As we have indicated in other areas of this web site. The Gathering Of Sherwood tries to be as open and honest as is sensibly possible. We try to answer all genuine questions that are put to us. Still, it is not prudent or wise to be completely and entirely overt with every single aspect of our gathering, its practices and traditions. We feel sure that most will understand our need to retain and safeguard some of our ways, beliefs and practices; which otherwise may leave us open to insincere inspection - if not curious amusement.
Becoming a Pagan Witch is not a flight of fancy. It is a serious, sincere and life changing decision. It is a spiritual and magical path that becomes central to ones life and should not be entered into lightly. It is for these reasons that The Gathering Of Sherwood does not fling open its doors and welcome everyone who claims that they are Pagans. For those who belong to The Gathering, and for those who join The Gathering, there are a number of ‘covenants’ which must be observed. Disaccord with any one of these covenants is indicative that The Gathering Of Sherwood - and the Woodwitch tradition - is not for you. Some of the following are also word-bonds or oaths which are given during initiation into The Gathering.
OUR COVENANTS:
* One’s beliefs and practices concerning spiritually and religion may be termed as Pagan in nature and observance.
* One does not consider oneself as someone who maintains faith in the philosophy of orthodox religions.
One’s personal spiritual beliefs are in general harmony with those of the Woodwitch tradition. (See: BELIEFS)
* One believes in the natural forces and energies of our world and the cosmos, which manifest themselves through nature and the elements.
* One believes in and respects ‘Higher Justice’ (Balance) In whatever form or by whatever name, causality and affect are maintained and balanced by some higher power initiated by The Gods.
* For the sake of continuity and clarity one accepts the general terminology used by the Woodwitch tradition in its beliefs and practices.
* One will respect always those things which are personal, private and confidential to The Gathering Of Sherwood... And - even should one leave The Gathering - will not divulge or pass on information or confidential matters to anyone or any third party.
* One will never use the craft or its’ skills to harm or hinder another.
* One will only ever return injustice or malevolence to its source and via its origins.
* One will never knowingly teach or pass on craft skills to those who have not the wisdom, experience or respect for Higher Justice, to use them.
* One will never attempt to invoke, engage or direct natural, elemental and positive forces for any negative or adverse action or purpose.
* One will never attempt to invoke, engage or direct natural, elemental and positive forces for the purposes of singular personal gain or exclusive advantage.
* One will never knowingly invoke, engage or direct ‘negative’ forces for any purpose, or any reason, at any time.
* One will never use one’s skills in the art for the purposes of singular personal gain or exclusive advantage.
* One will observe the rituals and practices of The Gathering for as long as one is part of The Gathering.
* One will respect the collective views and decisions of The Gathering for as long as one is part of The Gathering... So long as those decisions do not place one in a singular situation of personal impasse with one’s personal morals and values.
* One will strive never to bring disrepute or adversity upon The Gathering, its beliefs, practices or those who belong to The Gathering, or the Woodwitch tradition.
* One will share one’s wisdom and skills with The Gathering where possible and practical without adversity to oneself.
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