From the 1st of November until mid January there are nearly 30 holidays on average observed by the world’s major religions.  I’ve always been struck by the similarities between them, much more so than by the differences.  Celebrations of hope, of light, of renewal.  Of peace.  Of love.

Holidays and religious observances in general connect us to something bigger (I think) than ourselves as individuals.  

Many witches, and pagans in general, acknowledge the “Turning of the Wheel” as the earth, like life, moves through its phases from birth to death to birth again.  Eight holidays or Sabbats, evenly spaced throughout the year, mark this progression.  Each Sabbat acknowledges and honors that time with rituals, celebration, feasting, and “self-work”.  

The picture above by Linda Robinson beautifully illustrates the Sabbats.  Another representation, shown below, highlights the four key phases in the cycle – Resting, Planting, Growing, and Harvesting.  

Making the Sabbats a part of my spiritual observances has provided me with a balance that goes beyond a deity.  It connects me to the rhythm of the natural world, forces me to stop and appreciate God’s creation, and reminds me to be thankful for every phase in my life.  

Our rituals are not prescribed although many recommendations can be found for marking the observance of a Sabbat.  Common rituals provide for a kind of connectivity and for this reason many witches enjoy celebrating with each other.  

In adopting the 8 Sabbats I have become more conscientious about my role and impact in the world.  I am more centered, more thoughtful, kinder, and – perhaps ironically – better connected to the Christian holidays that my family still celebrates.

The Etymology of the word “witch” is largely unknown.  Most scholars agree that it comes from the words wicca (originally male) and wicce (originally female) and meant sorcerer.  As the church in Europe grew more powerful the word changed to include satanists, devil worshipers, etc.  As the persecution of witches continued almost unrestrained, a number of scholars stood up in opposition, arguing that the then modern day description of witches were not biblically sound.  

Chief among these men was Reginald Scot who authored “The Discoverie of Witchcraft” in 1584.  It was his statement “At this day it is indifferent to say in the English tongue, ‘she is a witch,’ or ‘she is a wise woman.’ ” that supports the claim by most of today’s witches that the word describes one who is wise.

Wisdom, and the seeking of wisdom, is biblically supported.  Solomon himself remains an example of greatness for his choice of wisdom.  The Hebrew words khokhma (wisdom) חכמה bina (understanding) בינה da’at (knowledge) דעת tvuna (another word for understanding) תבונה are all feminine.  The Greek word for wisdom, Sophia, is also the name applied to the Holy Spirit by the Gnostic Christians.  References to the Holy Spirit throughout the old and new testament use words in the feminine – supporting, perhaps accidentally, the idea the God the Father (Creator) did, in fact, have a female companion in the Holy Spirit…and that she is wisdom.

Witches typically choose a “pantheon” of sorts and many like the use of the terms “Lord and Lady” to describe the greatest within this pantheon.  The masculine and the feminine divine – balanced, equal, strong, and loving.  As a Christian this makes sense in God the Creator (Father) and God the Holy Spirit (mother) coupling.  As Christ is a child of God  (the union of the Father & Mother as one) and we are children of this God and Union, and we are called to be “Christ-like” I can accept the teachings of Christ as one of an older, wiser, divine “brother” with a much better relationship with “mom & dad” then most of us have.  Beyond that my path diverges a bit from the doctrine of the church – a doctrine that was sealed 400 years after Christ walked among us and one that studiously eliminated both the feminine and the support of individuals seeking “wisdom” as…well…individuals.

My two favorite myths:

1.  You can’t be a Witch and a Christian.

2.  You can’t be a Christian and a Witch.

Here’s the deal.  Witches don’t fly on broomsticks.  In fact, NO ONE flies around on broomsticks.  At least not with “magick”.  This is truth.  If people *could* fly on broomsticks then the IQA (International Quidditch Association) would have a lot more people showing up to watch their games.  (Fact:  The IQA is real.)  And right up there with the misconception about witches and broomsticks, you have the one about witches and the kind of spirituality they are allowed to have.

And guess what?  Witches are allowed to have whatever kind of spirituality they want.  For me, that spirituality follows what is essentially the shared golden rule between the two.  In Christianity we have Matthew 7:12 handing us the following (New American Standard translation – my personal favorite) “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”  Slightly later in Matthew 22:36-40 we see this sentiment echo’ed “36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the great and[a]foremost commandment. 39 The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

For witches the classic Rede given to us via the practice of Wicca (side note:  not all witches are Wiccan – but I’d say the majority of us are fans of the Rede) – “And it harm none, so be it.”  More can be found on this sentiment over here.

For you witch purists out there I realize the Rede is WAY longer.  But so is the bible.  My point is that I’d like to focus on the common for a minute.

Both the verses in Matthew  and the Rede tell us not to hurt people.  Matthew is more round-about, making the assumption that you don’t want to be treated bad.  The Rede is more concise – do whatever you want to do as long as you don’t hurt someone.  The none means “including yourself.”  Both of them?  Essentially the same.

Do you guys love this as much as I do?  This idea that right off the bat, two spiritual traditions have this great big commonality to work with?