Reincarnation and Rebirth in Wicca

Reincarnation is a very popular topic. There is a great deal of debate surrounding the concept of rebirth, and sometimes it seems as if the Western world has only just discovered the very idea of being reborn into another body. The study of reincarnation is one of the greatest lessons Wicca can teach. Thinking about reincarnation raises questions which require a great deal of study to answer.

Wiccan Beliefs on Reincarnation – Why Are Beings Reincarnated?

Wicca teaches that reincarnation is the process through which souls attain perfection. Most would agree that one lifetime is obviously not enough to attain this goal. Instead, it takes several lifetimes, each one teaching a different set of lessons, until perfection is attained.

No one can say for sure how long this process takes; it’s said to be different for each person. There are many factors that can pull people into behavior that will inhibit spiritual growth. Though one may seek to live a productive, full life, sometimes, it seems, life just gets in the way.

Souls are ageless, non-physical, and have no inherent gender. The gender, race, and even place of birth is determined only by which lessons the current incarnation will need to learn. It is important to understand that the soul itself makes this decision, not some outside force seeking to punish the previous incarnation. This is central to Wiccan theology, since it reinforces the idea of personal responsibility.

Wiccan Views on What Happens When a Person Dies

There are an array of Wiccan views surrounding death. It's believed that body is the only thing that dies; it's believed that the soul continues to live. Some say that the soul then journeys to a realm known as the Shining Land, the Land of Eternal Youth or the Summerland, among other names. This isn't heaven, or a version of the underworld. It exists outside this view, and is sometimes seen as co-existing with reality, but less dense, and far from the physical realm. Some Wiccan traditions state that this is a land of eternal summer, while others see it as a vague realm without forms at all.

The most popular belief is that this realm takes on the form that best allows the own souls to rest and review the life just past. It is during this rest that the lessons learned in that incarnation are evaluated. When the time is right, the soul will be reincarnated, and the cycle of life continues.

What Happens After the Last Incarnation?

The answer to the question of what occurs after the final incarnation is very elusive. Wiccan theology states that after souls have attained perfection, they break away from the cycle of reincarnation and rebirth. Instead, it's said that they return to the Goddess and the God, the energy of the soul reunited with Theirs forever. Nothing is ever lost, and so the souls are returned to where they originally began. Everything is viewed as a circle.

An acceptance of reincarnation and rebirth serves a very important function for Wiccans — it alleviates the fear of death. Death is simply one more part of the journey. Though it's important to note that no one should be forced to believe in reincarnation or any other religious notion. The idea of reincarnation should be studied, meditated upon and contemplated until it can be accepted as fact by the individual. It is not the way of Wicca to force the belief of any doctrine, but rather to enlighten, so that doctrine instead becomes fact for the practitioner.

The Altar and Its Place in Wiccan Ritual

One of the most important ritual items in Wiccan practice is the altar, upon which ritual tools are placed. The altar is a place of power, and it serves as a powerful focusing tool. It is also often the centre of Wiccan worship. It can either be set up permanently, or dismantled after each use.

The Appearance of the Wiccan Altar

The altar can be made of almost anything, though wood is preferred. Stone is also common, metal a little less so. In general, plastic is the only material that should absolutely be avoided for use as an altar.

The altar can be any shape. Round altars are common, as are square and rectangular altars. Many practitioners use actual tables, bought specifically for use as an altar. Others opt for something much simpler, like a cardboard box covered with a cloth. Many practitioners even construct their altars on the ground. There are not firm rules here.

The Tools on the Altar

The arrangement of the tools on the altar can follow a particular pattern, but many practitioners simply place the tools where they feel they belong. For those who follow a particular tradition, there is usually a prescribed set up. If not, then there are many altar set ups to choose from.

In Wicca, the left half of the altar is reserved for the Goddess, and often the chalice or cauldron will be found here, along with a bowl of water, and something representing the Goddess Herself. This could be a statue, or simply a candle, or maybe a seashell. A bell may be found in this position as well.

The right half of the altar represents the God. Here, incense is placed, along with the wand, athame, and other items like a feather or candle, which is usually red in color. Usually, either a God statue or a candle for the God would be found, but other items, like a pine cone, can work well.

The centre of the altar is considered neutral ground. Here, the pentacle often resides, since it is usually considered to be representative of both the Goddess and the God. Many practitioners also want a small vase of flowers, to bring an element of nature to the altar, particularly if it is indoors. When outdoors, nature is all around, and so it is not necessary to add flowers to the altar.

Virtually every Wiccan has a personal altar, though the precise appearance and form will vary. The altar, in addition to being a center of worship, provides a place for all necessary tools to rest. This places them within easy reach during spells and rituals.

The best Wiccan altars are a perfect union of form and function, combining beauty with a practical place to worship and honor the Goddess and the God.

The Magick Circle and Its Place in Wiccan Ritual

It is almost impossible to think about Wiccan ritual practices without mentioning the most common ritual practice — the casting of a circle.

Casting a magickal circle is an ancient and respected practice. There are two main types of circles. There are those used to protect the practitioner from the energy that he or she might raise. The second type is meant to create sacred space. It is this second type of circle that is most common in Wiccan practice.

Indoors or Outdoors?

Typically, the magick circle is used to define ritual space. In today's world of indoor rituals, it has become a basic of most Wiccan rituals. Unfortunately, many Wiccans no longer practice outdoors, for fear of being seen.

While outdoor ritual is still the best option, it may not be viable for everyone. For example, if it's the dead of winter, and it’s below freezing outside, an indoor ritual might be more practical. And then there are those pesky neighbors. In the end, it is sometimes more practical to hold a ritual indoors.

The Purpose of the Magick Circle

The circle serves to define the ritual area, holds in the energy raised, and cuts off any energies that might interfere in rituals.

When properly cast, the magick circle serves to bring the practitioner closer to the Goddess and the God, and it can be an invigorating experience. The circle is seen to represent the Goddess, the earth, and a connection to nature.

How to Cast a Magick Circle

There are many ways to cast a magick circle. However, for most practitioners, simple is usually better.

Most often, the circle is cast with the wand. However, the athame, or even an index finger will work just fine. When the circle is cast, personal power is visualized as streaming from the body, through the wand, and drawing the circle of power. This circle becomes a sphere when completed, encompassing the entire ritual area.

If one is sensitive to the energies in the surrounding area, they may be able to feel the difference between the circle and the area around it. When someone truly devotes themselves to casting a powerful circle, it is possible to have a great deal of trouble crossing the boundary of the circle. The casting of magick circle is much more than a symbolic act, it is a truly magickal thing.

How to Set Up a Magick Circle

The boundary of the circle is usually marked on the ground in some fashion. This can be done in any number of ways. It is quite common to use a cord, chalk, salt, or sand, or even flowers or stones. Some practitioners even use tarot or oracle cards, and a few use small bones.

Traditionally, the circle is nine feet across, since nine is the number of the Goddess. But occasionally, more space might be needed, or a smaller space must be used because of location limitations.

The directional points, north, east, south, and west, are usually marked in some fashion. Sometimes lit candles are used, or colored flags, but increasingly popular are the use of ritual tools to mark the quarters. There are many options here.

The north is the quarter of the earth, of fertility, physical strength, and stability. The pentacle may be placed here, or a bowl or earth, or even a bowl of salt. In Irish traditions, a large crystal is often used to represent the mythical La Fal talisman, the stone upon which the ancient kings of Ireland were crowned.

The east is the quarter of air, of intelligence and knowledge, communication and spirituality. A censor with smoldering incense, feathers, or sometimes flowers could be used. Irish traditions tend to use a sword, representing the Sword of Nuada.

The south is the quarter of fire, of passion and change, of health and success. Some would use an oil lamp or other representation of fire in this quarter. There are practitioners who use a staff, which is representative of the Spear of Lugh from Irish mythology.

The west is the quarter of water, of emotions and love, of psychic powers and healing. Commonly found here is a cup or bowl filled with water. Many place their cauldrons there, and if they follow an Irish tradition, this represents the Cauldron of Dagda, which, in Irish mythology, was associated with abundance and healing.

There are many ways to set up a ritual space before the casting of a magick circle. There are just as many ways to cast a circle. What’s most important is that the practitioner discovers which methods work best for them. It’s about what feels right.

Wiccan Ritual Practices

Rituals have many different uses. In Wicca, rituals serve to enhance the relationship with the divine. They can be traditional, but it is not necessary. Rituals should be exactly what they need to be to aid the practitioner. The outer form they take is not nearly as important as the spirit in which they are done.

Traditionally, Wiccan rites take place on the eight holy days and on the nights of the full moon. Sometimes, Wiccans also honor the new moon. Rituals, while primarily spiritual in nature, may also include magickal workings.

Preparing for Ritual in the Wiccan Tradition

There are some procedures that are common to most Wiccan rituals. First, during any ritual, care should be taken to ensure privacy. This is not always easy, but most agree that it is worth the effort.

It is common to partake in a ritual bath or another ritual purification process before the ritual occurs. Water is viewed as a purifying substance, especially if laced with sea salt. Sometimes, the bath can become a part of the ritual itself, especially if burning candles or incense are included. Wiccans believed that the ritual bath will ensure cleanliness of body and spirit.

If near a source of water, such as a lake, river, or stream, a quick swim can serve as a ritual bath. Though there are some who skip this step, most will agree that it enhances the ritual to follow. This is especially true before initiations. Directions can be found for ritual baths or showers in most Wiccan books on the market today.

Dressing for rituals should also become a part of the the actual ritual process. Some Wiccans practice ritual nudity, and ideally everyone should be comfortable with their own unclothed bodies. However, that is not always the case. In addition, there are places where ritual nudity is impossible.

Though nudity does have significant symbolic value, as it symbolizes Wicca's honesty and openness, if it generates a feeling of fear or shame, it gets in the way of true Wiccan practice. So, if one is truly not ready for ritual nudity, or a particular group does not practice ritual nudity, then ritual robes are a wonderful option.

Ritual Robes in Wicca

Ritual robes are very popular among Wiccans today. There are many reasons to wear robes, but the overriding reason, the best reason to have special ritual garments that are only worn for magickal purposes, is that they can act as a cue to the subconscious, telling the practitioner that magickal proceedings are about to begin.

There are many colors to choose from, and each color represents a specific theme. Basic color information can be easily researched on the Internet. Some people have a robe of every color, so they can choose one appropriate for each purpose. This is unrealistic at first, and collecting five or more robes might take some time. At first, purchasing or making a white robe is sufficient. White is a good all-purpose color, and can be used for almost everything. After that, a black robe might be in order.

Of course, members of covens, or those following particular traditions, may have to wear a certain color robe. Most groups use either white or black as a basic robe color.

Solitary or Group Rituals in Wicca?

This question is probably one of the most common regarding ritual practice. The solo path is generally recommended to those who are just starting out on the Wiccan path. Practicing with others is a wonderful and rewarding experience, but it can be unnerving for those who are new to Wicca.

Everyone should at least experience group practice, even if they don't join an actual coven. Most of the best Wiccan practice can be found within a good coven. It is nice to have a group through which initiation and training can be received, but not everyone can join a group, or wants to.

Solitary practice is just as valid as any other type. Many modern Wiccans are choosing a happy medium. They essentially practice solitary, but associate themselves with a group for the purpose of initiation and learning beyond what books can teach. This is a great idea, if it can be managed.

If one chooses the solitary route, then changes their mind, they can at least approach a prospective group with some practical knowledge of Wicca, and not simply what was found in a book.

The Question of Initiation

Keep in mind that initiations don’t make the Wiccan. Those people who refuse to recognize a Wiccan simply because they lack the formal initiation of a coven are narrow-minded, and do not realize that it is faith and a true connection to nature that makes one Wiccan, not a set of degrees and titles.

This is not to invalidate traditional Wiccan initiations. They certainly have their place, and, when done properly, are a great way to standardize Wiccan training, as many will agree. And for those that wish to pursue to Wiccan priesthood, coven training is the best option. Group practice at some point is an important part of Wiccan growth. But it is not the only part. There is much to be learned from solitary practice, and it is as valid a path as any other.