Broom Closet

This was posted on my original site Ask Amethyst Rose:

Broom Closet

Dear Amethyst Rose,

I am 15 and I have been practicing Wicca with my two best friends for five years. I really feel that this is the right path for me, but I have been keeping my practices a secret from my parents. They are Catholic and would be devistated to know I am a witch. Should I tell them the truth about Wicca and how I feel? And if I do, how should I tell them? I hope you can help.

Blessed be,

Gillian

First of all, I am glad that you have found the right spiritual path for you. For many of us, it can take years until we find the right one. Now as for telling your parents, I can't tell you what to do. You have to decide that for yourself and follow your heart. Ask yourself these questions: Why do you feel the need to tell them? Did your best friends tell their parents? And if they did, what were their reactions? What would you do if your parents made you stop practicing? And yes they can because you are under age. If you feel you must tell them, you should gather as much information as you can about Wicca and witchcraft. A warning: there is a lot of misinformation out there, especially online. I will recommend a website that I feel is accurate: http://wicca.timerift.net/. Here is an article that I have found that may help: http://www.beliefnet.com/story/43/story_4308_1.html.
Whatever you decide, just remember to do what feels right to you. I wish you the best of luck.

Brightest Blessings,

Amethyst Rose

Magickal Name

This was posted originally on my site Ask Amethyst Rose

Magickal Name

Hello Amethyst,

I am a beginner in Wicca. I am 48, a mother, a grandmother and married 31 years. I have had a long path which has finally led me to the path I am meant to be on. And now I am looking forward to all my learning. I have heard from several sites on the web about the "Magickal Name". How is it chosen? I would appreciate it if you could answer this for me. Blessed Be.

The answer has to come within yourself. You want to choose something that will describe who you are, something that strikes a chord. Do you have a favorite flower, animal, deity, stone, ect? It can be a combination of those things. For example my name comes from the fact that my birthstone is amethyst and that I love roses. It did take me almost two years to find it, and then one day it came to me. It may be different for you. You can also meditate on it. Sit in a quiet room, burn your favorite inscense. Close your eyes, ask the God and Goddess to guide you. Write down any words or images that come to you. It may take several tries, but eventually you will find a magickal name that speaks to you, so to say. And remember that you dont have to keep that name forever. As you grow and change on this path, your magickal name might change too. I hope I have been a lot of help.

Brightest Blessings,

Amethyst Rose

The Great Rite

This was originally posted on my original site Ask Amethyst Rose:

What is your definition of the Great Rite and how would you explain it to a novice?

The great rite is a fertility rite that symbolizes the union of the god and goddess. It is perfomed by the high priest and priestess, usually on Beltaine. It can be perfomed symbolically by the priest putting the athame (male symbol) in a wine filled chalice (female symbol) which is held by the priestess. Or it can be sexually performed by the high priest and priestess, with consent on both parties. It is usually done in private, but in some traditions, in front of the coven members. I have read that usually the high priest and priestess are husband and wife or dating. But that is not always the case.

In Wicca, sex isn't seen as a sin but as a sacred act. I personally believe it is a gift from the God and Goddess that is to be enjoyed with someone you care about.