A Few Distinctions
There are many paths that can be followed when it comes to Wicca. A person can be a solitary or join a coven. I am a solitary. This means that I perform my rituals alone.
There are many different ways to perform rituals or magick. I use candle magick.
Rituals can be performed whenever. I do them when the mood strikes me, when asked to perform one by a family member or a friend and at the different phases of the moon.
Wiccans follow Gods/Goddesses that they choose. The Morrigan chose me. I do not "worship" the Morrigan, I look to them (they are a trinity) for guidance, strength and wisdom.
If I do "worship" anything it would be Mother Earth and the Forces of Nature.
The best thing I have found with this path is that there is no right way or wrong way to follow it. It is all up to me. The time when someone from the Pagan community tells me I am wrong I move on from the discussion realizing that they can have their way of doing things and they can not make me follow it.
Does that happen often? Generally, don't Wiccans/Pagans believe that do as you want as long as you don't harm anyone?
It does happen. Before I left Facebook I was in a group where a few members would argue that rituals, feasts, spells had to be done the way they did it. That if you were Wiccan you had to believe in the Power of Three. That certain Gods/Goddesses were not true to the Wiccan way. Very frustrating. Much like Christian sects denying other sects as Christian because their beliefs, tenets and practices were slightly different.
I follow the Power of Three rule and also do as thy will but harm none.
glad you are here
Dear Friend Veronica: Interesting and informative.
I am glad you are sharing this.
We open up better relations when we can each appreciate what matters to others, and understand its value.
We are grateful.
Thanks.
Enoch.
"If I do "worship" anything it would be Mother Earth and the Forces of Nature. "
Veronica, thank you for your very interesting, inspiring and insightful sharing of your own beliefs.
Respect for Mother Earth, Father Sky and Mother Nature are all very important to most to the Cherokee people, as they are to most Native Americans. Most Native Americans not only hold the Great Spirit (The Creator) in highest regard, but, also have other lessor Gods and Goddesses that they also pray to.
I myself follow the religious beliefs and culture of my ancient Cherokee ancestors. Many who do not know the true meanings of our beliefs and culture often refer to them as being pagan or Godless. However, I do not let that change my way of life. I respect that others may have different beliefs and way of life and have done a good deal on first hand research on many organized religions, thus I have an understanding of why they feel and believe they way they do.
However, that is not my way of life, or belief. And all I ask is that others also respect my own choice of beliefs and way of life as I do theirs.
I know the Creator, and He knows me and what is in my heart, and for me, that is all that matters.