Witchcraft in Dorms - How to manage?
By zavebe
@zavebe (122)
United States
February 10, 2007 8:17pm CST
Firstly let me say I'm not actually Wiccan, but a practicer of wiccan 'science' (like herbs, candle making, tarot reading, those sort of things) - and I consider myself a follower of Tao, instead. But that aside;
I'm a college student in American, and living in Dorms. Dorms which don't allow the burning of ANYTHING in your room. Which completely cramps my style. No incense, no candles... ugh what a drag.
I was wondering if any other practicioners of wicca have had this issue, and if so how they coped with the inability to keep incense and your normal routine going.
2 people like this
5 responses
@carissa765 (1097)
• United States
11 Feb 07
A lot of times when burning was banned for me I would go to my car to meditate and burn the incense that I needed to use for the spells and things that I needed to do. Obviously it did cramp my style, but I learned to deal..
Also being in a more confined space for me helped me to concentrate more, and be more focused on the spell the was being cast.. Especially cleansing spells...
Hope this helps you out.. Sorry to hear about the cramping of your style.
@zavebe (122)
• United States
11 Feb 07
Thanks for the advice. I hadnt thought of using a car for some reason, o.O How strange. lol. I had taken it outside under a maple tree near my dorm that I took a liking too. But it's winter now, and that's not quite so much fun.
I tend to get slightly clausterphobic in small spots, distracting me more than helping me concentrate. But i could always try to shift my mindset a bit more...
Thanks again ;)
1 person likes this
@mourning_willow (50)
• United States
22 Feb 07
I dont have the same problem but i do have a couple things you could think about... you could look for covens if you like to be with other people, or if you solitare find a quite place outside hopeing its not windy like a park (if you confortabl with that) or maybe some sort of field. also if you know someone who has an apartment or house tell them and ask if you could come over some for some time for your religous beliefs.
@highflyingxangel (9225)
• United States
12 Mar 07
Fresh flowers and potporrui can help with the incense issue. I, personally, still burn candles, I just make sure they are hidden whenever checks are made. I keep them far away from anything that may catch on fire, and I make sure I place them on a sturdy surface. I usually burn tealight candles in large candle holders so I can ensure that the flame won't catch anything on fire.
@yanjiaren (9031)
•
11 Feb 07
i know this is totally off topic as iam not a student living in dorms lol but i was fascinated with your taoist ideal..when did you come into contact with taoism..i like your revolving hectagram wheel..very interesting..hope you can enlighten me..
@zavebe (122)
• United States
13 Feb 07
Actually, I took a class in college titled "Non-western Religions", the class covered, briefly, many asian or 'eastern' religions. Including Shamanism, Shintoism, Buddhism, Confusianism, and Taoism. (there were many others, though). A lot of the religions appealed to me. Shintoism rivaled with how the western cultures view Greek mythology, for me. but Taoism I saw that could be a way of life for me.
There are some people who claim taoism is organized, there are even groups who study together. But as a whole, it's not an organized religion at all. The book I use, and try to follow is the Tao Te Ching. It's a collection of what is essentially poetry. Theres a lot of debate in Taoism, if you want to get technical. Which I don't. I prefer just to follow Tao the best I can, and ignore all the quarrel.
The Tao Te Ching is easily acessable, and you can probably even find it online someplace. Following Tao is a truly simple way of life. And the basis of it is: be at peace with Tao (sometimes seen as nature itself). At least, that's how i simplify it. But it can be seen in many, many different ways.
The hectagram wheel I have as my avatar/icon was made for me by a friend on an art site I vist frequently (http://www.deviantart.com). And I've always felt connected to it. It's unique, and mystical. With a lot of things attached to it (7 days of the week, 7 planets [the original 7 from anciet times and used in astrology, that is]) and it's just a personal thing for me.
Thanks for showing interest. If you have anymore questions you're free to ask ^.^
@Daystar (1)
• United States
24 Aug 08
This is going to sound UTTERLY sacrilegious, but you can use electric candles. They should be available at a Target, Wal-Mart, or similar near you. You put in 2 or 3 double AA batteries and turn them on. They don't work as well as standard candles, but it's a start, especially if you're good at visualization. Also, to have different colors, try making (knitting?) wrappings for them with colored string, thread, or ribbons.
