Occult of Personality podcast

Wicca: The Ancient Way, recently re-published by the Hermetic Arts Learning Center, is the subject of podcast episode 158. We’re joined by Apollonius Mithras who is part of the Isis-Urania lineage of Traditional Witchcraft, the same that produced this text.

“The now passing Aeon or Age of Pisces has seen western man almost completely lose his working knowledge and direct experience of the Mysteries and replace it with faith and superstition. As the Sun moves into the sign of the water-bearer, Aquarius, the awakener, mankind finds faith alone to be insufficient. Thus he begins again the search for the Old Gods, for the “knowledge of the spirit eternal, and certainty, not faith.” In his innocence, man has always looked outward to the external world and his own projections for truth. All religions, sciences, and technologies arise from this tendency. But the more answers we find, the more questions we ask. Unsatisfied and unfulfilled with our answers, we have become more and more fascinated by our own projections and further from our goal. But the rhythm of the New Age now grows to a louder, more distinct beat, and as understanding grows, man turns away from his invented gods and looks deeper into himself to find reality and the meaning of life. And so it is: the Old Gods move upon the face of the Earth once again in power and presence, as mankind prepares for his journey unto the kingdom of Our Lady, Queen of Infinite Space, whose name is also Understanding.”

“The purpose of this book is to acquaint the reader with the existence of a living, initiated, and Traditional Mystery religion. It was written … partly as a reaction to misconceptions and misrepresentations outside and inside the Craft, but mainly to convey clearly the tenets and teachings of the Wicca, what it means to be a “Witch,” and what our goals are. Hopefully this little book will give the reader a glimpse of Traditional Witchcraft from the inside, as the initiates themselves see it. In this way, we sincerely hope to banish some of the common misconceptions and general ignorance on the subject of Wicca.”

“Wicca the Ancient Way is a small book of non-fictional and inspirational pieces of value for students and practitioners of all types of Wicca and Witchcraft. It presents the existence of an ancient tradition of Witchcraft of European origin, now practiced by some English speaking Witches.”

“Not a spell book, nor a book of rituals, it contains 9 pieces of thought provoking and defining works of Traditional Wicca, including:
• the Attitudes and Qualities of a True Witch, calling upon witches to aspire to the loftiest goals

• the Gods of the Wicca, explaining how so many gods can be respected, yet treated by witches as just two and even One

• the Mighty Ones, explaining the children of the God and Goddess of witches, constant companions and aid to the Traditional Wicca

• the Training of a Witch, giving an overview of the kind of training that is undergone in Traditional Wicca

• the Three Degrees, providing insight into the stages of training, spiritual growth and spiritual development that is at the core of Traditional Wicca

• the Protectors of the Craft, talks about different manifestations of Wicca and Witchcraft, and how they all have their place in protecting the tradition

• The Grand Sabbath: All-Hallows Eve, is an inspirational piece about the most hallowed night of the year for Traditional Witches: Hallowe’en. It explains why this night is the way it is, and why this night is so important to Witches

• where to Find the God and the Goddess,