Green Witchcraft is one of the least documented Wiccan traditions, perhaps because its practitioners often also practice other main stream Wiccan Traditions or perhaps because most Wiccan practices are essentially Green by nature. Green Witchcraft is sometimes erroneously confused with Hedgecraft - perhaps because of the similarities that exist between these two traditions in their approach to the Craft.

"A caped dark figure moves through the trees into a clearing in the wood. She stops in front of an altar prepared in readiness for her arrival and lights the three votive candles on its surface. When the third candle is lit, torches as if by magick, are lit at the edge of the clearing and more hooded figures enter the circle of light. She turns to look at them, where they are now standing quietly in the circle waiting.

When the word "Magick" is mentioned, people will either think of David Copperfield or see images of Snow White's evil stepmother standing over her cauldron concocting a poisonous brew amidst puffs of brightly colored smoke which are released as each vile ingredient is added, all the while chanting incantations in a language that could only be demonic in nature.

Human beings polarize towards other human beings who share interests, are likeminded, have similar philosophies and analogous beliefs. We define ourselves not only in isolation, but also in relation to others. Polarizing results in the formation of groups. The group creates a feeling of safety because of the common grounds shared. Members in a group often feel that they can rely on the other members and that they can be depended upon in return.

In order to discuss the Wiccan Rede, let me recite it here for you before we begin the discussion.

Bide ye Wiccan laws ye must,
in perfect love and perfect trust.
Live and let live, fairly take and fairly give.
Form the circle thrice about, to keep all evil spirits out.
To bind ye spell every time, let ye spell be spake in rhyme.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
from Macbeth

A dark Cave. In the middle, a Caldron boiling. Thunder.
1 WITCH. Round about the caldron go;
In the poison'd entrails throw.
Toad, that under cold stone,
Days and nights has thirty-one;
Swelter'd venom sleeping got,
Boil thou first i' the charmed pot!
ALL. Double, double toil and trouble;
Fire burn, and caldron bubble.

The reign of Elizabeth I, Queen of England during the late 1500s, marked an intellectual era of the Renaissance. Sadly, it also marked an era of intensified persecution of Witches, a persecution supported by the Queen who is said to have been a pious creature - always lending an ear to the clergy and heading their ill-advice. Perhaps she too was concerned about her own safety.

Christianity, as it stands today, is based on the teachings found in the Old and the New Testaments of the Christian Bible. In the Old Testament, witchcraft, divination and spirit communication, are condemned. In this Testament, the practices were strictly monotheistic, ruled by the iron fist of a God who was jealous, unforgiving, vengeful, easy to anger and destructive.

Modern Witchcraft is both the product of evolution and invention. For a thousand years, traditional witches had to remain underground for fear of persecution, torture and death. Whilst many books were published on the topic of Witchcraft during the Middle Ages, the content was without exception, aimed at sketching the Craft as an evil, maleficent practice.

Witchcraft/Wicca is a positive, earthy religion, which celebrates Life and Nature in dedication of the Goddess and God. The Goddess is symbolized by the moon and is often referred to as the Triple Goddess - Maiden, Mother and Crone. The 12 to 13 Full Moons of the Year are celebrated during the Esbats, which are in a way, lesser Sabbats.

The God is symbolized by the Sun.