The Wiccan Spirit Sometimes, in the religion that we know as Wicca (or Witchcraft), we may lose sight of the roots of our way, and why any of us are Pagan. This isn't due to a personal spiritual crisis (though such can occur). Many of us lose the Wiccan spirit by becoming involved with Wiccan disputes. When Wiccans meet, gossip often ensues. During this interchange of information, persons or covens may be accused of all manner of hideous acts (the nature of which being determined by the gossip’s dislike of the victim). This news, upon reaching the person(s) so accused, may lead to a counterattack (through gossip). This naturally leads to a clash when it reaches the original gossiper. Such clashes, when of a personal nature, are rarely known to outsiders. However, when covens are involved, negative feelings often run high. Wars of the Witches ensure, and they're rampant across our land. Such bickering is usually underground, and so has only a local effect. Sometimes, though, the war makes its way into print (in letters to Pagan publications). This spreads the spirit of nastiness over thousands of miles, far from its place of origin, and affects an even wider group of Wiccans. Eventually, half of Pagandom knows of the fight. They may not personally know the participants, but all are ready to proffer opinions (despite the fact that few of them, if any, know the actual origin of the clash.) Such opinions can cause division in other covens, which leads to gossip, which leads to new fights, which leads to publication, which leads to? Gossip, differing opinions, division—these are common in all human groups, especially those that are religious in nature. Persons often have definite ideas concerning the Goddess and God and ways of worship. They're often prepared to defend their right to their rites, and to denigrate those that observe differing forms of worship. (Usually, however, a personal clash of some kind is the real culprit behind a war. Character assassination isn't reserved for politicians running for office.) Again, this is quite human, but is far from the Wiccan spirit. Meaningful dialogue between persons of opposing viewpoints should always be encouraged, but is usually tossed away in favor of gossip. When jealousy tints opinion and leads to an attack, spirituality withers and the perpetrator has lost the spirit of Wicca. I'm not the first to say this, but it must be said again: we should be defending each other, not attacking each other. Many are in line, waiting their turn to symbolically roast us. We needn't add logs to the fires of words that our enemies busily prepare. When facing a War of the Witches, remember the spirit of Wicca, encapsulated in the simple phrase: harm none. Neutrality is best. If others try to sway you, speak of the spirit of Wicca. If we pay no attention to attacks, they will lose power. If the attackers don't have any fun, they'll do something else and give us all more room. Yes, we're all unique individuals. Yes, we all have opinions. And yes, we're interested in what the Witch down the street is doing. News of a flurry of angry words between two covens can be exciting at first, but soon pales, since it's ultimately defeating to everyone involved. If we're truly to be Wiccan, we're obliged to attempt to live according to the spirit of our religion. The next time you hear of a war of words, remember: Harm none. | 
