QUESTIONS TO DISCUSS IN THE TIME BEFORE DEDICATION
As with several other writings in this section, this one is a bit dated. It was written when I was living in a remote rural area with a very different population than surrounds me in Memphis' Midtown--and I was a very different person when I wrote it in 1991! It could also be considerably better organized, but was only used as a checklist for discussions as such discussions were appropriate, *not* as a step-by-step "curriculum." Everyone I've taught has taught me more, and every interaction has been very unique, and uniquely structured.
What is your understanding of Wicca? What are your feelings about it?
Examine your impressions, preconceptions, biases, etc. How have your
reactions changed regarding Witchcraft throughout your life?
Give a specific, informed reason why you feel each of the following is not a more appropriate framework for your spirituality: liberal Christianity (e.g., United Church of Christ), nice-ritual Christianity (e.g. Greek Orthodox, Episcopal), mystic-emphasis Christianity (e.g. Russian Orthodox, Gnosticism), Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam, Taoist philosophy, Zen philosophy, any 3 other religious or philosophical paths that *do* appeal to you for at least one reason.
There are many Wiccan traditions. What parts of the traditions you've heard about would you like to incorporate into your own religious practice? What would you rather omit? Why?
What are your own beliefs and feelings about reincarnation? What do you believe about life after death? Are you comfortable with your own mortality?
In what sort of physical setting do you prefer to worship? Would you prefer an indoor consecrated temple or a circle of standing stones as your ideal magical and religious workplace? Are you comfortable being outside in inclement weather? Are you able to feel really connected to the earth if you're indoors? Let your imagination loose to draw a diagram of a temple which would be ideal for your needs. What actual items would you like it to contain?
Would you prefer to practice as a Solitary Witch or as a Covener? Carefully consider both the benefits and the hindrances inherent in each path. If you would prefer coven practice, what are you able to offer to a Circle? What would you expect to receive? If you would prefer solitary practice, would you choose to correspond with other Wiccans? Why?
What are your personal religious goals? How have they changed during your life? What have you done already to meet your religious needs? Do you have a plan for achieving your religious goals?
Describe what you know of Esbats and Sabbats. What actually happens during a ritual?
Discuss each of the eight Sabbats. What does each holiday mean to you? How would you like to celebrate it? How does the image of the Wheel of the Year correspond to the events in your life during past years?
Relate a few experiences or insights you have had during meditation. What style of meditation seems most natural to you?
Do you feel rites of passage are important for your spiritual growth? Discuss, briefly, the meanings of Birth Rites, Dedications, Initiations, and Crossing Rites. What other rites of passage are you aware of?
How do magic and religion interrelate? Are they the same? Is there any difference between psychic ability and magical ability? What ethical responsibilities does religion impose on magical practice?
Do you feel any sense of responsibility toward anyone or anything other than yourself? Explain.
What sort of altar are you able to create now? If it is necessary to conceal or disguise your altar, how will you do so? How would you like to decorate your altar?
What is a ritual circle? Why is a circle cast? When, if ever, would you be comfortable working without a circle? Would you be comfortable inside a circle with a person you didnt know very well? Explain.
What reactions have you received when you told others of your Wiccan activities? How did you describe your beliefs?
What are the origins of Wicca as a religion?
What is the Wiccan Rede? What does it mean?
Central to Wiccan action is the idea that what you send out, comes back magnified. How have you seen this law operate? How does it affect your decision-making?
Discuss the significance of the elements in both religious and magical
work. Make a brief table of correspondences, including each element's
associated colors, traditional tools, human traits, and other symbols.
Where do you see the action of each element in your own body? In your
life? Describe both creative and destructive examples of each element
acting in nature.
Discuss your conception of the God.
Discuss your conception of the Goddess.
Do you feel you have a basic working knowledge of what Wicca is?
Is Wicca suited to you?
Are you suited to Wicca?
What does Wicca mean to you? Why do you ( or why do you not) want to be a part of it?