Heeding the Call of the Goddess: A Wiccan Guide for a Year and a Day
Do you have an inexplicable connection to nature? Are you fascinated by the mysterious beauty of the Moon? Do you feel an intense desire to acquire spiritual wisdom? Are you craving a meaningful connection with the universe? Does the thought of practicing magick excite and empower you?
If you answered yes to any of these questions then you are hearing the Call of the Goddess. She is the Source of All Life- Keeper of Hidden Wisdom- Great Creatress of the Universe. She is always present… in the sparkling stars in the darkness of night… in the ripple of the water dancing upon the waves… in the whispering of the wind blowing through the trees. And She is speaking to you- Come unto Me…
Those who practice Wicca have heeded the Call of the Goddess. Our path is not the only path, just one of many that leads to the Source. We are Earth-based pagans that choose to walk in harmony with nature. Our temples are mountains, forests, rivers, and deserts. Our knowledge is derived from the celestial bodies, the seasons, the Earth and all its creatures. We are an all-inclusive faith that honors and celebrates diversity- for we believe that we are all children of the Great Mother.
There are no prerequisites to join our faith. We have no supreme leader; we require no dues. But we do have firm ethics upon which we stand- And it harm none.
How does one begin the path of the Wicca? It first begins with you. You must search within and define your personal value system. Do you value discipline, self control, integrity, and personal responsibility? Do you possess the perseverance needed to let nothing stop you or turn you aside? Are you willing to dedicate yourself to the Law of Love?
With a solid foundation of ethical values you are ready to answer the Call and find your way to the Goddess. It begins with a personal pledge to commit to your Year and a Day.
The Year and a Day consists of a dedicated study of Wicca, the Goddess, nature, the metaphysical, and magick. By the time you complete your Year and a Day, you will have developed a personal relationship with the Goddess, gained a thorough knowledge of Wicca, and you will have the skills needed to execute a variety of basic spells.
The best place to begin your course of study is with the Wiccan belief of creation, and one of the best creation accounts comes from the Vangelo delle Streghe, Aradia: Gospel of the Witches. If you choose, you can then further your studies by reading at least one creation account by ancient native tribes from each continent. If you do this, make certain to include the creation account associated with your cultural heritage(s).
As Wicca is an earth-based religion, the observation and understanding of natural phenomena is one of the most important keys to finding your way to the Goddess. Wiccans believe that the secret mysteries of the universe are reflected in the natural realm and the grand cycle of life, death, and rebirth. We venerate the Goddess and the God, and celebrate the highs and lows of the grand cycle during our Sabbats. Through learning about the Sabbats, and celebrating the ancient traditions, we can develop a more personal relationship with the Great Goddess and understand Her mysteries.
The Moon is the most significant celestial body for Wiccans as it represents the different phases of the Goddess. Observing and learning about the lunar cycle will aid you in every area of your spiritual journey. Likewise, take time to learn the basics of astrology as celestial mechanics have a direct effect on earthly affairs. This is the basis of the Wiccan axiom, “As above, so below.”
Study everything you can about Wicca. Doreen Valiente’s The Charge of the Goddess, and The Witch’s Creed are beautifully written poems that best summarize the path of Wicca, our beliefs, and our standard of ethics. An older version of the Creed, the Rede of the Wiccae, comes from the ancient Welsh tradition. Published by High Priestess Lady Gwen Thompson in 1975, this poetic witches’ instructions are said to have been passed down orally for hundreds of years.
Although most Wiccans are solitary practitioners, there are numerous Wiccan traditions followed by covens around the world. While some of these traditions go back hundreds of years, like Celtic, Dianic, and Teutonic Wicca, most are modern adaptations of ancient customs. Following a specific tradition is not necessary to develop a relationship with the Goddess, but understanding the different traditions will help you decide for yourself which path is right for you.
All Wiccan traditions believe that there is one source from which the entire universe was created: the Great Goddess. But we are also polytheists, meaning we worship and invoke numerous goddesses and gods from different pantheons. We do this because we believe that the different god(dess)s are a reflection of the different powers and personalities of the Creatress. During an initiate’s Year and a Day, basic knowledge of the different pantheons, their rulers, and the rulers’ correspondences should be gained.
While learning about the different pantheons, you may find that a specific god(dess) fascinates you. You may be drawn to that deity’s images, symbols, and mythology. This magnetic attraction is the call of a Wiccan’s patron deity. A patron deity is the primary goddess or god that a Wiccan works with. Some may choose to work with a patron deity exclusively others will choose to incorporate additional deities. It is also common for a practitioner to change his or her patron deity with the changing phases of one’s life.
As you study the different pantheons, you will discover that many of the goddesses and gods are depicted with animal companions and/or animal traits and characteristics. In folklore, witches are often portrayed with their familiars. Familiars are animal guides that protect and assist the witch. Wiccans will invoke animal spirits to channel a specific energy, like the lion for courage, or a bear for strength. They wear animal masks, carry animal totems, even use animal sightings and/or behaviors as divination. Animals have an important role in all earth-based religions, and learning the spiritual meaning of animals should be included in your Year and a Day.
Likewise, the knowledge of plants, their spiritual correspondences, and their medicinal uses are a key component of Wicca. Every spell and potion will contain an herb in some form. Small bundles of herbs and flowers are hung as charms; they’re added to medicine pouches; they’re burned for purification and protection; they’re made into healing teas and salves. And for thousands of years, priest(ess)s, witches, and shamans have used plants to induce higher states of consciousness and to walk in other realms.
Some Wiccans choose to assume a craft name. Unless you join a tradition that requires a new name, this is a personal choice. Your craft name should reflect something about you. Variations on plants and animals are very popular choices, as are names that include a color, a stone, or even the Moon. Some Wiccans will choose to start with a single name, then add additional names as they progress along their spiritual journey. Others may change their names entirely. Some will keep their names a secret, others will not. Again, this is a personal choice.
All Wiccans are witches, and learning spell work is a major component of one’s Year and a Day. This will require dedicated study combined with daily practices. If the thought of working spells intimidates and frightens, then Wicca may not necessarily be the path for you.
As you study Wicca and the Craft, you will want to keep a journal of the information you learn. This journal will become the basis of your Grimoire. Also known as a Book of Shadows, a Grimoire is traditionally a handwritten book (but can be created by other modern means) containing correspondences, invocations, spells, rituals, and incantations created or adopted by your personal beliefs.
After the completion of your Year and a Day, you may choose to hold a ceremony of initiation. This should not be taken lightly as it is a contract to serve the Great Goddess. A ceremony of initiation typically includes a ritual cleansing, followed by a vow of service. Unless you’re joining a traditional coven, how you choose to hold your initiation ceremony is your personal choice so long as it comes from the heart.
Some Wiccans choose to work exclusively with the goddesses, while others choose to incorporate the gods. Some are solitary; some join covens. Some work with elementals, fairies, or angels; others do not. Wicca is a personal relationship with the Great Goddess, and if you heed the Call, if you commit to serious study during your Year and a Day, then you can become known as a Wiccan- one of The Wise Ones- and begin a life-long journey filled with the amazing wonders of nature and the enormous powers of the divine magick that created the universe.
– The Goddess Kingdom©2022
