The theme of this issue of Wiccan Rede Online (WRO) is in Dutch ‘verplichtingen aangaan’ which can mean ‘to enter into a commitment or an obligation’. Either way a serious matter and not to be taken lightly.
What is the etymology of the word commit, commitment? From the Latin committere, it means “unite, connect, combine; bring together”, from com “with, together” + mittere “to release, let go; send, throw”.
How does this relate to the Craft and what impact does it have on our connection to the Craft? In describing what Wicca is I wrote a series of articles for Wiccan Rede called ‘Beyond the Broomstick’. These articles published in the early 1980’s were later published in book form – in 2008: Beyond the Broomstick – Thoughts on the Philosophy of Wicca.
It is important to note that I talk about the Philosophy of Wicca. Not theology, or even cosmology but Philosophy. (See the review – link under ‘references’.)
Later I authored an article called ‘Wicca, the Religion of Self Expression’, which in essence describes my commitment, my sense of obligation and the understanding and commitment of personal responsibility it brings.
“The Craft is an Earth religion – it has the rawness of Nature itself. There are few compromises possible. The laws by which we live should be natural laws not man-made. The kingdom of the human being has a specific role to play in the Earth’s evolution but so too do the plants, animals and minerals. The ancient pagans knew this – and as modern pagans, it is our task to revive this knowledge and to integrate it with the intellect, which has made a tremendous impact on our modern consciousness.”
Dedication and Loyalty
Commitment often entails a strong sense of loyalty and dedication to a person, group, or task. This can be seen in Wicca and the long-term relationships we build up in our Covens. Initiation is not only the acceptance into the coven and the continuation of self-development but also marks the start of the joining in of the group development. Each new initiate changes the Gestalt of the group and the way the group works as they bring in their life experiences and own philosophy. I know some coven leaders believe that one should leave personal sexual orientations ‘outside the Circle’, but I disagree. We ALL stand as witches in Circle and we bring our life experiences with us. It is also a mark of reciprocity and loyalty to each other and where we remain steadfast despite challenges or difficulties.
Being committed means taking responsibility for our actions and being accountable to ourselves and others. It implies a willingness to follow through on promises and obligations, ensuring that our actions align with our commitments.
When we are initiated at 1stdegree we take an oath. Rather like the Hippocratic Oath, which is a traditional pledge taken by physicians to uphold ethical standards in the practice of medicine, the Wiccan oath is also a promise to uphold the integrity of the Craft or Arte. Oath-breaking is a serious offence and is dealt with following the rules of the coven one is part of.
We also have the Wiccan Rede, ‘An it harm none do what you will’, which was originally an instruction for magical work but has now become our Golden Rule, although not everyone agrees with this ‘label’.
The important thing is to remember that in both cases, we are asked to pledge to uphold the Honour of the Craft and to accept personal responsibility.
In the words of Jessie Owens, an accomplished American athlete, on dedication: “We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.”
A crucial element of commitment is persistence. This involves continuing to pursue goals or maintain relationships even when faced with obstacles or setbacks. It’s about not giving up easily and maintaining a steady effort over time. This adds to and deepens our connection with the Gods. Some people refer to this as ‘the Current’ of the Coven.
Sometimes Commitment requires making sacrifices, such as giving up certain comforts or preferences to fulfil a promise or achieve a goal. It also involves prioritizing commitments over other less important activities or desires. Attendance to coven meetings – online or in person, is paramount. Sharing the load can help to alleviate the burden of organising meetings. In a coven, it is good to recognise each and everyone’s talents and delegate!
Importance of Commitment
Commitment brings stability to relationships and projects. It helps individuals to understand the Coven dynamics making them more reliable and trustworthy. Trust is an important aspect of our relationship with each other. And without PLPT, Perfect Love & Perfect Trust, the Coven will have a hard time surviving. Some don’t weather the challenges and end up imploding – or exploding.
Committed individuals are more likely to achieve their goals because they remain focused and dedicated, which is essential for long-term success. This also comes back to the need to recognise the value of self-development AND group development. Sometimes one aspect becomes more urgent, especially if someone undergoes a traumatic experience and may even need a time-out or a sabbatical. A wise coven will recognise when a coven member needs personal space and may even need to step out. A break with the coven does not necessarily need to be acrimonious. However on occasions, Trust is lost, an oath has been broken and it will take time before the balance is restored.
In essence, in Wicca, commitment is a foundational trait that underpins successful relationships, and personal achievements. It requires a balance of dedication, loyalty, responsibility, persistence, self-discipline and the willingness to make sacrifices.
Concerning, and coming back to Wiccan philosophy, commitment is a multifaceted concept deeply intertwined with the spiritual, ethical, and communal aspects of the practice. It also involves a deep and ongoing dedication to the spiritual path. This includes regular practices such as the rituals and ceremonies: As we participate in the Sabbats, seasonal festivals and the Esbats (full moon rituals) we honour our deities and natural cycles.
Engaging in personal practices we connect with the divine and our inner, higher self. We continually seek knowledge about the diverse Wiccan traditions, mythology, and magical practices.
As I pointed out earlier, our ethical responsibility is primarily encapsulated in the Wiccan Rede: “An’ it harm none, do what ye will.” Commitment to this principle requires Mindfulness in our actions and deeds, as we consider the impact of our actions on others and the environment. Our integrity is demonstrated by upholding honesty, fairness, kindness and compassion in dealings with others.
Wicca often emphasizes the importance of community, whether in covens or broader circles. Our commitment to the community can entail actively engaging in group activities, public ceremonies, and support networks.
We can offer help and guidance to fellow practitioners, sharing knowledge, and contributing to the well-being of the ‘group hive’. A core tenet of Wicca is the reverence for nature. Commitment here can involve Environmental Stewardship, protecting and preserving the natural world through sustainable practices.
Personal Growth & Spiritual Resilience
In our daily practice, we attune ourselves to the cycles of the moon and the changing seasons, reflecting this awareness in daily life and rituals. I often advise people, when asked how they can become active, to have a daily chat with the Moon.
On the ongoing journey of self-improvement and transformation, we can include self-reflection, and regularly assessing our beliefs, actions, and spiritual progress. The key is being open to change and new experiences, and embracing personal evolution.
In summary, commitment in Wiccan philosophy is an all-encompassing dedication to spiritual growth, ethical living, community involvement, reverence for nature, and personal development. It is a dynamic and holistic commitment that permeates all aspects of a Wiccan practitioner’s life.
References:
Review Beyond the Broomstick
Wicca, the Religion of Self Expression
Images:
Jesse Owens: https://jesseowens.com/
The Wiccan Rede: https://wiccaacademy.com/the-wiccan-rede/.
