Occult Peers Etiquette

Regarding Your Occult Peers

Etiquette in regards to one's occult peers is really common sense. Along with common sense there are some speicalised ideas. These things should be followed generally. I understand that the Occult and Witchcraft Etiquette section is rather short, and that would be because so much of "occult etiquette" deals with your occult peers. Again, it is mainly about respecting each other. We as occultists together really should respect each other; and these are some simple ways to show that respect.

        One good thing to remember when dealing with your occult peers is if they give you a title such as "witch," "magician," or "mage" then refer to them as such when it comes up.   Also, under no circumstances may you take some else's tools or other sacred objects. Do not "do someone a favour" and rearrange their alter for them; this first disrespectful and second it's none of your damn business how their alter is arranged! Don't "clean" their tools either... if they want them clean they'll clean them themselves. Also, NEVER touch another person's tools without their permission. It's also considered at the height of rudeness if you tell someone, "oh wow, my athame is so much cooler than yours." First, you are degrading their tools, and next if you have such opinions it's rude to voice them; obviously you bought your athame because it looks cool but perhaps they found something more special in theirs or *gasp* even made it. You never have the right to comment on or make fun of another practiconer's choice of tools; if for example you are doing a spell/ritual with someone and their choice of materials is different than yours you may want to suggest those you'd like to use but don't say "oh that's so dumb everyone knows you're supposed to use...". Of course, when working with others, compromise in what you want to put in and what you do, and how you use this. Compromise is ecspecially improtant in electic covens.
         Again, don't cast spells on others. This shows huge disrespect for them. It's also rude to cast spells that control other people; and highly unwise if the person whom you're casting against/on is more skilled than you. Another rude thing that happens often is when people ask others for spells. First, if the person wanted to give you a spell they would and second you should of course be writing your own. It's very rude to say that your style of magick is any better than anyone else's; it's been my experince that they all work with the same strength really and this is pure bias. Ceremonial magicians seem to be the worst at this with many of them claiming their way is the best way and more powerful; and this is totally untrue. Voodou is classed with "witchcraft and folk magick" by these people and I've seen just as powerful results with all of them.
        Covens bring up even more etiquette in regard to dealing with one's peers. The first etiquette rule is don't pull rank unless it is absolutely necessary. Just because you are the high preistess/preist does not mean you have the right to decide the entire coven will do things your way; you must compromise. Pulling rank is the equvielent of a parent's answer "because i'm the parent" or "because I said so." Plus, if your coven practices skyclad, please do not stare and certainly never make comments on your covenmates bodies (it's probably a good bet to at least one of your covenmates your body isn't so hot either!).   Even if what you have to say about their body is nice, don't say it; first it's rude and second it could very possibly make them uncomfortable and thus defeate the entire purpose of practicing skyclad. Also, when you are a part of a coven you have certain obligations; see the "Chruch, Temple, Mosque, Circle, and Else Sacred Places" article for more apporitate coven behavouir.
         Of course, don't forget all the other etiquette you should be using in your everyday life when with your occult peers. We appriceate "please," "thank you," and "you're welcome" just as much as everyone else.