Hi yall, I've been a Neopagan witch since 2013, but as of the past few years, I've been really drawn to Wicca, and not the new age fluff that gets labelled Wicca. I know there's a difference between NeoWicca and BTW, and at the current moment my practice could be described as Solitary NeoWicca or Dedicatory Religious Witchcraft (if we wanna do some necromancy on old terms that aren't used widely anymore lol). There are no covens near where I live, so I will likely be solitary until I move unless I start an eclectic circle (I hesitate to use the term coven as a generic term for a group of witches, as I know Coven is a term with weight)
I'm making this thread in hopes for a smidge of guidance, as someone who aims to seek out a coven at some point, with a few questions below:
1 - How can I best deepen my relationship with The Goddess and Horned God? I know that many of their names are oathbound and vary based upon coven, and I do NOT, nor would I want, anyone to break their oaths. Names tend to be important in how I connect with deity, so what are some public/outer-court names I could use for them? Or is it best to use the names that seem to roll off my tongue naturally, even if there's not any mythos for them or if the names change pending the day or ritual? Alternatively, how can I best let go of this deeply held feeling of needing a name to call my gods?
2 - What tradition would you reccomend for someone whose dream/ideal coven fits the following descriptor (note: I'm open to NeoWiccan AND BTW Traditions, my main goal is to best serve my gods, and seek their priesthood, as I want to have a very intimate relationship with them): A Coven who practices robed and outdoors, with both private and public ritual. Uses specific deity names in circle, either oathbound, public, or both (as in two sets of names: one used in public ritual, one used in private ritual). This hypothetical coven would have a heavy focus on the worship of the gods and celebrating the wheel of the year and the mythos of the gods. Maybe this coven incorporates aspects of Non-Wiccan trads such as 1734 or Cochrane's Craft, but still is primarily Wiccan in nature, with the Gods seen as deities of fertility.
3 - What's the best way to meet other pagans in my area? We have some metaphysical shops around here but there's no actual pagan community. No moots, no festivals, no nothing. The shops are nice though and a great start, but it feels like pagan community events are far and few between.
Thank you all for your timeand advice, Blessed Be!
I am not a Wiccan but I understand the basics and have worked with various aspects of the Gods and Goddesses so I can try to answer your first question just apply the rules of Wicca and your personal path.
1) If you feel called to a name then it could be that a specific deity is calling you for example Pan as the God and Heckate as the Goddess. Please do your research as some deities can have very chaotic energies which can be intense if you arent ready. Almost all names that are in the public domain should be safe as anyone who takes oaths or any deity name that is reserved for a specific coven will not be made public. The chances of you actually finding those names is almost zero so dont worry. Generally it helps to look up your ancestral Gods and see which resonate with you but most practioners often work with Gods from outside their ancestral pantheons. You can also ask for signs. Do a guided meditation to find your deity or simply ask via prayer for the names, signs and conformations.
3) You put your practice out there provided it is safe to do so. Go to events or share a post or two about Wicca/Paganism. Usually there are a few practioners in the area otherwise look into neighboring towns and cities. I have met several Pagans in my Province just by talking about my path.
