Seeker's Information

This page contains information that will benefit anyone whose seeking has led them to investigate the path of Wicca. This information is widely available to those who look for it. When available, links to either the source of this information or the location of further information will be included in the text. May you find the guidance & knowledge you thirst for. Blessed Be.

Table Of Contents
Basic Wiccan Manners	Wiccan Principles	Finding A Teacher
Bonewits' Cult Danger Evaluation Frame	Finding A Coven

Basic Wiccan Manners
by Grey Cat, Members Advocate
The following are the Basics of what are 'common sense' manners for Pagans and non-Pagans alike. If you are going to attend a public ritual or are just getting started and are wondering what is okay and what is not okay, these should help you out. Pagan manners are fairly simple and have nothing to do with which fork you use or how to word an invitation. They have to do with respect for others' feelings and beliefs. They most specifically have to do with recognition of the fact that you should "judge not the path of your brother or sister for their path is sacred." Manners are also the only way of attempting to grant everyone the personal space which each of us needs. There have been a number of attempts to write down a list of "thou shalts" and "thou shalt nots" which will cover Pagan life. Here are several tries made by four different people:

Grey Cat's Opinions

1. Never assume that you are invited to a ritual or a non-public gathering just because your friend is invited. Have your friend call the group doing the event and ASK! (or call yourself).

2. When participating in a ritual led by a group of which you are not a member, ask ahead of time what will be done. Should there be something in the explanation, or in the set-up of the ritual area that bothers you, just quietly don't participate in the ritual.

3. Ask the person(s) officiating at a ritual before you place anything in the ritual area; wear clothing or tools which might be considered unusual; or add private energy workings to the ritual being done.

4. Never just walk out of a cast ritual circle. Ask someone in the group sponsoring the ritual to cut you a door if your really and truly absolutely have to leave.

5. Don't make comments on the ritual, its leaders or the amount or quality of the energy raised during the ritual unless such opinions are asked for by the leaders. Save it for your friends, privately, after the ritual is over.

6. Vegetarians, Vegans, Strict Carnivores, Diabetics, and any others with very strong food preferences: no one minds your asking quietly and politely, "Which dishes have meat (sugar, spices, hot pepper, etc.) in them?" When planning a meal for mixed Pagan/Wiccan groups, it is strongly suggested that at least some of the dishes be vegetarian, sugar-free, relatively non-spicy etc. At all times, within and without the ritual context, always provide an alternative to alcoholic beverages.

7. While many people have become far less secretive about their membership in a Pagan group, it is never, EVER, permissible to "blow someone's cover". Do not ever call a friend or acquaintance by their Pagan name or mention their membership in a mundane situation. It is also bad manners - and a symptom of social climbing - to call an individual by his/her mundane name in a Pagan situation. It always reminds me of an extra calling John Wayne "The Duke" at a local bar.

8. Whether you drink, take drugs or indulge in other similar behavior is completely your own business. It is always wrong to urge such behavior on any other individual. The majority of serious Pagan groups absolutely do NOT allow anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol to participate in ritual. Do not be offended of you are turned away for this reason. If you are taking a psycho-active drug for a medical reason it is very wise to check with the ritual leader(s) so they will understand and can advise you if they feel the ritual might be harmful to you.

9. Just because most Pagans/Wiccans are under 40 and in reasonably good physical condition, never assume that everyone is. Rituals and gatherings should be planned so that those with physical problems aren't barred totally from participation. Particularly in ritual, be aware that many more people than you might think are "mobility disabled." Group ritual should take place in an accessible area and some thought should be given to designating a safe place for those not taking part in dancing to stand or sit. Please be alert to anyone to whom help would be welcome. Help them to find a campsite which minimizes walking - to the ritual area, to the privies, to the eating area - whatever. Help them pitch their camp. Don't make them feel unwelcome - most handicapped people have worked extra hard on their magickal skills and may be able to add a great deal to the power in ritual and to the success of the gathering.

10. When at any sort of gathering, please be thoughtful. Particularly please observe true quiet after midnight. No one minds if you and others want to stay up all night talking or whatever. Everyone else minds a great deal if you stay up talking and laughing loudly and/or drumming. Those hosting a gathering should take the responsibility of keeping the noise level very low in at least some of the sleeping areas - and designating it as a quiet area.

11. Do not allow yourself to get the idea that you know the One True, Right and Only Path! Even if you really do have the conviction that what someone else is doing is "wrong", "incorrect", "Left-hand path" or whatever, just don't talk about it. It is perfectly permissible to refrain from participating in the activities of those with whom you cannot feel comfortable. It is not acceptable to express the idea that they "shouldn't" be doing it. This is not to say that if you know of criminal behavior on the part of a so-called Pagan/Wiccan group you should not report it. We must also be responsible for cleaning up our own act. Paganism is glorified by its diversity. Please do not allow yourself to express judgment by categories. Whether or not you like or dislike blacks, Indians, Homosexuals, women, men, or whatever, keep it to yourself! If you really and truly cannot feel comfortable taking part in a ritual which isn't conducted according to the tradition you follow or if you cannot be pleasant in company mixed with groups you disapprove of, please just stay home.

Pagan/Craft Etiquette
by Soapbox Sam

Listed below are not hard and fast rules, but some helpful guidelines for those who would function smoothly in a craft/Pagan environment.

1. Should you write to someone for information, always enclose an SASE (Self-addressed, Stamped Envelope). Many of us receive several inquiries a day. Sometimes just answering them, much less having to pay the postage and buy envelopes, is a time-consuming, expensive task!

2. Should your inquiry be about Pagan/Craft folks in your area, tell about yourself, and how you came to have our names and wrote to is -after all the Inquisition is alive and sick here in the heart of the Bible Belt. Do not expect names and addresses unless they are already "public". Most of us, even the "public" Pagan/Craft folks prefer to meet people slowly and carefully over a cup of coffee in a public place, before we start introducing you to our groups and our friends. Why should we risk when you have risked nothing? ((Sometimes I get mail that simply has a name and address on it and demand that I send the latest copy of my newsletter or the names and addresses/phone numbers of all Craft people in the writer's areas. One man sent me a letter raising hell because he has (according to him) sent me $0.33 in the mail and was waiting on the copy of my newsletter "I owed him"! Sadly, this type of letter is more common than not... his letter and 33 cents, if ever sent, was never received. Do I really have to explain to grown mature adults about sending money through the mails???))

3. If you are invited to a gathering or festival, whether by written or oral invitation, before you invite others, get permission. Because of space, or other considerations, the number of people that can be accommodated might be limited, or certain individuals or groups may not be welcome because of personality conflicts and resulting disharmony. Also, if a weekend gathering is scheduled and you can only arrive for the ritual and then must leave, ask if that is OK...sometimes the ritual is the climax of the entire gathering, rather than an event in itself; in that case to show up only for the ritual not having been part of the entire event is to 'take-away' from the meaning of the whole for those who were there!

4. Always inquire what you should bring to any gathering. If you have received an official invitation, you should have been told. But, assume nothing! Ask if you need to bring food, robes, candles, drinks, eating utensils (forks, cups, plates, etc). It is unreasonable and rude to assume that an invitation to a gathering means that people just like yourselves, will expect you to come and eat their food, use their utensils and leave a mess for them to clean up after you have gone. If you cannot take food, then at least offer the gatherings sponsors a cash donation to help defray their cost. If you can't stay to help clean up afterwards, at least be considerate enough to get your own refuse to a garbage container.

5. To be invited to participate in another's ritual is NOT your right, but rather a privilege and an honor. If you are unfamiliar with their tradition, common courtesy demands that you at least inquire about enough information to participate in a positive fashion, and most certainly, make no assumptions about adding anything to the circle or placing your "special' crystals, totems, whatever in the circle or at a specific place within the circle without getting permission. Also, do not remove anything from a circle even should you feel it doesn't belong, without explaining why and getting permission. It should not have to be said, but then neither should any of the above: If these Pagan/Craft rituals have no meaning in your life, and if you have just come for the fellowship, then enjoy the fellowship and please do not attend the ritual. The circle is a significant part of our entire way of life, not a reenactment of some past event just for the sake of the pageantry. When we can, we are pleased to share it with you, and we do so in Love and Light with Peace and Laughter.

Ideas From Merlin The Enchanter
1. Be Yourself... if you worry about what others think, then you won't think for yourself... and if you don't think for yourself, you may as well be dead!

2. Allow all others to be themselves... just because Joe Blow from Kokomo has blue candles on his altar and you use only white ones, that doesn't mean he is wrong or evil. We must each one be allowed our own Pagan path in freedom, for if we cannot do that, then we have no freedom!

3. Let's stop all the silliness of who is and is not a Witch, and what one must do to be a witch.

4. Don't ask for someone's opinions unless you really want it! More Witch wars are started because someone asked for another's views and didn't like the answer they got!

5. Add a dose of good humor (the worst Witches are the ones that take everything so (S-E-R-I-O-U-S-L-Y!)

- It is necessary that we learn to be just plain adult about working together - or even, just existing on the same planet.

- If you can't tolerate any slightest deviation from your own tradition, do not take part in public or cross-cultural rituals or gatherings.

Wiccan Principles

The following is from a document titled: Principles of Wiccan Belief. It was written in 1974 by the Council of American Witches and has been used to educate the public and new practitioners about the Wiccan World View. I include it here to serve as a guide and a reminder. Merry Meet.

This We Believe...

1. We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the Moon and the seasonal Quarters and Cross-Quarters.

2. We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility toward our environment. We seek to live in harmony with Nature, in ecological balance offering fulfillment to life and consciousness within an evolutionary concept.

3. We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than that apparent to the average person. Because it is far greater than ordinary it is sometimes called 'supernatural', but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all.

4. We conceive of the Creative Power in the Universe as manifesting through polarity - as masculine and feminine - and that this same Creative Power lies in all people, and functions through the interaction of masculine and feminine. We value neither above the other, knowing each to be supportive to the other. We value sex as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of energies used in magickal practice and religious worship.

5. We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological, worlds sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconscious, Inner Planes, etc. and we see in the interaction of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena and magickal exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment.

6. We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who have courageously given themselves in leadership.

7. We see religion, magick and wisdom in living as being united in the way one views the world and lives within it - a world view and philosophy of life, which we identify as Witchcraft - the Wiccan Way.

8. Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a Witch - but neither does heredity itself, nor the collecting of titles, degrees, and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the forces within her/himself that make life possible in order to live wisely and well without harm to others and in harmony with Nature.

9. We believe in the affirmation and fulfillment of life in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness giving meaning tot he Universe we know and our personal role within it.

10. Our only animosity towards Christianity, or towards any other religion or philosophy of life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be "the only way" and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practice and belief.

11. As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft, the origins of various terms, the legitimacy of various aspects of different traditions. We are concerned with our present and our future.

12. We do not accept the concept of absolute evil, nor do we worship any entity known as "Satan" or "the Devil", as defined by the Christian tradition. We do not seek power through the suffering of others, nor accept that personal benefit can be derived only by denial to another.

13. We believe that we should seek within Nature that which is contributory to our health and well - being.

Teachers, GOOD & BAD... The Many Ways to Pass along the Knowledge

by Wren Walker of The Witches' Voice (11/7/97)

There are all kinds of people out there today who may call themselves "teachers" or "experts" in Witchcraft and Wicca. Some advertise in New Age shops and publications or over the Internet. Some are well known local personalities who offer regular lectures, workshops or Wicca 101 classes. You may hear of a teacher through networking with other Pagans in your area. How can you know that these people are who they say they are? Or more importantly to you perhaps, how can you know that a teacher will be the right one for you?

There are many Paths and many different approaches to passing on the Craft. A little prior research into the various systems or Traditions in advance is almost a necessity before making the decision to take training in a particular system. We encourage everyone to do as much reading on the subjects as possible. See what interests you and then try to find a teacher that will help you further develop in these areas of interest.

There are some definitive things that you can do to help insure that you enjoy a positive experience BEFORE you spend a lot of time or money in classes or other training. We have provided a listing below that we have developed from personal experiences, the experiences of others and various reference materials that may help to know what you should be looking for and how to ask the questions that may help you decide if this is the teacher for you. Some teachers may not exhibit all of the signs listed, but most teachers will fall predominantly into one category or another.

A GOOD TEACHER... generally:

- Has a sense of humor... Humans do silly things sometimes, and a sense of humor can help keep things in perspective. A good teacher will help you laugh at yourself (and them!) but will not hold you up to ridicule.

- Has respect for all living things... One needn't be a vegetarian to care about the lives and welfare of animals. Environmental concerns are also important as Neo-Paganism is a "nature or earth-based" religious Path. Abuse of any living thing is pretty much a "no-no".

- Has a healthy self image... A teacher who realizes that he or she can learn just as much from a novice as the novice may learn from the teacher is probably comfortable in what they know, yet open to new ideas and concepts.

- Is kind and compassionate... This doesn't mean that you will not be challenged or have to work hard, but it does mean that your honest efforts will be met with encouragement and gentle guidance. A good teacher will not "look down his or her nose" at your sincere attempts; they realize that experience is necessary to gaining knowledge.

- Tells the truth and is direct... This means that you will not be led astray either by one who is afraid to confront you when you are heading in a wrong direction or by one who seeks to manipulate you for unspoken ends. They call a spade a spade and want you to do the same. They 'walk their talk" and do not have a separate code of conduct for themselves while expecting you to follow another.

- Is able to teach by example... The good teacher will often tell stories of the time that they really 'screwed up". They also can tell you about their successes and failures and do so-neither making excuses or being overly melodramatic about their experiences. They can offer practical examples and show applications of such examples clearly. They are not "mysterious" so much as they demonstrate the "mysteries" in simple ways to help you understand them.

- Has a global point of view... Local "gurus' may only be interested in making a name or creating a following for themselves. A good teacher will encourage their students to reach beyond the local area and embrace the rest of the world community.

- Is inclusive rather than exclusive in attitude... Anyone who promotes an "us vs. them" is dangerously close to becoming a cult leader. There are real forces out there to contend with, but a teacher who finds an enemy around every corner should be avoided.

- Allows for mistakes and admits that he/she is not perfect... "We are all in this together" is a good statement to hear from a teacher that you are considering working with.

- Is flexible, yet honors commitments... Too rigid a set of rules and regulations stifles energy flow and the learning experience. Too random a training program may also interfere in the discipline required for growth. A balance between the two is best.

- Encourages you to do your own research and ask questions... A good teacher wants you to discover and explore new ideas. A good book list should be included in any training program. You should be able to disagree with a teacher without being censored or reprimanded. (A well thought out concept should be "thought provoking" however and not just "provoking".).

- Gives credit where credit is due... A teacher who is using references or techniques from other sources should plainly state this fact. The use other people's work without credit is theft, plain and simple.

- Listens more than talks... A good teacher is genuinely interested in your thoughts, feelings and opinions. Feedback is one way that a teacher can tell how you are absorbing and integrating the materials and lessons. Someone who talks all the time about his/her experiences is more interested in impressing you with their personal knowledge than helping you to acquire knowledge of your own.

- Wants you to mature and move on... A good teacher wants his or her students to surpass them. That is the greatest compliment that a teacher can receive. Just as a good parent wants to send mature and well balanced children out into the world, so does a good spiritual teacher want their "children" to grow up and leave home.

ON THE OTHER HAND... You Should AVOID a teacher who:

- Possesses a superior attitude... If a teacher states or implies that they are the sole holder of some sort of "special" or "secret" knowledge disclosed only to a "chosen few", you really don't want to know what that may be...really.

- Excludes members of any race or culture... Bigotry of any kind has no place in spiritual circles.

- Is attacking or violent... Obviously.

- Is either overly sensitive or too insensitive... Someone who either sees slights and attacks where there are none or ignores actual tangible problems may not be in touch with "reality". Best to leave them to their own little fantasy world.

- Is ingratiating... Someone who is overly friendly and shares intimate details of their personal life with you almost immediately may be looking to "win you over." This is a real danger sign that is often overlooked. By "baring their soul", they encourage you to do the same in return. This "instant intimacy" can leave you vulnerable to manipulation and abuse. Go slowly when meeting someone new.

- Is controlling... No teacher should expect you to abandon your family and friends. Isolation from the rest of society is a classic cult activity. You should not be expected to run errands or perform tasks. Sometimes you and the teacher will work out a "fair exchange of energy" in return for training. Make sure it IS fair. If you feel like you are being taken advantage of, you probably are.

- Is continually canceling classes... This is a classic indication that they simple have your money and no longer care about fulfilling the deal. If they are postponing classes until several months from now, you may have a real problem on your hands.

- Belittles you or uses you as an "example"... You deserve to be treated with respect even if you are a novice. No teacher has the right to strip you of your self-esteem. You should not be bullied into doing something that makes you uncomfortable or that you do not understand. On the other hand, being held up to others as the "teacher's pet" is also incorrect and this teacher may be setting you up for something that you may not want to become involved in.

- Has few or no "elders" in their group... "Where are the people who have been trained before me?" is a good question to ask. Perhaps they DID mature and move on... or perhaps they just ran screaming from the room!!...It pays to check. Talk to anyone you can find who has trained with this teacher before.

- Wants a lot of money up front... You should be able to get a class schedule or other outline of what the training will consist of BEFORE you sign up. Look it over carefully and ask questions. If the information seems to be no more than what you can get free from books or by talking with other Witches, it may not be a good value. Degrees and titles are earned; they are not bought...or sold.

- Has assistants; cohorts or senior students who you are expected to obey... Some groups do have a system of 'elders" who deserve respect. However, you are not obligated to accept anyone simply based on his or her "rank" within a group. If the teacher has an "entourage" which follows them everywhere and seems to "cater" to this teacher's every whim, watch carefully. You may end up being the next "groupie."

- Is overly idealistic and impractical... If this teacher has marvelous plans for the world-and especially if they tell YOU that you will be a part of this grand scheme-but he/she cannot balance their checkbook, take care of their children or hold onto a job, you want to leave now. You may end up not only shoring up these "dream castles"; you may end up supporting this person financially and emotionally. Witchcraft is a Path of personal responsibility and a teacher should be able to manifest this in his or her own lives.

- Exhibits any of these characteristics... lying, sexual misconduct, theft, physical violence or abuse.

"Thus the wise man residing in the Tao sets an example for all beings.

Because he does not display himself, people can see his light.

Because he has nothing to prove, people can trust his words.

Because he doesn't know who he is, * people recognize themselves in him.

Because he has no goal (secret personal agenda) in mind, everything he does succeeds."

*(Meaning he does not set him/herself above anyone.)

-Tao Te Ching

Note: Some "famous" teachers of the Craft utilize an incredible "Natural Charisma" to get your money or to pray on your spiritual innocence for their own self-serving needs. Don't let their glitter get in your eyes! Seriously consider the fact that you could very well be talking "Cult Leader" behavior. Do know that their fame buys them ZERO special privileges and that they must measure up to fundamental ethical standards of the craft, everyday in every way. For an outstanding measure of whether your potential teacher is running a cult, check out The Advanced Bonewits' Cult Danger Evaluation Frame by Isaac Bonewits

The Advanced Bonewits' Cult DangerEvaluation Frame 2.0.1

Introduction

Events in the last few decades have clearly indicated just how dangerous some religious and secular groups (usually called "cults" by those opposed to them) can be to their own members as well as to anyone else whom they can influence. "Brainwashing," beatings, child abuse, rapes, murders, mass suicides, military drilling and gunrunning, meddling in civil governments, international terrorism, and other crimes have been charged against leaders and members of many groups, and in far too many cases those accusations have been correct. None of this has been very surprising to historians of religion or to other scholars of what are usually labled "new" religions (no matter how old they may be in their cultures of origin). Minority groups, especially religious ones, are often accused of crimes by members of the current majority. In many ways, for example, the "Mormons" were the "Moonies" of the 19th century -- at least in terms of being an unusual minority belief system that many found "shocking" at the time -- and the members of the Unification Church could be just as "respectable" a hundred years from now as the Latter Day Saints are today.

Nonetheless, despite all the historical and philosophical caveats that could be issued, ordinary people faced with friends or loved ones joining an "unusual" group, or perhaps contemplating joining it themselves, need a relatively simple way to evaluate just how dangerous or harmless a given group is liable to be, without either subjecting themselves to its power or judging it solely on theological or ideological grounds (the usual method used by anti-cult groups).

In 1979 I constructed an evaluation tool which I now call the "Advanced Bonewits' Cult Danger Evaluation Frame," or the "ABCDEF," a copy of which was included in that year's revised edition of my book, Real Magic (Samuel Weiser Pub., 1989). I realize its shortcomings, but feel that it can be effectively used to separate harmless groups from the merely unusual-to-the-observer ones. Feedback from those attempting to use the system has always been appreciated. Indirect feedback, in terms of the number of places on and off the Net this ABCDEF has shown up, has been mostly favorable. For example, it was chosen by and is now displayed on the website of the Institute for Social Inventions, who paraphrased it for their "Best Ideas -- A compendium of social innovations" listing.

The purpose of this evaluation tool is to help both amateur and professional observers, including current or would-be members, of various organizations (including religious, occult, psychological or political groups) to determine just how dangerous a given group is liable to be, in comparison with other groups, to the physical and mental health of its members and of other people subject to its influence. It cannot speak to the spiritual "dangers," if any, that might be involved, for the simple reason that one person's path to enlightenment or "salvation" is often viewed by another as a path to ignorance or "damnation."

As a general rule, the higher the numerical total scored by a given group (the further to the right of the scale), the more dangerous it is likely to be. Though it is obvious that many of the scales in the frame are subjective, it is still possible to make practical judgments using it, at least of the "is this group more dangerous than that one?" sort. This is if all numerical assignments are based on accurate and unbiased observation of actual behavior by the groups and their top levels of leadership (as distinct from official pronouncements). This means that you need to pay attention to what the secondary and tertiary leaders are saying and doing, as much (or more so) than the central leadership -- after all, "plausible deniability" is not a recent historical invention.

This tool can be used by parents, reporters, law enforcement agents, social scientists and others interested in evaluating the actual dangers presented by a given group or movement. Obviously, different observers will achieve differing degrees of precision, depending upon the sophistication of their numerical assignments on each scale. However, if the same observers use the same methods of scoring and weighting each scale, their comparisons of relative danger or harmlessness between groups will be reasonably valid, at least for their own purposes. People who cannot, on the other hand, view competing belief systems as ever having possible spiritual value to anyone, will find the ABCDEF annoyingly useless for promoting their theocratic agendas. Worse, these members of the Religious Reich will find that their own organizations (and quite a few large mainstream churches) are far more "cult-like" than the minority belief systems they so bitterly oppose.

It should be pointed out that the ABCDEF is founded upon both modern psychological theories about mental health and personal growth, and my many years of participant observation and historical research into minority belief systems. Those who believe that relativism and anarchy are as dangerous to mental health as absolutism and authoritarianism, could (I suppose) count groups with total scores nearing either extreme (high or low) as being equally hazardous. As far as dangers to physical well-being are concerned, however, both historical records and current events clearly indicate the direction in which the greatest threats lie. This is especially so since the low-scoring groups usually seem to have survival and growth rates so small that they seldom develop the abilities to commit large scale atrocities even had they the philosophical or political inclinations to do so.

**The Advanced Bonewits' Cult Danger Evaluation Frame**
FACTORS	1..2..3..4..5..6..7..8..9..10
1. INTERNAL CONTROL: Amount of internal political power exercised by leader(s) over members.	1. _____
2. WISDOM CLAIMED by leader(s); amount of infallibility declared or implied about decisions or doctrinal/scriptural interpretations.	2. _____
3. WISDOM CREDITED to leader(s) by members; amount of trust in decisions or doctrinal/scriptural interpretations made by leader(s).	3. _____
4. DOGMA: Rigidity of reality concepts taught; amount of doctrinal inflexibility or "fundamentalism."	4. _____
5. RECRUITING: Emphasis put on attracting new members; amount of proselytizing.	5. _____
6. FRONT GROUPS: Number of subsidiary groups using different names from that of main group.	6. _____
7. WEALTH: Amount of money and/or property desired or obtained by group; emphasis on members' donations; economic lifestyle of leader(s) compared to ordinary members.	7. _____
8. POLITICAL POWER: Amount of external political influence desired or obtained; emphasis on directing members' secular votes.	8. _____
9. SEXUAL MANIPULATION: of members by leader(s); amount of control exercised over sexuality of members; advancement dependent upon sexual favors or specific lifestyle.	9. _____
10. CENSORSHIP: Amount of control over members' access to outside opinions on group, its doctrines or leader(s).	10. _____
11. DROPOUT CONTROL: Intensity of efforts directed at preventing or returning dropouts.	11. _____
12. VIOLENCE: amount of approval when used by or for the group, its doctrines or leader(s).	12. _____
13. PARANOIA: amount of fear concerning real or imagined enemies; perceived power of opponents; prevalence of conspiracy theories.	13. _____
14. GRIMNESS: Amount of disapproval concerning jokes about the group, its doctrines or its leader(s).	14. _____
15. SURRENDER OF WILL: Amount of emphasis on members not having to be responsible for personal decisions; degree of individual disempowerment created by the group, its doctrines or its leader(s).	15. _____
16. HYPOCRISY: amount of approval for other actions (not included above) which the group officially considers immoral or unethical, when done by or for the group, its doctrines or leader(s); willingness to violate group's declared principles for political, psychological, economic, or other gain.	16. _____
FACTORS	1..2..3..4..5..6..7..8..9..10

Copyright � 1979,1996 c.e., Isaac Bonewits. This text file may be freely distributed on the Net, provided that no editing is done and this notice is included.

Finding A Coven
This portion reproduced with permission of The Witches' Voice.

Many newcomers to the Craft begin to learn about Witchcraft/Wicca by reading a few books. It doesn't take them very long to discover that each author has a different slant on the subject. Information, even about the most basic elements such as history, circle casting or spellwork, can sometimes be not only different, but often conflicting. At this point, the newcomer may throw up their hands in despair and decide to find a real live person to help straighten all this out. And who can blame them?

When newcomers ask the question, "Where can I find a coven?", they are quite often taken aback by the response-or rather non-response- that they may receive to the inquiry. They are told to read more books, check out various websites and practice working on their own. This can seem like a 'brush off" to the seekers-sometimes it is!-and they may go away more frustrated than before. So how CAN the new seeker find some help- and perhaps eventually meet other Pagans?

There are some real issues that should be discussed right at the beginning of this section. The first thing that the seeker should know is that much of the "knowledge" that we possess today about Witchcraft and its origins is a combination of archeological data, the myths and legends that have been passed down and some historical documents that have been translated. The rest is conjecture and the "best guesses" of scholars who are working on "bringing it all together." In other words, no one can say for certain what the Ancestors really did or why.

That does not mean that we have NO knowledge-we certainly DO!- just that we do not have THE historical knowledge of the origins of the Modern Craft. Different interpretations will continue to abound both in written materials and in any teachings that you may encounter. There will never be only one Way of practicing Witchcraft. Get used to it. No one has the "one true answer"...and any teacher worth his or her salt will tell you this up front.

The above is your first introduction to what is involved in following the path of Witchcraft. You are expected to do a LOT of research on your own. This is actually a very healthy way to approach the beginning study of any Path you are considering. Read many, many books on the subject-both scholarly and those that some would consider in the "fluff' category. Why? Because this is your first foray into unknown waters. You should approach it with an open mind-ready to question and probe and ponder. I cannot overestimate how useful this first step will be. It can help you to formulate your own ideas about what this Path may mean to you.

Do not try to incorporate all that you read into one cohesive whole at the beginning. Look at whatever material that you are reading as a "theory" or "hypothesis" of Witchcraft. Some things will appeal to you right away. Others will seem "off the wall" or too fantastic to be of use. Accept or reject nothing at this stage; just keep on gathering information. You are doing "research". The more you read, the more a "coming together" of certain aspects will begin to form within yourself. Then you will have a foundation from which you can take the next step.

Part One-The INTEREST PHASE:

You saw a movie (which shall remain nameless!), you read a few books, you stumbled onto a website, you talked to someone who said that he/she was a Witch-and now you want to know more! You have an "interest" in the Craft.

Many seekers at this point rush into the nearest message board area and cry out, "Teach me everything you know!" The reaction of others to this plea may range from the semi-helpful, "Do more research" to the out and out rude, "Those Wannbees!" Either one of these responses will probably will leave you feeling unsatisfied (If not hurt!) and discouraged. Why can't you get the help that you are asking for? Well, perhaps you did not phrase your request in a way that would elicit the sort of assistance that you were really looking for.

Witchcraft is a Path with depth. It can not be summed up in "25 words or less". You need to learn how to ask SPECIFIC questions. This is where your previous research comes in. An intelligent and thoughtful question about a specific topic will generate an intelligent and thoughtful answer or opinion in return. Cite your sources. "This author writes that this is the way to cast a circle, yet this other author states it this way. Can anyone give me their opinion or experience on this? Does it matter?"

Interest Phase Do's and Don'ts...
- DO... Read as many books on the subject as you can-on History, Myths, Poetry, Psychology and Science as well as books on Witchcraft or Magick.

- DO... Make yourself a research library. Take notes or highlight passages that particularly interest you. If you have a question on what is written, place a question mark next to that passage. You should enjoy what you read at this stage-the enjoyment will actually help you to retain what you read better than struggling through dusty tomes on alchemy (unless you happen to love alchemy, that is!).

- DO... start a journal. You can even call it a "Book of Shadows" if you want to. (It can just be a loose leaf notebook, These are handy for creating different sections.) Write down both the things that you have found to be of interest and the things that you would like to know more about.

- DO... Look at Nature. Witchcraft and most other Pagan paths are called "earth or nature based" religions. What is Nature saying to you? Bring home rocks, sticks, leaves or other things you find that attract your attention. Now ask yourself-WHY did you bring that home? Write it down.

- DO... get organized. Concentration is an important skill in Magic. Disciplining yourself to make regular entries into a journal and writing things down will help you to develop concentration.

- DO... learn to ask SPECIFIC questions of other Witches or Pagans when you need help. And ask yourself some questions, too. "What do I think Witchcraft is? What do I find here that has meaning for me?"

- DO... tell the truth. Can seasoned Witches tell if someone is "full of it"? Yes, they can and rather quickly, too! Be honest about what you know and what you don't.

- DO... spend time alone to think carefully about how you feel and what you want for yourself. Some people think at the onset that Witchcraft will allow them to change other people or circumstances. But YOU will be the one who changes as you explore this Path. Do you really WANT to change?

- DON'T... take it too fast. You have not made any commitments yet. You are doing research into a subject that interests you on a personal level. Jumping into a group situation at this point may hinder your development more than help it. You need to find out where YOU are going before you hit the trail with someone else.

- DON'T... get discouraged. Sometimes it is very difficult to "go it alone." But the Craft is made up of individuals who bring something of value to the Path-as well as receive benefits from it. Many "old timers" have the "Grampa attitude". You know, the "When I was your age, I had to walk three miles to school every day...in the snow...with no boots...carrying my little sister...and a load of firewood..." Well, in a way that is true. It WAS much harder to be a Witch only a few decades ago. So be forgiving if they are not ready to hand you all their hand gathered "firewood" on a silver platter....you may have to walk a mile or two by yourself....in the snow...with no boots.....

- DON'T... ask about joining a terraspace coven just yet. A coven is a close knit group working together. It is a difficult process to create an effective magickal unit. Most covens are not actively looking for new members, as each time a new person is added to the group, it takes time for the unit to re-adjust. There are some cyberspace "covens" that readily accept new members. If you look on it as a "training exercise", you could learn a few things. Ask around the Internet.

- DON'T... be afraid because you are not part of a group. Many, many Witches find out after much trial and error that they actually PREFER to work alone. Traditionally the Witch WAS a loner...and many still are by choice. Often solitary Witches get together to talk and exchange information and then happily go back to their solitary practice. You CAN do a little bit of both.

Still "Interested"? Then you will probably want to go further into...

Part Two-The "EXPLORATORY PHASE":

You have read quite a few books, taken tons of notes and written faithfully in your Book of Shadows or journal. You have found some resources on the Internet and may have even asked a Pagan a few of those pesky questions that have been bothering you lately. Now what?

This is where you begin to exercise your discretion a bit. As you start weeding out the things that you have decided are not for you and embracing what DOES feel right, you are also making decisions about what sort of group you may eventually be comfortable with. (And many seekers still feel at this point that they DO want to find a group.)

Does the whole circle casting with sword, smoking incense and flickering candles appeal to you? Or would you rather simply sit quietly and let your heart speak?Are you more introverted than extroverted? All grand dreams of leading a large public ritual aside, do you feel comfortable right NOW speaking to large groups of people? Or do you prefer the company of a few close and intimate friends?Do you like to mull things over before making a decision? Or are you spontaneous and always dashing off to go rock climbing or roller blading?

Asking yourself these and similar questions will help you to make decisions. What are the reasons that you would want to be part of a coven or group-and what sort of group may that be?

You may also begin visualization techniques at this time. You begin to see yourself in the tales of mythic heroes and heroines. You may visualize actually doing the rituals and circles that you have read about. You imagine what it may be like to be a member of a coven-laughing as you all run through the woods on your way to the bonfire. How do these images and scenarios make you feel? Be honest. No one is looking over your shoulder at this point.

Most importantly, how comfortable are YOU with this Path that you are researching? Does it fit who you are? Not who you would like to be...not who you would like others to think that you are...but you as you are right now. Think about this a lot. It will save you much disillusionment in the future.

You may begin to collect a tool or two or think about setting up an altar area. You start buying lots and lots of candles and incense. You browse the herb shops and look through catalogs for magickal items. You may even buy some things. You are beginning to actually make some outward decisions about what you feel inside. You are "exploring" new possibilities.

So You Want To Join A Coven?

by Twilight

A frantic message posted to a pagan message board reads: "HELP! I need to join a coven and I can't find anything in this area! Anybody with information about joining a coven please email me ASAP!"

I've had periods of frustration when I wished I had someone, anyone, to share knowledge and magick with me. Especially starting out, I was anxious to surround myself with people who knew what they were doing. Eventually, I got over it. Something else was in store for me.

While I found it sometimes difficult to practice solitary, it has turned out to provide a great opportunity to grow without externally imposed limitations. Having come out of a structured church environment, I needed to learn to rely on my own perceptions and ability, instead of looking to somebody else to feed me enlightenment like a babe. Someday I expect I will be ready to join a coven. When I am, I'll have had the time to learn what to look for.

The first thing a person should consider is...

Why Join a Coven?

Like most things, I believe there are good reasons to join a coven and there are bad reasons. Here are a couple of the worst reasons for joining a coven:

Let's start with the power trip. Are you just dying to get into a Circle where you can do some real serious fireworks? Maybe, you want to conjure spirits. Maybe, you want to win the lottery. The point is, you want to do Magick with a capitol M (you just aren't sure why)!

Look out! In covenwork as well as in solitary magick, firework spells are a waste of energy. They can drain you and serve no purpose. They can also be addictive. Beware putting yourself in the position of looking for the next big thing. Real power isn't in firework spells, but in being able to accomplish your goals in life.

Then there's the proverbial sheep syndrome. It's very common to find people flocking. They seem to need someone to tell them what to believe and what to do. They don't trust their own observations, or they've become so accustomed to having others do their thinking for them that they don't know where to start.

I believe we all need a level of structure in our lives; however, I caution people who want to be told what to do. If you are looking for a High Priestess to tell you how to live, perhaps you need to stop and consider some alternatives. By really working on your beliefs, piecing them together from what you observe about life, your faith is going to be strengthened. You'll know not only what you believe, but why you believe it.

You'll also be able to choose your minister or priest(ess) by the faith you already have. We grant our leaders (especially our religious leaders) much power. When you accept a leader without testing what they say against what you've already learned, you grant them even more. The more you learn, the more your leader has to account to.

Now there are some excellent reasons for joining a coven. I've taken the time to list some below:

For example, it can be amazing what is accomplished with teamwork. In magickwork as well as in social work, a coven usually has a lot more strength than a single person does. For making a real difference in the life of each coven member, as well as in the community, it is unlikely you will be able to do better than to have a close-knit group of people who share responsibility for the outcome.

Also, the close companionship we receive from covenmates can be a good reason to join. In a good coven, your brothers and sisters will be people you can trust with your personal issues, who can offer advice and a helping hand. When you have five or six people you can call if the bank threatens to foreclose, you don't have to worry about where your emotional support is coming from, or who to call to help you move. (Lord and Lady forbid it should come to that!)

You will usually find more opportunities to learn in a coven. We all have different learning and teaching styles, and different members of the priesthood have different leading styles; however, in a group of people where ideas are exchanged freely, a lot of learning can take place. Okay, so maybe a coven isn't exactly required for this type of environment, but having a lot of feedback, coupled with the intimacy of a coven, can be a very valuable thing.

Once you know why you want to join a coven, you probably will want to make a decision regarding...

What type of Coven to look for

Naturally, you are going to want to select a coven that matches as closely as possible what you already believe about the Universe and Divinity. It might not be possible to find and unite several people who worship your god, especially if you have been chosen by a specific deity. If you can, that is wonderful. Otherwise you might want to look at some of these things below:

In a coven based on a Pantheon, everyone in the group relies on the same pantheon. Some types of covens might include Celtic, Egyptian, Greek, Roman or Hindu. This group has an advantage when it comes to unity in appealing to their Deities for favors, and gathering information about them.

Choosing a group based on the way in which it's organized has a lot more to do with personal preference than anything else. Do you prefer a lecturing Priestess or an open discussion? How much authority do the coven leaders have in the group? Do you agree with the level of commitment required by the coven members? The advantage to selecting a coven according to the way it is managed is that there will be much less friction between yourself and the rest of the group. Let's face it. If you don't like the way the HP is running things, you probably won't want to stick around for very long.

For an eclectic coven, organization is only one thing you'll want to consider. There is also the matter of foundational beliefs. Is your vision of Divinity compatible with the others in the coven? They don't have to be the same, but they should at least work together and not contradict. Do you celebrate similar Sabbats? Do your ethics agree enough to engage in magickwork without creating conflict?

Having given some things to use as a guideline, there are some things you will want to naturally be very cautious of. I would be wary of any coven leader who claimed to have grasped the one and only truth, all other beliefs and practices being wrong. I would be wary of a coven leader that showed a lack of respect to the members. I would be wary of any group that alienated me from my family and friends. I would not join a coven where it was not okay to excuse myself from practices that make me uncomfortable.

But even after you've answered the questions above, you're still going to be faced with...

Finding a Coven

Networking is likely to be your biggest tool in finding a coven locally. If you meet someone with similar interests as yourself, offer to keep in contact. Ask them what they know about the pagan community in your area. Keep your eye open for metaphysical shops, advertisements and events.

The network list on the Witches Voice website can be a fast track to finding other witches in your area. The URL to the Witches of the World list is http://www.witchvox.com/xwotw.html.

Is there such a thing as the perfect coven to join? I doubt it. But with some meditation and honest thinking you can avoid hitching yourself to a coven that is wrong for you. Merry Part and Merry Meet Again!

Things to look for.

1. Are you invited to join at your first meeting? This is generally a bad sign. Covens with a high level of integrity at least wait until they have got to know you.

2. Do you have to ask to join? This is generally a good sign. Pagan religions in general do not proselytise. The corollary is that you have to want to become involved in the pagan community. Thus most covens have to be approached by you if you wish to join. To find this out you may have to broach the situation in a social situation, by for example discussing magical training with one of its members. If they say they train but you have to ask, that's a good sign. You can move on to asking if they might be interested in working with you.

3. Are the coven members open about their practices? If they are cagey about certain things you may have stumbled over something you may not find acceptable. If they are not open, you are advised not to join. At one time it was acceptable to not allow the new member to meet the rest of the coven until they were initiated. This was due to the amount of trouble that an infiltrator from the authorities could cause. This is no longer the case.

4. Do you get along with all the coven's members? Personality clashes can be damaging, and even highly destructive, in an intense magical situation. If you do not get along with someone, don't join. In some covens the group decides collectively who will be accepted as a member. In this case if you do not get on with someone you will probably not be accepted anyway.

5. Does the coven charge money for anything? It is generally held acceptable to charge for incidental costs such as cakes, wine, candles etc. If someone is making a profit, this is abuse. Don't join. It should be noted however that in some places, particularly in the USA some people train as a means of gaining their only income. In this case charging money can be justified. On the other hand it is possible to obtain the same training for free.

6. Can the coven give you a written description of what they do? This is not a particularly good marker as many good covens rely on spoken descriptions, but a good written account is a positive sign.

7. Does the coven engage in ritual sexual practices? You may feel comfortable with this, but in some cases sex is used as a means of enforcing power by the High Priest. If you feel uncomfortable or even wary of this stay well clear. Sexual intercourse is not necessary to work magic. Sexual intercourse is not necessary for initiation.

8. Does the coven work skyclad (naked)? There is an ongoing debate about whether or not it is necessary to be naked when working magic. I am not going into it here, but I have no problems working magic dressed in jeans and a synthetic fleece jacket. In some cases the decision is based on legitimate beliefs. In others it is based on wanting to see certain coven members nude and may be a clumsy cover for abuse. If you feel threatened by this, don't join.

Back to the Grove

Seeker's Information

Table Of Contents

Grey Cat's Opinions

1. Never assume that you are invited to a ritual or a non-public gathering just because your friend is invited. Have your friend call the group doing the event and ASK! (or call yourself).

2. When participating in a ritual led by a group of which you are not a member, ask ahead of time what will be done. Should there be something in the explanation, or in the set-up of the ritual area that bothers you, just quietly don't participate in the ritual.

3. Ask the person(s) officiating at a ritual before you place anything in the ritual area; wear clothing or tools which might be considered unusual; or add private energy workings to the ritual being done.

4. Never just walk out of a cast ritual circle. Ask someone in the group sponsoring the ritual to cut you a door if your really and truly absolutely have to leave.

5. Don't make comments on the ritual, its leaders or the amount or quality of the energy raised during the ritual unless such opinions are asked for by the leaders. Save it for your friends, privately, after the ritual is over.

Pagan/Craft Etiquette

by Soapbox Sam

Listed below are not hard and fast rules, but some helpful guidelines for those who would function smoothly in a craft/Pagan environment.

1. Should you write to someone for information, always enclose an SASE (Self-addressed, Stamped Envelope). Many of us receive several inquiries a day. Sometimes just answering them, much less having to pay the postage and buy envelopes, is a time-consuming, expensive task!

Ideas From Merlin The Enchanter

1. Be Yourself... if you worry about what others think, then you won't think for yourself... and if you don't think for yourself, you may as well be dead!

2. Allow all others to be themselves... just because Joe Blow from Kokomo has blue candles on his altar and you use only white ones, that doesn't mean he is wrong or evil. We must each one be allowed our own Pagan path in freedom, for if we cannot do that, then we have no freedom!

3. Let's stop all the silliness of who is and is not a Witch, and what one must do to be a witch.

4. Don't ask for someone's opinions unless you really want it! More Witch wars are started because someone asked for another's views and didn't like the answer they got!

5. Add a dose of good humor (the worst Witches are the ones that take everything so (S-E-R-I-O-U-S-L-Y!)

- It is necessary that we learn to be just plain adult about working together - or even, just existing on the same planet.

- If you can't tolerate any slightest deviation from your own tradition, do not take part in public or cross-cultural rituals or gatherings.

The following is from a document titled: Principles of Wiccan Belief. It was written in 1974 by the Council of American Witches and has been used to educate the public and new practitioners about the Wiccan World View. I include it here to serve as a guide and a reminder. Merry Meet.

This We Believe...

1. We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the Moon and the seasonal Quarters and Cross-Quarters.

2. We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility toward our environment. We seek to live in harmony with Nature, in ecological balance offering fulfillment to life and consciousness within an evolutionary concept.

3. We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than that apparent to the average person. Because it is far greater than ordinary it is sometimes called 'supernatural', but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all.

6. We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who have courageously given themselves in leadership.

7. We see religion, magick and wisdom in living as being united in the way one views the world and lives within it - a world view and philosophy of life, which we identify as Witchcraft - the Wiccan Way.

9. We believe in the affirmation and fulfillment of life in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness giving meaning tot he Universe we know and our personal role within it.

10. Our only animosity towards Christianity, or towards any other religion or philosophy of life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be "the only way" and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practice and belief.

11. As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft, the origins of various terms, the legitimacy of various aspects of different traditions. We are concerned with our present and our future.

12. We do not accept the concept of absolute evil, nor do we worship any entity known as "Satan" or "the Devil", as defined by the Christian tradition. We do not seek power through the suffering of others, nor accept that personal benefit can be derived only by denial to another.

13. We believe that we should seek within Nature that which is contributory to our health and well - being.

Teachers, GOOD & BAD... The Many Ways to Pass along the Knowledge

by Wren Walker of The Witches' Voice (11/7/97)

A GOOD TEACHER... generally:

- Has a sense of humor... Humans do silly things sometimes, and a sense of humor can help keep things in perspective. A good teacher will help you laugh at yourself (and them!) but will not hold you up to ridicule.

- Has respect for all living things... One needn't be a vegetarian to care about the lives and welfare of animals. Environmental concerns are also important as Neo-Paganism is a "nature or earth-based" religious Path. Abuse of any living thing is pretty much a "no-no".

- Has a healthy self image... A teacher who realizes that he or she can learn just as much from a novice as the novice may learn from the teacher is probably comfortable in what they know, yet open to new ideas and concepts.

- Has a global point of view... Local "gurus' may only be interested in making a name or creating a following for themselves. A good teacher will encourage their students to reach beyond the local area and embrace the rest of the world community.

- Is inclusive rather than exclusive in attitude... Anyone who promotes an "us vs. them" is dangerously close to becoming a cult leader. There are real forces out there to contend with, but a teacher who finds an enemy around every corner should be avoided.

- Allows for mistakes and admits that he/she is not perfect... "We are all in this together" is a good statement to hear from a teacher that you are considering working with.

- Is flexible, yet honors commitments... Too rigid a set of rules and regulations stifles energy flow and the learning experience. Too random a training program may also interfere in the discipline required for growth. A balance between the two is best.

- Gives credit where credit is due... A teacher who is using references or techniques from other sources should plainly state this fact. The use other people's work without credit is theft, plain and simple.

ON THE OTHER HAND... You Should AVOID a teacher who:

- Possesses a superior attitude... If a teacher states or implies that they are the sole holder of some sort of "special" or "secret" knowledge disclosed only to a "chosen few", you really don't want to know what that may be...really.

- Excludes members of any race or culture... Bigotry of any kind has no place in spiritual circles.

- Is attacking or violent... Obviously.

- Is either overly sensitive or too insensitive... Someone who either sees slights and attacks where there are none or ignores actual tangible problems may not be in touch with "reality". Best to leave them to their own little fantasy world.

- Is continually canceling classes... This is a classic indication that they simple have your money and no longer care about fulfilling the deal. If they are postponing classes until several months from now, you may have a real problem on your hands.

- Exhibits any of these characteristics... lying, sexual misconduct, theft, physical violence or abuse.

"Thus the wise man residing in the Tao sets an example for all beings.

Because he does not display himself, people can see his light.

Because he has nothing to prove, people can trust his words.

Because he doesn't know who he is, * people recognize themselves in him.

Because he has no goal (secret personal agenda) in mind, everything he does succeeds."

*(Meaning he does not set him/herself above anyone.)

The Advanced Bonewits' Cult DangerEvaluation Frame 2.0.1

Copyright � 1979, 1996 c.e., Isaac Bonewits

Introduction

Copyright � 1979,1996 c.e., Isaac Bonewits. This text file may be freely distributed on the Net, provided that no editing is done and this notice is included.

This portion reproduced with permission of The Witches' Voice.

Part One-The INTEREST PHASE:

You saw a movie (which shall remain nameless!), you read a few books, you stumbled onto a website, you talked to someone who said that he/she was a Witch-and now you want to know more! You have an "interest" in the Craft.

Interest Phase Do's and Don'ts...

- DO... Read as many books on the subject as you can-on History, Myths, Poetry, Psychology and Science as well as books on Witchcraft or Magick.

- DO... start a journal. You can even call it a "Book of Shadows" if you want to. (It can just be a loose leaf notebook, These are handy for creating different sections.) Write down both the things that you have found to be of interest and the things that you would like to know more about.

- DO... Look at Nature. Witchcraft and most other Pagan paths are called "earth or nature based" religions. What is Nature saying to you? Bring home rocks, sticks, leaves or other things you find that attract your attention. Now ask yourself-WHY did you bring that home? Write it down.

- DO... get organized. Concentration is an important skill in Magic. Disciplining yourself to make regular entries into a journal and writing things down will help you to develop concentration.

- DO... learn to ask SPECIFIC questions of other Witches or Pagans when you need help. And ask yourself some questions, too. "What do I think Witchcraft is? What do I find here that has meaning for me?"

- DO... tell the truth. Can seasoned Witches tell if someone is "full of it"? Yes, they can and rather quickly, too! Be honest about what you know and what you don't.

- DO... spend time alone to think carefully about how you feel and what you want for yourself. Some people think at the onset that Witchcraft will allow them to change other people or circumstances. But YOU will be the one who changes as you explore this Path. Do you really WANT to change?

Still "Interested"? Then you will probably want to go further into...

Part Two-The "EXPLORATORY PHASE":

You have read quite a few books, taken tons of notes and written faithfully in your Book of Shadows or journal. You have found some resources on the Internet and may have even asked a Pagan a few of those pesky questions that have been bothering you lately. Now what?

Asking yourself these and similar questions will help you to make decisions. What are the reasons that you would want to be part of a coven or group-and what sort of group may that be?

Most importantly, how comfortable are YOU with this Path that you are researching? Does it fit who you are? Not who you would like to be...not who you would like others to think that you are...but you as you are right now. Think about this a lot. It will save you much disillusionment in the future.

So You Want To Join A Coven?

by Twilight

A frantic message posted to a pagan message board reads: "HELP! I need to join a coven and I can't find anything in this area! Anybody with information about joining a coven please email me ASAP!"

I've had periods of frustration when I wished I had someone, anyone, to share knowledge and magick with me. Especially starting out, I was anxious to surround myself with people who knew what they were doing. Eventually, I got over it. Something else was in store for me.