| Wiccan and Magical Games About fifteen years ago, the magazine The Witches' Trine published an article on `games.' Since then it seems that more and more people are playing these games—but with new, modern variation. Most people play such games to boost their egos and to put down magickal and Wiccan newcomers, but some we play all by ourselves. In the interests of freeing us from these nasty, anti-evolutionary behaviors, I'm presenting my own list of occult games. I hope that there is no need for a similar article fifteen years from now. (Note: the inclusion of a statement here doesn't mean that it's always false or deliberately demeaning to those hearing it. Take into account the spirit and the attitude of the speaker.) The Divine The Goddess came to me last night and gave me all the secrets. She didn't show up at your place? Isn't that too bad! I guess you're not ready to receive the wisdom yet. You mean you can't see the Goddess and God? Why not? They're here—right over there. I channeled this. (When it's obviously a piece of creative writing.) and the Goddess marked my forehead with a shining astral pentagram. Magick My spells are older than your spells! (A similar game consists of acting as if your rituals are the only true ones.) I never do spells for myself—only for other people. (Really? Then how are they in any shape to help others?) Sure, Suzie, I can teach you all the secrets of magick! All you have to do is take off your clothes and lie down on my nice magickal bed. Astral Vision I hope this doesn't bother you, but there's a green and yellow spirit sitting on your left shoulder. Wiccan Traditions My tradition is older than your tradition. My tradition's older than Wicca! (The latest twist of this age-old game.) Of course, that tradition isn't really Wiccan. At least, no one I know thinks it is. Initiation You're only self initiated? What a pity? I thought you were a real Wiccan. Don't worry about your initiation. They'll get all the blood cleaned up by the time it's your turn. Sorry, love. I'm initiated at a higher level than you are, so I can't talk to you. Covens Look, I'm the High Priestess and I'm the Goddess and We say that you have to mop the floor! She thinks she can run a coven? Hah! Look at that astral garbage building up in the corners of the Circle! I invoke better than he invokes! Every coven member had to be naked during rituals. (This from a High Priest or High Priestess who refuses to disrobe for a ritual.) No! While you're my student you can't read anything but what I tell you to read, or talk to anyone or attend outside classes! Games We Play Alone If only I could do a ritual—but it's the wrong phase of the Moon and I have a headache and Jupiter's square with Neptune and the tide's low and, and, and…. No. I won't do anything about it. I'll leave it up to the Goddess to straighten up my life. How could the Goddess let this happen to me? (When, of course, each of us creates his own future with every decision that we make.) I'm too lazy to work for this. I know, I'll just cast a spell! Various Types of Games Played In and By Covens Making every ritual a political statement. Denigrating the other sex during single-gender rites. Forcing sexual activities between coven members, and saying `magick' can't be passed any other way. Rigidly adhering to the Book of Shadows as if it were revealed writings, allowing no compromises to the `real thing.' Splitting apart a Coven with whispers and half-truths. Lying to the Coven so that they'll work magick to help you. Racist and nationalistic remarks such as, There's no reason to let Blacks into Wicca or The Japanese have their own magick. When you notice such things or hear them, be wary! 1989 by Scott Cunningham. All Rights Reserved. | 
