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Speaking as a non-initiate (in the sense that I am not a member
of a traditional coven), I'd just like to kick around this whole
thing about initiation. For the uninformed, there are many Covens
(a term used to describe a group of Pagans, commonly Wicca or Witches)
who insist upon initiation and that only the initiated are qualified
to do... anything.
Now, before you go kicking me here, I know there are Covens out
there who do not take such a drastic view of initiation and other
Pagan groups who frown upon the initiated. Its a wide world and
we come in many colors....
Initiation can be a very powerful thing. The current state of our
society is a perfect example of what the lack of initiation can
cause. We have no rites of man or womanhood; except, of course for
certain religious and secular rites as practiced by Catholicism,
Judaism and various organizations like the Boy Scouts. But these
rites are exclusive, limited and pretty thoroughly debased at this
point in time.
That being said, initiation can come in many forms and from many
sources. I have nothing but respect for the Pagan traditions that
are trying to revive the Mysteries of the ancients and modernize
them to have meaning in the Postmodern World. But they are not the
only way to Divinity, and more power to those who realize this.
The path of the true seeker can be illuminated by many methods,
movements and teachers. And if that path leads to a personal understanding
of the Divine and humankind's relation to Divinity (with the requisite
respect and feeling for fellow humans, their rights, freedom and
emotions), who are we to question that path?
My suggestions to those in a traditional coven:
- respect what I have learned on my own, and I will respect your
right to your Mystery
- do not attempt to suggest some position of superiority on your
part without demonstrating the right to such, and I will not attempt
to maliciously malign your Tradition
My suggestions to those not in a traditional coven:
- recognize what we have lost in falling out of touch with our
Rites of Passage, and give proper respect to those who attempt
to rekindle that flame
- recognize that myth and folklore are just as powerful teachers
as fact, and that Mystery inherently requires the use of myth
and folklore
We Neo-Pagans are tremendously diverse, but we do have common ground.
And it is not a rede or law or mystical tradition. It is in respect.
Respect for ourselves, each other and the planet that is our Mother.
We express it in different ways, but that is only to be expected.
Our beliefs on personal rights and freedom are different, but that
does not mean we can not respect each others stance and agree to
disagree, peacefully, when it is necessary.
Yes, I am preaching a little of that old love and compassion thing.
But even after 2,000 years or more it hasn't gotten old or stale....
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