Merry Meet! Although many do not know it, Wicca is one of the largest religions in the world. It predates several of the commonly heard of religions such as christianity and the like. What is Wicca, you might be wondering. Well, Wicca is the religion of the "witches". It has long been shrouded in secrecy. Anyone interested in learning about this craft had to be satisfied with hints from books and other writings. The Wiccans wouldn't say much and they weren't really looking for new comers. All that has changed now.Wicca is the religion that many are searching for. So many are looking for a personally-involving religion, one which celebrates both physical and spiritual realities. For a standard definition on the subject, Wicca is: A Pagan (Latin word meaning Country Dweller. today used as a general term for followers of magical religions. Naturally, Christians have their own definition of this word. It can be interchanged with Neo-Pagan) religion with spiritual roots in Shamanism and the earliest expressions of reverence of Nature. Among it's major asects : reverence for the Goddess and the God; reincarnation; magic; ritual observances (no sacrafices, don't worry)of the Full Moon, astrological and agricultural phenomena; sheroid temples, created with personal power (power and magic from within), in which rituals occur. Whew...I bet you almost didn't make it through all that information. But aren't you glad you read it. Just think of how much more you're aware of now. Every person and animal has the power of magic with in them. Now, I'm not talking about the kind of Hocus Pocus that makes people disappear, or when women are sawed in half. I'm speaking of inner magic. Magic it the movement of natural(yet subtle) energies to make positive, needed change. Magic is the process of rousing energy, giving it purpose (through visualizing what the purpose is) and releasing it to create a change. This is a natural (not supernatural) practice. As I was saying about magic, there are different kinds actually. Magic can be something as unnoticed as a wisp of wind blowing a few blades of grass. Most (all that I'm familiar with) Wiccan books have spells and rituals of some sort in them. These, as the author will tell you, are not to be followed strictly, but to be changed and adapted to fit your own feelings and beliefs. I usually right my own spells, which will probably work best for most people. (since they come from your heart, and they are personal, they have more power) There are so many wonderful books on wicca. Some of my favorite authors are Scott Cunningham, Gerina Dunwich,Raymond Buckland, Douglas Monroe,and printings from the Llewellyn Company. I realize I have not told you a great deal, but even the smallest bit of knowledge makes a person grow. I will leave you with these last thoughts: A Witch (or Worlock) had 13 goals:

1.Know yourself

2.Know your Craft (Wicca)

3.Learn

4.Apply knowledge with wisdom

5.Achieve balance

6.Keep your words in good order

7.Keep your thoughts in good order

8.Celebrate life

9.Attune with the cycles of the Earth

10.Breathe and eat correctly

11.Exercise the body

12.Meditate

13.Honor the Goddess and God

And the most important part of Wicca is the Wiccan Law. "An ye harm none, do as ye will." It means, you can do what you want as long as you don't hurt anyone or thing. Go forth with understanding. Happy Wanderings my friends.