Bright Blessings and welcome to the Circle of Crow! I hope to give you a sound overview of Circle of Crow and our tradition so that you have a firm understanding of who we are and what we believe.
Circle of Crow tradition is an eclectic version of what was based in hereditary Hedge Witchery, with a pinch of eastern influence and a heavy flavor on native Shaman practice. We at Circle of Crow celebrate a version of the Old Religion, Wicca being a more modern version of the same Old Religion and just as valuable a spiritual path. The Old Religion (still practiced by many Witches) and the neo-pagan religion Wicca are growing and thriving, but good solid information is harder to find then you might think, most new comers are self-taught from books and articles that are written by authors who are well informed and usually practicing Witches themselves. Self taught is not to be frowned upon or thought of as less valuable, after all, how else will the movement continue? There are others--we who have practiced from generation to generation, mixing our knowledge with that of the new Wicca movement, and finding we also have a place and valuable information to share--so as a voice for those of an older school than Dr. Gardner’s modern Wicca. Please consider reading my few words.
Witchcraft is not a hobby or an occasional fling of majic. It is not a religion, although often practiced conjoined to the Pagan belief system, now named Wicca – a revised version of what was once known as the Old Religion, this was an ancient religion that predated Jesus Christ. Wicca is the modern name for a version of the old religion and often for Witchcraft nowadays. Wicca is a Neo Pagan religion, meaning it is outside of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, it is said to literally mean wise one, therefore it would follow that the practice of Wicca is the practice of wisdom. The words Neo Pagan represents a more modern Pagan.
The Christian religion is based upon the Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Judaism is based upon the Old Testament of the Bible. Islam is based upon the worship of Allah, Mohammad being his prophet. Before Judaism, Christianity, and Islam became organized religions, there were only pagans, and prior to the arrival of these religions paganism was highly respected. Witches were revered for their knowledge and their ability to heal, see into the future and bend reality. Royalty often consulted with witches. Most witches acknowledge Judaism, Christianity and Islam, but chose to follow a polytheistic path rather than the monotheistic path, which these religions offer.
Dr. Gerald Gardner, a witch himself, who went public with his beliefs in the mid 1950’s, is the founder of the Wicca religion, the Neo Pagan version of the Old Religion and has done much to bring those old pagan ways of worship into a modern arena – however it must be said you do not have to be Wicca or follow the path of the Old Religion or to practice Witchcraft, you can be void of formal religion or perhaps practice some other pagan belief system. Although I must emphasize because of the nature of the Craft of Witchery – it would be impossible to be true to the Judah/Christian or Moslem faiths and play with the majic of Witchcraft. As the Christians Holy Bible says, “ thou shall not suffer a witch to live” Exodus 22:18. therefore it is an untruth to state that you can be a Witch and practice any religion, as I have seen printed in at least one article.
We at Circle of Crow, carry a lineage, which travels further back than Dr. Gardner’s coming out, and the founding of Wicca. So we aspire to practice the Old Religion in a form practiced by us before Wicca was even developed. I’m sure this way of worshiping in the Old Religion is not verbatim that which our ancestors practiced; but in some ways it maybe a little closer to their beliefs and a little more Shaman than modern Wicca often presents. Because Wicca is a recognized religion in it’s own right and a valuable spiritual path – we at Circle of Crow practice our craft and the Old Religion within all the legal and ethical boundaries of this religion known as Wicca. Affording us at least in theory protection under the Constitution of the United States of America.
Circle of Crow Tradition celebrates (not worships) many goddesses and gods, which we call deities, and we are polytheistic in our practices, to clarify how we apply this I need to explain that we believe two supreme energy paths govern all, the feminine and the masculine paths to Spirit (Great Spirit). Each of these paths have doorways/gates, these doorways are named for deities such as Dinah, Aradia, Artemis, Hera, -- Zeus, Pan, Apollo, the Dagda and the list goes on…The doorways named for goddess/feminine energies lead onto the left hand path to Spirit, the doorways named for gods/masculine energies lead onto the right hand path to Spirit and can be opened by any of us.
Each of the goddess and god doorway energies have different personality traits, and different powers – so can be used to aid in different majics and at different times of the day, month or year. All however, are entrances to the paths that lead to Spirit, the Supreme Creator whose own energy is above our knowledge, yet within our reach. Spirit is both masculine and feminine energy, and yet is neither.
We do not choose a specific pantheon of gods and goddess, all pantheons have equal respect. We encourage the practitioners of Circle of Crow tradition when enlisting the aide of a particular deity, to research the most appropriate for their purpose. Using whichever pantheon they prefer. We steadfastly believe that she and he, as in the feminine and masculine energy doorways have many personalities and many names, each equally as important an entrance to the paths that lead to spirit.
We encourage craft practitioners in Circle of Crow tradition to decide for themselves whether they agree with or deny the teachings of Jesus Christ. Opinions on Christianity are considered to be a personal choice in the heart of each individual. It must be emphasized however that neo pagans, Wicca’s, and witches often the same, do not believe in heaven or hell, nor do they believe in a devil deity, although the practitioners of Circle of Crow acknowledge negative energies and even evil (for want of a better word) forces, we do not believe these originate with a Christian anti-god figure named the devil, Lucifer or anything else.
We are nature worshipers not devil worshipers. As you can see the Old Religion and the Neo Pagan religion of Wicca, whose belief systems are very similar, are perfect forums to practice the craft of witchery, but also offer a more spiritual journey to those who prefer not to practice the majical arts.
In conclusion I can only say bright are the blessings upon us for we are in an age when the old can meet the new and be victorious.
Thank you for visiting with me.
Sincerely,
Hana Wren Robinson
High Priestess of the Old Religion
Practitioner of the Magical Arts
and Sister in the Circle of Crow
