Gerald Brosseau Gardner is a man who is known for bringing modern witchcraft into the public sphere. There are two distinct stories on how Gardner came up with the ideas of witches and the term "Wiccan". Gardner’s version of the story starts in 1939 when he was initiated into a social circle called the Rosicrucian Fellowship of Crotona. He called the coven of modern witches Wicca within this group of modern witches he was sent out to be the sole person responsible for reforming the ancient religion and bringing the ideas of the religion to the public. Skeptics and historians states that Gardner was influenced by authors Margaret Murray who coined the term "witch cult" and the works of Charles Godfrey Leland who claimed that the religion is traceable to the turn of the century Italy. In this version Gardner created the term Wicca and drafted the religion’s rituals in the manuscript called Ye Bok of Ye Art Magical and in the later publication of High Magic’s Aid. Gardner through his series of works lays claim to word “Wica” using a altered Anglo-Saxon word for witch he later on corrects the term to the spelling of “Wicca”. In this story the first Wiccan coven was formed in Bricket Wood, England and Gardner himself was never part of any coven (Davis, 2005). Gardener does not discuss ethics of the religion until his third book; The Meaning of Witchcraft in 1959. Stating that “Witches are inclined to the morality of the legendary Good King Pausol, ‘Do what you like so long as you harm no one‘ ” (Gardner, 1959 p.127). This quote is found in The Adventures of King Pausole by Pierre Louys which states: “I. Do no wrong to thy neighbor. II. Observing this, do as thou pleases” (Louys, 1932, p. 231). While others believe the basics of the Wiccan Rede the law of those who are Wiccan goes back to the work done by Aleister Crowley in The Book of the Law which she mentions the Law of Thelema stating: “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law” (Crowley, 1904, Chapter One, Verse 40). Crowley’s inspiration also goes back father than Gardner’s from Gargantuan Thelemic order book published in 1534. Francois Rabelais’ Gargantua states: “Do as thou wilt because men that are free, of gentle birth, well bred and at home in civilized company possess a natural instinct that inclines them to virtue and saves them from vice” (Gargantua, 1534). The concept can be found in The Wiccan Rede or the real title: Rede of the Wiccae was published in Green Egg Magazine 1975 by Lady Gwen Thompson which the last line states: “Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill- An’ it harm none, Do what ye will” (Thompson, 1975). As found in the magazine the full Wiccan Rede:

Rede of the Wiccae
1. Bide the Wiccan laws ye must in perfect love an perfect trust.
2. Live an let live -- fairly take an fairly give.
3. Cast the Circle thrice about to keep all evil spirits out.
4. To bind the spell every time, let the spell be spake in rhyme.
5. Soft of eye an light of touch -- speak little, listen much.
6. Deosil go by the waxing Moon -- sing an dance the Wiccan rune.
7. Widdershins go when the Moon doth wane, an the Werewolf howls by the dread Wolfsbane.
8. When the Lady's Moon is new, kiss the hand to her times two.
9. When the Moon rides at her peak, then your heart's desire seek.
10. Heed the Northwind's mighty gale -- lock the door and drop the sail.
11. When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss thee on the mouth.
12. When the wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.
13. When the West wind blows o'er thee, departed spirits restless be.
14. Nine woods in the Cauldron go -- burn them quick an burn them slow.
15. Elder be ye Lady's tree -- burn it not or cursed ye'll be.
16. When the Wheel begins to turn -- let the Beltane fires burn.
17. When the Wheel has turned a Yule, light the Log an let Pan rule.
18. Heed ye flower, bush an tree - by the Lady blessed be.
19. Where the rippling waters go, cast a stone an truth ye'll know.
20. When ye have need, hearken not to other's greed.
21. With the fool no season spend or be counted as his friend.
22. Merry meet an merry part -- bright the cheeks an warm the heart.
23. Mind the Threefold Law ye should -- three times bad an three times good.
24. When misfortune is enow, wear the blue star on thy brow.
25. True in love ever be unless thy lover's false to thee.
26. Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill -- an it harm none, do what ye will.

The term witch and the idea of witchcraft has often been in debate with the Christian public. Many don’t realize that even though the term witch is old, the concept of Wiccan is fairly new for this reason confusion arises on the moral values of a witch. Christians base their moral values on the Holy Bible and the Ten Commandments. There is no debate on where the Then Commandments originated from within their religion. Moses went up to Mount Sinai and talked with God to receive the commandments on which his people were to follow:

1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5. Honour thy father and thy mother.
6. Thou shalt not murder.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8. Thou shalt not steal.
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
10. Thou shalt not covet your neighbor’s house.

Christianity in itself is an older religion than Wiccan. However, what most fail to realize is that both contain the same moral structure.

The first commandment states: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). In Christianity this verse serves as a starting point for the concept that there is only one God. There seems to be concept of a hierarchy of gods the line implies that there are other gods and it’s okay to have other gods as long as God is considered the ultimate God. There can be no other gods before the one powerful God. God is considered to be the ultimate maker of rules in the Christian faith. God is therefore is a being of ultimate perfection. The Rede of the Wiccae says: “Bide the Wiccan laws ye must in perfect love an perfect trust” (Thompson, 1975). God in Christianity is seen as being the most perfect being. The reason why his commandments are to be followed is because he is the most perfect being. The Wiccan law is to be followed in perfect love and trust. Christians follow the word of God that is considered to be perfect. Both religions are following their doctrine for the idea of perfection found in love and trust. The idea is to follow the rules given by the ultimate power rather it be God as in Christianity or several gods as in Wicca and to show others of this perfect love and trust.

The second commandment states: “You shall not make yourself an idol..” (Exodus 20: 4). This commandment refers to graven images of God, creatures, and plants. No image should be made and worshipped. “Heed ye flower, bush an tree- by the Lady blessed be” (Thompson, 1975). In Wicca the Lady is considered to be the highest god. One heeds to all of the creations created by the Lady. God has created everything and can be seen in the world around us. In both religions there is no need for an idol because the ultimate god is found in their creations.

“Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain” (Exodus 20: 7). God is a sacred name that should be used only in reference to scriptures and prayers. When saying the name God you are calling to him to aid a time of need. To use the name in any other form would cause some sort of danger. Wicca feels that the structure of prayers or spells as they are called within the community should also meet certain standards: “To bind the spell every time, let the spell be spake in rhyme” (Thompson, 1975). The emphasis again is to make a powerful god answer the call of need. In order to do that in Wicca the prayer or spell must be spoken in rhyme to use any other form of language would result in the wrong effect. Both are speaking of specific instructions on the use of words to invoke a diety to get positive results.

Sabbath is considered a day on which to keep holy. The commandments state in reference to this day: “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20: 8). In Wicca there are two main types of holy days those that occur during moon phases which can be seen through lines 6-9 of the Rede of the Wiccae. These days are considering holy and specific instructions are given on what to do during these days just like how on the Sabbath specific instruction to rest is given to Christians. The word Sabbath is seen in Wicca as the word “Sabbat” this is also found in rede in lines 16-17. The Sabbats are kept track through a wheel. The wheel turns throughout the year starting with the Sabbat of Beltane and ending with the Sabbat of Yule. Each one of these Sabbats deal with a celebration of a change of season and a god. It is a time of festivity and praise just the same as the Sabbath found in Christianity. Sabbats may only happen eight times a year but they coincide with major Christian holidays like Easter and Christmas. In Wicca it is important to follow the signs of nature and pay attention to the course of the moon then it is important to set aside one specific day just because it is a certain day in the week. The actual day does not matter it is what occurs on a day that makes it a holy day.

Very simply the next commandment is: “Honour thy father and thy mother” (Exodus 20: 12). This commandment only deals with our immediate parents. It does not deal with other relatives or people of higher authority. The rede however, states: “Soft of eye an light of touch -- speak little, listen much” (Thompson, 1975). The idea is that we learn from others around us, those who are older and wiser than we are, and in order to learn one must listen to what others are saying. This expands past just the father and mother and includes all who are wiser and have knowledge. Honoring someone is a sign of respect and dignity towards them; however, this does not always mean that one listens and learns.

The next five commandments deal specifically with the treatment of other individuals. The first being: “Thou shalt not murder” (Exodus 20: 13). Murder would be harming another individual remember, “an it harm none, do what ye will.” Murder is the ultimate crime against another person and is something that definitely causes harm to not only the individual but the individual’s family. Next is: “Thou shalt not commit adultery” (Exodus 20: 14). When in a relationship it is important to be completely and totally in love with that one individual. This line can be compared to: “True in love ever be unless thy lover's false to thee” (Thompson, 1975). A relationship is about commitment it is important that both individuals are committed to one another. If both are not committed then they are both not in true love. When a lover is false this means that they have somehow lied to the other person in the relationship. The rede is not as specific as the commandment when it comes to how the lover is false to another lover. Both though feel the need to have a committed relationship towards the individual that one loves. The eighth commandment: “Thou shalt not steal” (Exodus 20: 15). What rightfully belongs to someone else is their property. The property should remain theirs and not be taken away from them in any form. The rede on the other hand states: “Live an let live -- fairly take an fairly give” (Thompson, 1975). It is important not to take things from other people if they have not taken anything and is equally important to give what others have given. The rede is more of a give and take idea while the commandment only specifically deals with what has been taken. It is important in both to be fair and let others live without causing harm. “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour” (Exodus 20: 16). The ninth commandment tells not to lie about neighbors. The rede states not lying but foolishness as not being a friend. Often times when lying or being a “false witness” we do so foolishly. Foolishly we will make up things to cover our own mistakes and hurt others. For this reason the rede states: “With the fool no season spend or be counted as his friend” (Thompson, 1975). A neighbor in a commandment can refer to someone who is close to us personally whereas a friend specifically is someone close to us. It is important to keep our bonds of friendship true and honest. If one can not be true and honest in their friendship then there is no friendship. Trust and communication is needed to keep things working properly in a friendship relationship. If someone behaves in a foolish manner such as “bearing false witness” then the bonds of friendship have been broken. Not only is it important to keep a truthful romantic relationship but it is also important to keep a friendship relationship just as truthful. Relationships are built on trust and honesty when this is broken the relationship falls apart and causes pain to all those involved. Finally, the last commandment: “Thou shalt not covet your neighbor’s house” (Exodus 20: 17). This commandment deals with everything that is part of the neighbor’s house included wife, belongings, land, and animals. The reason people feel the need to take other’s belongings is because they feel that they have a need. They are not as well as off as the other person or they might have some sort of hidden jealousy towards what the other person has. So, “When ye have need, hearken not to other's greed” (Thompson, 1975). Not only do these five last commandments deal heavily with how individuals should be treated they can be summed up with two basic Wiccan concepts: “Mind the Threefold Law ye should -- three times bad an three times good.” which means whatever you do rather it be good or bad will come back to one three times and “an it harm none do as ye will.” It is equally important in both religions to treat individuals with respect and to abide by the laws of a higher power. The concept or idea of the higher power may be different but both feel that it is important to do things specifically in a set manner to appease the higher power for their benefit.

Submitted By: Crimson Tigeress

When my father passed away I was the one who had the unfortunate task of taking his ashes somewhere respectable to blow in the wind. I recalled a place he mentioned wanting them put at when I traveled with him as a child. At the time I had his ashes I was going thru a severe rock and roll star stage of destruction. So the ashes set around in a closet for a while. Until one day I saw a dark shadow cross the hall. Friends and I immediately began using a Quija board and it began to channel either my father or some type of entity. I proceeded to ask the Quija where I should take the ashes of my father. It spelt out a place I knew of as a kid that me and him went to. (BlackTop) Mountain. We quickly grabbed the board and piled into a car and drove about 6 hours or more to get there. We came to the mountain and became lost so we all pulled out the board again and asked it which way to go. It gave a direction that lead us to the same place me and my father traveled too when I was a child. I remembered being here with my father and spread his ashes out over the mountains of Georgia. After that we all went to the board again for one last message. The last message spelled out were the words, I Love You. We all wept, which was really strange..and hugged and went home never to forget the story of my father and the quija and the message from the hereafter.

Submitted by: Jeffery

Here is a brief summary of the beliefs in Nogardianism:

Erutan is the primary energy of the universe. It created all and is all. Thus, nature is Erutan in its pure form, untouched by humans. Nature is to be highly respected as a reminder that we are bound by its rules. Every single piece of matter that exists is a temple to Erutan. Destroying an element destroys a part of Erutan. Everything that is natural is pure and perfect. Nothing is imperfect in nature. We may manipulate the natural world as long as we do not destroy it.

Spirit is a form of energy that is evolving as a consequence of the evolution of life and the mind. The purpose of life is the development of spirit. All life, spirit, and energy are intertwined. Your spirit is constantly evolving throughout your lifetime. The choices you make in each lifetime will dictate how quickly your soul evolves. The ultimate goal of a human being is to ascend to a higher plane and exist in a god-like state for all eternity or to reach nirvana.

Every living thing has the potential of existing in higher planes. Between every person is a psychic link, the commonality. Each person has their own mind, but is psychically networked to everyone else. The psychic link exists as a bridge between the Physical Plane and the Etheric Planes.

The universe is divided into seven planes of existence called The Astral Planes. There are six non-physical planes called the Etheric Planes, and there is one physical plane called the Physical Plane.

The Etheric Planes were created first by chance. The Physical Plane was created by designed. It was designed by the Sha'carava, noncorporeal beings that evolved from the primary energy of Erutan. The Physical Plane is made up of secondary energy which is made of primary energy.

All humans have a soul or Ka. That Ka has a symbiotic relationship with an Astral entity or Spirit Guide known as a Sha'carava. The Ka and Sha'carava create a psychic link through the Cotra. The Ka (ego), Cotra (superego), and Sha'carava (id) make up the three parts of the personality known as the Soul Trinity.

There are three types of Sha'carava: Angels, Ancients, and Ancestors. The Angel Sha'carava are those born of the Buddhaic Plane and created everything else. The Ancients are Ka which have ascended from their corporeal form to become beings of primary energy. The Ancestors are the souls of dead corporeal life forms that are lingering in the Etheric Planes in a primary energy state that has not yet been reabsorbed by Erutan.

Sha'carava help the morally just Ka ascend to the Etheric Planes. These Sha'carava are Ascended Masters who have ascended to that level themselves. Such Ascended Masters are believed to include Quen Yin (Ohmisher), Jesus (Yesusher), Mohammad (Mohhahmed), Confucius (Kungfusoo), Lao Tzu (Laosoo), and so on.

Morals evolve from the Sha'carava and nature. The Sha'carava teach us right from wrong. Some immoral behavior may be justified while others are condemned. Crimes against nature are highly resented. Immorality is defined as any act the causes just as much pain or more pain than happiness or discomfort.

The minds of others can not be manipulated. It is morally wrong to manipulate the minds of others. Their feelings are their own. It is immoral to read a person's mind without permission.

The one person is responsible for their own actions. People are their own person with their own minds. People are responsible for who they follow.

The future may be seen but never told. Do not alter history unless it is absolutely necessary. Altering history me be practiced only by the sole proprietor of the vision. No one shall tell ones future.

No life is inferior. Every person of every species and every lifeform from anywhere is equal. There is no distinction between the value of intelligent life over any other life. The sick and the weak must be protected, but the socially unburdened must take care of themselves. Racism is forbidden. Abortion is forbidden.

Everything exists on a chain of life. What affects one affects the other. Animals and plants may be slaughtered for the food of a predator, but it is immoral to waste the animal. Do no hunt game for enjoyment.

The relationship between a male and a female is the most sacred. Together that relationship creates life, broadening the commonality. Courtships between same-sex lovers is respected and accepted.

Submitted by: Jarred Breaux