Wiccans, Witches, pagans… Is it worth it to learn to read, write and speak latin to use in ritual & in my ?
Friday, September 18th, 2009 at
6:30 pm
Book of Shadows? Would this be a useful language to learn?
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Tagged with: book of shadows
Filed under: Written and Spoken Latin
"Is it worth it to learn to read, write and speak latin-"
Yes.
"to use in ritual & in my Book of Shadows?"
No.
"Would this be a useful language to learn?"
Yes. If you’re going to study the foundations of religious theology and also magic you get people who use Latin and Greek, investing words with far more mystery than they actually have. Knowing one or both helps you understand, but, frankly, sometimes I wish I still got the mysterious ooooooh from Latin that I got before I learned Latin.
That being said, using a phrase that hits the gut in the original language can be really worthwhile. If nothing else, when asked for a quote on the Stock Market you can say "O, My country" and get chills.
Edit: Oh, and NEVER just memorize meaningless words!
i cant think of any way its necessary, personally. this act only adds to the psychology of your working, any language would get the job done, including your native one.
No, your regular language is fine. If you are doing something that requires words in a specific language, just memorize those words.
Rev. Neil
Use your own words and speak from the heart
Its real but God is over all.
No. Not in the least.
I can think of some good reasons to learn Latin – I’m sure it would be useful for a variety of things. And if one had the time and inclination I can’t imagine it would be wasted energy. I could be wrong though.
For me, learning the Celtic languages would be much more useful as those are the languages related to my gods. That would benefit me in reading texts, comparing translations, and better understanding the culture that originally worshiped my gods. With my plate as full as it currently is, those are the sorts of reasons that would inspire me to learn a language.
To me, no, learning Latin would not be worth it. But it depends on how it would benefit you. It might be very worth it.
I can’t think it would be of any great help, unless you plan on looking esoteric.
Otherwise, the language doesn’t matter – the intent and focus of will matters the most.
Learn it and use it IF you’re interested in doing so. But it’s not going to make any real change in your spellwork.
It is not necessary for your book of shadows. It can be useful, if you ever plan on working with any Latin texts.
When I studied the Greek Magical Papyri I had to frequently work between languages. It was interesting and painful at the same time.
As a Theodsman, we prefer to speak to our gods in rite in the elder languages. It is a sign of respect. We know that the words were pleasing to them when our ancestors used them, we use them now because it has precedence. Learning the elder languages also facilitates our reconstruction, as relying on translations alone can result in many fundamental errors.
Ultimately though, it is up to you as to whether you should use it or whether it will be useful to you if you learn it.
my book of shadows is in english. I know very little latin and truthfully, the language is confusing I understand why it’s a dead language lol
With that said.
It does not matter what you write in your book of shadows or how you write it. The most common among modern witches is learning a rune alphabet but even this is not a requirement. It is totally up to you.
Blessed Be, and I hope you enjoy your journey!
Latin sure sounds cool, but unless you are specifically a Roman Reconstructionist Pagan, it is just a pretty frill.
Movies use Latin a lot to make "magic words" that sound cool, but slightly familiar. In fact the "magic" in Harry Potter is mostly just the Latin for what they want.
I would really like to learn a different language and use it in my rituals and spells. Basically, I think that by speaking a different language, you are pulled out of the normal everyday feeling and it possibly could get you into ‘the zone’ quicker. If someone tried to read your BOS, they would have to know latin. I would like to learn Cape Verdean, which is part of my ancestry. I think that doing ritual and spell work in that language would be super powerful and very moving for me. If there is a language in your heritage, like Gaelic, I would say go for that instead.
Either way, IMO, it would just be really kick a** and cool.
I think that it’s worth it.
Latin is a great language, and is certainly useful, in terms of research and translating old records, and also in terms of general linguistic studies,. However, unless your particular practice is Romano-centric, I fail to see any particular benefit from learning Latin for your practice. If the God and Goddess you choose to pray to are Roman, then I suppose it makes sense, but if they are Celtic (like mine), then you would be speaking the language of the enemy, wouldn’t you? In terms of your BOS, you might choose to write in Latin (or any other semi-dead or obscure language), for privacy issues. But the use of Latin certainly does not grant your workings more power than English.
Latin, Greek, Aramaic and al of the classical languages are GOOD to learn, for their own sake. However, will using them in ritual or in your BOS give them any more "power"? No, not really. The most effective language is the language that you use everyday as it allows you to clearly define your intent and focus. Recons Will try to use the"original tongue" but they truly have NO idea of the nuances of the language as was spoken in the times which the Gods were actively worshiped. The idiosyncrasies of language tend to give words several meanings. Take out use of the modern term "get lost". Are we asking folks to actually go out and find themselves in a position where they have no idea where they are? No, we just want them to go away. It is those nuances of language that can bring into confusion when examining ancient languages for we have no idea what the "slang" of the day was. Many of the writers of those eras tended to be uneducated or undereducated, and tended to write in the common language of the people. They may very well have written a line or an entire work in the slang vernacular and not in precise terms. This leaves the Modern Reconstructionist having to try and figure out what exactly was meant by the statement.
Using your OWN language leaves little doubt in your mind as to what YOU intend, and it is YOUR intentions that count when YOU are doing your own rites and practices.
Brightest Blessings,
Raji the Green Witch
If you followed Roman religion, maybe, but since you’re talking about a Book of Shadows, I’m presuming you’re talking Wicca, and I can’t see a single reason why you would need to learn Latin for Wicca.
If you’re called to Latin, then it will be beneficial. All knowledge is useful. But, what is useful for one, is not needed for another.
Latin, and Greek would be good and use full to learn and use in study of the history of the craft and such, even just to learn mundane things. But to use it in ritual or in your Book of Shadows, No this should not be done because it is best to use your native tongue. Your intent is best described in your own language. But, do what you feel is right do not base your decision on what we tell you, but rather search your heart.
Blessed Be.
there are many reasons to learn latin, but understand it is a very complicated language. i would say that unless you plan to follow the ecclesia romana, it would be a lot of effort for a little benefit.
latin is the language of science and the basis of most european languages, so if you have a strong interest in those topics, it would be helpful. for spell casting, your native language is fine.
In my opinion, not for your BOS. I studied Latin and while it isn’t difficult, it takes a long time to get really good at it.
I would write in the words that you use to speak your deepest thoughts, the language that you DREAM in, and that that is where your magic lies, where you can express yourself deepest as a Witch.
Blessings,
LM
I don’t know… ASK ALONSO BRITO!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xd05QHfuK4