Wiccans and Recruiting

Every few months I get a really nice e-mail from someone whose feelings are a bit hurt. Typically it goes like this: I've been hanging out with some people I just KNOW are Wiccans but they haven't asked me to join their coven yet! What the heck is wrong with me? or some variation thereof.

Wiccans typically do not actively recruit people. That means if you're interested in being part of a Wiccan group or coven, it's up to YOU to ask THEM. Much like Fight Club, sometimes you'll need to ask more than once, although you won't generally end up with Brad Pitt pounding the crap out of you in a dark basement. Take the initiative and speak up. Say something like, "You know, I realize you guys are all Wiccans, and I'm really interested in learning more about what it is you do." Follow this with a request to attend a class, open ritual, or social event. If they're interested in having you, or at the very least, learning more about you, then this would be the perfect way for you to let them know that you're Seeking.

If you happen to be a teen, don't be surprised if the answer is "No", despite your repeated requests. There's a reason for this. Few Wiccan groups want to be confronted by someone's angry parents, screaming because we've been teaching little Cody about things the Bible says are bad. Not only that, most Wiccans would agree that a child's religious upbringing -- and if you're a teen, living with mom and dad, then you are technically still a child -- is best left to the parents.

For more on why you may not get invited in unless you ask, read Wiccans and Recruiting. While you're waiting to join a group, if you're a teen, be sure to check out Ten Things to Study Other Than Wicca.