You might be saying to yourself, I thought she was buddhist! Ah ha. I am. I am however also studying wicca, and the two
meld together very nicely. Buddhism is not so much a religion, as a way of living. I can live as a buddhist, respecting myself
and the world around me while following the wiccan paradigms. I think of myself as an eclectic witch. I am more green and
kitchen than anything. And keep in mind that this is my path, the one that feels fulfilling to me. If you don't agree, so
be it- you have your own path, and we may never cross.
So, you might ask, what do I believe? Here goes...
1. I believe that all life is beautiful, and to be respected. No, I am not totally vegetarian, but I don't eat a lot
of meat. Try a parmesean ranch veggie pattie- you'd swear its real chicken.
2. I believe that the body, any body, is a temple and that on should try their best to take care of it- that means no
contaminating it with drugs, large quantities of alcohol (though some is okay, and healthy if not in excess.)
3. I believe that there is a higher power, who is gendered- notone or the other but both. S/he is loving and insightful,
and pushes us through tests that force us to work towards the best us, and creates goals forus to reach towards.
4. I believe that life is a game- much as you might sit out a round or two of any other game, and then hop back in, so
is life. We tend to play with the same friends, assuming different roles during different rounds. I still belive in heaven
and hell: heaven is when you sit out, the couch is soft, the sattelite in perfect order on a big screen with great movies
on 24/7, the snacks are full, your glass is never empty, and the company is great. Hell is a hard floor, no company, a thermostat
that is broken and set to high heat (like my dorm single), and the whole place reeks of onions and stale beer. I guess its
reincarnation + punishment/reward.
5. I think that there are many paths to our great seat in the sky. And God/dess is the dorm mom who keeps us in line
and takes care of us. She knows what we need, loves us, guides us, and grounds us when need be. And nomatter whether you come
from yonkers or zimbabwe, los angeles or amsterdam, christianity or wicca, all roads lead home to her. And no place is quite
as amazing as home.
Now what all does this have to do with wicca? Well, after much exploring and reserach (there is that r word again) I
found that wicca most closely matches the way that I feel. It allows for me to choose my path- no you don't have to be dianic
or whatever else. You can even choose Jesus/God as your power- that's the beautiful thing! Wicca is all about being spiritual,
being a good person, and connecting with your higher power(s). Some people choose to cast spells, or use crystals, I
choose to offer other things, plant an extra tree as an offering, maybe burn a few candles or some incense to request,
celebrate or give thanks. I do enjoy the holidays as per the wiccan calender (established first)- which amazingly are the
same basic days as the christian holidays (established later)! Amazing coincidence, isn't it.
Whew. There's more of course, but don't get me started unless you have time on your hands and a lot of coffee...
