Mariposa De La Luna
February 21st, 2001, 10:50 AM
I take a Wicca 101 class and this was given at our first class, on ethics.
Unfortunately all these things happened to one person, fortunately it gave birth to this.
I will also post it on the New Pagan Board.
Seeker's Bill of Rights
Compiled by Hern's Wood Coven
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seekers of the Pagan path are often extremely vulnerable. In their quest for teaching and fellowship, they risk encountering those who use our faith to prey on others. Since paganism is still struggling for public acceptance, there is little sympathy from authorities. Neither can the elders of our communities effectively address this issue. The most they can do is denounce these predators, and [they] are usually accused of starting a "witch war" when they do.
The answer to this dilemma is to empower those most vulnerable, the Seekers. To this end, the Seeker's Bill of Rights has been drafted. This tool will help to alert seekers of a problem if a group or teacher violates any of the ten rights described. It will also serve to remind seekers that while they may not have "degrees," they are still human beings with rights and dignity.
I. The Right to Verify Credentials:
Seekers shall not be obstructed from contacting persons who can substantiate or disavow claims made by a group or teacher. In the case of elders who were inspired to create a new tradition, the seeker has a right to know the circumstances surrounding the inception of that tradition.
II. The Right to Anonymity:
Seekers have the right to keep their involvement in the occult a secret to preserve their personal and professional lives.
III. The Right to Financial Stability:
Seekers shall not be required or coerced to take on financial burdens on behalf of a teacher or a group.
IV. The Right to Compensation for Professional goods and services:
Seekers have the Right to be paid for goods produced and/or [for] skilled labor from which they would normally receive an income. Seekers shall not be required or coerced to provide "freebies" or discounts on behalf of a teacher or group.
V. The Right to Sexual Freedom:
Seekers shall not be required or coerced to [have] sexual relations with unwanted persons. Nor shall seekers be restricted from sexual relations with consenting adults.
VI. The Right to Physical Well-Being:
Seekers shall not be required or coerced to submit to any form of physical injury.
VII. The Right to Abide by the Law:
Seekers shall not be required or coerced to commit any illegal act.
VIII. The Right to Consistency:
Seekers have the right to expect consistent policies from a teacher or group. Seekers should be formally informed in a timely manner of any policy changes.
IX. The Right to Separation with Impunity:
Seekers have the right to discontinue association with any teacher or group without fear of harassment or reprisal.
X. The Right to be at Peace with One's Conscience:
Seekers shall not be required or coerced to commit any action contrary to their own sense of ethics and morality.
© 1998 Hern's Wood Coven
This can be seen online at:
http://www.betwixt.org/AboutUs/seekers.htm
People in the DFW area, you know who you are, SHOULD check this place out but only if you truly think you are ready. It will change your life but will only manifest what your preconcieved notions are.
I am not a board member or a very active member just a new one who is starting to think alot on Pagan Unity.
Unfortunately all these things happened to one person, fortunately it gave birth to this.
I will also post it on the New Pagan Board.
Seeker's Bill of Rights
Compiled by Hern's Wood Coven
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seekers of the Pagan path are often extremely vulnerable. In their quest for teaching and fellowship, they risk encountering those who use our faith to prey on others. Since paganism is still struggling for public acceptance, there is little sympathy from authorities. Neither can the elders of our communities effectively address this issue. The most they can do is denounce these predators, and [they] are usually accused of starting a "witch war" when they do.
The answer to this dilemma is to empower those most vulnerable, the Seekers. To this end, the Seeker's Bill of Rights has been drafted. This tool will help to alert seekers of a problem if a group or teacher violates any of the ten rights described. It will also serve to remind seekers that while they may not have "degrees," they are still human beings with rights and dignity.
I. The Right to Verify Credentials:
Seekers shall not be obstructed from contacting persons who can substantiate or disavow claims made by a group or teacher. In the case of elders who were inspired to create a new tradition, the seeker has a right to know the circumstances surrounding the inception of that tradition.
II. The Right to Anonymity:
Seekers have the right to keep their involvement in the occult a secret to preserve their personal and professional lives.
III. The Right to Financial Stability:
Seekers shall not be required or coerced to take on financial burdens on behalf of a teacher or a group.
IV. The Right to Compensation for Professional goods and services:
Seekers have the Right to be paid for goods produced and/or [for] skilled labor from which they would normally receive an income. Seekers shall not be required or coerced to provide "freebies" or discounts on behalf of a teacher or group.
V. The Right to Sexual Freedom:
Seekers shall not be required or coerced to [have] sexual relations with unwanted persons. Nor shall seekers be restricted from sexual relations with consenting adults.
VI. The Right to Physical Well-Being:
Seekers shall not be required or coerced to submit to any form of physical injury.
VII. The Right to Abide by the Law:
Seekers shall not be required or coerced to commit any illegal act.
VIII. The Right to Consistency:
Seekers have the right to expect consistent policies from a teacher or group. Seekers should be formally informed in a timely manner of any policy changes.
IX. The Right to Separation with Impunity:
Seekers have the right to discontinue association with any teacher or group without fear of harassment or reprisal.
X. The Right to be at Peace with One's Conscience:
Seekers shall not be required or coerced to commit any action contrary to their own sense of ethics and morality.
© 1998 Hern's Wood Coven
This can be seen online at:
http://www.betwixt.org/AboutUs/seekers.htm
People in the DFW area, you know who you are, SHOULD check this place out but only if you truly think you are ready. It will change your life but will only manifest what your preconcieved notions are.
I am not a board member or a very active member just a new one who is starting to think alot on Pagan Unity.