Tips for Solitary Witches ~ Part II
[We continue with Part II, the second part in this three part series. This is from Llewellyn's Witches' Calendar 1998. Adrian]
5.) Draft a statement of your core beliefs. - Sign it, date it, and place it in your journal or Book of Shadows ( BOS ). Choose a time each year to re-examine it, meditate upon it, and amend it if desired. Sometimes this is a good thing to do during the winter months, perhaps at Candlemas or Imbolc. You decide.
6.) Document all of your sources wherever possible. - Give credit where credit is due. You have nothing to gain by trying to pretend that you wrote Gerald Gardner's books. Keep yourself honest and avoid the ego-inflation that comes with plagiarism. Given time, and effort, you will develop your own rites. When you do, you don't want to dilute the meaningfulness of the moment by that nagging little voice that reminds you that you didn't really do it. Respect your creativity, maintain personal integrity, and let things develop naturally. You'll be glad you did.
7.) Remember that degrees refer to experiences, and not rank. - Too many readers of books assume that the various degree systems refer to the rank and level of power of an individual, and so they strive to get to the top of the ladder as fast as possible. Don't. The degrees are a system of landmarks to allow us all to identify those who have also undergone similar experiences. When you are working alone, there's little to be gained by initiating yourself into the third degree, assuming the title of elder, or even calling yourself a Witch queen or magus. These things all have very real meanings, and claiming what is not rightfully yours is the surest way to bar your ever attaining it for real. Take your time. Learn all you can, and work with the gods and mighty ones.
8.) One big advantage you have as a solitary practitioner is the lack of politics and disagreement. - You decide what to do and just do it. This is impossible in group situations where you must deliver cues, explain what you are doing, and accommodate multiple interpretations and viewpoints. As a solitary you know exactly what you are attempting to do, how you want to do it, and you are free to do whatever you will--it's just you and the gods.
[Not done! -> This is continued to the next blogging.]
5.) Draft a statement of your core beliefs. - Sign it, date it, and place it in your journal or Book of Shadows ( BOS ). Choose a time each year to re-examine it, meditate upon it, and amend it if desired. Sometimes this is a good thing to do during the winter months, perhaps at Candlemas or Imbolc. You decide.
6.) Document all of your sources wherever possible. - Give credit where credit is due. You have nothing to gain by trying to pretend that you wrote Gerald Gardner's books. Keep yourself honest and avoid the ego-inflation that comes with plagiarism. Given time, and effort, you will develop your own rites. When you do, you don't want to dilute the meaningfulness of the moment by that nagging little voice that reminds you that you didn't really do it. Respect your creativity, maintain personal integrity, and let things develop naturally. You'll be glad you did.
7.) Remember that degrees refer to experiences, and not rank. - Too many readers of books assume that the various degree systems refer to the rank and level of power of an individual, and so they strive to get to the top of the ladder as fast as possible. Don't. The degrees are a system of landmarks to allow us all to identify those who have also undergone similar experiences. When you are working alone, there's little to be gained by initiating yourself into the third degree, assuming the title of elder, or even calling yourself a Witch queen or magus. These things all have very real meanings, and claiming what is not rightfully yours is the surest way to bar your ever attaining it for real. Take your time. Learn all you can, and work with the gods and mighty ones.
8.) One big advantage you have as a solitary practitioner is the lack of politics and disagreement. - You decide what to do and just do it. This is impossible in group situations where you must deliver cues, explain what you are doing, and accommodate multiple interpretations and viewpoints. As a solitary you know exactly what you are attempting to do, how you want to do it, and you are free to do whatever you will--it's just you and the gods.
[Not done! -> This is continued to the next blogging.]
posted by Adrian Eglinton | 10:22 AM
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