Would You Believe - Wicca Ways - Part 2

Barbara Lee, a white witch for 30 years, allows us into her suburban her home in Killiney where she shares her experience of becoming a Wiccan. Barbara firmly believes that Wicca has been hugely misrepresented in the media. Wicca ritual is about celebrating the earth, channelling positive energies and creating healing. Barbara did not take her decision to become a witch lightly. With her father a former Anglican preacher her upbringing was strictly conventional. Indeed her own two children were raised within the church of Ireland faith. But at 19 years of age, Barbara felt that there was something missing from her religion - it was the recognition of the feminine and the celebration of the cycle of life.

Today, she presides over a coven of witches that meet once a month to perform rituals and initiations. The coven also celebrates the Celtic festivals; Barbara estimates that there are 150 witches from the Alexandrian tradition in Ireland with another 2,000 pagans, druids and shamen. To become Wicca is not an easy process; firstly one must have a wide knowledge of comparative religion and mythology and undergo a nine week course before initiation can even take place. Initiation also involves performing three rituals before one becomes a member of a coven.

In 2007, Barbara's world was turned upside down when her eighteen year old daughter was diagnosed with cancer. Barbara believes that her Wicca faith helped her through the long year of nursing Rhiannon. Sadly Rhiannon passed away in Sept 2007.
Reporter - Anna Nolan
Producer/Director - Geraldine Creed

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Wicca
• Witchcraft
• Paganism
• Goddess Worship
• FOI
• Felllowship of Isis

[ghosthunter135]

@mrsangellover I dont think we should say wicca was created in the 50's. the more appropriate term would be it was brought back in the 50's.

[greysquare7]

@ghosthunter135 No, it was CREATED in the 50's, by Gerald Gardner, and likely heavily influenced by Alistair Crowley. Wicca is new. Ancient Paganism is not. Regardless, that is irrelevant; if an individual finds meaning and happiness within Wicca, why does it matter that it's less than 100 years old? The purpose of a faith should be to enrich and invigorate one's life; the age of that faith doesn't matter if it fulfills the purpose.

[AlexFoeShizzle]

She looks awesome for 91

[victorhugomuzi]

its confusing christians and all the religion who follow the bible say theyre demons pretending to be good, and the wiccans says theyre good but there are bad.. urr so hard to understand how these things work, but i guess inside i belive more in the bible because im pissing myself here

[pisceanmind]

5:53 - 6:33

well said

[magickalcat83]

I am interested in the structure this woman speaks of. It's one of the more hierarchical structures I've heard of. There are so many versions which I like. I like the idea of a faith being adaptable to a group or individual.

But I would have said the one rule in Wicca is you do not harm others. Ever. Not physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. "An it harm none do what ye will".

And oh my heart goes out to Barbara and anyone else who has lost a child. It is the saddest thing ever!

[magickalcat83]

@greysquare7 Perhaps we should say this FORM was set up in the 50's. It changes continually and is different for every person so I'm not sure we could say "Wicca was created in the 50's", just one form of it was. :) I am interested Wicca because it's so adaptable.

[magickalcat83]

@TheDixielandDiva Good for you. Reading is good and I do the same thing. There are some great sites around and good books too. I'm trying to set up a network for people like us. A way to connect with others and have honest discussions about such things. Even if that discussion leads you somewhere else. :)

[keniapowa]

I like this woman!

[trqvelmundo]

I ask the Lady and the Lord, for the sincerest blessing for her Daughter. And for her and her son to cope with the loss, and that they may find peace.

[itstannerstv]

i wish there was one of thies in Washington (america)

[TheDixielandDiva]

I was raised in a Christian household, saved at 17..but my ENTIRE life I've been interested in Paganisim, and when I found Wicca I studied. never "converted" , for lack of a better term..But the main reason I studied it was to understand it. I keep an open mind and try to learn as much as I can. because in my opinion, closed minds should come with closed mouths. I have a few friends who are Wiccan as well. But I do feel a strong connection to Wicca. Blessed be to you all :)