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One of the fastest growing religions in the world today is Paganism. Whilst there may be many reasons for this fact, it is nonetheless, a fact! As outlined in the introduction to this gathering, Paganism is rich and diverse and there are an ever growing number of people around the world from all age and social groups who feel drawn to the paths and ways of the old religion. Whilst there are many varying craft traditions with their roots firmly in the foundation of Paganism, they share a broad commonality in their respect for all things natural, the recognition of divine duality, (God As Mother and Father) and their appreciation of higher physics. (Realities which have yet to be quantified by science: Magic!) For seasoned and experienced Witches, wisdom is an ongoing book to read, but for those who are new to the craft or feel drawn to the path, Witchcraft can seem a strange land with few sign posts for guidance. Unfortunately, we are simply unable to personally teach everyone who may ask, and we feel sure most will understand that our time and resources are not entirely without limit. Nevertheless, from time to time we do accept new and sincere members into The Gathering and teach and train them in the Woodwitch tradition. Alternatively, we endeavour to offer a little guidance and help to all those who are new and genuine in their intent to follow the old ways but are unsure of the way forward. In such cases we are happy to arrange to meet individuals and chat with them in more detail about Paganism, Witchcraft and their beliefs ... And hopefully, provide some insight and direction which will be helpful and constructive. However, we do have some sensible provisos in this area. A) The meetings take place at one of our business premises, - in North Notts - after close of business. B) The representatives of The Gathering will always present their passports to enquirers as a gesture of good faith and honesty, and we appreciate the same gesture (ID) in return. C) We only arrange to meet individuals who are eighteen years or over. D) Meetings are usually a one-time arrangement.
CAUTIONS FOR THOSE LESS EXPERIENCED:
In a world where things are not always as they might seem. We offer a word of caution for those who are interested in learning more about Witchcraft and Paganism. As experienced Witches we portray ourselves as just that - “experienced Witches.” Nothing more - nothing less. However, there are some in the world of Paganism and Witchcraft who clearly have delusions of grandeur. It is not uncommon to encounter people who lay claim to titles in the style of: High Lord Hand Waver, Big Chief Shouty Person, Grand Master Of The Gob, High Priestess Of The Committal Order, King Of Witches, etc. It is not uncommon to encounter a Witch who claims to be a High Priest / Priestess of something or other, and upon inspection one finds that in fact they are a solitary Witch and the title is self appointed. Additionally, there are some who claim to be xxx generation hereditary Witches, with a Pagan ancestry dating back to whenever - though seldom do they offer any positive substance to support this. They are often swift to announce this claim, but vague and evasive when it comes to backing it up. (that is not to say hereditary Witches do not exist) Moreover, Paganism (Occultism) is not without its fringe elements and there are those who engage in unwholesome practices. To the beginner or those seeking to learn the craft, this can be a dangerous market place in which to browse. In the links section of this web site there are a variety of contacts where unbiased information and help can be sought. Additionally, here are some simple guidelines which should be sensible precautions for the less experienced. 1) If you make contact with a Witch, coven or group on a personal level with the intention of entering into a learning program. Ensure you have a named person as your contact and a checked address reference. (Check the name and address against the electoral register or phone book and ask for passport or driving licence identification upon meeting) 2) Advise a trusted friend of these details and your meetings. Time and location. Never alter these details without updating your friend as to your whereabouts. 3) Until you are absolutely confident of your contact, ensure all meetings are in a public place. A coffee shop, The Library, The Cafe Of A Local Leisure Centre, A Quiet Bar, etc. If your contact is unwilling to agree to any of these requests DO NOT AGREE TO ANY MEETINGS, as these simple securities should not be an obstacle to your initial meetings and a genuine contact will understand the necessity for these basic securities. If you make contact with a Witch or Pagan group via the Internet the previous guidelines for personal contact should still apply. Additionally, search out other contact references for Pagan and craft groups and make contact. In the initial stages this will not be detrimental to any one given learning program and will provide a reference point for your initial opinions, questions and discussions. No one path holds all the absolute truths! And no one tradition is the definitive source of Witchcraft!
In concluding this area of consideration, we feel it also beneficial to mention that often those who are new to the craft or taking their first steps upon the Pagan paths; are sometimes bewildered by the array of ‘Craft and Ritual Tools’ that are often implicitly suggested as essential for every Witch! If you consider the tools used by The Gathering Of Sherwood (See: ‘Our Craft Tools’) you will note that they are few and relatively simple. Irrespective of what some may say regarding the necessity for elaborate, impressive and expensive ritual tools; the simple truth is that they are not essential and they serve no better in practice than their most humble counterparts. The Witches of antiquity had no such things as Emblazoned Coven Swords and Gilt Coven Chalices. They simply could not have afforded such things. Solitary Witches had no ‘High Magic’ or Ceremonial Wands, and neither did they have bejewelled and stylised ritual knives. Generally they would have had wooden wands and something akin to a hunting or cooking knife. That is not to say that such things are not lovely to have if one feels happy with them and can afford them. It simply illustrates that your ritual tools need not cost the Earth and are as special as you make them.