I often wonder why so many "beliefs" are believed "because they are ancient"? Ancient "Gods"! Ancient Egyptian, ancient Greek, ancient Roman. Ancient Chinese medicine.
Have we learnt nothing in a couple of million years? Does anybody really think that, because the "ancients" used them, a spear is more powerful than a modern rifle?
Should we now speak and write in Latin, because the ancient Romans did?
In "old times" a witch would cure a headache by mixing a potion. I still know how to do it. But Paracetamol does it much better!
Is it really "good" because it's ancient? Is the Holy Bible true because it's old?
Even the modern Wicca is based on "old" beliefs and traditions.
What do our members think? Is that "it was always done that way" really mean that it must be true?
"The ancient Egyptians did it, so it must be right!".
I am an old man, I have seen and experienced much in a long life; but I really do think that a Smart Phone is a lot better than a clay tablet!
I agree with you sir, we are lot better today than the past was, but I think those peoples who have believed the so called belief for a very long time and even have one way or the other have stated the proof too, makes confusions for title it ad truth or belief, I have seen your previous post too on kind same topic all are very true and must be discussed.
While we have done many grand things in our history, we are also ever evolving. I see Wicca, the modern craft that I have experienced should I say, as a path that takes some of the old ways and imporves them. We don't want to be stuck in the past as we will never learn anything if we are. Isn't this pathway about always learning and expanding yourself and your knowladge? I agree, just because it worked than doesn't mean that's how it still should be. If our pathwalkings will ever survive the tests of time than we will need to grow and discover knew ways to practice that still stays true to our past.
I think that the problem is a bit more complicated.
Paracetamol does it much better, well, but the abuse damages the livers. A meditation in some cases could be better. Only as an example.
Wicca is about an impersonal god and goddess. But, if a people really want a help for an supernatural being, so they must call a specific. And about specific beings are old mythologies for example.
Interesting question. I have always been interested with Egyptian history, but I didn't try working with one of the gods until many years into my path. For me, I see it less as 'they did it so it's true' and more 'I feel a strong pull in this direction'. Spells wise, I've noticed newer people to the path want to find an ancient spell over a new one, I guess in their mind an old spell works, while new ones aren't as powerful.
I have met those who only use herbs and home remedies instead of vaccinations and medication because of the 'dangers'. I won't say every person will be fine if they take a drug, but the rate of success is much higher than the old medications. [Like leeches to cure what ails you] I'm 50/50 on the topic, I would vaccinate my kids, but a soar throat can be fixed with a hot honey and lemon. [It depends on the severity I suppose.]
Often it is not about a spell. Spells have the same power old like modern. There is another problem. Ancient gods are real beings. And modern Wicca often invoking an indefinite god and goddess.
As someone who does believe and incorporates many "Ancient" ways into my life, I cam say I know where to draw the line. I don't cut my hair for example, but I do use proper hygiene.
I think everything is good in moderation and you don't go over board
Ancient gods and goddesses have not been proven to be real beings that is a belief. I choose to keep the middle ground- I can not prove they are not just subconscious manifestations.
Wiccans sometimes do work with individual gods and goddesses, it is a matter of their own tradition and personal preference. The god and goddess is a soft polytheistic way of looking at the metaphsical world, I think your comments are unfounded and quite frankly unproven.
If a wiccan has belief in 'the goddess' there is no reason their 'magic' will fail. Chaos magicians have got results by creatings gods and goddesses with fake names and backstories- they aren't real beings.
There is an experiment. Using a Name for summoning a being.
This way is somtime used by Hindu bhaktiyogis for example. To achieve visible manifestation of a deity.
But everybody could used this way.
