[Chado2423]

Sorry I have posted the Wiccan Word of the Day on Here in a while, I've been rather busy.

Today's Wiccan Word is:

Wiccaning: A Wiccaning is basically a Baptism for a newborn child. It is similar to a Roman Catholic Baptimsm. (No... some of you may be dissapointed but real world Wiccans don't eat babies, but we do annoint them with oil and/or water sometimes.) Furthermore some people belief this is turning the child into a Witch. I'm sorry that rumor got out, but that's all that is, is a rumor. While we do want the child to respect Mother Earth, and while we do want to teach the child the Craft should he so choose to follow it, Wiccanings are not restrictive. Wiccanings are a religious ceremony that are brought about by the Free Will of BOTH parents or guardians. Some religious traditions are strict and only allow biological parents to give their child a Wiccaning. However, statistically this procedure is becoming very rare, and Wiccan Priests and Preistesses are becoming more acceptant of adopted or gardians or god-parents, as long as they come of their own free will and were not coerced into the ritual. Not all Wiccan parents will have their child undergo this ceremony... and not all Wiccan Solitaire parents are able to find to traditions near them to be able to do this. This ceremony is one held with high regard, and if you understand the symbology used, can be a very religious experience simply to observe.

The purpose is to present the Child before the Powers that Be (i.e. The God and The Goddess... and to ask the blessing from Them upon the child.) In this way the ceremony differs little from other faith groups. Some Wiccan groups also present the child before the Elements, The Watchtowers, or The Four Archangels. Yet there is another purpose, and that is to celebrate the existence of new life. It is to celebrate the child's birth, as the child is a symbol of birth and rebirth.

Some authors have mistakingly called a Wiccan Initiation; A Wiccaning. Wiccan Inititians, um... are called "Initiations... just so you know." A Wiccaning is basically a baptism for a child...

A Wiccaning is not a naming ceremony, although a naming ceremony may be a part of a Wiccaning. Unfortunately this has also been misconstrued by Wiccans who were misinformed of the real customs of Witchcraft!!!! (so you look up Wiccaning on the internet you are liable to find the term "Wiccaning" having two different meanings. This is a big no-no to a Witch who follows pre-Gardnerian customs (however it is an easily made mistake, since the Wicca and Witchcraft religions aren't exactly the same thing.) In fact Wiccanings did exist prior to Gerald Gardner, but the terminology was different. Some children are given a Wiccan (aka magickal) name at birth. This is usually based either upon the particular tradition or the will of the parents. Rarely will a child be given a magickal or Wiccan name without parental consent. It is true that some Wiccanings include a name-change.

Some Wiccanings are more complicated than others, and some Wiccanings are more formal than others. Some Wiccanings include "casting a circle" (if you don't know what that means, p.m me.)


But you said this isn't restrictive? Why are you making Witches out of little babies? Well, we aren't making Witches out of babies. The child is taught the ways of the Craft... and as part of this teaching the child is taught about the many different roads, including those that stray far away from Wiccan principles. A Wiccaning is a beautiful ceremony, held to welcome the child into this world and to ask the blessing of the Gods upon them. The main difference between a christening and a Wiccan blessing is that whereas in the former the child is often welcomed into a belief system for life and to an extent tied to it, in the latter the child is accepted until such time as they are old enough to make their own decision as to their faith and choose their own path.

Can non-Wiccans have a Wiccaning to bless their child? Well, believe it or not... YES! Does this mean my baby becomes a witch, or is cursed by the Devil? Heaven's no! It is considered an honor for a Wiccan to bless a non-Wiccan, according to Wiccan customs. Many Wiccans and Witches wish their friends that know about their faith would ask them or their child for a blessing.

(Okay, I know I've read too much propaganda recently, and this is a bit kooky, so I digress.)

If the Wiccan is a Child of A Tradition, the Wiccan child is likely "annointed" in particular areas... (but let me forwarn you... Depending on the Tradition and the will of the parents, the child may be nude or clothed.) It seems more common in modern days for the child to be clothed, however. In such Traditions; the child may be annointed in particular areas of the body, which are symbolic of the nature's of the Deity. (again, if you wish to know the particulars p.m. me.)

What is the spiritual aspect of a Wiccaning?
It is to remind us of the everflowing circle, spiriling of Life. One who has crossed over has returned, or a new soul is born into the world from the Goddess. It is a time to ask for a blessing, but also a time to acknowledge the blessing... the birth of the child is symbolic of our own birth into this world, and how we are rebirthed every day, and rebirthed every moment. The Wiccaning is an acknowledgement appreciation and reverence for the Teachings of the Mother.

Sometimes this ritual is called a "saining" (but I don't know much about that term... sorry.)

When do Wiccanings occur? They can occur at any time of the year, however some Traditions will only hold them during the Esbats. It is not common for a Wiccaning to be performed on a Sabbat, but some Wiccans do prefer Wiccanings to occur on or near Sabbats.

Thought for the day: What's in a name?

(The Next Word: Yule.)