seekers Bill of Rights
about 2 weeks ago · Delete Post
by Charles Mars
Seekers of the Pagan Path are often extremely vulnerable. In their quest for teaching and fellowship, they risk encountering those who use our faith to prey on others. Since Paganism is still struggling for public acceptance, there is little sympathy from authorities. Neither can the elders of our community effectively address this issue. The most they can do is denounce these predators, and they are usually accused of starting a "Witch War" when they do. The answer to this dilemma is to empower those most vulnerable, the Seekers. To this end, the Seeker's Bill of Rights has been drafted. This tool will help to alert seekers of a problem if a group or teacher violates any of the ten rights described. It will also remind seekers that while they may not have "degrees", they are still human beings with rights and dignity.
The Right to Verify Credentials: Seekers shall not be obstructed from contacting persons who can substantiate or disavow the claims made by a group or teacher. In the case of elders who were inspired to create a new tradition, the seeker has a right to know the circumstances surrounding the inception of that tradition.
The Right to Anonymity: Seekers have the right to keep their involvement in the occult a secret to preserve their professional and personal lives.
The Right to Financial Security: Seekers shall not be required or coerced to take on financial burdens on behalf of a teacher or group.
The Right to Compensation for Goods and Services: Seekers have the right to be paid for goods produced from and/or skilled labor from which they would normally receive income. Seekers shall not be required or coerced to provide "freebies" or discounts on behalf of a teacher or group.
The Right to Sexual Freedom: Seekers shall not be required or coerced to have sexual relations with unwanted persons. Nor shall seekers be restricted from sexual relations with consenting adults.
The Right to Physical well-being: Seekers shall not be required or coerced to submit to any form of physical injury.
The Right to Abide by the Law: Seekers shall not be required or coerced to commit any illegal act.
The Right to Consistency: Seekers have the right to expect consistent practices from a teacher or group. Seekers should be informed in a timely manner of any policy changes.
The Right to Separation Without Impunity: Seekers have the right to discontinue association with any teacher or group without the fear of harassment or reprisal.
The Right to Be At Peace With One's Conscience: Seekers shall not be required or coerced to commit any action contrary to their own sense of ethics and morality.
The Seeker's Bill of Rights © Charles Mars 1998 Hern's Wood Coven, published in The Accord copyright C.M.A.
In answer to a previous posting on the Seekers Bill of Rights
posted last week in the group.
Bountiful blessings
I too like it in the main and as a life long practicing Witch and a HP for 18 years I completely agree with your statement that the right to compensation for goods goes both ways. However, I do not accept fees and never try to recruit new seekers as this goes against my personal beliefs. My own belief and structure as a Mentor is that before Magick can be successfully practiced, it is necessary to be thoroughly prepared: to have respect for your own body, mind, soul and the powers of the universe. You must train from the very basics by learning the history of the Craft, developing and understanding the ground rules and only by learning as much as you can about the basic beliefs and Tenets of The Craft of The Wise, can you decide if this is the right path for you.
My students are hand-picked after many months (even years) prior to being asked to come to a coven meet. These are the ones who understand that this is a lifelong journey with many paths off the main Craft path. They are the ones who show commitment, understanding and dedication to learn.
Of course Wicca and Paganism is much more than just spells and newcomers to the Craft need a Mentor to help understand the basics, to guide you on your path and provide clarity. A Mentor can also help you to take courage to lift the veil and to introduce you to the ancient practices and beliefs of the ancients.
Next, your question on sexual freedom is down to personal choice and I totally agree that absolutely no coercion or pressure should ever be applied. I posted this to show newcomers to be sure that whom they are getting involved with are genuine as you hear so many stories about people joining groups on the internet and paying for self initiation; only recently I received an email from a young girl who had poured red wine over her head and had graveyard dust and wanted to know what to do next as the person she paid had disappeared. This sickens me that people are being taken advantage of.
To be at peace with your conscience and to be true to yourself is vital. Thank you for your reply.
namaste
lady Raven Avalon
Co-author of MAGICK FOR THE NEW WITCH & WICCAN – New Seekers of the Mysteries of the Path of The Wise which can be downloaded or bought as a paperback from the following.
http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/magick-for-the-new-witch-wiccan---new-seekers-of-the-mysteries-on-the-path-of-the-wise/15008833?productTrackingContext=search_results%2Fsearch_shelf%2Fcenter%2F1
This is book one of four. For those who read book 1 the next step will be the first degree of Initiation followed by the Second and Third Degrees. These books are to teach we are available to answer any questions that the reader is unsure of before they move on.
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