Wicca has become increasingly popular in recent years, and many people are interested in learning more about this modern pagan witchcraft religion. If you're curious about Wicca and looking to find Wicca classes near you, you're in luck. There are numerous resources available for individuals who are eager to explore and dive deeper into the world of Wicca. **Wicca classes** offer a structured and guided way for newcomers to learn about the beliefs, practices, and rituals associated with Wicca. These classes are often led by experienced Wiccans who are knowledgeable about the religion's traditions and customs. By attending Wicca classes, you can gain a deeper understanding of Wicca's core principles, such as the worship of nature and the practice of magic.

Church and School of Wicca

Church and School of Wicca Religious and educational institutions founded by Gavin and Yvonne Frost, located in Hinton, West Virginia. The Church of Wicca, founded in 1968, is the oldest recognized church of Witchcraft in the United States, achieving federal recognition in 1972. Its teaching arm is the School of Wicca, which offers correspondence courses.

History.

The Frosts, who were living in St. Louis, Missouri, developed correspondence courses out of their interest and involvement in Witchcraft and began advertising the courses as the School of Wicca. They followed with the founding of the church in 1968. Working with lawyers, Gavin Frost was able to win a “Letter of Determination” from the Internal Revenue Service giving religious recognition to “Wicca” and “Witchcraft.”

The ruling, which came in 1972, made the church the first Wiccan church to achieve this federal recognition, and the first to use “Wicca” to describe the religion of Witchcraft. The same year, the Frosts began to work for the church and school full time. Gavin serves as archbishop and Yvonne as bishop.

They obtained their doctorates of divinity from the church. The Frosts moved to Salem, Missouri, and then to New Bern, North Carolina, in 1974. In New Bern, they attempted to establish a survival community, but it never matched their vision and after a few years, became inactive. In 1996, they moved their residence and church and school offices to Hinton, West Virginia.

In 1986, the Church of Wicca achieved another legal landmark by becoming the only federally recognized Wiccan church to have its status as a bona fide religion upheld in federal appeals court. In a prisoner’s rights case decided in 1985, Dettmer v. London, the District Court of Virginia ruled that Witchcraft is a legitimate religion. The decision was appealed by Virginia prison authorities.

In 1986, Judge J. Butzner of the Federal Appeals Court affirmed the decision. In his ruling, Butzner said, “The Church of Wicca is clearly a religion for First Amendment purposes. Members of the Church sincerely adhere to a fairly complex set of doctrines relating to the spiritual aspects of their lives, and in doing so they have ‘ultimate concerns’ in much the same way as followers of accepted religions.”

Beliefs and tenets of the church.

The roots of the church are Welsh Celtic, coming from Gavin Frost’s own Welsh heritage. Its early philosophy, as expressed in The Witch’s Bible (finally published in 1975), created controversy in the Craft. The church held that the Ultimate Deity is not definable, thus downplaying the emphasis given the Goddess by most other Witches, and maintained that the Craft is agnostic, as well as both monotheistic and polytheistic.

Every life form contains a spark of Divine Fire — a piece of Deity. Lower-level polytheistic deities, or “stone gods,” can be created in anthropomorphic form as storehouses of energy for use in magic rituals. In addition to the controversy, the church’s early view that homosexuals did not fit into the Craft, a fertility religion, was criticized as prejudice. The church’s early view of homosexuality has evolved.

The Church and School of Wicca does not discriminate against any member by reason of race, color, gender, sex- ual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. If any member of the association is proven to be discriminating for any of those reasons, that member is dismissed from the association. Beyond the controversy over homosexual- ity, there was much criticism of the church’s early view that young adults should be fully aware sexually before initiation.

Over the years, the church’s position has grown and changed. Elements of Eastern, Native American Indian and Afro-American practices have been recognized for their overlap with the Welsh Celtic tradition, and the church is now open to people of all sexual orientations. The church’s view of the Ultimate Deity is still genderless; God is impersonal, treating all persons alike, transcending human emotions.

The church espouses five basic tenets of the Craft:

1. The Wiccan Rede — “If it harm none, do what you will.”

2. Reincarnation as an orderly system of learning. This is not a tally of “sins” and punishments. Human experiences are comparable to term papers: a way of learning.

3. The Law of Attraction — What I do to other living creatures I will draw to myself. Shakespeare called this “measure for measure.” It can also be expressed as “birds of a feather.”

4. Power through Knowledge — Each living creature has the power (energy) within its body. The skill of directing that power can be taught and learned. Whether the power is “good” or “evil” depends on the intent in the mind of the worker.

5. Harmony — There are perceptible rhythms in the patterns of the Sun, the Moon, the Seasons. It makes sense to learn those rhythms and to live in harmony with them.

The church’s view of Reincarnation is that it is a steadily upward progress of development of the soul. The Frosts feel that excessive and careless sex has led to the incarnation of numerous, ill-prepared souls, one of the reasons for the increase in poverty, crime and warfare and other societal troubles around the world. They personally advocate more judicious contraception. The use of “stone gods” — Yvonne Frost calls them “mascots” — is taught for magic ritual.

The anthropomorphic deities are objects temporarily charged with psychic power; the object itself depends on the purpose of the ritual and/or the choice of the practitioner. Craft observances in the church are held on full Moon nights. The four great seasonal holidays are observed at the appropriate full moon: Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane and Lugnasadh. The church occasionally conducts services open to the public, but which do not include power-raising rituals.

The church has chartered 28 independent subsidiary churches around the world. In the late 1970s, the Celtic Heritage Investigation Foundation was created under the auspices of the church to conduct “an archaeology of ideas, beliefs and practices that were lost in the ‘Burning Times’ when the books of shadows were destroyed.”

Other major activities of the church include working for Wiccan rights, and bringing Craft teachings to those in the military, and to prisoners in state and federal penitentiaries. The church was among Wiccan and Pagan organizations which fought against the Helms Amendment, an attempt made in the U.S. Congress in 1985 to strip Wiccan and Pagan churches of their tax-exempt status.

The School of Wicca.

The first and largest Witchcraft correspondence school in the United States, the School of Wicca offers numerous courses, among them Celtic Witchcraft, sorcery, Tantra, astrology, developing psychic ability, healing, use of herbs, dreams, Western sex magic, spells and rituals, sacred and mysterious sites, ufology, Egyptian and Native American Indian magic, and travel in the astral realm.

There are three levels of study: theoretical, practical and initiatory. The school publishes the longest-lived Wiccan newsletter, Survival. In 1989, the school formulated a Prisoner’s Handbook for Wicca for the state of Washington, which specifies religious tenets, observances and requirements. The handbook has become a model for other prison systems.

Since its beginnings, the school has introduced more than 200,000 people to the Craft. It also sponsors special interest groups, such as gay Wiccans and Wiccans in the military. Students of the school, as well as followers of the church, are encouraged to keep their own Book of Shadows — or, rather, “book of lights,” as Yvonne Frost prefers to call the personal handbook, because it represents a reaching up to the Deity and the light of spiritual knowledge.

FURTHER READING:

• Church and School of Wicca Web site. Available online. URL: https://www.wicca.org. Downloaded October 3, 2007.

See also

• Covens and Groups
• Witchcraft

Spiritual Groups or Like-Minded Individuals in Oregon

ARE YOU A SEEKER LOOKING FOR A COVEN, GROUP, MEET UP? WITCHES AND PAGANS DO NOT PROSELYTIZE SO IT'S UP TO THE SEEKER TO SEARCH, CONTACT AND FIND TEACHERS. THIS IS JUST A RESOURCE FOR YOU TO REACH OUT.

We are happy to present this page for covens, groups and organizations in the locations listed below. This information on these pages is presented as submitted, we do not know many of the groups that are represented here and only remove groups if serious verifiable allegations are brought to our attention. We encourage you to please use your discretion when meeting strangers, and due diligence in researching the tradition and reputation of the leaders. We suggest you read this BLOG post prior to meeting possible teachers, as well as the DISCLAIMER page.

Hail and welcome Witches, Pagans, Wiccans and Heathens to the Mandragora Magika home page for Oregon!

ALBANY

SPIRITS GUIDED BY THE DIVINE

TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: Solitaire Wiccanism

CONTACT NAME: Vawna

I have a Facebook account under the name Spirits Guided by the Divine. I am for now a solitary practicing Wicca but am wanting a “coven” of my own. I mostly follow Irish, Roman and Greek mythology but also exploring new horizons. I love the spiritual path I have awoken to. Also the many variations of divination gifts I have. Sending love and light. Blessed Be )0(

ASTORIA

COVEN OF THE HEARTH

TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: Cassandra Tradition Witchcraft

CONTACT NAME: RavenFire

UPDATED: 1 /1/2024

NOT TAKING NEW STUDENTS AT THIS TIME - MAY OPEN A NEW GROUP IN EARLY SUMMER '24.

We are the Coven of the Hearth – a traditional coven of Cassandra Tradition Witches located in Astoria, OR. We meet in person regularly; learning, socializing, and having ritual, among other things. All members are (and must be) 18+. Parents are welcome - we do our best to have kid-friendly events in addition to those that are adults-only.

The Cassandra Tradition is a tradition of the Craft that blends traditional Wicca (coven and training structure, mostly) with Reclaiming Tradition Witchcraft (ritual and teaching style, magickal activism) and an approach to hearth culture that's mostly influenced by Ar nDraoicht Fein and the Order of Ovates, Bards & Druids.

We are science-minded, believing that science is not at odds with our spiritual beliefs. We are critical and progressive thinkers. We are not about a particular political party, but we ARE about caring for the environment, that the natural world has intrinsic value and a right to exist that has nothing to do with what is convenient or profitable for humanity, fighting oppression, economic equity, anti-racist and anti-fascist. We are queer-friendly; transphobes are NOT welcome.

• All things are animated and alive - we are animists

• The gods are real and distinct

• In regular, committed training

• In monthly rituals and holy day celebrations

Our first 18 months of time with a new student includes study circle - a book discussion group that generally takes about 3 months to complete. Then if the student and coven agree further study and potential initiation are a good fit, the student is invited into the formal first year classes for initiation. (NOTE: Participation in study circle does not automatically equal an invitation to join the coven. Study circle is a trial period for everyone to make sure the fit is right.) After study circle and pre-initiation classes, training gets much more individualized.

We are currently working with radical Norse animism (inclusive, anti-racist, etc - see the work of Ryan Smith and Rune Hjarno Rasmussen) and Irish paganism (think Irish Pagan School or Lora O'Brien). Our group focus is polytheist, though each individual member has very different specific beliefs about the nature of deity. We strongly feel all beliefs are welcome, as long as each member understands and can work with both an animist and polytheist framework when we are together.

BEND

WITCHES OF CENTRAL OREGON

TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: All are welcome

CONTACT NAME: Kristin Castro

A chapter for all to discuss our craft, Q& A are encouraged. Here to support our local community.

HILLSBORO

CORASTRIX COVEN

TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: Mohsian - BTW

CONTACT NAME: Tyr & Carreg

Corastrix is a Mohsian coven that also teaches the Lateralis Run Outer Court for a year and a day of classes typically starting in Spring. Next dates 2023/2024.

To Inquire please contact us and request an application [email protected].

We cover traditional Wicca & practical witchcraft basics. We meet twice a month for a year and a day with a set schedule of dates. We look forward to hearing from you.

Application screening process includes - a written application & interview for selected candidates. Initiation is possible but not guaranteed upon completion of the year and a day of teaching. We do not charge for teaching.

Open to 21 years of age and above. You must have secure means of transportation. We welcome LGBTQ+.

Note - we have a small dog & lots of stairs. Blessed Be.

For more information visit The Mohsian Tradition website: Mohsian.org MohsianTradition.com

IONE

RAVEN'S CROSSING KINDRED

TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: Norse Gythia

CONTACT NAME: Astrid Lei Thorne

We vett everyone before they are considered for our kindred.. No Racism ..

MEDFORD

LIGHT SEEKERS, VALLEY DWELLERS AND EARTH KEEPERS

TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: Wicca

CONTACT NAME: Kathwren Grace

All open minded individuals with good intentions welcome to contact. I want other light workers and earth lovers to reflect with and learn with. The group is yet to be “formed” so there’s little structure for now, but I look forward to what the future brings!

OREGON CITY

TRISKELE ROSE WITCHCRAFT

CITY: Oregon City

TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: Avalonian Witchcraft

CONTACT NAME: Annwyn Avalon

Triskele Rose Witchcraft is an Avalonian Witchcraft Tradition. Our teachings are heavily influenced by Traditional Witchcraft, Modern Witchcraft, Western Mystery, Oracular Spirit work, and Folk Magic.

PORTLAND

CAULDRONFIRE WITCHCRAFT

TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: Celtic Polytheist Witchcraft

CONTACT NAME: Talasyn

EMAIL: cauldronfirepdx (at) gmail.com

CauldronFire Witchcraft offers an assortment of workshops, rituals, study groups, and events. Some of these are specific to witches on a Celtic polytheist path, while others are open to the broader witchcraft community. Workshops include How to Form a Witchcraft Group; a Death Cafe; seasonal celebrations; an international conference on polytheist death practices, and various other local and regional events. Talasyn is an experienced witch who is a member of a private witchcraft circle, and enjoys teaching and building community.

FAUN'S CIRCLE

TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: Traditional Wicca/Witchcraft

CONTACT NAME: Taryn

Faun's Circle is a Pacific Northwest group practicing within Traditional Wicca/Witchcraft. We are lineaged through Wolfa Coven, in the Horsa tradition, based in the Harrisburg, PA area. British Witch Sybil Leek established our line in the mid-1960s as the "North American branch" of Horsa, which originated in the New Forest. More info can be found on the coven's blog and social pages including instagram.com/horsatradition , instagram.com/faunscircle and facebook.com/faunscircle/ .

Taryn is open to making local connections in OR/WA with those 21+ sincerely interested in learning our unique path of initiatory Witchcraft. Our circle is welcoming and inclusive. Classes open to beginners and intermediate seekers. Learn about our heritage, tradition, ritual, magic. Initial meetings start with Zoom and then may progress to tea/coffee.

MYSTIC ARTS GATHERING AND INFORMATION CIRCLE (MAGIC)

TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: Eclectic

CONTACT NAME: Sienna Newcastle

UPDATED: 10 /18/2023

A federally recognized 501-C3 non-profit, eclectic mysticism, earth-loving, peace promoting non-patriarchal eclectic group that holds events on an irregular basis, ordains clergy with legal standing, and serves the community in times of need. We honor all belief systems and hope to share more marginalized beliefs with the public for a greater understanding. Family friendly, all ages welc ome .

VEILED INSIGHT

TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: Seership & Oracular Studies

CONTACT NAME: Talasyn

I’m seeking witches in the Portland metro area who are deeply interested in seership, visionary and oracular practices, and would like to be part of a focused, collaborative study group for serious exploration of these topics. This study group is for more advanced witches. Please visit the CauldronFire Witchcraft website for more information prior to reaching out.

RAINIER

THE CIRCLE OF SHAMBHALA RISING

TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: Eclectic Coven

CONTACT NAME: Morgan Le Faye (HPS)

UPDATED: 4/12/202 3

An eclectic Coven of metaphysical practitioners that are open to new members. Potential members go through a vetting process through the FB group "Shambhala's Vox Populi". The Priestess is an Eclectic Polytheist for 32 years, and a spiritual consultant who is Ordained and Certified in all she teaches/consults. Her path is a unique blend of many different spiritual paths. Coven members are of a variety of beliefs that commune with purpose. Teachings include Trad Witchcraft, Divination, and advanced Magic Sytems. This Coven works a 4 Degree Initiation System. We do not adhere to nor teach anything Wiccan or of Wicca!

SALEM

WILD WITCHES OF THE WILLAMETTE

TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: Eclectic

CONTACT NAME: Anjel

Wild Witches of the Willamette is an eclectic and inclusive open group for witches and magick Practitioners of all paths. We host Sabbat and full moon esbats and witch walks around the Willamette valley. We also host online events including a free year and a day class via zoom.

WALLOWA

OLD WAYS, NEW PATHS

TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: Eclectic

CONTACT NAME: Willow Amethyst

A teaching group on Facebook for teaching the fundamentals of many different paths of magick. I would like to meet up with people who are into energy work and Shamanism, particularly.

The Solitary Wiccan's Bible: Finding Your Guides, Walking the Paths, Entering New Realms, Practicing Magic

The key to all Wiccan practice is ultimately solitary because developing real growth and awareness begins inside each individual. The Solitary Wiccan's Bible is for any reader wanting to go deeper into his or her understanding and experience of Wicca--alone. There are many reasons people seek a solitary path: fear of charlatans, concern about co-workers finding out or being misunderstood by others, or lack of family or social support for Wiccan practice.

The Solitary Wiccan's Bible uses the metaphor of a solitary pilgrim walking a path and discovering natural and spiritual truths along the way. This pilgrimage is based on the ancient symbology of the Pentagram enclosed in the triple circle. The Solitary Wiccan's Bible leads the pilgrim to cross the circles, moving from the Wilderness through the Home and Astral realms, to achieve the central Spiritual realm. Always down-to-earth and easy to understand, The Solitary Wiccan's Bible clearly lays out the Wiccan paths so any reader can follow.

Chapters include:* The Pilgrimage of Wicca* The Pilgrim Enters New Realms* The Pilgrimage of the Pentagram* The Pilgrim's Wiccan Magical Path* The Practical Pilgrim's Spellwork* The Pilgrim's Talismans

The Solitary Wiccan's Bible provides background and practice in clear, accessible, and often humorous prose, making the book immediately useful to first-time seekers and long-time practitioners alike.

• Wicca / Witchcraft

By attending Wicca classes, you can gain a deeper understanding of Wicca's core principles, such as the worship of nature and the practice of magic. You'll learn about the Wheel of the Year and the celebrations that mark the changing of seasons and agricultural cycles. These classes also provide opportunities for hands-on learning and practical experiences.

Связанные категории

• Тело, разум и дух
• Демонология и сатанизм
• Этническая и племенная
• Язычество и неоязычество
• Occult & Paranormal

Отзывы о The Solitary Wiccan's Bible

6 оценок 1 отзыв

You might participate in rituals, learn about spellcasting and divination techniques, or explore the use of different tools and symbols in Wiccan practices. Through engaging discussions and activities, you can develop a personal connection with the Wiccan spirituality and develop your own unique path within the religion. To find Wicca classes near you, there are several avenues you can explore. Local metaphysical shops and pagan communities often offer classes or host workshops and events focused on Wicca. In addition, you can check online resources, such as websites, forums, and social media groups dedicated to Wicca. These online platforms can connect you with local Wiccan practitioners or provide information about upcoming classes in your area. When searching for Wicca classes, it's important to research and evaluate the credibility of the instructors or organizations providing the education. Look for experienced teachers who have a solid understanding of Wiccan traditions and can provide accurate information. Reading reviews and testimonials can also help you gauge the quality of the classes and the experiences of previous participants. Overall, Wicca classes are an excellent way to immerse yourself in the world of Wicca, learn about its beliefs and practices, and connect with like-minded individuals. Whether you're a complete beginner or have some prior knowledge of Wicca, these classes can deepen your spiritual journey and provide you with the tools and knowledge to practice Wicca confidently on your own. So if you're interested in exploring Wicca further, start searching for Wicca classes near you and embark on this fascinating and empowering spiritual path..

Reviews for "Wicca as a Spiritual Path: Joining Wicca Classes Near Me"

1. Jessica - 1 star - I signed up for these Wicca classes near me expecting to learn about the traditions and practices of Wicca. However, I was extremely disappointed with what was offered. The instructor lacked knowledge and was unable to answer basic questions. The class felt more like a disorganized discussion group rather than a structured learning environment. I was hoping to gain a deeper understanding of Wicca, but unfortunately, these classes did not provide that.

2. Ryan - 2 stars - I attended a few Wicca classes near me, and while the content was interesting, I found the instructor to be condescending and dismissive. It felt like they didn't take the students seriously and would often ridicule us if we asked questions that they deemed "basic." Additionally, the class sizes were too large, making it difficult to have meaningful discussions or receive individual attention. Overall, I left these classes feeling discouraged and with a sour taste in my mouth.

3. Samantha - 2.5 stars - I have mixed feelings about the Wicca classes near me. On one hand, the instructor was knowledgeable and passionate about the subject, which made the classes engaging. However, I felt that the material covered was too advanced for beginners like myself. The instructor assumed that everyone had prior knowledge and quickly dove into complex topics without providing adequate context. This made it difficult for me to fully grasp the concepts being taught. It would have been beneficial to have a more structured curriculum, starting with the basics and gradually progressing.

4. Alex - 1 star - Attending these Wicca classes near me was a waste of time and money. The instructor seemed more interested in pushing their own personal agenda rather than providing a comprehensive understanding of Wicca. They frequently went off on tangents that were unrelated to the topic at hand and would often derail discussions. The class lacked structure and organization, which made it difficult to follow along. Overall, I would not recommend these classes to anyone serious about learning about Wicca.

5. Emily - 1.5 stars - The Wicca classes near me failed to meet my expectations. The instructor was disorganized and often seemed unprepared. The material covered felt disjointed and there was no clear progression or structure to the lessons. Additionally, the class environment wasn't welcoming or inclusive. It seemed to cater to a specific group of people, and as someone outside of that group, I felt excluded. I believe these classes have potential, but they need significant improvements in content delivery and inclusivity.

The Power of Ritual: Discover Wiccan Classes Near Me