be unenforceable as a result of the Santeria religion's secret nature. The Court of Appeals affirmed.

Held:
The judgment is reversed.
936 F.2d 586, (CA 11 1991) reversed.

Source: http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?navby=CASE&court=US&vol=508&page=520

Musing: Hoodoo, Voodoo...

"Hoodoo, or Voodoo, is burning with a flame in America, with all intensity of a suppressed religion. It has its thousands of secret adherents."
~ Zora Neale Hurston

Fear and Ignorance

"...fear feeds on ignorance and starves on a diet of fact."
~ Bon Houngan Reve We Chemen Ginen,
Vodou Shaman [2003]

Santerían Religious Practice in the News

Santeria priest loses suit against Texas town's law banning animal... http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5gTS9YQP3yAESzr-RhLY40MNo331g

Judge rules against allowing Santeria priest in Euless to...
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/DN-santeria_1met.ART.State.Edition1.466276c.html

Judge backs town's animal sacrifice ban
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/nation/5608460.html

Judge rules against man who challenged animal sacrifice ban
http://www.kswo.com/Global/story.asp?S=7994727

Video Documentary: "Haitian Voodoo"

"Haiti is a Catholic country. But daily life still moves to the
rhythms of spirit religion..."

Video Sources:
[1] National Geographic -
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/places/regions-places/west-indies/haiti_haitianvoodoo.html

[2] You Tube -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpeLdXeIbwA

*****

The above documentary and related research materials at the National Geographic Society's website should shed some light on the most wonderful and beautiful religion of Vodou as well as assist with dispelling myths and misconceptions spread via those folks who are purely ignorant, spiritually myopic, religiously intolerant, and simply do not value the great diversity of all religions, thealogies, theologies, spiritual paths, and theosophies as we do so--as a core competency / foundation of our diverse Alternative Religions and Spiritualities (ARS) belief systems.

▲ Rev. Dr. K.A. Sahure VIº
Temple of Kemetic Wicca

Sacred Ason

"Sacred ason! Ason!

Open the way of the mysteries for me,

for us, for all African children

For the right hand, for the left hand,

that they may serve well all humanity.

So that East and West may meet."

▪ Theodore "Lòlò" Beaubrun

Help & Support of All

Thee following will be short and sweet:

The Temple of Kemetic Wicca exists in spiritual order to help anyone in need of all sorts of social support. I guess that I'm not "Black enough" either--especially due to my being a legally ordained minister of thee Pagan Cloth, Pentacle, and Pythagorean Pentagram. However, I have always believed in the Human and Civil Rights of everyone across America and abroad without bias or prejudice toward race, color, creed, ethnicity, and of course culture. I refuse to apologize for not "sounding, speaking or writing Black" whatever that silly notion is supposed to mean; gee, I was taught that education is good. The same folks who express this are the same folks of whom I teach their own Black and African History to because they do not and have not taken the time to learn this for themselves--how sad for them. Stop blaming those of us who have done so. Back in the day, the Temple offered a free program to teach adults how to read--guess what, no one applied.

Oh well. I refuse to apologize that many Caucasian people of different European ethnicities do actually like me personally and what my Social Ministry is doing, helping people by one hand at a time. And yes, I was born and raised during the exercising of the "Jim Crow Laws" and prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. I was and remain anti-Vietnam War just as I am anti-Iraq War. And no, I'm not (to use a "double grammatical negative") a Black Republican and I really don't "wanna be" a Black Democrat either. What really and truly annoys me, as a minister, is that we Pagan Clergy cannot get any funding to promote goodwill and social services that our U.S. Government lacks within our Pagan communities. How can I, as a human being and minister, continue to positively portray and show our youth that the U.S. government and Corporate America are good role models? How can I, as a human being and clergy, continue to advise all of our youth (of all religious denominations or none) that education is good when the media (financially backed and supported by corporations globally) only portrays entertainers, sports figures, and skinny runway models as their future role models. I'm not anti-entertainment, anti-sports, anti-skinny folks at all; but there needs to be a re-focusing, restructuring of what is truly important--THE FAMILY. Gee, businesses restructure, re-organize, and downsize daily with no regard for the pattern of devastation and destruction caused duly by their actions! And when I speak about family and familial values, I am talking about everyone's concept of family values and not necessarily from a religious perspective. After all, some folks are spiritual but not religious along with some folks being absolutely Atheist. I have no issue with this at all--why should anyone else? We help people individually, one person at a time. But today, I was not able to help someone because we have no support. Fine. I'm just keepin' it real and will try to be late for everything and use more Ebonics. One more thing--can someone at least offer me a "Ghetto Card" too while helping me to become more Black? I will continue to forge ahead. Why? Because I know of life in peace and can rest well knowing that I have never stepped-on or hurt anyone within the process and rites of passages within the Life. We are all equal--BELIEVE IT OR NOT. Gee, we're all born of woman--so stop hating your mother. Look inward of yourself for the truth about your hatred, your insecurities, and self worth. From there, you will decide whether to make a serious change within your own life before blaming others for your misfortunes and/or unfulfilled life.The above is something for all of us to ponder whether we care to or not . . . then formulate proactive solutions as I am doing so.

Em Hetep,

Blesséd Be!

A Blending of Spiritualities

Religion and spirituality were intrinsic to just about everything Ancient Egyptians did daily and everything had some kind of spiritual and religious significance; both religion and spirituality were a natural part of everyday life. Ancient Egyptians believed that the gods and goddesses were everywhere, in everything, and influenced everything. “Magic(k)” or Heka (seemingly akin to “ritual” practices more so in those times), spirituality, and religion were inseparable because these worked hand-in-hand, neither being thought as either good or evil practices. Ancient Egyptian religion, now referred to as Kemeticism in modern times, was indeed an Earth- or Nature-based religion and remains so today.

Heka can be witnessed in every facet of Ancient Egyptian life, for example, in maternity and childbirth, agriculture, herbal medicine and healing, governmental affairs, language, bereavement, and mummification and the afterlife. The energy and the elementals played important roles too in the practice of heka as with that of the Craft. The Ancient Egyptians were a very ceremonial culture in their practices of heka, from peasants to priests and priestesses to the pharaohs. The Coffin Texts were a collection of Ancient Egyptian funerary texts consisting of spells (often referred to as "utterances") or magical (alchemical) formulae which had been painted or inscribed on the burial coffins of the First Intermediate period (c. 2130–1939 BCE) and the Middle Kingdom (1938–c. 1600? BCE). The Coffin Texts, combined with the Pyramid Texts, were the primary components of the Egyptian Book of the Dead, which were in prominent use during the New Kingdom and Late period.

One should consider the likelihood that there are some shared or similar qualities and personalities between the gods and goddesses of the Ancient Egyptian Pantheon and those of the Craft. Once a new practitioner of Kemeticism and the Craft sees the relationship between the Neteru, the Divine Ancient Egyptian cosmology and aeons, metaphysical principles (i.e., the triadic relationship and symbolism of Ausar, Auset, and Heru), and how both religions manifest themselves in Nature, only then will one begin to become cognizant of how Kemeticism, Wicca and Witchcraft can be blended synergistically.

Article Source: Dr. Kheti A. Sahure, DD, MscD

Must Reading - "Drums and Shadows"

Drums and Shadows

Georgia Writer's Project
Work Projects Administration
Mary Granger, District Supervisor
[1940, copyright not renewed]

This collection of oral folklore from coastal Georgia was assembled during the 1930s as part of a WPA writers' program, under the supervision of Mary Granger. The accounts in this book, framed by colorful descriptions of the rural locales where they were collected, were principally from elderly African-Americans, some of them centarians. Most had been slaves. In some cases they had known first generation slaves who had been born in Africa.

This book focuses on a set of beliefs and magical practices (some of which are today known as 'Hoodoo'), including root doctoring, the existence of spirits, talismans, lucky and unlucky acts and omens and more. The interviewer also investigates the use of drums and dancing during celebrations, funeral and baptism rituals, food taboos, and other aspects of folklore and ethnology. This study dispels any lingering doubt that these beliefs are derived directly from Africa--it exhaustively cross-references the narratives with an appendix of quotes from African ethnographers, folklorists and explorers.

Do not be put off by the use of phonetic dialect spelling. This is not being used here to belittle the speakers or cast them as ignorant. Rather, this book is scrupulously non-judgmental. This is simply how oral accounts were transcribed before there were portable tape recorders or camcorders. It takes a bit of work, but after a few pages, these potent and long-dead voices come to life. --JB Hare

Source:
Sacred Texts -
www.sacred-texts.com/afr/das/index.htm

If You Believe . . .

If you believe in a higher energy of spirituality then there is never any question of your faith. The problems I have always witnessed and have been bothered with are those human beings who deem themselves as personal emissaries of their monotheistic beliefs and belief systems.

What makes me laugh often as I just shake my head is that these same human beings denounce me and others who practice Alternative Spirituality.

The world wide media DOES NOT venture or seek out those who practice alternative spiritual paths. This is why there are online journals, eGroups, forums, and more that exist. We get no financial support in the United States of America from our so-called government of democracy because we do not believe in monotheism and truly oppressive, regressive, suppressive Christian religions of and by the those same human purveyors of said mainstream theologies. Any Christian clergy with whom I have talked with have always been enlightened through me because I have known more than them about their own religion from my learned background in Old and New Testament theological training and studies on and from a very severe academic level. I teach them. This is not how I wish to spend my time as an ordained minister; I have my own religion--namely Ancient Egyptian religion and theology. I was not called to ministry to battle for social and political justice. I was called to help and tend to the spiritual needs of everyone regardless of an individual's faith or non-faith. If you seek me out for help, then I will help you no matter your circumstance or situation--because this is what I do. If there is a bird with a broken wing, then I will attempt to heal the bird's broken wing. If you are someone with a broken spirit, then I will try to heal your broken spirit in a manner agreeable with you based on the universal laws of spirituality and nature. It's really simple to convey advice and begin a method of spiritual healing once you cut out all of the nonsense and malarkey.

Religious persecution comes in many forms and shapes--history has shown all of us this as pure fact.

The facts speak for themselves in the United States. The same offspring of European ancestors and eventual immigrants who voluntarily came to this land (now called the United States) have now come to the forefront in order to sanction that their religious belief system of Christianity is the only one religion which is right for all--for all American citizens who have the freedom of choice to practice their religion afforded by the Constitution. I started all of my forums and websites because I grew tired of non-mainstream religious clergy, followers, seekers, and practitioners being treated as second-class citizens in America. Keep in mind that I do firmly believe in social, economic, and political equality for EVERYONE, including animals and our ecology.

America had already been founded by the pre-existing indigenous cultures and not by Columbus, namely those who have been given the "gov'mint" name "Native Americans". It was those invading European immigrants who fled to what is now called America, the United States, the USA, etc. from the tyranny of their European homelands of the time. For the most part, their flee and/or banishment from their homelands was due to their own seeking religious freedom. As for the attack on Christmas or the so-called taking Christ out of Christmas--po-leez! Get a life! I have truly loss respect for these clergy and politicians who promote this sad right-wing, fascist agenda. Their polls claim that 90 to 96 percent of all Americans believe in Christianity--well, I beg to differ with those fictitious statistics because, I do know of many people who were not polled and who do not believe in Christianity in the United States. It's always very odd that myself and others were never polled.

The bottom line is that we all need to live, work, and help everyone together in harmony. The religious divisiveness stemming from the pulpits of certain Christian groups needs to cease because I surely doubt that the prophet named Jesus, a Hebrew (a member of or descendant from one of a group of Northern Semitic peoples including the Israelites, Semites, and Hamites) man, did not teach about the negativity purveyed by so many Christian clergy, their organizations, and their members. Even though I do not practice Christianity, I do recognize and respect everyone's religious and non-religious beliefs, opinions, etc. I call this religious tolerance. And I would like to be able to chime into the White House daily with my religious thoughts, mission, and political agenda that so many faith-based Christian organizations are and have been privy too way before the Bush Administration. Why? So that my Kemetic-Wiccan ministry can get some of those mighty dollars to help our temple, churches, covens, and spiritual organizations to fund educational projects, create grassroots economic development projects and organizations, and to further our mission of helping all who are in need without evangelizing them in the process. We are all about doing the work in service of a spiritually higher, unified goddess and god within our pantheon of deities.

There are good and bad human beings in all cultures from their religious beliefs all the way through their sociology, psychology, policy, oral and written language--and of course, their intended hurtful actions toward other fellow human beings.

There is no hell! We all are not going to hell for believing in, showing, extending, and practicing kindness toward all of our fellow human beings, animal kind, and botanical kind! Let's get real about this! I have always found it hard to believe that the Christian God, who is suppose to be a forgiving God would send anyone to hell for extending kindness to and help to anyone or anything because she/he/it didn't proclaim Jesus Christ as savior. Remember, many religions outside of Christianity have gotten along without Jesus for eons. This is not about bashing Christianity either.

War creates nothing but the failure of humans to realize how silly we all are and can be! I surely doubt that Mosaic Law originally or ever stated "Thou Shall Kill" . . . .

We have people, namely children, starving and dying all over the world. This is the true agenda--not waging war against one another. What bothers me is that many Middle Eastern peoples hate me too because of the U.S. government. when President Bush decided to go to war against Iraq, a nation of people of color, he surely didn't ask me or other citizens. Yes, I have valid issues with President Bush's decision to beat up on Iraq! I am not a patriot of bully imperialism. I am not a patriot of imperialism period since I am indeed an ancestral "product" of the African Slave Trade, African Diaspora, and Jim Crow Law.

We have so many people unemployed in America and globally. We have so many people who are homeless, hungry, and ill (because of no adequate health care) in America. If you get sick without health insurance here in America--you will die! No joke--I have plenty of proof! We have so many with so plenty--who DO NOT help any of our fellow humans named above. We have so much hatred, bigotry, prejudice, sexism, and racism (all four are different yet equate in meaning) throughout history to the here and now. When are we as humans going to cease these negative behaviors? And this is not a rhetorical question! Last but not least, do not listen to those politicians who “preach" and who ARE NOT called to ministry, ordained or trained clergy—number one!

Just keep in mind that the real hell is the true hell your friends, family, co-workers, associates, significant others, hypocrits, and strangers put upon you each and every day. And many of you foolishly call this life!

Look to those people truly do good--not those who are materialistic and bent on destruction of civilization. Look to those people who make a difference in science, health care, and education (in no certain order) because these are the folks who go unsung so often. Our teachers get such a raw deal in today's America; our school teachers are just plain disrespected by their students and the parents of the students. One more item of major importance--you just do not want to turn age 30 in America, be overweight, and be physically or mentally disabled in America at any age. You all know what I'm talking about. And this is a very sad statement of not just what America is so-called to be about but what the reality of what America truly is. Do I have all of the answers? No. But I do have many solutions to our global problems and they do not cost millions or billions of dollars. Believe me, I am not the only individual who has solutions--it's just that I am only one human being who is not fearful of speaking out, disseminating the truth, and most of all--keeping it real!

Em Hotep, Blesséd Be & Merry Christmas, and Happy Holiday(s) to all religions of our shared global community—not just during this time of the year but during every day of the year. I have no issues with Christmas, Easter, etc. because I work each and every day in service to my Goddess Aset and God Re.

Source:
This was excerpted from my upcoming book Please Don't Come Back Again.

Rev. Dr. K.A. Sahure, D.D., Msc.D. (D.Met.),
Elder Kemetic-Wiccan Minister,
Temple of Kemetic Wicca

For the Aspiring . . .

"Becoming a Witch"
by Morgaine
© Morgaine 2001

"I am often asked how one becomes a witch. Do you find someone who is a witch and they make you one? Or are you a witch just by saying you are? Can you make yourself a witch?

The process of becoming a witch doesn't happen overnight. It is a life change, a new path upon the journey of your life. It takes consideration, study and work. If you have previously followed a mainstream religion, you may have things that take time to let go, and new things that take time to absorb. I have heard many people say it is often hard, coming from a life of Christianity, to feel comfortable praying to the Goddess. All new things take time, but if you are serious upon this path, you will find your way. The Gods call their own home to them.

No matter how you have came about finding the Old Religion, here you are. So where do you go? To the book store. For a novice, books are like the air you breathe. You must have them, or access to them in some way. If you cannot afford, or do not feel safe having books on the Craft, the internet is the next best place.

In both books and on the internet you will find a wealth of knowledge that will help guide you upon your new path. Of course, as with anything else, there is good information and bad information. Avoid any kind of book, or internet site, that speaks of controlling another person in any way, harming them, doing love spells on a specific person, or tells you to chant in latin, even though you have no idea what you are saying (yes, I have seen sites like that). These books/sites will not fulfill your need for knowledge in the Craft and will only serve to confuse you.

Once you have read a variety of books and feel called to this path, the next step is to find a teacher. If you have access to a teacher, in my opinion this is the best course of action. A teacher or a coven can often be found if there is a new age book store in your community. Also, the Witches Voice is a site that offers networking in every state. It has grown extremely large over the past few years and is a valuable resource in the Craft community. All of my coven members have found me on the Witches Voice.

Having a mentor can offer so much to you when you are beginning. There will be things you come across that you have a hard time understanding and need clarification. If you have a teacher, they are just a phone call or email away. If you do not, you must try to decifer things on your own, and may not come to the correct end on them. If you do not have a teacher, again, the internet is the next best place to look.

If you are only looking for a 'how to' on casting spells, then the Craft is not for you. Witchcraft is a serious spiritual path, in which magick is performed, but is secondary to the religion itself. I would suggest you look to ceremonial magick for that.

A couple of things need to be said about beginning this path, in light of recent attitudes about the Craft. Here lately it seems that you have a people who, after reading a few books, feel as if they can call themselves a master of the Art. They throw on a title like Lady/Lord, or HP/s, add some black clothes, a pentacle the size of a hubcap, and they are ready to go. This is not what the Craft is about. If you have spent years following a particular path, have worked hard for the spiritual lessons that have been presented to you, and through this have attained the title and rank, then by all means use it. But think of how you would feel if, after all that, you have a newbie with 6 months and 5 books unde their belt walking about calling themselves Lady Starry Ski or Lord Thunderbutt. It is very offensive. Just like your parents told you when you were growing up (or maybe you still are) 'don't rush things, it will all come to you in the end, and be sweeter for the waiting'. This is true with the Craft. Using titles, putting on airs, and in general acting high and mighty are not going to make you any more spiritual. And that is what this path is about. What it will do is alienate you from people whom you may actually want to meet and get to know!

All of this being said the way to become a witch is through study and dedication. Gather all of the information you can. Find the best teacher possible. Read whatever you can get your hands on. Go outside in nature and commune with the Goddess and God. Listen to the trees and the wind and the rush of the water, for this is the witch's world. "