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Bitheism, also known as Ditheism
or Duotheism
This belief structure
understands either that God has two equal and complementary (bitheist) or
opposing (ditheist) aspects, or that there are two separate but complementary or
opposing deities. This term is also used in specific contexts to show the
relationship between two deities within a larger pantheon, for example in the
Persephone myth, Demeter and Hades are in an opposing ditheistic
relationship. In Neopaganism, God and Goddess are thought to be in a
complementary bitheistic relationship. Most Neopagans either honor a
non-specific god and goddess polarity, or they may choose to worship specific
male and female deity pairs, usually within a polytheistic
tradition.
Eclectic
In the context of religion, and
Eclectic takes what is understood as reasonable from various traditions into a
personalized set of beliefs. This is common in "modern"
religions like Neopaganism. Some who have maintained their affiliative
(from childhood) faith tradition do not view such "buffet" practices
as valid. On the other hand, Neopagans would point out that outdated,
useless and potentially psychologically harmful doctrines should be shed or
ignored.
Henotheism
Henotheists recognize a single deity, and view other Gods and
Goddesses as manifestations or aspects of that supreme God. They choose
one aspect to worship without denying the existence of other aspects or forms of
the Supreme Being. Many Hindu and Neopagan traditions are henotheistic.
"Hén" is the Greek word for 'one'.
The term was coined in 1860 by (Friedrich) Max Müller (1823-1900), professor of
comparative philology at Oxford.
Higginbotham's Theorum
All creation is blessed, all
creation is interdependent and interconnected, and all creation is capable of a special kind of communication that we call magic.
This worldview, as well as the holographic universe (see below), is described in
detail in the book by Joyce and River Higginbotham called "Paganism:
An Introduction to Earth-Centered Religions."
Holographic Universe
A quantum mechanical explanation of reality
that suggests the physical universe is a giant time-space hologram (the entirety
is within each facet) leading to the concept that every moment - past, present, and
possible - exists simultaneously. Likewise, every place exists
everywhere. We perceive a series of images in highest probable order based
on our experiences and our own psychological filters. For more in depth
study, see the works of Michael Talbot (writer),
David Bohm (physicist),
and Karl Pribram (neuropsychologist).
Monotheism
In monotheism, there is only
one personality of God. Some monotheistic gods, such as Allah and Yahweh,
have various temperaments and moods, but they are nevertheless considered one
being. A notable exception tot his is the Three-in-One doctrine of
Christianity; Father, Son (Jesus) and Spirit are aspects of God with differing
purposes in creation, life management, and judgement.
Pantheism
In pantheism, there is nothing separate or distinct from God, for God literally is the universe. More detailed definitions tend to emphasize the idea that natural law, existence, and the universe (the sum total of all that is, was, and shall be) is represented or personified in the theological principle of 'God'.
Unlike in panentheism, there is no creation "plus one."
Panentheism
Panentheism holds that God pervades the world, but is also beyond it. Variants of this theology are part of Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Neo-Platonic, and transcendental world views.
I personally believe that God is Spirit, and Goddess is Matter who was created
from God's imagination as a companion. I call myself a
"semi-transcendentalist."
Polarism
Polytheism is a belief in a plurality of gods in which each deity is distinguished by special functions. This cosmic family becomes the nucleus of legends and myths and, eventually, of a cosmology that seeks to explain natural phenomena and to establish people's relation to the universe. As polytheistic religions evolve, lesser deities diminish in stature or vanish completely, their attributes being
Polytheism
Polytheism is a belief in a plurality of gods in which each deity is distinguished by special functions. This cosmic family becomes the nucleus of legends and myths and, eventually, of a cosmology that seeks to explain natural phenomena and to establish people's relation to the universe. As polytheistic religions evolve, lesser deities diminish in stature or vanish completely, their attributes being assigned to preferred gods, until the religion begins to exhibit monotheistic tendencies.
Many Neopagans are polytheistic, honoring or worshipping a family of gods and
goddesses, or invoking them during spellcasting.
Rosary
A rosary is any string of beads
or small pendants used as a focus during prayer or meditation. The Holy
Rosary (note the caps!) is the set of beads used by the Roman
Catholic Church in its prayer to Jesus' mother, Saint Mary. There is a
growing movement within many Neopagan communities to include prayer beads or
rosaries in regular prayer or ritual practice.
Satanism (COS)
A modern religious tradition
that requires adherents to seek only self-service. It is a response to
Christianity. There is a modern Church of Satan, guided by the works of
author Anton Lavey. The basic theology expresses a paleo-Gnostic
worldview, where Satan (also known as Lucifer the Light Bringer) is actually
trying to free mankind from the Creator. Some Satanists still include
forms of violence and aggression such as killing animals and using the symbols
of other religions in negative ways. Others are peaceful and not easily
recognized. A good overview is at http://altreligion.about.com/library/faqs/bl_satanism.htm
Sin
Sin is a primarily
Judeo-Christian concept. It can refer either to acts in daily life that
pull the transgressor away from God (a Roman Catholic worldview), or as an
inherently flawed nature that prevents us from being with God until all are
judged (a Protestant worldview). Neopagans generally believe that no
creature can have sin because we were made by a loving Creator. Neopagans
generally reject sin, and thus any need for salvation or Grace. A great overview
of sin is at http://atheism.about.com/od/bibledictionaryonline/p/sinsinful.htm
Wicca
Wicca is a modern religion
(based on experience rather than dogma) originated by Gerald Gardner in the
British Isles in 1950. Rather quickly, splinter groups began forming, or
"hiving off," resulting in myriad "traditions" or "trads"
within Wicca and Neopaganism in general. Many books that have been
published in the last fifty years (see Llewellyn, Weiser, New Page) are about
Eclectic Wicca and becoming a magical practitioner. Gardner mingled
theology and magical science in his tradition. Recently there has been a
great deal of debate, and many Eclectic and/or Solitary Neopagans feel that use
of magic is a skill, and should not presuppose belief in the God/Goddess
polarity (see Bitheism, above).
Amulet
A natural, physical object,
usually used to repel something from you or protect the bearer. Protection
magic of this kind is the oldest known magic in the world. Amulets are
usually in the form of a part of a plant or animal, such as a rabbit's foot, a
four-leaf clover, or a bit of twisted horn.
Charm
A short spoken chant or rhyme
that is intended to have a specific effect. Sometimes the charm is used to
charge a physical object, hence the common term for a small pendant that has
meaning, as in "charm bracelet." (Also see
"talisman.")
Elements
The basic components of all
existence, they are Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. They have their own
complex natures and correspondences. Magical practitioners who focus primarily
on aligning actions with these Elements are called Elementalists, of which I am
one. Many Neopagans include Spirit as a fifth element. Kabbalists
(Jewish magical philosophic tradition) would also add Matter as the sixth
Element.
Hedge Witches
According to many sources, a "hedge witch" is a person who does not automatically equate witchcraft with worship of Goddess and God. Hedge witches are generally solitaries who eschew public displays. Hedge witches favor divination, helping others,
herbology, and often use elemental and shamanistic bits in their Craft. I am a
hedge witch who seeks to lead others. Go figure.
Pentacle
A five-pointed star within a
circle, it is the symbol of most Neopagan traditions, including Wicca. It
is a symbol of peace and positive energy. It is variously
interpreted as representing the four Elements plus Spirit, or the figure of a
human with arms and legs outstretched. Satanists often use this symbol
upside down in the same manner as they use the upside down Christian cross - to
show that they want to turn all peace and goodness on its head, or just as an
insult to such groups.
Spell
A ritual of varying length that
incorporates visualization, a focus, and a method of transmission. The
inherent power and duration of a spell can be supplemented by various
correspondences to planets, elements, Zodiac signs, and relics.
Talisman
A manmade, physical object,
usually used to draw something to you or supplement a trait. Talismans are
usually in the form of jewelry, such as a bracelet, pendant, ring or
headband. A notable exception to this is the U-shaped horseshoe over one's
door meant to bring luck to the household. Another kind of talisman is a
specific drawing on paper that is carried or burned as directed by the spell
that charges it. Hermetic tradition believes that the act of drawing some
symbols invokes their power.
Tools
Although Gerald Gardner (see
Wicca, above) required a set of nine tools for ritual use, most Eclectic
Neopagans use four, which are associated with the Elements and the four suits of
the Tarot cards.
Water - Cup, Cauldron, Chalice
Earth - Pentacle, Patten (disk)
Air - Wand, Staff, Censer
Fire - Sword, Athame (dagger), Flame
Sources: Dictionary.com, Religious Tolerance.org
Why was matter created?
I believe that Spirit God made
Matter Goddess because God was lonely and knew himself completely. Each
new aspect to matter had more an more free will and enabled God to see and
understand himself from another perspective. So far, humans are the
farthest removed, being many generations removed from the initial created
matter. We perceived God as a separate entity from ourselves.
What about the Bible?
The People of the Book (Jews, Christians,
and Muslims) all share the Old Testament, or at least the first few books of
it. I also think the first four books of the Bible have a lot of important
things to say, considering they have been handed down for nearly six thousand
year, and existed in oral tradition before then! I understand the process
of creation as outlined in the Bible to reflect the magical Elements, the course
of evolution, and the concept "as above, so below."
Having been raised in a Christian tradition, I also understand Jesus of Nazareth to be the anointed messenger and prophet of God, chosen from before birth to spread teachings about the wonderful possibilities of a close relationship with God. I am careful to seek the original source of New Testament writings, since much of what the Roman Catholic Church included (or didn't!) was written by religious scholars long after the time of Jesus' ministry.
I do not believe it to be literal, or infallible. I view the Bible as part science treatise, part theological commentary, part history, and part allegory. I view it as a valuable piece of religious literature that has been modified by many people throughout history, but which still has a great deal to offer in the way of comfort, inspiration, moral example, and socio-historical understanding.
Do demons exist?
Short answer, yes. There are non-corporeal entities that thrive on energy, hence the need to erect a protective circle when raising magic or traveling out-of-body. Do all non-corporeal entities have an evil nature? No, not all humans are jerks either, but there's one in every crowd, so you have to know how to handle them. In other words, when you are using magic, DON'T BE STUPID!
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