Alternative Paths: A Brief Introduction Coastland University. Wicca. Neo Paganism. Covens & Witches. Wicca. Santeria Voodoo (Voudun) Rastafarianism

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1 Alternative Paths: A Brief Introduction Coastland University Wicca Wicca Santeria Voodoo (Voudun) Rastafarianism Wiccans & Druids at Stonehenge, England Neo Paganism Covens & Witches Wicca is also known as Neo- Paganism, The Old Religion or The Craft. Wicca is associated with the feminine aspect of the divine, (Goddess) as well as the male aspect (God). Mother Earth and Father Sky. Wicca is a nature religion, & seeks similar practices of old Germanic, Scandinavian and Celtic religions. Wiccans carry out their meetings and ceremonies in groups called Covens. Women play prominent roles in Wicca. Practitioners of Wicca call themselves witches. They do not practice black magic or animal sacrifice, nor do they worship Satan.

2 Magick Wiccans practice magick, a form of psychic energy, natural but invisible forces that surround all things Wiccans use dance, chant, music, creative visualization and hypnosis for purposes of healing, protecting, and helping people. Many Wiccans believe in reincarnation. The Wiccan Rede This is the ethical statement of Wicca. It states, An it harm none, do what you will. This is similar to the Christian Golden Rule. Wiccans regard all living things as sacred. If you use your powers for harm or evil, Wiccans believe that it will come back to you threefold. Wiccan Ritual Items Wiccans use wands, caldrons, incense, an athame (knife), chalice, brooms, herbs, candles and pentagrams in their worship, rituals and ceremonies. The handbook for rituals is the Book of Shadows. Wiccan Celebrations Wiccans celebrate the seasonal times of Winter and Summer Solstices, the Equinoxes, and Full Moons. Wiccans have Eight Seasonal Celebration days per year. Two better known of these are Samhain & Yule.

3 Santeria Orishas Chango, (St. Barbara) an Orisha of Santeria (Storms and thunder) Santeria is a mixture of West African Yoruba religion and Catholicism. It originated in the Caribbean, a mix of African religions and European cultures. Santeria means saint way. Gods are called Orishas The Orishas are a hybrid of Catholic saints names and African deities. Yemaya, (St. Mary) an Orisha, protector of women There are many Orishas in Santeria. The High God is only accessible thru the Orishas. Santeros dance, drum and chant to become one with their Orisha. Eleggua: crossroads (St Anthony) Obatala: intelligence Ochosi: the hunter Oggun: war, metal Oya: death Bata drums Animal sacrifice (chicken) Rituals of Santeria Drumming, dancing, chanting, singing, prayer, animal sacrifice, trance, spirit possession, food offerings. Voodoo is similar to Santeria, it is a hybrid religion from Haiti, a mix of African and Christian beliefs. Both religions hid their real practices into Christianity, as they were persecuted for practicing their religions from Africa. Voodoo (Voudun) Voodoo Ceremony

4 Voodoo New Orleans Voodoo means mysterious power. Like Santeria, music, drumming and trance is very important. Many rhythms are sacred prayers themselves! Voodoo Doll Besides Haiti, Voodoo is also practiced in New Orleans, the Caribbean and other parts of the USA. Voodoo Doll Mischief of New Orleans Rastafarianis m Ras Tafari Also influenced by Christianity, Rastafarianism is from Jamaica. Marcus Garvey was early leader of the movement. Crowned Emperor of Ethiopia in It was believed by Jamaicans that Ethiopia was the only ancient African nation to have remained independent. Ras Tafari was to have descended from King Solomon & Queen of Sheba. Ras Tafari was thought to be almost divine.

5 Ethiopia Many Africans moved back to Ethiopia, as that is where Ras Tafari was. He was seen as a liberator. One God, named Jah, (from Yahweh). Bible is the word of God. Ras Tafari is divine. Bible has hidden meanings for African people. Rastafarian Beliefs & Practices Sacramental use of ganja., a holy herb. Ethiopia Dreadlocks: Torah forbids males cutting hair or beards Rastafarian Baptism Dietary: no pork, no shellfish, may are vegetarian. Four Colors: Black reps people of Africa Green: Hills of Jamaica & hope Red: Blood shed by martyrs Gold: reps Ethiopia, and pride. Reggae Music Rastafarian Beliefs & Practices Bob Marley spread teachings thru his music Ras Tafari Reggae Music Voodoo Ethiopia Magick Coven Neo-Pagan Wiccan Druid Orisha Santeria Review The Wiccan Rede Ganja Samhain Dreadlocks Chango Drumming Animal Sacrifice Yemaya Athame The Craft Voodoo Doll Celtic Book of Shadows Jah Solstice High God Yule