All right, so you want to be a Segovian, Gardnerian or Alexandrian witch. To get some idea of what you are "in for", it is recommended that you read What Witches Do by Stewart Farrar. This will even give you an overview of the training you have in store for yourself. It takes a full year's commitment, at least, to become a witch in our or similar traditions.

And for a look ahead, as well as some basic training itself, you might want to get Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft by Raymond Buckland. It might not truly be complete, but it's really quite good. This book is a very good workbook to supplement whatever training you get, at the very least.

Reading is the first stage of showing your desire to become a witch. Many traditions make you wait a year between your first request for training and the start of classes; reading is what you do in the meantime, preparing yourself for what lies ahead.

What is a First Degree?

Many persons feel that the first degree initiation is something that a person receives simply because this group or that wishes to accept a person into their circle (Gardnerian, Alexandrian, etc.).

In this tradition, as a first degree, you ARE a priest/ess, and as such you carry responsibilities. In some traditions, the knowledge you have gained during your first degree studies here will qualify you for a third degree in that tradition. But let's look at it a minute.

As I have stated, as a first degree, you ARE a priest/ess. What does this mean? In other faiths, you must go to seminary or its equivalent for a period of at least 5 years to obtain this goal. When you leave there, you are knowledgeable in not only the beliefs of your faith, but also its history, sects, and doctrines. You have been trained to be a counselor, helper, and friend to your parishioners. You have had training in dealing with problems within your church, your community, and "the enemy". Basically, you have been given the trust of your church to be knowledgeable, loving, caring, and trustworthy.

Should a Priest/ess in the craft be expected to be any less? As a Traditional Wiccan, the answer is a resounding NO!

During your first degree studies, you are the equivalent of an Associate Pastor/Minister/Whatever. You are now in training to eventually have your own coven, or if you wish to be solitary, you are in training to be able to defend your religion to the outside world if the need arises.

What are the responsibilities of a First Degree in my tradition?

As always, in the this tradition, you are required to constantly be learning and growing. This does not mean that you have to be constantly be learning about the craft, but about yourself, your community, Mother Earth, etc. This responsibility does not cease even when you receive your third degree. This is a responsibility to yourself.

Some of your responsibilities to the coven are listed below:
1.) To grow within the craft.
2.) To observe and participate in all circle functions of your degree or lower.
3.) To assist in preparation for all circle functions of your degree or lower.
4.) To assist any student of a lesser grade in hir studies when asked by this student for assistance.
5.) To contribute at least one research paper of 10 pages (5 if single spaced) or more on the craft subject of your choice, if required by your teacher.
6.) Contribute in some manner to each sabbat or public gathering either by time, monies for supplies, or bringing something to share either during or after event. Time could be by arriving early to help set up, staying a little later and helping to clean up after, preparing and sharing a workshop (if open workshop is scheduled), making phone calls to remind people of the event, etc.
7.) Contribute to ideas for coven gatherings and help arrange same. (Remember, all things do not happen at Covenstead!)
8.) Be aware of any conflicts within Circle, and bring this to the attention of the HP/s (even if that's where the conflict is!)
9.) Be prepared to accept the responsibility of a circle or ritual should something happen to your HP/s.

To some people, this may seem like a lot of expectations, but keep in mind. We are not are not training "week-end witches." You are in training to be a Priest/ess of Wicca.

Your first degree is something to be proud of. You have worked hard and long to receive it, and your HP/S has found you worthy of same.

May the Lord and Lady smile on your efforts.

There are three degrees of initiation in our tradition of Wicca. This is the book of the First Degree, the Neophyte, whose duty is to learn the ways of the Wicca. Study these basics for a year and a day, or until proficient. At such time, present yourself to your Elders, to be assessed as to your eligibility for Second Degree.

The symbol of the Neophyte is the triangle with the point down.

The Key to the degree is Learning Wiccan Ways.

The Password of the degree is Perfect Love and Perfect Trust.

We are the Wicca; Witches; the secret children of the Goddess. We are a very ancient religion. Some say that our name means "wise ones". Others say it means "to bend". What it once meant is no longer important, for now it means both of those things, and many more besides.

In the dawn times, when mankind was young, we all worshipped the Mother and Her consort, the Horned God of fertility and the Hunt. We were simple people then, hunters and gatherers, and we lived in harmony with the Earth. But all things change, and we, too, changed. We learned to work with our Mother to bring forth the food we needed when and where we needed it - we invented agriculture. And we began to live in cities, and to make war with each other.

Gradually, we drew apart from our Mother, and as the long ages passed we forgot our first love, and the nurturing we had received. But some few still clung to the old ways, and learned the old skills. These were called Priestesses, or Witches, or Wise Ones; and they were feared, for their knowledge and their power.

When the new gods came into the land, and won the loyalty of the people by force and deceit, or by true acts of gentleness and loving kindness (for a good man may be found anywhere - and every religion contains some truth) then the Gods of the old religion became the saints and the devils of the new.

For many years we lived together in harmony.

But at last greedy men seized control of the new religion. For the structure lent itself to controlling, and then the burning times began.

During those times, great change was upon the land, and a new light of reason dawned, and many in the ruling classes lost their power. But because there was great upheaval, the times were also troubled and uncertain - and all who were handy targets - the poor, women, and people whose color or philosophy did not coincide with the new ruling classes - were used to vent the anger and uncertainty of all the world.

Many were tortured, and countless thousands were killed - and we of the old religion hid for our lives; and were heard of no more, until people thought we were myth; a tale to frighten naughty children.

Then the laws against us were repealed - for why outlaw a fairy tale? And in a new climate of tolerance, some are stepping forth again. to separate the facts from the fiction, and explain to all the world that we are simple people; who desire nothing more than to grow and learn in peace, to honor our Mother, the Earth, and to worship the Gods we cherish in the fashion we choose.

We are a religion of Priestesses and Priests, and all Initiates are Priest or Priestess. As such, any Initiate may cast a circle for hirself, or for a partner, for work or for prayer, or for a Pagan group, to teach and instruct them, and lead them in worship. Only remember to speak carefully to members of Pagan groups, and never forget that they are not Initiates.

If a Pagan wishes to become an Initiate, the first degree Witch should seek the advice and help of a second or third degree.It is best to worship within a coven, but this is not always possible.

Covens ideally consist of thirteen people; six couples and the High Priestess. She represents the Goddess, and leads the rites, assisted by the High Priest she chooses. All should be in accord, with no dissension.

The meeting place is called the Covenstead.

A Summoner is appointed from the male members by the high Priest. He it is who carries certain announcements and regards discipline for all.

A Maiden is appointed from the female members. Traditionally, she is unmarried, and a close relative of either the High Priestess or High Priest. She should be at least thirteen, and should wear white. Her duty is to be sure the Circle is properly prepared, and to assist the High Priestess.

The most important thing to remember about working in the circle is to do everything in a spirit of Joy, in perfect love and perfect trust.

All Witches are expected to keep a Book of Shadows in their own "hand of write". This should be kept secret from all non-initiates, and burned when the Witch dies, unless there is an Initiate to keep it next. This is traditional from the burning times. It is wise to keep a journal as well. There is no better way to learn to know yourself.

Many covens have totems, creatures sacred to the coven, as well as special symbols and colors.

Coven attire varies from group to group. Many work sky-clad, that is, nude. But when robes are worn, they are generally free-flowing and hooded. Each robe is the personal property of its owner, and never to be worn by any other person, nor is it to leave the possession of its owner. When it can no longer be worn, it is burned.

The Cords of Initiation are worn by all the Wicca at all Circles. They are tied in a single knot at the left of the waist. They, too, never leave the possession of their owner. After a Witch dies, hir cords are traditionally loosened, and then burned or buried with hir.

Many wear necklaces into the circle. In some covens, females must wear a necklace made from natural substances such as nuts, seeds, berries, wood, or amber.

In addition, there are certain things that only the High Priestess (HPs) or High Priest (HP) may wear.

The Garter is worn by the High Priestess upon her left leg, just below the knee. It can be made of anything that feels right to her. On it, she wears one silver buckle for every Coven that has hived off from hers.

In addition, she may also wear a Moon Crown made of silver, and showing the role of High Priestess as representative of the Goddess.

The High Priest may wear a Horned Helmet, made of the horns of some kind of male animal, and showing his role as representative of the Horned God.

Aside from these things, any covener may wear anything that "feels right". Circles have been celebrated in jeans and T-shirts! For the clothing, though it can serve to put one in the right frame of mind, and tell the Twilight Self what is going on, is unimportant when that state of mind can be achieved at will.

Blessed Be!

Some have asked how this little booklet came into being. It's all very straightforward: as the most visible representatives of paganism here in Austin, Texas, I and my consort, Arnthor Phalius, are asked often to appear in public to talk about witchcraft. The questions included here are those most often asked, along with the answers we give. Of course, we cannot pretend to speak for all Pagans, only for ourselves, but the little booklet has been well- received as a non-threatening method of getting to know a subject like Wicca. Occasionally we will find someone who has had negative experiences with persons who call themselves Wiccans or Witches, and in those cases they expressed relief to find that 'other type' of Pagans existed than those which had given them their initial bad impressions.

Here in Texas there are many traditions and varieties of Paganism, and if one isn't to be alone, one must learn that there are more similarities than differences in Paganism and the other major religions. Pagans have always known this, but for various reasons, have not stepped forward as representatives of this view.

I, Merlana, am a mystic who responds to the Universal Mind as it is expressed in Nature. It is my deep belief that persons who reverence these principles are unified at bottom, and separated only by the illusion of words, which are not reality. Sometimes words aren't even adequate representations of "Reality"!

It is my intention in this little booklet to re-define some issues and terms in the way that my tradition sees them. It so happens that much of the rest of Paganism falls within this general framework. (NOTE: A 'tradition' is a varietal type, like 'denomination'.)

If you already know the subject and wish to differ, your comments are welcome. If you are new to the subject, perhaps here you'll find some questions answered, and (if wanted) fellowship with others who are on similar paths.

1. WHAT IS WICCA? "Wicca" (pronounced Wick-ah) is one name given to the Nature religions practiced in Northern Europe, and the Middle East from the times of the Ice Ages. It is one spiritual path out of many in a group of spiritual practices known as Neo-Paganism. Neo-Paganism is currently in a world-wide revival, led by persons and groups in the United States and Britain.

2. HOW DO WICCA AND NEOPAGANISM FIT TOGETHER? Wicca is one subsidiary form, or 'tradition', similar to the way Christianity has many forms. One can be a Christian, and still be Baptist, Methodist, or Roman Catholic. In the same way, one can be a Pagan, but ascribe to another, more specific sub-variety or philosophy.

3. IS IT THE SAME AS WITCHCRAFT? One linguistic theory has the word Wicca coming from Olde English "Wicca-Craft", meaning "craft of the wise ones." Most followers of Wicca (and most Pagans) prefer not to use the terms Witchcraft or Witch because of the emotional connotations these words carry in our society. Generally, one who calls him or herself a "Witch" without further qualifications is seeking notoriety and special attention. Those of us who guard the portals of personal Power, (like Carlos Casteneda’s character Don Juan) are normally hard to find or engage in discussion. Our Mysteries are carefully hidden from the world, and from those who might be tempted to misuse them.

4. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE ABOUT GOD? Although Pagans generally agree that one God exists and is the same regardless of name, they vary in specific concepts about God, as in other religions. What an individual Pagan holds is strictly a matter of personal belief. However, occasionally a tradition will teach highly-specific concepts, structures, and mythologies. If one finds oneself in disagreement, the best policy is "voting with the feet", or withdrawing to find another group who better agrees. NOTE: Sometimes it may be easier to gather together a group of people who believe as you do to form an entirely new group. That's the purpose of networking, or what the booklet is designed for. Most Wiccans divide the Godhead (generally conceived of as Mother Nature) into two forces. One force is male, and the other female. They are called respectively, The God and The Goddess. Between them, these two divinities create a balance of harmony in the Eternal Dance. They represent the forces of birth, death, and regeneration symbolized in the change of seasons. Wiccans call this cycle the Wheel of the Year. Most rituals celebrate the Wheel of the Year and our deep, meaningful participation in natural cycles of change. Because the male force has been in ascendancy for thousands of years due to Christian, Moslem, and Jewish religions, there is presently a tendency to emphasize the Goddess, especially by feminists (or by those whose personal concept of God happens to be female). We also believe in Magick, which is a partnership between humanity and the Universal Mind. This partnership creates changes in what we normally call "reality", i.e., change accomplished with prayer. These changes can seem miraculous or merely coincidental, and always include personal effort. Magick is not the same as "Wishing".

5. WHAT HAPPENS AT A WICCA CEREMONY? There are several types of get-together that Pagans of all traditions attend. The most available and open is called a "Grove", where those who wish may study both spiritual and ceremonial topics. Most groves emphasize fellowship and harmony of mind between their members. You should choose one as much for how you blend with the personalities of the members as for the particular brand of teaching. Eight times a year, at the solstices and equinoxes, May Day, Halloween, and other points on the lunar calendar, Pagans gather together (usually outdoors under trees) to celebrate Nature and the turn of the seasons. These outdoor celebrations consist of dancing, prayer, invocations, and rituals passed down from the many traditions through the ages. We also urge participants to develop and use their own original rituals and to share them with others. Because we dance and pray in a standing Circle (or sometimes a spiral), and because we draw at these times from the Universal spherical energies of protection and power, these meetings are called (appropriately enough) "Circles".

6. HOW CAN I ATTEND A GROVE OR CIRCLE? Wiccans and Pagans tend to be very private, and do not advertise their faith as publicly as some others might. This is mainly because of past persecutions. However, for those who are sincerely interested, there always exist persons with whom to visit and explore that interest. If you are sincere and really want to set out upon the Pagan path, the first step is to find a Grove to study with. After a Grove accepts you, eventually you will attend Circles.

7. DO I HAVE TO GIVE UP MY OTHER SPIRITUAL PATHS TO BECOME A WICCAN? That will depend on the tradition and the teacher. In general, Pagans are most tolerant of any philosophical structure, and ask only that the tolerance be returned. You will not be requested to do anything that differs with your beliefs and spiritual needs.

8. DOES BEING A PAGAN MAKE A PERSON SPECIAL OR DIFFERENT? Well, yes, of course. But the special qualities are available to everybody. Everything that Pagans do with Magick is done in other religions by other names. It is only that we have found that these particular formulas, beliefs, and celebrations work best for us. There are varying approaches to (and grasps of) personal Power. One way of recognizing someone who is truly Powerful is to note whether he or she seems to need control or influence over others. True personal power is content to control only the self and personal reality.

9. DO YOU CAST SPELLS ON OTHER PEOPLE? The major law in our religion is "Do what you will, an it hurt no other" (the Golden Rule). In other words, no one is prevented from exploration of God and Goddess as long as others are not harmed. We do believe in directing the energies of the universe toward accomplishment of certain ends, but magick is never effective on another person unless that person specifically requests it and takes personal responsibility for that request. Attempts as so-called "black" magick, or use of the universal energies for negative or harmful purposes, only result in karmic backlash magnified at least threefold on the unfortunate would-be black magician. Our tradition does not believe in the possibility of "psychic attack" and hence does not teach methods for combating it. Our philosophy tells us that to raise a force against "psychic attack" is only to create that which you fear.

10. ARE PAGANS ANTI-CHRISTIAN? No. but many Christians are anti-Pagan. Historically, there has existed an adversary relationship between Christianity and the Nature Religions (largely created by Christians). It takes much universal love not to strike back when attacked, and occasionally a Pagan might seem bitter or afraid as the result of anti-Pagan treatment. This is only a personal reaction, not a characteristic of the religion itself. It is also true that Wiccans and Pagans have suffered dismissal from jobs and worse simply from their religious affiliation being revealed. Events like these lead to a certain caution and sometimes even an attitude approaching mild paranoia.

11. WHO IS IN CHARGE OF PAGANISM? Each person is in charge of him or herself, responsible totally to God/dess. One might hear an individual called High Priestess or Priest, but this title has more to do with the role played in ceremonies that with status in any formal hierarchy. Groves and teaching groups sometimes have various levels of initiation, but again, these are individual to each tradition.

12. WHAT MAKES WICCA DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PATHS THAT BELIEVE IN THE PSYCHIC POWERS? We usually find that people most often comment on the robes and the tools. Traditionally we wear special garments while engaging in devotions, as a male Jew wears a prayer shawl and skullcap. The garments have symbolisms, and stand for beliefs of the person wearing them. The tools are: a cup, a knife, staff (or wand), and the pentacle, a 5-pointed star with the 5th point upward, enclosed in a circle. For those familiar with the tarot cards, this was the original source of the tarot suits as well as many meanings and symbolisms in the tarot deck.

13. WHAT IS DONE WITH THE TOOLS? They are used, along with other objects, like candles, bells, and incense, to focus energies and influence Universal forces with out prayers. If the format reminds you of Roman Catholic mass, that's because much of the indigenous Nature Religion's mysteries were "adopted" when Christianity moved into Northern Europe -- into England, Scotland, Ireland, and Scandinavia -- the lands of the Celts. Also, if the tools and concepts seem to resemble the elements in Rosicrucianism, the Cabala, and the Masonic Temple, it is because the latter paths drew and adopted Pagan rituals and forms for other uses. Since ours was an oral tradition, we gratefully acknowledge the role these organizations played in bringing to modern times knowledge and insights which might have otherwise been lost. Here's a bit of trivia: Although the Founding Fathers of the U.S.A. generally held indifferent attitudes about Christianity, they were all thirty-third degree Masons. Obviously they sought to incorporate their high ideals into writing our first constitution. This odd fact explains to some people why fundamentalist Christians and the constitution occasionally seem to be at cross-purposes.

14. HOW LARGE IS THE RELIGION? Since Wicca or Paganism is an alternative religion uninterested in power or clout, we measure out "size" usually only by spiritual growth. There is a national newspaper published quarterly by which many Pagans keep in touch.

15. WHAT ABOUT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY? That's Magick too! Craft practitioners of old WERE the scientists... there was need for healers and herbalists, agriculture and astronomy experts. The scientific method has now made teaching these subjects respectable in universities. But in the process, we have lost the lore's former integration of the spiritual relationship between God expressed as Nature and ourselves. Many of us are scientifically trained and hold technological jobs and interests. This does not interfere with but only adds to a desire for ritual celebration and union with God/dess. Also, many of us are ourselves practicing psychics, or are interested in extrasensory perception (ESP) and its uses. Paganism makes available a philosophical structure for all these ends utilized effectively for millennia. It urges individuals to develop their personal powers within that structure and to use them thereafter in a responsible way.

16. THAT'S SOMETHING ELSE; WHY DON'T I EVER HEAR OR READ ABOUT PAGAN CHARITIES OR GOOD WORKS? Good news makes terrible press. News media and supermarket tabloids would much rather print scandal and controversy. How many times have you seen a headline that attributed a person's conduct to his/her belief in Witchcraft? Do you ever see the same types of stories about Moslems, Jews, or Christians? In addition, organized charity can only be accomplished under certain forms of organized religious structures. That takes leadership, delegation, of powers, community resources, and accumulation of money and collective wealth. We focus instead on personal responsibility and the necessity of reflecting God/dess in our characters and lives. Occasionally persons in the Craft will join together to change a situation or to help someone, but this is always done quietly and with the full knowledge and permission of those for whom the help of change is requested. It is always done without taking public credit. We feel that God/dess knows, and that is all we need.

17. HOW CAN WE SUM THIS UP IN A FEW WORDS? Wicca, a branch of the spiritual movement called Neo-Paganism (or Paganism) is primarily a religion of personal, mystical relationship between the Universal Mind as expressed in Nature and the individual. It believes in Magick, or positive change wrought by prayer and ceremonial ritual. It brings its practitioners the joy of union and harmony with God/dess as expressed in Nature as well as fellowship with other persons who are on similar paths. Personal responsibility and growth are stressed, dogma and rigid beliefs are discouraged.

MAY GOD/DESS SPEAK TO YOU IN THE VOICE YOU HEAR BEST. BLESSED BE!

MERLANA

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