The Coven Initiates

Imagine yourself sitting on the cool damp earth, surrounded by deep night sky and fields full of fireflies, anticipating the ritual of initiation that you are about to undergo. Suddenly you hear the sounds of far-off singing and chanting, drums booming, rattles "snaking," voices raised in harmony. The casting of the Circle is complete. You are led to the edge of the Circle, where Death, your challenge, is waiting for you. With the passwords of "perfect love" and "perfect trust" you enter Death's realm. The Guardians of the four quarters purify you, and you are finally reborn into the Circle as a newly made Witch. Coming to the Edge of the Circle offers an ethnographic study of the initiation ritual practiced by one coven of Witches located in Ohio. As a High Priestess within the coven as well as a scholar of religion, Nikki Bado is in a unique position to contribute to our understanding of this ceremony and the tradition to which it belongs. Bado's analysis of this coven's initiation ceremony offers an important challenge to the commonly accepted model of "rites of passage." Rather than a single linear event, initiation is deeply embedded within a total process of becoming a Witch in practice and in community with others. Coming to the Edge of the Circle expands our concept of initiation while giving us insight into one coven's practice of Wicca. An important addition to Ritual Studies, it also introduces readers to the contemporary nature religion variously called Wicca, Witchcraft, the Old Religion, or the Craft.

Offering an ethnographic study of the initiation ritual practiced by one coven of Witches in Ohio, this text contributes to an understanding of the ceremony and the tradition to which it belongs.

Everything You Need to Know About Wicca, from Best-Selling Wicca Author Lisa Chamberlain People from all walks of life find themselves drawn to the Craft and its mystical secrets. For some, this interest is a passing fancy. For others, the Craft is instantly recognizable as the answer to something they've been searching for their whole lives. This "chance" encounter can lead to a spiritual journey that can last a lifetime. If you feel called, somehow, to Witchcraft, you might be wondering what to do next. What steps should you take? How can you develop and deepen your knowledge of the subject? How can you make it a part of your daily world? You might also find yourself asking questions like "what makes a Wiccan Wiccan?" Although not a requirement, many Wiccans and Witches wish to formalize their commitment to the Craft. This is known as initiation, and, for many, it represents a defining milestone on any spiritual journey. A Guide to Initiation Traditionally, initiation was associated purely with covens. In the first few decades of the rise of modern Witchcraft, covens were really the only option for learning and practicing what became known as "the Old Religion." One had to be initiated into a coven to fully access all of the knowledge its members held, and usually had to take an oath of secrecy so that the teachings and practices remained hidden from outsiders. These days, of course, anyone can learn about and practice the Craft on their own, in a uniquely personal way. You no longer have to be part of a coven to be initiated. You can initiate on your own terms, in your own style. Self-initiation (often called self-dedication) is now a widespread and respected tradition among Wiccans and other Witches, and can be a very affirming, and even life-changing experience. It's an act of declaration to the Universe that you fully embrace your belief and participation in the Craft. It's an affirmation of your continued exploration and learning, and of your welcoming the blessing and assistance of the gods, the spirits, the energy, or however you describe your relationship with the seen and unseen manifestations of All That Is. If you want to learn more about initiations-including a step-by-step guide to performing your own self-initiation-this book has everything you need. However, this book isn't only for people who want to learn about initiation. It also contains information for anyone looking to adopt a more magical daily existence. Living a More Magical Day to Day Life Despite the many benefits of initiating, an initiation ritual is not going to suddenly transform you into a full-time Witch all by itself. It's still, and always will be, a process-a process that you are responsible for. So don't think of initiation as the end of your journey-think of it as an important milestone along the way. Ultimately, you reap what you sow. The more effort you put into developing your understanding of the Craft, the more immersed into your day-to-day life it will become. This is one of the biggest challenges faced by Witches today. In addition to information about initiation, this book also contains a dedicated section for anyone looking to deepen their involvement with the Craft, by making it part of your daily routines. In it, we'll explore some ideas and practices that, over time, can deeply enrich your day to day life as a Witch, expand your capacity to attract magical manifestations, and navigate your way through challenging times. Is a new, magical way of life your ultimate goal? Good, because this book has all the information you need! Download now by scrolling to the top of the page and selecting the buy button. Readers will also be treated to an exclusive free gift!

A practical and informative look at how modern-day covens operate, with a keen eye toward choosing the right coven to suit one's own practices and beliefs. Structures for teaching circles, as well as methods for mediating conflicts are also nicely covered in this guide. Many of the general principles laid forth apply wholeheartedly, not just to Wiccan and Pagan groups, but to organizations, clubs, and gatherings of all types and categories.

After the plague of the Demon Wars and the following blight of Bain the Dragon King's rule, peace has finally come to the land of The Pix. But then a diabolical act of regicide occurs followed by a bloody coup. War is declared to avenge this treachery. Then key figures of both common and royal blood are guided by the songs of a mysterious bard who is heard, but never seen. Meanwhile, The Blackwoods Coven is involuntarily drawn into this escalating turmoil of political affairs by a dire prophecy of a massive calamity. One that would dwarf anything that The Pix has ever suffered before. And only The Blackwoods Coven can stop it.

Part memoir and part practical advice, this text provides an insider's view of how a coven really operates, and offers guidance for joining or creating a coven from someone who's been there.

This is the only ethnography of a living community of witches in the United States. Ravenwood, based near Atlanta, is one of the largest American covens and has supported and encouraged this research through to publication. Of unprecedented importance in clearing the name of witchcraft, the leader of the coven is a civil rights activist, still dedicated in her wiser years to the individual's right to freedom of religion. A must read in women's studies, shamanism, comparative religion and American studies.

Multiply the power! Here's the only book about magick for covens. While there are numerous books about creating rituals for group use, and others on how to form, organize, and operate covens, this is the first to discuss working magic in a group (of two or more people). Spellworking for Covens addresses raising and sending energy as a group, the power of the group mind, traditional ritual structure, and several types of spells. To make it even more practical, this book also provides a grimoire containing texts and instructions for actual spells that can be worked within the group setting. ·The first book to outline the nuts and bolts of creating and executing spells within group settings ·For intermediate-level practitioners and group leaders ·Contains a grimoire with sample spells for coven use ·Written by a practicing Witch and popular author of fourteen books