This is a rant. If you dont want to hear it, click your browser back button. I find it necessary to post this because I am disappointed, and maybe, just maybe, someone out there will hear my words and take heed.

The Craft of the Wise needs to be passed on in order for our community to grow and sustain. If we stay in the shadows, we shall never find the light.

FlameDancer Circle and many other covens do not recognize self-initiation. We are aware that the criteria for degrees varies among traditions and among groups. But when we hear stories, like the one where the only requirement for second degree was to be able to properly cast a circle (yes it happened), we feel the need to react.

I am a witch, 2nd degree, and a teacher of the Craft. I am also a Reiki II practitioner and a channel for healing. For many years, I studied and put my whole heart and soul into learning all I could, so that I would be worthy of initiation and subsequent elevation. I took my mission seriously and made it a priority in my life, leaving those who did not support me. If this was a sacrifice, then the outcome was well worth it, as I am now in a safe, joyous place of love and light. Every day I continue to learn the lessons of this lifetime.

As a messenger, I come into contact with many seekers who are attempting to enter the craft for the wrong reasons. Not to say that younger people cannot be responsible dedicants, but the majority of those under 25 that I personally have encountered have been on a path leading nowhere. They come to me charged with excitement, they saw the movie, or they have a friend who has a friend who knows a witch. They want to play dress up and wear all black, and many of them are already wearing pentacles around their neck with no clue as to the sacredness or the meaning of this symbol. They perceive it as "cool", just like an earring or a piercing or purple hair. Folks, let's get real.  Wicca is not a fad, or a fashion show. There is nothing wrong with adopting a goth style, if that is what you choose to do, but do not confuse it with Wicca.

My covenmates and I personally take offense to this sort of imposter. There is no place for twisted egos within the craft. Our coven does not wear designer robes or carry sterling silver ritual tools. If we did, it would be because it was comfortable for us, not because we were seeking status or collecting toys. Since we are all connected as craft family, we do not need to impress each other, or anyone else for that matter. We have dedicated ourselves to the deities, and we walk the walk, so to speak. Some of us are out at work, or with our biological families, some of us are not, but we are all Wiccan in every sense of the word, from within.

We ask questions of those who approach us for training, and I find it somewhat startling how many people have no clue as to what witches do, but they want to join us. Some expect us to cure their chemical imbalances or unresolved emotional issues or addictions. Some simply want to learn to "do" magick to have control over people or to get even with an enemy. Some want to force someone to love them. Some simply want to validate themselves. They don't understand why we do not accept their superficial wannabe nonsense into our group.

The reason is...you have to know why you chose this beautiful religion.  What are your motives? You have to be willing to commit your energy to the highest good, and your will has to be all encompassing. I don't know of any group or tradition that does not require these things from its members.

If you are truly ignorant about the subject, then by all means, go to the library or your local new age store and read some books, contact people with the wisdom of the ages, decide if Wicca is the path you desire to follow and ask yourself why. FlameDancer Circle would love to hear from you if you are a serious seeker, one who feels drawn to the goddess without expectations, one who is willing to do the work to be respected from without and from within.