So You Want To Join A Pagan Group

This article was written by a fellow High Priest called Ash. It was done as a guide for seekers who were looking to join pagan groups in the community here in Perth but is applicable to any seeker looking for a group to join anywhere. It contains some good advice for those who are just starting out on their path and some handy questions to ask when talking to a prospective teacher.

 

When I volunteered to write this article at a recent gathering of the pagan community here in Perth I was transported back in time to my days as a seeker. I remember scouring occult book stores for books with any information I felt would help qualify me for coven membership, attending "Pagans in the Pub" in one of Sydney's seamier suburbs, and attending "Moots", which were basically a discussion group focussing on various philosophies around at the time. I was positively rabid for any pagan contact at all and often felt like I was the only shmuck out there who didn't belong to a coven. Well the wheel turned and I eventually found a group and now co-run a coven with my lovely wife and High Priestess and find myself at the other end of the spectrum.

I think the most important thing that anyone seeking to join a group should have in their possession is some sort of idea of what they want in a group. For instance, if you want to study Druidry it is pretty pointless responding to an ad for a Wiccan group, and vice versa. Read some books, talk to pagans you know, check out websites on the internet and check out which traditions appeal to you, then progress from there. The number of people I meet who have little or no idea about traditions/philosophies or the direction they wish to go still amazes me. Once you make up your mind which way you want to go, you can start the ball rolling by checking out ads in the alternative press, websites, hassle any pagan friends you might have to see if they know of groups taking on trainees and so on. Joining a group should be done on an informed basis and not the result of a raffle or an "I'll take the first one that comes along." attitude.

The next step is contacting the prospective group and arranging some sort of meeting to see if a) the group is the type of group you are looking for, and b) if you are the type of person they are looking for. Most groups require a definite time and study commitment from would be trainees before they'll even consider you for training. Once you complete the training and are initiated most groups will have ongoing training as well as attending whatever ritual commitments the group has on its calender. For a Wiccan group this can include the eight seasonal festivals, full moons ( thirteen each year), possibly new moons (if the group is so inclined) and that is probably a minimal commitment. If you work nights and can't attend training evenings then it is pretty pointless applying in the first place, although some groups might offer different training options. The initial meeting will probably be in a neutral place such as a food hall, coffee shop, or similar public place. The reason for this is to protect the location of the covenstead and provide a relaxed and non-threatening environment where you can discuss the issue at hand. If you think that's a bit over the top, stop and consider whether you would invite someone you didn't know from a bar of soap into your home and place of worship. I wouldn't and don't. Love and trust are earned, not automatically given.

The interview can be a daunting prospect for most seekers for a number of reasons. Perhaps the most daunting is the thought of being put under the microscope by those interviewing you. It can help if you take the approach that you are doing the same to those interviewing you. It is, after all is said and done, a two way street. Questions you may be asked might include such topics as why you wish to pursue the particular path they are offering? What do you know in relation to the path you are applying for? You may be asked for your date and time of birth for astrology purposes. Do you have a criminal record? Do you use recreational drugs? What are your current beliefs? Following is a list of questions you, the seeker, can and should ask during an interview to allow you to make an informed decision about the group:

1) What do you believe/what is your philosophy? The answer to this question may cover some of the other questions listed.

2) Do you work skyclad (naked)? This may be especially important if you have issues regarding nudity - your own or others'.

3) How is your group organised? What sort of hierarchy/chain of command exists?

4) What commitment do you expect from me? This includes how often they have training nights, homework/study commitments and time commitments.

5) Will I be initiated at the end of my training period? Most groups require that you ask for initiation. It is not common that you complete your basic training and are automatically initiated.

6) Will I be allowed/expected to attend rituals/festivals before I am initiated? Some groups hold open festivals for non-initiates, others will stipulate that you are not to attend anything till after you are initiated.

7) How much interaction does your group have with other groups? Some groups are quite social and meet regularly with others. Some keep pretty much to themselves.

8) Which tradition/s do you follow?

9) What is your primary area of focus?

10) What other areas are covered in your training?

11) Are sex and/or sexuality an issue in your group?

12) Do you have rules regarding acceptable or expected behaviour within the group?

13) How long has your group been running?

14) How long have you been training people?

15) How long have you been a pagan?

 

There are lots of questions to be sure, but they allow you to build a picture of what you are letting yourself in for. This is obviously not an exhaustive list, but something you can add to or work with. It also shows those interviewing you that you are serious about your choices. Ultimately the way people judge us is the way we handle the choices we are faced with both mundane and spiritual. If more people took responsibility for their lives and choices instead of looking for someone else to blame, I dare say it would be a much better world.