Zelda_of_Arel asked this question on 5/4/2000:

Merry Meet!

I'd like to ask 3 things.

1.) I've been going through a lot or Wicca sites and I noticed something. The Elements attributed to South and West are sometimes mixed up. South - Fire West - Water or South - Water West - Fire Are these different ways? Then why? Or maybe they're just mistakes?

2.) What's purification and how's it done?

3.) What do the degrees mean?

Thanks, I'll rate all answers.

Merry Part! Zelda

amethystrose gave this response on 5/4/2000:

Merry Meet again, Zelda!

1) I have also seen it as North=Air, East=Earth, South=Fire and West=Water. I tend to use the same except North and East are switched. However, it also changes according to where you live. In Austrailia for example North=Fire as the fire element is usually where the equator is. In England North is Air because that's the direction the wind blows from. Here in California West is usually Water because that's where the ocean is. Whereever the elements are in relation to your location and 'whatever feels right' usually determines where you call your quarters.

2) Purification is the banishment/cleansing of negative and other unwanted energies. Depending what you are purifiying will depend on how it is done. For example, I tend to use blessed water, inscence, fire (candle) and earth (dirt) to cleanse my stones. Other people let them stay out in the moonlight for X-many nights or in the sun for X-many days. Again, personal preference here. This is all usually done in ritual but doesn't always have to be (ie. using moonlight or sunlight all night or all day is a bit much for a ritual, however a ritual can be done before hand if you wish.)

The degrees in wicca are the levels one progresses while in a coven. They are as follows: initiate (beginner, not yet taken dedication or initiated into coven), first degree (initiated into a coven. Now is a priest or priestess), second degree (high priest or high priestess. Not yet ready to form own coven however, they may do so under the guidance of another more advanced HP), third degree (High priest or High Priestess. Usually the 'leader' of a coven).

If you have any more questions please feel free to ask.

Blessings! Jessica

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