Theresa
Moorey is a mother of four and has been a practising witch for
more than 20 years |
| Q:
Do you know where a decent new age shop in Gloucestershire would
be? I live in Bishops Cleeve and have no idea where a good shop
might be.
Zoe,
Bishops
Cleeve, Cheltenham
|
| Hi
Zoe, I am not sure what you want to buy but Via Sacra in Stroud
has a good range of crystals, candles, ornaments, ritual bits
and pieces and books. Pilgrims near the Cathedral in Gloucester
has books but I am not sure if they have much in the way of
useful things for rituals. Willow, in Cirencester, may also
be useful. I don't know of anywhere specific in Cheltenham,
but I think there may be suitable shops in the lower High Street,
again depending on what you want. The website Sorceror's Apprentice
has things for sale but they are quite expensive. I hope that
helps! Many blessings
|
| Q:
Do you know of any good websites available to wiccan teens which
show them how to worship and about altars etc.?
Alex
K-W,
Long Sutton
|
| Hi
Alex, I don't know about altars etc - you can get information
like that from my book 'Spellbound' However a really great website
for teens is www.witchcraft.org - give it a try! Many blessings,
Teresa |
|
Q:
What ar the basics about wicca?
rayma
cannon, ammanford
|
| Hi
Rayma, that question is a whole book! Try my 'Witchcraft, a
Beginner's Guide' or 'Spellbound, A Guide to Teenage Witchcraft'
Good luck! Teresa
|
| Q:
I'm a teenager, and I'm catholic, but i read these very interesting
books, Sweep, and i researched Wicca, and it was interesting
to me. But I don't think i'm in the poition to make religious
decisions, and I believe in a God. I don't know which I think
is better, and i think it's Catholicism, but i have nothing
against Paganism. I just am confused. I also realize you have
to be serious about Wicca. it's different from the other religions.
I like alot about it, but i also like alot about my religion.
sylvia,
pa
|
| Hi
Sylvia, it is fine to like more than one religion and certainly
you do not have to make up your mind or choose. Many paths may
have something to offer and it is good to keep an open mind,
really you are too young to be sure. So don't be afraid of being
confused! You don't have to sort it out! Just gather information
and think about it and go with what feels right for you. With
blessings,
Teresa |
|
Q:
i have been interested in wicca for some time but i would
like to find other witch's in my area but not sure how to
go about it, could you help please?
Kate,
Gloucestershire
|
| Hi
Kate, there are pagan gatherings in Cheltenham and there are
covens there too. But it is not as simple as just 'joining'.
One contact I can give you is www.thewellhead.org.uk - these
are people based in Cheltenham. If you have no luck with this
then please ask again. Good luck! Teresa
|
| Q:
Could you do a spell on me to become a witch?
Darrena,
Georgia
|
| No!
Either you feel that is your path or you do not. To ask me that
shows that you may have a lot to learn about the path of witchcraft.
Witchcraft grows from within. Also we don't do 'spells' to turn
people into anything. With blessings, Teresa |
| Q:
What do you think of teenage witches within the framework of
a counterculture? What is a witch resisting? And why?
candice,
manchester
|
| Hi
Candice, well it is a kind of counter-culture thing but I like
to think there is more to it than rebellion. But if I had to
pick one thing I'd say 'dogma'. Witches want to experience spirituality
without being told what to believe or having a long list of
'thou shalt nots'. I hope that helps. Blessings,
Teresa
|
| Q:
where can i find groups or people to correspond with and is
it possilble to find a techer/mentor as I am dedicated and would
love someone to hlp guide me more than a book
Rachel
|
|
For
information it is best to log on to www.witchcraft.org - these
are the Children of Artemis and they have a supervised chat
room and lots of contacts.
There
is also an Irish branch of C of A that you can approach and
they will have the details. I also have a website www.westwitch.net,
but that won't get you any closer to making contacts.
In
regard to a mentor, the best thing is to go through the Children
of Artemis contacts, as you will need someone close to home.
Good luck with your quest.
|
|
Q:
Can you prove what you are saying?
Is this a new Religion? What exactly do you want me to prove?
Evil_noodles
|
|
I
am not in the business of proving anything anyway - I do not
mind if people do not 'believe' in my path as long as they
are happy for me and others like me to follow it.
Wicca/witchcraft
is both old and new. It is based - we believe - on some very
ancient ideas of nature-worship.
It
is new because it has been adapted for the 21st Century. It
is, strictly speaking, a spiritual path rather than a religion
because religion may imply dogma, and we do not have dogma
our simple rule being 'Harm none'.
However,
Witchcraft/ Wicca is very religious in the sense that our
spirituality is strong, vibrant and meaningful.
|
|
Q:
I was woundering if i can get 'Spellbound' in the USA? I really
want to read it and I've only been into it for like two months,
but when can I actually call myself Wicca? Like is it when
I do my 1st ritual, or meet the goddess, or what?
Erica
|
|
Hi
Erica, yes you can get Spellbound in the USA - it is published
by Ulysses. Let me know if you have problems and we can correspond
privately about it.
You
can call yourself a Wiccan or witch as soon as you feel deep
inside that it is the path for you, but usually when you make
this decision you will want to do a dedication ritual or self-initiation,
to mark it.
There
is no need to rush, just take your time, explore and enjoy!
|
|
Is
it possible to find out about past lives? if so how?
Katy
|
|
It
is possible, Katy, under hypnosis or through meditation. Also
you may get a 'feeling' about what/who you were or feel very
drawn towards a certain time and place.
It's not something to explore lightly, however, especially
when you are young, because you are still getting a strong
foothold in this life!
If
you really want to know more, sit in your circle and look
deep into a piece of amethyst.
First ask for a blessing from the Goddess. See what impressions
come to you, but keep your feet on the ground!
|
| Are
you really a witch? How did u become a witch? Or did u already
know you were one? Can someone become a witch?
Aleeza
|
Yes,
I am really a witch, I always felt I had leanings that way,
but witchcraft is a spiritual path that anyone can follow if
they feel drawn towards it.
I initiated myself and was also initiated into a coven on the
Wiccan path (wicca is a type of witchcraft) I hope that answers
your question. Check out my book 'Spellbound - the Teenage Witch's
Essential Handbook' for a more thorough understanding of the
subject. |
|
Q:
I have a very basic understanding of the wiccan ways, and
I would love to find out more beyond books.
I'm
a little apprehensive at starting out for fear of "getting
it wrong" are there any stroud/glos based groups that
could help me gain confidence and enable me to meet up with
like minded people?
I've
been interested in it for years, but am still faltering at
my first few steps..
Manda
|
|
Wiccan
groups like to get to know people before they invite them
along, so the best way to meet like-minded people is in a
less formal way.
The
Regional Co-ordinator of the Pagan Federation in Gloucestershire
is contactable on 01242 701063.
She
will give you information on moots and meetings if you give
her a ring - maybe see you there!
|
|
Q:
I am 12 years old and me and my friend Ellie have been practising
wiccanism for about a year now. We are confused about what
wiccans believe happens to us after we die, is this something
we have to decidefor our selves or what?
Angharad
|
|
Hello
Angharad, thank you for your question. Wiccans don't have
a dogma about what happens after you die so to some extent
you make up your own mind.
However,
we do believe the soul goes on and most of us believe in reincarnation
in some form.
We certainly do not believe in hell or any horrible punishment,
but we believe all comes back to you and you have to learn
and progress.
We
think of the blessed dead as going to the Summerlands, towards
the setting sun, to rest and recover before being born again,
and we honour them generally in the West of the circle and
especially at Samhain/Hallowe'en.
You sound serious and sensible about your path, may you both
find great fulfilment and joy upon it.
|
|
Q:
As an astrologer can you experience preminitions?
Shelley
& Kylie
|
| Astrology
is not based on premonitions and in theory can be approached
purely on an analytical basis. However, I believe that the chart
can be a vehicle for intuition - and of course an astrologer
can experience premonitions anyway, independent of their astrological
ability. I often find I get a strong 'feeling' about a chart.
Hope that helps. |
Q:
Is there a web site were I can join a regional cyber circle
blessed be!
Beverleyann Wilson |
| A:
Try www.witchcraft.org - good luck and many blessings! |
| Q:
Hi, I am very interested in the craft, I am a healer and looking
to join a group and learn the craft, I have been looking for
a local group for some time, can you help?
Email
|
| A:
The best thing to do is to ring 01242 701063 to get in contact
with the local Pagan Fed Co-ordinator. Once this is done you
will get to know about quite a few gatherings. Hope this helps! |
|
Q:
Hi, im intrested in wicca and i have a book with spells in
and is it wrong to try some of the spells? is it wrong to
cast a circle? please reply
Kiri
- Derbyshire
|
| A:
Why should it be wrong, Kiri? Without knowing your specific
doubts it is hard to give a full answer. There is nothing 'wrong'
with magic any more than there is anything 'wrong' with electricity
- it's how you use it that matters. Use it well! Blessed Be
Teresa |
Q:
Dear Teresa, I am a 13 yr old girl who is really interested
in this and i really look forward to starting out, and as a
beginner i am trying to understand all the basics first. My
question: Is being a witch or wiccan the same thing or is it
two different things? Is witch a general term for Pagans and
Wiccans and witches or is it different? these days, i get more
confused by what everyone says, even if i truely beleieve it
is a powerful thing.
Mariam - Oshawa |
| A:
Hi Mariam, basically Wicca is a type of witchcraft and witchcraft
is a type of paganism! Take your time to explore and develop
as a person so you find out what is best for you. Blessings,
Teresa |
Q:
Why do you tell us teen witches not to say that we are what
we are? That makes no sence to me. Why should we denie what
we believe in? Are you saying that we should hide the fact that
we are witches? If that is the case then there is few to none
of the teen witches I know that would fallow the instruction
that you have set forth for us.
"Raven" Blue Dragon Fire - Salem |
| A:
Hi Raven, I'm not sure where you have read that statement. In
'Spellbound' I do caution about being too open about belief
in witchcraft - I don't say 'deny' what you are, only that it
may at times be unwise to advertise this. I am sorry to say
that it is a fact that many witches are persecuted for their
beliefs even in this day and age and teenagers are particularly
vulnerable. I am concerned for the well-beng of young witches
(and all witches for that matter) As a witch you do not have
to crusade. Of course it's up to you if you want to do so, and
if you want to be very open it's your decision, (I don't know
your age, of course, and if you are in your early teens obviously
your parents will have a big say in the matter) but if I didn't
make the drawbacks clear I think I would be failing in my duty
as a writer for young witches. Blessings, Teresa |
|
Q:
Why does the Bible say that anything that has to do with any
kind of witch craft is wrong? Why does the Bible say its wrong!
Jess
- grantville
|
|
A:
Hi Jess, I don't have a very high opinion of the Bible in
many ways, I'm afraid, and I'm tempted to say 'so what if
the Bible says it's wrong!'!!! However, the Bible is a book
that is held in awe by many people so let's have a closer
look at this.
I
believe it was actually James Ist in the Seventeenth Century
who caused the phrase 'Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live'
to be added!
Much
of the Bible was no doubt inspired by divine revelation, in
some form, but that doesn't mean it is all literally 'true'
all over.
I'm afraid I see the Bible as largely a book to keep certain
people in power and lots of others afraid.
Those
who remain in power by wielding some sort of 'spiritual' authority
do fear those who have genuine mystical experience and genuine
spiritual feelings, rather than just fear and obedience.
Witches
seek their own spiritual revelation. The Bible is part of
the Establishment with all that entails, and so lots of people
feel threatened if it is questioned.
If
the Bible says something is wrong it is probably, alas, because
it suited some old patriarch, many centuries ago, to say it
was 'wrong'.
As
a witch you are in good company, however, because I'm sure
that sex outside marriage - now practised by many people-
is also called 'wrong' by the Bible.
Adultery
is forbidden in the Ten Commandments so where does that leave
the millions of people on their second or third marriage?
If you follow the witches' creed 'Harm none' you will be a
highly moral person, and in my opinion better than many of
those judgemental Christians, who do not seem to have read
The Sermon on the Mount (which is a great part of the Bible!)
Hope
that helps
Many blessings Teresa
|
Q:
- i am new to wicca- i have a book helping me- but i feel i
need more help getting to come to terms with my spirit- can
you help me please?
Clare-e Middle - Birmingham |
|
A: Hi Clare, I'm not sure what you are wanting, but if
it is contacts then please log on to www.witchcraft.org. Apart
from that I suggest you read my book 'Spellbound' and /or 'Witchcraft,
A beginners Guide' Good luck and blessings, Teresa |
| Q:
Hi!I want to be a witch, but the only problem is that I don't
know where to start.Can you help me? Matea - Zagreb,Croatia
|
| A:
Hi Matea, start with my book 'Spellbound' and just observe the
seasonal festivals in your own way, starting small, keeping
a journal and developing as you go. Take your time! blessings
Teresa |
Q:
How would you suggest getting started in Wicca? I don't want
to join a coven, I'm interested in this for myself only. I know
lots of people who are only interested in "love spells" and
stuff like that, but I'm interested in the whole thing. Is there
a book which you could suggest as a good starting point?
Nicola Sinclair - Falkirk |
A:
Hi Nicola, I must recommend my own book 'Spellbound, a Guide
to Teenage Witchcraft' as being a basic 'training manual' for
teens but also good reading for adults too. It is published
by Rider, part of the Random House group. If you have any trouble
getting hold of it, please ask me and I'll help - although you
should easily find it in any large bookshop.
Blessings Teresa |
Q:
How can I become a witch without investing in a book.
Sam - Purton |
| A:
Well, Sam, you can go by your instincts, or talk to others -
try logging on to www.witchcraft.org. You could also join a
coven, but there is no easy way to do this as covens don't advertise
and people need to get to know each other first. However, what
is so wrong with investing in a book? Or why not get one out
of the library? Try 'Spellbound, A Guide to Teenage Witchcraft'
by me - it's a good intro in many peoples' opinion. Blessings
Teresa |
Q:
I would like to know how you feel about teenage wiccans: do
you think they are moved by a personal need or by fashion?
Veronica - London |
| A:
Hi Veronica - I would say both! We are all motivated/influenced/inspired
by our peers and by the media. However, if someone is JUST into
witchcraft because they think it's cool or glam, then they are
just playing at it and will probably go off and play at something
else sooner or later. I think a lot of teens are sincerely searching
for a spiritual path that is without dogma and offers them some
inspiration and sense of meaning now that the established churches
do not seem to provide this kind regards Teresa |
Q:
I've been interested in Witchcraft for a while but i wouldn't
exactly call myself a witch or wiccan or whatever you want to
call but a few of my friends say that they are - but when i
ask them what it is they dont know - why do people say that
they are Pagan or Wiccan when its quite obvious they aren't?
Paige Mcdowall - Australia |
| A:
Hi Paige, well I can't tell you why people do that sort of thing
but it's not just pagans and witches who don't plug in their
brain! The thing is that paganism and witchcraft can be quite
hard to describe and define because it's an instinctual thing.
Basically, they are both Nature Worship and involve a worship
of the Goddess as well as The God. Wiccans are a type of witch,
witches are a type of pagan. What distinguishes witches is that
they do magic whereas not all pagans do. Magic is really a very
focused form of positive thinking - we believe that there is
more to it than that, but you could understand it on that basis.
I hope that helps a bit! Best wishes Teresa |
Q:
Being a teenage witch can u still read magazine? and follow
new fashion trends like everyone else? Thanks..Blessed be
Elle - Australia |
| A:
Hi Elle, yes of COURSE you can still follow trends and fashions
and read mags! Witchcraft involves worship of the Goddess and
the pleasures of life are Her gifts! Enjoy!! Blessings, Teresa
|
| Comment:
Alyssa Thompson |
| Being
a witch has helped me understand that my life is so important.if
it wasnt with me getting involed i would have beend deppressed
and still suffering over my bad breakup. |
Q:
How do I get started in becoming a witch?
Katrina, 14 - York |
|
A:
My answer to Katrina if she is starting alone, is to observe
the seasons and start celebrating the eight seasonal festivals
in the way that feels most natural.
She'll
need a book to help if she has no companions. I would suggest
my 'Witchcraft, A Beginners Guide' published by Hodder &
Stoughton, or 'The Wheel of the Year, Myth & Magic Through
the Seasons' by me and Jane Brideson, published by Capall
Bann.
|
Q:
Is it possible to make things move with the power of the mind?
Jessmina,15 - Warwickshire |
A:
My answer to Jessmina is that it is certainly possible to
make things move and I've seen it happen. Who or what is
doing these things is another matter.
I would advise young people not to experiment wildly but
to start by practising forming the magic circle and dissolving
it, meditating and celebrating the festivals to get a proper
grounding and 'feel' for the subject. If you don't have
some framework you can encourage 'loose' vibrations and
this can be a negative experience.
|
Theresa
Moorey answers your question on witchcraft and Wicca.
