FAQ

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FAQ

I suspect that this section will be under construction for a while. While there are only a few entries at present, I intend to add more as the need presents itself.

Q: How do I go about finding materials on Paganism (my library doesn't carry them) and how can I decipher what to rely on? Many materials I've read contradict each other.

A: Once you find a title you want, ask your library about their library exchange program. They should be able to get your book in from another library for you within a few days. Bookstores will order books for you if you ask, assuming they don't already have the one you want in stock. Also, books may be ordered online (I have quite a few on my lists here which may be ordered through Amazon.com by simply clicking on their title link). You will need the author's name, or the title, or the ISBN. Having all three would be best. For this reason, I have gone to great pains to include all this information on my book lists where I could (which is nearly every case).

As to deciphering what to rely on, I offer the following suggestions:

First and foremost, ASK. Don't ask just anyone, ask people who have been studying for several years. If you look around, even on internet message boards, it generally doesn't take too long to get a feel for who some of these people are. Even then, don't settle for the opinion of just one person. Opinions, personal taste, and areas of expertise vary from person to person. Get a general consensus. Beyond that, cross-reference as much as you possibly can. Determine where the author is getting their information by checking the bibliography in their book, and check how credible that source is considered to be. It won't be quick, and it won't be easy. Welcome to solitary study. <G>

Q: How can I find other Pagans in my area?

A: There are a number of ways to do so. Some web sites have directories of pagans by geographical area. Another good way is to check at your local pagan-oriented store, if there is one in your area. Look for their bulletin board listing local groups and events, and see if there are any listings there for open Circles. These are informal ritual gatherings open to most anyone. Open Circles are an excellent way to meet others of like mind, and may open up future avenues for further study within a group once some of that group's members get to know you.

Q: Do Pagans worship Satan?

A: No. Paganism is a term indicating a broad grouping of Earth/Nature-centered religions and ideologies. "Satan" stems from Christian theology, not Paganism.

Q: Aren't "Pagan" and "Wicca" the same thing?

A: Not exactly. Wicca is just one of many Pagan paths. There are many, many non-Wiccan Pagans. See also Wicca or Witchcraft? and A Brief Description of Paths .

Q: Shouldn't Pagans "all get along?" Isn't that some kind of Pagan rule or something?

A: No. A Pagan is a person like any other. People are people. Some get along, some don't. Some are friendly and outgoing, some not so much so. Some are patient, some are not. There is no overall, guiding Pagan ethic. See also On Ethics.

Q: If one were to create a Tradition of Witchcraft would they be the High Priest(ess) of that Tradition?

A: Technically, yes, I suppose they would be the HP or HPS.

Q: Would that person still be High Priest(ess) even if no one else was initiated?

A: Again, technically, claim to the title could probably be made. The question is though, if no one else is initiated, what is the purpose in taking a title? A title should mean something.

Q: Would a created Tradition have to be "registered" in some way?

A: No. The main problem I see with a newly created Tradition is that it is likely to be somewhat shallow in practice, at least at first. That's not to say that it can't grow in both size and depth. Wicca was a created Tradition in the middle of the last century, and it seems to have grown fairly well. At some point, every Tradition was a created Tradition, regardless of whether the subject pertains to Witchcraft, Magick, or something completely mundane. Everything starts with someone, whether the motivating spark is personal creativity, divine inspiration, or a little of both. New things can be good things, but new things deserve new names, rather than being appended to a familiar and comfortable one which they may have little to no resemblance to.....like calling Douglas Monroe's drivel "Druidism" or Llewellyn's books "Wicca."

Q: I'm curious about your reasoning here. You state that one can't be solitary AND Wiccan at the same time, yet you suggest Scott Cunningham's book on solitary Wicca in your Beginners Pack reading list. Does that mean you disagree with his assertion that one can follow Wicca as a solitary but suggest his books simply for the "how to" and "mechanics" of eclectic Paganism/Witchcraft?

A: Precisely. I appreciate the way in which he presents techniques in a clear and understandable manner, even for a beginner. I also appreciate the way in which he encourages flexibility and personal improvisation in Magickal technique. I do, however, disagree with the way in which he has helped Wicca to become a more or less generic word to many, used to refer to anyone who happens to use Magick and/or follow a Pagan path. Quite honestly, I disagree with a few other very prominent and respected authors as well, yet consider their work "must read" within the purview of Wicca and Witchcraft. Both the Farrars in The Witches' Way and Doreen Valiente in Witchcraft For Tomorrow give methods for self-initiation. To their credit, the Farrars do qualify the only circumstances under which it should be done.....but while their intentions were certainly good, and their knowledge unquestioned, I feel that it still leaves an unacceptable loophole. For example, just because I have read works on Alexandrian Witchcraft and have decided to initiate myself, that doesn't make me an Alexandrian. I may be practicing an Alexandrian based system of my own, but I would still be lacking key oathbound teachings which may be definitive of Alexandrian Witchcraft, as well as any other pertinent teachings which did not make it into print. Anyone may self-dedicate. I do not believe that to be the case with initiation, and Wicca as defined by its founder is a lineaged, initiatory system.

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All contents of this site are © 2000-2005 except where otherwise noted, such as in the case of graphics or other content not created by Smiling Panther. Original author/creator retains all rights in those instances. All rights reserved.


	Smiling Panther's Den \| home FAQ I suspect that this section will be under construction for a while. While there are only a few entries at present, I intend to add more as the need presents itself. Q: How do I go about finding materials on Paganism (my library doesn't carry them) and how can I decipher what to rely on? Many materials I've read contradict each other. A: Once you find a title you want, ask your library about their library exchange program. They should be able to get your book in from another library for you within a few days. Bookstores will order books for you if you ask, assuming they don't already have the one you want in stock. Also, books may be ordered online (I have quite a few on my lists here which may be ordered through Amazon.com by simply clicking on their title link). You will need the author's name, or the title, or the ISBN. Having all three would be best. For this reason, I have gone to great pains to include all this information on my book lists where I could (which is nearly every case). As to deciphering what to rely on, I offer the following suggestions: First and foremost, ASK. Don't ask just anyone, ask people who have been studying for several years. If you look around, even on internet message boards, it generally doesn't take too long to get a feel for who some of these people are. Even then, don't settle for the opinion of just one person. Opinions, personal taste, and areas of expertise vary from person to person. Get a general consensus. Beyond that, cross-reference as much as you possibly can. Determine where the author is getting their information by checking the bibliography in their book, and check how credible that source is considered to be. It won't be quick, and it won't be easy. Welcome to solitary study. <G> Q: How can I find other Pagans in my area? A: There are a number of ways to do so. Some web sites have directories of pagans by geographical area. Another good way is to check at your local pagan-oriented store, if there is one in your area. Look for their bulletin board listing local groups and events, and see if there are any listings there for open Circles. These are informal ritual gatherings open to most anyone. Open Circles are an excellent way to meet others of like mind, and may open up future avenues for further study within a group once some of that group's members get to know you. Q: Do Pagans worship Satan? A: No. Paganism is a term indicating a broad grouping of Earth/Nature-centered religions and ideologies. "Satan" stems from Christian theology, not Paganism. Q: Aren't "Pagan" and "Wicca" the same thing? A: Not exactly. Wicca is just one of many Pagan paths. There are many, many non-Wiccan Pagans. See also Wicca or Witchcraft? and A Brief Description of Paths . Q: Shouldn't Pagans "all get along?" Isn't that some kind of Pagan rule or something? A: No. A Pagan is a person like any other. People are people. Some get along, some don't. Some are friendly and outgoing, some not so much so. Some are patient, some are not. There is no overall, guiding Pagan ethic. See also On Ethics. Q: If one were to create a Tradition of Witchcraft would they be the High Priest(ess) of that Tradition? A: Technically, yes, I suppose they would be the HP or HPS. Q: Would that person still be High Priest(ess) even if no one else was initiated? A: Again, technically, claim to the title could probably be made. The question is though, if no one else is initiated, what is the purpose in taking a title? A title should mean something. Q: Would a created Tradition have to be "registered" in some way? A: No. The main problem I see with a newly created Tradition is that it is likely to be somewhat shallow in practice, at least at first. That's not to say that it can't grow in both size and depth. Wicca was a created Tradition in the middle of the last century, and it seems to have grown fairly well. At some point, every Tradition was a created Tradition, regardless of whether the subject pertains to Witchcraft, Magick, or something completely mundane. Everything starts with someone, whether the motivating spark is personal creativity, divine inspiration, or a little of both. New things can be good things, but new things deserve new names, rather than being appended to a familiar and comfortable one which they may have little to no resemblance to.....like calling Douglas Monroe's drivel "Druidism" or Llewellyn's books "Wicca." Q: I'm curious about your reasoning here. You state that one can't be solitary AND Wiccan at the same time, yet you suggest Scott Cunningham's book on solitary Wicca in your Beginners Pack reading list. Does that mean you disagree with his assertion that one can follow Wicca as a solitary but suggest his books simply for the "how to" and "mechanics" of eclectic Paganism/Witchcraft? A: Precisely. I appreciate the way in which he presents techniques in a clear and understandable manner, even for a beginner. I also appreciate the way in which he encourages flexibility and personal improvisation in Magickal technique. I do, however, disagree with the way in which he has helped Wicca to become a more or less generic word to many, used to refer to anyone who happens to use Magick and/or follow a Pagan path. Quite honestly, I disagree with a few other very prominent and respected authors as well, yet consider their work "must read" within the purview of Wicca and Witchcraft. Both the Farrars in The Witches' Way and Doreen Valiente in Witchcraft For Tomorrow give methods for self-initiation. To their credit, the Farrars do qualify the only circumstances under which it should be done.....but while their intentions were certainly good, and their knowledge unquestioned, I feel that it still leaves an unacceptable loophole. For example, just because I have read works on Alexandrian Witchcraft and have decided to initiate myself, that doesn't make me an Alexandrian. I may be practicing an Alexandrian based system of my own, but I would still be lacking key oathbound teachings which may be definitive of Alexandrian Witchcraft, as well as any other pertinent teachings which did not make it into print. Anyone may self-dedicate. I do not believe that to be the case with initiation, and Wicca as defined by its founder is a lineaged, initiatory system. Background for this page provided by: All contents of this site are © 2000-2005 except where otherwise noted, such as in the case of graphics or other content not created by Smiling Panther. Original author/creator retains all rights in those instances. All rights reserved.