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Dear Delriece...
I have a problem and i hope you would be able to help. I
am very interested in the wiccan way and have done alot of research. I
know that wicca has a strong tie with nature and the respect for all
aspects of it but I have been raised by my family as a very avid hunter
and have been doing it for many years. In fact, I enjoy every moment of
it. Could this conflict with me being a witch? And should I stop? I
have been thinking that if I give enough back to nature it would be ok but
im not sure. If it is ok, what things and in what way could i give back
to nature?
Moonshadow in Grand Rapids MI
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Dear Moonshadow,
Ultimately, this is your own personal decision, though it is not one to be taken lightly. Indeed, I know many Pagans who choose not to hunt, or who become vegetarian due to their spiritual beliefs. But the imporant thing is that you reconcile your beliefs with your practices. If you deep-down believe that hunting is wrong, the practice can wear down on you spiritually, so you should stop. But if you can in good conscience make the decision to hunt, then you can give back to nature in both a symbolic and real sense of the word.
A few suggestions might include ritual at the killing of the animal. Indeed, some tribal cultures perform ritual. You might say a short prayer before delivering the fatal shot asking the Gods if it is all right to kill this animal and to guide your aim away if now is not the time for the animal to die. You may wish to also perform a ritual of thanks when preparing the meat, hide or other things you will take away from the hunt... perhaps leaving a small offering to the Gods. Later on, you can donate your time to give back to nature. Perhaps by planting trees, picking up trash in a woodland area, or donating money to a wildlife preservation society.
Light!
Delriece
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