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Merry Meet and Welcome

As a result of all the recent attention paid to Witchcraft in movies and television and the popularity of books like 'Teen Witch,' the younger generations are finding the path to the Old Ways. The Covenant of the Goddess is proud to offer you these pages as an introduction to what the Craft is. We do take some time to explain our conception of the responsibility that comes with the Craft:

RESPONSIBILITY: When you begin studying the Craft, you inherently take on the karma and responsibility of this way of life. You make your own decisions within the Craft, so you will live with the repercussions thereof, for good or for bad. The best choice to make, then, is to work for the good, and you won't have to worry about the bad :)

PARENTAL PERMISSION: We feel very strongly that this is a major component of your studies. In fact, any reputable teacher or guide will insist that you have it, (if you are under legal age.) Most importantly, with your parent's permission, you won't create a path of lies when they ask about your activities and your teacher won't be partaking of that karma. Be open with your folks, and when they question the Craft, answer them calmly and with love. The more that they know of the truth, the easier it is for all of you.

SUPPORT: While we most certainly support your interest in the Craft and your desire to study it further, we cannot and will not intervene between you and your family, church, or school. If you are experiencing legal problems, (harassment, school suspension, etc.), we can most definitely refer you to organizations that can and will help you. However, please do not forget, your parents are responsible for you and have your best interests in mind. If they are strongly opposed to your study of the Craft, then not only can we not intervene, but it would be wrong for us to even consider it. Be patient, there is a time and place for everything. Your time will come.

MEMBERSHIP: If you are over the age of 18, you might consider joining our Associates program. COG Associates have access to CoG's considerable resources which have helped to establish the legality and legitimacy of our religion and its practitioners. In addition, an Associate will receive a subscription to the National Newsletter (published eight times a year), member rates at CoG events (when such are offered), contact with willing CoG Elders and participation in a private listserve, open only to CoG Associates and Members. An Associate will receive a wallet-sized card, identifying him/her as a CoG Associate. An Associate is encouraged to attend Local Council meetings, if they are in an area where one exists, and to participate in any CoG-sponsored activities.

The Craft

You might be interested to know that Pat Devin, COG West Coast Public Information Officer, actually worked as consultant for the movie "The Craft." Although she did her best to educate the film's producers about the Craft, Hollywood is not here to make sure the Craft is presented properly; they're here to make money. Lesson learned: Don't base your knowledge of the Craft on what you see on TV or in the movies. Never-the-less, don't forget the lesson the girls in the movie learned when they didn't listen to the advice they were given. The results were not pleasant. An on-screen demonstration of the Threefold Return! We recommend that you read an interview with Pat on the movie.

So, you ask, what IS the Craft? Well, to borrow from another section on our website:

"Wicca, or Witchcraft, is an earth religion -- a re-linking (re-ligio) with the life-force of nature, both on this planet and in the stars and space beyond. In city apartments, in suburban backyards, in country glades, groups of women and men meet on the new and full moons and at festival times to raise energy and put themselves in tune with these natural forces. They honor the old Goddesses and Gods, including the Triple Goddess of the waxing, full, and waning moon, and the Horned God of the sun and animal life, as visualizations of immanent nature.
Our religion is not a series of precepts or beliefs, rather we believe that we each have within ourselves the capacity to reach out and experience the mystery -- that feeling of ineffable oneness with all Life. Those who wish to experience this transcendence must work, and create, and participate in their individual religious lives. For this reason, our congregations, called covens, are small groups which give room for each individual to contribute to the efforts of the group by self-knowledge and creative experimentation within the agreed-upon group structure or tradition.
There are many traditions or sects within the Craft. Different groups take their inspiration from the pre-Christian religions of certain ethnic groups (e.g. Celtic, Greek, Norse, Finno-Ugric); in the liturgical works of some modern Witch poet or scholar (e.g. Gerald Gardner, Z Budapest, Alex Sanders, Starhawk); or by seeking within themselves for inspiration and direction. Many feminists have turned to Wicca and the role of priestess for healing and strength after the patriarchal oppression and lack of voice for women in the major world religions.
There are many paths to spiritual growth. Wicca is a participatory revelation, a celebratory action leading to greater understanding of oneself and the universe. We believe there is much to learn by studying our past, through myth, through ritual drama, through poetry and music, through love and through living in harmony with the Earth."

AN IT HARM NONE, DO WHAT YE WILL

These eight words encompass a great deal for those who seek the Old Ways. They are indeed very simple and direct: You are free to exercise your will as long as no one is harmed. Harm is not limited in its meaning, either. "Harm" means:

Making someone uncomfortable
Imposing your will upon them
Altering someone's path without their permission to do so
Cursing them
Working spells upon them
Harming YOURSELF!! You are definitely included in the "none" part of the Rede. Respect yourself, honor yourself, and know that you are a child of the Lady and Lord.

A good "rule of thumb" for this Craft law is this: If you have any doubt whatsoever that what you are planning to do just might be in the "harm" category, 1) don't do it; 2) seek an Elder Craft worker and ask their advice.

CELEBRATION OF THE SEASONS

The ultimate goal of the Craft, (intertwined with the training and traditions to attain this), is to attune one's self to the Earth and the changing seasons. By gaining this attunement, enlightenment follows, a working relationship with the Earth is founded, a communion with the Elementals is formed, and knowing one's self opens the gateway to the knowledge within.

By being aware of the change in the seasons and all of the subtle ebbs and flows, a witch becomes one with the energies. This partnership and the knowledge of what this partnership means is what makes "magic" work. For what is magic other than energy that is focused on a specific goal?

The celebration of the Sabbats is essential to the Craft. The Wheel of the Year, as it is called, is the turning of the Wheel that keeps the flow steady and sure.

The Eight Sabbats (described briefly) are:

Yule: The Winter's Solstice. This is normally celebrated around December 21st or 22nd and is the birth of the Sun God.

Imbolc: Also known as Candlemas and is normally celebrated around February 1st. We begin saying farewell to Winter and welcome the way for Spring and the Return of the Goddess.

Ostara: Spring Equinox. We work to completely welcome the Goddess from her rest and open the door for Spring and new life. This is normally celebrated around March 21st or 22nd.

Beltane: Fertility celebration and welcome to the fires of new life. This is normally celebrated around May 1st and is one of the most powerful Sabbats of the Craft.

Litha: Summer's Solstice. This is normally celebrated around June 21st or 22nd and turns the wheel for the celebration of summer. The longest day of the year and the shortest night.

Lammas: Celebration of Lugh/First Harvest. This is normally celebrated around mid August and is the Celtic celebration for the first harvest of the summer crop.

Mabon: Autumnal Equinox. This is normally celebrated around September 21st or 22nd. This is the last harvest and our preparation for the imminent winter.

Samhain: Year's End/Year's Beginning. This is when the veils between the worlds thin as the Wheel begins a new cycle. This is normally celebrated around the end of October/early November.

The Craft and School

How do I tell my friends and/or teachers that I practice the Craft?
The question probably ought to be this: "Should I tell my friends and/or teachers that I practice the Craft?" First, look at your reasons for wanting to tell them. Have you been asked what faith you practice? Are you prepared for inquiries as to the "whys" and "hows" of the Craft? Are you prepared for possible ridicule/criticisms from friends and teachers? Keep in mind that no matter what your age, there will always be those who will seek to "save your soul", sway your beliefs, or "help you to see the light." Think hard on this one before you "out" yourself. PLUS, with the recent outbreak of school violence and shootings, Pagan and Wiccan students are most definitely being watched closely by school authorities. Some students have been expelled and/or suspended, so please USE DISCRETION and MODERATION!

Should I wear my Craft jewelry prominently?
Again, look at where you are and who is around you. You have every right, of course, to wear your Craft jewelry! We DO caution you to use common sense and not invite harm upon yourself by being "bold" when you should be "quiet." You don't need us to tell you that it's hard enough being "underage," so take it easy on yourself and use moderation in your zeal and the Craft, at least to the non Pagans and non Witches in your life!

What if I get in trouble for wearing my jewelry or speaking my beliefs?
You have First Amendment rights to do both. If you are expelled from school or told that you cannot wear your jewelry or speak of your faith, contact your local ACLU or the Witches Anti Discrimination League. However, don't get yourself into trouble by "preaching the faith" when History class is in session!

Should I seek others of the Craft?
This is your own personal decision. Camaraderie is a wonderful thing and group celebrations can be powerful. Use good sense when seeking others, though, and if your inner sense ever tells you that you're in the wrong place or with the wrong people, you should probably listen to it.

Where Do I Find Out More About Witchcraft?

Spend as much time learning as you can! Not just the Craft, mind you, but study hard in school, learn of other cultures, history, religious beliefs. Knowledge is power! You can absolutely, positively, never know too much.

Spend as much time as you can outdoors. Learn the trees, the plants, the sky, the stars, the winds... you get the idea. The way to attune yourself to Nature is to experience it.

Read! Read! Read! We have some recommended reading for you.

When the time is right, and you have your parent's blessings, seek a teacher. We have some guidelines for this as well: So, you think you've found a teacher... A word of caution here, (well, several words): If you EVER get the feeling that inappropriate remarks/suggestions are being made by your teacher(s), please seek the advice of another adult to help you determine if you are in a bad position and perhaps need to move on to another teacher. Secondly, although much information is available on the Internet and in good books, NOTHING can replace the warmth and wisdom of a real, live teacher of the Craft. Take your time in finding the one for you!

Speaking of the Internet, do not believe all that you read and see on the Net! Use discretion and if your gut says that something just isn't right, then it probably isn't. Don't throw your common sense out the window in exchange for a bit of knowledge, (that will probably turn out to be mucky muck in the long run.)

Merry We Part

This is a brief introduction to Wicca for you, and there is a universe of knowledge for you to obtain, but this is a beginning, and all things certainly must have one of those! We wish you love and light in your journeys!

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