Some Things I’ve Noticed Studying Wicca

As I progress on my spiritual journey, I recognize the methods rooted in tradition, and their benefits proven by science. Though I try not to rationalize everything I read, I can see the science and psychology in so much of it. While this may kill a little of the magic, it is interesting all the same.

When beginning the path of Wicca, Scott Cunningham in his excellent book Wicca recommended attuning with the God and Goddess over the course of a week: going out in the sun or beholding the moon and absorbing the gods’ energies, reciting the many names they’ve gone by almost hypnotically until you’re lost in the repetition and feel their presence inside you. Chanting and repetitious prayer is a tool of many religions to create a trance-like state of mind.

Meditation is as well, both to find inner peace and calming of the mind, as well as a way of grounding, gaining awareness of the body, sensations, and presence in the moment. It can be used to bring down our energies and center ourselves.

The use of insence and burning sacred herbs is an ancient practice rooted in centuries-old aromatherapy. The use of certain herbs, oils, and smokes may contain certain properties or smells that can help reduce symptoms of mental health issues, such as anxiety. Moreover, certain plants possess healing properties backed by science, though some contain negative side-effects as well. Lavender, for example, has historically been used for its pain-relieving properties.

The heavy use of ritual in Wicca imbues every action with significance. This is a practice of mindfulness, a clinically proven method of stress reduction, among other benefits, that has been practiced for ages, such as in the East Asian tea ceremony. By being mindful, present, and holding significance for our actions by ritual, we contribute meaning and respect for what we are doing and that, I think, holds its own sort of power. This can help us by relieving stress, anxiety, ruminations, and can improve our practice overall. We feel closer to everything we are doing, every movement we make and every action we take. The way I have come to see this, flawed as it may be (for I am new to all this!), is that we impart pieces of ourselves in our actions, and we thus bring ourselves closer to the energy of the Divine. That, in turn, brings us closer to the gods.