Who We Are
Tryskelion is an eclectic blend of basic and shared beliefs, expressed within the forms and rituals of Wicca. Central to our form of Wicca is the belief that all gods are aspects of one god; all goddesses are aspects of one goddess; and the two are One in a Divine Force which is both female and male, yet neither; being transcendent of that polarity.
We believe that each of these god/dess forms have a stored power of their own, given to them by those who have worshiped them through the ages. Hence the phrase, "As we need the Gods, so do the Gods need us." We believe we can "tap into" that stored power and use it as we will, in accordance with the Wiccan Rede.
We believe that all religions and belief systems are valid, and see them as but different paths to the same end. We recognize the underlying similarities across broad spectrums of religions, but also honor the differences. We do not believe in undermining any religion, but neither do we passively allow any religion to dominate all others. We absolutely do not believe in a "one true way" frame of thought, and are commited to advancing spiritual harmony.
We do not believe in violence as a first line of defense, nor for revenge, vengence, or social change. However, we have learned through the years that there are times when negative action can only be stopped by a higher negative action. We seek, first and foremost, to reflect an individual’s or group’s thoughts and actions back towards them, that whatever they send forth shall be visited upon those who insist on fomenting negativity. But we do not see that as our only accepted course of action. All other acts must be weighed against the Rede, and consequences paid accordingly.
We believe in the Wiccan Rede, "An’ it harm no one, do as ye will." We do not see this as a purely restrictive counsel, but also as a permissive one. As long as our action harms no one, then we are absolutely free to enjoy them. However, should an action bring harm to someone, then we must sit back and consider if the price to be paid is worth the cost.
We believe in the Three-Fold Law - that actions, for good or bad, are repaid to the same polarity threefold. Hence, if we knowingly harm someone, then we shall be repaid for the act threefold. This can manifest itself in many ways. I once knew someone who was repaid by having three bad things happen to him, one after another. Most generally, the effect that you have sent out is given back to you threefold in strength. Alternatively, if you do good for someone, that act will be repaid to you threefold, as well. This goes a bit beyond the law of Karma, or "what ye sow, so shall ye reap." We believe you will reap more that what you sow, for better or worse.
We believe in the continuity of life, even through the "afterlife." At the heart of this is a belief in some form of reincarnation, though individuals may each see it a little differently. One of our basic beliefs is in the existence of a "Summerland", where we travel when this mortal body fails. Here, we meet loved ones who have gone before, but not yet travelled on. It is a place of rest; a time to consider what has been learned through the lifetimes, for here all times are one time. We see what lessons we yet need to learn in order to jump off the Wheel of Transmigration, and we set the stage for our rebirths. Each of us has a differing opinion of what and if there is a final end. My personal belief is that we progress until we are given the choice of either rejoining with the Divine Creative Force, or returning to any of the lower planes to serve as "guides" and avatars.
We believe that there are souls with whom we are linked through lifetimes. Although we may not meet everyone in our "cadre" during each lifetime, those times when we do meet are to be considered special and significant. We believe that this is often the source of "deja vu" feelings. However, each person you meet is brought into your life for a particular reason. We do not believe in sheer coincidence. Whatever happens, happens because it is meant to happen. If not as a lesson for yourself in this particular incarnation, then as a lesson for the other person. To see the patterns behind the events, we believe, is to understand the mystery of the lesson, and enables us to take appropriate action to resolve the situation once and for all -- forever.
We worship the Goddess in Her Threefold form of Maiden, Mother, and Crone. She is eternal and ever present., and we believe Her desires for us are contained within the Charge of the Goddess. We worship the God, her Divine Consort, in his dual forms of Oak and Holly King, and recognize his sacrifical nature.
Our lives are lived by the Wheel of the Year, as much as possible. This does not mean we are static. Living the Wheel within modern times, and yet keeping the essence of the traditions of the Old Religion alive, calls for constant changes in forms of thought and action.
We hold sacred the 8 Spokes of the Wheel - the four Major and four Minor Sabbats, and we see them as a gauge to the growth and seasons within ourselves, as much as to the world around us. They help us to achieve and maintain balance within our lives, and to attune ourselves to the universal vibrations.
We believe the microcosm of our world is but an image of the macrocosm of the universe. Therefore, whatever is represented here, manifests itself within the universe, as well. (As above, so below) However, the form and nature may be beyond our comprehension. Working within this principle, as well as the principles of balance, we see magick as something entirely natural. A few of us call it "supranatural" (ultra natural) because we do not believe in the "supernatural". We believe that anyone can manifest so-called supernatural talents through hard work and dedication. Magickal spells work because of the energy we pour into them, matching the vibrations of the need with the vibrations of the world around us.
We do not believe you must surround yourself with herbs, incenses, candles, and strange looking implements in order to make a "spell" work. The power to effect change rests within ourselves; not in the accoutrement. These are only tools used to help us focus our energy on a particular need. Using techniques employed throughout the ages by wise-women and men, we attune our thoughts, raise either stored or personal energy, and send it out to the four winds to effect the desired change, in accordance with the good of the whole.
However, we do not see our faith as based on magick; rather, our magick is centered around our faith. This is not a game we play, nor is it a role or a mask which we wear to impress others. Our main goal is union with what each of us sees as the Divine, and the acknowledgement and growth of that divinity within us. To this end, the five points, as well as the center of the pentacle is an important tool of our learning process. Each point represents an aspect of the Craft to be made manifest in our lives; the center being the merging and transcendence of the parts into the Whole.
We all know that it would be much easier to cast aside our thoughts and beliefs and play the approved game. However, we must be true to ourselves and to our vision of the Divine Creative/Destructive Force. Although living the Wheel of the Year becomes a lifestyle for those dedicated to the Craft, it doesn’t allow us to forget, or excuse us, from our daily familial and societal responsibilities. It is not the past in which we seek to live; but rather to use the lessons of the past to go forward in balance and peace.