Thirteen goals of a witch In his book "Wicca, a guide for the Solitary Practitioner" Scott Cunningham publishes the following list of 13 goals of a witch. It's not clear whether he quotes an older source or he made the list himself. After the bold words you can read my thoughts about it.
13 is an important number in witchcraft: there are 13 moons in the lunar year, the number of people in a coven is preferably 13. By no means 13 is an unlucky number! Know Yourself - It's important to know your own qualities and weaknesses, what you like and don't like. Who are you? What do you want? Soul searching is a continuous process. Know Your Craft - Reading a lot of books and websites doesn't do it alone. You need to know what path you choose to go further. There are many paths to explore. Even initiation is only a beginning. - My path is solitary eclectic witchcraft;read more here. Learn - You are never done studying, but learning constantly about yourself, your Craft and the world around you. Witchcraft isn't a standstill religion, it is always evolving. - That's exactly what I like about it! Apply Knowledge with Wisdom - Knowledge and wisdom are not synonymous. You can get knowledge from a book, but wisdom is knowing what to do with it. Knowledge is power, but without wisdom you won't be able to have control over that power. Achieve Balance - Have your life balanced on all levels: emotionally, physically, spiritually. Balance your needs and the needs of other people. Although you'll never completely achieve it, strive for total balance. Keep Your Words in Good Order - Be careful what you wish for, you might get it! You have to know and specify what you want. And we live by the saying "an ye harm none, do what ye will". Keep Your Thoughts in Good Order - The power of thoughts is big, so you better think positive. Otherwise a selffulfilling prophecy happens: if you think you can't do it, you won't succeed. In order to make your magic work, you need to believe in it. Celebrate Life - Life is meant to be enjoyed! Cherish what you have and can do. In the pursuit of happiness, every detail can be important. Attune with the Cycles of the Earth - Everything goes in cycles: the lunar year, nature, life itself. Take time to enjoy nature, cherish and protect it. Breathe and Eat correctly - Be aware of your breath, use it in meditation and energy raising. Don't live to eat, eat to live. - Oops, not always the easiest things to do! Exercise the Body - Your body is your temple, so you should treat it like that. Keep it in shape. Love and accept your body the way it is. - That's still a problem for me... Meditate - Meditation is very important and necessary (along with visualization) for successful rituals, spells and divination. It gives you peace of mind and is very good for your health. Do it regularly and find the method that works best for you. - I love meditating, but I fail at being regular... Honour the Goddess and God - It's not about blind worshipping but treating them with respect, love, trust, etc. The divine power is also inside every one of us, so by honouring them you honour yourself and other people.
I think most of them could apply to more people than just witches.
What do you think? ~*~*~*~ Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
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51 comments:
Those are all worthy goals...no matter what you are practicing. As you already know, I have trouble with the eating correctly and exercise. That's a good list!
Excellent list and thoughts about them. It's interesting to me to see so much of this wisdom now out in mainstream consciousness. (Bookmarking your site - you are a interesting blogger!)
Thanks for visiting Snarkypants. Have a good week!
very interesting list. thanks for dropping by and letting me know about you!
I just finished reading the third Harry Potter book. Loved it!
A most excellent post! I love your blog and posts! Mahalo for the visit!
Those definitely can be applied to more than just witchcraft. It's darn good advice for life.
I ought to post that list on the wall somewhere...
Happy TT, Tink! Always glad to see you at West of Mars!
Thank you for your welcome to TT ... :) I love the part about celebrating one's life, I think that is so important. Many of these are similar to Buddhism. :) And all I believe are an excellent part of a spiritual path. Thank you for sharing these!
Many of those are very basic, and are echoed in certain Buddhist and Taoist writings. (Probably other places - but those are the ones with which I'm most familiar. The same concepts are probably also buried in the religious writings of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam...but since they don't speak about winning national or cultural prominence, those bits are ignored by the zealots of those faiths.)
It's stunning, how easily people are helped to forget these very basic, very empowering ideals...and how frequently.
Wow, that was really interesting. I knew about a few of those things, but not most. Great post!
Admirable goals no matter what path you choose to follow.
This is very interesting to me...adding you to my googlereader!
Not just for wicca! Great rules to live by PERIOD.
Yes, I'd definitely say those apply to more than witches, they're great principles! Especially the power in people's thoughts. I can't tell you how many times I've willed something I didn't want to happen, to happen. Am trying to do better with that. Happy tt! Thanks for sharing!
Fascinating list! And great advice and wisdom all across the board. Thanks for sharing!
Happy TT!
Yep, if more people practiced these ideals (wicca or not) the world might be a difference place
I am with the first poster...those are all goals that all people should live by! Happy TT!
"These words the Wiccan rede fulfill; an ye harm none do what you will." I've always loved that.
I admire your discipline. A child formerly under my jurisdiction decided at one point she would pursue the path of a solitary eclectic witch, but became quickly discouraged at the dearth of resources (she didn't have a computer) and at the sheer amount of learning and discipline required. It takes a lot of energy. It's probably easier in England than Florida.
You might want to check out my artwork site; I did a beltane flower (more or less in her memory and also because I was listening to Jethor Tull's "Songs from the Wood.") I don't have the link but you can just open the artwork gallery from the page linked here and scroll down.
I think I can say now I did my best, lol !
Yes, those are definitely goals for everyone, regardless. Hard to believe some people see this as threatening.
First; I love that book.
Second; those rules are great, though I can't stick to all of them (eating/exercising...) unfortunatly.
Meditation is my weakness, I just can't do it, but I'm very good at vizualising things, even with my eyes open, so I think not being able to meditate is compensated by that.
Great TT!
Very interesting! As you said, I think that those are ideals that anyone could strive towards, not just withces.
You're right, a good list for everyone to keep in mind, not just witches.
You don't have to be a witch to try to practise most of those... Thanks for the visit.
very cool list! And yeah - pretty much applicable across the board doncha think?
This definitely not only applies to witches.
It was interesting to me to read how challenging it must be to be a witch and how much work seems to be involved in it. Definitely not a religion for me. ;o) As are all the others. So I guess, I just stay a lazy heathen, just because believing in nothing is so much less work. LOL
Very interesting. My sister would love this:)
This is a fascinating list and thoughts that can be applied whether you are a witch or not. I also need to do better on the exercise. I like your emphasis on maintaining balance, meditation and the cycles of nature. These are all areas I could apply myself more.
And thanks for the mention of that book at the top of your post. I'm going to check it out.
I have to agree, there is a lot of wisdom to be had in these statements. If more people lived their lives this way I think they'd be better off.
Excellent post, Tink!
Most of those are great goals that apply to everyone!
Very interesting list. Some basic things for all of us.
Thanks for visiting my TT.
I really must remember that whole body is a temple thing... But I just love chocolate so much!
I love this list and it is good for any path that you walk. Thanks for reminding me!
This is interesting and thank you because I have a slight fear of the word "witch" and it's because of my ignorance and now I know a little more about it. Thanks for visiting my TT! Happy TT!
http://mitchypoo777.blogspot.com
Great attributes to reach for, thanks for this list I greatly appreciated it. :)
Great reminders to us all. Merry Meet, Merry Part and Merry Meet again. :o)
Great worthy goal :) I'm learning this as I read along...and I agree it great list for everyone to follow
Happy T13! Have good day
Some good guidance in there.
I dont know if she considers herself a witch but she does study that kind of thing. Maybe I should study it so I can figure out what she is talking about;)It's all very cool.....
We saw you over at Kimo & Sabi's so we stopped by. This is a very good ist. Lotsa people should strive for these goals.
This is a very nice list, and yes I do think the list could apply to anyone no matter what path they follow.
Thanks for visiting my TT
Very cool list!! I don't know a lot about Wicca, other than the garbage you see in movies! Looks like I need to read up a bit!
An inspiring and wise set of reminders and guides, Tink. Every week I look forward to stopping by your blog and find out more about your Craft and practice.
The pointers and qualifying of wisdom versus knowledge is wise indeed.
Here is my list for this week...about Ripperology...
http://gnosticminx.blogspot.com/2007/05/precious-bodily-fluids.html
Interesting list. A lot of worthy goals for anyone.
These principles apply to all persons :) Thanks for sharing these with us.
Happy Thursday!
Hmmmm...these are also good goals fer cats too!
Yes, I agree with you that many of these could be true of everybody, no matter what beliefs they have--probably some would need a little changing up here and there. Everybody should learn throughout life, apply wisdom, eat right, and exercise. And watch the words!
This is an excellent creed for sure. You have earned yourself the ol bookmark for this one. I look forward to reading more of what you offer.
Be well and enjoy the day.
Now that was enlighting. It would seem a good goal is a good goal no mather witch I mean which side of the fence you set.
Great list Tink and thanks for the read
Mitch.
P.S. Sorry for the late post. I turn 50 Sunday and I was induling in #11.
Another interesting list, Tink. Thanks for sharing.
That's funny because as I was reading I was thinking that is such good advice for everyone. I live in an area where a lot of people still think of witches in the way they've been misrepresented for so long. Good luck in your solo pursuits!
btw, I found you through Courtney's thirteen.
What a great list. I have to admit, I don't know much about witchcraft other than what I've been reading on your site, but really, they are words of wisdom for anyone. I especially like the achieiving balance and the celebrating life goals!!!!
This is a fanstastic post! I really enjoyed it!
Jessica The Rock Chick
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