Chapter 8: Mythology and Folklore

To me, the study of myth—of the gods—holds much of the heart of my Wiccan path. It is my favorite area of study. I am far happier reading a book on mythology than reading a novel. When I read the stories of the gods, I learn who they are and how best to worship them. Other than actually being in the process of worship, what could be more rewarding?

When first learning Wicca, we all pick up some preconceptions about the Wiccan gods, although what those conceptions are will vary depending upon whether you are a traditional Wiccan, an eclectic, or a radical witch. Radical and feminist witches and goddess spirituality practitioners are most likely to emphasize the concept of Maiden, Mother, and Crone. They may give little attention to any god. Radicals and eclectics often correspond a Triple God to the Triple Goddess, while traditional Wiccans tend to focus on a Two-Faced God and a Triple Goddess.

Some Traditionalists give little attention to mythology beyond the lore of their own tradition, but may study that internal myth a great deal. They will often focus on the culture from which their tradition derives, often (but not always) Celtic or
some specific Celtic culture. Traditional Wiccans may benefit from learning that their gods are broader and more complex than they had originally believed. Studying syncretic theories of mythology, such as Joseph Campbell’s “monomyth,” may be an enlightening way of reframing their explorations of deity.

Many feminist witches argue that all goddesses are Maiden, Mother, or Crone, while some feminist scholars argue fervently against this theory. Radical and feminist witches can be empowered by learning about a great variety of goddesses, especially those who seem to fall outside this triple formulation. They can then make up their own minds about this controversy.

Overall, eclectics are most likely to embrace a truly universalist approach to mythology, because they have neither a tradition nor an ideology to confine their explorations. (That is not to say that other Wiccans are necessarily confined in their outlook, but there is always that potential.) Eclectics can benefit most from a study of mythology that pays attention to preference and cultural context. While, at its best, eclecticism grabs hold of a great breadth of material, at its worst, it utterly disregards depth. Studying stories of the gods informs us about things that individual deities may like or dislike, and can impart information on how they should be worshiped. Even a quick overview of Greek mythology tells us that Demeter and Hades do not belong on an altar together. In the story of the abduction of Persephone, Demeter declared Hades to be her eternal enemy. In this same story, Demeter also refused wine and drank a barley beverage instead. Studying this one story tells us who the goddess gets along with and what kind of offerings are, and are not, acceptable on her altar.