The First Congregational Church of the Old Religion, Inc., is the legal body of our church. Our priesthood form a Wiccan coven called The People of the Woods, or The People for short.

Members of The People meet frequently for rituals and special classes. We sometimes gather for a retreat or outing to the woods, and attend pagan festivals together. We practice the Old Ways of the Wicca in our daily lives as well as in rituals.

The Charge of the Goddess is used as a guide for ritual and for life.

The People respects the confidentiality of members. Names of individuals and activities at rituals are not revealed outside the coven without specific permission.

There are different levels of participation -- friends and members. Members attend all rituals, Full and New Moons, and Sabbats, and coven outings. Friends (and prospective members) may attend open Sabbat rituals and outings.

Members are recognized for their level of learning: The People follow a 3 degree initiation system in a lineage from Gerald Gardner, whose initiations were said to have been from a New Forest Coven that dated from the 12th century. Our religion has been transmitted through oral tradition that is thousands of years old. Our tradition was brought to America by The Temple of The Pagan Way of Chicago in the 1970s. Click here for some additional information on the history and lineage of the Gardnerian Wicca and the Temple of the Pagan Way. The People of the Woods continues this tradition. We also work to rediscover the lore and practice that were lost in the persecutions of the middle ages.

We know from experience that initiation makes a significant difference in the life of the initiate. New members generally spend a period of time as a dedicant, learning our tradition before deciding whether or not to take the initiation.

The People of the Woods follows cultural norms, moral values, ethical standards and ways of acting that are often quite different from the societal norms that western culture has derived from that other religion. Our religious values look to pre-christian European cultures and pagan villages for inspiration and values. We actively reject the norms and values of western christian culture. For example, see "skyclad" in the questions section. No, we don't do or require sex in the circle or with anyone. As Witches we tend to side with the Witch of the West, not with the murderous Dorothy, no matter how pretty her little curls were. We are not in Kansas any more Toto.

The People of the Woods recognizes that one of the most important requirements of our religion for the past several centuries has been to keep an oath of secrecy regarding what happens within the ritual circle. Neither the names of members, nor what is said or done during any ritual may ever be disclosed to others outside the coven, not even to other members of the Craft nor to other members of our families. It's an old and still important part of the Craft.

The People functions as a close community similar to an extended family. For this reason the membership requirements are limiting. Other people may be better served by nearby covens.

Question: Do you charge for rituals?

Answer: No. Our tradition says that the first teaching was given by the Goddess free of charge, and must be passed to each generation free of charge. The operation of the coven is not without some cost however, so members may contribute tax deductible amounts from time to time if they choose to. It is not required.

Question: What about my husband/wife? Can he or she attend also?

Answer: A husband or wife of a member is usually invited to be a member also. Families tend to work well when both husband and wife practice the same religion, but it is not required. Some husbands and wives do not choose to follow our religion. They may then attend our open rituals and events.

Question: You use the term "Wicca". Is that the same as "Witch" or "Witchcraft"?

Answer: During the 1950s Gerald Gardner went public with a form of Witchcraft that he had learned. He used an Old English spelling for Witch, "Wicca" so as to avoid immediate negative reaction from the public. The words "Wicca" and "witch" are related to "wit" or "wisdom" and originally meant a wise person. There was no standard English spelling until about the eighteenth century. Even Shakespeare sometimes spelled the same word differently on the same page.

We use "Wicca" because we follow much of the Gardnerian ritual forms and practices. It is still a form of Witchcraft and Witch is a modern and perhaps broader term. There are those who identify themselves as "Witches" but not Wicca.

The word "craft" means a trade, practice or skill. "Witchcraft" literally means the trade, practice or skill of being wise and using knowledge. Sometimes it is shortened to "The Craft". Our coven members learn and practice many of the traditional skills of Witchcraft. Sometimes the word "Art" is used instead of "Craft" in the writings of Gardner and others.

Question: Do you practice magick in your rituals?

Answer: Magick has always been a part of the Craft or trade of a Witch. Our rituals include a time for magickal workings if any are needed by members or are appropriate for the season. We also include time for personal sharing and the feast (Cakes and Ale).

Question: I've heard of teaching covens. Is The People a teaching coven?

Answer: No, we do not present ourselves as a coven that focuses on teaching. We focus on practicing our religion in our coven and in our lives. We do teach the magick and the old ways of our tradition to new members, but that's not the main focus of our coven or church.

Question: How often do you meet?

Answer: The coven follows a lunar and seasonal calendar. Each month we generally meet on the full moon and three days after the dark moon. We gather to observe the eight annual festivals or Sabbats. We also get together occasionally and go to the woods. In addition we attend one or more regional or national pagan gathering each summer.

Question: Do you do on-line training for interested people in other places?

Answer: No, we do not teach others on-line. Face to face interaction between Elder and student is the time honored way for the neophyte to learn the old ways. If someone in another city seriously wants to learn our tradition from us, they can relocate here just as people in other religions go to the city where theological seminaries are located.

Question: What about other traditions? Do you claim that you have the "right" way of Wicca?

Answer: No, we have A way, but not the only way.

Question: I've been involved in eclectic Wicca for a few years. How do you feel about bringing in different styles to rituals.

Answer: We feel that consistency is important for the emotional satisfaction of our members. Each ritual has a part that is special for the occasion, but the outline remains consistent so it becomes known and familiar to all.

Question: You use the word "Tradition." What does that mean?

Answer: The word "Tradition" refers to one of several variations in our religion. Other religions use the word "denomination" to refer to variations in religious practice that are all the same overall religion. Like other religions, Wicca has several different traditions or denominations.

Question: Do you do skyclad rituals?

Answer: We follow Gardnerian tradition by working skyclad at many of our rituals. At public rituals we wear religious robes or other attire as appropriate. Skyclad means clothed only by the sky, or naked if you prefer. It is thought by some to be ancient practice, and others think Gardner invented it. Either way its part of our traditional teaching, part of honoring yourself as human beings as well as magickal people, and part of psychically casting off cultural oppression.

Question: Isn't being skyclad quite different than normal culture?

Answer: Yes, that is part of the purpose. Wicca is not conventional western culture. "As a sign that you be truly free you shall be naked in your rites." from Araida, Gospel of the Witches by Charles Leland, published 1893. If you come seeking admittance to a Wiccan coven be prepared to leave much of the conventional western culture at the door.

Western culture includes a lot of negative messages and training about our bodies. In Wicca we teach that we are part of nature, and our bodies are as natural as the trees and bears in the forest, in whatever shape we are in. We are often said to be "Nature Spirituality." To worship nature, begin with worshiping your body, for you are made in the form of the Gods. Every tree, every dear, every snail, every human, is natural and beautiful and does not need to be hidden or ashamed of himself or herself. When we come to ritual we present ourselves to our Gods as we are, natural beings of the Earth.

Question: Do you practice sex magic or sacred sexuality?

Answer: We recognize that sacred sexuality is a powerful form of magic energy. Gardnerian tradition of Wicca sometimes uses a sacred sexual union as the highest form of worship of God and Goddess. We understand that sexual magic is a special form that is not appropriate in every week rituals. We do not generally practice sexual magic, sacred sexuality, or other sexual behavior in our regular rituals and gatherings. We intend to avoid legal and emotional entanglements over sexuality. If you are looking for an orgy group you need to look elsewhere.

Question: What is your teaching on sex in general?

Answer: It is taught that, "all acts of love and pleasure," are rituals that honor the Goddess. We do not teach that sex is shameful or sinful, and in fact the concept of "sin" has no meaning in our religious moral values. We encourage people to love each other more, and fight with each other less. In times gone by there were Goddess Temples where Priestesses used sexuality as a form of giving and receiving the love of the Goddess. People who have been raised in modern western culture do not have the cultural background and frames of reference to appreciate or participate in the ancient forms of sexual worship. Go and love each other in your homes, in your lives, and in the love of the Goddess and God.

Question: You mention Gardnerian tradition. What is that?

Answer: A man named Gerald Gardner published some books on Wicca during the 1950s, making Witchcraft public for the first time in centuries. Gardner taught his form of Witchcraft to numerous others who taught others and now there are many who's Wiccan education comes originally from Gardner. Some say that Gardner invented Wicca, and some say that he modified and publicized a previous religion. To this day, covens that follow the teachings of Gerald Gardner and have initiations from one of Garners's covens are called "Gardnerian" See the suggested reading list for more on Gardner.

Question: Your information says that The People is a heterosexual coven. Does that mean you discriminate against gay or lesbian people?

Answer: We have found that it is very difficult for a small organization to be all things to all people. A group that tries to do too many things ends up not doing any of them very well. There are other traditions that specialize in gay pagans. Other traditions are for women only. Some are led by gays, or lesbians, or transsexuals, or by transsexual lesbians. The leadership of The People is heterosexual and our tradition celebrates the ancient theology of polarity energy between God and Goddess. We believe that gay or lesbian pagans would be better served in a different coven.

Question: Is Wicca one of those dangerous cults that we hear about?

Answer: No and yes. The dangerous cults you hear about actively recruit members and then use various psychological techniques and threats to keep members from leaving. Wicca is the opposite. We make it hard to get in and always easy to get out. But Wicca is dangerous to the culture because our teachings are very different, and we are growing rapidly because many people are seeking something better.

Question: Do you conduct introductory classes for interested people?

Answer: Not any more. Some years ago it was a lot harder to learn about Wicca. In those days many covens held introductory classes often called "Wicca 101" for interested people. The classes went for 4 to 6 weeks and explained the basic Wiccan theology, cosmology, history, philosophy, morality, ethics, and other basic tenets of Wicca. Now there are several shelves full of books on Wicca for beginners at Borders and every other popular bookstore, a big change from 10 or 20 yeas ago. We have found that there is no longer a need for basic classes since interested people have usually already read several books. We still are available to answer questions from people who have read about Wiccan and have more interest.

Question: I've read all this and think that I may want to become a member. What is the procedure for joining?

Gather you Witches in the night while the moon rides full. Gather you Witches in the darkness when the moon is hidden. Gather to follow the old ways, to drum, to sing and to dance the ageless dance of life. Gather in a circle, man to woman, woman to man, in the circle of life as the Gods have taught you.

Gather you Witches in a circle. Gather you wise ones, you teachers, you keepers of the magick, you Priests and Priestesses of all that is sacred and old beyond knowing. Listen to the wind. Listen to the water. Listen to the fire. Listen to the earth. Hear the heartbeat of the drums and the drumbeat of the heart. Feel the power of magick as it flows hand to hand around the circle.

Gather you Witches in a circle. Call upon the Goddess and welcome her magick as She dances with you. Call upon the God and fear not his power for within the circle He leads your dance. Gather in the circle to celebrated the seasons of the Earth and the sacredness of all life, work the ancient magicks, thank the Gods for the food you eat, and encouraged fertility so that our race will not perish. Call forth the young ones, welcome them to the ancient circle, and pass on the old ways to each new generation. Thus it has been for a hundred thousand generations.