Frequently Asked Questions...Everglades Moon Local Council gets occasional inquiries from outsiders looking to connect or learn more about the Craft. There are excellent sets of resources on the Covenant of the Goddess national website for general questions and those seeking teachers, including:
CoG's "Commonly-Asked Questions,
Straightforward Answers" Page CoG's "About Witchcraft" Page CoG's "A Few Things to Think About
When Seeking a Teacher" Page The Witch's Voice is another very helpful resource for finding local teachers, groups, events or friends in the Craft/Wiccan community. See http://witchvox.com for more information.
Here
are some questions that have come to us that might be the same as yours:
1.
I have been researching natural magick,
ritual, and Wicca. I would like some more information on your group. I am
looking for some kind of direction and learning new skills to enhance my
spirituality Please send me more information. Covenant
of the Goddess is an umbrella group for Covens and Solitaries who have
already been studying and practicing within the Craft for some time. There
are many paths to choose between. Reading several books may help you
clarify your leanings. Occasionally, we know of covens that are opening
for a few new students. However, be advised that training, either with a
Coven or Solitary Teacher, entails a commitment to hard work. Proximity
and personality play a big role in the success of these choices. The more you
know about yourself and the Craft, the better you will do. Resources are listed on the
"Witches Voice" website, see the link above.
2.
How do I connect with a CoG Coven or Members near me? Some of our groups that present a public face are listed on our website at www.emlc.net. You can write us at em@cog.org or contact CoG's National Correspondence Office at info@cog.org if you don't live in Florida. Please keep in mind that many CoG groups might not be taking new members. Not every inquiry will result in follow up contact. In
the meantime, become aware of Pagan Festivals within a couple hundred
miles of you. The Witches' Voice (http://www.witchvox.com)also
has great resources for finding other Wiccans and Witches and festivals
that they put on or attend. Local metaphysical shops often have some
flyers or local publications about groups and events, as well. There
are a growing number of Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagan groups
which are a part of the Unitarian Universalist
Congregations. See cuups.org
for more information. Connecting is an exercise in networking. Be
patient, open, persistent, and honest.
3.
What might my first meeting with a Coven be like? Perhaps
you have friends that you do not suspect are in the Craft, and one day they
will reach out to you. Alternatively, your first contact might be some
sort of interview or meeting. This could be either online or at some neutral location
like a restaurant. The
purpose of the exchange would be to determine your seriousness,
compatibility and dedication. It would be helpful if you have shown
motivation by reading several books on your own. Do not bluff. These
people have heard it all before. Take comfort that not every connection
will be a good match.
4.
What might be expected of me when I join a Coven? Compatibility
with the other members is really important. There will most likely be regular
meetings that you will be required to attend. You will be
expected to attend all eight Sabbat rituals. You will be taught many
things, and you will be expected to be an active participant in your
training. The Craft is not a spectator sport. In a coven, you have the benefit
of being trained in a tradition that others before you have also practiced, and
you have the benefit of the experience of your teachers. You will be expected to
respect your teachers. If you do not respect them, you belong somewhere
else. Coven
membership involves a serious commitment of time and energy and an
entering into community. It is not for everyone. 80% of Craft people are
uncovened. On a solitary path, you can build your own network of events,
rituals, colleagues, teachers, and mentors.
5.
What if I am already established, either in a Coven or as a Solitary? If
you are established, then you understand the need to make yourself known
to us over a period of time. The membership section of this website,
describes the formal procedure. Informally, get to know us at our
regular meetings and then join us in
Circle. EMLC meetings are normally open to all who are interested in becoming members.
Contact us at to find out when and where the next one will be.
6.
Can you help me with a spell for love, money, or to hex my ex? When
you get into directing energy at other people, you are entering an area of
ethical concern. The Three-Fold Law of Return and our belief in personal
responsibility guides most Wiccans away from crafting spells for others. Most
books on Wicca address this problem. You can help yourself. Protection has
a lot to do with common sense. Seek positive people. Avoid negative
people. Look for a solution in the mundane world first. Elders
and Ministers are issued an ID card that includes their mundane name,
credential number, and county and state of residence. This card is renewed
annually and on the back has a web
address and postal mail address in Berkeley, California, where
you can request verification. Yes, and when
contemplating a handfasting (wedding), there is a big difference between
the role of an officiant, who solemnizes the vows and makes the bond
legal, and a wedding planner, who arranges everything. It
is very important that you be clear in your expectations and also about
time and location. Wiccan clergy tend to have day jobs, lead busy lives,
and have a community that they already serve. Contact us to see if we have
someone in your area, or someone who would be willing to travel to you. Also, bear in
mind that Ministers of Wicca, like any other Minister, may ask to be recompensed for
their time and energy.
10.
I am doing a term paper, research study, master's thesis on Witchcraft,
and I am looking for people to interview and observe. Some
people within the Craft might be willing to participate. They would ask
that you respect their anonymity and practices. They might not want their
words to be used against them in negative public relations. Please
demonstrate your sincerity, and we will ask around.
11.
Our condominium social director would like to bring a bus of 60 senior
citizens over for their monthly outing to see a Wiccan Ritual. While some of the member groups in CoG or Everglades Moon occasionally hold circles open to members outside of their group, none of our groups in Florida are current doing rituals as form of public outreach or interfaith education. Additionally, our religion is very participatory and, therefore, not designed for observers.
12.
Can anyone give me information on how to apply for the COG credentials as
Clergy? I looked at the COG main site and could not find any links
to the necessary paperwork for me to fill out. Minister and Elder
Credentials are only available to members, so if you are not already a member of CoG,
you would need to pursue that first. Please see our membership page for more information.
If you are a CoG member, then please contact the current Membership Officer, who will be
happy to help you with that process. 13. I most certainly need to speak to another Pagan/Wiccan, because I went to see a "regular" therapist, and I didn't get much past..."Well, I've had this huge falling-out with my coven over the interpretation of the Wiccan Rede." before she was on the phone to my doctor recommending I be "Baker Acted" and put on Zyprexa and Haldol. It
is important that you shun unwholesome relationships. For me, the Wiccan
Rede includes a provision for self-defense, although I am still
responsible for my choices and resulting Karma. If third parties are
offering to Baker Act you, perhaps a little time in a meditation group
would be well spent? |
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