Teresa
Registered: Dec 30, 2008
Posts: 3
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Reply with quote | #1 |
I hope I am putting this in the right section. lol
I came across The Church of the Ancient Paths, located in Rochester NY, on Witchvox.com. They are the "daughter church" of The Church of the Sacred Earth.
Church of Ancient Paths
I was wondering if anyone can tell me their opinions on this group before I contact them myself. I like the fact that they are family oriented and have open circles and workshops. They mention on one of their pages that rates are negotiable. I'm assuming that it is like paying dues, is this common? I just don't want to get into anything that I should stay away from. Thanks
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Mark_Sumpter
Registered: Dec 30, 2008
Posts: 9
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Reply with quote | #2 |
Theresa
It appears to be an eclectic church of sorts that welcomes all of the pagan paths as members. Perhaps for some it might be a good thing but for most of the people here we prefer Traditional Wicca.
As for "dues" and "reasonable rates" I always become wary when I see such things.
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Teresa
Registered: Dec 30, 2008
Posts: 3
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Reply with quote | #3 |
Thanks, Mark. I wanted to make sure no one has heard anything bad about them. I figured that if I go to some of the workshops it might help me find other people to talk to in my area...groups, covens. I know this is a Wiccan forum, and I haven't decided yet if Wicca is going to be right for me, I'm just here to try learn as much as I can.
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Mark_Sumpter
Registered: Dec 30, 2008
Posts: 9
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Luthaneal
Admin
Registered: Sept 23, 2008
Posts: 23
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Reply with quote | #5 |
Always good to explore the different paths.
All I would say is, that before you hand over any monies, find out exactly what you will be getting for your money!
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Lark
Newbie
Registered: Dec 31, 2008
Posts: 10
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Reply with quote | #6 |
As for the dues thing I think that would depend entirely on how much they are asking.
In my own coven we asked the members donate $5 each month. This money was used to buy incense, candles, wine for the cup, books for the coven library, and rented space for the winter months. I don't think it is unreasonable to ask members to help pay for what the coven was using.
On the other hand, if people were short of cash we didn't demand that they pay up or not come to circle. We always understood when that happened. And we also permitted exchange in kind instead of payment if that worked better for them. So if they wanted to contribute some candles or incense or something else instead of "dues" that was OK to.
So the question would be when asked by a group is how much money are we talking about and what use is the money being put towards.
-Lark-
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Luthaneal
Admin
Registered: Sept 23, 2008
Posts: 23
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Reply with quote | #7 |
Aye, asking for some cash to cover expenses is one thing, but I personally don't believe that one should actually charge to teach the Craft.
I attend a Gardnerian Coven (training, not initiated) and things are generally open and flexible. If people can contribute resources, then it is most welcome. The only thing that is specifically requested is that everyone brings a bottle of wine to each meeting for the group to share.
I consider this to be more than reasonable.
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Callisto
Moderator
Registered: Dec 18, 2008
Posts: 6
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Reply with quote | #8 |
The Craft is never charged for and I don't know of any BTWs who have ever parted from that perspective.
Helping with the covenstead's expenses is always acceptible and, IMO, should be expected. And it's not just replenishing candles, incense, wine, etc., or defraying the cost of learning supplies (e.g., photocopies). Most often covens meet in the HP/HPS's homes, so arriving early to help - preparing the temple room, helping to clean up after the gathering etc. - is equally important. In addition to supplies there is a lot of wear and tear that a home is subjected to when it's the meeting place and the costs* can really stack up, especially if you also host open gatherings.
* edited to add - by costs, I meant not just supplies, but the cost of time and effort too.
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