BUILDING COMMUNITY Wiccans, Witches, and Pagan Culture
BY SALICROW I have spent a lot of time thinking about titles, particularly when it comes to witches, wiccans, and pagan culture, and how they over- lap and cross pollinate with one another. While the beliefs and titles change from coven to grove, to individual practitioner, the core work- ings are the same — carrying a belief in magic and the unseen world. By definition a pagan is a person who practices country (localized), folk spiritual traditions that include a belief in magic and the unseen world. This has been expanded to include modern spiritual practic- es involving techniques and religious beliefs that exist outside those of the recognized world religions. Wiccans are pagans who practice these folk traditions in a religious formula that includes a belief in the sacredness of the earth, and in relationships with spiritual allies. Witches are practitioners of magic, often working within the same framework of spiritual beliefs as Wiccans, but with a stronger focus on acts of magic, and spell-working. What practitioners choose to call themselves often depends on the paths they take. Few who identify as pagan grew up practicing the traditions, instead finding their way there as individual seekers. Lacking mega-churches and generational religious lineage, finding teachers, groups and com - munities in the pagan/wiccan world can be challenging. This is partic - ularly true in areas with strong conservative religious beliefs, making it more likely for groups to be closed to the public, and requiring a personal invitation; and in rural communities, where people generally keep to themselves. For those seeking, one of the best places to begin searching for wiccan/pagan community is at metaphysical, new-age, or witch shop.
With base knowledge on a variety of magical subjects, the store own- ers and staff are often like librarians of the metaphysical, capable of directing seekers in the right direction; and they often know the best magical teachers and communities in their area. When it comes to community, wiccans and witches often create magical communities in the form of covens and loosely-formed sol- itary communities. Many covens are based on traditional teachings; they often have an inner and outer circle of members, with various levels of involvement and understanding of the sacred teachings. Just as churches have those who hold positions of recognition and respon- sibility, so too do those in the inner circle of pagan communities. The outer circle consists of those who gather and celebrate the seasonal sabbats and esbats (pagan-related celebrations and rituals), just as many church members show up on the big holidays and Sundays when they can. Not everyone has the luxury of a metaphysical store in their local area, let alone covens that hold public ceremonies. For those who live rurally or in deeply conservative communities’, online communities and seminars offer an opportunity to connect with other pagans, and to learn from elders of the chosen path. To do so, you can search for pagan or witch groups near you on Facebook; you can also join com- munities connected to spiritual teachers you relate to by joining news- letters and following them on YouTube. While this is not as personal as joining an in-person group, it is a great place to start, and offers the opportunity to learn and work with people from all over the world. When joining groups online or in-person, remember to be cau- tious. Don’t sign any documents, or pledge yourself to any people, be - ings, or communities until you are sure the group is a good fit for you. Many covens and spiritual groups have a probationary period in which the practitioner is trying out the community, and the community is trying out the seeker. Some groups are easy to join and be a part of, while others have significant requirements for joining, including level of ability, moral beliefs, and dedication to the work. For those who prefer to be a fringe-dweller, i.e., not wanting to join a community but wanting to connect with other pagan folk, festivals and pagan-pride events are worth checking out. They offer a loose community feel in which witches, wiccans, and pagans of all types can gather to celebrate. Many communities offer open (membership not needed) celebrations during the Sabbats, hosting community Beltane and Samhain celebrations, as well as other festive days like the Sum-
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70—PATHWAYS—Fall 24
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