GUARDIANS

A Few Facts, Presented As Simply As Possible

1) Witches are not, and do not believe in Satan worship and are definitely not purveyors of evil. In fact, we do not even believe in "Satan" at all.
2) We are not doers of "magic" as presented by television. Our magic is a belief in and use of the natural elements and forces in the world.
3) We are very much pro freedom of speech, thought, action and religion.
4) We are strong believers in balance, harmony and peace in all things.
5) Do not believe the Christian concepts of "God" and "Satan". Rather we see "god" represented by God and Goddess. Essentially the male and female halves, so to speak, of a universal god.
6) Witchcraft is not a "cult". You are free, and encouraged, to believe what you will, think for yourself, make your own decisions and come and go whenever and wherever you please. We do not try to brainwash you or coerce you into anything.
7) We do not sacrifice animals or humans. That would violate our basic tenet of "Harm ye None." Anyone who does and claims to be a Witch is lying to you and to themselves.
8) We do not use the forces of nature cast spells on others; that's just a lot of Hollywood hype and baloney. Again, "Harm None" is the whole of the law. We also believe that should you wish or bring harm to another, that harm will come back to you tripled.
9) Witches are not perfect, but are human too just like everyone else and make mistakes and errors in judgment. Just as there are parents who love and nurture their children, there are parents who abuse their children. As there are many who devote their lives to giving and helping mankind, likewise there are those who devote their lives to taking advantage of and using people for their own gain. Unfortunately the same flaws in human nature applies to witches too.

History of the Pentagram
In Wicca, the pentagram is used to represent the elements of (working clockwise from the top point) spirit, water, fire, earth and air. But where did the symbol originate? In modern Christianity it is regarded as evil, particularly when inverted. However, the credibility of this is put into question when the fact presents itself that Christians also believe that the inverted cross is evil. Those who are familiar with Christian mythology will be aware that the inverted cross is known as St. Peter's Cross because Peter didn't believe he was worthy enough to be crucified in the same manner as Jesus Christ, so was crucified upside down. Nothing evil about that is there?
The pentagram has a place in Christianity too - as a representation of the wounds of Christ post-crucifixion. It was also used by the Catholic church as a symbol of truth. In fact, in history it's been used to represent many things. Celtic priests called it the foot of Witch, and it was also connected to the deity Morgana. In Druid it was regarded as the sign of Godhead; during the middle ages it was known as the Goblins sign. Some regard it as Solomon's Seal, others think it is a representation of the 5 senses. In Judaism it is thought to represent the 5 mosaic books; in Babylon it was used as an amulet of protection, and it also features in the legends of King Arthur.
In general, the pentagram is one of the most widely use symbols in history. Some believe it is an eternal symbol because it can be drawn without removing the pen from the paper, and each point is connected somehow to every other.
The negative use of the pentagram began in Gothic era in the 17th and 18th century, and appears as a negative symbol in the works of Eliphas Levi (who interestingly brought negative links to the Goat Head Glyph too). Previous to his work, the humble pentagram had little or no evil implication. Levi who's works include "The History of Magic", was actually the pen-name of a French Catholic Deacon whose real name was Alphonse Louis Constant.
Many researchers claim that this is the first instance recorded where the pentagram has evil connotations, and during the same era the symbol was introduced into the Taro Deck.
In conclusion, the pentagram has signified many things. The name of the symbol originates in Pythagorean geometry where it was called a "Pent alpha" because it is construction of 5 capital A's. Like it's structure, it's history is fairly complex yet everything relates to the same thing: It has always been a sign of knowledge, power & representation.

Guardians
In Wicca, guardians known as Watchtowers are called upon. These guardians are held hostage in each of the four corners or directions of the circle: East, South, West, and North. They are set there to guard and protect the circle. The origin of the Watchtowers is in Cabbalistic magic. This calling of the Watchtowers usually takes place during what is known in Wicca as "Calling the Quarters." Traditional Witchcraft does not utilize the calling of Watchtowers; it does however, call Guardians. These Guardians are often the spirits with whom a person feels comfortable with and has developed some form of a relationship with. Possible guardians might be one of the Ancestors, a "spirit guide," or other spiritual entity with which the person is familiar with. Some traditions call Guardians who are called to protect the sacred area. As many traditions do not have specific boundaries for their sacred area, the guardians can roam the area freely and protect the area from unwanted influences.

Spell Casting

The Need. This is probably the most important issue in your spell due to the fact that you MUST be ready to accept the consequences of your actions: you reap what you sow. It is witchcraft belief that should you wish harm or foul to another living being, that wish will come back on you three-fold.

Constructing a spell can be as simple or as hard as you want to make it. Your spell should be to the point. When you write your own spells they work better, because they came from you and have your personal energy in them.

Gathering items needed for your spell. This can be a little or a lot it depends on your style. Some enjoy casting full circles with all the pomp & circumstance for all their magical workings while others will say a few words while stirring a pot or making a sandwich or whatever. Obviously for some things you will need to cast a circle for your own protection when performing your spell. Some people will tell you that you must wait till the right time of the moon and time of day but any spells can be cast as needed. If the moon is right then its a bonus.

Dates
In Wicca, there are eight celebrations or holidays, called Sabbats and Esbats. Below will be a basic list of the names, dates, and symbolism behind these celebrations. The dates below are not set into stone, they can be around the general date based on coven availability and also based on particular solar cycles.

Imbolc/Candlemas Feb. 1/2	Spring Equinox Mar. 20/21	Beltane/May Eve Apr. 30/May 1	Midsummer June 21/22
Lammas July 30/Aug. 1	Autumn Equinox Sept. 21/22	Samhain Oct. 31/Nov. 1	Yule Dec. 21/22

Why are Witches so hard to find?
You won't find us passing out tracts on street corners or knocking on doors spouting sermons. Wiccans do not try to convert others to their faith because we believe there is more than one path to the God and Goddess. People eventually will find the path that is right for them, whether it's Christianity, Buddhism, Wiccan or whatever. We respect other religions and faiths,and we expect the same respect to be accorded to our faith as you would to yours.

What do you call a male Witch?
A male Witch is called a Witch, just like a female Witch. Male witches are not warlocks. Warlock is a Scottish word meaning oath breaker. This term is often used to designate a Witch who has been kicked out of a coven for betraying coven members. There is also heard the term "wizard" thrown around some, but the only place this seems to be seen is in role-playing games and fantasy novels and, of course, Hollywood.

What do you think happens after you die?
Wiccans believe that upon death, one goes to a state of rest and reflection in another plane (often called the Summerlands), and eventually will be reborn. Rebirth is not a penalty, but a gift of the Divine. There is no heaven, nor is there a hell, because death is not a tool for punishment or reward. Death is not an end; it is simply another form of existence - a means by which our life lessons are continued. Some believe that we eventually will learn all our lessons and then will have eternal rest in the Summerlands. Others believe we continue to be reborn for eternity.

How do I find my Wiccan or Craft name?
You'll notice that many Witches / Wiccans / Pagans use different names than the ones they were given at birth. This name is often known as a "Craft name." A Craft name is typically taken upon dedication. It represents their rebirth into a new spiritual path. There are many ways to choose a Craft name, but usually when you are ready for one, one will find you.
One good way to find your Craft name is through meditation. When you are in meditation, you can ask the God and Goddess or your spirit guide(s) to help you find your true Craft name. Sometimes the name will come to you during the meditation. Other times, it will come to you in a dream the next night or you'll see it in a book or on a website and it will just feel right to you.
Sometimes a Wiccan will change his / her Craft name at points in his / her life. You can outgrow a name when you move into a new period of your life and then it is appropriate to find another one that more fully represents who you are now.