Paganism, in some cases referred to as Wicca, can mean many things to many people. My personal interpretation is that it's an earth-based religion, centered around seasonal changes and profound respect for all of nature's creatures. There is the Wiccan creed, "An ye harm none, do as thou wilt", and the Threefold Law which states "Any good deed returns itself thrice, as does any bad deed". In my opinion, this allows for a good deal of personal freedom in how you decide to celebrate your spirituality, so long as you don't try to impose it on others, or try to influence anyone in any way. At the risk of sounding like a New Age Refugee, everyone has their own path.
Wicca and Paganism in general are huge topics. If you care to learn more, you can find many books out there; I personally recommend Seven Stars Bookstore for a great selection. What follows are some helpful places and resources for those so inclined . . .
Pagan Supplies and Publications
Herbs
Harvest Co-op Decent place for bulk herbs, and they also sell candles, extracts, and some pagan publications (like "Green Egg"). (581 Massachusetts Avenue (Central Square). (617) 661-1580). Hours: Mon-Sun 9 am-9 pm. See their listing in the Food section.
Cambridge Naturals A great selection of bulk herbs, plant extracts, candles, mineral salts, and other useful items. 1668 Massachusetts Avenue (between Harvard and Porter Squares), Cambridge, MA - (617) 234-4327. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 11-8 p.m. See their listing in the Healing section for more info.
Paraphernalia
Ritual Arts Funky and fun little store which carries a wonderful assortment of pagan statues and wall sculptures, jewelry, incense, oils, and candles. 153 Harvard Ave., Allston, MA (617) 787-4157. Call for hours.
Seven Stars Crystals and healing stones, books on Wicca and Paganism, Tibetan bells, bowls, and sacred figurines. 731 Massachusetts Ave. (Central Square; across from the post office), Cambridge, MA. (617) 547-1317. Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am-10 pm; Sun 12-9 pm. See their listing in the "Expand Your Mind" section.
Unicorn Books Crystals and healing stones, books and publications, incense, candles, sacred figurines, and more. 1210 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington, MA. (781) 646-3680. Hours: Mon-Fri 10-9 pm; Sat 10-5:30 pm; Sun noon-5 pm. See their listing in the "Expand Your Mind" section.
Moonscents & Magickal Blends A fabulous store for all things pagan. Books and publications, incense and oils, clothing, jewelry, figurines and works of art, herbal remedies and teas, and much, much more. If you don't mind a bit of a parking hassle, visit their store. Otherwise, check them out online. They have a thriving mail order business, if you can't make it into downtown Boston. 46 Waltham St. (South End), Boston, MA (617) 482-0474 or 1-800-368-7417. Mail order office hours Mon-Sat 10 am-6 pm. Call for store hours.
Publications
Horns & CrescentQuarterly newsletter with articles and local event listings. Their web site includes a calendar of events.
Helpful Organizations and Resources
The EarthSpirit Community "A non-profit organization providing services to a nationwide network of Pagans and others following an Earth-centered spiritual path". They organize gatherings and seasonal circles open to the public, and produce publications, tapes, classes and workshops. (617) 395-1023.
Witches' League for Public Awareness (from their web site): "The Witches' League for Public Awareness is a proactive educational network dedicated to correcting misinformation about Witches and Witchcraft. The work of the League springs from a shared vision of a world free from all religious persecution."
Nemeton: Boston University's Pagan Student Alliance Nemeton is the Wiccan Student Alliance at Boston University, founded in the fall of the year 2000. They also have members from UMASS, Northeastern University, Emmanuel College, and Boston College. The group was founded to form a community of Boston Wiccans, and they have connections with the MIT Pagan Student Group as well as a Pagan group at the University of Connecticut. Their members also participate in the Boston Pagan Alliance which has various groups for discussion and practice within Metropolitan Boston.
The Tremont Tearoom Since 1936 (the nation's oldest new age salon!), the Original Tremont Tearoom has served Boston and its surrounding communities, providing tarot readings, psychic readings and spiritual healing, among many other services and products. This quiet elusive place, located at 48-50 Winter Street (in Boston) on the third floor, has welcomed thousands of people through its door annually. They offer free monthly pagan circles, open and always free of charge to the public. They also have many affordable pagan classes etc offered monthly as well as a free healing meditation circle every Sunday night.
Sharynne MacLeod NicMhacha A writer and bard of Scottish and Irish descent, Sharynne offers workshops and rituals in the Celtic tradition, including Gaelic language classes; Celtic Magick, Celtic Earth Religion, Celtic Shamanism, Journeying and Meditation; Music; Holistic and Tribal Life Paths. She is a devoted researcher, and has written many articles for such publications as "Green Egg," "Spirit of Change," and "Keltria: A Journal of Druidism." She was also one-half of The Moors, and has put together a new band called Devandaurae. She also has a book due out in Spring 2004. Be sure to visit her website.
Celtic & Norse Sites
The Sacred Fire — A Celebration of Ancient Celtic History and Lore
A web ring of sites dedicated to Celtic history.
Hurstwic: Viking History
Daily living, society, shipbuilding, literature, myths and religion.
The World of the Vikings
A collection of links to sites exploring Viking academic research, mythology, and much more.
The Norse Mythology Web Page
A nicely organized and very detailed discussion of Norse mythology.
