Wiccans, are we obligated to cast spells for anyone who asks because we are "into peace and helping others"?

This is a question we see quite often. I respect the question because many times it comes from a place where people are tired of all the tired old lines "The ways of the Lord are a mystery". Then we have people who no matter what you say you won't get far with them.

They ask questions simply to put others down for their beliefs thinking that we're a bunch of "hippies" smoking too much weed or that we're "delusional" in our hope for a better world around us. They bring up beliefs and call us ignorant for them and all this is okay by me and none of it hurts me because what I hold in my heart and mind are mine alone and it feels too beautiful and perfect for anyone to make less of it. I'm not saying I'm stubborn in my beliefs because even today I change my mind about a few things here and there.

If your intentions are to make less of our beliefs, or to shake up our faith then perhaps you should seek elsewhere. I am sure that if you are as intelligent and as focused in your research as you have shown us here that you can certainly use that brain of yours to make the world a better place instead of stepping on everyone else's beliefs and practices when they wish only to make the world a better place. You ask how WE make a difference in the world and to you I say: I make a difference in the world by my words, prayers, spells and actions.

By the respect I hold for each individual and for the planet, and universe, in it's entirety. What I'd like to know is how YOU make this world a better place. How this question applies to you?

How does your lack of faith contribute to the world around you? Do you use it to empower others to do good or do you use it to put down others and make the world a little more hard on on those already struggling? The thing about spirituality is that my beliefs would not make any sense to you and they might not work for you at all.

To be perfectlly honest, I don't even agree with other coven members as well. Our use of magick varies and our thoughts on creation and the gods is always very different. Spirituality is simply your connection to divinity and to the rest of the universe.

To understand that you belong to something much greater than yourself. I find it healthy to think of it as being an small part in a very large play of events. Spells actually don't work for everyone, especially those who went to wikipedia to "know" what magick is.

You only found out from a wiccan point of view and not any other tradition, I am sure. Say for instance a group of people who are using the power of affirmations (such as the law of attraction) to draw more abundance or money to them, believe me that it is a powerful and healing practice but not everyone gets what they need from it. Some walk away discouraged because they think it doesn't work for them but it's actually because they need a healing.

Problems in your root chakra might stop inflow of abundance into your life because this is the center of security and stability.. of living/survival. If this chakra is damaged then perhaps you need to address it first before you begin any sort of affirmation or spellwork. Going into spellwork thinking "Let me see if this actually works" is not believing and the main reason why nothing will work for you.

Now spellwork is simply conversations with God/dess that asks that all our actions be magnified. You want to get a job you do a Job Spell and then go find a job. You need money then try a money spell and then go out and apply yourself and be open to any offers.

You want protection from harm then you can do that too. Of course you're not going to run into the middle of a gun fight just because you lit a candle and said a prayer. That's just plain stupid.

Spellwork and rituals are also meant to have an effect on the mind. Many people think it's all faith and useless but it's actually used by psychiatrist everywhere. I'm sure you've also used the magick of ritual in your life time.

Ever had a birthday party? You were showered with blessings. Ever been to a funeral?

You were able to say good by and send your wishes up to the person. Rituals are not only us talking to God but also getting something off our chest. After I walk away from a request for protection my mind remembers that I already "submitted an order" for it and it can relax and feel at peace.

When I ask for abundance through hard times I walk away and am able to sleep better at night knowing something is being done about it. So the other day I said a prayer for those at Haiti and I sent some money. Did my spell work?

I can't say for sure but I sent some money along with that prayer. Don't think we sit by and just say a few words without actually doing anythign physically. That's not what whichcraft is about.

As a matter of fact it's one of the first things that is mentioned. You walk into a class and the first thing you hear is "If you are here to just wave a wand like mr. Potter then get out this class is not.

Not all Wiccans also "cast spells" (practice the craft) you know. You seem to be a bit confused about what a Wiccan is and how they differ from witches. Not all Wiccans are Witches and not all Witches are Wiccan.

They both, however, are Pagans. Also, a spell - any kind of magic - isn't supposed to do anything on its own. You've obviously seen too many movies if you think that's what it's about.

The whole purpose of any magic is to HELP the user focus their energy and HELP them achieve a desired result, not do *poof! * stuff or make others do their bidding. To vastly oversimplify it - spell work is like a highly ritualized form of prayer or meditation.

That's it. They also don't do that kind of thing and direct it towards another. That is considered spiritual assault and is therefore a type of harm - which is obviously a direct violation of the Rede.

You've never even met a real live Wiccan, have you? They're nice people, very laid back and fun to hang out with. You should get out more often and make some friends.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.