hers and by spiritual (discarnate) guides.C.As above so below. We believe spirituality to be our utmost goal. There are many who wish to change the here and now through magical workings, which is a mundane change and using your much greater abilities to affect instead of accepting today’s spiritual lessons. We believe that this is derogatory to spiritual growth. We can learn much better how to accept our spiritual path and today’s obstacles through meditation and working with our Guides to understand this path. We view spiritual growth as far better than mundane growth. Spiritual growth comes through knowledge and understanding—learn all you can, through books, Guides, courses, healing, etc.Some, but not all, witches have regular group gatherings. These groups are called covens, of which there are many worldwide. While there is no clearly defined chain of authority in wicca, covens are generally led by a high priestess, both a high priestess and high priest, or in some rare cases, a high priest only. Such people are usually veteran members of both the religion and the coven and are seen as elders of the group. There is no book or document that witches follow as part of their belief system. However, most covens keep their group rules and practices in a Book of Shadows.The regular meetings that covens hold are called esbats. During these meetings, the group usually conducts coven business, holds teaching and training sessions (magic and devination), witchcraft rites, and such rituals as initiations and other ceremonies. Esbats are usually held at either full or new moons of which there are thirteen annually.According to author Craig S. Hawkins, in addition to esbats or regular meetings, witches also have eight major holidays called sabbats. These are primarily planned around major nature events, seasons and life cycles. There are four major sabbats and four minor. The four major holidays were originally to celebrate the...
