Glossary - exWitch Australia (formerly 'Born Again Pagan')

TRANSFORMATION MYSTERIES

These Mysteries constitute the most inner Mysteries of Wicca/Neo-Pagan Witchcraft, which are related to spiritual and magickal transformation. They concern the magickal abilities to physically change shape or to fly that are found in almost every legend and fairy tale related to Witches. This power to ascend the laws of physics is greatly respected in the Mysteries of Wicca (see WICCAN MYTHOS). In some incidents a Potion, ointment, or elixir is required to bring about the desired effect. In the transcripts of the Witch trails in the Middle Ages a so-called flying-ointment was mentioned, which was said to contain powerful drugs and grotesque ingredients.

The applications of the Potions and ointments originated from the use of hallucinogenic plant by Shamans in the early Witch cults. Ergot mold (Claviceps purpurea), found particularly on rye, and therefore contained in the flour used to make Sabbat cakes, was used for Shamanic journeys. LSD is a synthesized product made from ergonovine. Mushrooms such as road mushroom (Amanita muscaria) also produce a state of intoxication. Because of its high concentration in the urine of a person drinking its juice, urine was found to be an ingredient in some very ancient Potions. Another intoxicant, bufotenia, comes from the secretion of certain frogs, and was also another ancient ingredient associated with Witches.

The ability to shapeshift, turning into an animal such as a wolf, is still claimed to be a power by some non-Wiccan Witches. Some believed this is a thought form that was mentally projected when in a Trance or under the influence of intoxicants. Others believed it to be a form of mimeric Magick, taking on the actions of a wolf (heightened by using hallucinogenics). While others maintain that shapeshifting is an actual physical transformation.

The experiences of Initiation and Psychic development are included within the Transformation Mysteries. The wine used in modern Wiccan rituals does not include the psychotropic ingredients as it did in ancient times; but the symbolism remains. The Psychic centers of the body are activated and the individual is aligned with occult energies. This allows the person to access other planes or dimensions through employing both the conscious and unconscious mind. In the Bacchic Mysteries of Italy, this was the divine intoxication that brought the person into the presence of the Divine.

see also: WICCA; CAULDRON MYSTERIES

PLEASE NOTE:
One of the major problems with 'defining' Paganism and/or its beliefs and practices is that it is an 'organic' movement, in that it is undergoing constant change and re-evaluation from within, and as such any 'one-size-fits-all' approach to understanding Paganism will be found wanting.

Due to the very 'organic' nature of Paganism, and the many differing Paths and Traditions within it, in many cases no one definition may be universally accepted by all Pagans. Therefore, where such cases of possible conflicting and/or contradictory meanings of certain terms occur I have endevoured to give not only the generally accepted meaning, but also any major 'variations' in belief and/or practice.

Christians who believe this difference in meaning of certain key terms, beliefs and practices to be unique to Paganism need to remember that such conflicts also arise within the Body of Christ - the Church. Take for instance the differing practices amongst Christians concerning Baptism and the different attitudes towards women in the clergy.

- Jean-Luc