This book is a Wiccan book in the Correllian Tradition. Though I am not a Correllian, or even a Wiccan for that matter, I appreciate the structure of this book and it's lessons.
The introduction of this book is quite simple; it's main ideas are that all spiritual paths are unique and entirely up to the individual. It also introduces the analogy of the diamond to explain the many deities- each deity is like the facet of the divine diamond; individual with it's own specific qualities, but over all a part of the divine energy.
Study Questions-
1. How does Deity come to a person?
Deity comes to every person differently. No one way is better than any other. For me, Deity is in all of Life. Deity is with me always, whether or not I recognize it at the time.
2. Who has the right to decide the best way for a person to interact with Deity?
No one. Each spiritual path is different and no one is superior to another. The relationship between Deity and person is individual and no one should be judged for their choices.
3. What is a Wiccan "tradition"?
A tradition is a specific sect of Wicca with it's own adaptations of main beliefs.
4. What is meant by the term "polarities"?
Equal but opposite forces that keep the world in balance. Light/dark, yin/yang, God/Goddess, etc.
5. What is one "law" that almost all Wiccans agree on?
"Do as ye will, but harm none"- while many Wiccans and Pagans have varying opinions on Karma and ritual, almost everyone will agree that you are free to do as you wish so long as you don't hurt anyone or anything- be it emotionally or physically.
6. What is the original meaning of the word "Pagan"?
"Of the countryside"- meaning that Paganism is an earth based religion and originated locally and depending on the place there are many differences in beliefs and practices.
7. What are the book religions? How do they differ from Pagan religions?
The book religions are those that come from scripture- Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. "Witch School" includes Satanism in this bunch, but I have never heard this before and do not know enough about Satanism yet to make an informed decision. The next part of this question is very difficult to answer, because there is not a straightforward answer. This is where "Witch School" and I disagree- Witch School takes on a very judgmental tone and states that there are NO similarities between book religions and Paganism, and I disagree. While in general book religions are more structured and Paganism is more of a build it yourself pick your beliefs and go with them, there are also sects and traditions of Paganism and Wicca that are just as structured. This subject can get very deep and be very hard to put into words because of the diversity of the religions.
8. Are Pagan religions and book religions related to each other?
Again, I think this depends on how you interpret related. Is Paganism a descendant or adaptation of book religions? No, it is a collection of many local religions that came well before book religions, but I believe that they do share some similarities in terms of beliefs.
9. Is Wicca an exclusive religion?
No not at all. Though some traditions or covens require you to be initiated, they are very accepting and you can always be a solitary practitioner.
There are some other questions, but they are specifically about the Correllian Tradtion or about the lesson plan, which I am not interested in.
More soon!
Blessed be!
