Wiccan in small town Canada Special

Although she risks reactions based on negative stereotypes, Kathy Spearing has no problem talking to people about her Wiccan beliefs. People may picture Wiccans going out in the dark to cast spells, but the reality is much different.

“I see Wicca as a belief, not a religion,” said Spearing. “I don’t see it as a belief that should be organized like religion. It’s about being in tune with your surroundings, and about respecting the earth and never taking more than we can give back.” Spearing was raised in an evangelical home, and said that “soured” her a bit on organized religion. She didn’t find a lot of forgiveness or peace in it. She grew up, and still lives, in Canada but she believes many believers around the world have similar experiences. “We all have to follow our own spiritual path and find what is right for us, and I’ve always been attracted to stories of what we call witches,” she explained. “I wanted to know why they were persecuted so I started doing research and found most were feared because they were healers. To me, witch means healer. “One motto is ‘do no harm’ and I’ve always believed that.” She said that most of the Wiccans she knows are very independent people. They sometimes meet to celebrate the changing of the seasons and take part in rituals such as Celtic faerie blessings on homes. She took part in a Wiccan wedding ceremony when a couple of her friends got married a few years ago. “There are more Wiccans than most people would think,” said Spearing. “There’s not much opportunity to meet others in small towns. A lot are still afraid people will make fun of them if they say anything, but I’ve never given up an opportunity to say something if the opportunity exists.” In cities it is easier to meet people with similar beliefs because there are shops geared toward the belief and there are events to attend. Wicca’s origins are in ancient traditions. Followers may honour many gods and goddesses, although some Wiccans believe all are manifestations of one god or goddess. “We’re not members of covens meeting under the guise of darkness,” said Spearing. “I find it helps bring you closer to nature. We are so technologically based today we’ve moved away from the natural way of living.” The Celtic Connection web site says, “Wicca is a very peaceful, harmonious and balanced way of life which promotes oneness with the divine and all which exists.” It also states: “Wicca is a belief system and way of life based upon the reconstruction of pre-Christian traditions originating in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. While much of the information of how our ancestors lived, worshiped and believed has been lost due to the efforts of the medieval church to wipe our existence from history, we try to reconstruct those beliefs to the best of our ability with the information that is available.” Spearing said that although Wiccan is not the right choice for everyone, she feels that it benefits many. “When you hear and feel what’s right for you, you will know,” she added.