Do You Have to Have a Coven to be Wiccan?

There are two schools of thought when it comes to this question.  Side A will tell you that you must be initiated into a lineaged coven (that is, one that can trace it's roots back to Gardner) in order to be considered "Wiccan" (though you are always free to be a witch of absolutely any variety you choose, solitary or otherwise).  Side B will say that if you hear the call of that particular deity, you're Wiccan if you say you are.

Side A will point out that "inner court" materials are protected by oath within the coven, and are therefore entirely unknown to a solitary (or non-lineaged coven) practitioner. Sure, you can easily get a hold of much of the "outer court" material (the Wiccan Rede, etc.), but without the inner court stuff, you're missing over half of what the religion actually believes, practices, and proposes.  Side A is quick to point out that Wicca is a "mystery cult" for good reason, and their beliefs are protected by oath.

So, from this point of view, claiming Wicca as your religion, without having the inner court material, would be akin to claiming you're Catholic, when you don't have a clue what they do or believe, except to say that you know about Jesus and the saints.  You don't go to mass or confession, or take communion, or believe in transmutation.... You only believe in the concept of Jesus dying for your sins, and you pray to the saints.  That would certainly make you Christian, but I couldn't see calling yourself Catholic specifically. 

The question then becomes - can you legitimately claim to be a member of any particular group when you don't know what that specific group really believes?  Further, a solitary practitioner of "Wicca" is seen as somewhat of a "heretic" to the Wiccans that can trace their lineage back to Gardner.

Side B will simply argue that they were called by this deity and that "Wicca" feels like the right label to them.  They would likely point out that no one can say that the deity his/her/it's self can't initiate whoever they wish to.

Though I, personally, do tend to lean more towards side A in this argument (even though I am indeed a solitary practitioner myself), I can certainly see side B's point.  And, really, it all boils down to a matter of title.  I don't see what the big deal is.  If you're a witch, you're a witch!  Why does it matter whether or not someone is willing to acknowledge you as also "Wiccan"?  Frankly, I find it better to steer clear of those titles that would restrict you to one very specific sect anyway.  Spirituality can't grow by much if it's shoved into the smallest box you can find.  ;)

Wiccan Wisdom E-book

Out of the Shadows and Into the Light--an ebook of Wiccan Wisdom

by Tirgana
Valkyrie Publishing announces the March 1 release of Theresa Chaze 's new ebook, Out of the Shadows and Into the Light. It is a 105-page ebook containing Wiccan wisdom and rituals for the beginner as well as the advanced practitioner. It contains rituals for the individual as well as for groups.
Although Wicca is a modern term, it is based on traditions that reach back to when humans toiled the soil and hunted the forests for food. It is a wisdom, which helps Wiccan and Pagans work in harmony with the rhythms of nature to provide and protect the family or tribe. Most of us today do not grow our own food or hunt in the forest; instead, we work jobs and forage in supermarkets. This doesn’t change the essential nature of our goals, which is to provide for our families and ourselves. By working in harmony with the nature 's energy, which surrounds us, we can bring balance, peace and prosperity into our lives. This doesn’t mean our lives will be without challenges, but it does mean with faith in ourselves and the Divine we can weather our challenges to reach our best and highest good.
Wiccans also respect other religions. We do not alter their rituals or prayers as an anti-religion. I have heard of covens, which as part of their initiation require the initiate to say the Lord’s Prayer backward. Wicca is based on spiritual traditions, which began long before Christ walked upon the Earth. We are a positive, loving force in the universe. Only by respecting all paths can we honor ourselves, each other and the Divine life force, no matter what is called, which is in all of us.
In Out of the Shadows and Into the Light, I share some of what I have learned. It is a positive healing magic, meant to help you on your path. If you are looking for rituals to control or harm another, you are looking in the wrong book. Anytime you try to control another’s destiny, it is black magic. Which brings me to the Wiccan Creed “do what ye will, but harm none.” and the “rule of three”. The only exception to these rules is in self-defense. Once you are no longer being attacked, you must stop; otherwise, you become the attacker and the rules apply to you. Both the creed and the rule of three have been hotly debated. Whether you call it the rule of three, karma, or what goes around comes around, your actions do have consequences for good or evil. Harm or manipulate another, no matter what your intentions, and you open yourself to the same at another’s hand. However, random acts of kindness bring help and healing back to you when you need it. It is your choice.
There are two categories of protection. The first is a response to an attack that has already begun. Rituals, which reflect back or bind the other’s negative energy, fall into this section. The second set of rituals are preventative measures, which include cleansing, shields, and reinforcing your own energy. Protection rituals or spells, which reflect back or bind, are specifically for self-defense on a spiritual level. Once you are in a safe spot, you can then turn your attention to preventing further aggression. These protection rituals are solely for self-defense. To follow the attacker and to continue, reverse the roles and you become the attacker. These rituals are specifically designed for self-defense, nothing more.
More than protection, justice rituals are for situations, which are bigger than the individual is, when you want to clear your karma, or break karmic ties with another. They are the best way to release the situation to the wisdom of a higher power. However by doing so you also forfeit your control over the end results. By letting go, you allow the best and highest good to determine the outcome. There are many situations both on the personal level and on the grand scale that would benefit from setting aside the ego and allowing Goddess/God to deal with the challenge.
What would a book of Shadows be without prosperity rituals--a book of other wisdom. But if you are looking for rituals to help you win the lottery or to steal others’ belongings, you need to look elsewhere. There aren’t many rich witches out there who didn’t become so without hard work. That doesn’t mean it can’t or won’t happen, only that is unlikely that you will win millions. Prosperity is more than the sum total of what is in you bank account, but of who you are and what you have accomplished. That doesn't mean you can set aside the mundane needs of life and go meditate on a hill--even then you have to eat. What it does mean that you need to take responsibility for your decisions and your life. Casting spells and doing rituals can help, but I have yet to meet a rich witch. The best way to insure a successful, prosperous life is to remain in school and get a good education. In doing so, you'll find a source of satisfaction as well as being able to live comfortably.
Most love rituals are in fact black magic. If you try to influence another against their will to love you, even for good reason, it is black magic and eventually you will pay. In the movie, The Craft, the one witch discovered how dangerous it can be. She forced a classmate to love her, but instead of a lover, she created a dangerous stalker. Besides wouldn't you prefer to have a love match where you were loved you for yourself instead of forcing someone to love you. How could you ever trust the love between you? Created in trickery and deceit, it could never be a strong bond. Also in doing so, you would create very bad karma and destroy any chance you and any of your true soul mates would have of connecting.
As with the protection rituals, the following are not meant to be the only path to take. If you are physically ill or injured for goodness sake, seek medical help. I am not a doctor or a medical professional. Healing rituals are designed to heal from the spiritual down to the physical. Many illnesses, both on the physical and emotional level have their sources in the spiritual. By healing etheric body or the soul, the physical body is restored. There isn't a simple explanation of why illness happens--nor are there any cure all. Frequently illnesses are learning experiences, karmic balancing or the result of emotional trauma. The only way to deal with them is to find the root cause. In doing so, the lesson is learn or the trauma is understood so trapped emotions can be released. This is no guarantee that the physical ailment will just disappear, but it will aid with the healing process.
Wiccan and Paganism are multi-dimensional paths whose main purpose is to be able both live well and in harmony with the universe. You won’t find them on street corners trying to convert others, nor do they actively attack others; it would be against their belief system. Instead, they chose a life’s path in the pursuit of wisdom, honor and harmony. They work their jobs, care for their families, and pay their bills, while trying to make this world a little better for everyone.

"Out of the Shadows and Into the Light, A Book of Shadows for the Modern World." A Review by GrannyMoon An amazing and in depth BOS written by the published Wiccan writer Theresa Chaze. An Ordained Minister of the Universal Life Church, Wiccan Priestess, and expert in Dragon Magic, Mz Chaze shares her personal wisdom and experiences with the reader. The artwork is inspiring and you will find invaluable spells, rituals, Moon phases, Pagan Holy Days and much much more. Not the run of the mill BOS fare, but a tantalizing buffet!
GrannyMoon
GoddessSchool.com


“When I use the term “awesome” in reference to Theresa Chaze’s new book, Out of the Shadows and Into the Light, it is such an understatement that I really feel ashamed I cannot come up with a better term. Out of the Shadows and Into the Light is an excellent reference guide for anyone who really wants to know what Wicca is really all about. Theresa, an Ordained Minister of the Universal Life Church and Wiccan Priestess, guides us through rituals, alter-building and dragon magic with such a gentle and easy tone that even those of us who don’t practice Wicca can understand that it’s not about evil, but about finding good in the world. It has totally changed my way of thinking. I believe that if more people would realize that Wicca is not about burning animals at the alter or casting evil spells, but concentrate on Theresa’s principles that “…Wicca is a wisdom…based on living in harmony with the rhythms of nature to provide and protect the family…,” you will see the full impact that those who practice Wicca are trying to portray. I highly recommend Out of the Shadows and Into the Light…a must read for anyone who wants to know the REAL world of Wicca.”
--Dorothy Thompson, editor, The Writer’s Life (www.thewriterslife.net) and editor/contributing author of Romancing the Soul (Zumaya Publications 2004)

Out of the Shadows and Into the Light is only available at www.theresachaze.com. Downloads are five dollars to be paid through Paypal.

Theresa Chaze has been described as the woman who plays with dragons, especially the dragons of the mind. She leads her readers to magical realms and others worlds. Her work is based on her philosophy that all peoples can live together in peace as long as we come from respect, not only for ourselves but those who follow different paths or beliefs. Her work has been compared to Marion Zimmer Bradley and Anne McCaffrey with an adult version of Harry Potter mixed in. Theresa Chaze 's major works so far include the first two novels of the Dragon Clan Trilogy and a free fantasy ebook called, Sisters, Mother, Daughters. Her screenplay, Never Can Say Good-bye, is one of the 2006 winners of the Gloria Film Festival. She publishes an ezine called, Messages From the Universe, which is available on her site www.theresachaze.com.

About the Author

Theresa Chaze has been described as the woman who plays with dragons, especially the dragons of the mind. She leads her readers to magical realms and others worlds. Her work is based on her philosophy that all peoples can live together in peace as long as we come from respect, not only for ourselves but those who follow different paths or beliefs. Her work has been compared to Marion Zimmer Bradley and Anne McCaffrey with an adult version of Harry Potter mixed in. Theresa Chaze 's major works so far include the first two novels of the Dragon Clan Trilogy and a free fantasy ebook called, Sisters, Mother, Daughters. Her screenplay, Never Can Say Good-bye, is one of the 2006 winners of the Gloria Film Festival. She publishes an ezine called, Messages From the Universe, which is available on her site www.theresachaze.com.

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Various Pagan Paths and Some Definitions and Resources

Pagan

Pagan is an umbrella term, used to label/describe a variety of religious paths and ideas/beliefs. In it's broadest form, it can include any religion that isn't either Christian, Jewish, or Muslim. Though, I have yet to meet a Buddhist (among many other religions) who would call themselves Pagan. And, though Asatruers are often labeled as "Pagan", they tend to prefer "Heathen".

Reconstruction

A 'reconstruction' religion, is one that is currently attempting to reconstruct an ancient religion. As such, most have limited resources on precisely how the original religion was practiced in ancient times, and exactly what was fully believed by the original peoples who practiced said religion. Reconstructionists do the best the can, with what they've got, essentially. The reconstructing of the religion is largely based on whatever writings, archaeological finds, temples, knowledge, etc. has survived through the ages, and what is researched and concluded by scholars and scientists in regards to the way the culture and religion worked at the time it was in place. The religion in question is then typically molded to fit modern times. NOT changed, mind you, but modern day culture (such as restrictions on acceptable animal sacrifice) is taken into account when reconstructing the religion for feasible practice in the modern era.

Sumerian

I haven't done too much study on this particular religion, other then researching and writing a paper on the legend of Gilgamesh. But, I'll do my best to provide links to information that seems as trustworthy as I can find, given my ignorance on the subject.

Sumerian culture and religion

Sumerian/Mesopitamia culture and religion at wsu.edu

History, contributions, mythologies, etc. of Sumer

Wicca

In order to legitimately claim the title of "Wiccan", one must be initiated into a lineaged coven. You'll only be able to obtain the 'inner court material' (protected by oath) this way, and fully grasp what it is to be Wiccan. So, much information cannot be obtained by merely reading about it. That said, I hope that I can provide some very basic 'outer court material'/information on the rede, and tenets, through more knowledgeable individuals who've written it online, though these resources can be difficult to find, given the number of people who've taken the path and run with it to their own version. Never mind the fact that it is a mystery religion, and as such is rather mysterious as to what is believed, until one is initiated.

Article on the Wiccan Rede, on witchvox

Wicca and Witchcraft on religious tolerance.org


Asatru (Norse Heathenism)

This is the reconstructed religion of the ancient Germanic peoples. If you're looking for some reading material...

The Asatru Alliance

Asatru Folk Assembly

Irminsul

Kemetic Reconstruction (Ancient Egyptian Religion)

This is the reconstruction of the religion practiced by the ancient Egyptians. Like Asatru, much of it is conjecture (or inner feeling/message from the divine), with many of the ancient writings and oral traditions having been lost through the ages. Perhaps even more so, as the religion of the ancient Norse was kept a bit more 'in tact'.

One could go Orthodox in this religion, or not. Here is some material that will give you a good idea about what it entails...

Kemetic Orthodoxy Contains many indispensable resources, and a free class one can take online to further their knowledge.

Ancient Egyptian Proverbs

An Article on Tales of Magic in Ancient Egypt (based on papyri found)

An unorthodox church of Kemet

Hellenic Reconstruction (Ancient Greek Religion)

There are a couple different ways of looking at this one. Hellenismos tends to frown upon the practice of magic, but magic was a big part of ancient Greece, at least in earlier times.

Hellenismos - one branch of Hellenic Reconstruction, that appears to be most popular

A nice article, with a great many scholarly resources on the subject

Magic/Witchcraft in Ancient Greece

Reconstruction of Roman Polytheism

Here are some resources which seem reliable, given what I know of the religion of ancient Rome, and what I've studied/researched.

Article on Witchvox (scroll to the bottom for indispensable resources)

Temple of Religio Romana

Celtic Reconstruction

Deiuokara (Reverence of the Divine) - These guys aren't CR (Celtic Reconstructionists), though they are attempting to reconstruct the religions and culture of the ancient Celtic peoples. They do distinctly separate themselves from CR though, given their differences in how to go about this. For more on this distinction, see their FAQ. They are included here only because they are involved in the construction of a Celtic Pagan tradition, but they are not CR.

A Celtic Reconstructionist Gateway This one is really incredible for so much information on CR. Be sure to check out their FAQ.

Another Witchvox article, again, scroll to bottom for some great resources

Attempting to Define Paganism

You, or your child, may run into situations where you'll have to define what Paganism actually is. Most of the time, it's just a lot easier to discuss your families own personal beliefs, as they specifically pertain to you. But, sometimes, you'll have to give a more general definition (online, or perhaps at school even).

It can be a very difficult thing to describe to someone who doesn't identify as Pagan. Hopefully, my little tirade below (which is a reprint of an article I wrote on Xomba), will help you in your endeavors to define it to people who may not know what it is. Or, who, worse yet, believe it to be something that it definitely is not!

The dictionary has a few definitions for Paganism, all of which are pretty vague. One such definition simply states that any religion not part of the big three Abrahamic faiths is deemed Pagan. However, I have yet to meet an individual who counts themselves as strictly Hindu or Buddhist who would identify themselves as "Pagan". So, for the purposes of what I'd like to talk about here, I'm going to be sticking with the people who would be most likely to identify themselves as "Pagan".

Even Pagans will tell you that "Pagan" is an umbrella term, used to refer to a vast number of individual faiths (much like "Christian" doesn't say which denomination or Biblical interpretation one adhere's to). Most of the individuals you'll find who will identify as "Pagan" though, will be reconstructionists (those who are attempting to reconstruct more ancient spiritual paths, as best and most accurately as they can in present time), Wiccans, or those who are more eclectic in their beliefs, but whose beliefs are largely not Abrahamic in origin.

Pagans come in all shapes and sizes, and most have very different ideas of God. Some believe in many gods, some in just one, some that all gods are one, some in none. And on and on it goes. One thing that most Pagans do have in common is that they don't believe in the Devil (at least, not the character presented in Christian mythology). Considering how difficult it is to worship, honor, or otherwise pay homage to something or someone you don't believe in, they are not Devil-worshipers. In fact, you'll often find that telling them they are "actually worshiping the devil" doesn't go over so well. And, frankly, it's not something I've ever been able to understand, considering that the Bible makes a clear distinction between "The Devil" and the gods worshipped by other peoples, in both the old and new testaments.

In a nutshell, that's what Paganism is and is not. It's a little vague, I know, but probably much more descriptive then anything you'll find in an dictionary. Basically, Pagans are just people. They are people who are searching for what they believe is the right spiritual path for them personally to follow. They are people who believe, or know to the best of their ability, that they have found that path. And, their path doesn't include most of what's found in Abrahamic religions. That's pretty much as detailed as one can get, without going through all the various beliefs held personally by all the Pagans in the world (but, I guarantee that even if I were capable of doing that, you would be asleep by the end of this article. I know I would!).