Tradition?

Hillarie - posted on 02/19/2009

Quoting Hillarie:

DH and I are solitary.
We dont have a desire to join a coven or be trained.
We believe in following our hearts and listening within.
I talk with many other pagans, buddhists, hindu's,etc and I read various things.

Guess I should have mentioned about rituals.

We dont do many formal rituals. I do a bit of candle magick and do some herbal/oil things.

DH just does whatever I suggest LOL.

Hillarie - posted on 02/19/2009

DH and I are solitary.

We dont have a desire to join a coven or be trained.

We believe in following our hearts and listening within.

I talk with many other pagans, buddhists, hindu's,etc and I read various things.

Stella - posted on 01/27/2009

I'm a solitary, but mainly because I haven't found a suitable coven in my area. That said, solitary suits me as I don't get much time for rituals. My husband is agnostic and whilst he doesn't laugh about my faith or anything like that, his curiosity makes me uncomfortable. The phrase "not a spectator sport" has cropped up, I think he wants to see shooting sparks and gusts of wind at appropriate points and his disappointment is almost palpable. Like I say, I don't get much time for rituals, but I believe the Lord and Lady know how often I think of them and thank them and appreciate my situation. They will know it's not laziness that stifles my ritualistic side.
Enough about me, I have two sons, Patrick 3yrs and Ozzie 6mths. Neither has been given any religious instruction in any form and certainly haven't been christened "because you do". When they ask questions, they will be answered, hopefully impartially, but they will be allowed to make their own conclusions.

Lizze - posted on 01/27/2009

i did study for a few years in my late teens with fellow wiccans whotaught me some basics, best time of my life in some ways, being with people who believe the same as me. but since i moved to my current house we lost touch and i am unable to find people in my area who know anything :( i hate that people who know nothing will charge and "teach" others with lies. i am staying solitary until i can find a group that i can feel connected to and also as im working on my uni degree and raising a small child it is probably easer that way at he present tim, even if it is hard )o(

Amy - posted on 01/22/2009

I was solitary for about 2 years when I first began studying, and then found a coven that I have been very happy with. Right now I am basically solitary as our coven has dwindled to only 3 of us (the H.Priest, me [acting H. Priestess, even though I don't have the traditional degree level] and one other first degree). The tradition I follow is a family tradition that was brought to the public when Lady Circe had no heirs to pass it down to.

I think that being part of a coven has facilitated more growth than I would have found on my own thus far, but there are pros and cons to both coven-life and solitary-life. At this point, I think it is important for me to remain solitary and learn some lessons from that before trying to resurrect my coven (with the help of my H.Priest, of course). Plus, my daughter is still young enough that she needs my time and a lot (!) so spending time and energy organizing things for a group isn't ideal.

Amy - posted on 01/22/2009

Quoting Aimee:

Thanks for your response Cassaundra.  What I really want to learn is Stregheria, and that one is difficult to find.  Solitary practice can be lonely and I wouldn't mind learning from one of several traditions.  As far as paying for training, I realize that in a coven type setting that wouldn't happen, but I was looking into online courses just to further my knowledge and they can be pricey and I don't really trust them to know what they are talking about.  I am extremely interested in learning Reiki but as far as I can tell that is always costly.  Anyway, its all things to think on for the future.  It is definitely a shame that people charge for teaching who aren't qualified.  Thanks again for this post and for your response

Aimee,

Have you read any books by Raven Grimassi? He (I think he, at least) has at least 2 books that are pretty decent by him and they seem to be focused on Italian family tradition.

Also, it is possible to find Reiki training without paying for it, though difficult. Try checking out the book "Essential Reike: A Complete Guide to an Ancient Healing Art" by Diane Stein. I'm not sure if she has any resources listed in the book, as it's been quite a while since I read it, but it's a good starting point. The woman that gave me the 1st Reiki attunement recommended it, and she is a Reike master, so I trust her judgment.

Hope this helps some,

Amy

Denyse - posted on 01/22/2009

The yahoo group reikisisters is taught by GrannyMoon and she is a sweetie.  If you buy the book, Essential Reiki by Diane Stein she will do all your attunements and lessons free of charge.

I did not get attuned by her, but I am part of the group and I love it.

Carla - posted on 01/22/2009

I am solitary, and never studied formally. I do have several friends I discuss things with, and now my sister is on the path, so we spend a lot of time discussing the finer points of spiritual and practical issues. I am happy to practice by myself, or with my kids, in my own backyard.

Michelle - posted on 01/20/2009

I did receive some 'formal' training, but like most group structures, conflict can and will arise. We weren't able to work through it, so now I stick to myself and will join others occasionally.

Julie - posted on 01/20/2009

I am currently receiving teaching from two people whom I trust very much.  I enjoy being in community much more than being solitary.

Sue - posted on 01/20/2009

Solitary and very glad of it.  I once met a HP who was willing to train etc.  After she showed us what her training involved I  decided I could become Catholic priest easier than jump through her kind of hoops.  Also the fact that she based her teaching on coven work on Avalon and used fiction as gospel kinda turned me off.  I have become good friends with another HP who no longer teaches formally, but has been an awesome guide.  I DO believe that when the time is right your teacher/guide will come to you. 

Jennifer - posted on 01/18/2009

Definitely solitary, although many in my little neck of the woods are like-minded, and we get together informally.  I can't even get my kids to eat organic much less create & help with a ritual/tradition ... sigh, rolling of eyes...

Mostly I do what feels true and seek answers in nature & myself.

Cassaundra - posted on 01/15/2009

stregheria, italian family trad. right? there are some books on that, but not many. Very cool though, Bella Selene Luna!!

Paying for Reiki is different, well worth it, and can be taught by certified people I believe.

Sounds like your instincts are sound, trust them.

Aimee - posted on 01/15/2009

Thanks for your response Cassaundra.  What I really want to learn is Stregheria, and that one is difficult to find.  Solitary practice can be lonely and I wouldn't mind learning from one of several traditions.  As far as paying for training, I realize that in a coven type setting that wouldn't happen, but I was looking into online courses just to further my knowledge and they can be pricey and I don't really trust them to know what they are talking about.  I am extremely interested in learning Reiki but as far as I can tell that is always costly.  Anyway, its all things to think on for the future.  It is definitely a shame that people charge for teaching who aren't qualified.  Thanks again for this post and for your response

Cassaundra - posted on 01/15/2009

Aimee, you should not have to ever pay someone to be your teacher. If they're charging you, they aren't the real deal. Lots of pagans will teach courses that are open to the general public, but Craft training can neither be bought or sold. It is often oathbound, so you will have to dedicate yourself within their coven and you will have to swear obedience to your teacher and follow the tradition's practices and rules. But you don't pay.

That's why no-one has felt right to you. they haven't been right. I was not able, because I moved and because I've been tied down with kids, to complete my trainiong to the point of receiving my degree. But it is very true that there are no-where near enough people available to train those that desire it. If you find a coven in your area, which can be hard if you don't live in a craft friendly area, you can approach them to see if they will open the group to a neophyte. If they are willing to accept you, and they are practitioners of a good solid tradition, then you will dedicate yourself to the gods within the bounds of that tradition. You will work and study under a teacher and may even be given a chance to take on small roles within the circle. Over time you will learn and progress. Each tradition has it's own hierarchy and trials that you must pass, and skills and knowledge that you must acquire. Eventually you will reach a point where you will have to swear an oath not to reveal certain things. Some traditions are stricter than others, like Alexandrians tend to be more rigorous than Gardnerians. There are also other offshoots, my trad. Odyssian, is partly an offshoot fromGardnerian Wicca, though not entirely.

It was helpful by the way. It gives me perspective, because I feel the gaps in my training so deeply. That has been the choice I made though, to focus on my children rather than my degree. hopefully, onceI am able to get a vehicle, I'll be able to travel to Toronto semi-regularly, and complete my degree. I won't and can't take students until I do, no matter how many people ask me.

It bothers me however, to see so many people, with NO TRAINING at all, taking on students and charging them! and spreading lies and crap around. I wish that we could grow more slowly, but more diligently.

Aimee - posted on 01/15/2009

I wish so much to get hands on training from someone learned in the Craft but I have yet to find someone who feels right (that I can also afford).  I seem to be living in an area pretty devoid of pagans and covens and teachers (i have looked very hard) but hopefully we will be moving somewhere better within this year.  I feel like I am still growing on my own, as I read many books and have almost daily devotions, but I think I am reaching the point where I need a teacher to keep growing.  Anyway, this wasn't particularly informative I know, I am simply agreeing that its really hard to get actual training for many of us younger ones who don't know where to look or have anyone to look up to.