Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices
Richard Ballard
The evening of April 30th [midnight May 1st Stonehenge time]
brings the sabbat Beltane (pronounced Beel-teen or Bell-tayn),
a celebration of fertility and life above all else. Beltane
marks summer's beginning and is a time to celebrate the
eternal wheel of reincarnation and the return of the Wiccan
God. Beltane falls opposite Samhain [midnight October 31st
Stonehenge time, winter's beginning] on the Wheel of the Year.
Beltane (the final phase of planting) and Samhain (the third
and final harvest) are the two most important sabbats.
Many Pagans believe that the name Beltane derives from the
English word 'balefire' meaning 'boon' or 'extra'. European
monarchs marked the Beltane sabbat's beginning by lighting
balefires, typically on high hills -- having sex with ladies
from the families of lesser nobility was included within the
balefire ritual. Lesser nobility then could light their own
balefires on lower hills (and themselves have sex with ladies
from the families of lesser nobility or commoners), and could
begin their own Beltane celebrations. The ritual sex included
within the balefire celebrations equates to the Aristocracy's
(e.g., the King's, Baron's, or local landowner's) 'first night'
privileges -- the Aristocracy's right to control who could
marry whom and the Aristocracy's right to bed any young lady
first on her wedding night. The balefire ritual replenished
the Aristocracy's energy and symbolically blessed the young
lady bedded by the Aristocrat. The balefire ritual also
maintained the continuity of the Aristocracy -- 'the pecking
order' is a time-honored tradition.
During Beltane, Pagan commoners celebrated having survived Winter's
hardship and renewed their sense of community under their monarch
and nobility. The balefires symbolized the warmth and vigor of
the life-giving Sun and a commitment to maintain the Pagan family.
The balefire ritual also focused the Aristocracy's power within
the minds of their subjects: 'We control the farm land and winter
will return -- wanna eat?' Monarchs and nobility provided much
food and drink to be served during Beltane celebrations -- a treat
and a relief after Winter's sparse, drab fare.
Dancing around the May Pole is another Beltane tradition. In Pagan
times the May Pole was constructed by removing all but the topmost
branches from a communal pine tree. White and red ribbons that
represented the Pagan Goddess and God, respectively, were attached
to the tree beneath the remaining pine branches. Woman holding the
white ribbons and men holding the red ribbons danced around the
May Pole, interweaving the white and red ribbons around the
May Pole. The May Pole represented a phallus, the untrimmed topmost
pine branches represented pubic hair, and the interwoven ribbons
represented the female birth canal surrounding the phallus.
With this sabbat approaching many Wiccans are discussing Wicca
more openly, and many of their friends are hearing about Wicca
for the first time. These friends might ask 'How can I learn
about Wicca?'
I wish to offer some basic definitions. But before offering
these definitions I believe it is fair to state that I am _not_
a Wiccan, a witch, a Pagan or a satanist.
Some basic definitions:
A) I believe that *Magick* is the goal-oriented use of Chaos,
a different term than 'magic' which refers to 'stage magic'
(prestidigitation).
Magick is strongly based in human sexuality. Human sexuality
can be a magickal goal, but need not be. More often human
sexuality is one magickal means used to achieve a goal. Human
fertility magick and agricultural fertility magick are religion
for Wiccans, and some Wiccans might state that fertility (not
human sexuality) is the important part of Wicca. I believe that
many Magickians would smile and reply 'There is more than one
way to worship the Goddess.'
Magick sometimes is described as being dark or light magick.
Dark magick (sometimes called left-handed magick) tends to be
obscuring, domineering and obstructing _chaotic_ magick used
with little regard for ethics or morality. [Imagine the most
misleading pre-election political advertisements possible --
a perfect example of chaotic dark magick.] Dark magick often
is associated with satanism and has gained popularity in the
past several years. Light magick (sometimes called right-handed
magick) tends to be illuminating, clarifying, non-interfering
and empowering _benign_ magick used beneficently.
B) *Chaos* is a generic term -- it can describe global warfare
or a squealing infant. I believe that Magickians are
individuals who utilize (and sometimes purposefully create)
Chaos in order to realize their own goals.
C) Historically (and ironically) the word *craftsman* (and its
modern variant *craftsperson*) has referred to a perfectionist
whose work is beyond reproach -- Chaos-free. Yet those who
practice Magick often are said to practice 'The Craft'.
D) According to Scott Cunningham's well-regarded text "Wicca:
A Guide For The Solitary Practioner" (pg. 63), the eight *Sabbats*
are days of power. Four Sabbats coincide with Solstices and
Equinoxes (the beginnings of the four seasons), and the other four
Sabbats are based upon ancient folk festivals, including those of
the ancient Near East.
Within her text "Inside A Witches' Coven" Ms. Edain McCoy states
(pg. 140) that the origin of the word Sabbat is the Greek word
'sabatu' meaning 'to rest'.
I believe that the word Sabbat also shares linguistic roots with
the Hebrew words Saba (e.g., Sheba, an ancient kingdom of southern
Arabia), Sabaism (the worship of stars and the heavens), Shebat
(the fifth month of the Jewish calendar that roughly coincides
with Imbolg), and 'shabbath' [to rest; (i.e., Sabbath, a period
of rest)].
Some Covens perform _no magic_ during Sabbats, treating Sabbats
as occasions for rest and rejoicing. Other Covens view Sabbats
as a time for powerful magick (often fertility magick). Whether
magick is performed during a Sabbat celebration depends upon a
Coven's Tradition.
E) The Wiccan *Rede* is the best-known Wiccan tenet. Depending
upon the Tradition one follows, the Rede might be a binding rule,
the Rede might be considered advice, or the Rede might be ignored.
The most common statement of the Wiccan Rede is 'An ye harm
none, do what ye will'. I have observed several different
(Wiccan Tradition-dependent) interpretations of this eight-word
statement -- the words 'harm', 'none', 'do' and 'will' are
subject to interpretation. An obvious example: Does 'harm
none' refer to members of the given Wiccan Coven, to members
of the given Wiccan Tradition, to all Wiccans, or to
humankind? Furthermore, I have observed statements of the
Wiccan Rede that go on for pages like a legal contract, and
I have observed Wiccan Traditions that effectively ignore the
Wiccan Rede completely. I am _not_ comfortable with all
Traditions' interpretation of the Wiccan Rede.
There are many valid Wiccan paths -- Gardnerian Wicca was the
first Wiccan Tradition but many other Wiccan Traditions exist.
The Wiccan Gardnerian Tradition reflects English socioeconomic
culture 50 years ago. Gardnerian Wicca was initiated by
upper-income British who were able to hire low/middle-income
servants as 'apprentices'. I believe that many prospective Wiccan
novices would find the traditional 'year-and-a-day' apprenticeship
_not_ acceptable if that apprenticeship took the form of _mandatory
and unbreakable servitude_. (I am discussing an apprentice's loss
of the ability to _drop out_ of an apprenticeship program by
terminating the associated service period voluntarily and early.
***I am discussing loss of freedom of choice***. A Lot can happen
during a 'year-and-a-day' apprenticeship.) Of course, different
Wiccan Covens might interpret Gardnerian Tradition differently, but
I believe the right of Wiccan Covens, Coven members, and Wiccan
solitary worshippers to modify their Traditions is _mandatory_.
I believe that _most_ States' common laws forbid mandatory and
unbreakable servitude, and forbid harm during an apprenticeship.
Yet I believe I know at least one state that _does_ allow
'Bills of Attainder' -- the equivalent of a mandatory and
unbreakable servitude. I believe the legal age to sign a
contract in that state is _age fourteen_. The contract can
be written to include monetary penalties or clauses that extend
the contract without pay for poor service -- potentially
never-ending servitude. ***Most fourteen-year-olds can NOT
read 'legalese'.*** Imagine the following conversation:
'Don't think of it as a legal contract -- think of it as your
own customized version of the Wiccan Rede, the first oathbound
entry in your _Book Of Shadows_.' I believe that 'Bills of
Attainder' are _not legally enforcable_ outside of two states
within the United States, but a potential legal mess (and other
hatefulness) is possible. And poor apprentices might _not_ have
the resources to obtain necessary legal help.
A similar difficult (and universally applicable) situation exists
when Wiccan parents (or legal guardian/s) force their underage
children (or wards) to become Wiccan Coven members. Most
Traditions require prospective Wiccan novices under 18 years of
age to provide a written statement of parental permission before
beginning Wiccan study. That is _much_ different than rejecting
prospective Wiccan novices under the age of 18, particularly if
the novices' parents (or legal guardian/s) are Wiccan Coven
members. A particularly unfortunate situation results if the
Wiccan Coven's Tradition includes a penalty if (upon reaching
adulthood) the underaged children decide to leave the Wiccan Coven.
Oaths can (but need not) be written to include penalties for
'walking away' from a Coven.
I recommend that Wiccan parent/s (and legal guardian/s) avoid
situations where underaged children (or wards) become _bound_
Coven members. (And I acknowledge that my own Methodist
experience includes voluntary church membership.) One purpose
of Wiccan initiation (after a period of study) is to expose the
initiate to secret oathbound material, material previously
hidden from the initiate -- a new ball game. I recommend that
prospective Wiccan novices 'Caveat emptor' -- let the buyer
beware. The best way to avoid messes (and other hatefulness)
is not to step in them in the first place.
I am _not_ qualified to provide legal opinions.
I believe that the Gardnerian Wiccan Tradition is outdated in
21st Century United States society. Gardnerian Wicca has been
augmented by a number of other Traditions (including Cunningham
and Buckland) that do _not_ require initiation by a lineaged Coven
and/or High Priest/ess. These liberal Wiccan Traditions place
fewer restrictions upon Coven members and solitary worshippers. I
also believe that traditional Wiccan Covens (with their requirement
to complete a 'year-and-a-day' service apprenticeship _prior_ to
Wiccan initiation) are experiencing recruiting problems --
particularly if apprenticeship duties are _not_ pleasant.
I find it fascinating that everybody assumes that Starhawk is
a Wiccan despite the fact that _nowhere_ in the Twentieth
Anniversary Edition of "The Spiral Dance: ..." (original text
plus two appendices giving Tenth Anniversary comments
and Twentieth Anniversary comments, respectively) does
Starhawk state that she is a Wiccan. Starhawk states (pp. 6,16)
that her Reclaiming Tradition has roots in Victor and Cora
Anderson's Faerie Tradition.
I find it fascinating that lineaged Wiccans question the
validity of Wiccan Traditions other than the Gardnerian
Tradition and the Alexanderian Tradition, but nobody bats
an eyelash when somebody equates Dianic witchcraft (a
tradition in which the God and men _at best_ play a weak
supporting role) with Wicca.
I believe prospective Wiccan novices find Gardnerian Wicca
not relevant to their 21st Century 'popular culture' -- 'Oh,
that's my mother's Oldsmobile' (apologies to General Motors).
I also believe that Wiccan parents often are uneasy about
the pairing choices the Wiccan High Priest/ess makes during
rituals and sabbats for the parents (and sometimes for the
Wiccan parents' children).
I recommend that prospective Wiccan novices considering joining
a Wiccan Coven _learn in detail_ that Coven's Wiccan Rede
interpretation. Some Coven _Books of Shadows_ contain
oath-bound material known only to Coven members, but a Coven's
Wiccan Rede interpretation should be _freely discussable_.
Prospective Wiccan novices are _not_ yet Coven members. [In
some Covens, apprentices do not become Coven members until after
a year-and-a-day apprenticeship, personal acceptance, and Coven
(a-hem) initiation]. Prospective Wiccan novices might be affected
adversely by a Coven's Wiccan Rede interpretation. ***I believe
that potential apprentices MUST know if the Wiccan Rede protects
them during their apprenticeship, MUST know if they are free
to terminate their apprenticeship and not join the Coven, and MUST
know the responsibilities and penalties on them (and their family)
if they terminate their Wiccan apprenticeship.*** If this
information is _not_ freely available, I recommend that a person
_not_ make a Wiccan commitment.
Mr. Ballard is writing this clearly so that the issue will _not_
be confused or mistakenly dismissed.
Many Wiccans also promote the 'The Universal Rule Of Three'
(also termed the 'Law of Threefold Return'), the idea that
anything that someone does will be returned to them threefold.
In other words, good deeds are magnified back to the source,
and ill deeds are magnified back to the source.
Like the Wiccan Rede, 'The Universal Rule Of Three' might be
considered a binding rule, advice, or might be ignored by
members of a particular Wiccan Tradition. This is significant --
'ill deeds' depends upon the Tradition-dependent interpretation
of the Wiccan Rede. One Tradition's non-issue might be another
Tradition's sin.
I have major reservations concerning some Wiccans' interpretation
of 'The Universal Rule of Three'. I believe that some Wiccans
interpret 'The Universal Rule of Three' as justifying their acting
as 'judge, jury and executioner'. That is, I believe that some
Wiccans use 'The Universal Rule of Three' to justify 'vigilante
lessons' against non-Wiccans. I have observed situations where
Wiccan Circle and Coven members have cooperated to teach
(punishing) Wiccan lessons to non-Wiccans.
I also have observed situations where Wiccan Circle and Coven
members have hired non-Wiccan mercenaries to teach (violent,
punishing) lessons to non-Wiccans. I find this particularly
troubling. Many Wiccan initiation oaths include the promise
to act 'in perfect love and perfect trust', yet Wiccans are
hiring non-Wiccan mercenaries to violently punish non-Wiccans.
There is an maxim dating back to Victorian England: 'Jack Tar
never is invited to dinner.' The name 'Jack Tar' denotes the
common sailor (who in Victorian times often had hands stained
with tar used to seal wooden ship's hulls). The maxim indicates
that a person can go down to the docks and safely hire a common
sailor to do their dirty work (e.g., cripple a rival, a terrible
form of chaotic magick), knowing that the sailor would ship out
after the dirty work was complete, but the sailor _never_ should
be admitted to your family's acquaintance. Hiring social misfits
to perform Wiccan dirty work is not acting 'in perfect love and
perfect trust', but this _is_ happening.
Mr. Ballard is writing this clearly so that the issue will _not_
be confused or mistakenly dismissed.
***I am _not_ qualified to provide legal opinions.***
F) *Witch* is a term that many interpret differently. I interpret
the term 'witch' as women and men who use Magick in a goal-
oriented manner _not_ constrained by morality or ethics. Witches
are _not_ bound to work in groups or to have common purpose. I
do _not_ consider witchcraft a religion, I do _not_ equate
witchcraft and Wicca, and I know _no requirement_ for an
initiation into witchcraft -- witches can be solitary practitioners.
Apparently Christian governments tested and tried accused witches
as 'brides of satan' during 'The Burning Times'. [Ref: "Witchcraft
Through The Ages", 1922 silent film directed by Benjamin Christensen
and narrated by William Burroughs (author of "The Naked Lunch").]
G) I believe that *Wicca* is a Magick-users' religion that
celebrates the (agricultural) fertility of the Earth and human
fertility. I believe that as a religious individuals, Wiccans
_are_ constrained by ethics and morality. I believe that a
religion that celebrates the agricultural fertility of the Earth
must incorporate ecology into its religious beliefs. Similarly,
I believe that a religion that celebrates human fertility must
incorporate _responsible child-bearing_ into its religious beliefs,
including ***avoidance of unwanted pregnancies*** and responsible
loving care of the children both parents choose to have.
Many Wiccan texts discuss ecology -- few discuss responsible
child-bearing and child-raising. I believe that in recent years
the topics of ecology and responsible child-bearing have been
de-emphasized on witchcraft- and Wicca-related Internet newsgroups.
I believe that with the continuing shrinking of the United States'
domestic economy and the shrinking of global energy supplies,
ecology, family planning and responsible child-raising deserve
renewed emphasis. During hard times, raising fewer children
_better_ benefits everyone.
I find it ironic that Wicca and witchcraft dismisses the value
of romantic love. Romantic love stabilizes and strengthens
family relationships and benefits all family members,
particularly the children of loving parents.
Potions and herbs are an integral part of Magick. Along with
renewed emphasis on ecology, family planning and responsible
child-raising I believe that Wiccans must understand the
consequences of both naturally-occuring and human-made mutagenic
substances. Mutagenic substances are substances that modify
genetic material. The human reproductive system is particularly
sensitive to mutagenic substances.
The female and male human reproductive systems differ in
important ways. At menarch (onset of menstruation) a fertile
female already has produced _all of the eggs_ she will produce
throughout her lifetime. Exposure to mutagenic substances
_anytime_ during her lifetime threatens to damage _all_ of a
female's remaining fertile eggs. Once damaged the female's
eggs _never heal_ -- any damage to a female's fertile eggs is
_not_ reversible. Fertile males, OTOH, produce sperm continuously
from onset of puberty through old age -- the quantity and health
(e.g., strength and motility) of the male sperm declines with age,
but sperm production continues. If a male's sperm is damaged due
to exposure to mutagenic substances, the male's genetic damage
might (or might not) heal.
Naturally occuring ionizing radiation also is mutagenic, and
exposure accumulates throughout a person's lifetime. Young
people have less exposure (and less possibility of genetic
damage) from naturally occuring hard radiation.
Mutagenic substances harm human fertility. IMO Wiccans
(with their religious emphasis on human fertility) must be
_acutely aware_ of the consequences of exposure to
mutagenic substances. Some recreational drugs are
mutagenic substances.
Apparently (im)proper nutrition also affects the quality of both
male and female human fertility.
I am _not_ qualified to provide medical opinions.
Wicca with its fertility emphasis also emphasizes The Goddess and
the feminine perspective, but both women and men can be Wiccans.
I do _not_ equate witchcraft and Wicca.
I have observed literally hundreds of questions asking 'What
is the true Wicca?' I have observed few good answers. The
best answer I have observed from others is 'My Wiccan Tradition
defines Wicca to be ... .'
Wicca emphasizes the Goddess and the fertility, but the tenets
followed by most Wiccan Traditions [the Wiccan Rede ('An ye
harm none, do what ye will ...') and 'The Universal Rule Of Three'
('any action will be returned to the source threefold')] have
little correspondence with the Wiccan Goddess and with fertility.
I believe the French concept 'noblesse oblige' is best suited to
Wicca's emphasis of the Goddess and fertility. 'Noblesse oblige'
is an ethical concept stating that individuals who know quality
are obliged to perform quality actions -- the discretion of
prioritizaton is left to the individual. 'Noblesse oblige'
encourages responsible actions. Furthermore, 'noblesse oblige'
unambiguously solves the recurring Wiccan debate concerning
whether performing ill actions _ever_ can be justified under
the Wiccan Rede and 'The Universal Rule Of Three' -- ill actions
_never_ are justified under the concept of 'noblesse oblige'.
The discretion of prioritization allowed under 'noblesse oblige'
reflects economic reality. We cannot afford _everything_ we want.
Often the realistic and quality alternative to an unreasonable
desire is to accept nothing. 'Noblesse oblige' obliges the
individual to make quality, realistic choices followed by quality,
responsible actions. No one is harmed under the 'noblesse oblige'
philosophy.
H) I have ***much*** to say about Wiccan *Tradition*, a complex
and central Wiccan topic. Referencing "Wicca: A Guide For The
Solitary Practitioner" by Scott Cunningham, pg. 203:
'Tradition, Wiccan: An organized, structured, specific Wiccan
subgroup, usually initiatory, with often unique ritual practices.
Many Traditions have their own _Books of Shadows_ and may or may
not recognize members of other Traditions as Wiccans. Most
Traditions are composed of a number of Covens as well as solitary
practioners.'
There are many valid Wiccan paths -- Gardnerian Wicca was the
first Wiccan Tradition but many other Wiccan Traditions exist.
Scott Cunningham's text "Wicca: A Guide For The Solitary
Practioner" is well-known and well-regarded within Wiccan
circles. I interpret the term *Tradition* differently: I
interpret Tradition as refering to the Wiccan history and
rituals of _individual_ Wiccan Covens and also of _individual_
Wiccan solitary worshippers. (Nothing that I have said
_prevents_ multiple Wiccan Covens and/or multiple Wiccan
solitary worshippers from sharing an identical Tradition.)
My rationale is that Covens occasionally split because of
differences between members -- it is likely that after the
split, the resulting multiple Covens will have differing
Traditions. Similarly, a Wiccan sometimes leaves a Wiccan
Coven due to differences with other Coven members -- it is
likely that after the split the departing Wiccan will modify
his/her Wiccan Tradition to better reflect his/her individual
beliefs. Equating the term 'Tradition' to a Wiccan Coven's
and/or Wiccan solitary worshipper's individual beliefs
acknowledges that Covens sometimes split and that individuals
leave Covens. In addition, some Wiccan solitary worshippers
_never join a Coven_ -- these individuals define their own
personal Wiccan Traditions.
I believe that my usage of the term 'Tradition' is consistent
with the Wiccan philosophy presented in the text "The Tree:
The Complete Book of Saxon Witchcraft" by Raymond Buckland.
You need not be a Wiccan to have a Tradition.
Many witches (e.g., Dianic witches) have Traditions. Most
Pagans have Famtrads (i.e., family Traditions).
Furthermore, there are entrepreneurs who are not Wiccans,
witches or Pagans yet who deal with Wiccans, witches and
Pagans. These entrepreneurs gain knowledge of others' Traditions
as a result of their entreprenural activities.
I also want to provide an example. It is widely accepted in
Wiccan circles that if a person wishes to purchase a magickal item,
the person should pay the asked price without question or argument
-- questioning and arguing dishonors both the item (reducing its
magickal value) and also dishonors the item's owner. Imagine
that a magickian owns a silicon amulet of great power. Another
magickian wishes to purchase the silicon amulet but is unwilling
to pay the asked price -- how should the amulet owner respond
to this implied insult? I believe that proper Wiccan tradition
dictates that the amulet owner either should walk away without
argument, or that the amulet owner should present the silicon
amulet as a no-cost gift. Presenting the silicon amulet as a
no-cost gift honors the amulet (increasing the amulet's magickal
power) and honors both the amulet's owner and the amulet's
recipient, while argument or repeated subtle hints accumulate
into a dishonorable insult. ***I believe that honor is powerful
magick.*** I also believe this mercantile example is consistent
with Islamic practice -- in the harsh desert environment
dishonorable behaviour is *not* worth argument and is not
repeated.
I) *Warlock* is a term that many interpret differently. To the
general population 'warlock' refers to a (usually male)
Magick-using warrior. Witch wars are _discouraged_ in Craft and
Wiccan Covens, however, and 'warlock' usually denotes someone
who has been ostracized from a Coven or a group of cooperating
Covens for disobedience to Coven Tradition or to the Coven High
Priest/ess's authority. [In some cases a Coven High Priest/ess
pairs Coven members (and their children) during Sabbats.] The
ostracism that a warlock encounters includes social shunning,
denial of _any_ assistance from Coven members, and so-called
magickal (i.e., chaotic) attacks. The goal of the ostracism is
to force the warlock to _vacate_ the locale where his/her former
Coven worships, preferably moving to another city or state. I
believe this ostracism occurs most frequently in the case of a
(Wiccan or non-Wiccan) man who divorces or deserts his partner,
particularly if the partners have children.
In my opinion Warlocks need not be Wiccans, witches or Pagans.
As I stated previously, I believe that some Wiccans use 'The
Universal Rule of Three' to justify 'vigilante lessons' against
non-Wiccans, including ostracizing non-Wiccan divorcees.
Texts are one source of quality Wiccan information, and texts
do not contain oathbound secrets. Shortly I will provide an
accompanying list of Wicca-related texts in a separate message
entitled "A Reading List for Prospective Wiccan Novices".
Some people question the appropriateness of my providing _any_
comments concerning Wicca, witchcraft, Paganism or satanism. I
believe that detachment is valuable -- _not_ having vested interests
can bring objectivity. In addition, I offer information -- ***my
information can be ignored with little effort***. I do _not_ tell
people how to worship or practice magick in their circles or in
their own homes. And a list of Wicca-related definitions based
upon my studying Wiccan-, Craft-, Pagan- and satanic-related texts
and participating in Wiccan-, craft- and Pagan-related Internet
newsgroups threatens no one.
The comments contained herein are my opinions.
Some people do not agree with my opinions.
I am *not* a Wiccan, a witch, a Pagan or a satanist.
I am a single man who lives alone in his private home.
My home is my sanctuary.
*****Come as a friend or don't come at all.*****
No players in I owns.
Richard Ballard MSEE CNA4 KD0AZ
--
Consultant specializing in computer networks, imaging & security
Listed as rjballard in "Friends & Favorites" at www.amazon.com
Last book review: "Tantra: The Art of Conscious Loving"
Richard Ballard
amber...@aol.com (Amberapple) writes:
>Ballard wrote:
>
>"Apparently Christian governments tested and tried accused witches
>as 'brides of satan' during 'The Burning Times'. [Ref: "Witchcraft
>Through The Ages", 1922 silent film directed by Benjamin Christensen
>and narrated by William Burroughs (author of "The Naked Lunch").]"
>
>first of all, Burroughs did not narrate this film in 1922 when it
>was first made; he'd have been merely a child at the time...his
>narration was added in the 1960s.
The date of the narration is *not* relevant.
>Secondly, this is a fictional film, not even prentending to be
>documentary in nature; why would you refer to in a way that
>suggests it would be an effective reference for refuting facts?
I am *not* refuting facts. I am providing information.
Discussion of witch persecution and 'The Burning Times'
is common in Internet newsgroups ARW, ARWM, ATW and AW.
Characterizing witches as 'brides of satan' does not happen
in those newsgroups, but it is common elsewhere. My message
is not the first time these subjects have been broached.
If you read my original words (quoted above) carefully,
you will notice that I carefully selected *non-judgemental
phraseology*. I didn't cast any stones (Biblical and
Islamic allusion intended).
What I *did* provide is a non-Wiccan/witchcraft reference
discussing witch persecution during The Burning Times. The
only other non-Wiccan/witchcraft *available* reference I
know (I wish that I had purchased Dover Publications'
inexpensive texts discussing Aleister Crowley and discussing
Cotton Mather back in the 1970's when they were freely
available) is a recent Discovery Channel program that
discussed the Salem witch trials and conjectured that ergot
poisoning of the grain supply caused seizures and
hallucinations within Salem's population, symptoms that some
attributed to the devil's work. I viewed but did not copy
that Discovery Channel program.
Depending upon your interpretation of history, Anton LaVey's
"The Satanic Witch" may or may not discuss a different
breed of cat. Anton LaVey is the founder of 'The Church
of Satan'.
Aleister Crowley's "MAGICK In Theory and Practice" discusses
witches and witchcraft, and Crowley considered himself the
devil incarnate.
>I am tired of this purported "non-Wiccan" thinking he has answers
>and definitions to impart to seekers...what are you playing at???
I am providing information. I use one and only one Internet
e-mail name and am easy to killfile -- nobody is forced to
read my messages. I do not proselytize. End of play.
Some people do not agree with my opinions.
I am *not* a Wiccan, a witch, a Pagan or a satanist.
I am a single man who lives alone in his private home.
My home is my sanctuary.
*****Come as a friend or don't come at all.*****
No players in I owns.
Richard Ballard MSEE CNA4 KD0AZ
--
Consultant specializing in computer networks, imaging & security
Listed as rjballard in "Friends & Favorites" at www.amazon.com
Last book review: "Cults In Our Midst: ..."
by Margaret Thaler Singer
Richard Ballard
aunty...@aol.comeondown (Aunty Kreist) writes:
>Since I'm in Ballard's "global killfile" ...
Why do you believe you are in Mr. Ballard's global killfile?
>... can someone please point out to Ballard that there was
>indeed no Burning Times, and that the number of supposed
>witches that allegedly were killed is absolutely made up?
The Burning Times routinely is discussed in Internet newsgroups
ARW, ARWM, ATW and ARW. If you want a textual reference,
try page 22 of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Wicca and
Witchcraft" by Denise Zimmermann and Katherine A. Gleason.
I do *not* recommend this particular text, but it does
illustrate my point.
<snip>
[RB comment: Richard Ballard wrote:]
Richard Ballard
Issued monthly -- last updated on June 1, 2003. Part Two is
contained in a subsequent message. Each issue's new and
significantly changed paragraphs begin with a <*> marker.
<*> June 21 (midnight June 22 Stonehenge time), the Northern
Hemisphere's Summer Solstice, is the sabbat Midsummer. This
sabbat was called Vestalia in ancient Rome and Alban Heflin
in the Anglo-Saxon tradition. Summer Solstice marks the longest
day(light) of the year, the height of the Sun's (symbolizing
the Wiccan God's) power.
<*> The Midsummer sabbat celebrates fertility. The Wiccan Goddess
is heavy with pregnancy, new farm animals soon will be born,
and the Earth is green with crops and vegetation -- yet
fertility rites continue both to ensure an abundant harvest
and also to ensure the continued prosperity of Pagan
families. The Midsummer sabbat also celebrates the Sun which
warms the fertile Earth, and the strength of the Horned God
and father. Midsummer balefires symbolize the strength of the
Sun and the Pagan father, and (a-hem) fertility celebrations
often accompany the lighting of the balefire.
<*> Some Wiccan Traditions alternate their God personna. The
Holly King rules as Horned God from the Summer Solstice (Midsummer,
June 22nd) through the Winter Solstice (Yule, December 22nd), and
the Oak King rules as Horned God from the Winter Solstice (Yule,
December 22nd) through the Summer Solstice (Midsummer, June 22nd).
These Traditions might stage a Midsummer ritual battle symbolizing
the Holly King vanquishing the Oak King -- in a Yule ritual battle
the Oak King will vanquish the Holly King. This 'changing of
the Kings' marks the annual cycle of the sun.
<*> In Greek mythos the goddess Persephone (Proserpine) was
abducted by Pluto (the God of the Underworld). Persephone's mother
Ceres (the Goddess of fertility and abundance) mourned and the
Earth grew barren. The Earth survived only through the intervention
of the other Gods. The other Gods forced a compromise where
Persephone alternately spent six months aboveground (Summer) with
her mother Ceres, and six months belowground in Hades (Winter) as
Pluto's queen and consort. The earth (and Persephone) was fertile
and warm during the six summer months Persephone spent with Ceres.
The earth (and Persephone) was barren and cold during the six winter
months Ceres mourned Persephone's time as Pluto's consort.
<*> In the Twenty First Century with its high divorce rates
other analogies can be drawn. Children of divorced parents often
live with each of their biological parents during a portion of
the year. Midsummer (end of the school year) and Yule (semester
break) are times when childrens' transition between parents
might occur. And the 'changing of the Kings' can symbolize
separation and divorce -- a new and loving partner vanquishing
an indifferent, abusive, or (morally-)bankrupt partner.
<*> Many tribes view Midsummer as a time for family closeness.
Scandinavians celebrate Thing-Tide just after the time of Midsummer
-- Thing-Tide is a gathering of families to conduct business
before celebration and feasting. St. John's Day is celebrated
in Ireland just before the time of the Midsummer Sabbat -- some
Irish believe that faeries cart off prized livestock and
unsuspecting human revelers (particularly young maidens) on
St. John's Day. German folklore contains numerous stories of
unwise persons who wandered into the woods during Midsummer,
never to return.
<*> The association of Midsummer with family closeness (and the
stories of family members disappearing during Midsummer) might be
related related to the myth of Persephone's abduction by Pluto.
The Holly King / Oak King Tradition might be related to the myth
of Persephone serving two rulers -- Pluto the god of Hades and
Persephone's mother Ceres, the goddess of fertility and abundance.
Midsummer sabbat is the traditional time to gather magickal
and medicinal plants to dry and store for winter use. (This
practice explains why Midsummer sabbat is called Gathering
Day in Wales.) The Celtic Druids gathered their sacred
mistletoe (the golden bough) on Midsummer sabbat. The North
American Miami Indians gathered buckeyes (horse chestnuts)
to fashion into protective amulets and jewelry. Lavender can
be gathered for use as an aphrodisiac incense. Pine cones
can be fashioned into powerful amulets for protection,
fertility and virility.
With this Sabbat approaching many Wiccans are discussing
Some basic definitions:
<*> Magick sometimes is described as being low magick or high
magick. Low magick typically denotes simple magick spells
performed by individuals. High magick typically denotes
ceremonial magick rituals usually performed by groups. Both
complexity and the number of participants differentiate high
magick from low magick. Ritual tools and complexity help
focus and strengthen magickal power, while participation in
group rituals helps focus individuals' magick powers into one
coherent force.
B) *Chaos* is a generic term -- it can describe global warfare
or a squealing infant. I believe that Magickians are
individuals who utilize (and sometimes purposefully create)
Chaos in order to realize their own goals.
<*> Most people are _reactively_ familiar with the so-called
Murphy's Law: 'What ever can go wrong will'. Chaos Magickians
utilize Murphy's Law _PROactively_ -- they purposefully create
an environment and situations where events are likely to go
wrong with confusing, tiring, resource-wasting and demoralizing
effects upon the participants. The Chaos Magickian's long-term
goal is to force the (energy- and resource-) exhausted victim
to submit to the Magickian's purpose.
<*> A group making continuous trivial insults (or making
continuous empty or real threats) is an example of Chaos Magick.
Like a group stoning an individual with pebbles, the significance
of each insult/threat is minimal but the combined effect is tiring
and demoralizing.
is not to step in them in the first place, an option that
sometimes is not possible.
be admitted to your family's acquaintance. Hiring (anti)social
misfits to perform Wiccan dirty work is not acting 'in perfect
love and perfect trust', but this _is_ happening.
<*> In my locale hired mercenaries often are termed 'throw-away
rollers' (analogous to disposable paint rollers). Throw-away
rollers from a different neighborhood are hired, used once, then
thrown away (i.e., never hired again). Not reusing 'throw-away
rollers' helps to ensure that the individual hiring the mercenaries
will not be identified and punished.
Mr. Ballard is writing this clearly so that the issue will _not_
be confused or mistakenly dismissed.
*****End of Part One*****
I am _not_ qualified to provide legal opinions.
The comments contained herein are my opinions.
Some people do not agree with my opinions.
I am *not* a Wiccan, a witch, a Pagan or a satanist.
I am a single man who lives alone in his private home.
My home is my sanctuary.
*****Come as a friend or don't come at all.*****
No players in I owns.
Richard Ballard MSEE CNA4 KD0AZ
--
Consultant specializing in computer networks, imaging & security
Listed as rjballard in "Friends & Favorites" at www.amazon.com
Hieronymous707
>Mr. Ballard is writing this clearly so that the issue will _not_
>be confused or mistakenly dismissed.
Pull my finger.
-hi-
Richard Ballard
contained in a previous message. Each issue's new and
F) *Witch* is a term that many interpret differently. I interpret
the term 'witch' as women and men who use Magick in a goal-
oriented manner _not_ constrained by morality or ethics. Witches
are _not_ bound to work in groups or to have common purpose. I
do _not_ consider witchcraft a religion, I do _not_ equate
witchcraft and Wicca, and I know _no requirement_ for an
initiation into witchcraft -- witches can be solitary practitioners.
<*> Apparently Christian governments tested and tried accused witches
as 'brides of satan' during 'The Burning Times'. [Ref: "Haxan:
Witchcraft Through The Ages", 1929 silent film directed by Benjamin
Christensen and narrated by William Burroughs (author of "The
Naked Lunch"). "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft"
by Denise Zimmermann and Katherine A. Gleason is a textual reference
to 'The Burning Times'.]
G) I believe that *Wicca* is a Magick-users' religion that
celebrates the (agricultural) fertility of the Earth and human
fertility. I believe that as a religious individuals, Wiccans
_are_ constrained by ethics and morality. I believe that a
religion that celebrates the agricultural fertility of the Earth
must incorporate ecology into its religious beliefs. Similarly,
I believe that a religion that celebrates human fertility must
incorporate _responsible child-bearing_ into its religious beliefs,
including ***avoidance of unwanted pregnancies*** and responsible
loving care of the children both parents choose to have.
<*> Many Wiccan texts discuss ecology -- few discuss responsible
child-bearing and child-raising. I believe that in recent years
the topics of ecology and responsible child-bearing have been
de-emphasized on witchcraft- and Wicca-related Internet newsgroups.
I believe that with the continuing shrinking of the United States'
domestic economy and the shrinking of global energy supplies,
ecology, family planning and responsible child-raising deserve
renewed emphasis. During hard times, raising fewer children
_better_ benefits everyone. At the same time, IMO with good faith
modern birth control is very effective and physical intimacy
strengthens the spousal bond.
<*> Apparently (im)proper nutrition also affects the quality
of both male and female human fertility. Given that a woman's
lifetime supply of fertile eggs exists at menarche (onset of
menstruation), the importance of good childhood nutrition
for females is obvious.
I have observed literally hundreds of questions asking 'What
is the true Wicca?' I have observed few good answers. The
best answer I have observed from others is 'My Wiccan Tradition
defines Wicca to be ... .'
<*> Wicca with its fertility emphasis emphasizes The Goddess
and the feminine perspective, but both women and men can be
Wiccans. In my experience male witches are a rarity. In
my locale young men are drawn to satanism rather than Wicca.
<*> 'Blessed be' is a common Wiccan salutation. 'Blessed be'
has several interpretations. In my locale the most common
interpretation is 'I hope that your attempts at pregnancy
are successful'. A less common interpretation is 'I hope
that your partner/significant-other will submit' (usually
to matrimony or to joining a Coven/Family). A less common
interpretation is the tattoo needle or marker (analogous to
a bee stinger) that is used to mark initiates who have completed
their apprenticeship and who are qualified to become full Wiccan
Coven or Pagan Family members.
Wicca emphasizes the Goddess and the fertility, but the tenets
followed by most Wiccan Traditions [the Wiccan Rede ('An ye
harm none, do what ye will ...') and 'The Universal Rule Of Three'
('any action will be returned to the source threefold')] have
little correspondence with the Wiccan Goddess and with fertility.
I believe the French concept 'noblesse oblige' is best suited to
Wicca's emphasis of the Goddess and fertility. 'Noblesse oblige'
is an ethical concept stating that individuals who know quality
are obliged to perform quality actions -- the discretion of
prioritizaton is left to the individual. 'Noblesse oblige'
encourages responsible actions. Furthermore, 'noblesse oblige'
unambiguously solves the recurring Wiccan debate concerning
whether performing ill actions _ever_ can be justified under
the Wiccan Rede and 'The Universal Rule Of Three' -- ill actions
_never_ are justified under the concept of 'noblesse oblige'.
The discretion of prioritization allowed under 'noblesse oblige'
reflects economic reality. We cannot afford _everything_ we want.
Often the realistic and quality alternative to an unreasonable
desire is to accept nothing. 'Noblesse oblige' obliges the
individual to make quality, realistic choices followed by quality,
responsible actions. No one is harmed under the 'noblesse oblige'
philosophy.
<*> I do _not_ equate witchcraft and Wicca. I strongly recommend
viewing the film "Haxan: Witchcraft Through The Ages" by director
Benjamin Christenson. The film is very prejudicial against witches,
but it documents public perception of witchcraft as lacking a
moral or ethical character. I believe that Wicca is a religion
that includes morality and ethics. Without morality and ethics I
believe that public perception of Wicca will be as prejudicial as
the attitudes presented in "Haxan: Witchcraft Through The Ages".
*****End of Part Two*****
I am _not_ qualified to provide legal or medical opinions.
The comments contained herein are my opinions.
Some people do not agree with my opinions.
I am *not* a Wiccan, a witch, a Pagan or a satanist.
I am a single man who lives alone in his private home.
My home is my sanctuary.
*****Come as a friend or don't come at all.*****
No players in I owns.
Richard Ballard MSEE CNA4 KD0AZ
--
Consultant specializing in computer networks, imaging & security
Listed as rjballard in "Friends & Favorites" at www.amazon.com
Alan O'Brien
"Richard Ballard" <rball...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20030601160108...@mb-m01.aol.com...
> <*> Copyright 2003 by Richard J. Ballard -- All Rights Reserved.
> Issued monthly -- last updated on June 1, 2003. Part One is
> contained in a previous message. Each issue's new and
> significantly changed paragraphs begin with a <*> marker.
>
> F) *Witch* is a term that many interpret differently. I interpret
> are bound to work in groups or to have common purpose. I
> consider witchcraft a religion, I equate
> witchcraft and Wicca, and I know of a requirement for an
> initiation into witchcraft -- although witches can be solitary
practitioners.
>
> <*> No known Christian governments tested and tried accused witches
> as 'brides of satan' during 'The Burning Times'. [Ref: "Haxan:
> Witchcraft Through The Ages", 1929 silent film directed by Benjamin
> Christensen and narrated by William Burroughs (author of "The
> Naked Lunch"). "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft"
> by Denise Zimmermann and Katherine A. Gleason is a textual reference
> to 'The Burning Times'.]
>
> G) I believe that *Wicca* is a Magick-users' religion that
> celebrates the (agricultural) fertility of the Earth and human
> are not constrained by ethics and morality. I believe that a
> religion that celebrates the agricultural fertility of the Earth and poo
poo
> must incorporate ecology into its religious beliefs. Similarly,
> I believe that a religion that celebrates human fertility must
> including avoidance of unwanted pregnancies and responsible
> loving care of the children both parents choose to have.
>
> child-bearing and child-raising. I believe that in recent years
> the topics of ecology and responsible child-bearing have been
> de-emphasized on witchcraft- and Wicca-related Internet newsgroups.
> domestic economy and the shrinking of global energy supplies,
fewer children
> _better_ , and benefits everyone. At the same time, IMO and WHO with good
faith
> modern birth control is very effective and physical intimacy
>
> I find it ironic that Wicca and witchcraft dismisseses the value
> of romantic . Romantic luuurve stabilizes and strengthens
> family relationships and benefits all family members,
> particularly the children of loving parents.
>
> Potions and herbs are an integral part of Magick. Along with
> renewed emphasis on ecology, family planning and responsible
> consequences of both naturally-occuring bodily functions and human-made
mutagenic
> substances. Mutagenic substances are substances that modify, solidify and
analyse
> genetic material. The human reproductive system is particularly
> sensitive to mutagenic substances.
>
> important ways. At menarch (onset of menstruation -euuuuuw!!) a fertile
> female has already produced all of the eggs - over one trillion - she will
produce
> throughout her lifetime. Exposure to mutagenic substances
> _anytime_ during her lifetime threatens to damage _all_ of a
> female's remaining fertile eggs. Once damaged the female's
> eggs _never heal_ -- any damage to a female's fertile eggs is
Hieronymous707
> P[h]art One is contained in a previous message.
Instead, a rhyme rent, sent to -hi- scent your head, re
a pause for the cause, surely silent ... but deadly.
...
-hi-
David Cantu
Hieronymous707 wrote:
I should a known that's what I'd get if I'd pulled.
Hieronymous707
> I should a known that's what I'd get if I'd pulled.
Knock knock.
-hi-
David Cantu
Hieronymous707 wrote:
There's who.
>
>
Hieronymous707
>There's who.
Who's on first.
You should a known that too.
-hi-
The Natural Philosopher
remnants ofa pre christian shamanic culture. That is they were
custodians of the secret lore of herbs, poisons, various dugs, notably
belladonna type compounds, plus a suite of quasi religious beliefs that
derived ftom their use of the same.
They have little or nothing to do with modern Wicca.
David Cantu
Hieronymous707 wrote:
What was.
Before that, I don't know.
Richard Ballard
point that it is difficult to distinguish your comments from
my original message.
I refer interested readers to my original message.
In article <eJtCa.270$Zb7...@news-binary.blueyonder.co.uk>,
"Alan O'Brien" <alaneobr...@blueyonder.co.uk> writes:
>"Richard Ballard" <rball...@aol.com> wrote in message
>news:20030601160108...@mb-m01.aol.com...
<total disconnect snip>
Richard Ballard
>It is highly likley that wiyches were, in european tradition,
>teh last remnants ofa pre christian shamanic culture. That is
>they were custodians of the secret lore of herbs, poisons,
>various dugs, notably belladonna type compounds, plus a suite
>of quasi religious beliefs that derived ftom their use of
>the same.
>
>They have little or nothing to do with modern Wicca.
There is a possibility that The Burning Times (e.g.,
the Salem witch trials) were initiated after livestock
and peasants ate wet ergot-infested grain and developed
epileptic-like seizures that overzealous inquisitors
attributed to witchcraft and demonic possession.
My earlier message distinguished between witchcraft
(goal-oriented magick use) and Wicca (IMO a magick
user's religion that *must* embody ethics and morality
if it is to be distinguished from generic witchcraft).
I believe that the general public has difficulty
differentiating between witchcraft and modern Wicca.
<snip>
Hieronymous707
>What was.
Exactly my point.
>Before that, I don't know.
I've heard that ginko biloba is good for that,
but I'd check with your family physician first
before taking any supplements for memory loss.
-hi-
Hieronymous707
"Instead, a rhyme rent, sent to -hi- scent your head, re
a pause for the cause, surely silent ... but deadly."
> I should a known that's what I'd get if I'd pulled.
I would, if I could, write words that make you think fast,
but smarts, just like farts, linger after the stink's passed,
and words that you've heard spell another breath spent.
You can tell by the smell, I'm indeed flatulent
with little to say to stay all the reports
that all that remains are the stains in my shorts,
and this verse that gets worse by the day ... nay, say hour.
It's no joke when a spoken word heard needs a shower,
and that's where I'm headed, I've fretted enough
about spelling out all of this stinky stuff.
-hi-
Richard Ballard
message Part Two that a significant number of paragraphs
have been altered. I have removed the old markers and
have annotated newly-altered paragraphs with <*> markers.
Rather than wait ~6 weeks to reissue this message, I am
supplying an interim version of the message's *entire*
Part Two.
<*> Copyright 2003 by Richard J. Ballard -- All Rights Reserved.
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat --
last updated on June 4, 2003. Part Two is contained in a
subsequent message. Each issue's new and significantly
changed paragraphs begin with a <*> marker.
F) *Witch* is a term that many interpret differently. I interpret
the term 'witch' as women and men who use Magick in a goal-
oriented manner _not_ constrained by morality or ethics. Witches
are _not_ bound to work in groups or to have common purpose. I
do _not_ consider witchcraft a religion, I do _not_ equate
witchcraft and Wicca, and I know _no requirement_ for an
initiation into witchcraft -- witches can be solitary practitioners.
Apparently Christian governments tested and tried accused witches
as 'brides of satan' during 'The Burning Times'. [Ref: "Haxan:
Witchcraft Through The Ages", 1929 silent film directed by Benjamin
Christensen and narrated by William Burroughs (author of "The
Naked Lunch"). "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft"
by Denise Zimmermann and Katherine A. Gleason is a textual reference
to 'The Burning Times'.]
G) I believe that *Wicca* is a Magick-users' religion that
celebrates the (agricultural) fertility of the Earth and human
fertility. I believe that as a religious individuals, Wiccans
_are_ constrained by ethics and morality. I believe that a
religion that celebrates the agricultural fertility of the Earth
must incorporate ecology into its religious beliefs. Similarly,
I believe that a religion that celebrates human fertility must
incorporate _responsible child-bearing_ into its religious beliefs,
including ***avoidance of unwanted pregnancies*** and responsible
loving care of the children both parents choose to have.
Many Wiccan texts discuss ecology -- few discuss responsible
Apparently (im)proper nutrition also affects the quality
of both male and female human fertility. Given that a woman's
lifetime supply of fertile eggs exists at menarche (onset of
menstruation), the importance of good childhood nutrition
for females is obvious.
I have observed literally hundreds of questions asking 'What
is the true Wicca?' I have observed few good answers. The
best answer I have observed from others is 'My Wiccan Tradition
defines Wicca to be ... .'
Wicca with its fertility emphasis emphasizes The Goddess
and the feminine perspective, but both women and men can be
Wiccans. In my experience male witches are a rarity. In
my locale young men are drawn to satanism rather than Wicca.
'Blessed be' is a common Wiccan salutation. 'Blessed be'
has several interpretations. In my locale the most common
interpretation is 'I hope that your attempts at pregnancy
are successful'. A less common interpretation is 'I hope
that your partner/significant-other will submit' (usually
to matrimony or to joining a Coven/Family). A less common
interpretation is the tattoo needle or marker (analogous to
a bee stinger) that is used to mark initiates who have completed
their apprenticeship and who are qualified to become full Wiccan
Coven or Pagan Family members.
<*> Wicca emphasizes the Goddess and the fertility, but the tenets
followed by most Wiccan Traditions [the Wiccan Rede ('An ye
harm none, do what ye will ...') and 'The Universal Rule Of Three'
('any action will be returned to the source threefold')] have
little correspondence with the Wiccan Goddess and with fertility.
I believe the French concept 'noblesse oblige' is best suited to
Wicca's emphasis of the Goddess and fertility. 'Noblesse oblige'
is an ethical concept stating that individuals who know quality
are obliged to perform quality actions -- the discretion of
prioritizaton is left to the individual. 'Noblesse oblige'
encourages responsible actions. Furthermore, 'noblesse oblige'
unambiguously solves the recurring Wiccan debate concerning
whether performing ill actions _ever_ can be justified under
the Wiccan Rede and 'The Universal Rule Of Three' -- ill actions
_never_ are justified under the concept of 'noblesse oblige'.
The discretion of prioritization allowed under 'noblesse oblige'
reflects economic reality. We cannot afford _everything_ we want.
Often the realistic and quality alternative to an unreasonable
desire is to accept nothing. 'Noblesse oblige' obliges the
individual to make quality, realistic choices followed by quality,
responsible actions. No one is harmed under the 'noblesse
oblige' philosophy, yet nobody might benefit if accepting nothing
is the alternative which is chosen.
<*> Witch wars sometimes result in chaotic attacks -- i.e., a
flood of annoyances, insults and small injuries. Under a 'noblesse
oblige' philosophy should One suffer these attacks stoically, or
should One respond to the attacks?
<*> I believe that accumulation of harm dictates the victim's
response. Ignoring a small annoyance, a small insult, or a small
injury is both polite and economical. But repeated small
annoyances, small insults, and small injuries can accumulate into
significant harm.
<*> I believe that submitting to significant harm is damaging both
to an individual's life and also to their self-respect. I also
believe that submitting to significant harm might be not moral
and not ethical -- the victim is ignoring the difference (and the
consequences) between right and ... (a-hem) wrong.
<*> Thus I believe that an ethical person's stoicism must be
tempered by the accumulated harm received. IMO infinite
stoicism is self-destructive.
<*> The alternative to self-destruction? Well, one alternative
is the realization that the lightest burdens are those that you
refuse to carry (e.g., another's self-serving attempts to
instill unreasonable guilt).
<*> I do _not_ equate witchcraft and Wicca. I strongly recommend
viewing the film "Haxan: Witchcraft Through The Ages" by director
Benjamin Christenson. The film is very (stereotypically) prejudicial
against witches, but the film explains the reasons underlying its
prejudices and the film documents public perception of witchcraft
as lacking a moral or ethical character. I believe that Wicca is
a religion that includes morality and ethics. Without morality
and ethics I believe that public perception of Wicca will be as
prejudicial as the attitudes presented in "Haxan: Witchcraft
Through The Ages".
H) I have ***much*** to say about Wiccan *Tradition*, a complex
and central Wiccan topic. Referencing "Wicca: A Guide For The
Solitary Practitioner" by Scott Cunningham, pg. 203:
'Tradition, Wiccan: An organized, structured, specific Wiccan
subgroup, usually initiatory, with often unique ritual practices.
Many Traditions have their own _Books of Shadows_ and may or may
not recognize members of other Traditions as Wiccans. Most
Traditions are composed of a number of Covens as well as solitary
practioners.'
<*> There are many valid Wiccan paths. Gardnerian Wicca was the
first Wiccan Tradition but many other Wiccan Traditions exist.
I believe that (due to economics) Gardnerian Wicca has little
relevance to 21st-Century United States society. I believe that
due to economic trends (e.g., increased cost of living due to
higher petroleum prices --> unaffordable cars) Gardnerian Wicca's
relevance will continue to decline in the United States as the
21st-Century progresses.
<*> I also want to provide an example. It is widely accepted in
Wiccan circles that if a person wishes to acquire a magickal item,
the person should pay the cost without question or argument
-- questioning and arguing dishonors both the item (reducing its
magickal value) and also dishonors the item's owner. Imagine
that a Magickian owns a silicon amulet of great power. Another
Magickian wishes to acquire the silicon amulet but believes the
cost is unfair and is not willing to pay the cost -- how should
the amulet owner respond to this implied insult?
<*> This situation reminds me of the maxim 'An accountant
knows the cost of every thing but the value of no thing'. The
Magickian wishing to acquire the amulet respects the amulet's
fair value but considers the cost unfair. I believe that
proper tradition dictates no negotiations -- the amulet's
owner either should walk away without argument and without
subsequently employing proxies as intermediary agents, or the
amulet's owner should present the silicon amulet as a no-cost
gift. Presenting the silicon amulet as a no-cost gift honors
the amulet (increasing the amulet's magickal power) and honors
both the amulet's owner and the amulet's recipient.
***I believe that honor (and reputation) are powerful magick***.
I also believe that arguments, repeated hints and/or proxy
intermediaries accumulate into a dishonorable ending.
<*> I believe this example is consistent with Islamic practice.
The harsh desert environment requires good faith relationships.
In the harsh desert environment, contentious behaviour is *not*
worthwhile and is not repeated -- analogous to not negotiating
with a merchant who has treated you unfairly in the past.
<*> I) *Warlock* is a term that many interpret differently. To
the general population 'warlock' refers to a (usually male)
Magick-using warrior. Witch wars are _discouraged_ in Craft and
Wiccan Covens, however, and 'warlock' usually denotes someone
who has been ostracized from a Coven or a group of cooperating
Covens for disobedience to Coven Tradition or to the Coven High
Priest/ess's authority. [In some cases a Coven High Priest/ess
pairs Coven members (and their children) during Sabbats.] The
ostracism that a warlock encounters includes social shunning,
denial of _any_ assistance from Coven members, and so-called
chaotic attacks (e.g., floods of annoyances, insults and small
injuries). The ostracism's goal is to force the warlock to
_vacate_ the locale where his/her former Coven worships,
preferably moving to another city or state. (In the Midwest
city where I grew up people talked about 'running somebody out
of town on a rail'.) I believe this ostracism occurs most
often in the case of a Pagan man who divorces or deserts his
partner, particularly if the partners have children. But the
ostracism also occurs in divorcing households that do not
include children, and in my locale non-Pagan divorcing men
also experience this ostracism.
<*> Pagans sometimes refer to non-Pagans as 'cowans'. The
term cowan is derived primarily from Freemasonry: 'cowans'
were non-Masonic stoneworkers who either produced inferior
work and thus were not eligible to join or worked only in
drystone (without mortar), which apparently didn't count.
[Interestingly, drystone work can be *very* difficult because
individual stones are independently fitted and laid. Mortar
can act as glue and a filler to patch weaknesses in mortared
stone construction.]
<*> As I stated previously, I believe that some Wiccans use
'The Universal Rule of Three' to justify 'vigilante lessons'
against both Wiccans and non-Wiccans, including ostracizing
non-Wiccan divorcing men regardless of whether the divorcing
household includes children. I find this ethically troubling.
Non-Pagans are *not* Wiccan Coven or Pagan Family members.
Non-Pagans took no binding oaths -- they are *not* oath breakers.
In effect, non-Pagans 'did not sign the contract', but they
are being punished for breaking oaths that they never accepted.
IMO a Lot can happen as a result of this unethical treatment.
<*> Texts and films are one source of quality Wiccan information,
and these references do not contain oathbound secrets. I will
provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
subsequent messages entitled "A Reference List for Prospective
Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two of Two Parts)".
Some people question the appropriateness of my providing _any_
comments concerning Wicca, witchcraft, Paganism or satanism. I
believe that detachment is valuable -- _not_ having vested interests
can bring objectivity. In addition, I offer information -- ***my
information can be ignored with little effort***. I do _not_ tell
people how to worship or practice magick in their circles or in
their own homes. And a list of Wicca-related definitions based
upon my studying Wiccan-, Craft-, Pagan- and satanic-related texts
and participating in Wiccan-, craft- and Pagan-related Internet
newsgroups threatens no one.
<*> Ultimately, each reader must judge individually.
Richard Ballard
Part Two is contained in a subsequent message titled "Definitions
For Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part Two of Two Parts)". Each
issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin with a
<*> marker.
<*> August first Midnight Stonehenge time (July 31st 7:00 PM CDT
in my locale) is the sabbat Lammas [an Anglo-Saxon word meaning
loaf-mass (bread) and the most commonly-used name for this sabbat].
In old Irish a variant Lunasa means 'August'. Lammas also is known
as Lughnasadh (Loo-nahs-ah), First Harvest, and the Sabbat of the
First Fruits. Lammas honors the Sun God Lugh (Loo) and his queen
Dana, but Lammas principally is a grain festival. In ancient
Phoenicia this festival honored the grain god Dagon, and a
significant portion of the harvest was sacrificed to him.
Similarly, Native Americans celebrate early August as a grain
festival and call it the Festival of the Maize. Corn, wheat,
barley, and other Northern Hemisphere grains are ready for
harvesting by early August. Lammas is the first of the three
harvest sabbats and a celebration of the Earth's fertility. Corn,
wheat, potatoes and other crops harvested around Lammas are
considered fertility plants and can be employed within Lammas
rituals.
<*> In Romania's Transylvanian Alps (high in the Carpathian Mountains
and the legendary home of Dracula) a fertility ritual involving
animal sacrifice is practiced the first Sunday of August. A live
sow is slain ritually on the high slopes of Mt. Chefleau in thanks
for the abundant harvest, the sow's blood is allowed to flow into
the earth, then the peasants touch their hands to the wet ground
and mark the sign of the cross (for protection and self-blessing)
in wet blood on their foreheads. Some groups mimic this
Transylvanian custom, honoring the pig as an efficient converter
of grain into lean meat during abundant times. Many groups use
red wine to symbolize blood during their rituals. Other groups
might mimic this Transylvanian custom exactly (i.e., blood from
animal ritual sacrifice) or even utilize human blood (e.g., from
a deliberate cut). Recalling that the Lammas sabbat *does*
celebrate fertility, some groups might employ human menstrual blood
during their Lammas ritual. And it is conceivable that some groups
might employ human virginal blood within their Lammas ritual (i.e.,
a female virgin has her first sex as a part of the group's Lammas
ritual).
With this sabbat approaching, many Wiccans are discussing
Some basic definitions:
Magick sometimes is described as being low magick or high
magick. Low magick typically denotes simple magick spells
performed by individuals. High magick typically denotes
ceremonial magick rituals usually performed by groups. Both
complexity and the number of participants differentiate high
magick from low magick. Ritual tools and complexity help
focus and strengthen magickal power, while participation in
group rituals helps focus individuals' magick powers into one
coherent force.
B) *Chaos* is a generic term -- it can describe global warfare
or a squealing infant. I believe that Magickians are
individuals who utilize (and sometimes purposefully create)
Chaos in order to realize their own goals.
Most people are _reactively_ familiar with the so-called
Murphy's Law: 'What ever can go wrong will'. Chaos Magickians
utilize Murphy's Law _PROactively_ -- they purposefully create
an environment and situations where events are likely to go
wrong with confusing, tiring, resource-wasting and demoralizing
effects upon the participants. The Chaos Magickian's long-term
goal is to force the (energy- and resource-) exhausted victim
to submit to the Magickian's purpose.
A group making continuous trivial insults (or making
continuous empty or real threats) is an example of Chaos Magick.
Like a group stoning an individual with pebbles, the significance
of each insult/threat is minimal but the combined effect is tiring
and demoralizing.
<*> IMO the Wiccan greeting 'Blessed be' is a mixed blessing.
'Blessed be' can denote the benign wish "May your attempts at
pregnancy be successful." 'Blessed be(e)' also can denote the
pin used to poke holes in a condom to facilitate pregnancy and
subsequent forced marriage, an act that *either* partner can
initiate. (I discuss other 'blessed be' interpretations in
the subsequent message.)
C) Historically (and ironically) the word *craftsman* (and its
modern variant *craftsperson*) has referred to a perfectionist
whose work is beyond reproach -- Chaos-free. Yet those who
practice Magick often are said to practice 'The Craft'.
D) According to Scott Cunningham's well-regarded text "Wicca:
A Guide For The Solitary Practioner" (pg. 63), the eight *sabbats*
are days of power. Four sabbats coincide with Solstices and
Equinoxes (the beginnings of the four seasons), and the other four
sabbats are based upon ancient folk festivals, including those of
the ancient Near East.
Within her text "Inside A Witches' Coven" Ms. Edain McCoy states
(pg. 140) that the origin of the word sabbat is the Greek word
'sabatu' meaning 'to rest'.
I believe that the word sabbat also shares linguistic roots with
the Hebrew words Saba (e.g., Sheba, an ancient kingdom of southern
Arabia), Sabaism (the worship of stars and the heavens), Shebat
(the fifth month of the Jewish calendar that roughly coincides
with Imbolg), and 'shabbath' [to rest; (i.e., Sabbath, a period
of rest)].
Some Covens perform _no magic_ during sabbats, treating sabbats
as occasions for rest and rejoicing. Other Covens view sabbats
as a time for powerful magick (often fertility magick). Whether
magick is performed during a sabbat celebration depends upon a
Coven's Tradition.
E) The Wiccan *Rede* is the best-known Wiccan tenet. Depending
upon the Tradition one follows, the Rede might be a binding rule,
the Rede might be considered advice, or the Rede might be ignored.
The most common statement of the Wiccan Rede is 'An ye harm
none, do what ye will'. I have observed several different
(Wiccan Tradition-dependent) interpretations of this eight-word
statement -- the words 'harm', 'none', 'do' and 'will' are
subject to interpretation. An obvious example: Does 'harm
none' refer to members of the given Wiccan Coven, to members
of the given Wiccan Tradition, to all Wiccans, or to
humankind? Furthermore, I have observed statements of the
Wiccan Rede that go on for pages like a legal contract, and
I have observed Wiccan Traditions that effectively ignore the
Wiccan Rede completely. I am _not_ comfortable with all
Traditions' interpretation of the Wiccan Rede.
<*> There are many valid Wiccan paths -- Gardnerian Wicca was the
first Wiccan Tradition but many other Wiccan Traditions exist.
The Wiccan Gardnerian Tradition reflects English socioeconomic
culture 50 years ago. Gardnerian Wicca was initiated by
upper-income British who were able to hire low/middle-income
servants as 'apprentices'. I believe that many prospective Wiccan
novices would find the traditional 'year-and-a-day' apprenticeship
_not_ acceptable if that apprenticeship took the form of _mandatory
and unbreakable servitude_. (I am discussing an apprentice's loss
of the ability to _drop out_ of an apprenticeship program by
terminating the associated service period voluntarily and early.
***I am discussing loss of freedom of choice***. A Lot can happen
during a 'year-and-a-day' apprenticeship. Some paths are one-way
paths having *no possible return* -- this hap pens too many times.)
<*> Interestingly, while age 18 is the legal 'age of sexual consent'
in most of the United States, unmarried children are not declared
legal adults and remain under their parents' supervision in most
of the United States through age 21. This three year period can
represent a 'limbo' period for unmarried children of Wiccan parents
-- they are sexually but not legally mature.
In my locale hired mercenaries often are termed 'throw-away
rollers' (analogous to disposable paint rollers). Throw-away
rollers from a different neighborhood are hired, used once, then
thrown away (i.e., never hired again). Not reusing 'throw-away
rollers' helps to ensure that the individual hiring the mercenaries
will not be identified and punished.
Mr. Ballard is writing this clearly so that the issue will _not_
be confused or mistakenly dismissed.
*****End of Part One*****
I am _not_ qualified to provide legal or medical opinions.
The comments contained herein are my opinions.
I got no problems
20:51:00
20:52:00
'Life in the trailer park'
is a *long* sentence
Richard Ballard MSEE CNA4 KD0AZ
--
Consultant specializing in computer networks, imaging & security
Listed as rjballard in "Friends & Favorites" at www.amazon.com
Last book review: "Combatting Cult Mind Control"
by Steven Hassan
Richard Ballard
For Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One of Two Parts)". Each
issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin with a
<*> marker.
F) *Witch* is a term that many interpret differently. I interpret
the term 'witch' as women and men who use Magick in a goal-
oriented manner _not_ constrained by morality or ethics. Witches
are _not_ bound to work in groups or to have common purpose. I
do _not_ consider witchcraft a religion, I do _not_ equate
witchcraft and Wicca, and I know _no requirement_ for an
initiation into witchcraft -- witches can be solitary practitioners.
Apparently Christian governments tested and tried accused witches
as 'brides of satan' during 'The Burning Times'. [Ref: "Haxan:
Witchcraft Through The Ages", 1929 silent film directed by Benjamin
Christensen and narrated by William Burroughs (author of "The
Naked Lunch"). "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft"
by Denise Zimmermann and Katherine A. Gleason is a textual reference
to 'The Burning Times'.]
G) I believe that *Wicca* is a Magick-users' religion that
celebrates the (agricultural) fertility of the Earth and human
fertility. I believe that as a religious individuals, Wiccans
_are_ constrained by ethics and morality. I believe that a
religion that celebrates the agricultural fertility of the Earth
must incorporate ecology into its religious beliefs. Similarly,
I believe that a religion that celebrates human fertility must
incorporate _responsible child-bearing_ into its religious beliefs,
including ***avoidance of unwanted pregnancies*** and responsible
loving care of the children both parents choose to have.
Many Wiccan texts discuss ecology -- few discuss responsible
Apparently (im)proper nutrition also affects the quality
of both male and female human fertility. Given that a woman's
lifetime supply of fertile eggs exists at menarche (onset of
menstruation), the importance of good childhood nutrition
for females is obvious.
I have observed literally hundreds of questions asking 'What
is the true Wicca?' I have observed few good answers. The
best answer I have observed from others is 'My Wiccan Tradition
defines Wicca to be ... .'
Wicca with its fertility emphasis emphasizes The Goddess
and the feminine perspective, but both women and men can be
Wiccans. In my experience male witches are a rarity. In
my locale young men are drawn to satanism rather than Wicca.
<*> 'Blessed be' is a common Wiccan salutation. 'Blessed be'
has several interpretations. In my locale the most common
interpretation is 'I hope that your attempts at pregnancy
are successful'. A less common interpretation is 'I hope
that your partner/significant-other will submit' (usually
to matrimony or to joining a Coven/Family). This interpretation
can be aided by the use of a 'blessed bee' -- a needle used to
puncture holes in a condom to facilitate pregnancy and
subsequent forced marriage (an act that either partner can
perform. Sexually transmitted diseases can complicate this
action.) Another less common 'blessed bee' interpretation is
the tattoo needle or marker that is used to mark initiates
who have completed their apprenticeship and who are qualified
to become full Wiccan Coven or Pagan Family members.
Wicca emphasizes the Goddess and the fertility, but the tenets
followed by most Wiccan Traditions [the Wiccan Rede ('An ye
harm none, do what ye will ...') and 'The Universal Rule Of Three'
('any action will be returned to the source threefold')] have
little correspondence with the Wiccan Goddess and with fertility.
I believe the French concept 'noblesse oblige' is best suited to
Wicca's emphasis of the Goddess and fertility. 'Noblesse oblige'
is an ethical concept stating that individuals who know quality
are obliged to perform quality actions -- the discretion of
prioritizaton is left to the individual. 'Noblesse oblige'
encourages responsible actions. Furthermore, 'noblesse oblige'
unambiguously solves the recurring Wiccan debate concerning
whether performing ill actions _ever_ can be justified under
the Wiccan Rede and 'The Universal Rule Of Three' -- ill actions
_never_ are justified under the concept of 'noblesse oblige'.
The discretion of prioritization allowed under 'noblesse oblige'
reflects economic reality. We cannot afford _everything_ we want.
Often the realistic and quality alternative to an unreasonable
desire is to accept nothing. 'Noblesse oblige' obliges the
individual to make quality, realistic choices followed by quality,
responsible actions. No one is harmed under the 'noblesse
oblige' philosophy, yet nobody might benefit if accepting nothing
is the alternative which is chosen.
Witch wars sometimes result in chaotic attacks -- i.e., a
flood of annoyances, insults and small injuries. Under a 'noblesse
oblige' philosophy should One suffer these attacks stoically, or
should One respond to the attacks?
I believe that accumulation of harm dictates the victim's
response. Ignoring a small annoyance, a small insult, or a small
injury is both polite and economical. But repeated small
annoyances, small insults, and small injuries can accumulate into
significant harm.
I believe that submitting to significant harm is damaging both
to an individual's life and also to their self-respect. I also
believe that submitting to significant harm might be not moral
and not ethical -- the victim is ignoring the difference (and the
consequences) between right and ... (a-hem) wrong.
Thus I believe that an ethical person's stoicism must be
tempered by the accumulated harm received. IMO infinite
stoicism is self-destructive.
The alternative to self-destruction? Well, one alternative
is the realization that the lightest burdens are those that you
refuse to carry (e.g., another's self-serving attempts to
instill unreasonable guilt).
I do _not_ equate witchcraft and Wicca. I strongly recommend
viewing the film "Haxan: Witchcraft Through The Ages" by director
Benjamin Christenson. The film is very (stereotypically) prejudicial
against witches, but the film explains the reasons underlying its
prejudices and the film documents public perception of witchcraft
as lacking a moral or ethical character. I believe that Wicca is
a religion that includes morality and ethics. Without morality
and ethics I believe that public perception of Wicca will be as
prejudicial as the attitudes presented in "Haxan: Witchcraft
Through The Ages".
H) I have ***much*** to say about Wiccan *Tradition*, a complex
and central Wiccan topic. Referencing "Wicca: A Guide For The
Solitary Practitioner" by Scott Cunningham, pg. 203:
'Tradition, Wiccan: An organized, structured, specific Wiccan
subgroup, usually initiatory, with often unique ritual practices.
Many Traditions have their own _Books of Shadows_ and may or may
not recognize members of other Traditions as Wiccans. Most
Traditions are composed of a number of Covens as well as solitary
practioners.'
There are many valid Wiccan paths. Gardnerian Wicca was the
first Wiccan Tradition but many other Wiccan Traditions exist.
I believe that (due to economics) Gardnerian Wicca has little
relevance to 21st-Century United States society. I believe that
due to economic trends (e.g., increased cost of living due to
higher petroleum prices --> unaffordable cars) Gardnerian Wicca's
relevance will continue to decline in the United States as the
21st-Century progresses.
Scott Cunningham's text "Wicca: A Guide For The Solitary
Wiccan circles that if a person wishes to acquire a magickal item,
the person should pay the cost without question or argument
-- questioning and arguing dishonors both the item (reducing its
magickal value) and also dishonors the item's owner. Imagine
that a Magickian owns a silicon amulet of great power. Another
Magickian wishes to acquire the silicon amulet but believes the
cost is unfair and is not willing to pay the cost -- how should
the amulet owner respond to this implied insult?
This situation reminds me of the maxim 'An accountant
knows the cost of every thing but the value of no thing'. The
Magickian wishing to acquire the amulet respects the amulet's
fair value but considers the cost unfair. I believe that
proper tradition dictates no negotiations -- the amulet's
owner either should walk away without argument and without
subsequently employing proxies as intermediary agents, or the
amulet's owner should present the silicon amulet as a no-cost
gift. Presenting the silicon amulet as a no-cost gift honors
the amulet (increasing the amulet's magickal power) and honors
both the amulet's owner and the amulet's recipient.
***I believe that honor (and reputation) are powerful magick***.
I also believe that arguments, repeated hints and/or proxy
intermediaries accumulate into a dishonorable ending.
I believe this example is consistent with Islamic practice.
The harsh desert environment requires good faith relationships.
In the harsh desert environment, contentious behaviour is *not*
worthwhile and is not repeated -- analogous to not negotiating
with a merchant who has treated you unfairly in the past.
I) *Warlock* is a term that many interpret differently. To
the general population 'warlock' refers to a (usually male)
Magick-using warrior. Witch wars are _discouraged_ in Craft and
Wiccan Covens, however, and 'warlock' usually denotes someone
who has been ostracized from a Coven or a group of cooperating
Covens for disobedience to Coven Tradition or to the Coven High
Priest/ess's authority. [In some cases a Coven High Priest/ess
pairs Coven members (and their children) during sabbats.] The
ostracism that a warlock encounters includes social shunning,
denial of _any_ assistance from Coven members, and so-called
chaotic attacks (e.g., floods of annoyances, insults and small
injuries). The ostracism's goal is to force the warlock to
_vacate_ the locale where his/her former Coven worships,
preferably moving to another city or state. (In the Midwest
city where I grew up people talked about 'running somebody out
of town on a rail'.) I believe this ostracism occurs most
often in the case of a Pagan man who divorces or deserts his
partner, particularly if the partners have children. But the
ostracism also occurs in divorcing households that do not
include children, and in my locale non-Pagan divorcing men
also experience this ostracism.
Pagans sometimes refer to non-Pagans as 'cowans'. The
term cowan is derived primarily from Freemasonry: 'cowans'
were non-Masonic stoneworkers who either produced inferior
work and thus were not eligible to join or worked only in
drystone (without mortar), which apparently didn't count.
[Interestingly, drystone work can be *very* difficult because
individual stones are independently fitted and laid. Mortar
can act as glue and a filler to patch weaknesses in mortared
stone construction.]
As I stated previously, I believe that some Wiccans use
'The Universal Rule of Three' to justify 'vigilante lessons'
against both Wiccans and non-Wiccans, including ostracizing
non-Wiccan divorcing men regardless of whether the divorcing
household includes children. I find this ethically troubling.
Non-Pagans are *not* Wiccan Coven or Pagan Family members.
Non-Pagans took no binding oaths -- they are *not* oath breakers.
In effect, non-Pagans 'did not sign the contract', but they
are being punished for breaking oaths that they never accepted.
IMO a Lot can happen as a result of this unethical treatment.
Texts and films are one source of quality Wiccan information,
and these references do not contain oathbound secrets. I will
provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
subsequent messages entitled "A Reference List for Prospective
Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two of Two Parts)".
Some people question the appropriateness of my providing _any_
comments concerning Wicca, witchcraft, Paganism or satanism. I
believe that detachment is valuable -- _not_ having vested interests
can bring objectivity. In addition, I offer information -- ***my
information can be ignored with little effort***. I do _not_ tell
people how to worship or practice magick in their circles or in
their own homes. And a list of Wicca-related definitions based
upon my studying Wiccan-, Craft-, Pagan- and satanic-related texts
and participating in Wiccan-, craft- and Pagan-related Internet
newsgroups threatens no one.
Ultimately, each reader must judge individually.
*****End of Part Two*****
I am _not_ qualified to provide legal or medical opinions.
The comments contained herein are my opinions.
I got no problems
20:51:00
20:52:00
'Life in the trailer park'
is a *long* sentence
Richard Ballard MSEE CNA4 KD0AZ
--
Consultant specializing in computer networks, imaging & security
Listed as rjballard in "Friends & Favorites" at www.amazon.com
Richard Ballard
document. Rather than waiting until 21 days before the
Mabon sabbat to issue a version containing the revisions, I
am reissueing the Lammas version in its entirety. Additions
and revisions are marked with a <*> marker.
*****Beginning of document*****
Copyright 2003 by Richard J. Ballard -- All Rights Reserved.
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Part Two is contained in a subsequent message titled "Definitions
For Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part Two of Two Parts)". I
provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
subsequent messages entitled "A Reference List for Prospective
Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two of Two Parts)".
August first Midnight Stonehenge time (July 31st 7:00 PM CDT
in my locale) is the sabbat Lammas [an Anglo-Saxon word meaning
loaf-mass (bread) and the most commonly-used name for this sabbat].
In old Irish a variant Lunasa means 'August'. Lammas also is known
as Lughnasadh (Loo-nahs-ah), First Harvest, and the Sabbat of the
First Fruits. Lammas honors the Sun God Lugh (Loo) and his queen
Dana, but Lammas principally is a grain festival. In ancient
Phoenicia this festival honored the grain god Dagon, and a
significant portion of the harvest was sacrificed to him.
Similarly, Native Americans celebrate early August as a grain
festival and call it the Festival of the Maize. Corn, wheat,
barley, and other Northern Hemisphere grains are ready for
harvesting by early August. Lammas is the first of the three
harvest sabbats and a celebration of the Earth's fertility. Corn,
wheat, potatoes and other crops harvested around Lammas are
considered fertility plants and can be employed within Lammas
rituals.
In Romania's Transylvanian Alps (high in the Carpathian Mountains
Some basic definitions:
IMO the Wiccan greeting 'Blessed be' is a mixed blessing.
'Blessed be' can denote the benign wish "May your attempts at
pregnancy be successful." 'Blessed be(e)' also can denote the
pin used to poke holes in a condom to facilitate pregnancy and
subsequent forced marriage, an act that *either* partner can
initiate. (I discuss other 'blessed be' interpretations in
the 'Definitions Part Two' message.)
There are many valid Wiccan paths -- Gardnerian Wicca was the
Interestingly, while age 18 is the legal 'age of sexual consent'
<*> I recommend that prospective Wiccan novices considering joining
a Wiccan Coven _learn in detail_ that Coven's Wiccan Rede
interpretation. Some Coven _Books of Shadows_ contain
oath-bound material known only to Coven members, but a Coven's
Wiccan Rede interpretation should be _freely discussable_.
Prospective Wiccan novices are _not_ yet Coven members. [In
some Covens, apprentices do not become Coven members until after
a year-and-a-day apprenticeship, personal acceptance, and Coven
(a-hem) initiation]. Prospective Wiccan novices might be affected
adversely by a Coven's Wiccan Rede interpretation. ***I believe
that potential apprentices MUST know if the Wiccan Rede protects
them during their apprenticeship, MUST know if they are free
to terminate their apprenticeship and not join the Coven, and MUST
know the responsibilities and penalties on them (and their family)
if they terminate their Wiccan apprenticeship.*** If this
information is _not_ freely available, I recommend that a person
_not_ make a Wiccan Coven commitment.
<*> IMO people choosing to become Wiccans are best served by combining
solitary worship with *Circle* membership. (A Circle is a social
group that meets to discuss Craft-related issues but that does *not*
include the oath-bound information or the binding oaths of obedience
included in Wiccan Coven initiations.) Wiccan solitary worshippers
joining Circles do not sacrifice their personal autonomy through oaths
of obedience to a Coven High Priest/ess, and Circle membership offers
most of the social and discussion advantages of Coven membership.
<*> ***I can not overstress this issue.*** A Coven's High Priest/ess
has the right to squelch 'improper discussion'. As individuals grow
(and as different people assume the High Priest/ess's office),
keeping oathbound obedience to the Coven High Priest/ess's authority
might pose difficult and unanticipated problems. Liberal Coven
members might chafe under a conservative High Priest/ess's authority.
Conservative Coven members might chafe under a liberal
High Priest/ess's authority. Wo/men Coven members might chafe
under a particularly strong and chauvinistic High Priest/ess's
authority. And many Coven oaths include penalties for leaving
Coven membership.
<*> In some Wiccan Traditions, the High Priest/ess designates couples
for each sabbat celebration (possibly including the coupling of
Wiccan parents' children). IMO this social whirl does not reinforce
romantic love or stable (biological) family relationships. Teaching
is teaching, but IMO this sabbat-related social whirl is wasteful.
Partners invest their time and energy in each other, but repeatedly
switching partners at each sabbat destroys earlier investments.
<*> And where is it written that a High Priest/ess's authority is
limited to Coven-specific matters? ***Where is it written that the
High Priest/ess can not intervene in Coven members' mundane concerns
such as housing and use of spare/guest bedrooms?***
F) *Witch* is a term that many interpret differently. I interpret
the term 'witch' as women and men who use Magick in a goal-
oriented manner _not_ constrained by morality or ethics. Witches
are _not_ bound to work in groups or to have common purpose. I
do _not_ consider witchcraft a religion, I do _not_ equate
witchcraft and Wicca, and I know _no requirement_ for an
initiation into witchcraft -- witches can be solitary practitioners.
Apparently Christian governments tested and tried accused witches
as 'brides of satan' during 'The Burning Times'. [Ref: "Haxan:
Witchcraft Through The Ages", 1929 silent film directed by Benjamin
Christensen and narrated by William Burroughs (author of "The
Naked Lunch"). "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft"
by Denise Zimmermann and Katherine A. Gleason is a textual reference
to 'The Burning Times'.]
*****End of Part One*****
<*> The comments contained herein are my opinions. This message
was not solicited by Amazon.com, any author, any artist, or their
agent(s), publisher(s), producer(s) or distributor(s).
<*> I am *not* an Islamic scholar.
<*> I am *not* legally qualified to provide medical, psychological,
legal, financial or religious opinions, but I have discussed some
issues with my Attorney and have read extensively in these areas.
I have strong opinions.
I got no problems
20:05:15 20:05:15
Richard Ballard
document. Rather than waiting until 21 days before the
Mabon sabbat to issue a version containing the revisions, I
am reissueing the Lammas version in its entirety. Additions
and revisions are marked with a <*> marker.
*****Beginning of document*****
Copyright 2003 by Richard J. Ballard -- All Rights Reserved.
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Part One is contained in an earlier message titled "Definitions
For Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One of Two Parts)". I
provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
subsequent messages entitled "A Reference List for Prospective
Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two of Two Parts)".
G) I believe that *Wicca* is a Magick-users' religion that
'Blessed be' is a common Wiccan salutation. 'Blessed be'
<*> J) Some people inquire why I associate *satanism* with Paganism
rather than with Christianity. I distinguish between satanism and
Christianity. Avowed satanists *do* view satanism as a religion --
"The Satanic Bible" by Anton Szandor LaVey makes that clear.
My understanding is that satanism has rejected Christianity's
tenets, choosing a left-handed dominant path of its own. In
that sense, satanism acknowledges Christianity by rejecting
Christianity.
<*> My experience is that Christianity does not concentrate on
satan or hell. And in my experience Christianity ignores
(rather than acknowledges) satanism.
<*> My perception is that satanism affects 21st Century society
more as a dominance attitude/philosophy than a religion. I
believe that 21st Century society is growing poorer, and some
peoples' response is to embrace the dominance philosophy/attitude
contained within satanism. IMO satanists believe that people
naturally submit to authority, and that people naturally will
submit to the (perceived) authority of dominant satanists.
<*> I want to make an additional observation linking poverty
and satanism.
<*> The Islamic religion (like satanism) uses the goat to symbolize
satan. Islam historically blames the goat for stripping the
bark from the trees that protected and stabilized the agricultural
lands of the Middle East. Denuded of bark by goats, the trees
died; then the arid impoverishing desert invaded the agricultural
lands and impoverished the people. My interpretation is that
Islam blames satan's trickery for causing Adam and Eve's expulsion
from the Garden of Eden and for the resultant impoverishment of
the Islamic faithful on Earth.
<*> Earler I referenced satanism's 'left-handed dominant path'.
The following quotation from "The Satanic Bible" by Anton
Szandor LaVey (founder of 'The Church of Satan'), c1969,
ISBN 0-380-01539-0, pg. 52 illustrates this association:
<*> "The Satanic religion has not merely lifted the coin -- it has
flipped it over completely. Therefore, why should it support
the very principles to which it is completely opposed by
calling itself anything other than a name which is totally in
keeping with the _reversed_ doctrines which make up the
Satanic philosophy? Satanism is not a white light religion;
it is a religion of the flesh, the mundane, the carnal -- all of
which is ruled by Satan, the personification of the Left Hand
Path."
<*> Anton LaVey is the founder of 'The Church of Satan', a fact
that associates his popular press texts with 'The Church of Satan'.
Another satanic organization 'The Temple of Set' is an offshoot of
'The Church of Satan'. To my knowledge 'The Temple of Set' has
not provided descriptive literature in the popular press.
<*> In the 21st Century many people question the importance of
textual references. That something has been published
indicates that a publisher has judged that the content
financially merits publication, and indicates that a
copy editor has (at a minimum) reviewed the content --
rough indications of content quality control.
<*> IMO website URLs are *not* acceptable as scholarly references.
Revising webpage content is as difficult as revising a form
letter, and a record of webpage content changes is *not* maintained
for later public scrutiny. (Remember George Orwell's novel "1984"?)
In addition, offsite web hosting services are not expensive --
IMO the existence of a website does not imply a significant
financial (or quality) commitment.
<*> IMO satanic concepts permeate 21st Century popular culture
and broadcast entertainment. I urge anyone who doubts this
statement to view the VCR tape "Haxan: Witchcraft Through The
Ages" by director Benjamin Christensen. This 1929 film depicts
witches as brides of satan (women who have made a binding
commitment to satan) and is laden with 1929's satanic concepts.
View "Haxan: ...", compare its satanic concepts with 21st Century
popular culture and broadcast entertainment, and judge for
yourself whether satanic concepts permeate 21st Century popular
culture and broadcast entertainment.
<*> I also want to state that IMO a binding commitment to satan
(like legal marriage) is severable (like legal divorce). The
strongest bonds in 21st Century society are financial bonds.
IMO in the 21st Century a binding commitment to satan can
be broken *at some cost*. The magnitude of that cost depends
upon the friendly resources the bound individual has -- friendly
resources do not cost.
<*> A baptized inactive Methodist, I view satanism as a cultural
influence rather than a religious influence. My views of satanism
are tempered by the fact that I have traveled on three continents
and personally have viewed several different cultures. My views
of satanism also are tempered by the fact that I matured in the
late 1960's / early 1970's, a time of a diverse and dynamic
counterculture emergence in the United States. These experiences
affect my cultural opinions, including my opinion of satanism.
<*> I (simplistically?) view satanism as a culture that states "Most
people automatically submit to authority. Satanists can use
dominance to assert their authority and cause other people to
submit to their wishes." This is my (simplistic?) view of
satanism's dominant, left-hand path.
<*> My observations of diverse cultures cause me to believe that
all cultures are not equal -- some cultures have greater
cultural substance, integrity and value than others. My
observations of diverse cultures also have taught me that
all cultures are not equally suitable to my personal goals
and desired lifestyle.
<*> The 1960's / 1970's was an era when the United States was a
cultural 'melting pot' -- immigrants to the United States were
expected to become members of a strong and homogeneous
United States society. One of the issues of the 1960's / 1970's
United States counterculture emergence was that subcultural
groups had the right to determine their own subculture. This
issue increasingly is accepted in the 21st Century United States,
but the issue was very controversial in the 1960's / 1970's.
<*> I find satanism's dominant subculture personally *not* appropriate.
IMO the right to define one's own personal culture includes the
right to exclude aspects of other's cultures from one's own
personal culture. Satanists dogmatically dominate and often
attempt to insert satanic concepts into other peoples' personal
culture -- an infringement upon other peoples' right to define their
own cultures.
<*> At the same time, individuals must deal with the dominant satanic
concepts and attitudes that increasingly permeate 21st Century
United States society. (And as the United States' domestic economy
continues to downsize, so-called 'cutthroat businesses' will assert
their own brands of dominance when dealing with employees.) Dealing
with these dominant satanic attitudes often requires that individuals
assert greater personal dominance than they otherwise would.
<*> What is the difference between being a dominant satanist and
rebuffing dominant satanic attitudes and behaviour through your own
personal dominance? IMO the difference is that you choose your friends
-- an individual should not have to assume dominant attitudes and
behaviour to cope with friends. And ultimately a person draws the line
at his/her home's front door.
<*> Some people question the appropriateness of my providing _any_
comments concerning Wicca, witchcraft, Paganism or satanism. I
believe that detachment is valuable -- _not_ having vested interests
can bring objectivity. In addition, I offer information -- ***my
information can be ignored with little effort***. I do _not_ tell
people how to worship or practice magick in their circles or in
their own homes. And IMO a list of Wicca-related definitions based
upon my studying Wiccan-, Craft-, Pagan- and satanic-related texts
and participating in Wiccan-, craft- and Pagan-related Internet
newsgroups threatens no one.
*****End of Part Two*****
<*> The comments contained herein are my opinions. This message
was not solicited by Amazon.com, any author, any artist, or their
agent(s), publisher(s), producer(s) or distributor(s).
<*> I am *not* an Islamic scholar.
<*> I am *not* legally qualified to provide medical, psychological,
legal, financial or religious opinions, but I have discussed some
issues with my Attorney and have read extensively in these areas.
I have strong opinions.
I got no problems
20:05:15 20:05:15
Richard Ballard
parts. Rather than waiting until 21 days before the Mabon
sabbat to reissue the document, I am reissueing the Lammas
version in its entirety. _New_ additions and revisions are
marked with a <*> marker.
*****Beginning of document*****
Copyright 2003 by Richard J. Ballard -- All Rights Reserved.
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
<*> Parts Two and Three are contained in a subsequent message
titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part
Two/Three of Three Parts)", respectively. I provide an
accompanying list of Wicca-related references in subsequent
messages entitled "A Reference List for Prospective Wiccan
Novices (Part One/Two of Two Parts)".
August first Midnight Stonehenge time (July 31st 7:00 PM CDT
in my locale) is the sabbat Lammas [an Anglo-Saxon word meaning
loaf-mass (bread) and the most commonly-used name for this sabbat].
In old Irish a variant Lunasa means 'August'. Lammas also is known
as Lughnasadh (Loo-nahs-ah), First Harvest, and the Sabbat of the
First Fruits. Lammas honors the Sun God Lugh (Loo) and his queen
Dana, but Lammas principally is a grain festival. In ancient
Phoenicia this festival honored the grain god Dagon, and a
significant portion of the harvest was sacrificed to him.
Similarly, Native Americans celebrate early August as a grain
festival and call it the Festival of the Maize. Corn, wheat,
barley, and other Northern Hemisphere grains are ready for
harvesting by early August. Lammas is the first of the three
harvest sabbats and a celebration of the Earth's fertility. Corn,
wheat, potatoes and other crops harvested around Lammas are
considered fertility plants and can be employed within Lammas
rituals.
In Romania's Transylvanian Alps (high in the Carpathian Mountains
and the legendary home of Dracula) a fertility ritual involving
animal sacrifice is practiced the first Sunday of August. A live
sow is slain ritually on the high slopes of Mt. Chefleau in thanks
for the abundant harvest, the sow's blood is allowed to flow into
the earth, then the peasants touch their hands to the wet ground
and mark the sign of the cross (for protection and self-blessing)
in wet blood on their foreheads. Some groups mimic this
Transylvanian custom, honoring the pig as an efficient converter
of grain into lean meat during abundant times. Many groups use
red wine to symbolize blood during their rituals. Other groups
might mimic this Transylvanian custom exactly (i.e., blood from
animal ritual sacrifice) or even utilize human blood (e.g., from
a deliberate cut). Recalling that the Lammas sabbat _does_
celebrate fertility, some groups might employ human menstrual blood
during their Lammas ritual. And it is conceivable that some groups
might employ human virginal blood within their Lammas ritual (i.e.,
a female virgin has her first sex as a part of the group's Lammas
ritual).
With this sabbat approaching, many Wiccans are discussing
Wicca more openly, and many of their friends are hearing about
Wicca for the first time. These friends might ask "How can I
learn about Wicca?"
I wish to offer some basic definitions. But before offering
these definitions I believe it is fair to state that I am _not_
a Wiccan, a witch, a Pagan or a satanist.
Some basic definitions:
A) I believe that *Magick* is the goal-oriented use of Chaos,
a different term than 'magic' which refers to 'stage magic'
(prestidigitation).
Magick is strongly based in human sexuality. Human sexuality
can be a magickal goal, but need not be. More often human
sexuality is one magickal means used to achieve a goal. Human
fertility magick and agricultural fertility magick are religion
for Wiccans, and some Wiccans might state that fertility (not
human sexuality) is the important part of Wicca. I believe that
many Magickians would smile and reply 'There is more than one
way to worship the Goddess.'
<*> People have protested about my above statement "some
Wiccans might state that fertility (not human sexuality) is the
important part of Wicca." "some" is not an attempt to "cover
all of Wicca". However, Wicca is primarily a Goddess-worshipping
religion. Mother is one of the Wiccan Goddess's three personas.
Women who treasure their fertility are common among Wiccans.
And in a downsizing United States economy with increasing
un(der)employment and competition, I predict that many currently
working women will decide to interrupt their work careers to
explore motherhood -- a financially (and sometimes emotionally)
expensive long term quest for _both_ partners that decreased
Government revenues for day care and education will _not_ lighten.
<*> Magick sometimes is described as being dark or light magick.
Dark magick (sometimes called left-handed magick) tends to be
obscuring, domineering and obstructing _chaotic_ magick used
with little regard for ethics or morality. [Imagine the most
misleading pre-election political advertisements possible --
a perfect example of chaotic dark magick. Misleading statements
can produce chaotic (magickal) results.] Dark magick often
is associated with satanism and has gained popularity in the
past several years. Light magick (sometimes called right-handed
magick) tends to be illuminating, clarifying, non-interfering
and empowering _benign_ magick used beneficently.
Magick sometimes is described as being low magick or high
magick. Low magick typically denotes simple magick spells
performed by individuals. High magick typically denotes
ceremonial magick rituals usually performed by groups. Both
complexity and the number of participants differentiate high
magick from low magick. Ritual tools and complexity help
focus and strengthen magickal power, while participation in
group rituals helps focus individuals' magick powers into one
coherent force.
<*> Despite vocal opposition, I stand upon my statement that
High Magick _typically_ denotes ceremonial magick rituals
usually performed by like-minded groups of people. This
definition is based both upon my reading and upon my life
experience. One purpose of ceremony is to strengthen group
members' common efforts -- like-minded individuals sharing
a common experience are bound closer together by common
(deliberately impressive ceremonial) perspective. Participants'
group-related efforts are better focused and mutually
reinforced -- this is basic psychology. An individual
ceremonial ritual can focus one person's attention, but no
mutual reinforcement among like-minded group members is
possible within individual ceremonial rituals.
<*> B) *Chaos* is a generic term -- it can describe global warfare
or a squealing infant. (Any person wondering how I equate a
squealing infant with chaos should not sleep several consecutive
nights due to a crying cholically infant, and observe how their
own mental performance and mood deteriorates.) I believe that
Magickians are individuals who utilize (and sometimes purposefully
create) Chaos in order to realize their own goals.
<*> Most people are _reactively_ familiar with the so-called
Murphy's Law: 'What ever can go wrong will'. Chaos Magickians
utilize Murphy's Law _PROactively_ -- they purposefully create
an environment and situations where events are likely to go
wrong with confusing, tiring, resource-wasting and demoralizing
effects upon the participants. The Chaos Magickian's long-term
goal is to force the (energy- and resource-) exhausted victim
to submit to the Magickian's purpose. For example, traveling
in circles within a slow-moving reluctant bureaucracy is a
soporific form of Chaos Magick.
<*> A group making continuous trivial insults (or making
continuous empty or real threats) is another example of
Chaos Magick. Like a group stoning an individual with pebbles,
the significance of each insult/threat is minimal but the
combined effect is tiring and demoralizing. Why do I equate
deliberate insults/threats to Chaos Magick? Psychological
intimidation in the form of personal uncertainty can cause
mental distraction and confusion, with resultant impairment
of concentration leading to dysfunctional behaviour and/or
impaired performance, in turn leading to additional distraction
and confusion -- i.e., self-reinforcing chaos. Spoken
flippantly, repeated trivial insults and threats could drive
a man to drink (or worse).
<*> IMO the Wiccan greeting 'Blessed be' is a mixed blessing.
'Blessed be' can denote the benign wish "May your attempts at
pregnancy be successful." 'Blessed be(e)' also can denote the
pin used to poke holes in a condom to facilitate pregnancy and
subsequent forced marriage, an act that _either_ partner can
initiate -- sexually transmitted diseases can complicate this
action. (I discuss other 'blessed be' interpretations in
the 'Definitions Part Two' message.)
<*> Some people say that 'Blessed Be' is a mere greeting
meaning nothing more than Goodbye and Goodluck and that I am
stretching this greeting's intention to preposterous levels.
<*> I stand on my statements based upon common language
usage in my locale. And based upon the downsizing United States
domestic economy with high un(der)employment and record credit
levels, I anticipate that many people (a gender-independent term)
will consider marriage as one solution to their worsening
financial problems.
There are many valid Wiccan paths -- Gardnerian Wicca was the
Interestingly, while age 18 is the legal 'age of sexual consent'
<*> Should a person decide to become a Wiccan, Wiccan *Circle*
membership (combined with Wiccan solitary worship) is a free
alternative to Wiccan Coven membership. A Wiccan Circle is a
social and discussion group that IMO offers most of the benefits
offered by Wiccan Covens, but Circle members retain their autonomy
and make no binding commitment of obedience to a High Priest/ess.
The difference between a Circle versus a Coven is the difference
between an unmoderated Internet newsgroup (like ARW) versus a
moderated newsgroup (like ARWM). Internet newsgroup moderators
act like a Coven High Priest/ess, controlling what activities and
individuals are permissible. Covens (like moderated Internet
newsgroups) are controlled and always orderly, but some individuals
and issues are not permitted. Circles (like unmoderated Internet
newsgroups) sometimes chaotic, but they are uncensored and free.
<*> Another important difference between Internet newsgroups and
Wiccan Circles, versus Wiccan Covens is that anyone and anybody
can walk away from an Internet newsgroup or Wiccan Circle without
penalty. Some Wiccan Coven Traditions include penalties for leaving
the Coven. And as different people fill the High Priest/ess role
(as in George Orwell's novel "Animal Farm", all High Priest/ess's
experience and perspectives are not equal) and as Coven Traditions
evolve, an individual might become less comfortable with their Coven
membership (and its penalty for leaving the Coven).
<*> IMO anybody who has decided to make a Wiccan commitment should
investigate solitary worship plus Wiccan Circle membership (a choice
that does _not_ sacrifice personal autonomy) versus Wiccan Coven
membership (with its binding oath of obedience to the Coven
High Priest/ess.)
<*> Most Wiccan accept the Gardnerian and Alexandrian Wiccan
Traditions, but discount other recent Wiccan Traditions as
'trivialized', 'popularized' or 'fluffy bunny'. IMO the
basic issue here is conservative Wiccan opinion versus
liberal Wiccan opinion. I am not a Wiccan or Pagan, but my
liberal opinion is based partially upon "Wicca: A Guide For
The Solitary Practitioner" by Scott Cunningham and partially
upon "The Tree: The Complete Book of Saxon Witchcraft"
by Raymond Buckland that discusses the Seax-Wica Tradition.
The fact that conservatives accept more than one Wiccan
Tradition (e.g., Gardnerian and Alexanderian) implies that
further variation is possible.
<*> IMO _not committed_ prospective Wiccan novices should get
an opportunity to vote. That vote can be for solitary worship
(with optional membership in a social and discussion Circle)
versus Coven membership, that vote can include choosing one
of several existing conservative or liberal Traditions (and
modifying the selected Tradition as desired), or the vote can
be to stay home and never go to the Wiccan polling place.
_Not committed_ prospective Wiccan novices have free will.
_not_ make a Wiccan Coven commitment.
IMO people choosing to become Wiccans are best served by combining
solitary worship with *Circle* membership. (A Circle is a social
group that meets to discuss Craft-related issues but that does _not_
include the oath-bound information or the binding oaths of obedience
included in Wiccan Coven initiations.) Wiccan solitary worshippers
joining Circles do not sacrifice their personal autonomy through oaths
of obedience to a Coven High Priest/ess, and Circle membership offers
most of the social and discussion advantages of Coven membership.
***I can not overstress this issue.*** A Coven's High Priest/ess
has the right to squelch 'improper discussion'. As individuals grow
(and as different people assume the High Priest/ess's office),
keeping oathbound obedience to the Coven High Priest/ess's authority
might pose difficult and unanticipated problems. Liberal Coven
members might chafe under a conservative High Priest/ess's authority.
Conservative Coven members might chafe under a liberal
High Priest/ess's authority. Wo/men Coven members might chafe
under a particularly strong and chauvinistic High Priest/ess's
authority. And many Coven oaths include penalties for leaving
Coven membership.
In some Wiccan Traditions, the High Priest/ess designates couples
for each sabbat celebration (possibly including the coupling of
Wiccan parents' children). IMO this social whirl does not reinforce
romantic love or stable (biological) family relationships. Teaching
is teaching, but IMO this sabbat-related social whirl is wasteful.
Partners invest their time and energy in each other, but repeatedly
switching partners at each sabbat destroys earlier investments.
And where is it written that a High Priest/ess's authority is
limited to Coven-specific matters? ***Where is it written that the
High Priest/ess can not intervene in Coven members' mundane concerns
such as housing and use of spare/guest bedrooms?***
<*> I stress retaining personal autonomy and housing based upon
my own experiences. In my locale we have a local corruption of
the word 'mason'. The corruption is "Ma's own" and the
implication is that Ma owns the house and holds the house keys,
an awkward attitude to face if you are a single man living in
his private home. (BTW, there are a number of boarding houses
in my locale.) I am sensitive to this topic, particularly given
Wiccan Covens with secret binding oaths of obedience.
<*> Currently the United States' domestic economy is downsizing,
tax revenues are shrinking, and the domestic economy is burdened
by United States continued involvement in Iraq, in Afghanistan,
in the former Yugoslavian states of Bosnia and Serbia, and in
South Korea. (The armistice that 'ended' the Korean War did not
resolve the Korean War and its issues -- no country surrendered.)
I mention these issues because of their potential effect on
international perception of the United States as a strong ally
and reliable economic trading partner, with resultant effect
upon the United States domestic economy.
<*> Currently the State of California has an operating deficit
that exceeds $50 billion dollars, raising taxes is not politically
acceptable, and the Governor who has cut State services is faced
with a recall referendum. Other states face operating deficits
and unwillingness to raise taxes. Government faced with chronic
deficits will provide fewer services (including housing services).
A Wiccan Coven's binding oath of obedience could be used to house
indigent Coven members in another Coven member's private residence,
a right that Government does _not_ have under the United States
Constitution. IMO individuals should seriously consider the
daily implications of taking any Wiccan Coven's binding oath
of obedience. That binding oath of obedience could affect your
daily life in your (formerly) private residence.
<*> I expect this issue to grow as the United States domestic
economy continues to downsize. There already is much
un(der)employment and housing is an expensive commodity -- in
Los Angeles the price of a 'starter home' is in the $600K range.
*****End of Part One*****
The comments contained herein are my opinions. This message
was not solicited by Amazon.com, any author, any artist, or their
agent(s), publisher(s), producer(s) or distributor(s).
I am _not_ an Islamic or Judaic scholar.
I am _not_ legally qualified to provide medical, psychological,
legal, financial or religious opinions, but I have discussed some
issues with my Attorney and have read extensively in these areas.
I have strong opinions.
$600K for a starter house in LA?
I got no problems
20:50:05 20:50:05
Richard Ballard
document -- enough that I have expanded the document to three
parts. Rather than waiting until 21 days before the Mabon
sabbat to reissue the document, I am reissueing the Lammas
version in its entirety. _New_ additions and revisions are
marked with a <*> marker.
*****Beginning of document*****
Copyright 2003 by Richard J. Ballard -- All Rights Reserved.
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
<*> Part One is contained in an earlier message titled
"Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One of
Three Parts)". Part Three is contained in a subsequent message
titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part
Three of Three Parts)". I provide an accompanying list of
Wicca-related references in subsequent messages entitled
"A Reference List for Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part
One/Two of Two Parts)", respectively.
<*> Membership in a Circle (a social and discussion organization)
does not require any binding oath of obedience, and there is no
penalty for leaving a Circle's membership. Covens have different
methods to solve their problems. Some of the methods are
entrepreneural. IMO there are real advantages for somebody who
chooses to become a Wiccan to learn _exactly_ what benefits Covens
offer beyond 'solitary worshipper who participates in a Circle'
before taking Coven binding oaths of obedience. And ask the cost.
Life is full of mysteries. Some mysteries are very expensive
to explore.
<*> I classify a number of groups and philosophies under Paganism.
Another popular phrase in my locale is "You two", implying "Zoning
allows up to three unrelated people to live in a single family
house -- marry a divorced woman [preferably with children] or
take in boarders." (Boarders can be a divorced woman with
children, or less often, two single men. These combinations
have fewer housing options than young marrieds without children
or unmarried career women.)
<*> Wiccans are included within my locale's Pagan groups that
attempt to affect housing use. A dearth of elderly housing
in my locale causes Wiccans to be concerned about housing for
senior women (who often have expended their home equity to
survive in an economy paying two percent APR on long-term
FDIC-insured CDs). Wiccans are among the strong advocates
for "You two" boarders.
<*> I am not a Pagan and as a private home owner I experience
_social pressure and hostility_ from Pagans (among others) as a
result of local housing availability/affordability concerns.
When I first encountered these social attitudes I was incredulous.
I have encountered these attitudes repeatedly over a several year
period, and consider the attitudes an unfair popular/Pagan solution
to social welfare problems that the Government is not addressing.
My response is to remember that it is easier _not_ to invite a
guest to your home than to ask that guest to leave.
<*> BTW, a local civil servant (who I had _not_ been introduced to)
walked up to me one day and said "We will house four people on your
house's second floor -- you can live on the third floor." I said
nothing -- I turned and silently walked away from her. It is
_unwise_ to challenge a civil servant in her place of employment.
Historically, organized and coordinated _social pressure_ has been
used by several communal societies, by the military, and by English
boys' boarding schools. Shunning (which can include de facto
'denial of service' -- e.g., 'by the book' work slowdowns and
extraordinary bureaucratic delays) is an example of organized and
coordinated social pressure. Another example of organized and
coordinated social pressure is selective enforcement of laws and
regulations. (E.g., the police normally ignore jaywalkers in your
neighborhood's business district, but somehow you always receive
a ticket when you jaywalk. Sufficient accumulation of unpaid
jaywalking tickets is grounds for arrest and detainment. You
can not afford to pay the accumulated tickets' fees.)
<*> Some people's attitude is that in terms of housing, my cuup
runneth over and I am being selfish not boarding others in my
private home. I consider such *social pressure and hostility*
an unfair attack on my personal freedom. I control the use of
my private home and whom I invite as guests (if any). To my
knowledge the United States Government has not (yet) instituted
'the housing police'. The United States Constitution contains
NO stipulation that allows Government to forcibly house civilians
in your private home. Of course, should martial law ever be
declared within the United States, Constitutional rights would
be suspended and ??? Given our downsized domestic economy
(with its shrunken tax revenues), given the many Army base
closures that have occured during the past decade, and given
our volunteer Army with a higher married percentage than a
drafted Army, I believe that military housing shortages are
a current and ongoing problem in the United States.
<*> IMO there is increasing tendancy within all types of groups
(including Pagan groups) to want "ins" with Government.
<*> The following document uses the word 'Circle' in the manner that
most Wiccan documents use the word 'Coven' -- admittedly,
Covens form circles during their sabbat rituals. The following
Wiccan Rede version includes the Coven's right of eminent
domain in item 70:
<*> "A New Wiccan Book of the Law
A Manual for the Guidance of Groves, Covens, & Individuals
<*> Compiled and edited by Lady Galadriel
© Copyright 1992 by Lady Galadriel
Moonstone Publications
PO Box 13384
Atlanta, GA 30324 USA
<*> 1. The Laws were created to give our lives form and order, that
all might be balanced throughout all of the planes. In truth
there are two sets of laws which govern us -- one setting forth
the ways of the Wiccan, and the other the ways of the Universe.
Both are important; each should be observed with respect and
treated with honor. The Laws were shaped and molded to govern
us, to teach us, to advise us, and to counsel us during our time
of mortal life on earth.
<snip>
<*> 66. Let each Circle of Light maintain and dedicate unto the
Goddess and the God all things that are required for Their
rituals, for what is blessed in the name of the Gods rightly
belongs to Them, and the Priest or Priestess shall be the
caretakers thereof.
<*> 67. Any of the Circle, who are of sufficient rank, and wish
to form a new Circle, shall tell the High Priestess and the
Elders of their intentions. Members of the old Circle may
join the new Circle when it is formed, but if they do so they
must leave the other Circle, unless otherwise instructed.
For it is an old law that while each Wiccan may join the Circle
of choice, no Wiccan's energy should be divided between two
or more Temples.
<*> 68. The Elders of the old and new Circles shall meet in peace
and with respect, to decide the level of interaction and
connection between the Circles. Yet it is known that the
splitting of a Circle often means strife. So only if it is
truly in a spirit of peace and harmony should the Circles
meet for the celebration of the Great Festivals.
<*> 69. None shall enter the Circle with a sickness or an ailment
which may be passed on to the Lady's other children - for to do
so causes harm to yourself, as well as to others of the Circle.
Rather should the Elders go unto the sick one, that through the
love of the Gods they shall be made well and whole once more.
<*> [RB comment: Coven-based eminent domain --
who determines 'full price'? ]
<*> 70. It has been judged that if any of the Craft need a house
or land, and none will sell, it shall be lawful to incline
someone's mind so as to be willing to sell, providing it harms
none and the full price is paid without haggling.
<*> 71. The High Priest or High Priestess shall heed all complaints
of all Pagans and Wiccans, and strive to settle any differences
between them, with reason and with justice.
<*> 72. In the matter of quarrels or disputes between the members of
the Circle, the High Priestess shall convene the Council, and
inquire into the matter. The Council shall hear each person
privately, and then both together. And they shall decide justly,
not favoring one side nor the other.
<*> [RB comment: Unhappy children flee the Circle.]
<*> 73. If an agreeable resolution cannot be reached, then the
dissenting Wiccan must void the Circle, for a Circle of Light
cannot be properly formed where there is disagreement and discord.
And when a Circle is not properly formed, the energy within is
either dissapated, or turns ugly, festering like a hidden sore.
So let dissenters leave, but only with love in their hearts and
yours, for even though your paths may diverge, you are still all
children of the Wicca, and there must be no violence between us.
Bear no grudges, hold no thoughts of vengeance, for this will rot
away the foundation of your power.
<*> [RB comment: Free thinkers flee the Circle.]
<*> 74. It has ever been recognized that there are some people who
can never agree to work under any others. At the same time there
are also people who cannot rule justly. To those who must ever be
chief there is but one answer: "Void this Circle, and seek another
one, or if ye be of sufficient rank, then form a Circle of your own."
To those who cannot rule justly, the answer shall be: "Those who
cannot bear your rule will leave you". For none may circle with
whom they are at variance, because to do so angers the Gods, and
hinders the Craft.
<*> [RB comment: The Universal Rule of Three.]
<*> 75. Those that do wrong without knowledge shall be held innocent;
those that do wrong through carelessness shall be judged lacking
in wisdom, and dealt with according to the nature of the transgression.
Those who do wrong with deliberation and forethought shall be thrice
punished, and the Lords of Karma shall lay low their pride.
<snip>
<*> 84. Any Priestess, Priest, or Elder who consents to a breach of the
Laws regarding the use of the Craft to cause harm to others must
immediately be relieved of office, for it is the lives of the children
of the Goddess which they endanger, as well as the honor of the Craft.
<*> [RB comment: Clever method to put The Maiden on ice for at least
one year. ]
<*> 85. The High Priestess may take a Sabbatical from her Circle, if
her personal life and duties require it, for up to a year and a day.
During that time, the Maiden shall act as High Priestess. If the
High Priestess does not return at the end of a year and a day, then
the Initiates of the Circle shall name a new Priestess. Unless
there is good reason to the contrary, the person who has done the
work of the Priestess should reap the reward. If someone else is
named, then the Maiden should continue in that office.
<*> 86. Each Priestess and Priest shall choose their own consorts, yet
let them select from those who are wise in the learning of our people,
and thus others shall abide by the wisdom of their choice. Yet if
the Circle feels the decision is ill-advised, or that they cannot
abide and work in honor and trust with that consort, then they may
request a gathering of all concerned to meet and to talk, and to
resolve the balance with love and honor. For only those who are
pure and strong, keen and wise, patient and loving, can effectively
and properly carry out the duties of a Keeper of the Circle.
<*> [RB comment: Consort (86) versus mates and children (87)? ]
<*> 87. Those of the Priesthood shall not neglect their mates, or their
children, or their house, nor anything which is in their possession;
nor shall the sick and the needy be neglected for the sake of the
Circle. Therefore let them adjust the one thing against the other,
that neither should suffer, and that which is given by the Gods is
treated with love and respect.
<*> [RB comment: Priest (88) versus mates and children (87)? ]
<*> 88. Long ago, at the time of Creation, it was deemed that the
female should hold the power of life-giving. So mightily was the
male force drawn to the love and beauty of the Creation of life,
that he surrendered unto her keeping the force of his powers in the
furtherance of life. Yet the Priestess must always remember that
the flames which light the fires within her come from the Priest.
Therefore she must use the force wisely, and only with love, and she
must honor and respect him, who is the activator of the Life Force.
<*> HERE ENDS A NEW WICCAN BOOK OF THE LAW."
<*> ***IMO I have adequately and concretely documented
Wiccan interest in real estate.*** I believe the excerpted
document's item 70 (written by another) speaks for itself
in suggesting a Coven's right to 'eminent domain'. "incline
someone's mind" is a vague phrase, suggesting "Wouldn't you
be happier somewhere else?" to me based upon my experience.
A Lot can happen. And Noah felt very safe -- no breeze was
going to dislodge his ark from atop the mountains of Ararat
just north of 21st Century Iraq.
<*> BTW, excerpts from copyrighted document (especially when
presented with value added comments) are exempt from
copyright violations.
Mr. Ballard is writing this clearly so that the issue will _not_
be confused or mistakenly dismissed.
Many Wiccans also promote the 'The Universal Rule Of Three'
(also termed the 'Law of Threefold Return'), the idea that
anything that someone does will be returned to them threefold.
In other words, good deeds are magnified back to the source,
and ill deeds are magnified back to the source.
Like the Wiccan Rede, 'The Universal Rule Of Three' might be
considered a binding rule, advice, or might be ignored by
members of a particular Wiccan Tradition. This is significant --
'ill deeds' depends upon the Tradition-dependent interpretation
of the Wiccan Rede. One Tradition's non-issue might be another
Tradition's sin.
I have major reservations concerning some Wiccans' interpretation
of 'The Universal Rule of Three'. I believe that some Wiccans
interpret 'The Universal Rule of Three' as justifying their acting
as 'judge, jury and executioner'. That is, I believe that some
Wiccans use 'The Universal Rule of Three' to justify 'vigilante
<*> Throughout this document I have questioned the wisdom of
making binding oaths of obedience to Wiccan Covens, particularly
given a nationwide housing shortage. I worry because there is
more than one way to execute a binding oath. One method that
is particularly effective with daughters or girlfriends is having
a 'throw-away roller' state "Now young woman, you owe me money,
your credit is exhausted and if you can not pay me in cash you
must work off this debt." (Sometimes young woman's credit is
exhausted because young woman's friend charged it up to the
limit.) Pixie dust can be very expensive, particularly if
Tinkerbell likes to play rough with young women.
<*> Most men would not submit to this type of intimidation,
but it is difficult to protect loved ones 24 hours daily, 365 days
per year. And once somebody submits to coercion, the bullies have
no reason not to demand more ... and more ... and more ...
IMO people *never* should open the door to coercion.
<*> By alluding to drugs ('pixie dust') some people say that I
damage the entire Pagan community. I have done *nothing* to
discredit the entire Pagan community -- a few bad apples does
not discredit appledom, and a few bad peaches does not discredit
peachdom. But debt is one method that people use to (attempt to)
control others. This is true both within the Pagan community and
within overall society. Sweet ol' Granny usually isn't a drug
dealer or an extortionist (unless she has plenty of muscle backing
her up). And (a-hem) alchemy and potions always has been a
magickal concern -- what's cooking in that 21st Century cauldron?
<*> Frankly, most of the Pagans I meet are too poor to afford
expensive recreational drugs. In fairness I do not know their
history and I do not ask.
<*> Some people say that I should not discuss these issues
on the Internet. Local problems (sometimes) get solved locally
-- this is not my job or responsibility. These problems will
_not_ get solved on the Internet, and the Internet is ripe ground
for slander charges. But social pressure to censor generic
problem discussion will not improve the situation for any one
or for any body.
<*> I am concerned about the flood of negativity that I observe
on Pagan-related newsgroups (above and beyond the flood
of unnecessary profanity that I ignore). I am attempting to
provide Wiccan- and Pagan-relevant information in a positive
and socially-constructive manner, but every aspect of Paganism
is not peachy.
Mr. Ballard is writing this clearly so that the issue will _not_
be confused or mistakenly dismissed.
F) *Witch* is a term that many interpret differently. I interpret
*****End of Part Two*****
The comments contained herein are my opinions. This message
was not solicited by Amazon.com, any author, any artist, or their
agent(s), publisher(s), producer(s) or distributor(s).
I am *not* an Islamic or Judaic scholar.
I am *not* legally qualified to provide medical, psychological,
legal, financial or religious opinions, but I have discussed some
issues with my Attorney and have read extensively in these areas.
I have strong opinions.
$600K for a starter house in LA?
I got no problems
20:50:05 20:50:05
Richard Ballard
document -- enough that I have expanded the document to three
parts. Rather than waiting until 21 days before the Mabon
sabbat to reissue the document, I am reissueing the Lammas
version in its entirety. _New_ additions and revisions are
marked with a <*> marker.
*****Beginning of document*****
Copyright 2003 by Richard J. Ballard -- All Rights Reserved.
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
<*> Part One and Two are contained in earlier messages titled
"Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two of
Three Parts)", respectively. I provide an accompanying list
of Wicca-related references in subsequent messages entitled
"A Reference List for Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part
One/Two of Two Parts)", respectively.
'Blessed be' is a common Wiccan salutation. 'Blessed be'
has several interpretations. In my locale the most common
interpretation is 'I hope that your attempts at pregnancy
are successful'. A less common interpretation is 'I hope
that your partner/significant-other will submit' (usually
to matrimony or to joining a Coven/Family). This interpretation
can be aided by the use of a 'blessed bee' -- a needle used to
puncture holes in a condom to facilitate pregnancy and
subsequent forced marriage (an act that either partner can
perform. Sexually transmitted diseases can complicate this
action.)
<*> Some people say that 'Blessed Be' is a mere greeting
meaning nothing more than Goodbye and Goodluck and that I am
stretching this greeting's intention to preposterous levels.
<*> I stand on my statements based upon common language
usage in my locale. And based upon the downsizing United States
domestic economy with high un(der)employment and record credit
levels, I anticipate that many people (a gender-independent term)
will consider marriage as one solution to their worsening
financial problems.
<*> Another less common 'blessed bee' interpretation is the
J) Some people inquire why I associate *satanism* with Paganism
rather than with Christianity. I distinguish between satanism and
Christianity. Avowed satanists *do* view satanism as a religion --
"The Satanic Bible" by Anton Szandor LaVey makes that clear.
My understanding is that satanism has rejected Christianity's
tenets, choosing a left-handed dominant path of its own. In
that sense, satanism acknowledges Christianity by rejecting
Christianity.
My experience is that Christianity does not concentrate on
satan or hell. And in my experience Christianity ignores
(rather than acknowledges) satanism.
My perception is that satanism affects 21st Century society
more as a dominance attitude/philosophy than a religion. I
believe that 21st Century society is growing poorer, and some
peoples' response is to embrace the dominance philosophy/attitude
contained within satanism. IMO satanists believe that people
naturally submit to authority, and that people naturally will
submit to the (perceived) authority of dominant satanists.
I want to make an additional observation linking poverty
and satanism.
The Islamic religion (like satanism) uses the goat to symbolize
satan. Islam historically blames the goat for stripping the
bark from the trees that protected and stabilized the agricultural
lands of the Middle East. Denuded of bark by goats, the trees
died; then the arid impoverishing desert invaded the agricultural
lands and impoverished the people. My interpretation is that
Islam blames satan's trickery for causing Adam and Eve's expulsion
from the Garden of Eden and for the resultant impoverishment of
the Islamic faithful on Earth.
Earler I referenced satanism's 'left-handed dominant path'.
The following quotation from "The Satanic Bible" by Anton
Szandor LaVey (founder of 'The Church of Satan'), c1969,
ISBN 0-380-01539-0, pg. 52 illustrates this association:
"The Satanic religion has not merely lifted the coin -- it has
flipped it over completely. Therefore, why should it support
the very principles to which it is completely opposed by
calling itself anything other than a name which is totally in
keeping with the _reversed_ doctrines which make up the
Satanic philosophy? Satanism is not a white light religion;
it is a religion of the flesh, the mundane, the carnal -- all of
which is ruled by Satan, the personification of the Left Hand
Path."
Anton LaVey is the founder of 'The Church of Satan', a fact
that associates his popular press texts with 'The Church of Satan'.
Another satanic organization 'The Temple of Set' is an offshoot of
'The Church of Satan'. Currently I have not reviewed any popular
press literature written by officially acknowledged members of
'The Temple of Set'.
In the 21st Century many people question the importance of
textual references. That something has been published
indicates that a publisher has judged that the content
financially merits publication, and indicates that a
copy editor has (at a minimum) reviewed the content --
rough indications of content quality control.
IMO website URLs are *not* acceptable as scholarly references.
Revising webpage content is as difficult as revising a form
letter, and a record of webpage content changes is *not* maintained
for later public scrutiny. (Remember George Orwell's novel "1984"?)
In addition, offsite web hosting services are not expensive --
IMO the existence of a website does not imply a significant
financial (or quality) commitment.
IMO satanic concepts permeate 21st Century popular culture
and broadcast entertainment. I urge anyone who doubts this
statement to view the VCR tape "Haxan: Witchcraft Through The
Ages" by director Benjamin Christensen. This 1929 film depicts
witches as brides of satan (women who have made a binding
commitment to satan) and is laden with 1929's satanic concepts.
View "Haxan: ...", compare its satanic concepts with 21st Century
popular culture and broadcast entertainment, and judge for
yourself whether satanic concepts permeate 21st Century popular
culture and broadcast entertainment.
I also want to state that IMO a binding commitment to satan
(like legal marriage) is severable (like legal divorce). The
strongest bonds in 21st Century society are financial bonds.
IMO in the 21st Century a binding commitment to satan can
be broken *at some cost*. The magnitude of that cost depends
upon the friendly resources the bound individual has -- friendly
resources do not cost.
A baptized inactive Methodist, I view satanism as a cultural
influence rather than a religious influence. My views of satanism
are tempered by the fact that I have traveled on three continents
and personally have viewed several different cultures. My views
of satanism also are tempered by the fact that I matured in the
late 1960's / early 1970's, a time of a diverse and dynamic
counterculture emergence in the United States. These experiences
affect my cultural opinions, including my opinion of satanism.
I (simplistically?) view satanism as a culture that states "Most
people automatically submit to authority. Satanists can use
dominance to assert their authority and cause other people to
submit to their wishes." This is my (simplistic?) view of
satanism's dominant, left-hand path.
My observations of diverse cultures cause me to believe that
all cultures are not equal -- some cultures have greater
cultural substance, integrity and value than others. My
observations of diverse cultures also have taught me that
all cultures are not equally suitable to my personal goals
and desired lifestyle.
The 1960's / 1970's was an era when the United States was a
cultural 'melting pot' -- immigrants to the United States were
expected to become members of a strong and homogeneous
United States society. One of the issues of the 1960's / 1970's
United States counterculture emergence was that subcultural
groups had the right to determine their own subculture. This
issue increasingly is accepted in the 21st Century United States,
but the issue was very controversial in the 1960's / 1970's.
I find satanism's dominant subculture personally *not* appropriate.
IMO the right to define one's own personal culture includes the
right to exclude aspects of other's cultures from one's own
personal culture. Satanists dogmatically dominate and often
attempt to insert satanic concepts into other peoples' personal
culture -- an infringement upon other peoples' right to define their
own cultures.
At the same time, individuals must deal with the dominant satanic
concepts and attitudes that increasingly permeate 21st Century
United States society. (And as the United States' domestic economy
continues to downsize, so-called 'cutthroat businesses' will assert
their own brands of dominance when dealing with employees.) Dealing
with these dominant satanic attitudes often requires that individuals
assert greater personal dominance than they otherwise would.
What is the difference between being a dominant satanist and
rebuffing dominant satanic attitudes and behaviour through your own
personal dominance? IMO the difference is that you choose your friends
-- an individual should not have to assume dominant attitudes and
behaviour to cope with friends. And ultimately a person draws the line
at his/her home's front door.
Some people question the appropriateness of my providing _any_
comments concerning Wicca, witchcraft, Paganism or satanism. I
believe that detachment is valuable -- _not_ having vested interests
can bring objectivity. In addition, I offer information -- ***my
information can be ignored with little effort***. I do _not_ tell
people how to worship or practice magick in their circles or in
their own homes. And IMO a list of Wicca-related definitions based
upon my studying Wiccan-, Craft-, Pagan- and satanic-related texts
and participating in Wiccan-, craft- and Pagan-related Internet
newsgroups threatens no one.
*****End of Part Three*****
The comments contained herein are my opinions. This message
was not solicited by Amazon.com, any author, any artist, or their
agent(s), publisher(s), producer(s) or distributor(s).
I am *not* an Islamic or Judaic scholar.
I am *not* legally qualified to provide medical, psychological,
legal, financial or religious opinions, but I have discussed some
issues with my Attorney and have read extensively in these areas.
I have strong opinions.
$600K for a starter house in LA?
I got no problems
20:50:05 20:50:05
Richard Ballard
rball...@aol.com (Richard Ballard) writes:
> *****Beginning of document*****
>Copyright 2003 by Richard J. Ballard -- All Rights Reserved.
>Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
>Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
>with a <*> marker.
>
><*> Part One is contained in an earlier message titled
>"Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One of
>Three Parts)". Part Three is contained in a subsequent message
>titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part
>Three of Three Parts)". I provide an accompanying list of
>Wicca-related references in subsequent messages entitled
>"A Reference List for Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part
>One/Two of Two Parts)", respectively.
<snip>
><*> BTW, excerpts from copyrighted document (especially when
>presented with value added comments) are exempt from
>copyright violations.
>
>Mr. Ballard is writing this clearly so that the issue will _not_
>be confused or mistakenly dismissed.
<*> BTW, excerpts from copyrighted document (especially when
presented with author acknowledgment and with value added comments)
are exempt from copyright violations.
Mr. Ballard is writing this clearly so that the issue will _not_
be confused or mistakenly dismissed.
$600K for a starter house in LA?
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
<*> Parts Two and Three are contained in subsequent messages
titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part
Two/Three of Three Parts)", respectively. I provide an
accompanying list of Wicca-related references in subsequent
messages entitled "A Reference List for Prospective Wiccan
Novices (Part One/Two of Two Parts)".
<*> The evening of September 21st [midnight September 22nd
Stonehenge time] is the sabbat Mabon (May-bone or Mah-boon),
named for the Welsh God who symbolized the male fertilizing
principle in Welsh mythology. Some consider Mabon to be
Persephone's male counterpart.
<*> In Europe Mabon marked the end of the second harvest when
autumn crops (grapes, nuts and apples) were gathered. The
equinox marked the infamous Festival of Dionysus (the God of
Wine) in ancient Rome. The Scottish and Welsh poured Mabon
wines onto the ground during their celebrations, symbolically
honoring the aging Goddess moving into her Crone aspect and
as a symbolic blood sacrifice so that the God might live
until Samhain.
<*> Mabon marks the beginning of Autumn, the time when the earth
has surrendered its harvest and Nature withers, to be renewed
again in the Spring. Similar to the European "Harvest Home"
festival, Pagans refer to this Autumn Equinox as "The Witches'
Thanksgiving". Typical Mabon activities include cider pressing,
grain threshing, dancing, feasting from the plentiful harvest,
and crowning a Harvest King and Queen. The Harvest King and
Queen ritually symbolize the God and Goddess, and represent the
Earth's survival through the upcoming Winter's hardship for
renewed fertility in the Spring. The cornocopia (horn of plenty)
symbolizes Mabon -- it is both a phallic symbol and a symbol
of the Earth's fertility.
<*> In China Mabon is known as Chung Ch'iu and marks the end of
the rice harvest. Judaism celebrates Succoth near this time.
<*> Mabon is a time when day and night are in balance, and all
other things likewise balance for one brief moment. The God
and Goddess are thought to have equal power on Mabon, as do
the forces of good and evil. Mabon marks a seasonal transition,
the Deities are aging and the Wiccan God will die with the old
year. Mabon is a time to prepare for the upcoming winter and
its hardships.
With this Sabbat approaching, many Wiccans are discussing
Wicca more openly, and many of their friends are hearing about
Wicca for the first time. These friends might ask "How can I
learn about Wicca?"
<*> I wish to offer some basic definitions. But before offering
these definitions I must state that I am _not_ a Wiccan, a witch,
a Pagan or a satanist. People ask me "Why are you providing these
definitions on the Internet?" One reason is that I heard about
Wicca in an acquaintance's chance comment, and learning details
about Paganism and Wicca has cost me much time and trouble. Another
reason I provide these definitions is the flood of negativism on the
Pagan- and Wicca-related Internet newsgroups. It appears that
everybody has a license to criticize and complain, but few have a
license to make a positive contribution.
<*> I have defined my documents' current scope: Providing information
about 21st Century Pagan and Wiccan practices based upon my reading,
my Internet newsgroup participation, and my arms-length observations
in my locale. IMO this is the information that _not committed_
prospective Wiccan novices seek. Assembling that information cost me
much time and trouble -- time and trouble that _not committed_
prospective Wiccan novices can avoid by reading my documents. In the
future (and time permitting) I might enlarge the scope of my
documents to include the historical Pagan and Wiccan definitions and
references preferred by conservative and _already committed_ Pagans
and Wiccans.
Some basic definitions:
A) I believe that *Magick* is the goal-oriented use of Chaos,
a different term than 'magic' which refers to 'stage magic'
(prestidigitation).
Magick is strongly based in human sexuality. Human sexuality
can be a magickal goal, but need not be. More often human
sexuality is one magickal means used to achieve a goal. Human
fertility magick and agricultural fertility magick are religion
for Wiccans, and some Wiccans might state that fertility (not
human sexuality) is the important part of Wicca. I believe that
many Magickians would smile and reply 'There is more than one
way to worship the Goddess.'
People have protested about my above statement "some
Wiccans might state that fertility (not human sexuality) is the
important part of Wicca." "some" is not an attempt to "cover
all of Wicca". However, Wicca is primarily a Goddess-worshipping
religion. Mother is one of the Wiccan Goddess's three personas.
Women who treasure their fertility are common among Wiccans.
And in a downsizing United States economy with increasing
un(der)employment and competition, I predict that many currently
working women will decide to interrupt their work careers to
explore motherhood -- a financially (and sometimes emotionally)
expensive long term quest for _both_ partners that decreased
Government revenues for day care and education will _not_ lighten.
Magick sometimes is described as being dark or light magick.
Dark magick (sometimes called left-handed magick) tends to be
obscuring, domineering and obstructing _chaotic_ magick used
with little regard for ethics or morality. [Imagine the most
misleading pre-election political advertisements possible --
a perfect example of chaotic dark magick. Misleading statements
can produce chaotic (magickal) results.] Dark magick often
is associated with satanism and has gained popularity in the
past several years. Light magick (sometimes called right-handed
magick) tends to be illuminating, clarifying, non-interfering
and empowering _benign_ magick used beneficently.
Magick sometimes is described as being low magick or high
magick. Low magick typically denotes simple magick spells
performed by individuals. High magick typically denotes
ceremonial magick rituals usually performed by groups. Both
complexity and the number of participants differentiate high
magick from low magick. Ritual tools and complexity help
focus and strengthen magickal power, while participation in
group rituals helps focus individuals' magick powers into one
coherent force.
Despite vocal opposition, I stand upon my statement that
High Magick _typically_ denotes ceremonial magick rituals
usually performed by like-minded groups of people. This
definition is based both upon my reading and upon my life
experience. One purpose of ceremony is to strengthen group
members' common efforts -- like-minded individuals sharing
a common experience are bound closer together by common
(deliberately impressive ceremonial) perspective. Participants'
group-related efforts are better focused and mutually
reinforced -- this is basic psychology. An individual
ceremonial ritual can focus one person's attention, but no
mutual reinforcement among like-minded group members is
possible within individual ceremonial rituals.
B) *Chaos* is a generic term -- it can describe global warfare
or a squealing infant. (Any person wondering how I equate a
squealing infant with chaos should not sleep several consecutive
nights due to a crying cholically infant, and observe how their
own mental performance and mood deteriorates.) I believe that
Magickians are individuals who utilize (and sometimes purposefully
create) Chaos in order to realize their own goals.
Most people are _reactively_ familiar with the so-called
Murphy's Law: 'What ever can go wrong will'. Chaos Magickians
utilize Murphy's Law _PROactively_ -- they purposefully create
an environment and situations where events are likely to go
wrong with confusing, tiring, resource-wasting and demoralizing
effects upon the participants. The Chaos Magickian's long-term
goal is to force the (energy- and resource-) exhausted victim
to submit to the Magickian's purpose. For example, traveling
in circles within a slow-moving reluctant bureaucracy is a
soporific form of Chaos Magick.
A group making continuous trivial insults (or making
continuous empty or real threats) is another example of
Chaos Magick. Like a group stoning an individual with pebbles,
the significance of each insult/threat is minimal but the
combined effect is tiring and demoralizing. Why do I equate
deliberate insults/threats to Chaos Magick? Psychological
intimidation in the form of personal uncertainty can cause
mental distraction and confusion, with resultant impairment
of concentration leading to dysfunctional behaviour and/or
impaired performance, in turn leading to additional distraction
and confusion -- i.e., self-reinforcing chaos. Spoken
flippantly, repeated trivial insults and threats could drive
a man to drink (or worse).
IMO the Wiccan greeting 'Blessed be' is a mixed blessing.
'Blessed be' can denote the benign wish "May your attempts at
pregnancy be successful." 'Blessed be(e)' also can denote the
pin used to poke holes in a condom to facilitate pregnancy and
subsequent forced marriage, an act that _either_ partner can
initiate -- sexually transmitted diseases can complicate this
action. (I discuss other 'blessed be' interpretations in
the 'Definitions Part Two' message.)
Some people say that 'Blessed Be' is a mere greeting
meaning nothing more than Goodbye and Goodluck and that I am
stretching this greeting's intention to preposterous levels.
I stand on my statements based upon common language
If a person decides to become a Wiccan, Wiccan *Circle* membership
(combined with Wiccan solitary worship) is a free alternative to
Wiccan Coven membership. A Wiccan Circle is a social and discussion
group that IMO offers most of the benefits offered by Wiccan Covens,
but Circle members retain their autonomy and make no binding
commitment of obedience to a High Priest/ess. The difference
between a Circle versus a Coven is the difference between an
unmoderated Internet newsgroup (like ARW) versus a moderated
newsgroup (like ARWM). Internet newsgroup moderators act like
a Coven High Priest/ess, controlling what activities and
individuals are permissible. Covens (like moderated Internet
newsgroups) are controlled and always orderly, but some individuals
and issues are not permitted. Circles (like unmoderated Internet
newsgroups) sometimes chaotic, but they are uncensored and free.
Another important difference between Internet newsgroups and
Wiccan Circles, versus Wiccan Covens is that anyone and anybody
can walk away from an Internet newsgroup or Wiccan Circle without
penalty. Some Wiccan Coven Traditions include penalties for leaving
the Coven. And as different people fill the High Priest/ess role
(as in George Orwell's novel "Animal Farm", all High Priest/ess's
experience and perspectives are not equal) and as Coven Traditions
evolve, an individual might become less comfortable with their Coven
membership (and its penalty for leaving the Coven).
IMO anybody who has decided to make a Wiccan commitment should
investigate solitary worship plus Wiccan Circle membership (a choice
that does _not_ sacrifice personal autonomy) versus Wiccan Coven
membership (with its binding oath of obedience to the Coven
High Priest/ess.)
Most Wiccan accept the Gardnerian and Alexandrian Wiccan
Traditions, but discount other recent Wiccan Traditions as
'trivialized', 'popularized' or 'fluffy bunny'. IMO the
basic issue here is conservative Wiccan opinion versus
liberal Wiccan opinion. I am not a Wiccan or Pagan, but my
liberal opinion is based partially upon "Wicca: A Guide For
The Solitary Practitioner" by Scott Cunningham and partially
upon "The Tree: The Complete Book of Saxon Witchcraft"
by Raymond Buckland that discusses the Seax-Wica Tradition.
The fact that conservatives accept more than one Wiccan
Tradition (e.g., Gardnerian and Alexanderian) implies that
further variation is possible.
IMO _not committed_ prospective Wiccan novices should get
know the responsibilities and _penalties_ on them (and their family)
I stress retaining personal autonomy and housing based upon
my own experiences. In my locale we have a local corruption of
the word 'mason'. The corruption is "Ma's own" and the
implication is that Ma owns the house and holds the house keys,
an awkward attitude to face if you are a single man living in
his private home. (BTW, there are a number of boarding houses
in my locale.) I am sensitive to this topic, particularly given
Wiccan Covens with secret binding oaths of obedience.
Currently the United States' domestic economy is downsizing,
tax revenues are shrinking, and the domestic economy is burdened
by United States continued involvement in Iraq, in Afghanistan,
in the former Yugoslavian states of Bosnia and Serbia, and in
South Korea. (The armistice that 'ended' the Korean War did not
resolve the Korean War and its issues -- no country surrendered.)
I mention these issues because of their potential effect on
international perception of the United States as a strong ally
and reliable economic trading partner, with resultant effect
upon the United States domestic economy.
<*> Currently the State of California has an operating deficit
that exceeds $50 billion dollars, raising taxes is not politically
acceptable, and the current Governor faces recall. Other states
have operating deficits and also are unwilling to raise taxes.
Government faced with chronic deficits will provide fewer services
(including housing services). A Wiccan Coven's binding oath of
obedience could be used to house indigent Coven members in another
Coven member's private residence, a right that Government does
_not_ have under the United States Constitution. IMO individuals
should consider _seriously_ the daily implications of taking any
Wiccan Coven's binding oath of obedience. That binding oath of
obedience could affect your daily life in your (formerly)
private residence.
<*> I expect this issue to grow as the United States domestic
economy continues to downsize and people exhaust their credit
resources. There already is much un(der)employment and housing
is an expensive commodity -- in Los Angeles the price of a
'starter home' is reported to be in the $600K range.
*****End of Part One*****
The comments contained herein are my opinions. This message
was not solicited by Amazon.com, any author, any artist, or their
agent(s), publisher(s), producer(s) or distributor(s).
I am _not_ an Islamic or Judaic scholar.
I am _not_ legally qualified to provide medical, psychological,
legal, financial or religious opinions, but I have discussed some
issues with my Attorney and have read extensively in these areas.
I have strong opinions.
There is short term thinking,
there is long term thinking, and
there is a time and a place for both.
$600K for a starter house in LA?
I got no problems
05:50:21 20:00:21
1 02 03 06 09
21 8 23 05
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Part One and Two are contained in earlier messages titled
"Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two of
Three Parts)", respectively. I provide an accompanying list
of Wicca-related references in subsequent messages entitled
"A Reference List for Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part
One/Two of Two Parts)", respectively.
'Blessed be' is a common Wiccan salutation. 'Blessed be'
has several interpretations. In my locale the most common
interpretation is 'I hope that your attempts at pregnancy
are successful'. A less common interpretation is 'I hope
that your partner/significant-other will submit' (usually
to matrimony or to joining a Coven/Family). This interpretation
can be aided by the use of a 'blessed bee' -- a needle used to
puncture holes in a condom to facilitate pregnancy and
subsequent forced marriage (an act that either partner can
perform. Sexually transmitted diseases can complicate this
action.)
Some people say that 'Blessed Be' is a mere greeting
meaning nothing more than Goodbye and Goodluck and that I am
stretching this greeting's intention to preposterous levels.
I stand on my statements based upon common language
usage in my locale. And based upon the downsizing United States
domestic economy with high un(der)employment and record credit
levels, I anticipate that many people (a gender-independent term)
will consider marriage as one solution to their worsening
financial problems.
Another less common 'blessed bee' interpretation is the
<*> I ackowledge that satanism presents many faces. I have
read the multiple satanism FAQs that appear monthly in Internet
newsgroup alt.magick tyagi (a low message volume newsgroup).
These FAQs generally are skillfully and clearly written, and
the FAQs present a laissez faire, 'to thine own self be true'
philosophy. IMO these FAQs' quality of authorship demonstrates
that some satanists are _extremely intelligent_.
<*> Anton LaVey, founder of 'The Church of Satan', promotes an
aggressive, domineering style of satanism. I have read the five
popular press books written by Anton LaVey and IMO the most concise
example of Anton LaVey's philosophy is the essay 'Nonconformity --
Satanism's Secret Weapon' in "The Devil's Notebook" by Anton LaVey.
[ISBN 0-922915-11-3, pp. 63-65.] That essay discusses the satanist
as master in a throng of weak-willed slaves.
<*> I also observe many individuals in my locale (not necessarily
satanists) _adopting and extending_ Anton LaVey's dominant
satanic attitudes. These individuals' behaviour adversely affects
my locale's social climate, and satanism is one catalyst motivating
these individuals' behaviour. Economic issues are another catalyst
motivating these individuals' behaviour.
press literature written by _officially acknowledged_ members of
<*> I (simplistically?) view satanism as a culture that states
"Most people automatically submit to authority" -- i.e., most
people take the easy (submissive) right-hand path. Satanists
use dominance to assert their authority and to force other
people to submit to their wishes. This is my (simplistic?) view
of satanism's dominant, left-hand path, but this view is reinforced
by popular language usage in my locale. In my locale, many people
equate the exclamation "Right!" to "Submit!" -- e.g., individuals
attempting to win an argument use the exclamation "Right!" at every
opportunity, much as dwelling seekers in my locale emphasize the
(aforementioned) exclamation "You two!"
*****End of Part Three*****
There is short term thinking,
there is long term thinking, and
there is a time and a place for both.
$600K for a starter house in LA?
I got no problems
05:50:21 20:00:21
1 02 03 06 09
21 8 23 05
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Part One is contained in an earlier message titled
"Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One of
Three Parts)". Part Three is contained in a subsequent message
titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part
Three of Three Parts)". I provide an accompanying list of
Wicca-related references in subsequent messages entitled
"A Reference List for Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part
One/Two of Two Parts)", respectively.
Membership in a Circle (a social and discussion organization)
does not require any binding oath of obedience, and there is no
penalty for leaving a Circle's membership. Covens have different
methods to solve their problems. Some of the methods are
entrepreneural. IMO there are real advantages for somebody who
chooses to become a Wiccan to learn _exactly_ what benefits Covens
offer beyond 'solitary worshipper who participates in a Circle'
before taking Coven binding oaths of obedience. And ask the cost.
Life is full of mysteries. Some mysteries are very expensive
to explore.
I classify a number of groups and philosophies under Paganism.
Another popular phrase in my locale is "You two", implying "Zoning
allows up to three unrelated people to live in a single family
house -- marry a divorced woman [preferably with children] or
take in boarders." (Boarders can be a divorced woman with
children, or less often, two single men. These combinations
have fewer housing options than young marrieds without children
or unmarried career women.)
Wiccans are included within my locale's Pagan groups that
attempt to affect housing use. A dearth of elderly housing
in my locale causes Wiccans to be concerned about housing for
senior women (who often have expended their home equity to
survive in an economy paying two percent APR on long-term
FDIC-insured CDs). Wiccans are among the strong advocates
for "You two" boarders.
I am not a Pagan and as a private home owner I experience
_social pressure and hostility_ from Pagans (among others) as a
result of local housing availability/affordability concerns.
When I first encountered these social attitudes I was incredulous.
I have encountered these attitudes repeatedly over a several year
period, and consider the attitudes an unfair popular/Pagan solution
to social welfare problems that the Government is not addressing.
My response is to remember that it is easier _not_ to invite a
guest to your home than to ask that guest to leave.
BTW, a local civil servant (who I had _not_ been introduced to)
walked up to me one day and said "We will house four people on your
house's second floor -- you can live on the third floor." I said
nothing -- I turned and silently walked away from her. It is
_unwise_ to challenge a civil servant in her place of employment.
Historically, organized and coordinated _social pressure_ has been
used by several communal societies, by the military, and by English
boys' boarding schools. Shunning (which can include de facto
'denial of service' -- e.g., 'by the book' work slowdowns and
extraordinary bureaucratic delays) is an example of organized and
coordinated social pressure. Another example of organized and
coordinated social pressure is selective enforcement of laws and
regulations. (E.g., the police normally ignore jaywalkers in your
neighborhood's business district, but somehow you always receive
a ticket when you jaywalk. Sufficient accumulation of unpaid
jaywalking tickets is grounds for arrest and detainment. You
can not afford to pay the accumulated tickets' fees.)
Some people's attitude is that in terms of housing, my cuup
runneth over and I am being selfish not boarding others in my
private home. I consider such _social pressure and hostility_
an unfair attack on my personal freedom. I control the use of
my private home and whom I invite as guests (if any). To my
knowledge the United States Government has not (yet) instituted
'the housing police'. The United States Constitution contains
NO stipulation that allows Government to forcibly house civilians
in your private home. Of course, should martial law ever be
declared within the United States, Constitutional rights would
be suspended and ??? Given our downsized domestic economy
(with its shrunken tax revenues), given the many Army base
closures that have occured during the past decade, and given
our volunteer Army with a higher married percentage than a
drafted Army, I believe that military housing shortages are
a current and ongoing problem in the United States.
IMO there is increasing tendancy within all types of groups
(including Pagan groups) to want "ins" with Government.
The following document uses the word 'Circle' in the manner that
most Wiccan documents use the word 'Coven' -- admittedly,
Covens form circles during their sabbat rituals. The following
Wiccan Rede version includes the Coven's right of eminent
domain in item 70:
"A New Wiccan Book of the Law
A Manual for the Guidance of Groves, Covens, & Individuals
Compiled and edited by Lady Galadriel
© Copyright 1992 by Lady Galadriel
Moonstone Publications
PO Box 13384
Atlanta, GA 30324 USA
1. The Laws were created to give our lives form and order, that
all might be balanced throughout all of the planes. In truth
there are two sets of laws which govern us -- one setting forth
the ways of the Wiccan, and the other the ways of the Universe.
Both are important; each should be observed with respect and
treated with honor. The Laws were shaped and molded to govern
us, to teach us, to advise us, and to counsel us during our time
of mortal life on earth.
<snip>
66. Let each Circle of Light maintain and dedicate unto the
Goddess and the God all things that are required for Their
rituals, for what is blessed in the name of the Gods rightly
belongs to Them, and the Priest or Priestess shall be the
caretakers thereof.
67. Any of the Circle, who are of sufficient rank, and wish
to form a new Circle, shall tell the High Priestess and the
Elders of their intentions. Members of the old Circle may
join the new Circle when it is formed, but if they do so they
must leave the other Circle, unless otherwise instructed.
For it is an old law that while each Wiccan may join the Circle
of choice, no Wiccan's energy should be divided between two
or more Temples.
68. The Elders of the old and new Circles shall meet in peace
and with respect, to decide the level of interaction and
connection between the Circles. Yet it is known that the
splitting of a Circle often means strife. So only if it is
truly in a spirit of peace and harmony should the Circles
meet for the celebration of the Great Festivals.
69. None shall enter the Circle with a sickness or an ailment
which may be passed on to the Lady's other children - for to do
so causes harm to yourself, as well as to others of the Circle.
Rather should the Elders go unto the sick one, that through the
love of the Gods they shall be made well and whole once more.
[RB comment: Coven-based eminent domain --
who determines 'full price'? ]
70. It has been judged that if any of the Craft need a house
or land, and none will sell, it shall be lawful to incline
someone's mind so as to be willing to sell, providing it harms
none and the full price is paid without haggling.
71. The High Priest or High Priestess shall heed all complaints
of all Pagans and Wiccans, and strive to settle any differences
between them, with reason and with justice.
72. In the matter of quarrels or disputes between the members of
the Circle, the High Priestess shall convene the Council, and
inquire into the matter. The Council shall hear each person
privately, and then both together. And they shall decide justly,
not favoring one side nor the other.
[RB comment: Unhappy children flee the Circle.]
73. If an agreeable resolution cannot be reached, then the
dissenting Wiccan must void the Circle, for a Circle of Light
cannot be properly formed where there is disagreement and discord.
And when a Circle is not properly formed, the energy within is
either dissapated, or turns ugly, festering like a hidden sore.
So let dissenters leave, but only with love in their hearts and
yours, for even though your paths may diverge, you are still all
children of the Wicca, and there must be no violence between us.
Bear no grudges, hold no thoughts of vengeance, for this will rot
away the foundation of your power.
[RB comment: Free thinkers flee the Circle.]
74. It has ever been recognized that there are some people who
can never agree to work under any others. At the same time there
are also people who cannot rule justly. To those who must ever be
chief there is but one answer: "Void this Circle, and seek another
one, or if ye be of sufficient rank, then form a Circle of your own."
To those who cannot rule justly, the answer shall be: "Those who
cannot bear your rule will leave you". For none may circle with
whom they are at variance, because to do so angers the Gods, and
hinders the Craft.
[RB comment: The Universal Rule of Three.]
75. Those that do wrong without knowledge shall be held innocent;
those that do wrong through carelessness shall be judged lacking
in wisdom, and dealt with according to the nature of the transgression.
Those who do wrong with deliberation and forethought shall be thrice
punished, and the Lords of Karma shall lay low their pride.
<snip>
84. Any Priestess, Priest, or Elder who consents to a breach of the
Laws regarding the use of the Craft to cause harm to others must
immediately be relieved of office, for it is the lives of the children
of the Goddess which they endanger, as well as the honor of the Craft.
[RB comment: Clever method to put The Maiden on ice for at least
one year. ]
85. The High Priestess may take a Sabbatical from her Circle, if
her personal life and duties require it, for up to a year and a day.
During that time, the Maiden shall act as High Priestess. If the
High Priestess does not return at the end of a year and a day, then
the Initiates of the Circle shall name a new Priestess. Unless
there is good reason to the contrary, the person who has done the
work of the Priestess should reap the reward. If someone else is
named, then the Maiden should continue in that office.
86. Each Priestess and Priest shall choose their own consorts, yet
let them select from those who are wise in the learning of our people,
and thus others shall abide by the wisdom of their choice. Yet if
the Circle feels the decision is ill-advised, or that they cannot
abide and work in honor and trust with that consort, then they may
request a gathering of all concerned to meet and to talk, and to
resolve the balance with love and honor. For only those who are
pure and strong, keen and wise, patient and loving, can effectively
and properly carry out the duties of a Keeper of the Circle.
[RB comment: Consort (86) versus mates and children (87)? ]
87. Those of the Priesthood shall not neglect their mates, or their
children, or their house, nor anything which is in their possession;
nor shall the sick and the needy be neglected for the sake of the
Circle. Therefore let them adjust the one thing against the other,
that neither should suffer, and that which is given by the Gods is
treated with love and respect.
[RB comment: Priest (88) versus mates and children (87)? ]
88. Long ago, at the time of Creation, it was deemed that the
female should hold the power of life-giving. So mightily was the
male force drawn to the love and beauty of the Creation of life,
that he surrendered unto her keeping the force of his powers in the
furtherance of life. Yet the Priestess must always remember that
the flames which light the fires within her come from the Priest.
Therefore she must use the force wisely, and only with love, and she
must honor and respect him, who is the activator of the Life Force.
HERE ENDS A NEW WICCAN BOOK OF THE LAW."
***IMO I have adequately and concretely documented
Wiccan interest in real estate.*** I believe the excerpted
document's item 70 (written by another) speaks for itself
in suggesting a Coven's right to 'eminent domain'. "incline
someone's mind" is a vague phrase, suggesting "Wouldn't you
be happier somewhere else?" based upon my experience.
A Lot can happen. And Noah felt very safe -- no breeze was
going to dislodge his ark from atop the mountains of Ararat
just north of 21st Century Iraq.
Mr. Ballard is writing this clearly so that the issue will _not_
be confused or mistakenly dismissed.
<*> BTW, brief excerpts from copyrighted documents (when
presented with author acknowledgment and with value added
comments) are not copyright violations.
Throughout this document I have questioned the wisdom of
making binding oaths of obedience to Wiccan Covens, particularly
given a nationwide housing shortage. I worry because there is
more than one way to execute a binding oath. One method that
is particularly effective with daughters or girlfriends is having
a 'throw-away roller' state "Now young woman, you owe me money,
your credit is exhausted and if you can not pay me in cash you
must work off this debt." (Sometimes young woman's credit is
exhausted because young woman's friend charged it up to the
limit.) ***Pixie dust can be very expensive, particularly if
Tinkerbell likes to play rough with young women.***
Most men would not submit to this type of intimidation,
but it is difficult to protect loved ones 24 hours daily, 365 days
per year. And once somebody submits to coercion, the bullies have
no reason not to demand more ... and more ... and more ...
IMO people *never* should open the door to coercion.
By alluding to drugs ('pixie dust') some people say that I
damage the entire Pagan community. I have done *nothing* to
discredit the entire Pagan community -- a few bad apples does
not discredit appledom, and a few bad peaches does not discredit
peachdom. But debt is one method that people use to (attempt to)
control others. This is true both within the Pagan community and
within overall society. Sweet ol' Granny usually isn't a drug
dealer or an extortionist (unless she has plenty of muscle backing
her up). And (a-hem) alchemy and potions always has been a
magickal concern -- what's cooking in that 21st Century cauldron?
Frankly, most of the Pagans I meet are too poor to afford
expensive recreational drugs. In fairness I do not know their
history and I do not ask.
Some people say that I should not discuss these issues
on the Internet. Local problems (sometimes) get solved locally
-- this is not my job or responsibility. These problems will
_not_ get solved on the Internet, and the Internet is ripe ground
for slander charges. But social pressure to censor generic
problem discussion will not improve the situation for any one
or for any body.
I am concerned about the flood of negativity that I observe
*****End of Part Two*****
There is short term thinking,
there is long term thinking, and
there is a time and a place for both.
$600K for a starter house in LA?
I got no problems
05:50:21 20:00:21
1 02 03 06 09
21 8 23 05
Richard Ballard
Definitions document. Rather than wait until prior to Samhain
to reissue the document, I have chosen to reissue only the
modified portions of Part Three.
Copyright 2003 by Richard J. Ballard -- All Rights Reserved.
New and significantly changed paragraphs begin with a <*> marker.
In article <20030907193241...@mb-m05.aol.com>,
rball...@aol.com (Richard Ballard) writes:
>Copyright 2003 by Richard J. Ballard -- All Rights Reserved.
>Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
>Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
>with a <*> marker.
>
>Part One and Two are contained in earlier messages titled
>"Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two of
>Three Parts)", respectively. I provide an accompanying list
>of Wicca-related references in subsequent messages entitled
>"A Reference List for Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part
>One/Two of Two Parts)", respectively.
<snip>
>As I stated previously, I believe that some Wiccans use
>'The Universal Rule of Three' to justify 'vigilante lessons'
>against both Wiccans and non-Wiccans, including ostracizing
>non-Wiccan divorcing men regardless of whether the divorcing
>household includes children. I find this ethically troubling.
>Non-Pagans are *not* Wiccan Coven or Pagan Family members.
>Non-Pagans took no binding oaths -- they are *not* oath breakers.
>In effect, non-Pagans 'did not sign the contract', but they
>are being punished for breaking oaths that they never accepted.
>IMO a Lot can happen as a result of this unethical treatment.
<*> J) Some people inquire why I associate *satanism* with Paganism
rather than with Christianity (or Judaism). I distinguish between
satanism, and Christianity (and/or Judaism). While some satanists
view satanism as a philosophy and/or a program of self-betterment,
many avowed satanists *do* view satanism as a religion --
"The Satanic Bible" by Anton Szandor LaVey states that clearly.
IMO satanism has rejected Christianity's (and Judaism's) tenets and
has chosen a left-handed dominant path of its own. In that sense,
satanism acknowledges Christianity (and Judaism) by _rejecting_
Christianity (and Judaism).
My experience is that Christianity does not concentrate on
satan or hell. And in my experience Christianity ignores
(rather than acknowledges) satanism.
<*> I acknowledge that satanism presents many faces. I have
read the _multiple_ satanism FAQs that appear monthly in Internet
newsgroup alt.magick tyagi (a low message volume newsgroup).
These multiple satanism FAQs are authored by members of
different satanic philosophies and/or organizations. The FAQs
generally are skillfully and clearly written, and the FAQs present
a laissez faire, 'to thine own self be true' philosophy sympathetic
to libertarianism and self-betterment. IMO these FAQs' quality
of authorship demonstrates that some satanists are _extremely
intelligent_. (My statement does _not_ equate to saying
'All satanists are extremely intelligent.')
Anton LaVey, founder of 'The Church of Satan', promotes an
aggressive, domineering style of satanism. I have read the five
popular press books written by Anton LaVey and IMO the most concise
example of Anton LaVey's philosophy is the essay 'Nonconformity --
Satanism's Secret Weapon' in "The Devil's Notebook" by Anton LaVey.
[ISBN 0-922915-11-3, pp. 63-65.] _That essay discusses the satanist
as master in a throng of weak-willed slaves_.
I also observe many individuals in my locale (not necessarily
satanists) _adopting and extending_ Anton LaVey's dominant
satanic attitudes. These individuals' behaviour adversely affects
my locale's social climate, and satanism is one catalyst motivating
these individuals' behaviour. Economic issues are another catalyst
motivating these individuals' behaviour.
<*> My perception is that satanism affects 21st Century society
more as a dominance attitude/philosophy than a religion. IMO
21st Century society is growing poorer, and some peoples' response
is to embrace the dominance philosophy/attitude contained within
satanism. IMO satanists believe that people naturally submit to
authority, and that people naturally will submit to the (perceived)
authority of dominant satanists. IMO judicious authority is not
necessarily bad, but satanic philosophy implements 'To thine own
self be true', _not_ fair or equal treatment. Unfair and/or unequal
treatment are catalysts for social friction and chaos. _And people
can use chaos to further selfish personal agendas._
<*> Anton LaVey is the founder of 'The Church of Satan', a fact
that associates his popular press texts with 'The Church of Satan'.
Earlier I referenced satanism's 'left-handed dominant path'.
The following quotation from "The Satanic Bible" by Anton
Szandor LaVey (founder of 'The Church of Satan'), c1969,
ISBN 0-380-01539-0, pg. 52 illustrates this association:
"The Satanic religion has not merely lifted the coin -- it has
flipped it over completely. Therefore, why should it support
the very principles to which it is completely opposed by
calling itself anything other than a name which is totally in
keeping with the _reversed_ doctrines which make up the
Satanic philosophy? Satanism is not a white light religion;
it is a religion of the flesh, the mundane, the carnal -- all of
which is ruled by Satan, the personification of the
Left Hand Path."
<*> 'The Temple of Set', is a 1975 offshoot of 'The Church of
Satan'. Currently I have not reviewed any popular press literature
written by _officially acknowledged_ members of 'The Temple of Set'.
The "alt.satanism Frequently Asked Questions" message periodically
issued by bobo...@satanservice.org (tyaginator) on Internet
newsgroup alt.magick.tyagi _purports_ to present the 'TEMPLE OF SET
FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS -- Satanism (FAQ)' written by
Michael A. Aquino (founder of 'The Temple of Set') and updated
by Roger Whitaker. That document states:
<*> "[This was the case of the Temple of Set as a whole, which
from 1966 to 1975 - as the Church of Satan - was exploring the
Left-Hand Path from within J/C terminology.]"
<*> But the referenced document does _not_ define 'Left-Hand Path'
either in terms of Judaic/Christian terminology or as used by
"The Temple of Set".
<*> Balanone <bal...@xeper.org> apparently _is_ a recognized member
of 'The Temple of Set' and periodically issues "Balanone's Temple
of Set FAQ" on Internet newsgroup alt.magick.tyagi. The
September 9, 2003 issuance of that message states:
<*> '"Left Hand Path" indicates that the path followed by Setians
is one of concentration and refinement of the self, leading toward
more and more individuality and more and more individualism, as
opposed to the Right Hand Path goals of growing toward some
_outwardly determined standard_ (emphasis added).'
<*> and
<*> "The Left Hand Path is the tradition of _spiritual dissent_
(emphasis added). It is a process of using the ideas and actions
of the Seeker to create or realize an immortal, individual,
potent, and powerful essence that will survive death. The
Left Hand Path is the quest for personal immortality, won by
hard effort _without grace of gods_ (emphasis added), even of
our role model, Set."
<*> IMO "immortality" is a vague term. Immortality might be
considered a recognized individual contribution to the human
knowledge, arts and/or philosophy; or immortality might be
considered one's biological children. Yet I feel compelled to
point out that Biblically, 'the original sin' occured when in
the Garden of Eden the serpent (IMO a personification of satan)
led Eve to sexual knowledge. And The Ten Commandments
(Exodus 20:1-17; acquired after the Hebrews had fled Egypt)
include "You shall not commit adultery" and "You shall not
covet your neighbor's house; your shall not covet your
neighbor's wife, or his manservant, or his maidservant,
or his ox, or his ass, or anything that is your neighbor's."
<*> I mention the Garden of Eden because Judaism and Christianity
(and IMO Islam) link the Garden of Eden, satan, and poverty. Both
Judaism and Christianity teach that Adam and Eve were expelled
from the idyllic Garden of Eden to earn their bread by the sweat
of their brows. The Islamic religion (like satanism) uses the
goat to symbolize satan. Islam historically blames the goat for
stripping the bark from the trees that protected and stabilized
the agricultural lands of the Middle East. Denuded of bark by
goats, the trees died. Then the arid impoverishing desert invaded
the agricultural lands and impoverished the people. IMO Islam
blames satan's trickery for causing Adam and Eve's expulsion from
the Garden of Eden and for the resultant impoverishment of the
Islamic faithful on Earth.
<*> I mention The Ten Commandments (an "outwardly determined
standard"?) because the Hebrews received them during their flight
from slavery in Egypt. The September 9, 2003 issuance of
"Balanone's Temple of Set FAQ" also states: "Set is the most
ancient name for the Prince of Darkness, given to the Prince of
Darkness in ancient (pre-dynastic) Egypt. Whether Set exists as
an independent metaphysical being, or whether he's a symbol for
man's most individualistic attributes, is a topic always under
discussion somewhere in the Temple of Set."
In the 21st Century many people question the importance of
textual references. That something has been published
indicates that a publisher has judged that the content
financially merits publication, and indicates that a
copy editor has (at a minimum) reviewed the content --
rough indications of content quality control.
IMO website URLs are *not* acceptable as scholarly references.
Revising webpage content is as difficult as revising a form
letter, and a record of webpage content changes is *not* maintained
for later public scrutiny. (Remember George Orwell's novel "1984"?)
In addition, offsite web hosting services are not expensive --
IMO the existence of a website does not imply a significant
financial (or quality) commitment.
<*> Given the unavailability of popular press texts written by
_acknowledged_ members of 'The Temple of Set', I choose to discuss
'The Temple of Set' no further.
In pugnacious encounters between males in my locale, the aggressor
male often will attempt to 'she it' -- that is, to force the other
male to live like a submissive sissy. Dominant females in my locale
sometimes use repeated fraudulent calls to the police and to social
service agencies in efforts to 'she it' (cow) their neighbors.
Both of these 'she it' examples are good reasons not to covet your
neighbor's spouse or property.
*****End of Part Three*****
I got no problems --
other people got problems!
05:35:09 _8:35:03
1 02 03 06 09
21 8 23 05
'Life in the trailer park'
is a *long* sentence.
Richard Ballard
New and significantly changed paragraphs begin with a <*> marker.
In article <20030921154908...@mb-m16.aol.com>,
rball...@aol.com (Richard Ballard) writes:
<snip>
<snip>
><*> 'The Temple of Set', is a 1975 offshoot of 'The Church of
>Satan'. Currently I have not reviewed any popular press literature
>written by _officially acknowledged_ members of 'The Temple of Set'.
>The "alt.satanism Frequently Asked Questions" message periodically
>issued by bobo...@satanservice.org (tyaginator) on Internet
>newsgroup alt.magick.tyagi _purports_ to present the 'TEMPLE OF SET
>FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS -- Satanism (FAQ)' written by
>Michael A. Aquino (founder of 'The Temple of Set') and updated
>by Roger Whitaker. That document states:
<*> 'The Temple of Set', is a 1975 offshoot of 'The Church of
Satan'. Currently I have not reviewed any popular press literature
written by _officially acknowledged_ members of 'The Temple of Set'.
The "alt.satanism Frequently Asked Questions" message periodically
issued by bobo...@satanservice.org (tyaginator) [sometimes
satanservice.org@boboroshi (tyaginator)] on Internet newsgroup
alt.magick.tyagi _purports_ to present the 'TEMPLE OF SET
FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS -- Satanism (FAQ)' written by
Michael A. Aquino (founder of 'The Temple of Set') and updated
by Roger Whitaker. That document states:
><*> "[This was the case of the Temple of Set as a whole, which
>from 1966 to 1975 - as the Church of Satan - was exploring the
>Left-Hand Path from within J/C terminology.]"
>
><*> But the referenced document does _not_ define 'Left-Hand Path'
>either in terms of Judaic/Christian terminology or as used by
>"The Temple of Set".
<snip>
><*> Given the unavailability of popular press texts written by
>_acknowledged_ members of 'The Temple of Set', I choose to discuss
>'The Temple of Set' no further.
<*> I have identified two popular press texts written by
_acknowledged_ members of 'The Temple of Set' (and additional
popular press texts written by their coauthors). Both of
these texts are termed 'out-of-stock, hard-to-find' texts
that might require 1-2 months or longer for delivery. I
choose not to further discuss 'The Temple of Set' at this time.
<snip>
sometimes use repeated nuisance calls to the police and to social
service agencies in efforts to 'she it' (cow) their neighbors.
Dominant individuals also have been known to make nuisance calls
to the IRS triggering unwarranted (and timewasting) income tax
audits. These 'she it' examples are good reasons not to covet your
neighbors' spouse or property.
>My observations of diverse cultures cause me to believe that
>all cultures are not equal -- some cultures have greater
>cultural substance, integrity and value than others. My
>observations of diverse cultures also have taught me that
>all cultures are not equally suitable to my personal goals
>and desired lifestyle.
<snip>
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
<*> Parts Two, Three and Four are contained in concurrent messages
titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part
Two/Three/Four of Four Parts)", respectively. I provide an
accompanying list of Wicca-related references in subsequent
messages entitled "A Reference List for Prospective Wiccan Novices
(Part One/Two of Two Parts)", respectively.
<*> The evening of October 30th [midnight October 31st Stonehenge
time] brings the sabbat Samhain (pronounced Sow-in, Sah-vin, or
Sahm-hayn), a celebration of the harvest season's end. Samhain
marks the Wiccan God's death in some European Traditions -- the
Crone Goddess mourns the God's passing for the next six weeks.
Samhain marks winter's beginning and is a time to celebrate the
eternal wheel of reincarnation. Samhain falls opposite Beltane
[midnight May 1st Stonehenge time, summer's beginning] on the
Wheel of the Year. Beltane (summer's beginning) and Samhain
(the harvest season's end) are the two most important sabbats.
<*> European monarchs marked the sabbat's beginning by lighting
balefires (bonfires -- 'balefire' is an English word meaning
'boon' or 'extra') typically on the highest hills. Having sex
with ladies from the families of lesser nobility was included
within the balefire ritual. Lesser nobility then could light
their own balefires on lower hills, and could begin their own
celebrations (and themselves have sex with ladies from the
families of lesser nobility or commoners). The ritual sex included
within the balefire celebrations equates to the Aristocracy's
(e.g., the King's, Baron's, or local landowner's) 'first night'
privileges -- the Aristocracy's right to control who could
marry whom and the Aristocracy's right to bed any young lady
first on her wedding night. The balefire ritual replenished
the Aristocracy's energy and symbolically blessed the young
ladies bedded by the Aristocrats. The balefire ritual also
maintained the continuity of the Aristocracy -- 'the pecking
order' is a time-honored tradition.
<*> British and Irish Pagans lit their own Samhain balefires
on lesser hilltops after sunset on October 30. The Pagans'
balefires focused the dead God's energy, pushed back the
darkness, repelled evil, and purified the hilltop's ritual space.
The balefire rituals and concurrent harvest celebration also
tangibly reminded the Pagans about the Aristocracy's (e.g.,
the King's, Baron's, or local landowner's) real power over
the Pagans: "Winter is coming -- wanna eat?"
Coven initiations [both "robed" initiations and "skyclad" (naked)
initiations] are performed on Samhain. Witches commune with the
dead on Samhain, holding their ritual Feast of the Dead and
celebrating the eternal cycle of reincarnation. Necromancy
spells and rituals performed during Samhain are more likely
to succeed.
In the United States, Samhain sometimes is celebrated in
conjunction with a Halloween party. With Samhain approaching,
many Wiccans are discussing Wicca more openly, and many of
their friends are hearing about Wicca for the first time. These
friends might ask "How can I learn about Wicca?"
I wish to offer some basic definitions. But before offering
these definitions I must state that I am _not_ a Wiccan, a witch,
a Pagan or a satanist. People ask me "Why are you providing these
definitions on the Internet?" One reason is that I heard about
Wicca in an acquaintance's chance comment, and learning details
about Paganism and Wicca has cost me much time and trouble. Another
reason I provide these definitions is the flood of negativism on the
Pagan- and Wicca-related Internet newsgroups. It appears that
everybody has a license to criticize and complain, but few have a
license to make a positive contribution.
I have defined my documents' current scope: Providing information
Some basic definitions:
the 'Definitions Part Three' message.)
*****End of Part One*****
The comments contained herein are my opinions. This message
was not solicited by Amazon.com, any author, any artist, or their
agent(s), publisher(s), producer(s) or distributor(s).
I am _not_ an Islamic or Judaic scholar.
I am _not_ legally qualified to provide medical, psychological,
legal, financial or religious opinions, but I have discussed some
issues with my Attorney and have read extensively in these areas.
I have strong opinions.
202.5 cm. 99.1 kg.
I got no problems.
Other people got problems.
$10K rise in new home costs
due to higher plywood prices?
$600K for a starter house in LA?
What about gas for the Chevy?
'Life in the trailer park'
is a *long* sentence.
There is short term thinking,
there is long term thinking, and
there is a time and a place for both.
05:35:09 _8:35:03
1 02 03 06 09
21 8 23 05
Richard Ballard MSEE CNA4 KD0AZ
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
<*> Parts One, Three and Four are contained in concurrent messages
titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part
One/Three/Four of Four Parts)", respectively. I provide an
accompanying list of Wicca-related references in subsequent
messages entitled "A Reference List for Prospective Wiccan Novices
(Part One/Two of Two Parts)", respectively.
E) The Wiccan *Rede* is the best-known Wiccan tenet. Depending
upon the Tradition one follows, the Rede might be a binding rule,
the Rede might be considered advice, or the Rede might be ignored.
The most common statement of the Wiccan Rede is 'An ye harm
none, do what ye will'. I have observed several different
(Wiccan Tradition-dependent) interpretations of this eight-word
statement -- the words 'harm', 'none', 'do' and 'will' are
subject to interpretation. An obvious example: Does 'harm
none' refer to members of the given Wiccan Coven, to members
of the given Wiccan Tradition, to all Wiccans, or to
humankind? Furthermore, I have observed statements of the
Wiccan Rede that go on for pages like a legal contract, and
I have observed Wiccan Traditions that effectively ignore the
Wiccan Rede completely. I am _not_ comfortable with all
Traditions' interpretation of the Wiccan Rede.
There are many valid Wiccan paths -- Gardnerian Wicca was the
first Wiccan Tradition but many other Wiccan Traditions exist.
acceptable, and and Governor-elect Arnold Schwarzenegger has deposed
Governor Gray Davis in a recall election. Other states have
significant operating deficits and also are unwilling to raise taxes.
Government faced with chronic deficits will provide fewer services
(including housing services). A Wiccan Coven's binding oath of
obedience could be used to house indigent Coven members in another
Coven member's private residence, a right that Government does
_not_ have under the United States Constitution. IMO individuals
should consider _seriously_ the daily implications of taking any
Wiccan Coven's binding oath of obedience. That binding oath of
obedience could affect your daily life in your (formerly)
private residence.
<*> I expect this issue to grow as the United States domestic
economy continues to downsize and people exhaust their credit
resources. There already is much un(der)employment, and housing
is an expensive commodity. In Los Angeles the price of a
'starter home' is reported to be in the $600K range. The
price of constructing a new home in the St. Louis area recently
was reported to have risen $10K due to plywood cost increases,
and St. Louis heating fuel costs are expected to rise
fifty percent this winter compared to last winter.
Membership in a Circle (a social and discussion organization)
does not require any binding oath of obedience, and there is no
penalty for leaving a Circle's membership. Covens have different
methods to solve their problems. Some of the methods are
entrepreneural. IMO there are real advantages for somebody who
chooses to become a Wiccan to learn _exactly_ what benefits Covens
offer beyond 'solitary worshipper who participates in a Circle'
before taking Coven binding oaths of obedience. And ask the cost.
Life is full of mysteries. Some mysteries are very expensive
to explore.
<*> I classify a number of groups and philosophies under Paganism.
Another popular phrase in my locale is "You two", implying "Zoning
allows up to three unrelated people to live in a single family
house -- you submit, marry a divorced/single mother, or marry an
elderly woman, or (less often) take in boarders." (Boarders might
be two single men. These combinations have fewer housing options
than young marrieds without children or unmarried career women.)
Wiccans are included within my locale's Pagan groups that
attempt to affect housing use. A dearth of elderly housing
in my locale causes Wiccans to be concerned about housing for
senior women (who often have expended their home equity to
survive in an economy paying two percent APR on long-term
FDIC-insured CDs). Wiccans are among the strong advocates
for "You two" boarders.
<*> I am not a Pagan and as a private residence owner I experience
_social pressure and hostility_ from Pagans (among others) as a
result of local housing availability/affordability concerns.
When I first encountered these social attitudes I was incredulous.
I have encountered these attitudes repeatedly over a several year
period, and consider the attitudes an unfair popular/Pagan solution
to social welfare problems that the Government is not addressing.
My response is to remember that it is easier _not_ to invite a
guest into your private residence than to ask that guest to leave.
<*> Once people establish legal residence (as opposed to being
invited guests) in _your_ residence, they are free to invite _their_
(unknown) friends to visit. Invited guests in a private residence
have the right to leave. Boarders in a boarding home situation have
additional legal rights.
<*> Given our downsized domestic economy (with its shrunken tax
revenues), given the many Army base closures that have occured
during the past decade, and given our volunteer Army with a
higher married percentage than a drafted Army, I believe that
military housing shortages are a current and ongoing problem
in the United States. If Army Reserve and National Guard
reenlistment rates fall as a result of heavy use (and resulting
financial hardship while) in Iraq, greater reliance on the
enlisted volunteer Army will aggravate the military (and civilian)
housing shortage problem.
*****End of Part Two*****
The comments contained herein are my opinions. This message
was not solicited by Amazon.com, any author, any artist, or their
agent(s), publisher(s), producer(s) or distributor(s).
I am *not* an Islamic or Judaic scholar.
I am *not* legally qualified to provide medical, psychological,
legal, financial or religious opinions, but I have discussed some
issues with my Attorney and have read extensively in these areas.
I have strong opinions.
202.5 cm. 99.1 kg.
I got no problems.
Other people got problems.
$10K rise in new home costs
due to higher plywood prices?
$600K for a starter house in LA?
What about gas for the Chevy?
'Life in the trailer park'
is a *long* sentence.
There is short term thinking,
there is long term thinking, and
there is a time and a place for both.
05:35:09 _8:35:03
1 02 03 06 09
21 8 23 05
Richard Ballard MSEE CNA4 KD0AZ
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
<*> Parts One, Two and Four are contained in concurrent messages
titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part
One/Two/Four of Four Parts)", respectively. I provide an
accompanying list of Wicca-related references in subsequent
messages entitled "A Reference List for Prospective Wiccan Novices
(Part One/Two of Two Parts)", respectively.
IMO there is increasing tendancy within all types of groups
(including Pagan groups) to want "ins" with Government.
<*> The following document uses the word 'Circle' in the manner
that most Wiccan documents use the word 'Coven' -- admittedly,
Covens form circles during their sabbat rituals. The following
Wiccan Rede version includes the Coven's (presumed) right of
<snip>
<snip>
Mr. Ballard is writing this clearly so that the issue will _not_
be confused or mistakenly dismissed.
BTW, brief excerpts from copyrighted documents (when
presented with author acknowledgment and with value added
comments) are not copyright violations.
Many Wiccans also promote the 'The Universal Rule Of Three'
(also termed the 'Law of Threefold Return'), the idea that
anything that someone does will be returned to them threefold.
In other words, good deeds are magnified back to the source,
and ill deeds are magnified back to the source.
Like the Wiccan Rede, 'The Universal Rule Of Three' might be
considered a binding rule, advice, or might be ignored by
members of a particular Wiccan Tradition. This is significant --
'ill deeds' depends upon the Tradition-dependent interpretation
of the Wiccan Rede. One Tradition's non-issue might be another
Tradition's sin.
I have major reservations concerning some Wiccans' interpretation
of 'The Universal Rule of Three'. I believe that some Wiccans
interpret 'The Universal Rule of Three' as justifying their acting
as 'judge, jury and executioner'. That is, I believe that some
Wiccans use 'The Universal Rule of Three' to justify 'vigilante
'Blessed be' is a common Wiccan salutation. 'Blessed be'
*****End of Part Three*****
The comments contained herein are my opinions. This message
was not solicited by Amazon.com, any author, any artist, or their
agent(s), publisher(s), producer(s) or distributor(s).
I am *not* an Islamic or Judaic scholar.
I am *not* legally qualified to provide medical, psychological,
legal, financial or religious opinions, but I have discussed some
issues with my Attorney and have read extensively in these areas.
I have strong opinions.
202.5 cm. 99.1 kg.
I got no problems.
Other people got problems.
$10K rise in new home costs
due to higher plywood prices?
$600K for a starter house in LA?
What about gas for the Chevy?
'Life in the trailer park'
is a *long* sentence.
There is short term thinking,
there is long term thinking, and
there is a time and a place for both.
05:35:09 _8:35:03
1 02 03 06 09
21 8 23 05
Richard Ballard MSEE CNA4 KD0AZ
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
<*> Parts One, Two and Three are contained in concurrent messages
titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part
One/Two/Three of Four Parts)", respectively. I provide an
accompanying list of Wicca-related references in subsequent
messages entitled "A Reference List for Prospective Wiccan Novices
(Part One/Two of Two Parts)", respectively.
H) I have ***much*** to say about Wiccan *Tradition*, a complex
rather than with Christianity (or Judaism). I distinguish between
satanism, and Christianity (and/or Judaism). While some satanists
view satanism as a philosophy and/or a program of self-betterment,
many avowed satanists *do* view satanism as a religion --
"The Satanic Bible" by Anton Szandor LaVey states that clearly.
IMO satanism has rejected Christianity's (and Judaism's) tenets and
has chosen a left-handed dominant path of its own. In that sense,
satanism acknowledges Christianity (and Judaism) by _rejecting_
Christianity (and Judaism).
My experience is that Christianity does not concentrate on
satan or hell. And in my experience Christianity ignores
(rather than acknowledges) satanism.
I acknowledge that satanism presents many faces. I have
read the _multiple_ satanism FAQs that appear monthly in Internet
newsgroup alt.magick tyagi (a low message volume newsgroup).
These multiple satanism FAQs are authored by members of
different satanic philosophies and/or organizations. The FAQs
generally are skillfully and clearly written, and the FAQs present
a laissez faire, 'to thine own self be true' philosophy sympathetic
to libertarianism and self-betterment. IMO these FAQs' quality
of authorship demonstrates that some satanists are _extremely
intelligent_. (My statement does _not_ equate to saying
'All satanists are extremely intelligent.')
Anton LaVey, founder of 'The Church of Satan', promotes an
aggressive, domineering style of satanism. I have read the five
popular press books written by Anton LaVey and IMO the most concise
example of Anton LaVey's philosophy is the essay 'Nonconformity --
Satanism's Secret Weapon' in "The Devil's Notebook" by Anton LaVey.
[ISBN 0-922915-11-3, pp. 63-65.] _That essay discusses the satanist
as master in a throng of weak-willed slaves._
I also observe many individuals in my locale (not necessarily
satanists) _adopting and extending_ Anton LaVey's dominant
satanic attitudes. These individuals' behaviour adversely affects
my locale's social climate, and satanism is one catalyst motivating
these individuals' behaviour. Economic issues are another catalyst
motivating these individuals' behaviour.
My perception is that satanism affects 21st Century society more
as a dominance attitude/philosophy than as a religion. IMO
21st Century society is growing poorer, and some peoples' response
is to embrace the dominance philosophy/attitude contained within
satanism. IMO satanists believe that people naturally submit to
authority, and believe that people naturally will submit to the
(perceived) authority of dominant satanists. IMO judicious authority
is not necessarily bad, but satanic philosophy implements 'To thine
own self be true', _not_ fair or equal treatment. Unfair and/or
unequal treatment are catalysts for social friction and chaos.
_And people can use chaos to further selfish personal agendas._
Anton LaVey is the founder of 'The Church of Satan', a fact
that associates his popular press texts with 'The Church of Satan'.
Earlier I mentioned satanism's 'left-handed dominant path'.
The following quotation from "The Satanic Bible" by Anton
Szandor LaVey (founder of 'The Church of Satan'), c1969,
ISBN 0-380-01539-0, pg. 52 illustrates this association:
"The Satanic religion has not merely lifted the coin -- it has
flipped it over completely. Therefore, why should it support
the very principles to which it is completely opposed by
calling itself anything other than a name which is totally in
keeping with the _reversed_ doctrines which make up the
Satanic philosophy? Satanism is not a white light religion;
it is a religion of the flesh, the mundane, the carnal -- all of
which is ruled by Satan, the personification of the
Left Hand Path."
<*> 'The Temple of Set', is a 1975 offshoot of 'The Church of
Satan'. Currently I have not reviewed any popular press literature
written by _officially acknowledged_ members of 'The Temple of Set'.
The "alt.satanism Frequently Asked Questions" message periodically
issued by bobo...@satanservice.org (tyaginator) [sometimes
satanservice.org@boboroshi (tyaginator)] on Internet newsgroup
alt.magick.tyagi _purports_ to present the 'TEMPLE OF SET
FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS -- Satanism (FAQ)' written by
Michael A. Aquino (founder of 'The Temple of Set') and updated
by Roger Whitaker. That document states:
"[This was the case of the Temple of Set as a whole, which
from 1966 to 1975 - as the Church of Satan - was exploring the
Left-Hand Path from within J/C terminology.]"
But the referenced document does _not_ define 'Left-Hand Path'
either in terms of Judaic/Christian terminology or as used by
"The Temple of Set".
Balanone <bal...@xeper.org> apparently _is_ a recognized member
of 'The Temple of Set' and periodically issues "Balanone's Temple
of Set FAQ" on Internet newsgroup alt.magick.tyagi. The
September 9, 2003 issuance of that message states:
'"Left Hand Path" indicates that the path followed by Setians
is one of concentration and refinement of the self, leading toward
more and more individuality and more and more individualism, as
opposed to the Right Hand Path goals of growing toward some
_outwardly determined standard_ (emphasis added).'
and
"The Left Hand Path is the tradition of _spiritual dissent_
(emphasis added). It is a process of using the ideas and actions
of the Seeker to create or realize an immortal, individual,
potent, and powerful essence that will survive death. The
Left Hand Path is the quest for personal immortality, won by
hard effort _without grace of gods_ (emphasis added), even of
our role model, Set."
IMO "immortality" is a vague term. Immortality might be
considered a recognized individual contribution to the human
knowledge, arts and/or philosophy; or immortality might be
considered one's biological children. Yet I feel compelled to
point out that Biblically, 'the original sin' occured when in
the Garden of Eden the serpent (IMO a personification of satan)
led Eve to sexual knowledge. And The Ten Commandments
(Exodus 20:1-17; acquired after the Hebrews had fled Egypt)
include "You shall not commit adultery" and "You shall not
covet your neighbor's house; your shall not covet your
neighbor's wife, or his manservant, or his maidservant,
or his ox, or his ass, or anything that is your neighbor's."
I mention the Garden of Eden because Judaism and Christianity
(and IMO Islam) link the Garden of Eden, satan, and poverty. Both
Judaism and Christianity teach that Adam and Eve were expelled
from the idyllic Garden of Eden to earn their bread by the sweat
of their brows. The Islamic religion (like satanism) uses the
goat to symbolize satan. Islam historically blames the goat for
stripping the bark from the trees that protected and stabilized
the agricultural lands of the Middle East. Denuded of bark by
goats, the trees died. Then the arid impoverishing desert invaded
the agricultural lands and impoverished the people. IMO Islam
blames satan's trickery for causing Adam and Eve's expulsion from
the Garden of Eden and for the resultant impoverishment of the
Islamic faithful on Earth.
I mention The Ten Commandments (an "outwardly determined
standard"?) because the Hebrews received them during their flight
from slavery in Egypt. The September 9, 2003 issuance of
"Balanone's Temple of Set FAQ" also states: "Set is the most
ancient name for the Prince of Darkness, given to the Prince of
Darkness in ancient (pre-dynastic) Egypt. Whether Set exists as
an independent metaphysical being, or whether he's a symbol for
man's most individualistic attributes, is a topic always under
discussion somewhere in the Temple of Set."
In the 21st Century many people question the importance of
textual references. That something has been published
indicates that a publisher has judged that the content
financially merits publication, and indicates that a
copy editor has (at a minimum) reviewed the content --
rough indications of content quality control.
<*> IMO website URLs are *not* acceptable as scholarly references.
Revising webpage content is as difficult as revising a form
letter, and a record of webpage content changes is *not* maintained
for later public scrutiny. (Remember the character Winston
rewriting history to fit current events in George Orwell's novel
"1984"?) In addition, offsite web hosting services are not expensive
-- IMO the existence of a website does not imply a significant
financial (or quality) commitment.
<*> I have identified two popular press texts written by
_acknowledged_ members of 'The Temple of Set' (and additional
popular press texts written by their coauthors). Both of
these texts are termed 'out-of-stock, hard-to-find' texts
that might require 1-2 months or longer for delivery. I
choose not to further discuss 'The Temple of Set' at this time.
IMO satanic concepts permeate 21st Century popular culture
In pugnacious encounters between males in my locale, the aggressor
male often will attempt to 'she it' -- that is, to force the other
male to live like a submissive sissy. Dominant females in my locale
sometimes use repeated nuisance calls to the police and to social
service agencies in efforts to 'she it' (cow) their neighbors.
Dominant individuals also have been known to make nuisance calls
to the IRS triggering unwarranted (and timewasting) income tax
audits. These 'she it' examples are good reasons not to covet your
neighbors' spouse or property.
My observations of diverse cultures cause me to believe that
all cultures are not equal -- some cultures have greater
cultural substance, integrity and value than others. My
observations of diverse cultures also have taught me that
all cultures are not equally suitable to my personal goals
and desired lifestyle.
The 1960's / 1970's was an era when the United States was a
cultural 'melting pot' -- immigrants to the United States were
expected to become members of a strong and homogeneous
United States society. One of the issues of the 1960's / 1970's
United States counterculture emergence was that subcultural
groups had the right to determine their own subculture. This
issue increasingly is accepted in the 21st Century United States,
but the issue was very controversial in the 1960's / 1970's.
I find satanism's dominant subculture personally *not* appropriate.
IMO the right to define one's own personal culture includes the
right to exclude aspects of other's cultures from one's own
personal culture. Satanists dogmatically dominate and often
attempt to insert satanic concepts into other peoples' personal
culture -- an infringement upon other peoples' right to define
their own cultures.
<*> At the same time, individuals must deal with the dominant satanic
concepts and attitudes that increasingly permeate 21st Century
United States society. (As the United States' domestic economy
continues to downsize, so-called 'cutthroat businesses' will assert
their own types of dominance when dealing with employees. And
beleaguered employees might respond with their own dominant actions.
Regardless of the victor, the consumer ultimately will pay the cost.)
Dealing with these dominant satanic attitudes often requires that
individuals assert greater personal dominance than they
otherwise would.
What is the difference between being a dominant satanist and
rebuffing dominant satanic attitudes and behaviour through your own
personal dominance? IMO the difference is that you choose your
friends -- an individual should not have to assume dominant attitudes
and behaviour to cope with friends. And ultimately a person draws
the line at his/her residence's front door.
Some people question the appropriateness of my providing _any_
comments concerning Wicca, witchcraft, Paganism or satanism. I
believe that detachment is valuable -- _not_ having vested interests
can bring objectivity. In addition, I offer information -- ***my
information can be ignored with little effort***. I do _not_ tell
people how to worship or practice magick in their circles or in
their own homes. And IMO a list of Wicca-related definitions based
upon my studying Wiccan-, Craft-, Pagan- and satanic-related texts
and participating in Wiccan-, craft- and Pagan-related Internet
newsgroups threatens no one.
*****End of Part Four*****
The comments contained herein are my opinions. This message
was not solicited by Amazon.com, any author, any artist, or their
agent(s), publisher(s), producer(s) or distributor(s).
I am *not* an Islamic or Judaic scholar.
I am *not* legally qualified to provide medical, psychological,
legal, financial or religious opinions, but I have discussed some
issues with my Attorney and have read extensively in these areas.
I have strong opinions.
202.5 cm. 99.1 kg.
I got no problems.
Other people got problems.
$10K rise in new home costs
due to higher plywood prices?
$600K for a starter house in LA?
What about gas for the Chevy?
'Life in the trailer park'
is a *long* sentence.
There is short term thinking,
there is long term thinking, and
there is a time and a place for both.
05:35:09 _8:35:03
1 02 03 06 09
21 8 23 05
Richard Ballard MSEE CNA4 KD0AZ
Richard Ballard
In article <20031010162939...@mb-m22.aol.com>,
rball...@aol.com (Richard Ballard) writes:
>Copyright 2003 by Richard J. Ballard -- All Rights Reserved.
>Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
>Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
>with a <*> marker.
>
><*> Parts One, Three and Four are contained in concurrent messages
>titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part
>One/Three/Four of Four Parts)", respectively. I provide an
>accompanying list of Wicca-related references in subsequent
>messages entitled "A Reference List for Prospective Wiccan Novices
>(Part One/Two of Two Parts)", respectively.
<snip>
>Interestingly, while age 18 is the legal 'age of sexual consent'
>in most of the United States, unmarried children are not declared
>legal adults and remain under their parents' supervision in most
>of the United States through age 21. This three year period can
>represent a 'limbo' period for unmarried children of Wiccan parents
> -- they are sexually but not legally mature.
>
>I recommend that Wiccan parent/s (and legal guardian/s) avoid
>situations where underaged children (or wards) become _bound_
>Coven members. (And I acknowledge that my own Methodist
>experience includes voluntary church membership.) One purpose
>of Wiccan initiation (after a period of study) is to expose the
>initiate to secret oathbound material, material previously
>hidden from the initiate -- a new ball game. I recommend that
>prospective Wiccan novices 'Caveat emptor' -- let the buyer
>beware. The best way to avoid messes (and other hatefulness)
>is not to step in them in the first place, an option that
>sometimes is not possible.
<snip>
<*> Boarding minor children (i.e., under 21 years of age) in a
residence empowers legal complications. Government cannot legally
enter an all-adult private residence unless invited or accompanied
by a search warrant issued by the Courts. When a person accepts
minor children (including college students under 21 years of age)
as residents within their home or apartment, social welfare agencies
assigned to safeguard childrens' rights, health, and safety gain the
warrantless right of physical access to that private residence,
accompanied by the police if necessary.
<*> While I am not qualified to provide legal opinions, I believe
that accepting pregnant adult women as residents in a private home
or apartment grants the same warrantless uninvited physical access
privileges to social welfare agencies tasked with providing
prenatal care and wellness care to pregnant women, accompanied
by the police if necessary.
<*> While I am not qualified to provide legal opinions, I believe that
accepting the elderly as residents in a private home or apartment
grants the same warrantless uninvited physical access privileges
to social welfare agencies tasked with safeguarding health and safety
for the elderly, accompanied by the police if necessary.
<*> While I am not qualified to provide legal opinions, I believe that
allowing guests' animal pets (e.g., cats and dogs) within a private
residence _awkwardly_ grants the same warrantless uninvited physical
access privileges to municipal animal control agencies tasked with
humane treatment for animals and for maintaining public safety,
accompanied by the police if necessary.
<*> And if a bad boarder or bad invited guest (either maliciously or
by illegal action) invites officialdom (or minor children) into a
private residence ...
<*> In an environment of hostile Government harrassment, IMO this
de facto loss of legal safeguards associated with Court issuance
of search warrants before entry is a _significant_ loss both of
personal privacy and of civil rights. In an environment of hostile
Government harrassment, charitable actions result in _significant
loss of civil rights_ for the private residence owner.
Richard Ballard
a <*> marker.
In article <20031010162939...@mb-m22.aol.com>,
rball...@aol.com (Richard Ballard) writes:
<*> I recommend that Wiccan parent/s (and legal guardian/s) avoid
situations where underaged children (or wards) become _bound_
Coven members. (And I acknowledge that my own Methodist
experience includes voluntary church membership.) One purpose
of Wiccan initiation (after a period of study) is to expose the
initiate to secret oathbound material, material previously
hidden from the initiate -- a new ball game. I recommend that
prospective Wiccan novices 'Caveat emptor' -- let the buyer
beware.
<*> My comments might seem fanciful, but my comments
have basis in myth and popular culture. Like the fable
'Hansel and Gretel' reflects ancient Germanic fears
concerning walking in the forest during the Midsummer
sabbat, the fable 'Rumpelstiltskin' is Germanic myth
concerning deals made for women's firstborn children.
[An anonymous dwarf agrees to spin a roomful of straw
into gold (wealth) in exchange for (a-hem) a woman's
firstborn child.]
<*> More recently, consider the lyrics
from the song "Sympathy for the Devil":
<*> " ... Pleased to meet you,
'hope you guess my name.
But what's puzzlin' you
is the nature of my game. ..."
IMO this anonymity theme suggests a question concerning the
_symbolism_ underlying the global custom of wearing masks
both during masquerade balls and also during certain public
celebrations.
<*> I interpret the Biblical discussion of The Garden of Eden
differently than others. My interpretation is that the serpent's
(satan's) tempting Eve to 'eat from The Tree of Knowledge'
involved the act of physical intercourse between the serpent
(satan) and Eve. My interpretation is that Eve later tempted
Adam to 'eat from The Tree of Knowledge' by the act of physical
intercourse between Adam and Eve. And Eve was pregnant ...
<snip>
I got no problems.
Other people got problems.
00: 21 _8 02 03/35 06 09
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Parts One, Two and Four are contained in concurrent copyrighted
messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices
(Part One/Two/Four of Four Parts)", respectively. I provide
an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in subsequent
copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for Prospective
Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two of Two Parts)", respectively.
<*> IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
on this Internet newsgroup.
IMO there is increasing tendancy within all types of groups
(including Pagan groups) to want "ins" with Government.
The following document uses the word 'Circle' in the manner
<snip>
<snip>
*****End of Part Three*****
I got no problems.
Other people got problems.
00: 21 _8 02 03/35 06 09
Richard Ballard MSEE CNA4 KD0AZ
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Parts Two, Three and Four are contained in concurrent copyrighted
messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part
Two/Three/Four of Four Parts)", respectively. I provide an
accompanying list of Wicca-related references in subsequent
copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for Prospective
Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two of Two Parts)", respectively.
<*> IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
on this Internet newsgroup.
<*> December 22 is the sabbat Yule, The Winter Solstice. When
the Wheel of the Year turns to Yule, the Wiccan God (who died
at Samhain -- October 31st) is reborn of the fertile Goddess.
During Yule the Wiccan Goddess and the reborn Wiccan God are
reunited. At the Spring Sabbat they will conceive the son
who becomes the reborn Wiccan God at next year's Yule sabbat.
<*> On this, the longest night of the year, the Wiccan God is
represented by the sun which returns in longer days to again
bring warmth and fertility to the land. Yule's importance is
based upon Pagan times, when the season's increasing darkness
and cold required that the sun (the God) be lured back to the
fertile earth (the Goddess in her mother role). During Yule
ritual celebrations the High Priest and High Priestess (or a
pair of selected individuals) symbolize the God and Goddess
reunited.
<*> Some Wiccan Traditions alternate their God personna. The
Oak King rules as Horned God from the Winter Solstice (Yule,
December 22nd) through the Summer Solstice (Midsummer,
June 22nd) and the Holly King rules as the Horned God from
Summer Solstice through Winter Solstice. These Traditions
might stage a Yule ritual battle symbolizing the Oak King
vanquishing the Holly King -- in a Midsummer ritual battle the
Holly King will vanquish the Oak King. This 'changing of the
Kings' marks the annual cycle of the sun, and can symbolize
the seasonal change of Wiccan partners.
<*> In Greek mythos the goddess Persephone (Proserpine) alternately
spent six months belowground in Hades as Pluto's queen and
consort, and six months aboveground with her mother Ceres, the
goddess of fertility and abundance. The earth was barren and
cold while Persephone's mother Ceres mourned during the six
months Persephone spent with Pluto. The earth was fertile and
warm during the six months Persephone spent with Ceres.
<*> In the Twenty First Century with its high divorce rates another
analogy can be drawn. Children of divorced parents often live
with each of their biological parents during a portion of the
year. Yule and Midsummer (end of the school year) are times
when childrens' transition between parents might occur.
<*> Yule is the most celebrated of all the Sabbats -- the return
of the sun's light and warmth is a universal concern and customs
marking the sun's return have pervaded other cultures and
religions. For example, the Norse Tradition of a twelve-day-long
Yule celebration probably is reflected in the song "The Twelve
Days of Christmas". And wreaths (popular decorations during the
Christmas holiday) symbolize The Wheel of Life in Pagan cultures.
<*> Other Pagan cultures used fire to symbolize the return of the
sun. Many of these cultures tended perpetual flames or candles
throughout the year. At Yule the flames were allowed to burn
out and the candles were extinguished. Then the fires were
rekindled and the candles were relit, joyously symbolizing the
return of the sun. Lovers celebrated a rekindling of their
romantic love along with the rekindling of the perpetual flames.
Sometimes the extinguishing and rekindling of perpetual flames
was accompanied by a seasonal change of Pagan partners.
With this Sabbat approaching, many Wiccans are discussing Wicca
Some basic definitions:
*****End of Part One*****
I got no problems.
Other people got problems.
00: 21 _8 02 03/35 06 09
Richard Ballard MSEE CNA4 KD0AZ
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Parts One, Three and Four are contained in concurrent copyrighted
messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices
(Part One/Three/Four of Four Parts)", respectively. I provide
an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in subsequent
copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for Prospective
Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two of Two Parts)", respectively.
<*> IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
on this Internet newsgroup.
<*> A similar difficult (and universally applicable) situation
exists when Wiccan parents (or legal guardian/s) force their
underage children (or wards) to become Wiccan Coven members,
a situation which IMO resembles being drafted without chance
of deferment into 'the Wiccan Army'. Most Traditions require
prospective Wiccan novices under 18 years of age to provide
a written statement of parental permission before beginning
Wiccan study. That is _much_ different than rejecting
prospective Wiccan novices under the age of 18, particularly
if the novices' parents (or legal guardian/s) are Wiccan Coven
members. A particularly unfortunate situation results if the
Wiccan Coven's Tradition includes a penalty if (upon reaching
adulthood) the children decide to leave the Wiccan Coven --
i.e., go AWOL from 'the Wiccan Army'. Wiccan oaths need _not_
include penalties for 'walking away' from a Wiccan Coven.
Raymond Buckland's Seax-Wica Tradition is an example of a
Wiccan Tradition that includes no penalty for leaving or
re-entering a Coven.
Interestingly, while age 18 is the legal 'age of sexual consent'
in most of the United States, unmarried children are not declared
legal adults and remain under their parents' supervision in most
of the United States through age 21. This three year period can
represent a 'limbo' period for unmarried children of Wiccan parents
-- they are sexually but not legally mature.
<*> I recommend that Wiccan parent/s (and legal guardian/s) avoid
situations where underaged children (or wards) become _bound_
Coven members. (And I acknowledge that my own Methodist
experience includes voluntary church membership.) One purpose
of Wiccan initiation (after a period of study) is to expose the
initiate to secret oathbound material, material previously
hidden from the initiate -- a new ball game. I recommend that
prospective Wiccan novices 'Caveat emptor' -- let the buyer
beware.
<*> My comments might seem fanciful, but my comments
I believe that the Gardnerian Wiccan Tradition is outdated in
<*> Currently IMO the United States domestic economy is being
buoyed artificially by 'printing press credit' -- interest
rates are at historic lows. Currently the United States'
domestic economy is burdened by United States involvement in Iraq,
in Afghanistan, in the former Yugoslavian states of Bosnia and
Serbia, and in South Korea. (The armistice that 'ended' the
Korean War did not resolve that war and its issues -- no country
surrendered.) I mention these issues because of their potential
effect on international perception of the United States as a
strong ally and reliable economic trading partner, with resultant
effect upon the United States domestic economy.
<*> Currently the State of California has an operating deficit
that exceeds $50 billion dollars, raising taxes is not politically
acceptable, California suffered extensive property damage as the
result of summer's end wildfires, and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
deposed former Governor Gray Davis in a recall election. Other
states have significant operating deficits and also are unwilling
to raise taxes. Government faced with chronic deficits will provide
fewer services (including housing services). A Wiccan Coven's
binding oath of obedience could be used to house indigent Coven
members (or their friends) in another person's private residence,
a right that Government does _not_ have under the United States
Constitution. IMO individuals should consider _seriously_ the
daily implications of taking any Wiccan Coven's binding oath of
obedience. That binding oath of obedience could affect your daily
life in your (formerly) private residence.
<*> I expect this issue to grow as the United States domestic
economy continues to downsize and people exhaust their credit
resources. There already is much un(der)employment, and housing
is an expensive commodity. In Los Angeles the price of a
'starter home' is reported to be in the $600K range. The
price of constructing a new home in the St. Louis area recently
was reported to have risen $10K due to plywood cost increases,
and St. Louis heating fuel costs are expected to rise
significantly this winter compared to last winter.
Membership in a Circle (a social and discussion organization)
does not require any binding oath of obedience, and there is no
penalty for leaving a Circle's membership. Covens have different
methods to solve their problems. Some of the methods are
entrepreneural. IMO there are real advantages for somebody who
chooses to become a Wiccan to learn _exactly_ what benefits Covens
offer beyond 'solitary worshipper who participates in a Circle'
before taking Coven binding oaths of obedience. And ask the cost.
Life is full of mysteries. Some mysteries are very expensive
to explore.
<*> I classify a number of groups and philosophies under Paganism.
Another popular (and hostile) phrase in my locale is "You two",
implying "Zoning allows up to three unrelated people to live in
a single family house. You submit, and either marry a
divorced/single mother, or take in an unmarried couple or needy
boarders (with or without children)."
<*> Wiccans are included within my locale's Pagan groups that
attempt to affect housing use. A shortage of elderly housing
in my locale causes Wiccans to be concerned about housing for
senior women (who often have expended their home equity to
survive in an economy paying record low interest on long-term
FDIC-insured CDs). Wiccans mindful of the Wiccan Goddess's
Crone persona are among the strong advocates for "You two"
boarders.
I am not a Pagan and as a private residence owner I experience
_social pressure and hostility_ from Pagans (among others) as a
result of local housing availability/affordability concerns.
When I first encountered these social attitudes I was incredulous.
I have encountered these attitudes repeatedly over a several year
period, and consider the attitudes an unfair popular/Pagan solution
to social welfare problems that the Government is not addressing.
My response is to remember that it is easier _not_ to invite a
guest into your private residence than to ask that guest to leave.
Once people establish legal residence (as opposed to being
invited guests) in _your_ residence, they are free to invite _their_
(unknown) friends to visit. Invited guests in a private residence
have the right to leave. Boarders in a boarding home situation have
additional legal rights.
<*> Boarding minor children (i.e., under 21 years of age) in a
BTW, a local civil servant (who I had _not_ been introduced to)
housing shortage problem. The solutions to the military family
housing problem are increased tax revenues applied to military
housing, or resumption of the Selective Service Draft and
reinstitution of the conscripted bachelor(ette) Army, options
that have been discussed on the national news media.
*****End of Part Two*****
The comments contained herein are my opinions. This message
was not solicited by Amazon.com, any author, any artist, or their
agent(s), publisher(s), producer(s) or distributor(s).
I am *not* an Islamic or Judaic scholar.
I am *not* legally qualified to provide medical, psychological,
legal, financial or religious opinions, but I have discussed some
issues with my Attorney and have read extensively in these areas.
I have strong opinions.
I got no problems.
Other people got problems.
00: 21 _8 02 03/35 06 09
Richard Ballard MSEE CNA4 KD0AZ
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Parts One, Two and Three are contained in concurrent copyrighted
messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices
(Part One/Two/Three of Four Parts)", respectively. I provide an
accompanying list of Wicca-related references in subsequent
copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for Prospective
Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two of Two Parts)", respectively.
<*> IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
on this Internet newsgroup.
'The Temple of Set', is a 1975 offshoot of 'The Church of
and
IMO website URLs are *not* acceptable as scholarly references.
Revising webpage content is as difficult as revising a form
letter, and a record of webpage content changes is *not* maintained
for later public scrutiny. (Remember the character Winston
rewriting history to fit current events in George Orwell's novel
"1984"?) In addition, offsite web hosting services are not expensive
-- IMO the existence of a website does not imply a significant
financial (or quality) commitment.
I have identified two popular press texts written by
I (simplistically?) view satanism as a culture that states
At the same time, individuals must deal with the dominant satanic
*****End of Part Four*****
I got no problems.
Other people got problems.
00: 21 _8 02 03/35 06 09
Richard Ballard MSEE CNA4 KD0AZ
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Parts One, Two and Three are contained in concurrent copyrighted
messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices
(Part One/Two/Three of Four Parts)", respectively. I provide an
accompanying list of Wicca-related references in subsequent
copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for Prospective
Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two of Two Parts)", respectively.
IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
on this Internet newsgroup.
H) I have ***much*** to say about Wiccan *Tradition*, a complex
and central Wiccan topic. Referencing "Wicca: A Guide For The
Solitary Practitioner" by Scott Cunningham, pg. 203:
'Tradition, Wiccan: An organized, structured, specific Wiccan
subgroup, usually initiatory, with often unique ritual practices.
Many Traditions have their own _Books of Shadows_ and may or may
not recognize members of other Traditions as Wiccans. Most
Traditions are composed of a number of Covens as well as solitary
practioners.'
<*> There are many valid Wiccan paths. Gardnerian Wicca was the
first Wiccan Tradition but many other Wiccan Traditions exist.
I believe that (due to economics) Gardnerian Wicca has little
relevance to 21st-Century United States society. I believe that
due to economic trends (e.g., increased cost of living due to
higher energy prices --> the new poor can afford to heat the
house or can afford to feed the car, but not both) Gardnerian
and
<*> I have made several comments concerning juvenile nutrition and
impoverished women's responsibility to raise their children. My
comments reflect my situation: I am a single man with no living
children and I do not want to argue feminist issues. But in my
locale, most often I observe impoverished children accompanied by
their mothers. This observation makes me believe that in 21st Century
United States society, the responsibility for raising impoverished
children most often falls upon their mothers.
<*> IMO the continued United States occupation of Iraq makes this
issue increasingly important. I believe that the United States
occupation of Iraq is a long-term police action that will continue
to heavily load the Armed Forces Reserve and the state National
Guard units, and that might reinitiate Selective Service drafting
of young men (including married men). I believe this long-term
police action will cause the breakup of many (military) families,
leaving many women "Separated or Divorced With Children" in a
downsized United States domestic economy offering few high-paying
jobs either to men or to women. Credit cards offer limited credit,
and home equity stretches only so far.
<*> Money spent rebuilding Iraq is not building new jobs, new
opportunities and better education in the United States. The
outsourcing of United States jobs to foreign countries (e.g.,
contract manufacturing to the Pacific Rim nations, and outsourcing
of computer programming and of telephone customer service jobs
to India with its quality education system and its significantly
lower cost-of-living) is very common in the currently downsizing
United States economy. (At the same time, the nation of Mexico
is a good neighbor that provides petroleum to the United States
in return for NAFTA jobs.)
<*> I believe that the true cost of the United States occupation
of Iraq will be paid in broken families, lost homes and several
generations of impoverished United States citizens.
*****End of Part Four*****
The comments contained herein are my opinions. This message
was not solicited by Amazon.com, any author, any artist, or their
agent(s), publisher(s), producer(s) or distributor(s).
I am *not* an Islamic or Judaic scholar.
I am *not* legally qualified to provide medical, psychological,
legal, financial or religious opinions, but I have discussed some
issues with my Attorney and have read extensively in these areas.
I have strong opinions.
I got no problems.
Other people got problems.
00: 21 _8 02 03/35 06 09
Richard Ballard MSEE CNA4 KD0AZ
--
Consultant specializing in computer networks, imaging & security
Listed as rjballard in "Friends & Favorites" at www.amazon.com
Last book reviews: "Necronomicon" & "Necronomicon Spellbook"
by Ed Simon
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Parts One, Two and Four are contained in concurrent copyrighted
messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices
(Part One/Two/Four of Four Parts)", respectively. I provide
an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in subsequent
copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for Prospective
Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two of Two Parts)", respectively.
IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
<snip>
<snip>
<*> Most men would not submit to this type of intimidation,
but it is difficult to protect loved ones 24 hours daily, 365 days
per year. And once somebody submits to coercion, the bullies have
no reason not to demand more ... and more ... and more ...
IMO people *never* should open the door to coercion. Yet
at the same time, IMO people should *never* surrender their
civil liberties due to coercion and extortion attempts.
<*> Apparently (im)proper nutrition also affects the quality
of both male and female human fertility. Given that a woman's
lifetime supply of fertile eggs exists at menarche (onset of
menstruation), the importance of good childhood nutrition
for females is obvious. (Mal)Nutrition is becoming increasingly
relevant as United States food prices rise rapidly and _food
pantries are drained_.
<*> I expect United States malnutrition concerns to grow
in the future because United States agriculture is a heavy
user of energy, and rising energy prices raise food prices.
And some people will decide to feed their cars before they
feed their kids.
<*> I expect food price rises due to the 'Mad Cow Disease' issue,
with beef prices rising as United States ranchers increase the
amount of grain in cattles' diet (thereby raising grain demand
and price). I also expect price rises in pork, chicken, cereal
and baked goods as a result of increased grain prices.
<*> When food prices rise, the impoverished have less to eat.
This fact lends perspective to the potato's place within
Edain McCoy's Wittan Tradition.
I have observed literally hundreds of questions asking 'What
is the true Wicca?' I have observed few good answers. The
best answer I have observed from others is 'My Wiccan Tradition
defines Wicca to be ... .'
Wicca with its fertility emphasis emphasizes The Goddess
and the feminine perspective, but both women and men can be
Wiccans. In my experience male witches are a rarity. In
my locale young men are drawn to satanism rather than Wicca.
'Blessed be' is a common Wiccan salutation. 'Blessed be'
has several interpretations. In my locale the most common
interpretation is 'I hope that your attempts at pregnancy
are successful'. A less common interpretation is 'I hope
that your partner/significant-other will submit' (usually
to matrimony or to joining a Coven/Family). This interpretation
can be aided by the use of a 'blessed bee' -- a needle used to
puncture holes in a condom to facilitate pregnancy and
subsequent forced marriage (an act that either partner can
perform. Sexually transmitted diseases can complicate this
action.)
Some people say that 'Blessed Be' is a mere greeting
meaning nothing more than Goodbye and Goodluck and that I am
stretching this greeting's intention to preposterous levels.
<*> I stand on my statements based upon common language usage
in my locale. And based upon the downsizing United States
domestic economy with high un(der)employment (few new jobs
are being created) and record credit levels, I anticipate that
many people (a gender-independent term) will consider marriage
as one solution to their worsening financial problems.
Another less common 'blessed bee' interpretation is the
tattoo needle or marker that is used to mark initiates
who have completed their apprenticeship and who are qualified
to become full Wiccan Coven or Pagan Family members.
<*> Wicca emphasizes the Goddess and the fertility, but the tenets
followed by most Wiccan Traditions [the Wiccan Rede ('An ye
harm none, do what ye will ...') and 'The Universal Rule Of Three'
('any action will be returned to the source threefold')] have
little correspondence with the Wiccan Goddess and with fertility.
I believe the French concept 'noblesse oblige' is best suited to
Wicca's emphasis of the Goddess and fertility. Noblesse oblige
is an ethical concept stating that individuals who know quality
are obliged to perform quality actions -- the discretion of
prioritizaton is left to the individual. Noblesse oblige
encourages responsible actions. Furthermore, noblesse oblige
unambiguously solves the recurring Wiccan debate concerning
whether performing ill actions _ever_ can be justified under
the Wiccan Rede and 'The Universal Rule Of Three' -- ill actions
_never_ are justified under the concept of noblesse oblige.
The discretion of prioritization allowed under noblesse oblige
reflects economic reality. We cannot afford _everything_ we want.
Often the realistic and quality alternative to an unreasonable
desire is to accept nothing. Noblesse oblige obliges the
individual to make quality, realistic choices followed by quality,
responsible actions. No one is harmed under the noblesse
oblige philosophy, yet nobody might benefit if accepting nothing
is the alternative which is chosen. The statement "I prefer
no companions to bad companions" reflects noblesse oblige.
Witch wars sometimes result in chaotic attacks -- i.e., a
flood of annoyances, insults and small injuries. Under a
noblesse oblige philosophy should One suffer these attacks
stoically, or should One respond to the attacks?
I believe that accumulation of harm dictates the victim's
response. Ignoring a small annoyance, a small insult, or
a small injury is both polite and economical. But repeated
small annoyances, small insults, and small injuries can
accumulate into significant harm.
I believe that submitting to significant harm is damaging both
to an individual's life and also to their self-respect. I also
believe that submitting to significant harm might be not moral
and not ethical -- the victim is ignoring the difference (and the
consequences) between right and ... (a-hem) wrong.
<*> Thus I believe that an ethical person's stoicism must be
tempered by the accumulated harm received. IMO infinite
stoicism is self-destructive, and IMO a person never should
surrender his/her civil liberties.
*****End of Part Three*****
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Parts Two, Three and Four are contained in concurrent copyrighted
messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices
(Part Two/Three/Four of Four Parts)", respectively. I provide
an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in subsequent
copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for Prospective
Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two of Two Parts)", respectively.
IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
on this Internet newsgroup.
<*> February 2 is the sabbat Imbolg (pronounced Em-bowl'-g).
Imbolg, (also called Imbolc and Oimelc, words that both translate
as "ewe's milk"), originated as a celebration honoring The Goddess's
attempt to end harsh hungry Winter and hasten warm balmy Spring by
luring back the God, who represented the warm sun. The Greeks and
Romans dedicated this celebration to their Goddesses of Love (Diana
and Venus, respectively). On this day the Irish celebrated
St. Bridget's Day -- young women (representing virgins) dressed
in old worn clothing went door-to-door begging for alms. On Imbolg
the French celebrate The Feast Day of St. Blaize, the saint of
winter protection and healing. Imbolg also has been called
Candlemas in Anglo-Saxon cultures because of the custom of lighting
a circle of candles (ritual fires) to hasten the return of the Sun
and the return of Spring's warmth. Often the candles substitute
for the celebratory outdoor balefires that create an lovemaking
atmosphere during other sabbats -- the ritual performed within
the circle of candles is obvious.
<*> In the United States Imbolg coincides with Groundhog's Day,
a day when the groundhog Punxsutawney Phil rises from his winter
slumber and seeks his shadow. No shadow indicates an early Spring,
while a strong shadow indicates six more weeks of harsh Winter.
<*> All these celebrations share a common theme: hastening the
end of the harsh hungry Winter and hastening the return of
Spring with its agricultural fertility.
With this sabbat approaching, many Wiccans are discussing Wicca
more openly, and many of their friends are hearing about Wicca
for the first time. These friends might ask "How can I learn
about Wicca?"
<*> I wish to offer some basic definitions. But before offering
these definitions I must state that I am _not_ a Wiccan, a witch,
a Pagan or a satanist. People ask me "Why are you providing these
definitions on the Internet?" One reason is that I heard about
Wicca in an acquaintance's chance comment, and learning details
about Paganism and Wicca has cost me (and continues to cost me)
much time and trouble. Another reason I provide these definitions
is the flood of negativism on the Pagan- and Wicca-related Internet
newsgroups. It appears that everybody has a license to criticize
and complain, but few have a license to make a positive contribution.
<*> I have defined my documents' current scope: Providing information
about 21st Century Pagan and Wiccan practices based upon my reading,
my Internet newsgroup participation, and my arms-length observations
in my locale. IMO this is the information that _not committed_
prospective Wiccan novices seek. Assembling that information cost
(and continues to cost) me much time and trouble -- time and trouble
Some basic definitions:
Magick sometimes is described as being Low Magick or High
Magick. Low Magick typically denotes simple magick spells
performed by individuals. High Magick typically denotes
ceremonial magick rituals usually performed by groups. Both
complexity and the number of participants differentiate high
magick from low magick. Ritual tools and complexity help
focus and strengthen magickal power, while participation in
group rituals helps focus individuals' magick powers into one
coherent force.
<*> Despite vocal opposition, I stand upon my statement that
High Magick _typically_ denotes ceremonial magick rituals
usually performed by like-minded groups of people. This
definition is based both upon my reading and upon my life
experience. One purpose of ceremony is to strengthen group
members' common efforts -- like-minded individuals sharing
a common experience are bound closer together by common
(deliberately impressive ceremonial) perspective. Participants'
group-related efforts are better focused and mutually
reinforced -- this is basic psychology. An individual
ceremonial ritual can focus one person's attention, but no
mutual reinforcement among like-minded group members is
possible within individual ceremonial rituals. At the mundane
level, High Magick relates to Low Magick as chaos-causing conspiracy
relates to one individual's attempts to create disruptive chaos.
<*> Both Magickians and Magicians (i.e., Prestidigitators)
employ chaos within their Craft. Chaos confuses and distracts
the Magickian and Magician's subjects, making the subjects
more susceptible to suggestion and influence.
IMO the Wiccan greeting 'Blessed be' is a mixed blessing.
'Blessed be' can denote the benign wish "May your attempts at
pregnancy be successful." 'Blessed be(e)' also can denote the
pin used to poke holes in a condom to facilitate pregnancy and
subsequent forced marriage, an act that _either_ partner can
initiate -- sexually transmitted diseases can complicate this
action. (I discuss other 'blessed be' interpretations in
the 'Definitions Part Three' message.)
Some people say that 'Blessed Be' is a mere greeting
meaning nothing more than Goodbye and Goodluck and that I am
stretching this greeting's intention to preposterous levels.
<*> I stand on my statements based upon common language usage
in my locale. And based upon the downsizing United States
domestic economy with high un(der)employment (few new jobs
are being created), record credit levels and rapidly rising
cost-of-living (e.g., rapidly rising food and energy costs),
I anticipate that many people (a gender-independent term)
will consider marriage as one solution to their worsening
financial problems.
C) Historically (and ironically) the word *craftsman* (and its
modern variant *craftsperson*) has referred to a perfectionist
whose work is beyond reproach -- chaos-free. Yet those who
practice Magick often are said to practice 'The Craft'.
D) According to Scott Cunningham's well-regarded text "Wicca:
A Guide For The Solitary Practioner" (pg. 63), the eight *sabbats*
are days of power. Four sabbats coincide with Solstices and
Equinoxes (the beginnings of the four seasons), and the other four
sabbats are based upon ancient folk festivals, including those of
the ancient Near East.
Within her text "Inside A Witches' Coven" Ms. Edain McCoy states
(pg. 140) that the origin of the word sabbat is the Greek word
'sabatu' meaning 'to rest'.
I believe that the word sabbat also shares linguistic roots with
the Hebrew words Saba (e.g., Sheba, an ancient kingdom of southern
Arabia), Sabaism (the worship of stars and the heavens), Shebat
(the fifth month of the Jewish calendar that roughly coincides
with Imbolg), and 'shabbath' [to rest; (i.e., Sabbath, a period
of rest)].
Some Covens perform _no magick_ during sabbats, treating sabbats
as occasions for rest and rejoicing. Other Covens view sabbats
as a time for powerful magick (often fertility magick). Whether
magick is performed during a sabbat celebration depends upon a
Coven's Tradition.
*****End of Part One*****
The comments contained herein are my opinions. This message
was not solicited by Amazon.com, any author, any artist, or their
agent(s), publisher(s), producer(s) or distributor(s).
I am _not_ an Islamic or Judaic scholar.
I am _not_ legally qualified to provide medical, psychological,
legal, financial or religious opinions, but I have discussed some
issues with my Attorney and have read extensively in these areas.
I have strong opinions.
I got no problems.
Other people got problems.
00: 21 _8 02 03/35 06 09
Richard Ballard MSEE CNA4 KD0AZ
--
Consultant specializing in computer networks, imaging & security
Listed as rjballard in "Friends & Favorites" at www.amazon.com
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Parts One, Three and Four are contained in concurrent copyrighted
messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices
(Part One/Three/Four of Four Parts)", respectively. I provide
an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in subsequent
copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for Prospective
Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two of Two Parts)", respectively.
IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
A similar difficult (and universally applicable) situation
exists when Wiccan parents (or legal guardian/s) force their
underage children (or wards) to become Wiccan Coven members,
a situation which IMO resembles being drafted without chance
of deferment into 'the Wiccan Army'. Most Traditions require
prospective Wiccan novices under 18 years of age to provide
a written statement of parental permission before beginning
Wiccan study. That is _much_ different than rejecting
prospective Wiccan novices under the age of 18, particularly
if the novices' parents (or legal guardian/s) are Wiccan Coven
members. A particularly unfortunate situation results if the
Wiccan Coven's Tradition includes a penalty if (upon reaching
adulthood) the children decide to leave the Wiccan Coven --
i.e., go AWOL from 'the Wiccan Army'. Wiccan oaths need _not_
include penalties for 'walking away' from a Wiccan Coven.
Raymond Buckland's Seax-Wica Tradition is an example of a
Wiccan Tradition that includes no penalty for leaving or
re-entering a Coven.
Interestingly, while age 18 is the legal 'age of sexual consent'
in most of the United States, unmarried children are not declared
legal adults and remain under their parents' supervision in most
of the United States through age 21. This three year period can
represent a 'limbo' period for unmarried children of Wiccan parents
-- they are sexually but not legally mature.
I recommend that Wiccan parent/s (and legal guardian/s) avoid
situations where underaged children (or wards) become _bound_
Coven members. (And I acknowledge that my own Methodist
experience includes voluntary church membership.) One purpose
of Wiccan initiation (after a period of study) is to expose the
initiate to secret oathbound material, material previously
hidden from the initiate -- a new ball game. I recommend that
prospective Wiccan novices 'Caveat emptor' -- let the buyer
beware.
<*> My comments might appear draconian, but the United States
is in a period of economic downsizing characterized by rising
housing, energy and food costs combined with few new jobs
being created. When the economy downsizes, some people are
less prosperous while other people become impoverished -- the
new poor. Loss of prosperity brings loss of options --
poverty brings further loss of options. People naturally make
the best deal possible, but offered situations become poorer and
scarcer in a downsized economy and some offered situations are
not pleasant or worse. The phrase no longer is used, but the
phrase 'wage slaves' was common in the recessionary late-1970's.
My comments might seem fanciful, but my comments
have basis in myth and popular culture. Like the fable
'Hansel and Gretel' reflects ancient Germanic fears
concerning walking in the forest during the Midsummer
sabbat, the fable 'Rumpelstiltskin' is Germanic myth
concerning deals made for women's firstborn children.
[An anonymous dwarf agrees to spin a roomful of straw
into gold (wealth) in exchange for (a-hem) a woman's
firstborn child.]
More recently, consider the lyrics
from the song "Sympathy for the Devil":
" ... Pleased to meet you,
'hope you guess my name.
But what's puzzlin' you
is the nature of my game. ..."
IMO this anonymity theme suggests a question concerning the
_symbolism_ underlying the global custom of wearing masks
both during masquerade balls and also during certain public
celebrations.
I interpret the Biblical discussion of The Garden of Eden
<*> ***I can not overstress this issue.*** A Coven's High Priest/ess
has the right to squelch 'improper discussion' within the Coven.
effect upon the United States domestic economy. Recently the
value of the United States dollar has fallen compared to the
value of other countries' currencies. And the United States
currently is working with Canada and with its Central and
South American neighbors to create an "American Free Trade Zone"
similar to the European Union -- no more 'Imperialist Yanquis'!
Currently the State of California has an operating deficit
that exceeds $50 billion dollars, raising taxes is not politically
acceptable, California suffered extensive property damage as the
result of summer's end wildfires, and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
deposed former Governor Gray Davis in a recall election. Other
states have significant operating deficits and also are unwilling
to raise taxes. Government faced with chronic deficits will provide
fewer services (including housing services). A Wiccan Coven's
binding oath of obedience could be used to house indigent Coven
members (or their friends) in another person's private residence,
a right that Government does _not_ have under the United States
Constitution. IMO individuals should consider _seriously_ the
daily implications of taking any Wiccan Coven's binding oath of
obedience. That binding oath of obedience could affect your daily
life in your (formerly) private residence.
<*> I expect this issue to grow as the United States domestic
economy continues to downsize and people exhaust their credit
resources. There already is much un(der)employment, few new
jobs are being created, and housing is an expensive commodity.
In Los Angeles the price of a 'starter home' is reported to be
in the $600K range. The price of constructing a new home in
the St. Louis area was reported to have risen $10K due to
plywood cost increases, regular gasoline costs over $1.65US
per gallon in St. Louis, and St. Louis area heating fuel costs
are expected to rise significantly in the coming months.
Membership in a Circle (a social and discussion organization)
does not require any binding oath of obedience, and there is no
penalty for leaving a Circle's membership. Covens have different
methods to solve their problems. Some of the methods are
entrepreneural. IMO there are real advantages for somebody who
chooses to become a Wiccan to learn _exactly_ what benefits Covens
offer beyond 'solitary worshipper who participates in a Circle'
before taking Coven binding oaths of obedience. And ask the cost.
Life is full of mysteries. Some mysteries are very expensive
to explore.
I classify a number of groups and philosophies under Paganism.
Another popular (and hostile) phrase in my locale is "You two",
implying "Zoning allows up to three unrelated people to live in
a single family house. You submit, and either marry a
divorced/single mother, or take in an unmarried couple or needy
boarders (with or without children)."
Wiccans are included within my locale's Pagan groups that
attempt to affect housing use. A shortage of elderly housing
in my locale causes Wiccans to be concerned about housing for
senior women (who often have expended their home equity to
survive in an economy paying record low interest on long-term
FDIC-insured CDs). Wiccans mindful of the Wiccan Goddess's
Crone persona are among the strong advocates for "You two"
boarders.
I am not a Pagan and as a private residence owner I experience
_social pressure and hostility_ from Pagans (among others) as a
result of local housing availability/affordability concerns.
When I first encountered these social attitudes I was incredulous.
I have encountered these attitudes repeatedly over a several year
period, and consider the attitudes an unfair popular/Pagan solution
to social welfare problems that the Government is not addressing.
My response is to remember that it is easier _not_ to invite a
guest into your private residence than to ask that guest to leave.
<*> While I am not qualified to provide legal opinions, I believe
that once people establish legal residence (as opposed to being
invited guests) in _your_ residence, they are free to invite _their_
(unknown) friends to visit. Invited guests in a private residence
have the right to leave. Boarders in a boarding home situation have
additional legal rights -- paying rent (usually) creates a contractual
situation under the common law.
Boarding minor children (i.e., under 21 years of age) in a
residence empowers legal complications. Government cannot legally
enter an all-adult private residence unless invited or accompanied
by a search warrant issued by the Courts. When a person accepts
minor children (including college students under 21 years of age)
as residents within their home or apartment, social welfare agencies
assigned to safeguard childrens' rights, health, and safety gain the
warrantless right of physical access to that private residence,
accompanied by the police if necessary.
While I am not qualified to provide legal opinions, I believe
that accepting pregnant adult women as residents in a private home
or apartment grants the same warrantless uninvited physical access
privileges to social welfare agencies tasked with providing
prenatal care and wellness care to pregnant women, accompanied
by the police if necessary.
While I am not qualified to provide legal opinions, I believe that
accepting the elderly as residents in a private home or apartment
grants the same warrantless uninvited physical access privileges
to social welfare agencies tasked with safeguarding health and safety
for the elderly, accompanied by the police if necessary.
<*> In my locale, local government is considering empowering the
local police to assist in the detection and detainment of illegal
immigrants. I do not know how this initiative would affect
police's ability to enter private residences without a
Court-issued search warrant (particularly when flown under the
banners of antiterrorism and Homeland Security).
While I am not qualified to provide legal opinions, I believe that
allowing guests' animal pets (e.g., cats and dogs) within a private
residence _awkwardly_ grants the same warrantless uninvited physical
access privileges to municipal animal control agencies tasked with
humane treatment for animals and for maintaining public safety,
accompanied by the police if necessary.
And if a bad boarder or bad invited guest (either maliciously or
by illegal action) invites officialdom (or minor children) into a
private residence ...
In an environment of hostile Government harrassment, IMO this
Given our downsized domestic economy (with its shrunken tax
*****End of Part Two*****
Richard Ballard
with a <*> marker.
In article <20040114110535...@mb-m15.aol.com>,
rball...@aol.com (Richard Ballard) writes:
>Copyright 2003, 2004 by Richard J. Ballard -- All Rights Reserved.
>Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
>Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
>with a <*> marker.
>
>Parts One, Two and Three are contained in concurrent copyrighted
>messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices
>(Part One/Two/Three of Four Parts)", respectively. I provide an
>accompanying list of Wicca-related references in subsequent
>copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for Prospective
>Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two of Two Parts)", respectively.
>
>IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
>On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
>"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
>on this Internet newsgroup.
<snip>
<*> IMO history often can be explained in terms of economics,
and similar economics brings similar societal responses. IMO
the United States today faces an economic situation similar to
the situation faced during the latter parts of former President
Lyndon B. Johnson's Administration. During President Johnson's
time, the United States economy had been drained by long
involvement in the Vietnam War. Today the United States economy
has been drained by involvement in Bosnia, in Afghanistan and
now in Iraq. At the same time, today the United States has greater
dependence upon foreign nations for energy and for manufactured
goods -- both economic weaknesses.
<*> My own personal political philosophy is capitalistic because
I believe in meritocracy. But people seek different political
solutions during troubled economic times. Already United States
citizens look to socialized medicine and to Canadian pharmaceuticals
in an effort to reduce their health care costs. And rapidly
increasing gasoline prices (my local television newscaster is
speculating about $3.00US per gallon gasoline this summer) will
_radically_ change some peoples' lifestyles for the worse. Marxism,
a set of political philosophies born from harsh economic conditions,
had vocal advocates during the Vietnam War era -- those Vietnam
protests were more than 'flower power'.
<*> IMO worsening economics during the United States occupation
of Iraq _will_ cause increased United States' citizenry interest in
Marxist political philosophies (particularly in college students).
This increased interest in Marxist political philosophy _will_ raise
concern in anti-terrorism and Homeland Security circles (been there,
seen that), and might raise civil liberties issues inside the
United States.
<*> I have referred to the United States' occupation of Iraq as
'a police action' (much as the United States' long involvement
in Korea often is called a police action). IMO the term
'police action' is appropriate for another reason. United States
involvement in Somalia and then in Bosnia were peacekeeping
missions. In these missions United States military forces performed
police functions and evolved techniques to militarily pacify/police
_entire countries_. The United States' occupation of Iraq began
with war but has evolved into a pacifying police action. The
techniques the United States military uses to pacify entire
countries continue to evolve in Iraq.
<*> If a United States citizenry interest resurgence in Marxist
political philosophies raises antiterrorism and Homeland Security
concerns, IMO United States Armed Forces might play a greater role
in quelling political protest within the United States than the
Armed Forces performed during the Vietnam War era (despite the
current existence of the Federal 'Posse Comitas Act').
Richard Ballard
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
In article <20040114135648...@mb-m11.aol.com>,
rball...@aol.com (Richard Ballard) writes:
<snip>
<*> IMO other factors that weaken the current United States
domestic economy are the emphasis on Homeland Security since
the tragic events of September 11, 2001; and the recent emphasis
on computer software security upgrades.
<*> Security does _not_ produce a salable service or product --
at its best, security facilitates "business and life as usual".
Since 9/11/2001 the United States has invested heavily in
Homeland Security activities. This Homeland Security investment
is necessary, but the investment does _not_ produce salable goods
or services. Instead the investment drains resources from
productive activities and weaken the United States domestic
economy.
<*> The "Year 2000 Computer Software Modifications" are analogous
to our current Homeland Security activities. The Year 2000 Computer
Software Modifications permitted computers and communications
to operate normally beyond January 1, 2000, but these modifications
did _not_ produce additional salable goods or services. The Year 2000
Computer Modifications cost approximately one percent of one year's
United States Gross National Product, resources drained from
productive activities.
<*> I do not know the (direct and indirect) costs of
Homeland security, but IMO Homeland Security activities
weaken the United States domestic economy in an analogous
(and continuing) manner. And many Homeland Security activities
are labor-intensive -- mechanized savings opportunities are minimal.
<*> The last five years also have featured a flood of Internet-based
attacks on computer software, and a flood of effort to counter
these attacks quickly and economically. IMO real progress has
been made in this area. Increasingly computer software security
upgrades are made automatically over the Internet, and the
increased mechanization is quick and economical. Computer
software security upgrades also are a continuing expense, but
their cost is being reduced by user education (e.g., avoid bad
Internet websites) and by increased mechanization.
<*> IMO, United States recent involvement in Bosnia, in Afghanistan
and Iraq, coupled with the expense of imported petroleum and
manufactured goods, continuing Homeland Security activities
and continuing computer software security upgrade activities has
burdened the United States domestic economy equivalent to the
economic burden the United States faced during the Vietnam War
at the end of former President Lyndon B. Johnson's Administration.
<*> Summarizing, many factors contribute to the current weak
United States domestic economy. A weak domestic economy produces
few new jobs, and produces poverty rather than affluence.
Impoverished people have fewer options, and impoverished
people seek political remedies. IMO the current weak United States
domestic economy could trigger protests similar to the Vietnam War
protests. In Iraq and elsewhere the United States military is
evolving techniques that might be used to suppress these protests.
Military and police using these techniques (including domestic
surveillance without Court-issued warrants) might restrict civil
liberties (including freedom of speech and freedom of worship)
through intimidation, entrapment, selective enforcement of
existing regulations and laws, anonymous defamation of
character and reputation, and chaotic implementation of
Murphy's Law.
Richard Ballard
"Medusa" <f...@foo.com> writes:
>What the fuck are you babbling about? What does 9/11 have
>to do with Wicca? Are you insinuating that Wiccans are
>to blame for poverty, war, and the bad economy?
I was discussing how bad economic conditions might cause
Government to restrict civil liberties, including
Freedom of Worship.
>In other words, "So, waddaya tryin' ta say?"
>
>Medusa Slox
Bad economic conditions reduce both individuals' lifestyle
options and also Government liberalism and largesse. In
order to "keep the lights on", individuals sometimes are
forced to accept situations they normally would reject.
(Have you read John Steinbeck's classic novel
"The Grapes Of Wrath"?) In order to maintain domestic
tranquility, Government might seek to restrict civil
liberties. (Again, have you read John Steinbeck's classic
novel "The Grapes Of Wrath"?)
The solution? I can not speak for Government, but an
individual who lives frugally is not forced by extravagence
into surrendering their civil liberties.
My Italian grocer friend has a saying that translates to
"First we eat". This holds true even in wartime. A strong
force can be starved into surrender. Do you remember
reading about "The Berlin Airlift" conducted by the
United States after World War II? The Soviets had blockaded
Berlin from resupply in an attempt to force the Western
allies (the United States, England and France) to surrender
their Berlin sectors to the Soviets. President (and former
Five Star General) Dwight D. Eisenhower instituted the Berlin
Airlift -- a mission to supply Berlin's needs via aircraft.
We did not submit, the Berlin Airlift kept Berlin alive (I
remember newsreel footage that showed aircraft landing and
taking off with almost as much frequency as cars entering
an Interstate Highway), and the Soviets finally stopped
their blockade attempt.
More below.
>"Richard Ballard" <rball...@aol.com> wrote this crap
Richard Ballard
In article <20040114110535...@mb-m15.aol.com>,
rball...@aol.com (Richard Ballard) writes:
>Copyright 2003, 2004 by Richard J. Ballard -- All Rights Reserved.
>Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
>Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
>with a <*> marker.
>
>Parts One, Two and Three are contained in concurrent copyrighted
>messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices
>(Part One/Two/Three of Four Parts)", respectively. I provide an
>accompanying list of Wicca-related references in subsequent
>copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for Prospective
>Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two of Two Parts)", respectively.
>
>IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
>On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
>"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
>on this Internet newsgroup.
<snip>
>I) *Warlock* is a term that many interpret differently. To
>the general population 'warlock' refers to a (usually male)
>Magick-using warrior. Witch wars are _discouraged_ in Craft and
>Wiccan Covens, however, and 'warlock' usually denotes someone
>who has been ostracized from a Coven or a group of cooperating
>Covens for disobedience to Coven Tradition or to the Coven High
>Priest/ess's authority. [In some cases a Coven High Priest/ess
>pairs Coven members (and their children) during sabbats.] The
>ostracism that a warlock encounters includes social shunning,
>denial of _any_ assistance from Coven members, and so-called
>chaotic attacks (e.g., floods of annoyances, insults and small
>injuries). The ostracism's goal is to force the warlock to
>_vacate_ the locale where his/her former Coven worships,
>preferably moving to another city or state. (In the Midwest
>city where I grew up people talked about 'running somebody out
>of town on a rail'.) I believe this ostracism occurs most
>often in the case of a Pagan man who divorces or deserts his
>partner, particularly if the partners have children. But the
>ostracism also occurs in divorcing households that do not
>include children, and in my locale non-Pagan divorcing men
>also experience this ostracism.
<*> In my locale, feminists often speak of 'shame man ism'
(a word play on the term 'shamanism') as a process intended
to force a warlock (or other seemingly unsympathetic male)
back into the fold. 'Shame man ism' is an organized process
of social shunning by feminists and their sympathetic (?)
partners and family members.
<*> In my locale the goal of 'shame man ism' is summarized by
one of our civic ordinances: "No dogs without leashes".
A single male with no living children is remarkably free,
a status that troubles some less fortunate individuals.
<*> 'Shame man ism' is one area where magick and science
overlap, specifically in the form of the Heisenberg Uncertainty
Principle. 'Shame man ism' causes changes, however the
shunners do not always appreciate the direction those changes
take. Once a person is shunned, that person has little reason
not to speak openly and frankly about perceived social inequities.
And being the target of organized shunning permanently changes
the target individual's perception of the shunning community,
the community's values, and _the community's current and
future value_.
<*> Some people might question the existence of organized
social shunning. Historically, shunning has been used in
_(para)military organizations_ (nobody covers your back);
English boy's schools; rough sports teams (e.g., football,
rugby, ice hockey -- again, nobody covers your back); and
in communal societies (e.g., the Mormons and the Oneida
Community). In communal societies situated in harsh
environments, extreme shunning can result in death from
starvation, dehydration or exposure to freezing weather --
you can't come in out of the cold. In magickal circles,
warlocks (so-called oath breakers) routinely are shunned
by the overall magickal community. In my locale, divorced
men (especially those with living children) often are treated
as oath breakers regardless of the situations motivating
the divorce.
<*> Some people might question apparent cavalier responses
to organized social shunning. I acknowledge that humans
are social beings and that humans prefer good companionship.
But good companionship is defined by the individual, and
definitions change with experience.
<*> I explain cavalier response to social shunning using
the backpacker analogy. The backpacker walks towards the
horizon. If the backpacker chooses to look backwards, the
people and things the backpacker leaves behind appear
ever smaller as time passes. Now, if the backpacker's
friends, relatives and associates shun the backpacker, these
people's collaborative social shunning makes them appear
_even smaller_ to the backpacker in terms of personal integrity,
in terms of potential trouble, and also in terms of
_questionable future value_ as good companions. And if
these people are shunning the backpacker, why should
the backpacker bother to look backwards as s/he walks
towards the horizon?
<*> Increasingly in 21st Century society, the unraveling of the
"social safety net" provided by Government has popularized
socialism political concepts -- many people feel that fortunate
individuals are bound to invite less fortunate people to live
within their private homes. My reaction to these socialism
political concepts is twofold. First, the concepts are contrary
to the individual civil liberties guaranteed by the United States
Constitution. Second, nothing kills charity faster than coercion.
>Pagans sometimes refer to non-Pagans as 'cowans'. The
>term cowan is derived primarily from Freemasonry: 'cowans'
>were non-Masonic stoneworkers who either produced inferior
>work and thus were not eligible to join or worked only in
>drystone (without mortar), which apparently didn't count.
>[Interestingly, drystone work can be *very* difficult because
>individual stones are independently fitted and laid. Mortar
>can act as glue and a filler to patch weaknesses in mortared
>stone construction.]
>
>As I stated previously, I believe that some Wiccans use
>'The Universal Rule of Three' to justify 'vigilante lessons'
>against both Wiccans and non-Wiccans, including ostracizing
>non-Wiccan divorcing men regardless of whether the divorcing
>household includes children. I find this ethically troubling.
>Non-Pagans are *not* Wiccan Coven or Pagan Family members.
>Non-Pagans took no binding oaths -- they are *not* oath breakers.
>In effect, non-Pagans 'did not sign the contract', but they
>are being punished for breaking oaths that they never accepted.
>IMO a Lot can happen as a result of this unethical treatment.
<snip>
Richard Ballard
New and significantly changed paragraphs begin with a <*> marker.
In article <20040126102424...@mb-m15.aol.com>,
rball...@aol.com (Richard Ballard) writes:
<snip>
English boy's (boarding) schools (which have a military
tradition); rough sports teams (e.g., football, rugby,
ice hockey -- again, nobody covers your back); and in
communal societies (e.g., the Mormons and the Oneida
Community) to encourage conformity (i.e., so-called 'right
thinking'). In communal societies situated in harsh
environments, extreme shunning can result in death from
starvation, dehydration or exposure to freezing weather --
you can't come in out of the cold. In magickal circles,
warlocks (so-called oath breakers) routinely are shunned
by the overall magickal community.
<*> In my locale, divorced men (especially those with living
children) often are treated as oath breakers regardless of
the situations motivating the divorce. The Roman Catholic
religion (which has a long European military tradition)
discourages divorce among its members. And I wonder how
the career military community treats divorce among its members?
(Service personnel returning from extended duty in a war zone
are greatly changed. An epidemic of postwar divorces within
the career military community would be very disruptive to
the military.)
Richard Ballard
New and significantly changed paragraphs begin with a <*> marker.
In article <20040126110449...@mb-m22.aol.com>,
rball...@aol.com (Richard Ballard) writes:
<snip>
religion (which has a long European military tradition and
whose practices include 'Excommunication' -- denial of
The Sacraments) discourages divorce among its members.
And I wonder how the career military community treats
divorce among its members? (Service personnel returning
from extended duty in a war zone are greatly changed. An
epidemic of postwar divorces within the career military
community would be very disruptive to the military.)
<*> The current Iraq police action draws heavily upon the
Armed Forces Reserves and the National Guards -- (often
married) citizen soldiers. In its current 'maintain and
rebuild phase', eighteen month Iraq tours of duty appear to
be standard operating procedure. The Iraq police action
is in its early stages -- at this time, few soldiers have
completed their Iraq tours of duty.
<*> IMO the financial burden borne by soldiers now serving
in Iraq will not be evident until standard rotations and
returns to the United States become commonplace. I am not a
military historian, but IMO the demographics of the current
Iraq police action resemble World War II and the Korean
Conflict more than they resemble the Vietnam War or Operation
Desert Storm (the war in Kuwait). Operation Desert Storm had
relatively short duration and relied heavily on air power --
no long occupation with overseas reliance upon the Armed
Forces Reserve and the National Guard. The Vietnam War
occured in an era where a baby boom of late teen / early
twenties young men were available for the military draft --
little overseas reliance upon the Armed Forces Reserve and
the National Guard.
<*> World War II and the Korean Conflict were soldiered through
extensive military drafting of civilians. This extensive drafting
included heavy reliance upon _married soldiers_ whose families
endured at home and suffered economic hardship throughout the
fighting. World War II and Korea were large scale conflicts
affecting the entire civilian population -- _the entire
United States civilian population (the taxpayers) pulled together_.
<*> The current Iraq police action places heavy overseas
reliance upon the married soldiers of the Armed Forces Reserve
and the National Guard (whose service pay often is
_significantly less_ than their civilian job salaries). The
soldiers and families of the Armed Forces Reserve and the
National Guard currently are facing _economic hardship_ similar
to that faced by the overall population during World War II
and the Korean Conflict. But the Iraq police action affects
the overall United States population primarily through its
'printing press financing' and resulting inflationary cost
increases -- not popular. The entire United States civilian
population (the taxpayers) is not yet pulling together to
support the soldiers serving in Iraq, and these soldiers will
end their tours of duty and return to the United States with
_little remaining cash, credit or home equity_. Poverty breeds
unhappiness, discord and civil strife; and without unified
taxpayer support for these returning military personnel in
the form of _significantly increased veterans' benefits_, many
Armed Forces Reserve and National Guard marriages will end
shortly after soldiers' Iraq tours of duty end.
<*> During World War II and the Korean Conflict, domestic
United States housing construction was at a standstill. A
housing shortage existed at the end of these conflicts and
Government subsidy of housing construction was included in
veterans' benefits. In the 21st Century, the Iraq police action
is raising the cost of housing construction in the United States,
and money spent rebuilding Iraq (a moral issue) is not available
to build housing in the United States. Housing shortages
breed poverty, discord and civil strife that prevents or
destroys marriages and civilized society.
<*> When military priorities create 'marriage adverse' financial
situations, do former military personnel who divorce deserve to
be treated as shunned oathbreakers? When reduced veterans'
benefits create 'marriage adverse' financial situations, do
former military personnel who divorce deserve to be treated as
shunned oathbreakers? And without increased veterans' benefits
to offset the financial sacrifices of members of the Armed Forces
Reserve and the National Guards, how will these institutions
be sustained in the future?
<snip>
*****End of Part Four*****
Last book review: "The Blood Countess: A Novel"
by Andre Codrescu
Richard Ballard
New and significantly changed paragraphs begin with a <*> marker.
In article <20040127050033...@mb-m03.aol.com>,
rball...@aol.com (Richard Ballard) writes:
<snip>
<*> What happens if veterans' benefits are not increased? The
best analogy I know is that after four years of fighting in the
Civil War (The War Between The States), Confederate soldiers
returned to their Southern homes to face financial ruin and a
period of painful Reconstruction. And without increased veterans'
benefits to offset the financial sacrifices of members of the
Armed Forces Reserve and the National Guards, how will these
institutions be sustained as contingencies against future needs?
<*> When military priorities create 'marriage adverse' financial
situations, do former military personnel who divorce deserve to
be treated as shunned oath breakers? When reduced veterans'
benefits create 'marriage adverse' financial situations, do
former military personnel who divorce deserve to be treated as
shunned oath breakers?
>>><*> Some people might question apparent cavalier responses
Richard Ballard
New and significantly changed paragraphs begin with a <*> marker.
In article <20040127062153...@mb-m04.aol.com>,
rball...@aol.com (Richard Ballard) writes:
<snip>
<*> One reader commented that 'running somebody out of town
on a rail' is juvenile and not believable. Purr haps, but
it hap pens. Furthermore, in the accompanying message
"Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part Three of
Four Parts)" I provide excerpts from "A New Wiccan Book of
the Law: A Manual for the Guidance of Groves, Covens, &
Individuals"; Compiled and edited by Lady Galadriel;
© Copyright 1992 by Lady Galadriel; Moonstone Publications;
PO Box 13384; Atlanta, GA 30324 USA. Among the excerpts I
provide are so-called rules stating IMO that a Wiccan Coven
has the (governmental) right of Eminent Domain to seize a
malcontented Coven member's real property (for cash payment)
and that the malcontented Coven member should vacate the locale
(i.e., get outta town!).
>>>><*> In my locale, feminists often speak of 'shame man ism'
>>>>(a word play on the term 'shamanism') as a process intended
>>>>to force a warlock (or other seemingly unsympathetic male)
>>>>back into the fold. 'Shame man ism' is an organized process
>>>>of social shunning by feminists and their sympathetic (?)
>>>>partners and family members.
>>>>
>>>><*> In my locale the goal of 'shame man ism' is summarized by
>>>>one of our civic ordinances: "No dogs without leashes".
>>>>A single male with no living children is remarkably free,
>>>>a status that troubles some less fortunate individuals.
>>>>
>>>><*> 'Shame man ism' is one area where magick and science
>>>>overlap, specifically in the form of the Heisenberg Uncertainty
>>>>Principle. 'Shame man ism' causes changes, however the
>>>>shunners do not always appreciate the direction those changes
>>>>take. Once a person is shunned, that person has little reason
>>>>not to speak openly and frankly about perceived social inequities.
>>>>And being the target of organized shunning permanently changes
>>>>the target individual's perception of the shunning community,
>>>>the community's values, and _the community's current and
>>>>future value_.
<*> One reader stated (an ad hominem attack?) that Wicca is not
about _me_ personally and that 'Shame man ism' is nonexistent.
I can not speak globally, but 'Shame man ism' _does_ exist in
my locale. The social safety net traditionally supplied by
Government is unraveling (e.g., 'five years and you are out'
Welfare and Aid To Dependent Children), and on numerous
occasions I have been (_aggressively_) approached separately
both by men and by women seeking charitable handouts who justify
their requests by tersely stating "We're Moms!", as though that
simple statement was sufficient rationale to force a handout
from a single man.
<*> One reader asked if I intended to go completely off topic,
substituting my 'socioeconomic political rant du jour' for
on topic discussion of Paganism and Wicca. This document
section concerns Warlocks (so-called oath breakers) and how
the Pagan/Wiccan community treats oath breakers. IMO oaths
can _not_ be viewed outside the 'real world' environment.
For example, a person could take an oath to fly merely by
flapping their arms without other mechanical aids, but few
would credit that oath. Similarly, the viability of a
socioeconomic or political oath is affected by the changing
socioeconomic and political climate.
<*> My discussion has included how accused oath breakers
(including non-Pagan and non-Wiccan men who divorce their
partners without living children and regardless of reason)
are treated in my locale, how the worsening domestic
United States economy reduces peoples' lifestyle options --
lifestyle options are freedoms (including transportation
options supporting freedom of assembly and freedom of religious
worship), and how Governmental security activities initiated in
response to the tragic events of 9/11 have nonproductively raised
the cost of living (less lifestyle freedom for the impoverished)
while hindering civil liberties [e.g., hindering freedom of
assembly in Times Square on New Year's Eve 2003 through an
(inadvertantly?) threatening display of force where riot
gear-equipped police armed with assault rifles were proactively
visible as strolling crowd controllers].
<*> I have pointed out that heavy use of the Armed Forces Reserve
and the National Guards in the Iraq police action is financially
hurting overseas service personnel and their families. IMO this
financial burden for Armed Forces Reserve and National Guard
personnel used overseas is an unequal and unfair loss of financial
freedom not (yet) offset by _significantly increased veterans'
benefits_ -- a debt that the taxpayers owe these people. IMO all
of these topics affect Pagan, Wiccan and United States residents'
freedom of assembly (the impoverished have fewer transportation
options) and freedom of worship (loss of freedom of assembly
discourages group worship). IMO rather than being off topic,
I believe that I have hit the bullseye.
Richard Ballard
New and significantly changed paragraphs begin with a <*> marker.
In article <20040128093422...@mb-m18.aol.com>,
rball...@aol.com (Richard Ballard) writes:
<snip>
<*> The current Iraq police action places heavy _overseas_
reliance upon the married soldiers of the Armed Forces Reserve
and the National Guard (whose service pay often is
_significantly less_ than their civilian job salaries). The
soldiers and families of the Armed Forces Reserve and the
National Guard currently are facing _economic hardship_ similar
to that faced by the overall population during World War II
and the Korean Conflict. But the Iraq police action affects
the overall United States population primarily through its
'printing press financing' and resulting inflationary cost
increases -- not popular with the taxpaying civilians.
<*> The Iraqi police action is the first long term occupation
where the Armed Forces Reserve and the National Guards
(the State Governors' militias) have been heavily utilized
_overseas_. Members of the Armed Forces Reserve and the
National Guards were _not used heavily overseas_ during
the Vietnam War. And many of the veterans' benefits
(e.g., educational, health care, home purchase assistance
and survivors' benefits) available to Vietnam War veterans
have been _discontinued or greatly reduced_ in the name of
'downsizing government' and 'reducing the deficit' since the
Vietnam War era. IMO these benefits are a valid cost for
operating the United States Armed Forces, the Armed Forces
Reserve and the National Guards.
<*> The entire United States civilian population (the taxpayers) is
not yet pulling together to support the soldiers serving in Iraq,
and these soldiers will end their tours of duty and return to the
United States with _little remaining cash, credit or home equity_.
Poverty breeds unhappiness, discord and civil strife; and without
unified taxpayer support for these returning military personnel in
the form of _significantly increased veterans' benefits_, many
Armed Forces Reserve and National Guard marriages will end
shortly after soldiers' Iraq tours of duty end. And both the
Armed Forces Reserve and the National Guards will dwindle
to a close without new enlistments and reenlistments, unless
the taxpayers provide _significantly increased veterans' benefits_
to reward the sacrifices these soldiers and their families make
while serving the United States.
<*> If Armed Forces, Armed Forces Reserve and National Guard
participation is _not_ rewarded through better salaries and
significantly increased veterans' benefits, I believe that the
Federal Government will be forced to reinstitute military
conscription by _reactivating the Selective Service Draft_.
The Draft was deactivated after the unpopular Vietnam War.
Apparently the local Draft Boards formerly used to operate the
Draft have disbanded. And reactivating the local Draft Board
system and military conscription would be a _Herculean task_.
<*> During the Vietnam War era, the Selective Service Draft
included the possibility of total deferment from being drafted
for disability, for (rare) religious and (rare) conscientious
objector status, or for the sole surviving son of a family having
other members who died in military service. During the Vietnam War
era, the Selective Service Draft included the possibility of
temporary deferment from being drafted to allow completion of
high school or college education. _And the Selective Service Draft
applied only to males._
<*> 21st Century United States society is more complex than
Vietnam War era society. Societal complexity (including the
changes in women's socioeconomic status and proliferation of
religions) complicates the draft deferment issue. IMO if the
Selective Service Draft is reactivated, a service alternative
to military service also will be created -- a period of National
domestic noncombat service. Males not qualifying (or meeting
greatly restricted deferment requirements) for military service
will be drafted into a period of National domestic noncombat
service. IMO females not wishing to join the military (when
noncombat military vacancies exist) also might be drafted into
a period of National domestic noncombat service. (I believe
that during World War II, Quaker religious societies provided
formal organized service alternatives for their members seeking
conscientious objector deferment from military service -- e.g.,
volunteer service in local hospitals). Other than age, prior
military service, or prior participation in the Selective Service
Draft (e.g., participation in the Vietnam Era draft lottery
without being drafted), IMO if the Selective Service Draft is
reactiviated there will be _few opportunities for total deferment_
from conscription -- no marriage deferment and day care provided
for conscripted mothers.
<*> If the United States Selective Service Draft is reactivated,
I believe the resulting universal sufferage will be organized
using the model provided by the Armed Forces of the State
of Israel -- universal sufferage with _very few deferments_.
<*> Should petroleum imports into the United States be disrupted
for a long period of time, National noncombat service draftees
might be used to help control the resulting societal disruption.
<*> Despite the fact that female Israeli soldiers receive combat
assignments, and despite the proliferation of women kick boxers
in the media, I do _not_ believe that United States female soldiers
will receive combat assignments in the foreseeable future. Let
us hope we _never_ again have large scale infantry wars similar
to World War I and World War II.
Richard Ballard
New and significantly changed paragraphs begin with a <*> marker.
In article <20040129081648...@mb-m21.aol.com>,
rball...@aol.com (Richard Ballard) writes:
<snip>
objector status, or sole surviving sons in families with military
deaths. Men working in crucial defense or infrastructure jobs
also were deferred from military service. During the Vietnam War
era, the Selective Service Draft included the possibility of
temporary deferment from being drafted to allow education
completion. _And the Selective Service Draft applied only
to males._
><*> 21st Century United States society is more complex than
>Vietnam War era society. Societal complexity (including the
>changes in women's socioeconomic status and proliferation of
>religions) complicates the draft deferment issue. IMO if the
>Selective Service Draft is reactivated, a service alternative
>to military service also will be created -- a period of National
>domestic noncombat service. Males not qualifying (or meeting
>greatly restricted deferment requirements) for military service
>will be drafted into a period of National domestic noncombat
>service. IMO females not wishing to join the military (when
>noncombat military vacancies exist) also might be drafted into
>a period of National domestic noncombat service. (I believe
>that during World War II, Quaker religious societies provided
>formal organized service alternatives for their members seeking
>conscientious objector deferment from military service -- e.g.,
>volunteer service in local hospitals). Other than age, prior
>military service, or prior participation in the Selective Service
>Draft (e.g., participation in the Vietnam Era draft lottery
>without being drafted), IMO if the Selective Service Draft is
>reactiviated there will be _few opportunities for total deferment_
>from conscription -- no marriage deferment and day care provided
for children of conscripted mothers.
><*> If the United States Selective Service Draft is reactivated,
>I believe the resulting universal sufferage will be organized
>using the model provided by the Armed Forces of the State
>of Israel -- universal sufferage with _very few deferments_.
<*> People validly can question my prediction of universal
sufferage. In the Vietnam War era, draft deferments to
complete college education were controversial because few
poor people could attend college. In the eras of the American
Rovolution and the so-called Civil War (The War Between The
States), wealthy families could purchase for cash their sons'
deferment from militia service. But 21st Century United States
society is more _volitile_ than Vietnam Era society. I predict
significant civil protests if deferments favoring the affluent are
instituted as part of reactivating Selective Service military
conscription.
<*> IMO freedom of assembly and the Constitutionally guaranteed
right of 'Habeas Corpus' have similarities. Consider the police
response to the civil demonstrations at the 1968 Chicago Democratic
National Convention, and to the (Los Angeles) Watts riots. The
police response (including mass internments) fanned the flames of
civil disobedience. And poverty is _not_ a crime in the United States.
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Parts Two, Three, Four and Five are contained in concurrent
copyrighted messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan
Novices (Part Two/Three/Four/Five of Five Parts)", respectively.
I provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
subsequent copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for
Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two of Two Parts)", respectively.
IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
on this Internet newsgroup.
<*> March 21 is the sabbat Ostara (pronounced Oh-star-ah), a sabbat
celebrating the Earth's fertility and the Sun's return. Ostara
marks the Spring Equinox, the time in the Earth's annual cycle
when the Sun again crosses the Equator and returns to the Earth's
Northern Hemisphere. Many Ostara myths concern deities' struggles
to return from the Underworld to the Land of the Living. Odin,
Osiris, Mithras, Orpheus, and Persephone are among the deities
associated with the sabbat Ostara and these death/rebirth myths.
<*> Ostara, a sabbat of great importance in Greek, Roman, and the
Nordic lands, is named after the ancient German virgin goddess
of Spring. The Teutons honored their Spring goddess Eostre
at this festival -- some associate the Teutonic goddess Eostre
with the Christian holiday Easter. And Teutonic custom dictates
that new clothing (symbolizing rebirth) be worn at Ostara -- it
is considered extremely bad luck to wear new clothing before the
Ostara celebrations.
<*> The Greco-Roman tradition celebrated Ceres, their grain goddess,
from Ostara until the first harvest -- grain is 'the staff of
life'. The lamb (and more importantly the egg) symbolize Ostara,
fertility and youth. In Greco-Roman times, young men playing the
roles of lusty young gods would offer lilies (another Greco-Roman
symbol of life) to young women during Ostara. A young woman
accepting a lily (and the young man's intimacies) was accepting
a wedding engagement.
<*> Slavic cultures believe that Death has no power over the living
during Ostara. Slavic Ostara rituals include symbolically
throwing Death into a river to drown. After this ritual
drowning, Slavs pass red-dyed eggs among celebrants during
their procession to the Ostara ritual feast.
<*> These Slavic Ostara celebrations bear remarkable resemblence
to Mardi gras, an annual masked celebration held in Paris and
in New Orleans, both river cities. The masks worn during
Mardi gras are symbolic attempts to confuse Death by obscuring
the identity of the living. The masks worn during Mardi gras
also permit royalty (i.e., the deities) to celebrate anonymously
and safely among the common people.
<*> In British Ostara rituals, a young man and young woman
respectively were chosen to symbolize Lord of the Greenwood
(a British version of the Horned God) and the Green Goddess
(a fertile young virgin/mother).
<*> St. Patrick's Day roughly corresponds with Ostara, the
everpresent green symbolizing fertility and bounty. After
repeatedly being driven out of Ireland, Patrick's procession
journeyed to Tara, the seat of high government, on Easter
to reaffirm Patrick's faith. Beer effectively is grain wine
(sacred to Ceres), and grain wine flows freely on
St. Patrick's Day. Honey traditionally symbolizes the Spring
Pagan Sabbats -- IMO mead (honey wine) also deserves its place
on the Ostara banquet table.
<*> IMO Ostara could have been the inspiration for naming
Scarlett O'Hara's fertile plantation 'Tara' in Margaret Mitchell's
novel "Gone With The Wind". In Greco-Roman times, farmers sought
special Ostara blessings for their freshly-tilled fields.
<*> On the North and South American continents, Native Americans
having astronomical knowledge celebrated the Spring Equinox
and the Sun's return. Pagans consider Native American burial
mounds and other native American historical sites to be sacred
places. Pagans often hold equinox and solstice celebrations
at publicly-accessible Native American sites.
With this sabbat approaching, many Wiccans are discussing
Wicca more openly, and many of their friends are hearing about
Wicca for the first time. These friends might ask "How can I
learn about Wicca?"
I wish to offer some basic definitions. But before offering
these definitions I must state that I am _not_ a Wiccan, a witch,
a Pagan or a satanist. People ask me "Why are you providing these
definitions on the Internet?" One reason is that I heard about
Wicca in an acquaintance's chance comment, and learning details
about Paganism and Wicca has cost me (and continues to cost me)
much time and trouble. Another reason I provide these definitions
is the flood of negativism on the Pagan- and Wicca-related Internet
newsgroups. It appears that everybody has a license to criticize
and complain, but few have a license to make a positive contribution.
I have defined my documents' current scope: Providing information
Some basic definitions:
Despite vocal opposition, I stand upon my statement that
Both Magickians and Magicians (i.e., Prestidigitators)
employ chaos within their Craft. Chaos confuses and distracts
the Magickian and Magician's subjects, making the subjects
more susceptible to suggestion and influence.
IMO the Wiccan greeting 'Blessed be' is a mixed blessing.
'Blessed be' can denote the benign wish "May your attempts at
pregnancy be successful." 'Blessed be(e)' also can denote the
pin used to poke holes in a condom to facilitate pregnancy and
subsequent forced marriage, an act that _either_ partner can
initiate -- sexually transmitted diseases can complicate this
action. (I discuss other 'blessed be' interpretations in
the 'Definitions Part Three' message.)
Some people say that 'Blessed Be' is a mere greeting
meaning nothing more than Goodbye and Goodluck and that I am
stretching this greeting's intention to preposterous levels.
I stand behind my statements based upon common language usage
*****End of Part One*****
Last book review: "Guerrilla Television" by Michael Shamberg
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Parts One, Three, Four and Five are contained in concurrent
copyrighted messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan
Novices (Part One/Three/Four/Five of Five Parts)", respectively.
My comments might appear draconian, but the United States
***I can not overstress this issue.*** A Coven's High Priest/ess
Currently IMO the United States domestic economy is being
In Los Angeles the price of a 'starter home' reportedly is
in the $600K range. The price of constructing a new home in
the St. Louis area reportedly has risen $10K due to
plywood cost increases, regular gasoline costs over $1.70US
per gallon in St. Louis with further increases forecast, and
St. Louis area heating fuel costs rose significantly this
past winter.
When I first encountered these social attitudes I was _incredulous_.
I have encountered these attitudes repeatedly over a several year
period, and consider the attitudes an unfair popular/Pagan solution
to social welfare problems that the Government is not addressing.
My response is to remember that it is easier _not_ to invite a
guest into your private residence than to ask that guest to leave.
While I am not qualified to provide legal opinions, I believe
In my locale, local government is considering empowering the
local police to assist in the detection and detainment of illegal
immigrants. I do not know how this initiative would affect
police's ability to enter private residences without a
Court-issued search warrant (particularly when flown under the
banners of antiterrorism and Homeland Security).
While I am not qualified to provide legal opinions, I believe that
allowing guests' animal pets (e.g., cats and dogs) within a private
residence _awkwardly_ grants the same warrantless uninvited physical
access privileges to municipal animal control agencies tasked with
humane treatment for animals and for maintaining public safety,
accompanied by the police if necessary.
<*> And if a bad boarder or bad invited guest (either maliciously
or by not legal action) invites officialdom (or minor children)
into a private residence ...
<*> In an environment of hostile Government harrassment, IMO this
de facto loss of legal safeguards associated with Court issuance
of search warrants before entry is a _significant_ loss both of
personal privacy and of civil rights. In an environment of hostile
Government harrassment, charitable actions result in _significant
loss of civil rights_ for the private residence owner. And IMO
nothing kills charity faster than coercion.
BTW, a local civil servant (who I had _not_ been introduced to)
walked up to me one day and said "We will house four people on your
house's second floor -- you can live on the third floor." I said
nothing -- I turned and silently walked away from her. It is
_unwise_ to challenge a civil servant in her place of employment.
Historically, organized and coordinated _social pressure_ has been
used by several communal societies, by the military, and by English
boys' boarding schools. Shunning (which can include de facto
'denial of service' -- e.g., 'by the book' work slowdowns and
extraordinary bureaucratic delays) is an example of organized and
coordinated social pressure. Another example of organized and
coordinated social pressure is selective enforcement of laws and
regulations. (E.g., the police normally ignore jaywalkers in your
neighborhood's business district, but somehow you always receive
a ticket when you jaywalk. Sufficient accumulation of unpaid
jaywalking tickets is grounds for arrest and detainment. You
can not afford to pay the accumulated tickets' fees ...)
<*> Some people's attitude is that in terms of housing, my cuup
runneth over and I am being selfish not boarding others in my
private home. I consider such _social pressure and hostility_
an unfair attack on my personal freedom. I control the use of
my private home and who I admit as guests (if any). To my
knowledge the United States Government has not (yet) instituted
'the housing police'. The United States Constitution contains
NO stipulation that allows Government to forcibly house civilians
in your private home. Of course, should martial law ever be
declared within the United States, Constitutional rights would
be suspended and only Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA
(iron Ma), now contained within the Department of Homeland Security]
knows what could happen.
<*> Given our downsized domestic economy (with its shrunken tax
revenues), given the many Army base closures that have occured
during the past decade, and given our volunteer Army with a
higher married percentage than a drafted Army, I believe that
military housing shortages are a current and ongoing problem
for the United States. If Army Reserve and National Guard
reenlistment rates fall as a result of financial hardship and
increasingly heavy use in Iraq, greater reliance on the
enlisted volunteer Army will aggravate the military (and civilian)
housing shortage problem. The solutions to the military family
housing problem are increased tax revenues applied to military
housing, or resumption of the Selective Service Draft and
reinstitution of the conscripted bachelor/ette Army, options
that have been discussed on the national news media. I discuss
these issues further in accompanying messages "Definitions For
Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part Four/Five of Five Parts)".
*****End of Part Two*****
The comments contained herein are my opinions. This message
was not solicited by Amazon.com, any author, any artist, or their
agent(s), publisher(s), producer(s) or distributor(s).
I am *not* an Islamic or Judaic scholar.
I am *not* legally qualified to provide medical, psychological,
legal, financial or religious opinions, but I have discussed some
issues with my Attorney and have read extensively in these areas.
I have strong opinions.
I got no problems.
Other people got problems.
00: 21 _8 02 03/35 06 09
Richard Ballard MSEE CNA4 KD0AZ
--
Consultant specializing in computer networks, imaging & security
Listed as rjballard in "Friends & Favorites" at www.amazon.com
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Parts One, Two, Four and Five are contained in concurrent
copyrighted messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan
Novices (Part One/Two/Four/Five of Five Parts)", respectively.
<snip>
<snip>
Most men would not submit to this type of intimidation,
<*> Mutagenic substances harm human fertility. IMO Wiccans
(with their religious emphasis on human fertility) must be
_acutely aware_ of the consequences of exposure to
mutagenic substances. Some recreational drugs are
mutagenic substances. IMO Wiccans also should be knowledgable
about birth control technologies, their use and their reliability.
<*> Apparently (im)proper nutrition also affects the quality
of both male and female human fertility. Given that a woman's
lifetime supply of fertile eggs exists at menarche (onset of
menstruation), the importance of good childhood nutrition
for females is obvious. (Mal)Nutrition is becoming increasingly
relevant as United States food prices rise rapidly and _food
pantries are drained_. (During a recent grocery workers' strike
a nearby food pantry shut down both during and for several months
after the strike's resolution -- the pipeline never refilled.)
I expect United States malnutrition concerns to grow
in the future because United States agriculture is a heavy
user of energy, and rising energy prices raise food prices.
And some people will decide to feed their cars before they
feed their kids.
When food prices rise, the impoverished have less to eat.
I stand behind my statements based upon common language usage
in my locale. And based upon the downsizing United States
domestic economy with high un(der)employment (few new jobs
are being created) and record credit levels, I anticipate that
many people (a gender-independent term) will consider marriage
as one solution to their worsening financial problems.
Another less common 'blessed bee' interpretation is the
tattoo needle or marker that is used to mark initiates
who have completed their apprenticeship and who are qualified
to become full Wiccan Coven or Pagan Family members.
Wicca emphasizes the Goddess and the fertility, but the tenets
<*> I believe that accumulation of harm dictates the victim's
response. Ignoring a small annoyance, a small insult, or
a small injury is both polite and economical. But repeated
small annoyances, small insults, and small injuries can
accumulate into significant harm (e.g., ulcers).
I believe that submitting to significant harm is damaging both
to an individual's life and also to their self-respect. I also
believe that submitting to significant harm might be not moral
and not ethical -- the victim is ignoring the difference (and the
consequences) between right and ... (a-hem) wrong.
Thus I believe that an ethical person's stoicism must be
tempered by the accumulated harm received. IMO infinite
stoicism is self-destructive, and IMO a person _never_ should
surrender his/her civil liberties.
*****End of Part Three*****
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Parts One, Two, Three and Five are contained in concurrent
copyrighted messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan
Novices (Part One/Two/Three/Five of Five Parts)", respectively.
I provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
subsequent copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List
for Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two of Two Parts)",
respectively.
IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
on this Internet newsgroup.
H) I have ***much*** to say about Wiccan *Tradition*, a complex
and central Wiccan topic. Referencing "Wicca: A Guide For The
Solitary Practitioner" by Scott Cunningham, pg. 203:
'Tradition, Wiccan: An organized, structured, specific Wiccan
subgroup, usually initiatory, with often unique ritual practices.
Many Traditions have their own _Books of Shadows_ and may or may
not recognize members of other Traditions as Wiccans. Most
Traditions are composed of a number of Covens as well as solitary
practioners.'
There are many valid Wiccan paths. Gardnerian Wicca was the
<*> One reader commented that 'running somebody out of town
on a rail' is juvenile and not believable. Purr haps, but
it hap pens. Furthermore, in the accompanying message
"Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part Three of
Five Parts)" I provide excerpts from "A New Wiccan Book of
the Law: A Manual for the Guidance of Groves, Covens, &
Individuals"; Compiled and edited by Lady Galadriel;
© Copyright 1992 by Lady Galadriel; Moonstone Publications;
PO Box 13384; Atlanta, GA 30324 USA. Among the excerpts I
provide are so-called rules stating IMO that a Wiccan Coven
has the (governmental) right of Eminent Domain to seize a
malcontented Coven member's real property (for cash payment)
and that the malcontented Coven member should vacate the locale
(i.e., get outta town!).
<*> In my locale, feminists often speak of 'shame man ism'
(a word play on the term 'shamanism') as a process intended
to force a warlock (or any seemingly unsympathetic male)
back into the fold. 'Shame man ism' is an organized process
of social shunning by feminists and their sympathetic (?)
partners and family members. IMO 'shame man ism' is a chaotic
and informal form of the 'intervention therapy' sometimes used
by psychologists and by organizations such as
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
<*> In my locale the goal of 'shame man ism' is summarized by
one of our civic ordinances: "No dogs without leashes".
A single male with no living children is remarkably free,
a status that troubles some burdened individuals.
<*> 'Shame man ism' is one area where magick and science overlap,
specifically in the form of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle.
'Shame man ism' causes changes, however the shunners do not always
appreciate the direction those changes take. Once a person is
shunned, that person has little reason not to speak openly and
frankly about perceived social inequities. And being the target
of organized shunning permanently changes the target individual's
perception of the shunning community, the community's values, and
_the community's current and future value_.
<*> One reader stated (an ad hominem attack?) that Wicca is not
about _me_ personally and that 'Shame man ism' is nonexistent.
I can not speak globally, but 'Shame man ism' _does_ exist in
my locale. The social safety net traditionally supplied by
Government is unraveling (e.g., 'five years and you are out'
Welfare and Aid To Dependent Children), and on numerous
occasions I have been (_aggressively_) approached separately
both by men and by women seeking charitable handouts who justify
their requests by tersely stating "We're Moms!", as though that
simple statement was sufficient rationale to force a handout
from a single man.
<*> Some people might question the existence of organized
social shunning. Historically, shunning has been used in
(para)military organizations and police (nobody covers your
back); boys' (boarding) schools (which often have a military
tradition); rough sports teams (e.g., football, rugby,
ice hockey, even basketball); dangerous occupations (mining,
construction and fire fighting) and in communal societies
(e.g., the Mormons and the Oneida Community) to encourage
conformity (i.e., so-called 'right thinking'). Within communal
societies situated in harsh environments, extreme shunning can
result in death from starvation, dehydration or exposure to freezing
weather -- you can't come in out of the cold. In magickal circles,
warlocks (so-called oath breakers) routinely are shunned by the
overall magickal community.
<*> In my locale, divorced men (especially those with living
children) often are treated as oath breakers regardless of
the situations motivating the divorce. The Roman Catholic
religion (which has a long European military tradition and
whose practices include 'Excommunication' -- denial of
The Sacraments) discourages divorce among its members.
I wonder how the career military community treats
divorce among its members? (Service personnel returning
from extended duty in a war zone are greatly changed. A
postwar divorce epidemic within the career military
community would be very disruptive to the military.)
<*> The current Iraq police action continues to draw heavily upon
the Armed Forces Reserves and the National Guards -- (often
married) citizen soldiers whose military salary usually is
_significantly less_ than their normal civilian salary. The Iraq
police action is in its early stages. At this time, few soldiers
have completed their Iraq tours of duty, few new jobs are being
created within the United States domestic economy, and Armed Forces
Reserve personnel and National Guardsmen are listed as 'employed'
although they are not drawing their normal civilian salaries.
I predict additional un(der)employment when Armed Forces Reserve
personnel and National Guardsmen begin returning in large numbers
from their Iraq tours of duty.
<*> IMO the financial burden borne by soldiers now serving
in Iraq will _not_ be evident until standard rotations and
'printing press financing', resulting inflationary cost
increases, and deferral or cancellation of both Government
and business (questionable demand in a downsizing economy)
development projects -- not popular with the taxpaying civilians.
<*> The Iraqi police action is the first long term occupation
where the Armed Forces Reserve and the National Guards
(the State Governors' militias) have been heavily utilized
_overseas_. Members of the Armed Forces Reserve and the
National Guards were _not used heavily overseas_ during
the Vietnam War. And many of the veterans' benefits
(e.g., educational, health care, home purchase assistance
and survivors' benefits) available to Vietnam War veterans
have been _discontinued or greatly reduced_ in the name of
'downsizing government' and 'reducing the deficit' since the
Vietnam War era. IMO these benefits are a valid cost for
operating the United States Armed Forces, the Armed Forces
Reserve and the National Guards.
<*> The entire United States civilian population (the taxpayers) is
not yet pulling together to support the soldiers serving in Iraq,
and these soldiers will end their tours of duty and return to the
United States with _little remaining cash, credit or home equity_.
Poverty breeds unhappiness, discord and civil strife; and without
unified taxpayer support for these returning military personnel in
the form of _significantly increased veterans' benefits_, IMO many
Armed Forces Reserve and National Guard marriages will end
shortly after soldiers' Iraq tours of duty end. And both the
Armed Forces Reserve and the National Guards will dwindle
to a close without new enlistments and reenlistments, unless
the taxpayers provide _significantly increased veterans' benefits_
to reward the sacrifices these soldiers and their families make
while serving the United States.
<*> If Armed Forces, Armed Forces Reserve and National Guard
participation is _not_ rewarded through better salaries and
significantly increased veterans' benefits, I believe that the
Federal Government will be forced to reinstitute military
conscription by _reactivating the Selective Service Draft_.
The Draft was deactivated after the unpopular Vietnam War.
Apparently the local Draft Boards formerly used to operate the
Draft have disbanded. And reactivating the local Draft Board
system and military conscription would be a _Herculean task_.
<*> During the Vietnam War era, the Selective Service Draft
included the possibility of total deferment from being drafted
for disability, for (rare) religious and (rare) conscientious
objector status, or sole surviving sons in families with military
deaths. Men working in crucial defense or infrastructure (e.g.,
utilities) jobs also were deferred from military service. During
the Vietnam War era, the Selective Service Draft included the
possibility of temporary deferment from being drafted to allow
education completion. _And the Selective Service Draft applied
only to males._
<*> 21st Century United States society is more complex than
Vietnam War era society. Societal complexity (including the
changes in women's socioeconomic status, controversy about
the legal definition of 'marriage', and proliferation of
religions) complicates the draft deferment issue.
<*> If the United States Selective Service Draft is reactivated,
I believe the resulting universal sufferage will be organized
using the model provided by the Armed Forces of the State
of Israel -- universal sufferage with _very few deferments_.
IMO if the Selective Service Draft is reactivated, a domestic
service alternative to military service also will be created --
a period of National domestic noncombat service. Males not
qualifying (or meeting greatly restricted deferment requirements)
for military service will be drafted into a period of National
domestic noncombat service. (During World War II, pacifist Quaker
religious societies provided formal organized service alternatives
for their members seeking conscientious objector deferment from
military service -- e.g., volunteer service in local hospitals.)
<*> The following discussion addresses emergency conscription
possibilities. During World War I an informal elder 'home guard'
supplemented services normally provided today by local police.
People with prior military service are subject to _lifetime_ recall
by the United States military. And although the Vietnam Era draft
lottery freed lottery-winning 1-A participants from further
possibility of military conscription, promises and policies change
in case of national emergency. IMO if the Selective Service Draft
is reactivated, there might be _few opportunities for total draft
deferment_ (other than for age). IMO females not wishing to join
the military (when noncombat military vacancies exist) also might
be drafted for a period of local domestic noncombat service with
day care provided for children of conscripted mothers (e.g., as in
Israeli Kibbutzim) and no marriage deferments for women.
<*> People validly can question my prediction of universal
sufferage. In the Vietnam War era, draft deferments to
complete college education were controversial because few
poor people could attend college. In the eras of the American
Revolution and the so-called Civil War (The War Between The
States), wealthy families could purchase for cash their sons'
deferment from militia service. But 21st Century United States
society is more _volitile_ than Vietnam Era society. I predict
significant civil protests if deferments favoring the affluent are
instituted as part of reactivating Selective Service military
conscription.
<*> Should petroleum imports into the United States be disrupted
for a long period of time, shortages develop as 'business as usual'
breaks down and Homeland Security attempts to control the resulting
societal disruption might require activating Selective Service
conscription.
<*> Despite the fact that female Israeli soldiers receive combat
assignments (and despite the proliferation of women kick boxers
in the media), I do _not_ believe that United States female soldiers
will receive combat assignments in the foreseeable future. Let
us hope we _never_ again have large scale infantry wars similar
to World War I and World War II.
<*> During World War II and the Korean Conflict, domestic
United States housing construction was at a standstill. A
housing shortage existed at the end of these conflicts and
Government subsidy of housing construction (i.e., VA loans)
was included in veterans' benefits. In the 21st Century the
Iraq police action is raising the cost of United States housing
construction [materials and skilled (heavy equipment operator)
labor shortages], and the money spent rebuilding Iraq (a moral
issue) is not available to build (or rebuild depleted) housing in
the United States. Housing shortages breed poverty, discord and
civil strife that prevents or destroys marriages and civilized
society.
<*> What happens if veterans' benefits are not increased? The
best analogy I know is that after four years of fighting in the
so-called Civil War (The War Between The States), Confederate soldiers
returned to their Southern homes and farms to face financial ruin
and a period of impoverished Reconstruction under the watchful eyes
of empowered, exploitive carpetbaggers. And without increased
veterans' benefits to offset the financial sacrifices made by
Armed Forces Reserve and the National Guards members, how will these
<*> Increasingly in 21st Century society, the Government social
safety net's unraveling has popularized socialistic political
concepts -- the idea that fortunate individuals are bound
to lodge less fortunate people within their private homes
is gaining popularity. [It is interesting to speculate how
in case of extreme military housing shortages in urban areas,
the military might 'encourage' families of draftees (and hungry
civilians in times of scarcity) to lodge soldiers within their
private homes.] My reaction to these socialistic political concepts
is twofold. First, the concepts are contrary to the individual
civil liberties guaranteed by the United States Constitution and
its amendments. Second, nothing kills charity faster than coercion.
Pagans sometimes refer to non-Pagans as 'cowans'. The
term cowan is derived primarily from Freemasonry: 'cowans'
were non-Masonic stoneworkers who either produced inferior
work and thus were not eligible to join or worked only in
drystone (without mortar), which apparently didn't count.
[Interestingly, drystone work can be *very* difficult because
individual stones are independently fitted and laid. Mortar
can act as glue and a filler to patch weaknesses in mortared
stone construction.]
As I stated previously, I believe that some Wiccans use
'The Universal Rule of Three' to justify 'vigilante lessons'
against both Wiccans and non-Wiccans, including ostracizing
non-Wiccan divorcing men regardless of whether the divorcing
household includes children. I find this ethically troubling.
Non-Pagans are *not* Wiccan Coven or Pagan Family members.
Non-Pagans took no binding oaths -- they are *not* oath breakers.
In effect, non-Pagans 'did not sign the contract', but they
are being punished for breaking oaths that they never accepted.
IMO a Lot can happen as a result of this unethical treatment.
<*> One reader asked if I intended to go completely off topic,
*****End of Part Four*****
The comments contained herein are my opinions. This message
was not solicited by Amazon.com, any author, any artist, or their
agent(s), publisher(s), producer(s) or distributor(s).
I am *not* an Islamic or Judaic scholar.
I am *not* legally qualified to provide medical, psychological,
legal, financial or religious opinions, but I have discussed some
issues with my Attorney and have read extensively in these areas.
I have strong opinions.
I got no problems.
Other people got problems.
00: 21 _8 02 03/35 06 09
Richard Ballard MSEE CNA4 KD0AZ
--
Consultant specializing in computer networks, imaging & security
Listed as rjballard in "Friends & Favorites" at www.amazon.com
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Parts One, Two, Three and Four are contained in concurrent
copyrighted messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan
Novices (Part One/Two/Three/Four of Five Parts)", respectively.
I provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
subsequent copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List
for Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two of Two Parts)",
respectively.
IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
on this Internet newsgroup.
J) Some people inquire why I associate *satanism* with Paganism
and
I have made several comments concerning juvenile nutrition and
impoverished women's responsibility to raise their children. My
comments reflect my situation: I am a single man with no living
children and I do not want to argue feminist issues. But in my
locale, most often I observe impoverished children accompanied by
their mothers. This observation makes me believe that in 21st Century
United States society, the responsibility for raising impoverished
children most often falls upon their mothers.
IMO the continued United States occupation of Iraq makes this
issue increasingly important. I believe that the United States
occupation of Iraq is a long-term police action that will continue
to heavily load the Armed Forces Reserve and the state National
Guard units, and that might reinitiate Selective Service drafting
of young men (including married men). I believe this long-term
police action will cause the breakup of many (military) families,
leaving many women "Separated or Divorced With Children" in a
downsized United States domestic economy offering few high-paying
jobs either to men or to women. Credit cards offer limited credit,
and home equity stretches only so far.
Money spent rebuilding Iraq is not building new jobs, new
opportunities and better education in the United States. The
outsourcing of United States jobs to foreign countries (e.g.,
contract manufacturing to the Pacific Rim nations, and outsourcing
of computer programming and of telephone customer service jobs
to India with its quality education system and its significantly
lower cost-of-living) is very common in the currently downsizing
United States economy. (At the same time, the nation of Mexico
is a good neighbor that provides energy to the United States
in return for NAFTA jobs.)
I believe that the true cost of the United States occupation
of Iraq will be paid in broken families, lost homes and several
generations of impoverished United States citizens.
<*> IMO history often can be explained in terms of economics,
and similar economics brings similar societal responses. IMO
the United States today faces an economic situation similar to
the situation faced during the latter parts of former President
Lyndon B. Johnson's Administration. During President Johnson's
time, the United States economy had been drained by long
involvement in the Vietnam War. Today the United States economy
has been drained by involvement in Bosnia, in Afghanistan and
now in Iraq. At the same time, today the United States has greater
dependence upon foreign nations for energy and for manufactured
goods -- both economic weaknesses.
<*> IMO other factors that weaken the current United States
domestic economy are the emphasis on Homeland Security since
the tragic events of September 11, 2001; and the recent emphasis
(in past five years) on computer software security upgrades.
<*> Security does _not_ produce a salable service or product --
at its best, security facilitates "business and life as usual".
Since 9/11/2001 the United States has invested heavily in
Homeland Security activities. This Homeland Security investment
is necessary, but the investment does _not_ produce salable goods
or services. Instead the investment drains resources from
productive activities and weaken the United States domestic
economy.
<*> The "Year 2000 Computer Software Modifications" are analogous
to our current Homeland Security activities. The Year 2000 Computer
Software Modifications permitted computers and communications
to operate normally beyond January 1, 2000, but these modifications
did _not_ produce additional salable goods or services. The Year 2000
Computer Modifications cost approximately one percent of one year's
United States Gross National Product, resources drained from
productive activities.
<*> I do not know the (direct and indirect) costs of
Homeland Security, but IMO Homeland Security activities
weaken the United States domestic economy in an analogous
(and continuing) manner. And many Homeland Security activities
are labor-intensive -- mechanized savings opportunities are minimal.
Increasing energy prices also raise business costs -- if demand
and sales are low due to un(der)employment and credit exhaustion,
rising business costs reduce profitability. IMO if the
United States domestic economy continues downsizing, businessmen
increasingly will say "We can not afford additional security".
<*> The last five years also have featured a flood of Internet-based
attacks on computer software, and a flood of effort to counter
these attacks quickly and economically. IMO real progress has
been made in this area. Increasingly computer software security
upgrades are made automatically over the Internet, and the
increased mechanization is quick and economical. Computer
software security upgrades also are a continuing expense, but
their cost is being reduced by user education (e.g., avoid bad
Internet websites) and by increased mechanization.
<*> IMO, United States recent involvement in Bosnia, in Afghanistan
and Iraq, coupled with the expense of imported petroleum and
manufactured goods, continuing Homeland Security activities
and continuing computer software security upgrade activities has
burdened the United States domestic economy equivalent to the
economic burden the United States faced during the Vietnam War
at the end of former President Lyndon B. Johnson's Administration.
<*> My own personal political philosophy is capitalistic because
I believe in meritocracy. But people seek different political
solutions during troubled economic times. Already United States
citizens look to socialized medicine and to Canadian pharmaceuticals
in an effort to reduce their health care costs. And rapidly
increasing gasoline prices (domestic refinery capacity already is
at a maximum, gasoline demand is everincreasing, and my local
television newscaster speculates about $3.00US per gallon gasoline
this summer) will _radically_ change some peoples' lifestyles for
the worse. Marxism, a set of political philosophies born from harsh
economic conditions, had vocal advocates during the Vietnam War era
-- those Vietnam protests were more than 'flower power'.
<*> IMO worsening economics during the United States occupation
of Iraq _will_ cause increased United States' citizenry interest in
Marxist political philosophies (particularly in college students).
This increased interest in Marxist political philosophy _will_ raise
concern in anti-terrorism and Homeland Security circles (been there,
seen that), and might raise civil liberties issues inside the
United States.
<*> If a United States citizenry interest resurgence in Marxist
political philosophies raises antiterrorism and Homeland Security
concerns, IMO United States Armed Forces might play a greater role
in quelling political protest within the United States than the
Armed Forces performed during the Vietnam War era (despite the
current existence of the Federal 'Posse Comitas Act').
<*> John Steinbeck's classic novel "The Grapes of Wrath" contains
examples both of impoverished families forced into starvation,
and of local Government using coercive force (under the banner
of 'maintaining domestic tranquility') to prevent workers' rights
of assembly and peaceful protest, and to prevent unionization --
the exact opposite philosophy of The Berlin Airlift that former
President (and Five Star General) Dwight D. Eisenhower used to
keep the citizens of Berlin fed and free.
<*> In Iraq and elsewhere the United States military is developing
societal control techniques. Military and police using these
techniques (including domestic surveillance without Court-issued
warrants -- e.g., context-sensitive Internet monitoring using
Raptor technology) might restrict civil liberties (including
freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of worship)
through intimidation; entrapment; selective enforcement of existing
regulations and laws; anonymous defamation of character and
reputation; use of high visibility, low impact social issues (i.e.,
divide and conquer) to distract voter attention from high impact
economic issues; and chaotic implementation of Murphy's Law.
<*> Summarizing, many factors contribute to the current weak
United States domestic economy. A weak domestic economy
produces few new jobs and produces poverty rather than affluence.
Impoverished people have fewer options and impoverished people
seek political remedies. IMO the current weak United States
domestic economy could trigger labor protests, and could trigger
antiwar protests similar to the Vietnam War protests. These
protests might trigger defensive Homeland Security responses.
*****End of Part Five*****
The comments contained herein are my opinions. This message
was not solicited by Amazon.com, any author, any artist, or their
agent(s), publisher(s), producer(s) or distributor(s).
I am *not* an Islamic or Judaic scholar.
I am *not* legally qualified to provide medical, psychological,
legal, financial or religious opinions, but I have discussed some
issues with my Attorney and have read extensively in these areas.
I have strong opinions.
I got no problems.
Other people got problems.
00: 21 _8 02 03/35 06 09
Richard Ballard MSEE CNA4 KD0AZ
--
Consultant specializing in computer networks, imaging & security
Listed as rjballard in "Friends & Favorites" at www.amazon.com
Richard Ballard
rball...@aol.com (Richard Ballard) writes:
>Copyright 2003-2004 by Richard J. Ballard -- All Rights Reserved.
>Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
>Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
>with a <*> marker.
>
>Parts One, Two, Four and Five are contained in concurrent
>copyrighted messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan
>Novices (Part One/Two/Four/Five of Five Parts)", respectively.
>I provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
>subsequent copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List
>for Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two of Two Parts)",
>respectively.
Starting this issuance, I provide an accompanying list of
Wicca-related references in subsequent copyrighted messages
entitled "A Reference List for Prospective Wiccan Novices
(Part One/Two/Three of Three Parts)", respectively.
>IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
>On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
>"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
>on this Internet newsgroup.
Sorry 'bout dat.
Richard Ballard
rball...@aol.com (Richard Ballard) writes:
>Copyright 2003-2004 by Richard J. Ballard -- All Rights Reserved.
>Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
>Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
>with a <*> marker.
>
>Parts One, Two, Three and Five are contained in concurrent
>copyrighted messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan
>Novices (Part One/Two/Three/Five of Five Parts)", respectively.
>I provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
>subsequent copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List
>for Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two of Two Parts)",
>respectively.
Starting this issuance, I provide an accompanying list of
Wicca-related references in subsequent copyrighted messages
entitled "A Reference List for Prospective Wiccan Novices
(Part One/Two/Three of Three Parts)", respectively.
>IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
>On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
>"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
>on this Internet newsgroup.
Sorry 'bout dat.
Richard Ballard
rball...@aol.com (Richard Ballard) writes:
>Copyright 2003-2004 by Richard J. Ballard -- All Rights Reserved.
>Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
>Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
>with a <*> marker.
>
>Parts One, Two, Three and Four are contained in concurrent
>copyrighted messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan
>Novices (Part One/Two/Three/Four of Five Parts)", respectively.
>I provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
>subsequent copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List
>for Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two of Two Parts)",
>respectively.
Starting this issuance, I provide an accompanying list of
Wicca-related references in subsequent copyrighted messages
entitled "A Reference List for Prospective Wiccan Novices
(Part One/Two/Three of Three Parts)", respectively.
>IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
>On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
>"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
>on this Internet newsgroup.
Sorry 'bout dat.
Richard Ballard
rball...@aol.com (Richard Ballard) writes:
>Copyright 2003-2004 by Richard J. Ballard -- All Rights Reserved.
>Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
>Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
>with a <*> marker.
>
>Parts One, Three, Four and Five are contained in concurrent
>copyrighted messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan
>Novices (Part One/Three/Four/Five of Five Parts)", respectively.
>I provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
>subsequent copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List
>for Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two of Two Parts)",
>respectively.
Starting this issuance, I provide an accompanying list of
Wicca-related references in subsequent copyrighted messages
entitled "A Reference List for Prospective Wiccan Novices
(Part One/Two/Three of Three Parts)", respectively.
>IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
>On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
>"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
>on this Internet newsgroup.
Sorry 'bout dat.
Richard Ballard
rball...@aol.com (Richard Ballard) writes:
>Copyright 2003-2004 by Richard J. Ballard -- All Rights Reserved.
>Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
>Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
>with a <*> marker.
>
>Parts Two, Three, Four and Five are contained in concurrent
>copyrighted messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan
>Novices (Part Two/Three/Four/Five of Five Parts)", respectively.
>I provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
>subsequent copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for
>Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two of Two Parts)",
>respectively.
Starting this issuance, I provide an accompanying list of
Wicca-related references in subsequent copyrighted messages
entitled "A Reference List for Prospective Wiccan Novices
(Part One/Two/Three of Three Parts)", respectively.
>IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
>On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
>"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
>on this Internet newsgroup.
Sorry 'bout dat.
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Parts Two, Three, Four and Five are contained in concurrent
copyrighted messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan
Novices (Part Two/Three/Four/Five of Five Parts)", respectively.
I provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
subsequent copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for
Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two/Three of Three Parts)",
respectively.
IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
on this Internet newsgroup.
<*> The evening of April 30th [midnight May 1st Stonehenge time]
brings the sabbat Beltane (pronounced Beel-teen or Bell-tayn),
a celebration of fertility and life above all else. Beltane
marks summer's beginning and is a time to celebrate the
eternal wheel of reincarnation and the return of the Wiccan God.
Beltane falls opposite Samhain [midnight October 31st
Stonehenge time, winter's beginning] on the Wheel of the Year.
Beltane (the final phase of planting) and Samhain (the third
and final harvest) are the two most important sabbats.
<*> Many Pagans believe that the name Beltane derives from the
English word 'balefire' meaning 'boon' or 'extra'. European
monarchs marked the Beltane sabbat's beginning by lighting
balefires, typically on high hills -- having sex with ladies
from the families of lesser nobility was included within the
balefire ritual. Lesser nobility then could light their own
balefires on lower hills (and themselves have sex with ladies
from the families of lesser nobility or commoners), and could
begin their own Beltane celebrations. The ritual sex included
within the balefire celebrations equates to the Aristocracy's
(e.g., the King's, Baron's, or local landowner's) 'first night'
privileges -- the Aristocracy's right to control who could
marry whom and the Aristocracy's right to bed any young lady
first on her wedding night. The balefire ritual replenished
the Aristocracy's energy and symbolically blessed the young
lady bedded by the Aristocrat. The balefire ritual also
maintained the continuity of the Aristocracy -- 'the pecking
order' is a time-honored tradition.
<*> During Beltane, Pagan commoners celebrated having survived
Winter's hardship and renewed their sense of community under their
monarch and nobility. The balefires symbolized the warmth and
vigor of the life-giving Sun and a commitment to maintain the
Pagan family. The balefire ritual also focused the Aristocracy's
power within the minds of their subjects: 'We control the farm land
and winter will return -- wanna eat?' Monarchs and nobility
provided much food and drink to be served during Beltane
celebrations -- a treat and a relief after Winter's sparse,
drab fare.
<*> Celebrants customarily took home a smoldering piece of the
Beltane balefire to light the first cookfire of summer and to
bring summer blessings to their own home -- the celebration
continues at home after the community Beltane fertility
celebration. The same custom prohibits giving Beltane balefire
embers to outsiders. This taboo reflects European belief that
faeries could not ignite their own fires but must obtain fire from
humans. Tradition states that faeries dress as humans, visit
community Beltane celebrations, and request balefire embers to
start their own fires (propagate life). The same tradition states
that faeries obtaining fire embers gain some measure of power over
the donor. This European tradition reflects a normal human desire
to exclude outsiders from (the Beltane) fertility rituals.
<*> Dancing around the May Pole is another Beltane tradition.
In Pagan times the May Pole was constructed by removing all but
the topmost branches from a communal pine tree. White and red
ribbons that represented the Pagan Goddess and God, respectively,
were attached to the tree beneath the remaining pine branches.
Women holding the white ribbons and men holding the red ribbons
danced around the May Pole, interweaving the white and red ribbons
around the May Pole. The May Pole represented a phallus, the
untrimmed topmost pine branches represented pubic hair, and the
interwoven ribbons represented the female birth canal surrounding
the phallus.
With this sabbat approaching many Wiccans are discussing Wicca
Some basic definitions:
expensive long term quest for _both_ partners that reduced
Government support for daycare and education will _not_ lighten.
nights due to a squealing infant, and observe how their own mental
performance and mood deteriorates.) I believe that Magickians
are individuals who utilize (and sometimes purposefully create)
chaos in order to realize their own goals.
Most people are _reactively_ familiar with the so-called
Murphy's Law: 'Whatever can go wrong will'. Chaos Magickians
*****End of Part One*****
"All Rights Reserved"?
If I 'right' must I reserve?
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Parts One, Three, Four and Five are contained in concurrent
copyrighted messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan
Novices (Part One/Three/Four/Five of Five Parts)", respectively.
I provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
subsequent copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for
Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two/Three of Three Parts)",
respectively.
<*> Interestingly, while age 18 is the legal 'age of sexual consent'
in most of the United States, unmarried children are not declared
legal adults and remain under their parents' supervision in most
of the United States through age 21. The three year period
between age 18 and 21 is a 'limbo' period for unmarried young
adults -- they are sexually but not legally mature.
I recommend that Wiccan parent/s (and legal guardian/s) avoid
situations where underaged children (or wards) become _bound_
Coven members. (And I acknowledge that my own Methodist
experience includes voluntary church membership.) One purpose
of Wiccan initiation (after a period of study) is to expose the
initiate to secret oathbound material, material previously
hidden from the initiate -- a new ball game. I recommend that
prospective Wiccan novices 'Caveat emptor' -- let the buyer
beware.
My comments might appear draconian, but the United States
is in a period of economic downsizing characterized by rising
housing, energy and food costs combined with few new jobs
being created. When the economy downsizes, some people
lose prosperity while other people become impoverished --
the new poor. Loss of prosperity brings loss of options, and
newsgroups) sometimes are chaotic, but they are uncensored and free.
Another important difference between Internet newsgroups and
Wiccan Circles, versus Wiccan Covens is that anyone and anybody
can walk away from an Internet newsgroup or Wiccan Circle without
penalty. Some Wiccan Coven Traditions include penalties for leaving
the Coven. And as different people join the Coven and fill the
High Priest/ess role, and as Coven Traditions evolve, an
individual might become increasingly less comfortable with their
Coven membership and its penalty for leaving the Coven. (As in
George Orwell's novel "Animal Farm", all peoples' Traditions and
all High Priest/ess's experiences and perspectives are not equal.)
IMO anybody who has decided to make a Wiccan commitment should
investigate solitary worship plus Wiccan Circle membership (a choice
that does _not_ sacrifice personal autonomy) versus Wiccan Coven
membership with its binding oath of obedience to the Coven
High Priest/ess.
Most Wiccan accept the Gardnerian and Alexandrian Wiccan
<*> I recommend that prospective Wiccan novices _learn in detail_
a Coven's Wiccan Rede interpretation before joining a Coven.
Some Coven _Books of Shadows_ contain oathbound material known
only to Coven members (e.g., a Coven's not yet repaid debts),
but a Coven's Wiccan Rede interpretation should be
_freely discussable_. Prospective Wiccan novices are _not_
High Priest/ess's unbending authority. Conservative Coven members
might chafe under a liberal High Priest/ess's openness. Wo/Men
Coven members might chafe under a particularly strong and chauvinistic
High Priest/ess's dominance. And many Coven oaths include penalties
for leaving Coven membership.
In some Wiccan Traditions, the High Priest/ess designates couples
for each sabbat celebration (possibly including the coupling of
Wiccan parents' children). IMO this social whirl does not reinforce
romantic love or stable (biological) family relationships. Teaching
is teaching, but IMO this sabbat-related social whirl is wasteful.
Partners invest their time and energy in each other, but repeatedly
switching partners at each sabbat dilutes earlier investments.
And where is it written that a High Priest/ess's authority is
limited to Coven-specific matters? ***Where is it written that the
High Priest/ess can not intervene in Coven members' mundane concerns
such as housing and use of spare/guest bedrooms?***
I stress retaining personal autonomy and housing based upon
my own experiences. In my locale we have a local corruption
of the word 'mason'. The corruption is "Ma's own" and the
implication is that Ma owns the house and holds the house keys,
an awkward attitude to face if you are a single man living in
his private home. (BTW, there are a number of boarding houses
in my locale.) I am sensitive to this topic, particularly given
Wiccan Covens with secret binding oaths of obedience.
<*> IMO the United States domestic economy currently is being
buoyed artificially by 'printing press credit' -- interest
rates are at historic lows. The United States' domestic
economy is weakened by United States military involvement
in several foreign countries, most notably in Iraq. This
economic weaknesss affects international perception of the
United States as a strong ally and reliable economic trading
partner, weakening international confidence in the United States
and in the stable value of the United States dollar. Recently
the value of the United States dollar has fallen compared to
the value of other countries' currencies -- important because
OPEC petroleum prices are denominated in dollars and OPEC is
raising its dollar-denominated petroleum prices. And additional
United States dollars spent for OPEC petroleum are _not_ being
invested in needed critical domestic infrastructure. [E.g.,
in March 2004 (not the hottest month in the Northern Hemisphere)
the state of California experienced air-conditioning-related
electric power disruptions.]
<*> Government faced with chronic deficits will provide fewer services
(including housing services). A Wiccan Coven's binding oath of
obedience could be used to house indigent Coven members (or their
friends) in another person's private residence, a right that
Government does _not_ have under the United States Constitution.
IMO individuals should consider _seriously_ the mundane implications
of taking any Wiccan Coven's binding oath of obedience. That
binding oath of obedience could affect your daily life in your
(formerly) private residence.
I expect this issue to grow as the United States domestic
economy continues to downsize and people exhaust their credit
resources. There already is much un(der)employment, few new
jobs are being created, and housing is an expensive commodity.
In Los Angeles the price of a 'starter home' reportedly is
in the $600K range. The price of constructing a new home in
the St. Louis area reportedly has risen $10,000US due to
plywood cost increases, regular gasoline costs over $1.70US
per gallon in St. Louis with further increases forecast, and
St. Louis area heating fuel costs rose significantly this
past winter.
Membership in a Circle (a social and discussion organization)
does not require any binding oath of obedience, and there is no
penalty for leaving a Circle's membership. Covens have different
methods to solve their problems. Some of the methods are
entrepreneural. IMO there are real advantages for somebody who
chooses to become a Wiccan to learn _exactly_ what benefits a Coven
offers beyond 'solitary worshipper who participates in a Circle'.
And if a bad boarder or bad invited guest (either maliciously
or by not legal action) invites officialdom (or minor children)
into a private residence ...
<*> In an environment of Government suspicion, IMO this de facto
loss of legal safeguards associated with Court issuance of
search warrants before entry is a _significant_ loss both of
personal privacy and of civil liberties. Some people will consider
my statement paranoid, but during her April 2004 testimony
before the 9/11 Commission, Ms. Condeleeza Rice (President
George W. Bush's National Security Advisor) mentioned Government
discussions about reducing civil liberties to aid the 'War On
Terrorism'. Ms. Rice's comment is significant because Homeland
Security can become an all-encompassing banner under which
far-reaching permanent societal changes are dictated. This
environment of Government suspicion creates a situation where
charitable actions result in _significant loss of civil liberties_
for the private residence owner. No private residence owner
wants the Government to help them OUT in the name of Homeland
Security. And IMO nothing kills charity faster than coercion.
BTW, a local civil servant (who I had _not_ been introduced to)
walked up to me one day and said "We will house four people on your
house's second floor -- you can live on the third floor." I said
nothing -- I turned and silently walked away from her. It is
_unwise_ to challenge a civil servant in her place of employment.
Historically, organized and coordinated _social pressure_ has been
used by several communal societies, by the military, and by English
boys' boarding schools. Shunning (which can include de facto
'denial of service' -- e.g., 'by the book' work slowdowns and
extraordinary bureaucratic delays) is an example of organized and
coordinated social pressure. Another example of organized and
coordinated social pressure is selective enforcement of laws and
regulations. (E.g., the police normally ignore jaywalkers in your
neighborhood's business district, but somehow you always receive
a ticket when you jaywalk. Sufficient accumulation of unpaid
jaywalking tickets is grounds for arrest and detainment. You
can not afford to pay the accumulated tickets' fees ...)
Some people's attitude is that in terms of housing, my cuup
runneth over and I am being selfish not boarding others in my
private home. I consider such _social pressure and hostility_
an unfair attack on my personal freedom. I control the use of
my private home and who I admit as guests (if any). To my
knowledge the United States Government has not (yet) instituted
'the housing police'. The United States Constitution contains
NO stipulation that allows Government to forcibly house civilians
in your private home. Of course, should martial law ever be
declared within the United States, Constitutional rights would
be suspended and only Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA
(iron Ma), now contained within the Department of Homeland Security]
knows what could happen.
Given our downsized domestic economy (with its shrunken tax
*****End of Part Two*****
"All Rights Reserved"?
If I 'right' must I reserve?
I got no problems.
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
Parts One, Two, Four and Five are contained in concurrent
copyrighted messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan
Novices (Part One/Two/Four/Five of Five Parts)", respectively.
I provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
subsequent copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for
Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two/Three of Three Parts)",
respectively.
<snip>
<snip>
Mutagenic substances harm human fertility. IMO Wiccans
(with their religious emphasis on human fertility) must be
_acutely aware_ of the consequences of exposure to
mutagenic substances. Some recreational drugs are
mutagenic substances. IMO Wiccans also should be knowledgable
about birth control technologies, their use and their reliability.
Apparently (im)proper nutrition also affects the quality
I believe that accumulation of harm dictates the victim's
*****End of Part Three*****
"All Rights Reserved"?
If I 'right' must I reserve?
I got no problems.
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Parts One, Two, Three and Four are contained in concurrent
copyrighted messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan
Novices (Part One/Two/Three/Four of Five Parts)", respectively.
I provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
subsequent copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for
Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two/Three of Three Parts)",
respectively.
and
<*> In my locale, many people equate the exclamation "Right!"
to "Submit!" -- e.g., individuals attempting to win an argument
use the exclamation "Right!" at every opportunity, much as
dwelling seekers in my locale emphasize the exclamation "You two!"
(discussed earlier). "All right!" (denoting "Everybody submit!")
also is a popular exclamation in my locale. And although rare,
I have known literate individuals educated at my local
University who say 'ewes' rather than 'you', the implication
being "I am superior while you all are sheep." (This is _not_
common usage in my locale, but I know these individuals well.)
In pugnacious encounters between males in my locale, the aggressor
male often will attempt to 'she it' -- that is, to force the other
male to live like a submissive sissy. Dominant females in my locale
sometimes use repeated nuisance calls to the police and to social
service agencies in efforts to 'she it' (cow) their neighbors.
Dominant individuals also have been known to make nuisance calls
to the IRS triggering unwarranted (and timewasting) income tax
audits. These 'she it' examples are good reasons not to covet your
neighbors' spouse or property.
My observations of diverse cultures cause me to believe that
all cultures are not equal -- some cultures have greater
cultural substance, integrity and value than others. My
observations of diverse cultures also have taught me that
all cultures are not equally suitable to my personal goals
and desired lifestyle.
<*> The 1960's / 1970's was an era when the United States was a
cultural 'melting pot' -- immigrants to the United States were
expected to become members of a strong and homogeneous
United States society. One of the issues of the 1960's / 1970's
United States counterculture emergence was that subcultural
groups had the right to define and maintain their own subculture.
(Both African-Americans and feminists stressed this social issue.)
Yet like the 1960's / 1970's, the 21st Century does not grant
equal value to all subcultures, and 21st Century United States
culture (personified by the broadcast entertainment media)
manifests significant social pressure towards a new homogeneous
conformity. IMO the 21st Century broadcast entertainment
media often poor trays white males as "ewes with kinder, gentler
wallets" -- one man's opinion. But I also wonder how male
soldiers returning from long duty tours in Islamic Iraq will
react to (IMO) media's pressure to (disadvantageously) conform.
<*> IMO the continued United States occupation of Islamic Iraq
makes this issue increasingly important. Returning GI's infused
European and Oriental concepts into United States society.
Returning soldiers _will_ infuse Islamic concepts into
United States society. I believe that the United States occupation
of Iraq will continue to heavily load the Armed Forces Reserve
and the state National Guard units (the Governors' militias).
I also believe that the long Iraq occupation might necessitate
reinitiating Selective Service drafting of young men (including
married men). IMO the long Iraq occupation will breakup many
(military) families, leaving many women "Separated or Divorced
With Children" in a downsized United States domestic economy
offering few high-paying jobs either to men or to women. Credit
cards offer limited credit, and home equity stretches only so far.
<*> Money spent pacifying and rebuilding Iraq is not building
new jobs, new opportunities and better education in the
United States. The outsourcing of United States manufacturing jobs
to foreign countries (e.g., quality wooden furniture manufacturing
to Mainland China and contract electronics manufacturing to the
Pacific Rim nations), and outsourcing of computer software and
of telephone customer service jobs (e.g., to India with its quality
education system and its significantly lower cost-of-living)
is very common in the currently downsizing United States economy.
[At the same time, the nation of Mexico is a good neighbor that
provides energy to the United States in return for NAFTA jobs,
and Canada and the United States have a long broad history of
mutual cooperation. United States culture would be _very_ different
if its northern and southern neighbors were hostile.]
I believe that the true cost of the United States occupation
of Iraq will be paid in broken families, lost homes and several
generations of impoverished United States citizens.
IMO history often can be explained in terms of economics,
and similar economics brings similar societal responses. IMO
the United States today faces an economic situation similar to
the situation faced during the latter parts of former President
Lyndon B. Johnson's Administration. During President Johnson's
time, the United States economy had been drained by long
involvement in the Vietnam War. Today the United States economy
has been drained by involvement in Bosnia, in Afghanistan and
now in Iraq. At the same time, today the United States has greater
dependence upon foreign nations for energy and for manufactured
goods -- both economic weaknesses.
<*> IMO other _expensive_ factors that weaken the current
United States domestic economy are the emphasis on Homeland Security
since the tragic events of September 11, 2001; and the ongoing
emphasis on computer software security upgrades.
Security does _not_ produce a salable service or product --
at its best, security facilitates "business and life as usual".
Since 9/11/2001 the United States has invested heavily in
Homeland Security activities. This Homeland Security investment
is necessary, but the investment does _not_ produce salable goods
or services. Instead the investment drains resources from
productive activities and weakens the United States domestic
economy.
The "Year 2000 Computer Software Modifications" are analogous
to our current Homeland Security activities. The Year 2000 Computer
Software Modifications permitted computers and communications
to operate normally beyond January 1, 2000, but these modifications
did _not_ produce additional salable goods or services. The Year 2000
Computer Modifications cost approximately one percent of one year's
United States Gross National Product, resources drained from
productive activities.
I do not know the (direct and indirect) costs of
Homeland Security, but IMO Homeland Security activities
weaken the United States domestic economy in an analogous
(and continuing) manner. And many Homeland Security activities
are labor-intensive -- mechanized savings opportunities are minimal.
Increasing energy prices also raise business costs -- if demand
and sales are low due to un(der)employment and credit exhaustion,
rising business costs reduce profitability. IMO if the
United States domestic economy continues downsizing, businessmen
increasingly will say "We can not afford additional security".
<*> The last five years have featured a flood of Internet-based
attacks on computer software, and a flood of effort to counter
these attacks quickly and economically. IMO real progress has
been made in this area. Increasingly computer software security
upgrades are made automatically over the Internet, and the
increased mechanization is quick and economical. In addition,
automated tools (computer high level language compilers and
language syntax checking tools) increasingly incorporate tests
to identify (and help eliminate) potential software security
problems. These cost-saving automated tools were (and continue
to be) upgraded by diverting resources from developing new
(profitable) software products with increased functionality.
The continuing costs of computer software security also are
being reduced by user education (e.g., avoid bad Internet
websites) and by increased mechanization. And computer software
security is allied with Homeland Security efforts -- United States
(and global) transportation infrastructure is heavily computerized.
IMO, United States recent involvement in Bosnia, in Afghanistan
and Iraq, coupled with the expense of imported petroleum and
manufactured goods, continuing Homeland Security activities
and continuing computer software security upgrade activities has
burdened the United States domestic economy equivalent to the
economic burden the United States faced during the Vietnam War
at the end of former President Lyndon B. Johnson's Administration.
<*> My own personal political philosophy is capitalistic because
I believe in meritocracy. But people seek different political
solutions during troubled economic times. Already United States
citizens look to socialized medicine and to Canadian pharmaceuticals
in an effort to reduce their health care costs. And rapidly
increasing energy prices (domestic refinery capacity already is
at a maximum, gasoline demand is ever increasing, my local
television newscaster speculates about $3.00US per gallon gasoline
this summer, and California experienced March 2004 electric power
shortages due to air conditioning) will _radically_ change
lower income and rural (long commutes) peoples' lifestyles for
the worse. Marxism, a set of political philosophies born from
harsh economic conditions, had vocal advocates during the
Vietnam War era -- those Vietnam protests were more than
'flower power'.
<*> The 1970's saw widespread interest in energy conservation
and in alternative energy sources (e.g., use of the Sun's
nonpolluting energy in a number of ways). Energy conservation
and alterative energy sources never were widely accepted, largely
because energy conservation brings unwanted lifestyle changes
(less automotive freedom) while imported petroleum and imported
natural gas were convenient and affordable in the 1970's. But
imported energy prices have risen dramatically while the
United States dollar's value has fallen, and reliance on
imported energy is both a United States security weakness
and a recurring United States trade deficit issue. How much
further must imported energy prices rise before energy
conservation and alternative energy sources again become
politically relevant issues?
<*> IMO worsening economics during the United States Iraq occupation
_will_ cause increased United States' citizenry interest in Marxist
political philosophy (particularly in college students burdened with
large outstanding educational loans that block access to other
credit, but also in financially burdened soldiers returning
from Iraq). This increased interest in Marxist political
philosophy (redistribution of existing wealth among the overall
population) _will_ raise concern in financial, antiterrorism and
Homeland Security circles. (National Security Advisor Condeleeza
Rice's April 2004 testimony about civil liberties versus the
'War Against Terrorism' before the 9/11 Commission sets a
confirming precedent here.) IMO increased interest in Marxist
political philosophy _will_ raise security versus civil liberty
issues within the United States society.
<*> If a United States citizenry interest resurgence in Marxist
political philosophies raises antiterrorism and Homeland Security
concerns, IMO United States Armed Forces might play a greater role
in quelling political protest within the United States than the
Armed Forces performed during the Vietnam War era (despite the
current existence of the Federal 'Posse Comitas Act'). Military
involvement might range from use of the National Guards (the
Governors' militias now serving in Iraq) to calling out the
U.S. Army and (local?) invocation of Martial Law (what I term
'The Big Event').
<*> If Martial Law is declared, guaranteed Constitutional liberties
are suspended [potentially including private property rights,
freedom of assembly (and travel), and freedom of worship]. I have
viewed television reports of state police exercises that simulate
state border closings in case of terrorist threats. John Steinbeck's
classic novel "The Grapes of Wrath" contains examples of
impoverished families run off their land and being forced into
starvation; and of local Government using coercive force (under the
banner of 'maintaining domestic tranquility') to prevent workers'
rights of assembly, of peaceful protest, and to prevent
unionization. This _isolation_ is the exact opposite philosophy of
The Berlin Airlift that former President (and Five Star General)
Dwight D. Eisenhower used to keep the citizens of Berlin fed
and free.
In Iraq and elsewhere the United States military is developing
societal control techniques. Military and police using these
techniques (including domestic surveillance without Court-issued
warrants -- e.g., context-sensitive Internet monitoring using
Raptor technology) might restrict civil liberties (including
freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of worship)
through intimidation; entrapment; selective enforcement of existing
regulations and laws; anonymous defamation of character and
reputation; use of high visibility, low impact social issues (i.e.,
divide and conquer) to distract voter attention from high impact
economic issues; and chaotic implementation of Murphy's Law.
<*> Summarizing, many factors contribute to the current weak
United States domestic economy. A weak domestic economy
produces few new jobs and produces poverty rather than affluence.
Impoverished people have fewer options and impoverished people
seek political remedies. IMO the current weak United States
domestic economy could trigger economic and labor protests, and
could trigger antiwar protests similar to the Vietnam War protests.
These protests might trigger defensive Homeland Security responses.
*****End of Part Five*****
The comments contained herein are my opinions. This message
was not solicited by Amazon.com, any author, any artist, or their
agent(s), publisher(s), producer(s) or distributor(s).
I am *not* an Islamic or Judaic scholar.
I am *not* legally qualified to provide medical, psychological,
legal, financial or religious opinions, but I have discussed some
issues with my Attorney and have read extensively in these areas.
I have strong opinions.
"All Rights Reserved"?
If I 'right' must I reserve?
I got no problems.
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Parts One, Two, Three and Five are contained in concurrent
copyrighted messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan
Novices (Part One/Two/Three/Five of Five Parts)", respectively.
I provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
subsequent copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for
Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two/Three of Three Parts)",
respectively.
<*> Societal traditions are changing. Same sex marriages
recently have raised controversy -- their legal status has
_not_ been fully established and many people wish to preserve
the traditional defiition that marriage denotes a formalized
man/woman pairing. Some states have proposed an alternative
institution (so-called 'civil unions') in an attempt to formally
legalize same sex pairings while simultaneously preserving the
traditional marriage definition.
<*> I am not qualified to provide legal opinions, but IMO
'Civil Unions' raise new questions. Powers not expressly
delegated to the Federal Government by the U.S. Constitution
are reserved for the states -- individual states will decide
if and how to define Civil Unions within their state. And I
know no law stipulating that Civil Unions must be limited
to two adults ...
<*> And a Federal law signed in 2004 by President
George W. Bush grants separate legal status to 'unborn babies'.
I do _not_ know the implications of this Federal law. To my
knowledge this law has _not_ yet been challenged in the Courts.
I) *Warlock* is a term that many interpret differently. To
the general population 'warlock' refers to a (usually male)
Magick-using warrior. Witch wars are _discouraged_ in Craft and
Wiccan Covens, however, and 'warlock' usually denotes someone
who has been ostracized from a Coven or a group of cooperating
Covens for disobedience to Coven Tradition or to the Coven High
Priest/ess's authority. [In some cases a Coven High Priest/ess
pairs Coven members (and their children) during sabbats.] The
ostracism that a warlock encounters includes social shunning,
denial of _any_ assistance from Coven members, and so-called
chaotic attacks (e.g., floods of annoyances, insults and small
injuries). The ostracism's goal is to force the warlock to
_vacate_ the locale where his/her former Coven worships,
preferably moving to another city or state. (In the Midwest
city where I grew up people talked about 'running somebody out
of town on a rail'.) I believe this ostracism occurs most
often in the case of a Pagan man who divorces or deserts his
partner, particularly if the partners have children. But the
ostracism also occurs in divorcing households that do not
include children, and in my locale non-Pagan divorcing men
also experience this ostracism.
One reader commented that 'running somebody out of town
on a rail' is juvenile and not believable. Purr haps, but
it hap pens. Furthermore, in the accompanying message
"Definitions For Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part Three of
Five Parts)" I provide excerpts from "A New Wiccan Book of
the Law: A Manual for the Guidance of Groves, Covens, &
Individuals"; Compiled and edited by Lady Galadriel;
© Copyright 1992 by Lady Galadriel; Moonstone Publications;
PO Box 13384; Atlanta, GA 30324 USA. Among the excerpts I
provide are so-called rules stating IMO that a Wiccan Coven
has the (governmental) right of Eminent Domain to seize a
malcontented Coven member's real property (for cash payment)
and that the malcontented Coven member should vacate the locale
(i.e., get outta town!).
In my locale, feminists often speak of 'shame man ism'
(a word play on the term 'shamanism') as a process intended
to force a warlock (or any seemingly unsympathetic male)
back into the fold. 'Shame man ism' is an organized process
of social shunning by feminists and their sympathetic (?)
partners and family members. IMO 'shame man ism' is a chaotic
and informal form of the 'intervention therapy' sometimes used
by psychologists and by organizations such as
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
In my locale the goal of 'shame man ism' is summarized by
one of our civic ordinances: "No dogs without leashes".
A single male with no living children is remarkably free,
a status that troubles some burdened individuals.
'Shame man ism' is one area where magick and science overlap,
specifically in the form of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle.
'Shame man ism' causes changes, however the shunners do not always
appreciate the direction those changes take. Once a person is
shunned, that person has little reason not to speak openly and
frankly about perceived social inequities. And being the target
of organized shunning permanently changes the target individual's
perception of the shunning community, the community's values, and
_the community's current and future value_.
One reader stated (an ad hominem attack?) that Wicca is not
about _me_ personally and that 'Shame man ism' is nonexistent.
I can not speak globally, but 'Shame man ism' _does_ exist in
my locale. The social safety net traditionally supplied by
Government is unraveling (e.g., 'five years and you are out'
Welfare and Aid To Dependent Children), and on numerous
occasions I have been (_aggressively_) approached separately
both by men and by women seeking charitable handouts who justify
their requests by tersely stating "We're Moms!", as though that
simple statement was sufficient rationale to force a handout
from a single man.
Some people might question the existence of organized
social shunning. Historically, shunning has been used in
(para)military organizations and police (nobody covers your
back); boys' (boarding) schools (which often have a military
tradition); rough sports teams (e.g., football, rugby,
ice hockey, even basketball); dangerous occupations (mining,
construction and fire fighting) and in communal societies
(e.g., the Mormons and the Oneida Community) to encourage
conformity (i.e., so-called 'right thinking'). Within communal
societies situated in harsh environments, extreme shunning can
result in death from starvation, dehydration or exposure to freezing
weather -- you can't come in out of the cold. In magickal circles,
warlocks (so-called oath breakers) routinely are shunned by the
overall magickal community.
In my locale, divorced men (especially those with living
children) often are treated as oath breakers regardless of
the situations motivating the divorce. The Roman Catholic
religion (which has a long European military tradition and
whose practices include 'Excommunication' -- denial of
The Sacraments) discourages divorce among its members.
I wonder how the career military community treats
divorce among its members? (Service personnel returning
from extended duty in a war zone are greatly changed. A
postwar divorce epidemic within the career military
community would be very disruptive to the military.)
<*> The current Iraq occupation continues to draw heavily upon
the Armed Forces Reserves and the National Guards -- (often
married) citizen soldiers whose military salary usually is
_significantly less_ than their normal civilian salary. This
financial hardship is being compounded by extended duty tours
for some soldiers now in Iraq (reminiscent of Joseph Heller's
"Catch-22") and by Army requests for additional troops in Iraq.
At this time, few new jobs are being created within the
United States domestic economy, and Armed Forces Reserve personnel
and National Guardsmen are listed as 'employed' although they are
not drawing their normal civilian salaries. I predict additional
un(der)employment when Armed Forces Reserve personnel and
National Guardsmen begin returning in large numbers from their
Iraq duty tours.
IMO the financial burden borne by soldiers now serving
in Iraq will _not_ be evident until standard rotations and
returns to the United States become commonplace. I am not a
military historian, but IMO the demographics of the current
Iraq occupation resemble World War II and the Korean Conflict
more than they resemble the Vietnam War or Operation Desert Storm
(the war in Kuwait). Operation Desert Storm had relatively short
duration and relied heavily on air power -- no long occupation
with overseas reliance upon the Armed Forces Reserve and the
National Guard. The Vietnam War occured in an era where a
baby boom of late teen / early twenties young men were available
for the military draft -- little overseas reliance upon the
Armed Forces Reserve and the National Guard.
World War II and the Korean Conflict were soldiered through
extensive military drafting of civilians. This extensive drafting
included heavy reliance upon _married soldiers_ whose families
endured at home and suffered economic hardship throughout the
fighting. World War II and Korea were large scale conflicts
affecting the entire civilian population -- _the entire
United States civilian population (the taxpayers) pulled together_.
The current Iraq occupation places heavy _overseas_ reliance
upon the married soldiers of the Armed Forces Reserve
and the National Guard (whose service pay often is
_significantly less_ than their civilian job salaries). The
soldiers and families of the Armed Forces Reserve and the
National Guard currently are facing _economic hardship_ similar
to that faced by the overall population during World War II
and the Korean Conflict. But the Iraq occupation affects
the overall United States population primarily through its
'printing press financing', resulting inflationary cost
increases, and deferral or cancellation of both Government
and business (questionable demand in a downsizing economy)
development projects -- not popular with the taxpaying civilians.
<*> The Iraq occupation is the first long term occupation
where the Armed Forces Reserve and the National Guards
(the State Governors' militias) have been heavily utilized
_overseas_. Members of the Armed Forces Reserve and the
National Guards were _not used heavily overseas_ during
the Vietnam War. And many of the veterans' benefits [e.g.,
educational, health care, home purchase assistance (low
fixed interest rate VA loans) and survivors' benefits] available
to Vietnam War veterans have been _discontinued or greatly reduced_
in the name of 'downsizing government' and 'reducing the deficit'
since the Vietnam War. I assume that Federal Civil Service
hiring regulations still give a five point numeric preference
on hiring evaluations to Armed Forces veterans, but the Federal
Government has outsourced and downsized since the Vietnam War --
fewer Federal jobs are available for returning veterans. IMO
these benefits are a valid cost for operating the United States
Armed Forces, the Armed Forces Reserve and the National Guards.
The entire United States civilian population (the taxpayers) is
not yet pulling together to support the soldiers serving in Iraq,
and these soldiers will end their duty tours and return to the
United States with _little remaining cash, credit or home equity_.
Poverty breeds unhappiness, discord and civil strife; and without
unified taxpayer support for these returning military personnel in
the form of _significantly increased veterans' benefits_, IMO many
Armed Forces Reserve and National Guard marriages will end
shortly after soldiers' Iraq duty tours end. And both the
Armed Forces Reserve and the National Guards will dwindle
to a close without new enlistments and reenlistments, unless
the taxpayers provide _significantly increased veterans' benefits_
to reward the sacrifices these soldiers and their families make
while serving the United States.
If Armed Forces, Armed Forces Reserve and National Guard
participation is _not_ rewarded through better salaries and
significantly increased veterans' benefits, I believe that the
Federal Government will be forced to reinstitute military
conscription by _reactivating the Selective Service Draft_.
The Draft was deactivated after the unpopular Vietnam War.
Apparently the local Draft Boards formerly used to operate the
Draft have disbanded. And reactivating the local Draft Board
system and military conscription would be a _Herculean task_.
During the Vietnam War era, the Selective Service Draft
included the possibility of total deferment from being drafted
for disability, for (rare) religious and (rare) conscientious
objector status, or sole surviving sons in families with military
deaths. Men working in crucial defense or infrastructure (e.g.,
utilities) jobs also were deferred from military service. During
the Vietnam War era, the Selective Service Draft included the
possibility of temporary deferment from being drafted to allow
education completion. _And the Selective Service Draft applied
only to males._
21st Century United States society is more complex than
Vietnam War era society. Societal complexity (including the
changes in women's socioeconomic status, controversy about
the legal definition of 'marriage', and proliferation of
religions) complicates the draft deferment issue.
If the United States Selective Service Draft is reactivated,
I believe the resulting universal sufferage will be organized
using the model provided by the Armed Forces of the State
of Israel -- universal sufferage with _very few deferments_.
IMO if the Selective Service Draft is reactivated, a domestic
service alternative to military service also will be created --
a period of National domestic noncombat service. Males not
qualifying (or meeting greatly restricted deferment requirements)
for military service will be drafted into a period of National
domestic noncombat service. (During World War II, pacifist Quaker
religious societies provided formal organized service alternatives
for their members seeking conscientious objector deferment from
military service -- e.g., volunteer service in local hospitals.)
The following discussion addresses emergency conscription
possibilities. During World War I an informal elder 'home guard'
supplemented services normally provided today by local police.
People with prior military service are subject to _lifetime_ recall
by the United States military. And although the Vietnam Era draft
lottery freed lottery-winning 1-A participants from further
possibility of military conscription, promises and policies change
in case of national emergency. IMO if the Selective Service Draft
is reactivated, there might be _few opportunities for total draft
deferment_ (other than for age). IMO females not wishing to join
the military (when noncombat military vacancies exist) also might
be drafted for a period of local domestic noncombat service with
day care provided for children of conscripted mothers (e.g., as in
Israeli Kibbutzim) and no marriage deferments for women.
People validly can question my prediction of universal
sufferage. In the Vietnam War era, draft deferments to
complete college education were controversial because few
poor people could attend college. In the eras of the American
Revolution and the so-called Civil War (The War Between The
States), wealthy families could purchase for cash their sons'
deferment from militia service. But 21st Century United States
society is more _volitile_ than Vietnam War era society. I predict
significant civil protests if deferments favoring the affluent are
instituted as part of reactivating Selective Service military
conscription (the draft).
Should petroleum imports into the United States be disrupted
for a long period of time, shortages would develop as 'business
as usual' breaks down and Homeland Security attempts to control
the resulting societal disruption might require activating
Selective Service conscription (the draft).
Despite the fact that female Israeli soldiers receive combat
assignments (and despite the proliferation of women kick boxers
in the media), I do _not_ believe that United States female soldiers
will receive combat assignments in the foreseeable future. Let
us hope we _never_ again have large scale infantry wars similar
to World War I and World War II.
During World War II and the Korean Conflict, domestic
United States housing construction was at a standstill. A
housing shortage existed at the end of these conflicts and
Government subsidy of housing construction (e.g., fixed rate
low interest VA loans) was included in veterans' benefits.
In the 21st Century the Iraq occupation is raising the cost of
United States housing construction [materials and skilled
(heavy equipment operator) labor shortages], and the money
spent rebuilding Iraq (a moral issue) is not available to build
(or rebuild depleted) housing in the United States. Housing
shortages breed poverty, discord and civil strife that prevents
or destroys marriages and civilized society.
What happens if veterans' benefits are not increased? The
best analogy I know is that after four years of fighting in the
so-called Civil War (The War Between The States), Confederate soldiers
returned to their Southern homes and farms to face financial ruin
and a period of impoverished Reconstruction under the watchful eyes
of empowered, exploitive carpetbaggers. And without increased
veterans' benefits to offset the financial sacrifices made by
Armed Forces Reserve and the National Guards members, how will these
institutions be sustained as contingencies against future needs?
When military priorities create 'marriage adverse' financial
situations, do former military personnel who divorce deserve to
be treated as shunned oath breakers? When reduced veterans'
benefits create 'marriage adverse' financial situations, do
former military personnel who divorce deserve to be treated as
shunned oath breakers?
Some people might question apparent cavalier responses
to organized social shunning. I acknowledge that humans
are social beings and that humans prefer good companionship.
But good companionship is defined by the individual, and
definitions change with experience.
I explain cavalier response to social shunning using
the backpacker analogy. The backpacker walks towards the
horizon. If the backpacker chooses to look backwards, the
people and things the backpacker leaves behind appear
ever smaller as time passes. Now, if the backpacker's
friends, relatives and associates shun the backpacker, these
people's collaborative social shunning makes them appear
_even smaller_ to the backpacker in terms of personal integrity,
in terms of potential trouble, and also in terms of
_questionable future value_ as good companions. And if
these people are shunning the backpacker, why should
the backpacker bother to look backwards as s/he walks
towards the horizon?
Increasingly in 21st Century society, the Government social
safety net's unraveling has popularized socialistic political
concepts -- the idea that fortunate individuals are bound
to lodge less fortunate people within their private homes
is gaining popularity. [It is interesting to speculate how
in case of extreme military housing shortages in urban areas,
the military might 'encourage' families of draftees (and hungry
civilians in times of scarcity) to lodge soldiers within their
private homes.] My reaction to these socialistic political concepts
is twofold. First, the concepts are contrary to the individual
civil liberties guaranteed by the United States Constitution and
its amendments. Second, nothing kills charity faster than coercion.
Pagans sometimes refer to non-Pagans as 'cowans'. The
term cowan is derived primarily from Freemasonry: 'cowans'
were non-Masonic stoneworkers who either produced inferior
work and thus were not eligible to join, or worked only in
drystone (without mortar) which apparently didn't count.
[Interestingly, drystone work can be *very* difficult because
individual stones are independently fitted and laid. Mortar
can act as glue and a filler to patch weaknesses in mortared
stone construction.]
As I stated previously, I believe that some Wiccans use
'The Universal Rule of Three' to justify 'vigilante lessons'
against both Wiccans and non-Wiccans, including ostracizing
non-Wiccan divorcing men regardless of whether the divorcing
household includes children. I find this ethically troubling.
Non-Pagans are *not* Wiccan Coven or Pagan Family members.
Non-Pagans took no binding oaths -- they are *not* oath breakers.
In effect, non-Pagans 'did not sign the contract', but they
are being punished for breaking oaths that they never accepted.
IMO a Lot can happen as a result of this unethical treatment.
One reader asked if I intended to go completely off topic,
substituting my 'socioeconomic political rant du jour' for
on topic discussion of Paganism and Wicca. This document
section concerns Warlocks (so-called oath breakers) and how
the Pagan/Wiccan community treats oath breakers. IMO oaths
can _not_ be viewed outside the 'real world' environment.
For example, a person could take an oath to fly merely by
flapping their arms without other mechanical aids, but few
would credit that oath. Similarly, the viability of a
socioeconomic or political oath is affected by the changing
socioeconomic and political climate.
My discussion has included how accused oath breakers
(including non-Pagan and non-Wiccan men who divorce their
partners without living children and regardless of reason)
are treated in my locale, how the worsening domestic
United States economy reduces peoples' lifestyle options --
lifestyle options are freedoms (including transportation
options supporting freedom of assembly and freedom of religious
worship), and how Governmental security activities initiated in
response to the tragic events of 9/11 have nonproductively raised
the cost of living (less lifestyle freedom for the impoverished)
while hindering civil liberties [e.g., hindering freedom of
assembly in Times Square on New Year's Eve 2003 through an
(inadvertantly?) threatening display of force where
riotgear-equipped police armed with assault rifles were
proactively visible as strolling crowd controllers].
<*> IMO freedom of assembly and the Constitutionally guaranteed
right of 'Habeas Corpus' have similarities. Consider the police
response to the civil demonstrations at the 1968 Chicago Democratic
National Convention, and to the (Los Angeles) Watts riots. The
police response (including mass internments) fanned the flames
of civil disobedience. And poverty is _not_ a crime in the
United States -- no debtors' prisons.
I have pointed out that heavy use of the Armed Forces Reserve
and the National Guards in the Iraq occupation is financially
hurting overseas service personnel and their families. IMO this
financial burden for active duty Armed Forces Reserve and
National Guard personnel is an unequal and unfair loss of financial
freedom not (yet) offset by _significantly increased veterans'
benefits_ -- a debt that the taxpayers owe these people. IMO all
of these topics affect Pagan, Wiccan and United States residents'
freedom of assembly (the impoverished have fewer transportation
options) and freedom of worship (loss of freedom of assembly
discourages group worship). IMO rather than being off topic,
I believe that I have hit the bullseye.
*****End of Part Four*****
The comments contained herein are my opinions. This message
was not solicited by Amazon.com, any author, any artist, or their
agent(s), publisher(s), producer(s) or distributor(s).
I am *not* an Islamic or Judaic scholar.
I am *not* legally qualified to provide medical, psychological,
legal, financial or religious opinions, but I have discussed some
issues with my Attorney and have read extensively in these areas.
I have strong opinions.
"All Rights Reserved"?
If I 'right' must I reserve?
I got no problems.
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Parts Two, Three, Four and Five are contained in concurrent
copyrighted messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan
Novices (Part Two/Three/Four/Five of Five Parts)", respectively.
I provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
subsequent copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for
Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two/Three of Three Parts)",
respectively.
IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
on this Internet newsgroup.
<*> June 21 (midnight June 22 Stonehenge time), the Northern
Hemisphere's Summer Solstice, is the sabbat Midsummer. This
sabbat was called Vestalia in ancient Rome, Alban Heflin in
the Anglo-Saxon Tradition and All Couple's Day in Greece.
Summer Solstice marks the longest day(light) of the year, the
height of the Sun's (the Wiccan God's) power. June is the
traditional time to wed in Europe and in the United States.
<*> In Scotland the Midsummer sabbat was called Feill-Sheathain.
Scottish sabbats honored Cerridwen the Crone Goddess (reminiscent
of Hamlet's witches) and featured the cauldron, a Celtic symbol
of life, death, and rebirth. The cauldron symbolized that the
sun is not truly dead, but was reborn from the Goddess at Yule
(nominally five months later). The Celts would light balesfires
(and conduct their ritual celebrations) from sunset the night
before Midsummer until sunset the next day. "Biiken", the old
Norse word for balefire, apparently still is used to describe
Midsummer fires.
<*> The Midsummer sabbat celebrates fertility. The Wiccan Goddess
is heavy with pregnancy, new farm animals soon will be born,
and the Earth is green with crops and vegetation. Yet
fertility rites continue both to ensure an abundant harvest
and also to ensure the continued prosperity of Pagan families.
The Midsummer sabbat also celebrates the Sun which warms the
fertile Earth, and celebrates the strength of the Horned God
and father. Midsummer balefires symbolize the strength of the
Sun and the Pagan father, and (a-hem) fertility celebrations
often accompany the lighting of the balefire.
<*> Some Pagan Traditions alternate their God persona. The
Holly King rules as Horned God from the Summer Solstice (Midsummer,
June 22nd) through the Winter Solstice (Yule, December 22nd).
The Oak King rules as Horned God from the Winter Solstice (Yule,
December 22nd) through the Summer Solstice (Midsummer, June 22nd).
These Traditions might stage a Midsummer ritual battle symbolizing
the Holly King vanquishing the Oak King -- in the Yule ritual battle
the Oak King will vanquish the Holly King. This 'changing of
the Kings' ritual marks the annual cycle of the sun, and can
symbolize the seasonal change of Pagan partners.
<*> In Greek mythos the goddess Persephone (Proserpine) was abducted
by Pluto (the God of the Underworld). Persephone's mother Ceres
(the Goddess of fertility and abundance) mourned and the Earth
grew barren. The Earth survived only through the other Gods'
intervention. The other Gods forced a compromise where Persephone
alternately spent six months aboveground (Summer) with her mother
Ceres, and six months belowground in Hades (Winter) as Pluto's queen
and consort. The earth (and Persephone) was fertile and warm during
the six summer months Persephone spent with Ceres. The earth (and
Persephone) was barren and cold during the six winter months Ceres
mourned Persephone's time as Pluto's consort.
<*> Twenty-First Century society with its high divorce rates offers
another analogy. Children of divorced parents often live with each
of their biological parents during a portion of the year. Midsummer
(end of the school year) and Yule (semester break) are times when
children's' transition between parents might occur. And the
'changing of the Kings' can symbolize separation and divorce --
a new and loving partner vanquishing an indifferent, abusive, or
(morally-)bankrupt partner.
<*> Many Traditions view Midsummer as a time for family closeness.
Scandinavians celebrate Thing-Tide just after the time of Midsummer.
Thing-Tide is a gathering of families to conduct business before
celebration and feasting. St. John's Day is celebrated in Ireland
just before the time of the Midsummer sabbat. Some Irish believe
that faeries cart off prized livestock and unsuspecting human
revelers (particularly young maidens) on St. John's Day. German
folklore contains numerous stories of foolish and naive persons
wandering into the night woods during Midsummer and never returning.
Consider the tale of 'Hansel and Gretel', where a witch attempts
to roast Hansel and to hold Gretel as a servant.
<*> The association of Midsummer with family closeness (and with
stories of family members disappearing during Midsummer) might
be related to the myth of Persephone's abduction by Pluto.
The Holly King / Oak King Tradition might be related to the myth
of Persephone serving two rulers -- Pluto the god of Hades and
Persephone's mother Ceres, the goddess of fertility and abundance.
<*> During Midsummer, Pagans traditionally gathered magickal
and medicinal plants to dry and store for winter use. (This
practice explains why Midsummer sabbat is called Gathering Day
in Wales.) The Celtic Druids gathered their sacred mistletoe
(the golden bough) on Midsummer sabbat. The North American
Miami Indians gathered buckeyes (horse chestnuts) to fashion
into protective amulets and jewelry. Lavender gathered during
Midsummer have been used as aphrodisiac incense. Pine cones
gathered during Midsummer have been fashioned into amulets of
protection, fertility and virility.
With this sabbat approaching many Wiccans are discussing
Wicca more openly, and many of their friends are hearing about
Wicca for the first time. These friends might ask "How can I
learn about Wicca?"
I wish to offer some basic definitions. But before offering
these definitions I must state that I am _not_ a Wiccan, a witch,
a Pagan or a satanist. People ask me "Why are you providing these
definitions on the Internet?" One reason is that I first heard
about Wicca in an acquaintance's chance comment, and learning
details about Paganism and Wicca has cost me (and continues to
cost me) much time and trouble. Another reason I provide these
definitions is the flood of negativism on the Pagan- and
Wicca-related Internet newsgroups. It appears that everybody has
a license to criticize and complain, but few have a license to make
a positive contribution.
I have defined my message's current scope: Providing information
about 21st Century Pagan and Wiccan practices based upon my reading,
my Internet newsgroup participation, and my arms-length observations
in my locale. IMO this is the information that _not committed_
prospective Wiccan novices seek. Assembling that information cost
(and continues to cost) me much time and trouble -- time and trouble
that _not committed_ prospective Wiccan novices can avoid by reading
my messages. In the future (and time permitting) I might enlarge
my messages' scope to include the historical Pagan and Wiccan
definitions and references preferred by conservative and
_already committed_ Pagans and Wiccans.
Some basic definitions:
A) I believe that *Magick* is the goal-oriented use of Chaos,
a different term than 'magic' which refers to 'stage magic'
(prestidigitation).
Magick is strongly based in human sexuality. Human sexuality
can be a magickal goal, but need not be. More often human
sexuality is one magickal means used to achieve a goal. Human
fertility magick and agricultural fertility magick are religion
for Wiccans, and some Wiccans might state that fertility
(not human sexuality) is the important part of Wicca. I believe
that many Magickians would smile and reply 'There is more than
one way to worship the Goddess.'
Readers have protested my opinion "some Wiccans might state that
fertility (not human sexuality) is the important part of Wicca."
"some" is not an attempt to cover all of Wicca. However, Wicca
primarily is a Goddess-worshipping religion. Mother is one of
the Wiccan Goddess's three personas. Women who treasure fertility
are common among Wiccans. And in a downsizing United States
economy with increasing un(der)employment and competition, I
predict that many working women will interrupt their careers to
explore motherhood -- a financially (and sometimes emotionally)
expensive long term burden for _both_ parents that reduced
(or constant in an inflationary environment) Government funding
for daycare and education will _not_ lighten.
Magick sometimes is described as being dark or light magick.
Dark magick (sometimes called left-handed magick) tends to be
obscuring, domineering and obstructing _chaotic_ magick used
with little regard for ethics or morality. [Imagine the most
misleading pre-election political advertisements possible --
a perfect example of chaotic dark magick. Misleading statements
can produce chaotic (magickal) results.] Dark magick often
is associated with satanism and has gained popularity in the
past several years. Light magick (sometimes called right-handed
magick) tends to be illuminating, clarifying, non-interfering
and empowering _benign_ magick used beneficently.
Magick sometimes is described as being Low Magick or High Magick.
Low Magick typically denotes simple magick spells performed by
individuals. High Magick typically denotes ceremonial magick
rituals performed by groups. Both complexity and the number
of participants differentiate Low Magick from High Magick.
High Magick's ritual tools and complexity help to focus and
strengthen magickal power, while participation in group rituals
helps focus individuals' magick powers into one coherent force.
B) *Chaos* is a generic term -- chaos can describe global warfare
or a squealing infant. (Any person wondering how I equate a
squealing infant with chaos should attempt sleeping several
consecutive nights with a squealing colicky infant, and should
observe how their mental performance and mood deteriorates.)
I believe that Magickians are individuals who utilize (and
sometimes purposefully create) chaos in order to realize their
own goals.
Most people are _reactively_ familiar with the so-called
Murphy's Law: 'Whatever can go wrong will'. Chaos Magickians
utilize Murphy's Law _PROactively_ -- they purposefully create
an environment and situations where events are likely to go
wrong with confusing, tiring, resource wasting and demoralizing
effects upon the participants. The Chaos Magickian's long-term
goal is to force the (energy- and resource-) exhausted victim
to submit to the Magickian's purpose. For example, traveling
in circles within a slow-moving reluctant bureaucracy is a
soporific form of Chaos Magick designed to enforce silent
acceptance.
A person or group making continuous trivial insults (or making
continuous empty or real threats) is another example of
Chaos Magick. Like a mob stoning an individual with pebbles,
the significance of each insult/threat is minimal but the
combined effect is tiring and demoralizing. Why do I equate
deliberate insults/threats to Chaos Magick? Psychological
intimidation causes personal uncertainty, mental distraction
and confusion, ruins the victim's concentration, impairs
mental and (fatigued) physical performance, and potentially
leads to dysfunctional behavior -- i.e., self-reinforcing chaos.
Spoken flippantly, repeated trivial insults and threats could
drive a man to drink (or worse).
Both Magickians and Magicians (i.e., Prestidigitators)
employ chaos within their Craft. Chaos confuses and distracts
onlookers, making the onlookers more susceptible to suggestion
and influence.
IMO the Wiccan greeting 'Blessed be' is a mixed, potentially
chaotic blessing. 'Blessed be' can denote the benign wish
"May your attempts at pregnancy be successful." 'Blessed be(e)'
also can denote the pin used to poke holes in a condom to
facilitate pregnancy and subsequent forced marriage, an act
that _either_ partner can initiate. (Sexually transmitted
diseases can complicate this action). I discuss other
'blessed be' interpretations in my 'Definitions Part Three'
message.
Some people state that 'Blessed Be' merely signifies 'Goodbye
and Good Luck', and that I am stretching this greeting's intention
to preposterous levels. I stand behind my statements based
upon common language usage in my locale. With the shrinking
United States domestic economy having high un(der)employment
(few new jobs are being created), record credit debt, and
rapidly rising living costs (e.g., food, housing and energy),
I anticipate that many people (a gender-neutral term) will
consider marriage to be the solution to their worsening financial
problems, and will consider pregnancy the path to marriage.
C) Historically (and ironically) the word *craftsman* (and its
modern variant *craftsperson*) has referred to a perfectionist
whose work is beyond reproach -- chaos-free. Yet ironically
those who practice Magick often are said to practice 'The Craft'.
D) According to Scott Cunningham's well-regarded text "Wicca:
A Guide For The Solitary Practitioner" (pg. 63), the eight *sabbats*
are days of power. Four sabbats coincide with Solstices and
Equinoxes (the beginnings of the four seasons), and the other four
sabbats are based upon ancient folk festivals, including those of
the ancient Middle East.
Within her text "Inside A Witches' Coven" Ms. Edain McCoy states
(pg. 140) that the origin of the word sabbat is the Greek word
'sabatu' meaning 'to rest'. I believe that the word sabbat also
shares linguistic roots with the Hebrew word 'shabbath' [to rest;
(i.e., Sabbath, a period of rest)].
Some Covens perform _no magick_ during sabbats, using sabbats
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Parts One, Two, Four and Five are contained in concurrent
copyrighted messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan
Novices (Part One/Two/Four/Five of Five Parts)", respectively.
I provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
subsequent copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for
Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two/Three of Three Parts)",
respectively.
IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
on this Internet newsgroup.
IMO there is increasing tendency within all types of groups
(including Pagan groups) to want "ins" with Government.
The following excerpt uses the word 'Circle' in the manner
that most Wiccans use the word 'Coven' -- admittedly, some
Covens form physical circles during their sabbat rituals.
The following Wiccan Rede version includes the Coven's
(self-presumed) right of eminent domain in item 70:
<snip>
either dissipated, or turns ugly, festering like a hidden sore.
<snip>
I believe the excerpt's item 70 (written by another) speaks for
Wiccan interest in controlling real estate by suggesting a Coven's
self-proclaimed right to 'eminent domain', a right usually reserved
***sparingly and with limitations*** to elected government.
Item 70's "incline someone's mind" is a vague phrase, suggesting
"Wouldn't you be happier somewhere else?"
Mr. Ballard is writing this clearly so that the issue will _not_
be confused or mistakenly dismissed.
BTW, brief excerpts from copyrighted documents (when
presented with author acknowledgment and with value added
comments) are not copyright violations.
Many Wiccans also promote the 'The Universal Rule Of Three'
(also termed the 'Law of Threefold Return'), the idea that
anything that someone does will be returned to them threefold.
In other words, good deeds are magnified back to the source,
and ill deeds are magnified back to the source.
Like the Wiccan Rede, 'The Universal Rule Of Three' might be
considered a binding rule, advice, or might be ignored by
members of a particular Wiccan Tradition. This is significant --
'ill deeds' depends upon the Tradition-dependent interpretation
of the Wiccan Rede. One Tradition's non-issue might be another
Tradition's sin.
I have major reservations concerning some Wiccans' interpretation
of 'The Universal Rule of Three'. I believe that some Wiccans
interpret 'The Universal Rule of Three' as justifying their acting
as 'judge, jury and executioner'. That is, I believe that some
Wiccans use 'The Universal Rule of Three' to justify 'vigilante
lessons' against non-Wiccans. I have observed situations where
Wiccan Coven members have cooperated to teach (punishing) lessons
to non-Wiccans.
<*> I also have observed (and experienced) situations where Wiccan
Coven members have hired non-Wiccan mercenaries to teach (violent,
punishing) lessons to non-Wiccans. I find this particularly
troubling. Many Wiccan initiation oaths include the promise
to act 'in perfect love and perfect trust', yet Wiccans are
hiring non-Wiccan mercenaries to violently punish non-Wiccans.
<*> There is a saying dating back to Victorian England: 'Jack Tar
never is invited to dinner.' The name 'Jack Tar' denotes the
common sailor (who in Victorian times often had hands stained
with tar used to seal wooden ship's hulls). The saying indicates
that a person can go down to the docks and safely hire a common
sailor to do their dirty work (e.g., cripple a rival, a terrible
form of chaotic magick) knowing that the sailor would ship out
after the dirty work was complete, but the sailor _never_ should
be admitted to your family's acquaintance. Hiring (anti)social
misfits to perform Wiccan dirty work is not acting 'in perfect
love and perfect trust', but this _is_ happening. And anybody
questioning my knowledge of Victorian ethics can learn by
reading the book "The Fatal Shore" by Robert Hughes
(ISBN 0-394-75366-6). In "The Fatal Shore" Mr. Hughes discusses
the British colonization of Australia.
In my locale hired mercenaries often are termed 'throw-away
rollers' (analogous to disposable paint rollers). Throw-away
rollers from a different neighborhood are hired, used once, then
thrown away (i.e., never hired again). Not reusing 'throw-away
rollers' helps to ensure that the individual hiring the mercenaries
will not be identified and punished.
Throughout this message I have questioned the wisdom of
making binding oaths of obedience to Wiccan Covens, particularly
given a nationwide housing shortage. I worry because there is
more than one way to execute a binding oath. One method that
is particularly effective with daughters or girlfriends is having
a 'throw-away roller' (threateningly) state "Now young woman, you
owe me money, your credit is exhausted and if you can not pay me
in cash you must work off this debt." (Sometimes young woman's
credit is exhausted because young woman's friend charged it up to
the limit.) ***Pixie dust can be very expensive, particularly if
Tinkerbell likes to play rough with young women.***
<*> Most men would not submit to this type of intimidation,
but it is difficult to protect loved ones 24 hours daily, 365 days
per year. And once somebody submits to coercion, the bullies have
no reason not to demand more ... and more ... and more ...
IMO people *never* should open the door to coercion. And
IMO people should *never* surrender their civil liberties to
coercion and extortion attempts, an embarrassing form of terrorism.
By alluding to drugs ('pixie dust') some people say that I
damage the entire Pagan community. I have done *nothing* to
discredit the entire Pagan community -- a few bad apples does
not discredit appledom, and a few bad peaches does not discredit
peachdom. But debt is one method that people use to (attempt to)
control others. This is true both within the Pagan community and
within overall society. Sweet ol' Granny usually isn't a drug
dealer or an extortionist (unless she has plenty of muscle backing
her up). And (a-hem) alchemy and potions always has been a
magickal concern -- what's cooking in that 21st Century cauldron?
Frankly, most of the Pagans I meet are too poor to afford
expensive recreational drugs. In fairness I do not know their
history and I do not ask.
<*> These problems will _not_ get solved on the Internet, and the
Internet is ripe ground for slander charges. But social pressure
to censor generic problem discussion will not improve the situation
for any one or for any body. And hiding a problem helps to
strengthen and to perpetuate the problem.
Mr. Ballard is writing this clearly so that the issue will _not_
be confused or mistakenly dismissed.
F) *Witch* is a term that many interpret differently. I interpret
the term 'witch' as women and men who use Magick in a goal-oriented
manner _not_ constrained by morality or ethics. Witches are _not_
bound to work in groups or to have common purpose. I do _not_
consider witchcraft a religion, I do _not_ equate witchcraft and
Wicca, and I know _no requirement_ for an initiation into witchcraft.
Witches can be solitary practitioners.
Apparently Christian governments tested and tried accused witches
as 'brides of satan' during 'The Burning Times'. [Ref: "Haxan:
Witchcraft Through The Ages", 1929 silent film directed by Benjamin
Christensen and narrated by William Burroughs (author of "The
Naked Lunch"). "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft"
by Denise Zimmermann and Katherine A. Gleason discusses 'The
Burning Times'.]
G) IMO *Wicca* is a Magick-users' religion that celebrates the
(agricultural) fertility of the Earth and human fertility. IMO
as religious individuals, Wiccans _are_ constrained by ethics
and morality. IMO a religion that celebrates the agricultural
fertility of the Earth must incorporate ecology into its religious
beliefs. Similarly, IMO a religion that celebrates human fertility
must incorporate _responsible child-bearing_ into its religious
beliefs, including ***avoidance of unwanted pregnancies*** and
responsible loving care of the children that both parents choose
to have.
<*> Many Wiccan texts discuss ecology -- few discuss responsible
child-bearing and child-raising. I believe that in recent years
the topics of ecology and responsible child-bearing have been
de-emphasized on witchcraft- and Wicca-related Internet newsgroups.
With recent references to modern medicine, some Pagan and Wiccan
women have stated that men (at best) hold a temporary role in
pregnancy, and that after conception men have no further value.
IMO these statements ignore the costs of childraising and education
while discounting completely a father's value to a maturing child.
I believe that with the continuing shrinking of the United States'
domestic economy and the shrinking of global energy supplies,
ecology, family planning and responsible child-raising deserve
renewed emphasis. During hard times, raising fewer children
_better_ benefits everyone. At the same time, IMO with good faith
modern birth control is very effective and physical intimacy
strengthens the spousal bond.
I find it ironic that Wicca and witchcraft dismisses the value
of romantic love. Romantic love stabilizes and strengthens
family relationships and benefits all family members,
particularly the children of loving parents.
Potions and herbs are an integral part of Magick. Along with
renewed emphasis on ecology, family planning and responsible
child-raising IMO Wiccans must understand the consequences both
of naturally occurring and of human-made mutagenic substances.
Mutagenic substances are substances that modify genetic material.
The human reproductive system is particularly sensitive to
mutagenic substances.
The female and male human reproductive systems differ in
important ways. At menarche (onset of menstruation) a fertile
female already has produced _all_ of the eggs she will produce
throughout her lifetime. Exposure to mutagenic substances
_anytime_ during her lifetime threatens to damage _all_ of a
female's remaining fertile eggs. Once damaged, the female's
eggs _never heal_ -- any damage to a female's fertile eggs is
_not_ reversible. Fertile males, OTOH, produce sperm continuously
from onset of puberty through old age -- the quantity and health
(e.g., strength and motility) of the sperm declines with age,
but sperm production continues. If a male's sperm is damaged due
to exposure to mutagenic substances, the male's genetic damage
might (or might not) heal.
Naturally occurring ionizing radiation also is mutagenic, and
exposure accumulates throughout a person's lifetime. Young
people have less exposure (and less possibility of genetic
damage) from naturally occurring hard radiation.
<*> Mutagenic substances harm human fertility. IMO Wiccans
(with their religious emphasis on human fertility) must be
_acutely aware_ of the consequences of exposure to
mutagenic substances. Some recreational drugs are
mutagenic substances. IMO Wiccans also should be knowledgeable
about birth control technologies, their use and their reliability.
Intercourse does not equate to pregnancy.
<*> Apparently (im)proper nutrition also affects the quality
of both male and female human fertility. Given that a woman's
lifetime supply of fertile eggs exists at menarche (onset of
menstruation), the importance of good childhood nutrition
for females is obvious. (Mal)Nutrition is becoming increasingly
relevant as United States food prices rise rapidly and _food
pantries are emptied_. (During a recent grocery workers' strike
a nearby food pantry shut down both during and for several months
after the strike's resolution -- the pipeline never refilled.)
IMO rising energy prices will force future rising food prices, and
'too many mouths to feed' will become a increasing burden. Yet
IMO some people will decide to feed their cars before they feed
their kids.
'Blessed be' is a common Wiccan salutation. 'Blessed be'
has several interpretations. In my locale the most common
interpretation is 'I hope that your attempts at pregnancy
are successful'. A less common interpretation is 'I hope
that your partner/significant-other will submit' (usually
to matrimony or to joining a Coven/Family). This interpretation
can be aided by the use of a 'blessed bee' -- a needle used to
puncture holes in a condom to facilitate pregnancy and
subsequent forced marriage (an act that either partner can
perform. Sexually transmitted diseases can complicate this
action.)
Another less common 'blessed bee' interpretation is the
tattoo needle or marker that is used to mark initiates
who have completed their apprenticeship and who are qualified
to become full Wiccan Coven or Pagan Family members.
Wicca emphasizes the Goddess and the fertility, but the tenets
followed by most Wiccan Traditions [the Wiccan Rede ('An ye
harm none, do what ye will ...') and 'The Universal Rule Of Three'
('any action will be returned to the source threefold')] have
little relationship to the Wiccan Goddess and with fertility.
IMO the French concept 'noblesse oblige' is best suited to
Wiccan emphasis on the Goddess and fertility. Noblesse oblige
is an ethical concept stating that individuals who know quality
are obliged to perform quality actions -- the discretion of
prioritization is left to the individual. Noblesse oblige
encourages responsible actions. Furthermore, noblesse oblige
unambiguously solves the recurring Wiccan debate concerning
whether performing ill actions _ever_ can be justified under
the Wiccan Rede and 'The Universal Rule Of Three' -- ill actions
_never_ are justified under the concept of noblesse oblige.
The discretion of prioritization allowed under noblesse oblige
reflects economic reality. We cannot afford _everything_ we want.
Often the realistic and quality alternative to an unreasonable
desire is to accept nothing. Noblesse oblige obliges the
individual to make quality, realistic choices followed by quality,
responsible actions. No one is harmed under the noblesse
oblige philosophy, yet nobody might benefit if accepting nothing
is the alternative which is chosen. The statement "I prefer
no companions to bad companions" reflects noblesse oblige.
<*> Witch wars sometimes result in chaotic attacks -- i.e., a
flood of annoyances, insults and injuries. Under a
noblesse oblige philosophy, should a victim respond stoically
or actively to chaotic attacks? IMO accumulation of harm dictates
the victim's response. Ignoring a small annoyance, a small insult,
or a small injury is both polite and economical. But repeated
annoyances, insults, and injuries can accumulate into significant
harm (e.g., ulcers).
<*> IMO submitting to significant harm is damaging both to a victim's
life and also to their self-respect. I also believe that submitting
to significant harm might be not moral and not ethical -- the victim
is ignoring the difference (and the consequences) between right and
(a-hem) wrong. IMO an ethical person's stoicism must be tempered
by the accumulated harm received. IMO infinite stoicism is
self-destructive and not acceptable.
The alternative to self-destruction? Well, one alternative is the
realization that the lightest burdens are those you refuse to carry
(e.g., another's self-serving attempts to instill unreasonable guilt).
I do _not_ equate witchcraft and Wicca. I strongly recommend
viewing the film "Haxan: Witchcraft Through The Ages" by director
Benjamin Christenson. The film is very prejudicial against witches,
but the film explains the reasons underlying its prejudices and the
film depicts public perception of witchcraft as lacking a moral or
ethical character. IMO Wicca is a religion that must include morality
and ethics. Without morality and ethics, IMO public perception of
Wicca will be as prejudicial as the attitudes depicted in "Haxan:
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Parts One, Three, Four and Five are contained in concurrent
copyrighted messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan
Novices (Part One/Three/Four/Five of Five Parts)", respectively.
I provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
subsequent copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for
Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two/Three of Three Parts)",
respectively.
IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
on this Internet newsgroup.
E) The Wiccan *Rede* is the best-known Wiccan tenet. Depending
upon the Tradition one follows, the Rede might be a binding rule,
the Rede might be considered advice, or the Rede might be ignored.
The most common statement of the Wiccan Rede is 'An ye harm
none, do what ye will'. I have observed several different
(Wiccan Tradition-dependent) interpretations of this eight-word
statement -- the words 'harm', 'none', 'do' and 'will' all are
subject to interpretation. An obvious example: Does 'harm none'
refer to members of the given Wiccan Coven, to members of the
given Wiccan Tradition, to all Wiccans, or to humankind?
Furthermore, I have observed statements of the Wiccan Rede
(excerpted in my Part Three message) that go on for pages like
a legal contract. And I have observed Wiccan Traditions that
effectively ignore the Wiccan Rede completely. I am _not_
comfortable with all Traditions' interpretation of the
Wiccan Rede.
<*> There are many valid Wiccan paths. Gardnerian Wicca was the
first Wiccan Tradition but many other Wiccan Traditions exist.
The Wiccan Gardnerian Tradition reflects English socioeconomic
culture 50 years ago. Gardnerian Wicca was initiated by
upper-income British who were able to hire low- and middle-income
servants. Servants led a much different life than their
prosperous masters, a difference depicted in the BBC / PBS
T V series "Upstairs, Downstairs" (whose title refers to the
different lifestyles in the upstairs servants' quarters versus
the downstairs masters' quarters). I believe that many prospective
Wiccan novices would find the traditional 'year-and-a-day'
apprenticeship _not_ acceptable if that apprenticeship was
_mandatory and unbreakable servitude_. (I am discussing an
apprentice's loss of the ability to _drop out_ of an apprenticeship
by terminating the associated service period voluntarily and early.
***I am discussing loss of freedom of choice***. A Lot can happen
during a 'year-and-a-day' apprenticeship. Some paths are
one-way paths having *no possible return* -- this hap pens too many
times.) Of course, different Wiccan Covens might interpret
Gardnerian Tradition differently, but I believe the right of Pagan
Traditions and their members, of Wiccan Covens and their members,
and of Wiccan solitary worshippers to modify their Traditions
is _mandatory_.
<*> I believe that _most_ States' common laws forbid mandatory and
unbreakable servitude, and forbid harm during an apprenticeship.
Yet I believe I know at least one state that _does_ allow
'Bills of Attainder' -- the equivalent of a mandatory and
unbreakable servitude. I believe the legal age to sign a
contract in that state is _age fourteen_. The contract can
be written to include monetary penalties or clauses that extend
the contract _without pay_ as a penalty for bad service -- i.e.,
potentially never-ending servitude. ***Most fourteen-year-olds
can NOT read legalese.*** Imagine the following conversation:
"Don't think of it as a legal contract -- think of it as your
own customized version of the Wiccan Rede, the first oathbound
entry in your _Book Of Shadows_." I believe that 'Bills of
Attainder' are _not legally enforceable_ outside of two states
within the United States, but a potential legal mess (and other
chaotic hatefulness) is possible. And poor apprentices might
_not_ have the resources to obtain legal assistance.
A similar difficult (and universally applicable) situation
exists when Wiccan parents (or legal guardian/s) force their
underage children (or wards) to become Wiccan Coven members,
a situation which resembles being drafted without chance
of deferment into 'the Wiccan Army'. Most Traditions require
prospective Wiccan novices under 18 years of age to provide
a written statement of parental permission before beginning
Wiccan study. That is _much_ different than rejecting
prospective Wiccan novices under the age of 18, particularly
if the novices' parents (or legal guardian/s) are Wiccan Coven
members. A particularly unfortunate situation results if the
Wiccan Coven's Tradition includes a penalty if (upon reaching
adulthood) the children decide to leave the Wiccan Coven --
i.e., go AWOL from 'the Wiccan Army'. Wiccan oaths need _not_
include penalties for 'walking away' from a Wiccan Coven.
Raymond Buckland's Seax-Wica Tradition is an example of a
Wiccan Tradition that includes no penalty for leaving or
re-entering a Coven.
Interestingly, while age 18 is the legal 'age of sexual consent'
in most of the United States, unmarried children are not declared
legal adults and remain under their parents' supervision in most
of the United States through age 21. The three year period
between age 18 and 21 is a 'limbo' period for unmarried young
adults -- they are sexually but not legally mature.
I recommend that Wiccan parent/s (and legal guardian/s) avoid
situations where underaged children (or wards) become _bound_
Coven members. (And I acknowledge that my own Methodist
experience includes voluntary church membership.) One purpose
of Wiccan initiation (after a period of study) is to expose the
initiate to secret oathbound material, material previously
hidden from the initiate -- a new ball game. I recommend
that prospective Wiccan novices 'Caveat emptor' -- let the
buyer beware.
<*> The United States is experiencing economic downsizing characterized
by rising housing, energy and food costs while few new jobs are
being created. When the economy downsizes, some people lose
prosperity while other people become impoverished -- the new poor.
Loss of prosperity brings loss of options, and poverty brings further
loss of options. (E.g., a apartment dweller who loses his/her
apartment and cellular telephone essentially disappears socially.)
Offered situations become scarcer and poorer in a downsizing economy
and some offered situations are not pleasant (or worse). The phrase
no longer is used, but the phrase 'wage slaves' was common in the
recessionary late-1970's.
<*> My comments might seem fanciful, but my comments
are based upon myth and popular culture. As the fable
'Hansel and Gretel' reflects ancient Germanic fears
concerning walking in the dark forest during the Midsummer
sabbat, the fable 'Rumpelstiltskin' is Germanic myth
concerning deals made for women's firstborn children.
[An _anonymous_ dwarf agrees to spin a roomful of straw
into gold (wealth) in exchange for (a-hem) a woman's
firstborn child. The woman can keep her (a-hem) child
only if she can guess the dwarf's name correctly.]
More recently, consider the lyrics
from the song "Sympathy for the Devil":
" ... Pleased to meet you,
'hope you guess my name.
But what's puzzlin' you
is the nature of my game. ..."
IMO this anonymity theme suggests a question concerning the
_symbolism_ underlying the global custom of wearing masks
both during masquerade balls and also during certain public
celebrations.
My interpretation of the Biblical discussion of The Garden of Eden
is that the serpent's (satan's) tempting Eve to 'eat from The Tree
of Knowledge' involved the act of physical intercourse between the
serpent (satan) and Eve. My interpretation is that Eve later
tempted Adam to 'eat from The Tree of Knowledge' by the act of
physical intercourse between Adam and Eve. And Eve was pregnant ...
I believe that the Gardnerian Wiccan Tradition is outdated in
Twenty-First Century United States society. Gardnerian Wicca has
been augmented by a number of other Traditions (including Cunningham
and Buckland) that do _not_ require initiation by a lineaged Coven
and/or High Priest/ess. These liberal Wiccan Traditions place
fewer restrictions upon Coven members and solitary worshippers. I
also believe that traditional Wiccan Covens (whose apprentices
complete a 'year-and-a-day' service apprenticeship _prior_ to
Wiccan initiation) are experiencing recruiting problems because
some Wiccan apprenticeship duties are _not_ pleasant.
<*> *Circle* membership (combined with solitary worship) is a
free alternative to Wiccan Coven membership. A Circle is a
social and discussion group that offers most of the benefits
of Wiccan Covens, but Circle members retain their autonomy and
make no binding commitment of obedience. The difference
between a Circle versus a Coven is the difference between an
unmoderated Internet newsgroup (like ARW) versus a moderated
newsgroup (like ARWM). Internet newsgroup moderators act like
a Coven High Priest/ess, controlling what activities and
individuals are permissible. Covens (like moderated Internet
newsgroups) are controlled and always orderly, but some individuals
and issues are not permitted. Circles (like unmoderated Internet
newsgroups) sometimes are chaotic, but they are uncensored and free.
Another important difference between Internet newsgroups and
Circles, versus Wiccan Covens is that anyone and anybody
can walk away from an Internet newsgroup or a Circle without
penalty. Some Wiccan Coven Traditions include penalties for leaving
the Coven. And as different people join the Coven and fill the
High Priest/ess role, and as Coven Traditions evolve, an
individual might become increasingly less comfortable with their
Coven membership and its penalty for leaving the Coven. (As in
George Orwell's novel "Animal Farm", all peoples' Traditions and
all High Priest/ess' experiences and perspectives are not equal.)
IMO anybody who is considering making a Wiccan commitment also
Should investigate Circle membership plus solitary worship (a
choice that does _not_ sacrifice personal autonomy).
Most Wiccans acknowledge the Gardnerian and Alexandrian Wiccan
Traditions, but discount other recent Wiccan Traditions as
'trivialized', 'popularized' or 'fluffy bunny'. IMO the
basic issue here is conservative Wiccan opinion versus
liberal Wiccan opinion. I am not a Wiccan or Pagan, but my
liberal opinion is based partially upon "Wicca: A Guide For
The Solitary Practitioner" by Scott Cunningham and partially
upon "The Tree: The Complete Book of Saxon Witchcraft"
by Raymond Buckland that discusses the Seax-Wica Tradition.
Because conservatives acknowledge more than one Wiccan Tradition
(Gardnerian and Alexanderian), further variation is possible.
IMO _not committed_ prospective Wiccan novices should get
an opportunity to vote. That vote can be for solitary worship
(with optional membership in a social and discussion Circle)
versus Coven membership. That vote can include choosing one
of several existing conservative or liberal Traditions (and
modifying the selected Tradition as desired). Or the vote
can be to stay home and never go to the Wiccan polling place.
_Not committed_ prospective Wiccan novices have free will.
I find it fascinating that everybody assumes Starhawk is
a Wiccan despite the fact that _nowhere_ in the Twentieth
Anniversary Edition of "The Spiral Dance: ..." (original text
plus two appendices giving Tenth Anniversary comments and
Twentieth Anniversary comments, respectively) does Starhawk
state that she is a Wiccan. Starhawk states (pp. 6,16)
that her Reclaiming Tradition has roots in Victor and Cora
Anderson's Faerie Tradition.
I find it fascinating that lineaged Wiccans question the
validity of Wiccan Traditions other than the Gardnerian
Tradition and the Alexanderian Tradition, but nobody bats
an eyelash when somebody equates Dianic witchcraft with
Wicca. Dianic witchcraft has a Tradition in which the
God and men _at best_ play a weak supporting role.
<*> I believe prospective Wiccan novices find Gardnerian Wicca
not relevant to their 21st Century 'popular culture' -- "Oh,
that's my mother's Oldsmobile" (apologies to General Motors,
which is in the process of discontinuing their Oldsmobile
vehicle line). I also believe that Wiccan parents often are
uneasy about the pairing choices the Wiccan High Priest/ess
makes for the parents (and sometimes for the Wiccan parents'
children) during rituals and sabbats.
I recommend that prospective Wiccan novices _learn in detail_
a Coven's Wiccan Rede interpretation before joining a Coven.
Some Coven _Books of Shadows_ contain oathbound material known
only to Coven members (e.g., a Coven's not yet repaid debts),
but a Coven's Wiccan Rede interpretation should be
_freely discussible_. Prospective Wiccan novices are _not_
Coven members. [In some Covens, apprentices do not become
Coven members until after a year-and-a-day apprenticeship,
personal acceptance, and Coven (a-hem) initiation]. Prospective
Wiccan novices might be affected adversely by a Coven's Wiccan Rede
interpretation. ***I believe that potential apprentices MUST know
if the Wiccan Rede protects them during their apprenticeship, MUST
know if they are free to terminate their apprenticeship and not join
the Coven, and MUST know the responsibilities and _penalties_ on
them (and their family) if they terminate their Wiccan
apprenticeship.*** If this information is _not_ freely available,
I recommend that a person _not_ make a Wiccan Coven commitment.
***I can not overstress this issue.*** A Coven's High Priest/ess
has the right to squelch 'improper discussion' within the Coven.
As individuals grow (and as different people assume the
High Priest/ess' office), keeping oathbound obedience to the Coven
High Priest/ess' authority might pose difficult and unanticipated
problems. Liberal Coven members might chafe under a conservative
High Priest/ess' unbending authority. Conservative Coven members
might chafe under a liberal High Priest/ess' openness. Wo/Men
Coven members might chafe under a particularly strong and chauvinistic
High Priest/ess' dominance. And many Coven oaths include penalties
for leaving Coven membership.
<*> In some Wiccan Traditions, the High Priest/ess designates couples
for each sabbat celebration (including the coupling of Coven members'
children). IMO this wasteful social whirl does not build romantic love
or build enduring family relationships. Partners invest their time
and energy in each other, but repeatedly switching partners wastes
earlier investments.
Is a High Priest/ess' authority limited to Coven-specific matters?
***Can a High Priest/ess intervene in Coven members' mundane
issues such as housing and use of spare/guest bedrooms?***
I stress retaining personal autonomy and housing. My locale's
language includes a popular corruption of the word 'mason':
"Ma's own". "Ma's own" means that Ma owns the house and holds
the house keys, an impossible situation when you are a single man
living in your private house. (BTW, my locale contains a number
of boarding houses.) Wiccan Covens with secret binding oaths of
obedience can complicate this situation.
<*> IMO the United States domestic economy currently is artificially
buoyed by 'printing press credit' -- interest rates are at
historic lows (but are rising). And the United States' domestic
economy is seriously weakened by overseas military involvement.
This situation weakens international confidence in the United States
and in the value of the United States dollar. The weakening of
international confidence in the United States dollar is important
because global petroleum prices are denominated in dollars and
petroleum prices are rising. And additional United States dollars
spent for overseas military involvement, Homeland Security and
petroleum are _not_ being invested in needed critical domestic
infrastructure or in developing energy alternatives. [E.g., in
March 2004 (not the hottest month in the Northern Hemisphere) the
state of California experienced air-conditioning-related electric
power disruptions.]
Government faced with chronic deficits will provide fewer services
(including housing services). A Wiccan Coven's binding oath of
obedience could be used to house indigent Coven members (or their
friends) in another person's private residence, a right that
Government does _not_ have under the United States Constitution.
IMO individuals should consider _seriously_ the mundane implications
of taking any Wiccan Coven's binding oath of obedience. That
binding oath of obedience could affect your daily life in your
(formerly) private house.
I expect this issue to grow as the United States domestic
economy continues to downsize and people exhaust their credit
resources. There already is much un(der)employment, few new
jobs are being created, and housing is an expensive commodity.
In Los Angeles the price of a 'starter home' reportedly is
$600,000US. The price of constructing a new home in the
St. Louis area reportedly has risen $10,000US due to
plywood cost increases, regular gasoline costs over $1.90US
per gallon in St. Louis with further increases forecast, and
St. Louis area heating fuel costs rose significantly this
last winter.
<*> Membership in a Circle (a social and discussion organization)
does not require any binding oath of obedience, and there is no
penalty for leaving a Circle's membership. Covens use different
methods to solve their problems and some of the methods are
entrepreneurial. IMO anybody considering becoming a Wiccan
should learn _exactly_ what benefits a Coven offers beyond
'solitary worshipper who participates in a Circle'. And ask
the cost of Coven membership -- life is full of mysteries, and
some mysteries are very expensive to explore.
Another popular (and hostile) phrase in my locale is "You two",
implying "Zoning allows up to three unrelated people to live
within a single-family house. You submit, and either marry a
divorced/single mother, or take in an unmarried couple or
needy boarders (with or without children)." In my locale
Wiccans are among the groups that attempt to control housing.
Wiccans seek housing for senior women (who often have spent
their own home equity surviving in an economy paying record
low interest rates on long-term FDIC-insured CDs). Wiccans
mindful of the Wiccan Goddess's Crone persona are among the
strong advocates for "You two" boarders in my locale.
<*> I am not a Pagan and as a private house owner I experience
_social pressure and hostility_ from Pagans (among others) as a
result of local housing availability/affordability concerns.
When I first encountered these social attitudes I was _incredulous_.
I have encountered these attitudes repeatedly over a multiyear
period, and IMO these attitudes are a not fair popular/Pagan solution
to social welfare problems that the Government is _not_ addressing.
My response is to remember that it is easier _not_ to invite a
guest into your private house than to ask that guest to leave.
<*> While I am not qualified to provide legal opinions, I believe
that once people establish legal residence (as opposed to being
invited guests) in _your_ private house, they are free to invite
_their_ (unknown) friends to visit. Invited guests in a private
house have the right to leave. Boarders in a boarding house situation
(usually) have additional legal rights -- paying rent (usually)
creates a contractual situation under the common law.
<*> Boarding minor children (i.e., under 21 years of age) in a
private house empowers legal complications. Government cannot legally
enter an all-adult private house unless invited or accompanied
by a search warrant issued by the Courts. When a person accepts
minor children (including college students under 21 years of age)
as residents within their private house, social welfare agencies
assigned to safeguard children's' rights, health, and safety gain
the warrantless right of physical entry to that house, accompanied
by the police if necessary.
<*> While I am not qualified to provide legal opinions, I believe
that accepting pregnant women as residents in a private house
grants the same warrantless uninvited physical entry privileges
to social welfare agencies tasked with providing prenatal care and
wellness care to pregnant women, accompanied by the police if necessary.
<*> While I am not qualified to provide legal opinions, I believe that
accepting the elderly as residents in a private house grants the same
warrantless uninvited physical entry privileges to social welfare
agencies tasked with safeguarding health and safety for the elderly,
accompanied by the police if necessary.
<*> In my locale, local government is discussing assigning the
local police to assist in the detection and detainment of illegal
immigrants. I do not know how this assignment would affect
police's ability to enter private houses without a
Court-issued search warrants (particularly when entering waving
the banners of antiterrorism and Homeland Security).
<*> While I am not qualified to provide legal opinions, I believe that
keeping pets (e.g., cats and dogs) within a private house _awkwardly_
grants the same warrantless uninvited physical entry privileges to
municipal animal control agencies tasked with ensuring humane treatment
for animals and for maintaining public safety, accompanied by the
police if necessary.
<*> And if a bad boarder or bad invited guest (either maliciously,
by not legal activity or by hot pursuit) invites officialdom (or
minor children) into a private house ...
<*> I use the phrase 'private house' repeatedly. Private house
owners have different privacy rights than renters. Unless presented
with a Court-issued search warrant, private house owners control
right of legal entry into their houses. In rental situations the
landlord and his designees have legal right of entry for maintenance
and other purposes. Similarly, the landlord or his designee has
the right to invite police into a rental dwelling. And once police
gain legal entry to a dwelling, the legal concept of 'discovery'
applies. The legal concept of 'discovery' states that evidence
discovered after police gain legal entry to a dwelling is admissible
in Court.
<*> In an environment of Government suspicion, IMO this de facto
loss of legal safeguards against warrantless entry and against
warrantless discovery is a _significant_ loss both of personal
privacy and of civil liberties. Some people will consider
my statement paranoid, but during her April 2004 testimony
before the 9/11 Commission, Ms. Condoleezza Rice (President
George W. Bush's National Security Advisor) mentioned Government
discussions about reducing civil liberties to aid the 'War Against
Terrorism'. Ms. Rice's comment is significant because Homeland
Security can become an all-encompassing banner under which
far-reaching permanent societal changes are dictated -- security
can become the State religion. This environment of Government
suspicion creates a situation where charitable actions result in
_significant loss of civil liberties_ for the private house owner.
No private house owner wants the Government to help them OUT in
the name of Homeland Security. And IMO nothing kills charity
faster than coercion.
BTW, a local civil servant (who I had _not_ been introduced to)
walked up to me one day and said "We will house four people on your
house's second floor -- you can live on the third floor." I said
nothing -- I turned and silently walked away from her. It is
_foolish_ to challenge a civil servant in her place of employment.
Historically, organized and coordinated _social pressure_ has been
used by several communal societies, by the military, and by English
boys' boarding schools. Shunning (which can include de facto
'denial of service' -- e.g., 'by the book' work slowdowns and
extraordinary bureaucratic delays) is an example of organized and
coordinated social pressure.
<*> Another example of organized and coordinated social pressure
is selective enforcement of laws and regulations. E.g., the
police normally ignore jaywalkers in your neighborhood's business
district, but somehow you always receive a ticket when you jaywalk.
Sufficient unpaid ticket accumulation is grounds for arrest and
jailing. United States law does not include "debtor's prison",
but if you can not afford to pay fees on accumulated tickets ...
Some people's attitude is that in terms of housing, my cuup
runneth over and I am being selfish not boarding others in my
private house. I consider such _social pressure and hostility_
a not fair attack on my personal freedom. I control the use of
my private house and who I admit as guests (if any). To my
knowledge the United States Government has not (yet) instituted
'the housing police'. The United States Constitution contains
NO stipulation that allows Government to forcibly house civilians
in your private house. Of course, should martial law ever be
declared within the United States, Constitutional rights would
be suspended and only Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA
(iron Ma), now contained within the Department of Homeland Security]
knows what could happen.
<*> Given our downsized domestic economy (with its shrunken tax
revenues), given the many Army base closures that have occurred
during the past decade (and a new wave of additional base closures
is coming), and given our volunteer Army with its higher married
percentage than a drafted Army, I believe that military housing
shortages are a current and ongoing problem in the United States.
If Army Reserve and National Guard reenlistment rates fall as a
result of financial hardship and increasingly heavy (overseas) use,
greater reliance on the married volunteer Army will aggravate the
military (and civilian) housing shortage. The increasing military
family housing problem requires increased tax revenues applied
to military housing, or resumption of the Selective Service Draft
and reinstitution of the conscripted bachelor/ette Army, options
being discussed on the national news media.
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Parts One, Two, Three and Five are contained in concurrent
copyrighted messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan
Novices (Part One/Two/Three/Five of Five Parts)", respectively.
I provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
subsequent copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for
Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two/Three of Three Parts)",
respectively.
IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
on this Internet newsgroup.
H) I have ***much*** to say about Wiccan *Tradition*, a complex
and central Wiccan topic. Referencing "Wicca: A Guide For The
Solitary Practitioner" by Scott Cunningham, pg. 203:
'Tradition, Wiccan: An organized, structured, specific Wiccan
subgroup, usually initiatory, with often unique ritual practices.
Many Traditions have their own _Books of Shadows_ and may or may
not recognize members of other Traditions as Wiccans. Most
Traditions are composed of a number of Covens as well as solitary
practitioners.'
Scott Cunningham's text "Wicca: A Guide For The Solitary
Practitioner" is well-known and well-regarded among liberal
Wiccans. I interpret the term *Tradition* differently: I
interpret Tradition as referring to the Wiccan history and
rituals of _individual_ Wiccan Covens and also of _individual_
Wiccan solitary worshippers. (Nothing that I have said
_prevents_ multiple Wiccan Covens and/or multiple Wiccan
solitary worshippers from sharing an identical Tradition.)
My rationale is that Covens occasionally split because of
differences between members -- it is likely that after the
split, the resulting multiple Covens will have differing
Traditions. Similarly, a Wiccan sometimes leaves a Wiccan
Coven due to differences with other Coven members -- it is
likely that after the split the departing Wiccan will modify
his/her Wiccan Tradition to better reflect his/her individual
beliefs. Equating the term 'Tradition' to a Wiccan Coven's
and/or Wiccan solitary worshipper's individual beliefs
acknowledges that Covens sometimes split and that individuals
leave Covens. In addition, some Wiccan solitary worshippers
_never join a Coven_ -- these individuals define their own
personal Wiccan Traditions.
I believe that my usage of the term 'Tradition' is consistent
with the Wiccan philosophy presented in the text "The Tree:
The Complete Book of Saxon Witchcraft" by Raymond Buckland.
You need not be a Wiccan to have a Tradition. Many witches
(e.g., Dianic witches) have Traditions. Most Pagans have
Famtrads (i.e., family Traditions). And there are entrepreneurs
who are not Wiccans, witches or Pagans yet who deal with Wiccans,
witches and Pagans. These entrepreneurs gain knowledge of others'
Traditions during their entrepreneurial activities.
I want to provide a Tradition example. It is widely accepted
that if a Pagan wishes to acquire a magickal item, the Pagan should
pay the cost without question or argument -- questioning and arguing
dishonors both the item (reducing its magickal value) and also
dishonors the item's owner. Imagine that a Magickian owns a silicon
amulet of great power. A Pagan wishes to acquire the silicon amulet
but believes the cost is not fair -- the Pagan is not willing to pay
the cost. How should the Magickian who owns the amulet respond to
this implied insult?
This situation reminds me of the maxim 'An accountant knows the cost
of every thing but the value of no thing'. The Pagan wishing to
acquire the amulet respects the amulet's fair value but considers
the cost not fair. IMO Tradition dictates no negotiations -- the
amulet's owner either should walk away without argument and without
employing proxies subsequently as intermediary agents, or the
amulet's owner should present the silicon amulet as a gift with no cost.
Presenting the silicon amulet as a gift with no cost honors the amulet
(increasing the amulet's magickal power) and honors both the amulet's
owner and the amulet's recipient. ***IMO honor (and reputation)
are powerful magick***. And IMO arguments, repeated hints and/or
proxy intermediaries accumulate into a dishonorable ending.
I believe this example is consistent with Islamic practice.
The harsh desert environment requires good faith relationships.
In the harsh desert environment, contentious behavior is *not*
worthwhile and is not repeated -- analogous to ignoring a merchant
who has treated you not fairly.
<*> Societal traditions are changing. Same sex marriages
are recent and controversial. Some states have proposed an
alternative institution (so-called 'civil unions') in an attempt
to legalize same sex pairings while simultaneously preserving the
traditional marriage definition. Yet contractual civil unions
also are controversial -- what limits contractual civil unions
to two persons? (Powers not expressly delegated to the Federal
Government by the U.S. Constitution are reserved for the states
Individual states will decide if and how to define contractual
Civil Unions within their bo(a)rders.)
A Federal law signed in 2004 by President George W. Bush
grants separate legal status to 'unborn babies'. I do _not_
know the implications of this Federal law. To my knowledge
this law has _not_ yet been challenged in the Courts.
I) *Warlock* is a term that many interpret differently. To
the general population 'warlock' refers to a (usually male)
Magick-using warrior. Witch wars are _discouraged_ in Craft and
Wiccan Covens, however, and 'warlock' usually denotes someone
who has been ostracized from a Coven or a group of cooperating
Covens for disobedience to Coven Tradition or to the Coven High
Priest/ess' authority. [In some cases a Coven High Priest/ess
pairs Coven members (and their children) during sabbats.] The
ostracism that a warlock encounters includes social shunning,
denial of _any_ assistance from Coven members, and so-called
chaotic attacks (e.g., floods of annoyances, insults and
injuries). The ostracism's goal is to force the warlock to
_vacate_ the locale where his/her former Coven worships,
preferably moving to another city or state. (In the Midwest
city where I grew up people talked about 'running somebody out
of town on a rail'.) I believe this ostracism occurs most
often in the case of a Pagan man who divorces or deserts his
partner, particularly if the partners have children. But the
ostracism also occurs in divorcing households that do not
include children, and in my locale non-Pagan divorcing men
also experience this ostracism.
In the accompanying message "Definitions For Prospective
Wiccan Novices (Part Three of Five Parts)" I provide excerpts
from "A New Wiccan Book of the Law: A Manual for the Guidance
of Groves, Covens, & Individuals"; Compiled and edited by
Lady Galadriel; Copyright 1992 by Lady Galadriel; Moonstone
Publications; PO Box 13384; Atlanta, GA 30324 USA. Among the
excerpts I provide are so-called rules stating that a Wiccan
Coven has the (self-proclaimed) right of Eminent Domain to
seize a malcontented Coven member's real property (for cash
payment) and that the malcontented Coven member should vacate
the locale (i.e., get outta town!).
In my locale, feminists often speak of 'shame man ism'
(a word play on the term 'shamanism') as a process intended
to force a warlock (or any seemingly unsympathetic male)
sheepishly back into the fold. 'Shame man ism' is an organized
process of social shunning by feminists and their sympathetic (?)
partners and family members. IMO 'shame man ism' is a chaotic
and informal form of the 'intervention therapy' sometimes used
by psychologists and by organizations such as
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The goal of 'shame man ism' is
summarized by one of our local ordinances: "No dogs without
leashes". A single male with no living children is remarkably
free, a status that troubles some burdened individuals.
'Shame man ism' is one area where magick and science overlap
according to the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle. 'Shame man ism'
motivates changes; however shamers do not always appreciate the
changes they motivate. Once a victim is shunned, the victim has
little reason not to speak openly and frankly about insults
and injuries. And being the victim of organized shunning
permanently changes the victim's perception of the shunning
community and the victim's perception about the shunning
community's current and future value.
Historically, shunning has been used in (para)military
groups and police (nobody covers your back -- Frank Serpico);
boys' (boarding) schools (which often have a military tradition);
rough sports teams (e.g., football, rugby, ice hockey, even
basketball); dangerous occupations (mining, construction and
fire fighting) and in communal societies (e.g., the Mormons and
the Oneida Community) to encourage conformity (i.e., so-called
'right thinking'). Within communal societies situated in harsh
environments, shunning can result in death from starvation,
dehydration or exposure to freezing weather -- you can't come in
out of the cold. Warlocks (accused oath breakers) routinely
are shunned by the overall magickal community.
In my locale, divorced men (especially those with living
children) often are treated as oath breakers regardless of
the situation motivating the divorce. The Roman Catholic
religion (which has a long European military tradition and
whose practices include 'Excommunication' -- denial of
The Sacraments) discourages divorce among its members.
<*> The career military faces a unique divorce problem. Soldiers
returning from extended duty in a war zone are changed greatly,
and their spouses also are changed greatly. A postwar divorce
epidemic within the career military would disrupt the career military.
Similarly, the current _overseas_ heavy reliance on the Armed Forces
Reserve and the National Guards could motivate divorces within the
United States civilian population. Does (a spouse's) wartime service
place a 'war lock' upon a marriage or an engagement?
World War II and the Korean Conflict were soldiered through
extensive military drafting of civilians. This extensive drafting
included heavy reliance upon _married soldiers_ whose families
suffered economic hardship at home throughout the fighting.
World War II and Korea were large scale conflicts affecting the
entire civilian population. The entire United States civilian
population (the taxpayers) pulled together.
During World War II and the Korean Conflict, domestic
United States housing construction was at a standstill. A
housing shortage existed at the end of these conflicts and
Government subsidy of housing construction (e.g., fixed low
interest rate VA loans) was included in veterans' benefits.
In the 21st Century, overseas military operations are raising
United States housing construction costs due to materials
shortages and skilled (heavy equipment operator) labor shortages,
while veterans' benefits have been reduced or eliminated.
Housing shortages breed poverty, discord and civil strife that
prevents or destroys marriages and civilized society.
When military priorities create 'marriage adverse' financial
situations, do former military personnel who divorce deserve to
be treated as shunned oath breakers? When reduced veterans'
benefits create 'marriage adverse' financial situations, do
former military personnel who divorce deserve to be treated as
shunned oath breakers?
As I stated previously, I believe that some Wiccans use
'The Universal Rule of Three' to justify 'vigilante lessons'
against both Wiccans and non-Wiccans, including ostracizing
non-Wiccan divorcing men whether or not the dissolving
household includes children. I find this ethically troubling.
Non-Pagans are *not* Wiccan Coven or Pagan Family members.
Non-Pagans took no binding oaths -- they are *not* oath breakers.
In effect, non-Pagans 'did not sign the contract', but they
are being punished for breaking oaths that they never accepted.
IMO a Lot can happen as a result of not ethical treatment.
Richard Ballard
<*> My experience is that Christianity does not concentrate on
satan or hell. And in my experience Christianity ignores
(rather than acknowledges) satanism. Yet Pagan and Wiccan
Traditions often are female-oriented and female-controlled,
and IMO dissenting Pagan men often turn to satanism in response.
I acknowledge that satanism presents many faces. I have
read the _multiple_ satanism FAQs that appear monthly in Internet
newsgroup alt.magick.tyagi (a low message volume newsgroup).
These multiple satanism FAQs are authored by members of
different satanic philosophies and/or organizations. The FAQs
generally are skillfully and clearly written, and the FAQs present
a laissez faire, 'to thine own self be true' philosophy sympathetic
to libertarianism and self-betterment. IMO these FAQs' quality
of authorship demonstrates that _some_ satanists are extremely
intelligent.
Anton LaVey, founder of 'The Church of Satan', promotes an
aggressive, domineering style of satanism. I have read the five
popular press books written by Anton LaVey and IMO the most concise
example of Anton LaVey's philosophy is the essay 'Nonconformity --
Satanism's Secret Weapon' in "The Devil's Notebook" by Anton LaVey.
[ISBN 0-922915-11-3, pp. 63-65.] _That essay discusses the satanist
as master in a throng of weak-willed slaves._
My perception is that satanism affects 21st Century society more
as a dominance attitude/philosophy than as a religion. IMO
21st Century society is growing poorer, and some peoples' response
is to embrace the dominance philosophy/attitude contained within
satanism. IMO satanists believe that people naturally submit to
authority, and IMO satanists believe that people naturally will
submit to the (perceived) authority of dominant satanists.
IMO judicious authority is not necessarily bad, but satanic
philosophy implements 'To thine own self be true', _not_ fair or
equal treatment. Not fair and not unequal treatment are catalysts
for social friction and chaos. People can use chaos to further
selfish personal agendas.
Anton LaVey is the founder of 'The Church of Satan', and his
popular press texts reflect 'The Church of Satan'. Earlier
I mentioned satanism's 'left-handed dominant path'. The
following quotation from "The Satanic Bible" by Anton
Szandor LaVey (founder of 'The Church of Satan'), c1969,
ISBN 0-380-01539-0, pg. 52 illustrates this association:
"The Satanic religion has not merely lifted the coin -- it has
flipped it over completely. Therefore, why should it support
the very principles to which it is completely opposed by
calling itself anything other than a name which is totally in
keeping with the _reversed_ doctrines which make up the
Satanic philosophy? Satanism is not a white light religion;
it is a religion of the flesh, the mundane, the carnal --
all of which is ruled by Satan, the personification of the
Left Hand Path."
'The Temple of Set' is a 1975 offshoot of 'The Church of Satan'.
Currently I have not reviewed any popular press literature
written by _officially acknowledged_ members of 'The Temple of Set'.
The "alt.satanism Frequently Asked Questions" message periodically
issued by bobo...@satanservice.org (tyaginator) [sometimes
satanservice.org@boboroshi (tyaginator)] on Internet newsgroup
alt.magick.tyagi _purports_ to present the 'TEMPLE OF SET
FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS -- Satanism (FAQ)' written by
Michael A. Aquino (founder of 'The Temple of Set') and updated
by Roger Whitaker. That message states:
and
point out that Biblically, 'the original sin' occurred in the
Garden of Eden when the serpent (IMO a personification of satan)
led Eve to sexual knowledge. And The Ten Commandments
(Exodus 20:1-17; acquired after the Hebrews had fled Egypt)
include "You shall not commit adultery" and "You shall not
covet your neighbor's house; your shall not covet your
neighbor's wife, or his manservant, or his maidservant,
or his ox, or his ass, or anything that is your neighbor's."
I mention the Garden of Eden because Judaism and Christianity
(and IMO Islam) link the Garden of Eden, satan, and poverty. Both
Judaism and Christianity teach that Adam and Eve were expelled
from the idyllic Garden of Eden to earn their bread by the sweat
of their brows. The Islamic religion (like satanism) uses the
goat to symbolize satan. Islam historically blames the goat for
stripping the bark from the trees that protected and stabilized
the agricultural lands of the Middle East. Denuded of bark by
goats, the trees died. Then the arid desert ruined agriculture
and impoverished the Faithful.
I mention The Ten Commandments (an "outwardly determined
standard"?) because the Hebrews received them during their flight
from Egyptian slavery. The September 9, 2003 issuance of
"Balanone's Temple of Set FAQ" also states: "Set is the most
ancient name for the Prince of Darkness, given to the Prince of
Darkness in ancient (pre-dynastic) Egypt. Whether Set exists as
an independent metaphysical being, or whether he's a symbol for
man's most individualistic attributes, is a topic always under
discussion somewhere in the Temple of Set."
I have identified two popular press texts written by
_acknowledged_ members of 'The Temple of Set' (and additional
popular press texts written by their co-authors). Both of
In my locale, many people equate the exclamation "Right!" to
"Submit!" -- e.g., individuals attempting to win an argument
use the exclamation "Right!" at every opportunity, much as
dwelling seekers in my locale emphasize the exclamation "You two!"
(discussed earlier). "All right!" (denoting "Everybody submit!" or
"Everybody conform!") also is a popular exclamation in my locale.
And although rare, I know literate individuals educated at my local
University who say 'ewes' rather than 'you', the implication
being "I am a superior individual while you all are conforming
sheep." (This is _not_ common usage in my locale, but I know these
individuals well.)
In pugnacious encounters between males in my locale, the aggressor
male often will attempt to 'she it' -- that is, to force the other
male to obey like a submissive sissy. Dominant females in my locale
sometimes use repeated nuisance calls to the police and to social
service agencies in efforts to 'she it' (cow) their neighbors.
Dominant individuals also have been known to make nuisance calls
to the IRS triggering unwarranted (and timewasting) income tax
audits. These 'she it' examples are good reasons not to covet your
neighbors' spouse or property.
My observations of diverse cultures cause me to believe that
all cultures are not equal -- some cultures have greater
cultural substance, integrity and value than others.
The 1960's / 1970's was an era when the United States was a
cultural 'melting pot' -- immigrants to the United States were
expected to become members of a strong and homogeneous
United States society. One of the issues of the 1960's / 1970's
United States counterculture emergence was that subcultural
groups had the right to define and maintain their own subculture.
(Both African-Americans and feminists stressed this social issue.)
Yet like the 1960's / 1970's, the 21st Century does not grant
equal value to all subcultures, and 21st Century United States
culture (personified by the broadcast entertainment media)
manifests significant social pressure towards a new homogeneous
conformity. IMO the 21st Century broadcast entertainment media
often poor trays white males as "ewes with kinder, gentler wallets".
Often I have observed women _ironically_ use the closing comment
"Thank you for coming ..." in group situations. People are free
to question my interpretations -- I question how male soldiers
returning from long duty tours in Islamic Iraq will react to
societal pressure to (disadvantageously) conform.
I find satanism's dominant subculture personally *not* appropriate.
IMO the right to define one's own personal culture includes the
right to exclude aspects of other's cultures from one's own
personal culture. Satanists dogmatically dominate and often
attempt to insert satanic concepts into other peoples' personal
culture -- an infringement upon other peoples' right to define
their own cultures.
At the same time, individuals must deal with the dominant satanic
concepts and attitudes that increasingly permeate 21st Century
United States society. (As the United States' domestic economy
continues to downsize, so-called 'cutthroat businesses' will assert
their own types of dominance when dealing with employees. And
beleaguered employees might respond with their own dominant actions.
Regardless of the victor, the consumer ultimately will pay the cost.)
Dealing with these dominant satanic attitudes often requires that
individuals assert greater personal dominance than they
otherwise would.
Some people question the appropriateness of my providing _any_
comments concerning Wicca, witchcraft, Paganism or satanism. I
believe that detachment is valuable -- _not_ having vested interests
can bring objectivity. In addition, I offer information -- ***my
information can be ignored with little effort***. I do _not_ tell
people how to worship or practice magick in their circles or in
their own homes. And IMO a list of Wicca-related definitions based
upon my studying Wiccan-, Craft-, Pagan- and satanic-related texts
and participating in Wiccan-, craft- and Pagan-related Internet
newsgroups threatens no one.
*****End of Part Five*****
Richard Ballard
with a <*> marker.
In article <20040528150504...@mb-m04.aol.com>,
rball...@aol.com (Richard Ballard) writes:
>Copyright 2003-2004 by Richard J. Ballard -- All Rights Reserved.
>Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
>Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
>with a <*> marker.
>
>Parts One, Three, Four and Five are contained in concurrent
>copyrighted messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan
>Novices (Part One/Three/Four/Five of Five Parts)", respectively.
>I provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
>subsequent copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for
>Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two/Three of Three Parts)",
>respectively.
>
>IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
>On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
>"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
>on this Internet newsgroup.
<snip>
police's ability to enter private houses without Court-issued
>search warrants (particularly when entering waving the banners
>of antiterrorism and Homeland Security).
>
><*> While I am not qualified to provide legal opinions, I believe
>that keeping pets (e.g., cats and dogs) within a private house
>_awkwardly_ grants the same warrantless uninvited physical entry
>privileges to municipal animal control agencies tasked with ensuring
>humane treatment for animals and for maintaining public safety,
>accompanied by the police if necessary.
>
><*> And if a bad boarder or bad invited guest (either maliciously,
>by not legal activity or by hot pursuit) invites officialdom (or
>minor children) into a private house ...
>
><*> I use the phrase 'private house' repeatedly. Private house
>owners have different privacy rights than renters. Unless presented
>with a Court-issued search warrant, private house owners control
>right of legal entry into their houses. In rental situations the
>landlord and his designees have legal right of entry for maintenance
>and other purposes. Similarly, the landlord or his designee has
>the right to invite police into a rental dwelling. And once police
>gain legal entry to a dwelling, the legal concept of 'discovery'
>applies. The legal concept of 'discovery' states that evidence
>discovered after police gain legal entry to a dwelling is admissible
>in Court.
<*> The law is subtle, and right of legal entry and the legal
concept of discovery both are powerful. Right of legal entry and
discovery are complicated when deputized officers take second jobs
as process servers or as bill collectors. (In my state,
police officers are deputized on a statewide basis instead of a
municipalwide basis. Fire fighters also are deputized in my
state.) Visits by process servers or by bill collectors usually are
not pleasant. If a (deputized) process server or a (deputized)
bill collector is invited into a private house, the (deputized)
visitor is free to examine the house for the purpose of legal
discovery, seeking evidence later admissible during Court proceedings.
And if a private house owner argues strongly with a (deputized)
process server or a (deputized) bill collector, the private house
owner might be arrested and charged with 'Threatening An Officer'.
<*> Owners have no obligation to admit process servers or
bill collectors into their private houses unless presented with
a Court-issued warrant. Deputized officers within a private house
can use their powers to create chaotic legal situations. And
owners seldom benefit by voluntarily allowing deputized officers
to enter their private houses.
><*> In an environment of Government suspicion, IMO this de facto
>loss of legal safeguards against warrantless entry and against
>warrantless discovery is a _significant_ loss both of personal
>privacy and of civil liberties. Some people will consider
>my statement paranoid, but during her April 2004 testimony
>before the 9/11 Commission, Ms. Condoleezza Rice (President
>George W. Bush's National Security Advisor) mentioned Government
>discussions about reducing civil liberties to aid the 'War Against
>Terrorism'. Ms. Rice's comment is significant because Homeland
>Security can become an all-encompassing banner under which
>far-reaching permanent societal changes are dictated -- security
>can become the State religion. This environment of Government
>suspicion creates a situation where charitable actions result in
>_significant loss of civil liberties_ for the private house owner.
>No private house owner wants the Government to help them OUT in
>the name of Homeland Security. And IMO nothing kills charity
>faster than coercion.
<snip>
Richard Ballard
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
In article <20040528200714...@mb-m29.aol.com>,
rball...@aol.com (Richard Ballard) writes:
<snip>
<*> [A worse situation is being confronted by (deputized) process
servers or (deputized) bill collectors at a public gathering
(e.g., a concert, a street fair or a peaceful public protest)
after your companions or you have consumed alcoholic beverages,
opening you to legal charges of 'Public Intoxication' and
'Drunk and Disorderly Conduct'.]
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Parts Two, Three, Four and Five are contained in concurrent
copyrighted messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan
Novices (Part Two/Three/Four/Five of Five Parts)", respectively.
I provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
subsequent copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for
Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two/Three of Three Parts)",
respectively.
IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
on this Internet newsgroup.
<*> August first Midnight Stonehenge time (July 31st 7:00 PM CST
in my locale) is the sabbat Lammas [an Anglo-Saxon word meaning
loaf-mass (bread) and the most commonly-used name for this sabbat].
In old Irish a variant Lunasa means 'August'. Lammas also is known
as Lughnasadh (Loo-nahs-ah), First Harvest, and the Sabbat of the
First Fruits. Lammas honors the Sun God Lugh (Loo) and his queen
Dana, but Lammas principally is a grain festival. In ancient
Phoenicia this festival honored the grain god Dagon, and a
significant portion of the harvest was sacrificed to him.
Similarly, Native Americans celebrate early August as a grain
festival and call it the Festival of the Maize. Corn, wheat,
barley, and other Northern Hemisphere grains are ready for
harvesting by early August. Lammas is the first of the three
harvest sabbats and a celebration of the Earth's fertility. Corn,
wheat, potatoes and other crops harvested around Lammas are
considered fertility plants and can be used within Lammas rituals.
<*> Lammas rituals celebrate fertility and the summer crops
not yet harvested. In Romania's Transylvanian Alps (high in the
Carpathian Mountains -- the legendary home of Dracula) a fertility
ritual involving animal sacrifice is practiced the first Sunday of
August. A live sow is slain ritually on the high slopes of
Mt. Chefleau in thanks for the abundant harvest, the sow's blood
flows into the earth, the peasants touch their hands to the wet
ground, and for protection and self-blessing the peasants use the
wet blood to mark the sign of the cross on their foreheads. Some
groups mimic this Transylvanian custom exactly, honoring the pig
as an efficient converter of grain into lean meat during abundant
times. Other Lammas celebrants might use red wine to symbolize
blood during their rituals, or might use human blood (e.g., from a
deliberate cut or female human menstrual blood) during their
Lammas ritual. And it is conceivable that some groups might use
female human virginal blood within their Lammas ritual (i.e., a
female virgin has her first sex as a part of the group's
Lammas ritual).
<*> Historically, Lammas is the traditional time for regicide --
king-killing rites. In some cultures no king was allowed to
to die a natural death. These cultures believed that regicide
facilitated the king's rebirth at Yule. These cultures also
believed that spilling the king's blood into the earth was powerful
agricultural fertility magick. Understandably, kings were
not comfortable while among their advisors during Lammas
celebrations, and masks were not used during Lammas. In the
21st Century, I wonder how many hot summer domestic arguments
lead to divorce, overthrow of the husband patriarch, and
establishment of the single female parent household?
With this sabbat approaching, many Wiccans are discussing
Some basic definitions:
E) The Wiccan *Rede* is the best-known Wiccan tenet. Depending
upon the Tradition one follows, the Rede might be a binding rule,
the Rede might be considered advice, or the Rede might be ignored.
The most common statement of the Wiccan Rede is 'An ye harm
none, do what ye will'. I have observed several different
(Wiccan Tradition-dependent) interpretations of this eight-word
statement -- the words 'harm', 'none', 'do' and 'will' all are
subject to interpretation. An obvious example: Does 'harm none'
refer to members of the given Wiccan Coven, to members of the
given Wiccan Tradition, to all Wiccans, or to humankind?
Furthermore, I have observed statements of the Wiccan Rede
(excerpted in my Part Three message) that go on for pages like
a legal contract. And I have observed Wiccan Traditions that
effectively ignore the Wiccan Rede completely. I am _not_
comfortable with all Traditions' interpretation of the
Wiccan Rede.
There are many valid Wiccan paths. Gardnerian Wicca was the
unbreakable servitude. The contract can be written to include
monetary penalties or clauses that extend the contract
_without pay_ as a penalty for bad service -- i.e., potentially
never-ending servitude. ***Most people can NOT read legalese,
and many people sign without reading.*** Imagine the following
conversation: "Don't think of it as a legal contract -- think of
it as your own customized version of the Wiccan Rede, the first
oathbound entry in your _Book Of Shadows_." I believe that
'Bills of Attainder' are _not legally enforceable_ outside of
two states within the United States, but a potential expensive
legal mess (and other chaotic hatefulness) is possible. And
in case of trouble, poor apprentices might _not_ have the
resources even to consult an attorney.
<*> A similar difficult (and universally applicable) situation
exists when Wiccan parents (or legal guardian/s) force their
underage children (or wards) to become Wiccan Coven members,
a situation which resembles being drafted without chance
of deferment into 'the Wiccan Army'. Most Traditions require
prospective Wiccan novices under 18 years of age (the age of
legal majority in most states) to provide a written statement
of parental permission before beginning Wiccan study. That is
_much_ different than rejecting prospective Wiccan novices
under the age of 18, particularly if the novices' parents
(or legal guardian/s) are Wiccan Coven members. A particularly
unfortunate situation results if the Wiccan Coven's Tradition
includes a penalty if (upon reaching adulthood) the children
decide to leave the Wiccan Coven -- i.e., go AWOL from
'the Wiccan Army'. Wiccan oaths need _not_ include penalties
for 'walking away' from a Wiccan Coven. Raymond Buckland's
Seax-Wica Tradition is an example of a Wiccan Tradition that
includes no penalty for leaving or re-entering a Coven.
<*> The age of legal majority (the age when an individual
becomes legally empowered to sign contracts) varies from state
to state within the United States. I am _not_ qualified to
provide legal opinions and I can _not_ vouch for its
accuracy, but a table listing the age of legal majority for
the fifty United States and the United States territories is
available (as of 7/2004) on the Internet at
"http://www.dod.mil/comptroller/fmr/07b/07bappxh.pdf"
(no quotes). The age of legal consent [the age at which
an individual is legally empowered to consent to have
intercourse (i.e., not statutory rape)] is lower than the
age of legal majority in some states. Consult an attorney
before making any legal decisions.
*****End of Part One*****
The comments contained herein are my opinions. This message
was not solicited by Amazon.com, any author, any artist, or their
agent(s), publisher(s), producer(s) or distributor(s).
I am _not_ an Islamic or Judaic scholar.
I am _not_ legally qualified to provide medical, psychological,
legal, financial or religious opinions, but I have discussed some
issues with my Attorney and have read extensively in these areas.
I have strong opinions.
"All Rights Reserved"?
If I 'right' must I reserve?
I got no problems.
Other people got problems.
00: 18+ _8 02 03/35 06 09
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Parts One, Three, Four and Five are contained in concurrent
copyrighted messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan
Novices (Part One/Three/Four/Five of Five Parts)", respectively.
I provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
subsequent copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for
Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two/Three of Three Parts)",
respectively.
IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
on this Internet newsgroup.
I recommend that Wiccan parent/s (and legal guardian/s) avoid
situations where underaged children (or wards) become _bound_
Coven members. (And I acknowledge that my own Methodist
experience includes voluntary church membership.) One purpose
of Wiccan initiation (after a period of study) is to expose the
initiate to secret oathbound material, material previously
hidden from the initiate -- a new ball game. I recommend
that prospective Wiccan novices 'Caveat emptor' -- let the
buyer beware.
The United States is experiencing economic downsizing characterized
by rising housing, energy and food costs while few new jobs are
being created. When the economy downsizes, some people lose
prosperity while other people become impoverished -- the new poor.
Loss of prosperity brings loss of options, and poverty brings
further loss of options. (E.g., a apartment dweller who loses
his/her apartment and cellular telephone essentially disappears.)
Offered situations become scarcer and poorer in a downsizing economy
and some offered situations are not pleasant (or worse). The phrase
no longer is used, but the phrase 'wage slaves' was common in the
recessionary late-1970's.
My comments might seem fanciful, but my comments
(Ma derated? Mom's in control?) newsgroup (like ARWM). Internet
newsgroup moderators act like a Coven High Priest/ess, controlling
which activities and individuals are permissible. Covens (like
moderated Internet newsgroups) are controlled and always orderly,
but some individuals and issues are not permitted. Circles (like
unmoderated Internet newsgroups) sometimes are chaotic, but they
are uncensored and free.
Another important difference between Internet newsgroups and
Circles, versus Wiccan Covens is that anyone and anybody
can walk away from an Internet newsgroup or a Circle without
penalty. Some Wiccan Coven Traditions include penalties for leaving
the Coven. And as different people join the Coven and fill the
High Priest/ess role, and as Coven Traditions evolve, an
individual might become increasingly less comfortable with their
Coven membership and its penalty for leaving the Coven. (As in
George Orwell's novel "Animal Farm", all peoples' Traditions and
all High Priest/ess' experiences and perspectives are not equal.)
IMO anybody who is considering making a Wiccan commitment also
should investigate Circle membership plus solitary worship (a
choice that does _not_ sacrifice personal autonomy).
Most Wiccans acknowledge the Gardnerian and Alexandrian Wiccan
Traditions, but discount other recent Wiccan Traditions as
'trivialized', 'popularized' or 'fluffy bunny'. IMO the
basic issue here is conservative Wiccan opinion versus
liberal Wiccan opinion. I am not a Wiccan or Pagan, but my
liberal opinion is based partially upon "Wicca: A Guide For
The Solitary Practitioner" by Scott Cunningham and partially
upon "The Tree: The Complete Book of Saxon Witchcraft"
where Raymond Buckland discusses the Seax-Wica Tradition.
Because conservatives acknowledge more than one Wiccan Tradition
(Gardnerian and Alexanderian), further variation is possible.
IMO _not committed_ prospective Wiccan novices should get
an opportunity to vote. That vote can be for solitary worship
(with optional membership in a social and discussion Circle)
versus Coven membership. That vote can include choosing one
of several existing conservative or liberal Traditions (and
modifying the selected Tradition as desired). Or the vote
can be to stay home and never go to the Wiccan polling place.
_Not committed_ prospective Wiccan novices have free will.
I find it fascinating that everybody assumes Starhawk is
a Wiccan despite the fact that _nowhere_ in the Twentieth
Anniversary Edition of "The Spiral Dance: ..." (original text
plus two appendices giving Tenth Anniversary comments and
Twentieth Anniversary comments, respectively) does Starhawk
state that she is a Wiccan. Starhawk states (pp. 6,16)
that her Reclaiming Tradition has roots in Victor and Cora
Anderson's Faerie Tradition.
I find it fascinating that lineaged Wiccans question the
validity of Wiccan Traditions other than the Gardnerian
Tradition and the Alexanderian Tradition, but nobody bats
an eyelash when somebody equates Dianic witchcraft with
Wicca. Dianic witchcraft has a Tradition in which the
God and men _at best_ play a weak supporting role.
I believe prospective Wiccan novices find Gardnerian Wicca
In some Wiccan Traditions, the High Priest/ess designates couples
for each sabbat celebration (including the coupling of Coven
members' children). IMO this wasteful social whirl does not build
romantic love or build enduring family relationships. Partners
invest their time and energy in each other, but repeatedly
switching partners wastes earlier investments.
Is a High Priest/ess' authority limited to Coven-specific matters?
***Can a High Priest/ess intervene in Coven members' mundane
issues such as housing and use of spare/guest bedrooms?***
I stress retaining personal autonomy and housing. My locale's
language includes a popular corruption of the word 'mason':
"Ma's own". "Ma's own" means that Ma owns the house and holds
the house keys, an impossible situation when you are a single man
living in your private house. (BTW, my locale contains a number
of boarding houses.) Wiccan Covens with secret binding oaths of
obedience can complicate this situation.
<*> IMO the United States domestic economy currently is artificially
buoyed by 'printing press credit'. Interest rates are at
historic lows (but are rising). And the United States' domestic
economy is seriously weakened by overseas military involvement.
This situation weakens international confidence in the United States
and in the value of the United States dollar. The weakening of
international confidence in the United States dollar is important
because global petroleum prices are denominated in dollars. And
additional United States dollars spent for overseas military
involvement, Homeland Security and petroleum are _not_ being
invested in needed critical domestic infrastructure (e.g.,
sub/urban mass transit to reduce our dependence upon gas guzzling
private vehicles) or in developing energy alternatives. [E.g.,
in March 2004 (not the hottest month in the Northern Hemisphere)
the state of California experienced air-conditioning-related
electric power disruptions. IMO these service outages signal
problems beyond un$crupulous energy trading.]
Government faced with chronic deficits will provide fewer services
(including housing services). A Wiccan Coven's binding oath of
obedience could be used to house indigent Coven members (or their
friends) in another person's private residence, a right that
Government does _not_ have under the United States Constitution.
IMO individuals should consider _seriously_ the mundane implications
of taking any Wiccan Coven's binding oath of obedience. That
binding oath of obedience could affect your daily life in your
(formerly) private house.
<*> I expect this issue to grow as the United States domestic
economy continues to downsize and people exhaust their credit
resources. There already is much un(der)employment, few new
jobs are being created, and housing is an expensive commodity.
In Los Angeles the price of a 'starter home' reportedly is
$600,000US, and housing prices in Chicago reportedly are
skyrocketing. The price of constructing a new home in the
St. Louis area reportedly has risen $10,000US due to
plywood cost increases, regular gasoline costs over $1.90US
per gallon in St. Louis (with permanent further increases likely
IMO after the Presidential elections), and St. Louis area heating
fuel costs rose significantly this past winter.
Membership in a Circle (a social and discussion organization)
does not require any binding oath of obedience, and there is no
penalty for leaving a Circle's membership. Covens use different
methods to solve their problems and some of the methods are
entrepreneurial. IMO anybody considering becoming a Wiccan
should learn _exactly_ what benefits a Coven offers beyond
'solitary worshipper who participates in a Circle'. And ask
the cost of Coven membership -- life is full of mysteries, and
some mysteries are very expensive to explore.
Another popular (and hostile) phrase in my locale is "You two",
implying "Zoning allows up to three unrelated people to live
within a single-family house. You submit, and either marry a
divorced/single mother, or take in an unmarried couple or
needy boarders (with or without children)." In my locale
Wiccans are among the groups that attempt to control housing.
Wiccans seek housing for senior women (who often have spent
their own home equity surviving in an economy paying record
low interest rates on long-term FDIC-insured CDs). Wiccans
mindful of the Wiccan Goddess's Crone persona are among the
strong advocates for "You two" boarders in my locale.
I am not a Pagan and as a private house owner I experience
_social pressure and hostility_ from Pagans (among others) as a
result of local housing availability/affordability concerns.
When I first encountered these social attitudes I was _incredulous_.
I have encountered these attitudes repeatedly over a multiyear
period, and IMO these attitudes are a not fair popular/Pagan
solution to social welfare problems that the Government is
_not_ addressing. My response is to remember that it is easier
_not_ to invite a guest into your private house than to ask that
guest to leave.
<*> While I am not qualified to provide legal opinions, I believe
that once people establish legal residence (as opposed to being
invited guests) in _your_ private house, they are free to invite
_their_ (unknown) friends ('vite 'em inns?) to visit. Invited
guests in a private house have the right to leave. Boarders in
a boarding house situation (usually) have additional legal rights
-- paying rent (usually) creates a contractual situation under
the common law.
<*> Boarding minor children [i.e., under 18 years of age in
my state, a age determined by the state's age of legal majority
unless the child's age of legal majority has been _individually_
delayed by Court order (e.g., for delinquency or in cases of mental
retardation)] in a private house empowers legal complications.
Government cannot legally enter an all-adult private house unless
invited or accompanied by a search warrant issued by the Courts.
When a person accepts minor children [including college students
under (state dependent) 18 years of age] as residents within their
private house, social welfare agencies assigned to safeguard
children's' rights, health, and safety gain the warrantless
right of physical entry to that house, accompanied by the police
if necessary.
While I am not qualified to provide legal opinions, I believe
that accepting pregnant women as residents in a private house
grants the same warrantless uninvited physical entry privileges
to social welfare agencies tasked with providing prenatal care and
wellness care to pregnant women, accompanied by the police
if necessary.
While I am not qualified to provide legal opinions, I believe that
accepting the elderly as residents in a private house grants the
same warrantless uninvited physical entry privileges to social
welfare agencies tasked with safeguarding health and safety for
the elderly, accompanied by the police if necessary.
In my locale, local government is discussing assigning the
local police to assist in the detection and detainment of illegal
immigrants. I do not know how this assignment would affect
police's ability to enter private houses without Court-issued
search warrants (particularly when entering waving the banners
of antiterrorism and Homeland Security).
While I am not qualified to provide legal opinions, I believe that
keeping pets (e.g., cats and dogs) within a private house
_awkwardly_ grants the same warrantless uninvited physical entry
privileges to municipal animal control agencies tasked with
ensuring humane treatment for animals and for maintaining public
safety, accompanied by the police if necessary.
And if a bad boarder or bad invited guest (either maliciously,
by not legal activity or by hot pursuit) invites officialdom (or
minor children) into a private house ...
I use the phrase 'private house' repeatedly. Private house
owners have different privacy rights than renters. Unless presented
with a Court-issued search warrant, private house owners control
right of legal entry into their houses. In rental situations the
landlord and his designees have legal right of entry for maintenance
and other purposes. Similarly, the landlord or his designee has
the right to invite police into a rental dwelling. And once police
gain legal entry to a dwelling, the legal concept of 'discovery'
applies. The legal concept of 'discovery' states that evidence
discovered after police gain legal entry to a dwelling is admissible
in Court.
<*> The law is subtle, and right of legal entry and the legal
concept of discovery both are powerful. Right of legal entry and
discovery are complicated when deputized officers take second jobs
as process servers or as bill collectors. (In my state,
police officers are deputized on a statewide basis instead of a
municipalwide basis. Fire fighters also are deputized in my
state.) Visits by process servers or by bill collectors usually are
not pleasant. If a (deputized) process server or a (deputized)
bill collector is invited into a private house, the (deputized)
visitor is free to examine the house for the purpose of legal
discovery, seeking evidence later admissible during Court proceedings.
<*> And if a private house owner argues strongly with a (deputized)
process server or a (deputized) bill collector, the deputized
officer can pull out his/her badge and identify him/herself. Then
the private house owner can be arrested, be charged with
'Threatening An Officer' and be hauled away, leaving the private
house open for further leisurely inspection for discovery purposes.
<*> [A worse situation is being confronted by (deputized) process
servers or (deputized) bill collectors at a public gathering
(e.g., a concert, a street fair or a peaceful public protest)
after your companions or you have consumed alcoholic beverages,
opening you to legal charges of 'Public Intoxication' and
'Drunk and Disorderly Conduct'. The deputized process servers' /
bill collectors' on duty fellow officers might be nearby.]
<*> Owners have _no obligation_ to admit process servers or
bill collectors into their private houses unless presented with
a Court-issued warrant. Deputized officers within a private house
can use their powers to create chaotic legal situations. And
owners seldom benefit by voluntarily allowing deputized officers
to enter their private houses.
In an environment of Government suspicion, IMO this de facto
loss of legal safeguards against warrantless entry and against
warrantless discovery is a _significant_ loss both of personal
privacy and of civil liberties. Some people will consider
my statement paranoid, but during her April 2004 testimony
before the 9/11 Commission, Ms. Condoleezza Rice (President
George W. Bush's National Security Advisor) mentioned Government
discussions about reducing civil liberties to aid the 'War Against
Terrorism'. Ms. Rice's comment is significant because Homeland
Security can become an all-encompassing banner under which
far-reaching permanent societal changes are dictated -- security
can become the State religion. This environment of Government
suspicion creates a situation where charitable actions result in
_significant loss of civil liberties_ for the private house owner.
No private house owner wants the Government to help them OUT in
the name of Homeland Security. And IMO nothing kills charity
faster than coercion.
<*> BTW, a local civil servant (who I had _not_ been introduced to)
walked up to me one day and said "We will house four people on your
house's second floor -- you can live on the third floor." I said
nothing -- I turned and just walked away. It is _foolish_ to
challenge a civil servant in her place of employment.
Historically, organized and coordinated _social pressure_ has been
used by several communal societies, by the military, and by English
boys' boarding schools. Shunning (which can include de facto
'denial of service' -- e.g., 'by the book' work slowdowns and
extraordinary bureaucratic delays) is an example of organized and
coordinated social pressure.
Another example of organized and coordinated social pressure
is selective enforcement of laws and regulations. E.g., the
police normally ignore jaywalkers in your neighborhood's business
district, but somehow you always receive a ticket when you jaywalk.
Sufficient unpaid ticket accumulation is grounds for arrest and
jailing. United States law does not include "debtor's prison",
but if you can not afford to pay fees on accumulated tickets ...
Some people's attitude is that in terms of housing, my cuups
runneth over and I am being selfish not boarding others in my
private house. I consider such _social pressure and hostility_
a not fair attack on my personal freedom. I control the use of
my private house and who I admit as guests (if any). To my
knowledge the United States Government has not (yet) instituted
'the housing police'. The United States Constitution contains
NO stipulation that allows Government to forcibly house civilians
in your private house. Of course, should martial law ever be
declared within the United States, Constitutional rights would
be suspended and only Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA
(iron Ma), now contained within the Department of Homeland Security]
knows what could happen.
<*> Given our downsized domestic economy (with its shrunken tax
revenues), given the many Army base closures that have occurred
during the past decade (and a new wave of additional base closures
is coming), and given our volunteer Army with its higher married
percentage than a drafted Army, I believe that military housing
shortages are a current and ongoing problem in the United States.
If Army Reserve and National Guard reenlistment rates fall as a
result of financial hardship and increased heavy (overseas) use,
greater reliance on the married volunteer Army will aggravate the
military (and civilian) housing shortage. The increasing military
family housing problem requires increased tax revenues applied
to military housing, or resumption of the Selective Service Draft
and reinstitution of the conscripted bachelor/ette Army (an issue
increasingly under discussion on the national news media).
*****End of Part Two*****
The comments contained herein are my opinions. This message
was not solicited by Amazon.com, any author, any artist, or their
agent(s), publisher(s), producer(s) or distributor(s).
I am *not* an Islamic or Judaic scholar.
I am *not* legally qualified to provide medical, psychological,
legal, financial or religious opinions, but I have discussed some
issues with my Attorney and have read extensively in these areas.
I have strong opinions.
"All Rights Reserved"?
If I 'right' must I reserve?
I got no problems.
Other people got problems.
00: 18+ _8 02 03/35 06 09
Richard Ballard
Societal traditions are changing. Same sex marriages
are recent and controversial. Some states have proposed an
alternative institution (so-called 'civil unions') in an attempt
to legalize same sex pairings while simultaneously preserving the
traditional marriage definition. Yet contractual civil unions
also are controversial -- what limits contractual civil unions
to two persons? (Powers not expressly delegated to the Federal
Government by the U.S. Constitution are reserved for the states
Individual states will decide if and how to define contractual
Civil Unions within their bo(a)rders.)
I) *Warlock* is a term that many interpret differently. To
and their spouses also are changed greatly -- a returning soldier
often finds that his cheerleader has evolved into a mom handing
him an infant. And in the military, adultery is an outright crime
at the same time that women are used increasingly in military
close quarters (e.g., shipboard). A divorce epidemic within
the career military would disrupt the career military. Divorce
is not encouraged for married military officers and marriage is
not encouraged for unmarried military officers. Similarly,
the current _overseas_ heavy reliance on Armed Forces Reservists
and National Guardsmen could motivate divorces within the
United States civilian population -- a Reservist's/Guardsman's
reduced military salary provides additional aggravation. Does
*****End of Part Four*****
00: 18+ _8 02 03/35 06 09
Richard Ballard
My experience is that Christianity does not concentrate on
and
<*> In my locale, many people equate the exclamation "Right!" to
"Submit!" -- e.g., individuals attempting to win an argument
use the exclamation "Right!" at every opportunity, much as
dwelling seekers in my locale emphasize the exclamation "You two!"
(discussed earlier). "All right!" (denoting "Everybody submit!" or
"Everybody conform!") also is a popular exclamation in my locale.
And although rare, I know literate individuals educated at my local
University who say 'ewes' rather than 'you', the implication
being "I am a superior individual while you all are conforming
(flocked) sheep." (This is _not_ common usage in my locale,
*****End of Part Five*****
00: 18+ _8 02 03/35 06 09
Richard Ballard
<snip>
<snip>
I also have observed (and experienced) situations where Wiccan
Coven members have hired non-Wiccan mercenaries to teach (violent,
punishing) lessons to non-Wiccans. I find this particularly
troubling. Many Wiccan initiation oaths include the promise
to act 'in perfect love and perfect trust', yet Wiccans are
hiring non-Wiccan mercenaries to violently punish non-Wiccans.
There is a saying dating back to Victorian England: 'Jack Tar
Most men would not submit to this type of intimidation,
but it is difficult to protect loved ones 24 hours daily, 365 days
per year. And once somebody submits to coercion, the bullies have
no reason not to demand more ... and more ... and more ...
IMO people *never* should open the door to coercion. And
IMO people should *never* surrender their civil liberties to
coercion and extortion attempts, an embarrassing form of terrorism.
By alluding to drugs ('pixie dust') some people say that I
damage the entire Pagan community. I have done *nothing* to
discredit the entire Pagan community -- a few bad apples does
not discredit appledom, and a few bad peaches does not discredit
peachdom. But debt is one method that people use to (attempt to)
control others. This is true both within the Pagan community and
within overall society. Sweet ol' Granny usually isn't a drug
dealer or an extortionist (unless she has plenty of muscle backing
her up). And (a-hem) alchemy and potions always has been a
magickal concern -- what's cooking in that 21st Century cauldron?
Frankly, most of the Pagans I meet are too poor to afford
expensive recreational drugs. In fairness I do not know their
history and I do not ask.
These problems will _not_ get solved on the Internet, and the
Many Wiccan texts discuss ecology -- few discuss responsible
Mutagenic substances harm human fertility. IMO Wiccans
(with their religious emphasis on human fertility) must be
_acutely aware_ of the consequences of exposure to
mutagenic substances. Some recreational drugs are
mutagenic substances. IMO Wiccans also should be knowledgeable
about birth control technologies, their use and their reliability.
Intercourse does not equate to pregnancy.
Apparently (im)proper nutrition also affects the quality
Witch wars sometimes result in chaotic attacks -- i.e., a
flood of annoyances, insults and injuries. Under a
noblesse oblige philosophy, should a victim respond stoically
or actively to chaotic attacks? IMO accumulation of harm dictates
the victim's response. Ignoring a small annoyance, a small insult,
or a small injury is both polite and economical. But repeated
annoyances, insults, and injuries can accumulate into significant
harm (e.g., ulcers).
IMO submitting to significant harm is damaging both to a victim's
*****End of Part Three*****
00: 18+ _8 02 03/35 06 09
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
In article <20040715084049...@mb-m18.aol.com>,
rball...@aol.com (Richard Ballard) writes:
(If regicide seems a totally foreign concept, consider during
election years the amount of time challengers spend assassinating
incumbents' characters, and the amount of time incumbents spend
assassinating challengers' characters. This time could be spent
discussing $ubstantive issue$. In my experience, when everybody
prospers everybody is happy and pleasant.)
>In the
>21st Century, I wonder how many hot summer domestic arguments
>lead to divorce, overthrow of the husband patriarch, and
>establishment of the single female parent household?
<snip>
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Parts Two, Three, Four and Five are contained in concurrent
copyrighted messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan
Novices (Part Two/Three/Four/Five of Five Parts)", respectively.
I provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
subsequent copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for
Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two/Three of Three Parts)",
respectively.
IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
on this Internet newsgroup.
<*> The evening of September 21st [midnight September 22nd
Stonehenge time] is the sabbat Mabon (May-bone or Mah-boon),
named for the Welsh God who symbolized the male fertilizing
principle in Welsh mythology. Some consider Mabon to be
Persephone's male counterpart.
<*> In Europe Mabon marked the end of the second harvest when
autumn crops (grapes, nuts and apples) were gathered. The
equinox marked the infamous Festival of Dionysus (the God of
Wine) in ancient Rome. The Scottish and Welsh poured Mabon
wines onto the ground during their celebrations, symbolically
honoring the aging Goddess moving into her Crone aspect and
as a symbolic blood sacrifice so that the God might live
until Samhain.
<*> Mabon marks the beginning of Autumn, the time when the earth
has surrendered its harvest and Nature withers, to be renewed
again in the Spring. Similar to the European "Harvest Home"
festival, Pagans refer to this Autumn Equinox as "The Witches'
Thanksgiving". Typical Mabon activities include cider pressing,
grain threshing, dancing, feasting from the plentiful harvest,
and crowning a Harvest King and Harvest Queen. The Harvest King
and Harvest Queen ritually symbolize the Pagan God and Goddess,
and represent the Earth's survival through the upcoming Winter's
hardship for renewed fertility in the Spring. The color blue
symbolizes the Mabon Harvest King, while the color green
symbolizes the Mabon Harvest Queen. The cornocopia
(horn of plenty) symbolizes Mabon. The cornocopia is both
a phallic symbol and a symbol of the Earth's fertility.
<*> In China Mabon is known as Chung Ch'iu and marks the end of
the rice harvest.
<*> Judaism celebrates Succoth near this time, a harvest holiday
often observed by building a temporary outdoor dwelling decorated
with fall vegetables in which all Succoth meals are served.
<*> Contemporary United States Mabon activities can include
wine tasting parties, and summer hayrides followed by outdoor
cookouts around a bonfire.
<*> Mabon is a time when day and night are in balance, and all
other things likewise balance for one brief moment. The God
and Goddess are thought to have equal power on Mabon, as do
the forces of good and evil. Mabon marks a seasonal transition,
the Deities are aging and the Wiccan God will die with the old
year. Mabon is a time to prepare for the upcoming winter and
its hardships.
Some basic definitions:
that many Magickians would smile and reply 'There is more than
one way to worship the Goddess.'
<*> Readers have protested my opinion "some Wiccans might state that
fertility (not human sexuality) is the important part of Wicca."
"some" is not an attempt to cover all of Wicca. However, Wicca
primarily is a Goddess-worshipping religion. Mother is one of
the Wiccan Goddess's three personas. Women who treasure fertility
are common among Wiccans. In a downsizing United States domestic
economy with increasing un(der)employment and competition, I
predict that many working women will interrupt their careers to
explore motherhood -- a financially (and sometimes emotionally)
expensive long term burden for _both_ parents that reduced
<*> Some people state that 'Blessed Be' merely signifies
'Goodbye and Good Luck', and that I am stretching this greeting's
intention to preposterous levels. I stand behind my statements
based upon common language usage in my locale. The United States
domestic economy is shrinking as evidenced by high
un(der)employment (net loss of jobs, and
post-unemployment-compensation workers falling down from the
Government counts of unemployed workers); record credit debt
(including recurring monthly trade deficits); rapidly rising
living costs (e.g., natural gas and petroleum, housing and food);
and local T V commercial messages featuring home equity loans
and openly-litigious lawyers instead of locally produced products.
I anticipate that many people (a gender-neutral term) will
consider marriage the solution to their worsening financial
problems, and will consider pregnancy the path to marriage.
Yet according to Professor Lionel Tiger ("The Decline of Males:
The First Look At An Unexpected New World For Men And Women",
c1999), increasingly the hiring market is controlled by
women who favor hiring (single, economically motivated) women
supporting children. IMO this economic trend does not favor
pregnancy-motivated marriage as an enduring path to happiness
and prosperity.
given Wiccan Tradition, to all Wiccans or to humankind?
Furthermore, I have observed statements of the Wiccan Rede
(excerpted in my 'Definitions ...' Part Three message) that go on
for pages like a legal contract. And I have observed Wiccan
Traditions that effectively ignore the Wiccan Rede completely.
I am _not_ comfortable with all Traditions' interpretation
of the Wiccan Rede.
There are many valid Wiccan paths. Gardnerian Wicca was the
first Wiccan Tradition but many other Wiccan Traditions exist.
The Wiccan Gardnerian Tradition reflects English socioeconomic
culture 50 years ago. Gardnerian Wicca was initiated by
upper-income British who were able to hire low- and middle-income
servants. Servants led a much different life than their
prosperous masters, a difference depicted in the BBC / PBS
T V series "Upstairs, Downstairs" (whose title refers to the
different lifestyles in the upstairs servants' quarters versus
the downstairs masters' quarters). I believe that many prospective
Wiccan novices would find the traditional 'year-and-a-day'
apprenticeship _not_ acceptable if that apprenticeship was
_mandatory and unbreakable servitude_. (I am discussing an
apprentice's loss of the ability to _drop out_ of an apprenticeship
by terminating the associated service period voluntarily and early.
***I am discussing loss of freedom of choice***. A Lot can happen
during a 'year-and-a-day' apprenticeship. Some paths are
one-way paths having *no possible return* -- this hap pens too many
times.) Of course, different Wiccan Covens might interpret
Gardnerian Tradition differently, but I believe the right of Pagan
Traditions and their members, of Wiccan Covens and their members,
and of Wiccan solitary worshippers to modify their Traditions
is _mandatory_.
I believe that _most_ States' common laws forbid mandatory and
unbreakable servitude, and forbid harm during an apprenticeship.
Yet I believe I know at least one state that _does_ allow
'Bills of Attainder' -- the equivalent of a mandatory and
unbreakable servitude. The contract can be written to include
monetary penalties or clauses that extend the contract
_without pay_ as a penalty for bad service -- i.e., potentially
never-ending servitude. ***Most people can NOT read legalese,
and many people sign without reading.*** Imagine the following
conversation: "Don't think of it as a legal contract -- think of
it as your own customized version of the Wiccan Rede, the first
oathbound entry in your _Book Of Shadows_." I believe that
'Bills of Attainder' are _not legally enforceable_ outside of
two states within the United States, but a potential expensive
legal mess (and other chaotic hatefulness) is possible. And
in case of trouble, poor apprentices might _not_ have the
resources even to consult an attorney.
A similar difficult (and universally applicable) situation
exists when Wiccan parents (or legal guardian/s) force their
underage children (or wards) to become Wiccan Coven members,
a situation which resembles being drafted without chance
of deferment into 'the Wiccan Army'. Most Traditions require
prospective Wiccan novices under 18 years of age (the age of
legal majority in most states) to provide a written statement
of parental permission before beginning Wiccan study. That is
_much_ different than rejecting prospective Wiccan novices
under the age of 18, particularly if the novices' parents
(or legal guardian/s) are Wiccan Coven members. A particularly
unfortunate situation results if the Wiccan Coven's Tradition
includes a penalty if (upon reaching adulthood) the children
decide to leave the Wiccan Coven -- i.e., go AWOL from
'the Wiccan Army'. Wiccan oaths need _not_ include penalties
for 'walking away' from a Wiccan Coven. Raymond Buckland's
Seax-Wica Tradition is an example of a Wiccan Tradition that
includes no penalty for leaving or re-entering a Coven.
The age of legal majority (the age when an individual
becomes legally empowered to sign contracts) varies from state
to state within the United States. I am _not_ qualified to
provide legal opinions and I can _not_ vouch for its
accuracy, but a table listing the age of legal majority for
the fifty United States and the United States territories is
available (as of 7/2004) on the Internet at
"http://www.dod.mil/comptroller/fmr/07b/07bappxh.pdf"
(no quotes). The age of legal consent [the age at which
an individual is legally empowered to consent to have
intercourse (i.e., not statutory rape)] is lower than the
age of legal majority in some states. Consult an attorney
before making any legal decisions.
*****End of Part One*****
The comments contained herein are my opinions. This message
was not solicited by Amazon.com, any author, any artist, or their
agent(s), publisher(s), producer(s) or distributor(s).
I am _not_ an Islamic or Judaic scholar.
I am _not_ legally qualified to provide medical, psychological,
legal, financial or religious opinions, but I have discussed some
issues with my Attorney and have read extensively in these areas.
I have strong opinions.
"All Rights Reserved"?
If I 'right' must I reserve?
I gut no problems.
Other people gut problems.
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Parts One, Three, Four and Five are contained in concurrent
copyrighted messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan
Novices (Part One/Three/Four/Five of Five Parts)", respectively.
I provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
subsequent copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for
Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two/Three of Three Parts)",
respectively.
IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
on this Internet newsgroup.
I recommend that Wiccan parent/s (and legal guardian/s) avoid
situations where underaged children (or wards) become _bound_
Coven members. (And I acknowledge that my own Methodist
experience includes voluntary church membership.) One purpose
of Wiccan initiation (after a period of study) is to expose the
initiate to secret oathbound material, material previously
hidden from the initiate -- a new ball game. I recommend
that prospective Wiccan novices 'Caveat emptor' -- let the
buyer beware.
<*> The United States is experiencing economic downsizing with
net loss of jobs and rising living costs. When the economy
downsizes, some people lose prosperity while other people become
impoverished -- the new poor. Loss of prosperity brings loss of
options, and poverty brings further loss of options. (E.g., an
*Circle* membership (combined with solitary worship) is a
buoyed by 'printing press credit'. Interest rates currently are
rising, which raises inventory costs, encourages inventory
reduction, reduces manufacturing demand, and encourages
manufacturing and retail (less to sell) layoffs. And the
United States' domestic economy is seriously weakened by the
Iraqi occupation [as of 8/2004 costing ~$130 billion dollars of
United States deficit spending -- money siphoned away from domestic
uses (e.g., Government services, housing construction and
new product development)]. IMO the Iraqi occupation is a
regrettable (due both to its human cost and also due to its effect
upon global Islamic opinion of the United States) _indirect cost_
of guaranteeing a reliable energy supply.
<*> This situation weakens international confidence in the
United States and in the value of the United States dollar.
Loss of international confidence in the United States dollar
further raises interest rates charged on money borrowed to
pay the United States' recurring monthly trade deficit.
This rise in interest rates can occur directly, or can occur
indirectly through further decrease in the international
value of the United States dollar.
<*> The weakening of international confidence in the
United States dollar also is important because global petroleum
prices are denominated in United States dollars. Were
per barrel petroleum prices denominated in a different currency,
currency market fluctuations would _directly and chaotically_
effect the per barrel petroleum price paid in the United States,
the chaos further raising energy companies' operating costs.
<*> And additional United States dollars spent for Homeland Security
and for higher-priced energy are _not_ being invested in needed
_critical_ domestic infrastructure (e.g., sub/urban mass transit
to reduce United States dependence upon gas guzzling private
vehicles) or in developing energy infrastructure and renewable
energy sources. [E.g., in March 2004 (not the hottest month in
the Northern Hemisphere) the state of California experienced
air-conditioning-related electric power disruptions (at any cost).
IMO these service outages signal problems beyond un$crupulous
energy trading.]
<*> Government faced with chronic deficits will provide fewer
services (including housing services, education and wellness/aid
to dependent children). A Wiccan Coven's binding oath of
obedience could be used to house indigent Coven members (or their
friends) in another person's private residence, a right that
Government does _not_ have under the United States Constitution.
IMO individuals should consider _seriously_ the mundane implications
of taking any Wiccan Coven's binding oath of obedience. That
binding oath of obedience could affect your daily life in your
(formerly) private house.
<*> I expect this issue to grow as the United States domestic
economy continues to downsize and people exhaust their credit
resources. There already is much un(der)employment, we are
experiencing a net loss of jobs, and housing is an expensive
commodity. In Los Angeles the price of a 'starter home'
reportedly is $600,000US and housing prices in Chicago reportedly
are skyrocketing. The price of constructing a new home in the
St. Louis area reportedly has risen $10,000US due to
plywood cost increases, per barrel petroleum prices hit
record levels in 8/2004, and United States residential heating
(natural gas) prices have risen steadily over the past two years.
While I am not qualified to provide legal opinions, I believe
that once people establish legal residence (as opposed to being
invited guests) in _your_ private house, they are free to invite
_their_ (unknown) friends ('vite 'em inns?) to visit. Invited
guests in a private house have the right to leave. Boarders in
a boarding house situation (usually) have additional legal rights
-- paying rent (usually) creates a contractual situation under
the common law.
Boarding minor children [i.e., under 18 years of age in
The law is subtle, and right of legal entry and the legal
concept of discovery both are powerful. Right of legal entry and
discovery are complicated when deputized officers take second jobs
as process servers or as bill collectors. (In my state,
police officers are deputized on a statewide basis instead of a
municipalwide basis. Fire fighters also are deputized in my
state.) Visits by process servers or by bill collectors usually are
not pleasant. If a (deputized) process server or a (deputized)
bill collector is invited into a private house, the (deputized)
visitor is free to examine the house for the purpose of legal
discovery, seeking evidence later admissible during Court proceedings.
And if a private house owner argues strongly with a (deputized)
process server or a (deputized) bill collector, the deputized
officer can pull out his/her badge and identify him/herself. Then
the private house owner can be arrested, be charged with
'Threatening An Officer' and be hauled away, leaving the private
house open for further leisurely inspection for discovery purposes.
<*> [A worse situation is being confronted by (deputized) process
servers or (deputized) bill collectors at a public gathering
(e.g., a concert, a street fair or a peaceful public protest)
after your companions or you have consumed alcoholic beverages,
opening you to legal charges of 'Public Intoxication' and
'Drunk and Disorderly Conduct'. An 'entrapment' situation
occurs if the deputized process servers' / bill collectors'
on-duty fellow officers are waiting conveniently nearby.]
Owners have _no obligation_ to admit process servers or
bill collectors into their private houses unless presented with
a Court-issued warrant. Deputized officers within a private house
can use their powers to create chaotic legal situations. And
owners seldom benefit by voluntarily allowing deputized officers
to enter their private houses.
In an environment of Government suspicion, IMO this de facto
loss of legal safeguards against warrantless entry and against
warrantless discovery is a _significant_ loss both of personal
privacy and of civil liberties. Some people will consider
my statement paranoid, but during her April 2004 testimony
before the 9/11 Commission, Ms. Condoleezza Rice (President
George W. Bush's National Security Advisor) mentioned Government
discussions about reducing civil liberties to aid the 'War Against
Terrorism'. Ms. Rice's comment is significant because Homeland
Security can become an all-encompassing banner under which
far-reaching permanent societal changes are dictated -- security
can become the State religion. This environment of Government
suspicion creates a situation where charitable actions result in
_significant loss of civil liberties_ for the private house owner.
No private house owner wants the Government to help them OUT in
the name of Homeland Security. And IMO nothing kills charity
faster than coercion.
BTW, a local civil servant (who I had _not_ been introduced to)
during the past decade, and given our volunteer Army with its
higher married percentage than a drafted Army, I believe that
military housing shortages are a current and ongoing problem in
the United States. In 8/2004 (as a result of Army Reserve and
National Guard falling reenlistment rates?) the Pentagon announced
that 70,000 United States' overseas soldiers, their families and
their support personnel would be recalled to the United States
over the next ten years. These 70,000 military families will
require additional United States housing. The increasing military
family housing problem requires increased tax revenues applied to
military housing, or resumption of the Selective Service Draft and
reinstitution of the conscripted bachelor/ette Army (an issue
increasingly under discussion on the national news media).
<*> IMO these housing-related economic issues make some Wiccan
Covens' 'binding oaths of obedience' hazardous to private home
owners' property rights.
*****End of Part Two*****
The comments contained herein are my opinions. This message
was not solicited by Amazon.com, any author, any artist, or their
agent(s), publisher(s), producer(s) or distributor(s).
I am *not* an Islamic or Judaic scholar.
I am *not* legally qualified to provide medical, psychological,
legal, financial or religious opinions, but I have discussed some
issues with my Attorney and have read extensively in these areas.
I have strong opinions.
"All Rights Reserved"?
If I 'right' must I reserve?
I gut no problems.
Other people gut problems.
Richard Ballard
<snip>
<snip>
<*> By alluding to drugs ('pixie dust') some people say that I
damage the entire Pagan community. I have done *nothing* to
discredit the entire Pagan community -- a few bad apples does
not discredit appledom, and a few bad peaches does not discredit
peachdom. But debt is one method that people use to control
others. This is true both within the Pagan community and
within overall society. Sweet ol' Mom usually isn't a drug
dealer or an extortionist [unless she has plenty of muscle backing
her up (as depicted in the film 'Doctor Detroit' starring
Dan Ackroyd and Howard Hesseman)]. And alchemy and potions
always have been a magickal concern. What's cooking in that
21st Century cauldron -- Viagra(TM) and Cialis(TM)?
<*> Many Wiccan texts discuss ecology -- few discuss responsible
child-bearing and child-raising. I believe that in recent years
the topics of ecology and responsible child-bearing have been
de-emphasized on witchcraft- and Wicca-related Internet newsgroups.
With recent references to modern medicine, some Pagan and Wiccan
women have stated that men (at best) hold a temporary role in
pregnancy, stating that after conception men have no further value
(beyond child support and spousal maintenance payments).
<*> And in his c1999 socioeconomic text "The Decline Of Males:
The First Look At An Unexpected New World For Men And Women"
(ISBN 0-312-26311-2), Professor Lionel Tiger stresses that the
(Western) post-industrial employment marketplace devalues male
hunting aptitudes, preferring the nurturing aptitudes of
(single, economically motivated) women raising children. As a
result, Professor Tiger states that for financial reasons women
increasingly are rejecting men as life partners. IMO this trend
creates a situation where maturing children lack adult male
perspective in their education and socialization -- a serious
disadvantage in their future dealings with adults of both genders.
And I wonder if worsening economic conditions (with fewer service
jobs and poorer nutrition) plus senior citizenship (with acute
arthritis and/or osteoporosis?) might create additional
difficulties for 'w0men' (i.e., without men) -- difficulties
not solved by same sex partnerships.
*****End of Part Three*****
I gut no problems.
Other people gut problems.
Richard Ballard
or an engagement? Wartime produces housing shortages, and
housing shortages breed poverty, discord and civil strife that
prevent or destroy marriages and civilized society.
*****End of Part Four*****
I gut no problems.
Other people gut problems.
Richard Ballard
and
<*> I also want to state that IMO a binding commitment to satan
(like legal marriage) is severable (like legal divorce). The
strongest bonds in 21st Century society are financial bonds.
IMO in the 21st Century a binding commitment to satan can
be broken *at some cost*. The magnitude of that cost depends
upon the friendly resources the bound individual has --
friendly resources do not cost. Yet social attitudes acquired
during a satanic episode might endure permanently.
A baptized inactive Methodist, I view satanism as a cultural
influence rather than a religious influence. My views of satanism
are tempered by the fact that I have traveled on three continents
and personally have viewed several different cultures. My views
of satanism also are tempered by the fact that I matured in the
late 1960's / early 1970's, a time of a diverse and dynamic
counterculture emergence in the United States. These experiences
affect my cultural opinions, including my opinion of satanism.
I (simplistically?) view satanism as a culture that states
"Most people automatically submit to authority" -- i.e., most
people take the easy (submissive) right-hand path. Satanists
use dominance to assert their authority and to force other
people to submit to their wishes. This is my (simplistic?) view
of satanism's dominant, left-hand path, but this view is
reinforced by popular language usage in my locale.
In my locale, many people equate the exclamation "Right!" to
*****End of Part Five*****
I gut no problems.
Other people gut problems.
Richard Ballard
with a <*> marker.
In article <20040901091950...@mb-m15.aol.com>,
rball...@aol.com (Richard Ballard) writes:
>Copyright 2003-2004 by Richard J. Ballard -- All Rights Reserved.
>Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
>Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
>with a <*> marker.
>
>Parts One, Two, Four and Five are contained in concurrent
>copyrighted messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan
>Novices (Part One/Two/Four/Five of Five Parts)", respectively.
>I provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
>subsequent copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for
>Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two/Three of Three Parts)",
>respectively.
>
>IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
>On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
>"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
>on this Internet newsgroup.
>
>IMO there is increasing tendency within all types of groups
>(including Pagan groups) to want "ins" with Government.
<snip>
<*> I can imagine skeptics laughing that I am an alarmist (and/or
foolish) positing "if worsening economic conditions (with fewer
service jobs and poorer nutrition) plus senior citizenship (with
acute arthritis and/or osteoporosis?) might create additional
difficulties for 'w0men' (i.e., without men) -- difficulties
not solved by same sex parterships". Most people are familiar
with the classic _positive_ film "It's A Wonderful Life" starring
Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed, a film that portrays civilian housing
and civilian financial problems during World War II. Fewer
people are familiar with the classic _negative_ novel "The Jungle"
(ISBN 0-451-52420-9) by author Upton Sinclair. "The Jungle" depicts
Lithuanian immigrants' struggles in World War I Chicago to obtain
employment, food, housing and health care. IMO both the
positive classic film and the negative classic novel offer valuable
insights into the austerity resulting from warfare. And (as
evidenced by post-World War I Germany) printing press dollars
(and credit) can not defer this austerity indefinitely.
>I believe that with the continuing shrinking of the United States'
>domestic economy and the shrinking of global energy supplies,
>ecology, family planning and responsible child-raising deserve
>renewed emphasis. During hard times, raising fewer children
>_better_ benefits everyone. At the same time, IMO with good faith
>modern birth control is very effective and physical intimacy
>strengthens the spousal bond.
>
>I find it ironic that Wicca and witchcraft dismisses the value
>of romantic love. Romantic love stabilizes and strengthens
>family relationships and benefits all family members,
>particularly the children of loving parents.
<snip>
>IMO rising energy prices will force future rising food prices, and
>'too many mouths to feed' will become a increasing burden. Yet
>IMO some people will decide to feed their cars before they feed
>their kids.
<snip>
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Parts Two, Three, Four and Five are contained in concurrent
copyrighted messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan
Novices (Part Two/Three/Four/Five of Five Parts)", respectively.
I provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
subsequent copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for
Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two/Three of Three Parts)",
respectively.
IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
on this Internet newsgroup.
<*> The evening of October 30th [midnight October 31st Stonehenge
time] brings the sabbat Samhain (pronounced Sow-in, Sah-vin, or
Sahm-hayn), a celebration of the harvest season's end. Samhain
marks the Wiccan God's death in some European Traditions -- the
Crone Goddess mourns the God's passing for the next six weeks.
The Samhain/Halloween symbol of the Crone/Witch stirring her
cauldron reflects the Pagan belief that all dead souls return
to the Crone's/Witch's cauldron to await their rebirth.
<*> Samhain marks winter's beginning and is a time to celebrate the
eternal wheel of reincarnation. Samhain falls opposite Beltane
[midnight May 1st Stonehenge time, summer's beginning] on the
Wheel of the Year. Beltane (summer's beginning) and Samhain
(the harvest season's end) are the two most important sabbats.
<*> European monarchs marked the sabbat's beginning by lighting
balefires (bonfires -- 'balefire' is an English word meaning
'boon' or 'extra') typically on the highest hills. Having sex
with ladies from the families of lesser nobility was included
within the balefire ritual. Lesser nobility then could light
their own balefires on lower hills, and could begin their own
celebrations (and themselves have sex with ladies from the
families of lesser nobility or commoners). The ritual sex included
within the balefire celebrations equates to the Aristocracy's
(e.g., the King's, Baron's, or local landowner's) 'first night'
privileges -- the Aristocracy's right to control who could
marry whom and the Aristocracy's right to bed any young lady
first on her wedding night. The balefire ritual replenished
the Aristocracy's energy and symbolically blessed the young
ladies bedded by the Aristocrats. The balefire ritual also
maintained the continuity of the Aristocracy -- 'the pecking
order' is a time-honored tradition.
<*> British and Irish Pagans lit their own Samhain balefires
on lesser hilltops after sunset on October 30. The Pagans'
balefires focused the dead God's energy, pushed back the
darkness, repelled evil, and purified the hilltop's ritual space.
The balefire rituals and concurrent harvest celebration also
tangibly reminded the Pagans about the Aristocracy's (e.g.,
the King's, Baron's, or local landowner's) real power over
the Pagans: "Winter is coming -- wanna eat?"
<*> Coven initiations [both "robed" initiations and "skyclad" (naked)
initiations] are performed on Samhain. Witches commune with the
dead on Samhain, holding their ritual Feast of the Dead and
celebrating the eternal cycle of reincarnation. Necromancy
spells and rituals performed during Samhain are more likely
to succeed.
<*> In the United States, Samhain sometimes is celebrated in
conjunction with a Halloween party. The Halloween 'trick or treat'
tradition has two origins. One 'trick or treat' origin is the
Pagan Samhain custom of leaving out a small tray or plate of food
for dead ancestors and other spirits. 'Trick or treat' also
reflects Pagans' inclusion of the Lord of Misrule within the
Samhain circle. The Lord of Misrule (the personification of
the Norse God Loki also called the Master of Merry Disport)
created merry havoc within the Samhain circle, preventing
unhappiness at the thought of summer's end and the approaching
harsh winter.
<*> With Samhain approaching, many Wiccans are discussing Wicca
Some basic definitions:
Readers have protested my opinion "some Wiccans might state that
<*> Magicians often allude to Physics, stating that magick is
phenomena not yet understood by physicists. Yet Chaos Magick
often creates and exploits victims' inability to combat chaos.
(E.g., the chief difficulty in combatting terrorism is that
terrorism is chaotically unpredictable.) IMO Chaos Magick is
a psychological and financial phenomenon as much as a physical
phenomenon.
c1999, ISBN 0-312-26311-2), increasingly the hiring market is
*****End of Part One*****
I gut know problems.
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Parts One, Three, Four and Five are contained in concurrent
copyrighted messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan
Novices (Part One/Three/Four/Five of Five Parts)", respectively.
I provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
subsequent copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for
Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two/Three of Three Parts)",
respectively.
IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
on this Internet newsgroup.
I recommend that Wiccan parent/s (and legal guardian/s) avoid
situations where underaged children (or wards) become _bound_
Coven members. (And I acknowledge that my own Methodist
experience includes voluntary church membership.) One purpose
of Wiccan initiation (after a period of study) is to expose the
initiate to secret oathbound material, material previously
hidden from the initiate -- a new ball game. I recommend
that prospective Wiccan novices 'Caveat emptor' -- let the
buyer beware.
The United States is experiencing economic downsizing with
<*> I believe prospective Wiccan novices find Gardnerian Wicca
not relevant to their 21st Century 'popular culture' -- "Oh,
that's my mother's Oldsmobile" (apologies to General Motors,
which has discontinued their Oldsmobile vehicle line). I
IMO the United States domestic economy currently is artificially
buoyed by 'printing press credit'. Interest rates currently are
rising, which raises inventory costs, encourages inventory
reduction, reduces manufacturing demand, and encourages
manufacturing and retail (less to sell) layoffs. And the
United States' domestic economy is seriously weakened by the
Iraqi occupation [as of 8/2004 costing ~$130 billion dollars of
United States deficit spending -- money siphoned away from domestic
uses (e.g., Government services, housing construction and
new product development)]. IMO the Iraqi occupation is a
regrettable (due both to its human cost and also due to its effect
upon global Islamic opinion of the United States) _indirect cost_
of guaranteeing a reliable United States energy supply.
<*> This situation weakens international confidence in the
United States and in the value of the United States dollar.
New tax cuts in a deficit Federal spending environment further
weaken international confidence in the dollar's value.
Loss of international confidence in the United States dollar
further raises interest rates charged on money borrowed to
pay the United States' recurring monthly trade deficit.
This rise in interest rates can occur directly, or can occur
indirectly through further decrease in the international
value of the United States dollar. (E.g., rising per barrel
petroleum prices reflect a _real_ decline in the dollar's value).
And additional United States dollars spent for Homeland Security
and for higher-priced energy are _not_ being invested in needed
_critical_ domestic infrastructure (e.g., sub/urban mass transit
to reduce United States dependence upon gas guzzling private
vehicles) or in developing energy infrastructure and renewable
energy sources. [E.g., in March 2004 (not the hottest month in
the Northern Hemisphere) the state of California experienced
air-conditioning-related electric power disruptions (at any cost).
IMO these service outages signal problems beyond un$crupulous
energy trading.]
Government faced with chronic deficits will provide fewer
services (including housing services, education and wellness/aid
to dependent children). A Wiccan Coven's binding oath of
obedience could be used to house indigent Coven members (or their
friends) in another person's private residence, a right that
Government does _not_ have under the United States Constitution.
IMO individuals should consider _seriously_ the mundane implications
of taking any Wiccan Coven's binding oath of obedience. That
binding oath of obedience could affect your daily life in your
(formerly) private house.
<*> I expect this issue to grow as the United States domestic
economy continues to downsize and people exhaust their credit
resources. There already is much un(der)employment, we are
experiencing a net loss of jobs, and housing is an expensive
commodity. In Los Angeles the price of a 'starter home'
reportedly is $600,000US and housing prices in Chicago reportedly
are skyrocketing. The price of constructing a new home in the
St. Louis area reportedly has risen $10,000US due to
plywood cost increases, per barrel petroleum prices are at
historic highs, and the rise in United States residential heating
(natural gas) costs is a Presidential campaign issue.
[A worse situation is being confronted by (deputized) process
during the past decade (with additional closures scheduled in 2005),
and given our volunteer Army with its higher married percentage than
a drafted Army, I believe that military housing shortages are a
current and ongoing problem in the United States. In 8/2004 (as
a result of Army Reserve and National Guard falling reenlistment
rates?) the Pentagon announced that 70,000 United States' overseas
soldiers, their families and their support personnel would be
recalled to the United States over the next ten years. These
70,000 military families will require additional United States
housing. The increasing military family housing problem requires
increased tax revenues (the _opposite_ of tax cuts) applied to
military housing, or resumption of the Selective Service Draft and
reinstitution of the conscripted bachelor/ette Army (an issue
increasingly under discussion in Congress).
IMO these housing-related economic issues make some Wiccan
Covens' 'binding oaths of obedience' hazardous to private home
owners' property rights.
*****End of Part Two*****
The comments contained herein are my opinions. This message
was not solicited by Amazon.com, any author, any artist, or their
agent(s), publisher(s), producer(s) or distributor(s).
I am *not* an Islamic or Judaic scholar.
I am *not* legally qualified to provide medical, psychological,
legal, financial or religious opinions, but I have discussed some
issues with my Attorney and have read extensively in these areas.
I have strong opinions.
"All Rights Reserved"?
If I 'right' must I reserve?
I gut know problems.
Richard Ballard
and
I also want to state that IMO a binding commitment to satan
<*> At the same time, individuals must deal with the dominant satanic
concepts and attitudes that increasingly permeate 21st Century
United States society. As the United States' domestic economy
continues to downsize, so-called 'cutthroat businesses' will assert
their own types of dominance when dealing with employees. Recently
enacted Federal laws limiting employee overtime pay infringe on
issues historically addressed during union contract negotiations,
effectively weakening unions. And beleaguered employees might
respond with their own dominant actions. Regardless of the victor,
the consumer ultimately will pay the cost -- at worst through
abstinence. Dealing with these dominant satanic attitudes often
requires that individuals assert greater personal dominance than
they otherwise would.
Some people question the appropriateness of my providing _any_
comments concerning Wicca, witchcraft, Paganism or satanism. I
believe that detachment is valuable -- _not_ having vested interests
can bring objectivity. In addition, I offer information -- ***my
information can be ignored with little effort***. I do _not_ tell
people how to worship or practice magick in their circles or in
their own homes. And IMO a list of Wicca-related definitions based
upon my studying Wiccan-, Craft-, Pagan- and satanic-related texts
and participating in Wiccan-, craft- and Pagan-related Internet
newsgroups threatens no one.
*****End of Part Five*****
The comments contained herein are my opinions. This message
was not solicited by Amazon.com, any author, any artist, or their
agent(s), publisher(s), producer(s) or distributor(s).
I am *not* an Islamic or Judaic scholar.
I am *not* legally qualified to provide medical, psychological,
legal, financial or religious opinions, but I have discussed some
issues with my Attorney and have read extensively in these areas.
I have strong opinions.
"All Rights Reserved"?
If I 'right' must I reserve?
I gut know problems.
Richard Ballard
Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
with a <*> marker.
Parts One, Two, Four and Five are contained in concurrent
copyrighted messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan
Novices (Part One/Two/Four/Five of Five Parts)", respectively.
I provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
subsequent copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for
Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two/Three of Three Parts)",
respectively.
IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
"A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
on this Internet newsgroup.
IMO there is increasing tendency within all types of groups
(including Pagan groups) to want "ins" with Government.
The following excerpt uses the word 'Circle' in the manner
that most Wiccans use the word 'Coven' -- admittedly, some
Covens form physical circles during their sabbat rituals.
The following Wiccan Rede version includes the Coven's
(self-presumed) right of eminent domain in item 70:
"A New Wiccan Book of the Law
A Manual for the Guidance of Groves, Covens, & Individuals
Compiled and edited by Lady Galadriel
Copyright 1992 by Lady Galadriel
Moonstone Publications
PO Box 13384
Atlanta, GA 30324 USA
<snip>
<snip>
By alluding to drugs ('pixie dust') some people say that I
<*> Apparently Christian governments tested and tried accused witches
as 'brides of satan' during 'The Burning Times'. [Ref: "Haxan:
Witchcraft Through The Ages", 1929 silent film directed by Benjamin
Christensen and narrated by William Burroughs (author of "The
Naked Lunch"). "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft"
by Denise Zimmermann and Katherine A. Gleason discusses 'The
Burning Times'. "The Salem Witchcraft Trials In American History"
by David K. Fremon (ISBN 0-7660-1125-9) examines unemotionally
the politics and history of the Salem witch trials.]
G) IMO *Wicca* is a Magick-users' religion that celebrates the
(agricultural) fertility of the Earth and human fertility. IMO
as religious individuals, Wiccans _are_ constrained by ethics
and morality. IMO a religion that celebrates the agricultural
fertility of the Earth must incorporate ecology into its religious
beliefs. Similarly, IMO a religion that celebrates human fertility
must incorporate _responsible child-bearing_ into its religious
beliefs, including ***avoidance of unwanted pregnancies*** and
responsible loving care of the children that both parents choose
to have.
Many Wiccan texts discuss ecology -- few discuss responsible
child-bearing and child-raising. I believe that in recent years
the topics of ecology and responsible child-bearing have been
de-emphasized on witchcraft- and Wicca-related Internet newsgroups.
With recent references to modern medicine, some Pagan and Wiccan
women have stated that men (at best) hold a temporary role in
pregnancy, stating that after conception men have no further value
(beyond child support and spousal maintenance payments).
And in his c1999 socioeconomic text "The Decline Of Males:
The First Look At An Unexpected New World For Men And Women"
(ISBN 0-312-26311-2), Professor Lionel Tiger stresses that the
(Western) post-industrial employment marketplace devalues male
hunting aptitudes, preferring the nurturing aptitudes of
(single, economically motivated) women raising children. As a
result, Professor Tiger states that for financial reasons women
increasingly are rejecting men as life partners. IMO this trend
creates a situation where maturing children lack adult male
perspective in their education and socialization -- a serious
disadvantage in their future dealings with adults of both genders.
And I wonder if worsening economic conditions (with fewer service
jobs and poorer nutrition) plus senior citizenship (with acute
arthritis and/or osteoporosis?) might create additional
difficulties for 'w0men' (i.e., without men) -- difficulties
not solved by same sex partnerships.
I can imagine skeptics laughing that I am an alarmist (and/or
silly) positing "if worsening economic conditions (with fewer
service jobs and poorer nutrition) plus senior citizenship (with
acute arthritis and/or osteoporosis?) might create additional
difficulties for 'w0men' (i.e., without men) -- difficulties
not solved by same sex partnerships". Most people are familiar
with the classic _positive_ film "It's A Wonderful Life" starring
Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed, a film that portrays civilian housing
and civilian financial problems during World War II. Fewer
people are familiar with the classic _negative_ novel "The Jungle"
(ISBN 0-451-52420-9) by author Upton Sinclair. "The Jungle" depicts
Lithuanian immigrants' struggles in World War I Chicago to obtain
employment, food, housing and health care. IMO both the
positive classic film and the negative classic novel offer valuable
insights into the austerity resulting from warfare. And (as
evidenced by post-World War I Germany) printing press dollars
(and credit) can not defer this austerity indefinitely.
I believe that with the continuing shrinking of the United States'
domestic economy and the shrinking of global energy supplies,
ecology, family planning and responsible child-raising deserve
renewed emphasis. During hard times, raising fewer children
_better_ benefits everyone. At the same time, IMO with good faith
modern birth control is very effective and physical intimacy
strengthens the spousal bond.
I find it ironic that Wicca and witchcraft dismisses the value
of romantic love. Romantic love stabilizes and strengthens
family relationships and benefits all family members,
particularly the children of loving parents.
Potions and herbs are an integral part of Magick. Along with
IMO rising energy prices will force future rising food prices, and
'too many mouths to feed' will become a increasing burden. Yet
IMO some people will decide to feed their cars before they feed
their kids.
'Blessed be' is a common Wiccan salutation. 'Blessed be'
Witch wars sometimes result in chaotic attacks -- i.e., a
*****End of Part Three*****
I gut know problems.
Richard Ballard
<*> 'Shame man ism' is one area where magick and science overlap
according to the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle. 'Shame man ism'
motivates changes; however shamers do not always appreciate the
changes they motivate. Once a victim is shunned, the victim has
little reason not to speak openly and frankly about insults
and injuries. ("Damned if I do and damned if I don't? Then I'll
do what I damned well please!") And being the victim of organized
shunning permanently changes the victim's perception of the
shunning community and the victim's perception about the shunning
community's current and future value.
Historically, shunning has been used in (para)military
groups and police (nobody covers your back -- e.g., Frank Serpico);
boys' (boarding) schools (which often have a military tradition);
rough sports teams (e.g., football, rugby, ice hockey, even
basketball); dangerous occupations (mining, construction and
fire fighting) and in communal societies (e.g., the Mormons and
the Oneida Community) to encourage conformity (i.e., so-called
'right thinking'). Within communal societies situated in harsh
environments, shunning can result in death from starvation,
dehydration or exposure to freezing weather -- you can't come in
out of the cold. Warlocks (accused oath breakers) routinely
are shunned by the overall magickal community.
In my locale, divorced men (especially those with living
children) often are treated as oath breakers regardless of
the situation motivating the divorce. The Roman Catholic
religion (which has a long European military tradition and
whose practices include 'Excommunication' -- denial of
The Sacraments) discourages divorce among its members.
<*> The career military faces a unique divorce problem. Soldiers
returning from extended duty in a war zone are changed greatly,
and their spouses also are changed greatly -- a returning soldier
often finds that his cheerleader has evolved into a mom handing
him an infant. And in the military, adultery is an outright crime
at the same time that women are used increasingly in military
close quarters (e.g., shipboard). Yet according to Professor
Lionel Tiger ("The Decline of Males: The First Look At An
Unexpected New World For Men And Women", c1999, ISBN 0-312-26311-2),
the pregnancy rate for enlisted women is the same as the
pregnancy rate for women in the overall population. A divorce
epidemic within the career military would disrupt the military.
Divorce is not encouraged for married military officers and
marriage is not encouraged for unmarried military personnel.
Similarly, the current _overseas_ heavy reliance on Armed Forces
Reservists and National Guardsmen could motivate divorces within
the United States civilian population -- a Reservist's/Guardsman's
smaller military salary provides additional aggravation. Does
*****End of Part Four*****
I gut know problems.
Alexander Mulligan
> Copyright 2003-2004 by Richard J. Ballard -- All Rights Reserved.
> Issued approximately twenty-one days before each sabbat.
> Each issue's new and significantly changed paragraphs begin
> with a <*> marker.
>
> Parts Two, Three, Four and Five are contained in concurrent
> copyrighted messages titled "Definitions For Prospective Wiccan
> Novices (Part Two/Three/Four/Five of Five Parts)", respectively.
> I provide an accompanying list of Wicca-related references in
> subsequent copyrighted messages entitled "A Reference List for
> Prospective Wiccan Novices (Part One/Two/Three of Three Parts)",
> respectively.
>
> IMO sexuality is an integral part of Paganism and Wicca.
> On a monthly basis I provide copyrighted messages titled
> "A neo-Tantra Reference List (Part One/Two of Two Parts)"
> on this Internet newsgroup.
>
Sexuality is an integral part of *life*.
Any aspect of life, which is a Magickal phenomenon, can be
a 'doorway' to a deeper understanding of the nature of
reality.
But anything that involves focussing on the physical senses,
which sex in particular does in an intense way, is contrary
to the primary goal of Magickal studies, which is to explore
the *other* side of the Self, that which can be only be
perceived with the *inner* senses.
I have never met a person with advanced Magickal skills and
knowledge who even *mentions* sexuality in connection with
Magickal practices.
[...]
<+>
--
Bells Ring Under Cerulean Ecstasy
http://groups.google.com/groups?selm=2o4h0pF...@uni-berlin.de
Alexander Mulligan
> Alexander Mulligan <alex...@mail2america.com> wrote in message news:<2t593oF...@uni-berlin.de>...
> single-pointed consciousness (the no-mind or gnosis) that one
> experiences during orgasm. Some magic systems teach that this no-mind
> state, where the consciousness can focus on one thing (or desired
> result in this case) without being bogged down or diluted by various
> other thoughts, is the key to magic. Mind you, I'm not saying this is
> true, just that this is one reason for incorporating sex with magic.
>
> I'm not familiar with all the other systems of sexual magic, though,
> like Tantra, etc. So I won't comment on these.
All I can really say, FH, is that I've never known anyone
who had demonstrable Magickal abilities that has ever mentioned
sex in conjunction with Magick.
There is probably some truth in what you describe above,
just as there is some truth in all the various systems. You
can achieve amazing states of consciousness with some of the
GD rituals, for example.
But you can get there a lot faster, and with a less
polluted understanding of what's really going on, using a
straightforward meditation-type approach.
I'd recommend that prospective novices avoid any such systems
like the plague.
They make me think of creepy losers that can't get a girlfriend
the normal way.
Cult alert to the max.
Hire a personal investigations firm to check them out *first*.
Rick
> My understanding of incorporating sex with magic is to attain the
> single-pointed consciousness (the no-mind or gnosis) that one
> experiences during orgasm. Some magic systems teach that this no-mind
> state, where the consciousness can focus on one thing (or desired
> result in this case) without being bogged down or diluted by various
> other thoughts, is the key to magic. Mind you, I'm not saying this is
> true, just that this is one reason for incorporating sex with magic.
I'll bet you've read Frater U.:D.:'s "Practical Sigil Magick." Your
brief summation pretty well covers his take on Spare at any rate, which
I would guess is the most prevalent attitude on the topic these days.
Of course, people with sexual hang ups won't find such techniques
useful. Even if the moments of orgasm are relatively clear and some good
work gets done, the after moments will undo it just as quickly. The real
key to that sort of work is in learning how to not undo your magick
afterward. "PSM" provides a number of methods to that end, and they are
by far the most difficult elements of the method to master.
By the way, I've heard of that book going for as high as $300 since
going out of print several years back. I wish I'd hung onto my copy now,
not that I'd sell it; I'd just like to have it in the collection but I
can't currently justify the expense.
> I'm not familiar with all the other systems of sexual magic, though,
> like Tantra, etc. So I won't comment on these.
There are religious and mystical applications worthy of note. The Great
Rite, common to Wicca and other neo-pagan circles, is fairly
wide-spread. However, it never fails to amaze me when I come across
people who perform the symbolic version of the rite routinely with
Chalice and Dagger, but don't seem to know they're symbolizing the
sexual union of the Goddess and the God. Of course, the symbolic version
pails in comparison to the real deal.
Further, it seems to me to be no coincidence that so much of the poetic
literature of the mystics we have record of is so flush with sexually
tinted metaphor, or that we use the term "ecstasy" to describe both
sexual and mystical states. The two are certainly tightly intertwined in
the linguistic heritage of the West at the very least.
That reminds me of a joke I heard some years ago:
Two little kids were talking on a playground, and one says to the other,
"hey, which part do you think gets to heaven first, the head or the feet?"
The other kid says, "the head of course, 'cause you fly up to heaven."
The first kid replies, "that's what I used to think, but last night I
saw my mom with her feet up in the air, and she was shouting, 'oh God!
Oh God! I'm coming! I'm coming!'"
So the other kid says, "gee! So you're mom's gone to heaven?"
And the first kid answers: "Naw, my daddy wouldn't let her go. He was
right on top of her, holding her down."
Rick
Selfs Layer
<alex...@mail2america.com> quipped and warbled:
>I have never met a person with advanced Magickal skills and
>knowledge who even *mentions* sexuality in connection with
>Magickal practices.
Well, it really depends on whether you're talking about Tantric
excitement in general, or super-duper sexual excitement... Sure, let's
combine two of the most exciting things in life. Life uhhhh, nitrogen!
And uhhhhh, glygerin!!! Yeah, that's a great idea!
Oh, go blow yourself.... up, that is.
- Saigneur Selfs Layer, KKP, the dude at the door who acts really poor
(and who wouldn't know you if you stuck a firecracker up his bum on Bastille Day)
Le Pape of all Fried Freedom and Prince of the One Way E(x)ternal Reich(POW POW POW!)
http://www.reflectionsdivide.com
(and yeah, it works! what am i, poor?!)
Frater Hairetikos
Yes, meditative techniques can get you there, too. But sex gets you
there just as quick and is much more enjoyable than meditation. Well,
in my opinion, at least.
>
> I'd recommend that prospective novices avoid any such systems
> like the plague.
This is a bit biased. Different methods work for different people.
>
> They make me think of creepy losers that can't get a girlfriend
> the normal way.
Most people I know of (including myself) practice this method with
their partners. I was never necessarily referring to orders or groups
that practice these methods together. I was simply referring to the
practice in general.
>
> Cult alert to the max.
Possibly.
>
> Hire a personal investigations firm to check them out *first*.
This is good advice for anyone looking to join an occult group.
>
> <+>