By Harleen Kaur

Wicca. A craft of magic and empowerment, believes that every element has a consciousness directly linked with Nature. If we are open to this consciousness, it acts as our guide in life. Wicca is all about developing an enhanced awareness, both of one's surroundings and of oneself

Long ago when the world started, there was magic everywhere; every race and country, every tribe and tributary had its magic-handlers, its wise witch-people. Magic is another word for creation, for the creation of the world was the biggest magic of all.
—Dorothy Edwards in The Witches and the Grinnygog

Magic (often spelt as 'magick' to differentiate it from sleight of hand) was a part and parcel of the Old Religions. It was an Old Way of Knowing, it followed the law of the land. It delighted in finding the sacred in the profane, its popular language was myth and ritual, its foundation was rapture and the experience of Nature its living communion. Its perception of spirits in streams, rocks and groves and its acceptance of Nature as the divinity manifest was an age-old awareness that has been all but lost in this century.

It was a mature appreciation of the created and the uncreated worlds, this magic. Its objective was to seek to restore the ancient harmonies between intellect and intuition, matter and spirit, earth and heaven, head and heart, and it presided over the principle of union in Nature. It offered freedom from oppression. It was the veneration of natural icons, the use of natural clairvoyance and the subtle powers of the human body and mind.

From this rose paganism, shamanism and other religions of the Old World. In all these, the Earth Mother and the Creator were central—for day-to-day living, evolution, empowerment and healing. From paganism and shamanism arose 'Wicca' or modern witchcraft.

Wicca includes the practice of various forms of white magic, as well as rites to attune oneself with the central rhythm of life spelt out by the phases of the moon and the seasons.

All Wiccans follow the Wiccan Rede: "An' it harm none, do what thou wilt." The exact origin of the Wiccan Rede is not known. It has been interpreted as meaning—Be free to do what you feel in your heart is right, provided no harm be brought to anyone as a result. Most Wiccans live by the Wiccan Rede and believe that if they violate it, even unintentionally, they would have to contend with negative karmic returns.

Ipsita Roy Chakraverti, a well-known Wiccan, comments: "Traditionally, Wicca has never interacted with people. It has always been close-knit and secretive. Also, it doesn't want converts. Those who are meant to follow the Path know it."

Different phases of the moon are important. A waxing moon is ideal for magic that causes things to increase, grow, strengthen or attract. The waning moon is for magic that causes things to decrease, weaken or come to an end. The full moon is favorable for performing divinations, fertility magic and all things psychic. The only phase not conducive to magic is when there is no moon.

There is another ritual known as 'Drawing down the sun' in which energy from Mother Earth is drawn through a technique called the Cone of Power, intended at a specific goal. Spirits of the woods and other elements in Nature are invoked. This involves visualization techniques, chanting (derived from sounds of Nature) and, should be performed at the correct lunar phase.

When power is drawn from the elements of Nature, it is done for specific intentions and goals. The magical energy is raised, directed (towards the goal or intention) and then released.

Some traditions of Wicca use herbs, oils, gemstones, colors and spells to empower and heal. For instance, cinnamon is used to bring money and success. Cloves banish evil, protect and bring love and money. Eucalyptus is perceived to be the best herb for healing. Lavender and rose buds are used in love spells.

Similarly, every fragrance, color, oil and gemstone has its own asset in the form of riches, peace, exorcism, spirituality, luck, energy and healing.

Athame, a ritual dagger and an extension of the healing hand, is used to store and direct energy during rituals. It corresponds to the air element.

A Wiccan would draw energy from the universe using these tools, which would then be used to suck out the diseased energy from the patient. This would then be dispersed into the Earth. The healer, thus, is not drawing upon his/her own energies, but is tapping the universal current. However, a Wiccan healer must be trained properly to draw this universal energy.

Practitioners of this tradition utilize visualization techniques in conjunction with the raising, directing and release of love energy in the casting of spells. Regardless of the goal of the spell, whether it be for healing, prosperity, obtaining affection or passion, breaking curses, promoting fertility or awakening psychic powers, it is always powered by love, but above all by the will of the witch.

Wicca is a way of opening up to an expansion of consciousness, but it does not automatically bestow spiritual insights. The initiator can do no more than open the gate. It is the student who must climb the path. And mind you, Wicca is a path not for many.

As a Wiccan would say "You began your actual study many centuries ago. The wheel has started turning. It will stop only when the purpose is fulfilled. Maybe you have already realized the purpose. Above all else, there was a path on which you were meant to walk. Recognize it, just as it knows you.

"Be like Isis (Egyptian goddess of fertility associated with magic), a woman complete in yourself. Learn the language of enchantment but not of deceit. Learn how to play the games life offers. Take from life the part you wish to play, but play it with a regal demeanor. Even with power at your feet, crush not kindness and compassion, without which power is the tool of fools.

An interview with Delhi-based Wiccan Ipsita Roy Chakraverti who belongs to the Pagan School of Wicca:

What are the sources of energy used by a Wiccan?
All the elements—Earth, rocks, wood. When the world was formed, there was consciousness in the elements, and it is the same consciousness that is drawn upon by a Wiccan.

Are symbols used in Wicca?
No, we don't use symbols, but in certain Wiccan traditions, a circle is drawn clockwise with the Athame and the Wiccan stays inside that circle. The powers are then contained within that space.

How does a Wiccan heal?
Wiccans use the Athame, an extension of the healing hand. There is also crystal, amber (not used in any other alternative stream of healing) and rose quartz. Certain mantras or chants are also used. A Wiccan uses certain parts of the body, like the eyes to channelize energy.

How can Wicca empower women?
Historically, witches have been burnt at the stake. Fortunately, in the West now Wicca is being taken positively as revering the wise woman. But in India, it is still considered evil. I do get a lot of inquiries from women who want to become witches. I have done workshops with women in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, in India. My book (Beloved Witch) also has some simple spells, which have been used by people.

Is Wicca becoming popular, then?
Everybody learns with a purpose, which might be love, revenge, money, power. To those who are serious, I recommend a few books, The Golden Bough by James Frazer, for instance, and then talk to them. Unfortunately, very few want to empower themselves without any ulterior motive.

I've found keen interest in the younger generation. In colleges, girls want to know about the spiritual side of Wicca. About toning the mind, helping others. That is where I am going to focus now. There are about 1,000 students in Bengal who have adopted the Wiccan way of life.