The Witches' Bible by Janet and Stewart Farrar is 349 page, black cover book that claims
to contain everything you need to know about The Craft and Religion of Witches.
Copyright 1981, 1984 With illustrations and photographs. The
volume can be purchased online by visiting your online bookseller.
The collection includes 2 books in one volume. The 8 Sabbats for Witches and The Witches' Way. The book is said to be the most comprehensive work
on the principles, rituals and beliefs of modern witchcraft.
The principles addressed are:
The Sabbats and Rites for Birth, Marriage and Death
Casting & Banishing the Magic Circle
The Complete Book of Shadows
The Great Rite
Initiation Rites
Consecration Rites
Spells
Witches' Tools
Witchcraft & Sex
Running a Coven
Clairvoyance
Astral Projection
The introduction explains how modern witchcraft in America and Europe is a fact of life. It is the active religious practice of a significant number
of people. Wicca is both a religion and a craft. As a religion, it puts the practitioner in touch with the Divine creative principle of the
Universe. As a craft, its purpose is to achieve practical outcomes by psychic means for the good. In both aspects the characteristics of Wicca are
its Nature based attitude and its philosophy of creative polarity.
Witches celebrate nature - - agricultural, pastoral, wildlife, botanical, solar, lunar, planetary, and psychic tides and cycles. The purpose is to
put the practitioner in tune with nature's rythyms and unity.
The celebrations are 8, called Sabbats and further divided by Greater and Lesser, which include:
Imbolc, 2 February (Candlemas) A Greater Sabbat
Spring Equinox, 21 March A Lesser Sabbat
Beltane, 30 April (May Eve) A Greater Sabbat
Midsummer, 22 June (Summer Solstice) A Lesser Sabbat
Lughnasadh, 31 July (Lammas Eve) A Greater Sabbat
Autumn Equinox, 21 September A Lesser Sabbat
Samhain, 31 October (All Hallows Eve) A Greater Sabbat
Yule, 22 December (Winter Solstice) A Lesser Sabbat
Wicca is a natural religion and appeals to many individuals because it may be practiced solitary or in small groups called covens. The preference is
up to the individual seeker and their internal expression.
In this day and age, it is not common for people to "feel" the changes of the seasons, the Gut Feeling of Nature. Practicing Wicca is for the
purpose of attuning oneself to the natural tides and seasons of nature and the individual effort to achieve unity with it. Observing nature and
becoming one with it, including the elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Sometimes Metal is included in the list of essential elements. The
Elements are said to be encircled by Spirit, which is represented by the Pentagram. (A star within a circle).
I read this book last year when I became fascinated with a Magical Almanac. However, there are aspects shared in this book that I (personally) find
uncomfortable. Having said that I want to point out that I place no negative judgement on anyone who does find certain aspects appealing. After all,
Wicca, Witchcraft are personal journey's in search of the Divine understanding we all search for.
I prefer a Solitary Practice that has advantages and drawbacks. The advantages are that I pursue those practices and lessons which appeal to my
intuition. This allows me to discover a deeper meaning to nature at my own pace, in my own way and by honing my intuitive/psychic abilities without
the structure and organization of a group setting. The drawbacks are that there is no input or assistance from another's perspective, wisdom and
imagination. The lack of like-minded support or interaction may be seen by some to be inhibiting to learning. The beauty of it all is that the
practice, regardless of Coven or Solitary, allows each practitioner (or initiate) to become familiar with Divine Nature at his or her own pace.
Since I began my learning on this subject I've been both exhilarated and doubtful. Exhilarated because I finally found an established religion that
reflects my inner voice, the love of Nature and Earth. Doubtful because that old ingrained idea passed down from generation to generation for untold
centuries that forbids the individual to even consider the etherial aspects of life which have been reserved instead for Priests and Patriarchal
Religious Leaders.
The terrible lies and witchunts of times past that raised superstitious fears to chaotic levels, disallowing the individual freedom to express their
individualism, pursue their own desires, and a serious threat of persecution.
Once the real purpose of Witchcraft and Wicca are understood, the fear dissipates being replaced by a sense of rightness and pure intent. Any
religion may be manipulated by ones with unhealthy desires, including Christianity, Muslim, and Wicca. The goal of every Witch should be
To Harm None. It is not only the goal, but the life's purpose and direction. To Harm
None, taken at first glance seems less significant that it is. Taking an active notice of one's own actions, thoughts and words and being determined
to follow the only "rule" in Witchcraft allows one to see the world around them in a new, bright, positive light. The practitioner or initiate sees
herself in harmony with all life and attempts to create good by utilizing nature itself and the balanced energies contained within every living object
to achieve healing or to banish negative energies.
I have not yet begun my
year and a daycommitment to pursuing this path. But what
I have done is take the parts of the religion and craft that "fit" and made them a part of my ongoing thought process. I've instead focused on
Herbalism and
Natural Healing as a prelude to Wicca or
Witchcraft. My interest in herbs, flowers, plants, animals and nature itself is satisfied with these pursuits. I never knew how much there was to
learn. Sometimes I fear for future generations who may never have the opportunity to learn about or experience nature in its pure state. Who will
preserve this knowledge for them?
I encourage you who are reading this thread to visit the links I have included to gain a greater understanding of the natural world we inhabit. Deny
Ignorance. Deny Fear. Deny Negativity.
The conspiracy against natural, earth religions is based on unfounded fear, deliberate lies and patriarchal religious leaders who wish to remain the
"power elite" by controlling our subconscious minds, our conscious actions and thoughts and to destroy the understanding that we are all capable
(required to be) of being our own Priest/Priestess of The Divine Creator of All. We do not need an intervener or our behalf to commune with God or
The Goddess. That we believe we cannot reach spiritual communion on our own behalf is the greatest lie ever told.