Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of frequently asked questions queried by people who tend to seek short answers to questions relating to The Woods Of Wyrd. If there is not a answer to a question you have, feel free to contact us.
1) Who Are The Daughters Of Wyrd?
The Daughters of Wyrd is an organization which is open to all without regard to race, creed, religion, culture, class, or ethnicity. It is a community built by Pagans for Pagans on a foundation of interdisciplinary learning, cohesion, unification, and achieving peace. The Daughters of Wyrd are those of us who choose to wander through the Woods of Wyrd, ever evolving, growing, improving, and experiencing.
2) What is The Woods Of Wyrd?
The Woods of Wyrd consists of five realms: The Dragons Hearth, The Winter Dale,
The Autumn Wood, The Summer Glen, and The Spring Glade. Each has their own function - the Dragons Hearth is an outdoor space to perform rituals and rites for the members. The Autumn Wood is for our Sanctuary and Charity, the Winter Dale which concerns all agricultural and homesteading needs, the Summer Glen for Self Defense Training, and the Spring Glade for Education. The Daughters of Wyrd is the closed coven for members who run and join this organization.
3) What is Paganism?
All over the world paganism has many faces. From the Celts, Romans, Greeks, all the way to Hawaii. Modern Paganism, or Neo-paganism, includes reconstructed religions such as Roman Polytheistic Reconstructionism, Hellenism, Slavic Native Faith, Celtic Reconstructionism Paganism, or Heathenry, as well as modern eclectic traditions such as Wicca and its many offshoots, Neo-Druidism, and Discordianism. For most outsiders, “Pagan” is a single religion. For those whom practice Paganism feel its more of a way of life or a form of spirituality. It is also normally seen as being synonymous with Wicca but not all Wiccans are Pagan, and not all Pagans are Wiccans. Pagan Traditions tend to have general guidelines, but there is no such thing as an “orthodox Druid” or a “heretic Witch.”
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Druidism is a Pagan religion that seeks to the “greatest yearnings” of humanity. The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids, a worldwide group dedicated to Druidry, defines these yearnings as the desire to be “fully creative in our lives, to commune deeply with the world of Nature, and to gain access to a source of profound wisdom.” Thus, the three goals of Druidry are wisdom, creativity and love.
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Asatru is a Pagan tradition based on old Norse beliefs. Also called Heathenism, Asatruans believe in the Norse pantheon that includes Odin, Loki, Freya and Thor and follow a set of guidelines known as the Nine Noble Virtues. These virtues are courage, truth, honor, fidelity, discipline, hospitality, industriousness, self-reliance and perseverance.
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Eclectic Paganism is exactly what it sounds like. It is a Pagan path that pulls from a variety of traditions. Many utilize Gods from many traditions or follow the guidelines of another Pagan tradition but create their own, unique, individual rituals and practices. Eclectic Paganism is difficult to define even by Pagan insiders because there is no official dogma in Paganism. As such, due to the plethora of ancient mythology the lines between traditions blur creating difficulty to decide who is pulling from which multiple traditions.
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Pantheon based Paganism is a catch all term for the various Pagan traditions that currently exist are centered around a specific pantheon rather than a set of guidelines. For example - Asatru, given its emphasis on the Norse pantheon, could technically be considered a variant of pantheon based paganism, but the guidelines and organization within Heathenism set it slightly apart from many pantheon based paths. As you delve into more information on the different paths, the more you will come to understand.
4) What are different types of paganism?
There are many members whom choose a specific form of Paganism during their journey learning and growing. From Nordic, Greek, to Celtic, and other paths of the Old Ways, there is much to research and study that one has interest in.
5) What is Witchcraft/Wicca?
Witchcraft, Wicca and Ceremonial Magick are similar yet different practices related by a common ancestor, lost in history. Shamanism may be the closest relative of each-as I have indicated below however, no one can really be sure. It is because of their similarity that Ceremonial Magick, Wicca and Witchcraft are innocently confused with each other. Wicca is probably the best known Pagan religion and probably the most misunderstood. Many Wiccans refer to themselves as Witches which has led non-Pagans to equate magick and witchcraft with Wicca, although many other Pagan traditions practice them.
Wicca is known for worshiping a God and Goddess. Who this God and Goddess are varies from Wiccan to Wiccan. Some choose two deities from another pantheon, such as the Celtic goddess Brighid or the Greek god Poseidon. Others choose to honor deities that have become more heavily associated with Wicca, such as the Horned God and Triple Moon Goddess. Some Wiccans also choose to worship figures from other religions for their deity pair, such as Kali and Shiva or Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene. If fact, there are many Christians who also practice Witchcraft via utilizing psalms as their spells. However, Wicca is a modern practice versus older Pagan practices which follows a Rede. "An it harm none, do what ye will. Love is the Law."
6) What is Shamanism?
Shamanism is unique unto its own. Shamanism is a spiritual and religious practice that involves interacting with the Spirit Realms through techniques, music, altered states of consciousness such as meditation or trance states. The purpose of this interaction with the Spiritual Energies is to direct into the physical world energies for healing, divination or other reasons via Spirit Guides or Helpers to help others. Beliefs and practices vary from clan to clan, tribe to tribe, and varies on disciplines and rituals performed by the Shaman. A Shaman is someone who is regarded as having access to, and influence in, the world of benevolent and malevolent spirits, who typically enters into a trance state during a ritual, and practices divination and healing. There is no single agreed-upon definition for the word "shamanism" among anthropologists.
In essence, shamanism is a relationship-based practice of making changes in invisible realms to impact healing, of individuals or communities, in the realm of ordinary reality. Criticism constantly arises around the term "Shaman" involving the notion of cultural appropriation. New Age and Western forms of Shamanism have been most heavily hit because of the premise that it dilutes or misrepresents indigenous practices. Such citations ignore the fact that those practices exist outside of what is defined as shamanism and play similar roles even in non-shamanic cultures (such as the role of chanting in rituals in Abrahamic religions) and that in their expression are unique to each culture that uses them.
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Shamanism is a system of religious practice. Evidence of shamanic practices has been found in Scandinavia, Siberia, and other parts of Europe, as well as Mongolia, Korea, Japan, China and Australia. Inuit and First Nations tribes of North America utilized shamanic spirituality, as did groups in South America, Mesoamerica, and Africa. Historically, it is often associated with indigenous and tribal societies, and involves belief that shamans, with a connection to the otherworld, have the power to heal the sick, communicate with spirits, and escort souls of the dead to the afterlife.
7) What makes Mystic Shamanism different?
Mystic Shamanism can also be described as a reconstruction or re-interpretation of ancient values and traditions. The foundation of Mystic Shamanism has no spells, rites, rituals, chalices, altars, or candles. It does however have a solid foundation based on philosophy, simple faith, and wisdom. Spells, rituals, and the like are the icing to the cake so to speak. Mystic Shamanism combines both Spell-craft and Shamanic elements into the Pagan practice. Also, common beliefs are shared by all forms of shamanism regardless of tradition practiced. Many shamans have expert knowledge of medicinal plants native to their area, and an herbal treatment is often prescribed. In many places shamans learn directly from the plants, harnessing their effects and healing properties, after obtaining permission from the indwelling or patron spirits. Some are trained by elders who wish to pass their knowledge onto the next generation. As a witch casts spells and creates oils and tonics she too learns of natural remedies to aid the health of others. But with Mystic Shamanism the blend of both forms of ancient knowledge and wisdom creates a balanced path of direct service to others in need.
The basic cornerstone of all traditions is to establish a connection with the ancestral and nature spirits. The vast majority of Americans are not descendants of the Native American population, however are most likely descendants of the thousands of Faery Folk all over Europe.
8) Why do some of you use the words Witch, Shaman, Priest, Priestess,and others to describe who you are?
There are many members whom choose a path of interest, to specialize in what they desire to practice on their spiritual path. The titles are a way to distinct who practices what as their profession. One truly must earn their title in act, word, and deed. We attempt to be as professional as possible. In this way we cull the "wanna-be's" from our membership. Plastic Practitioners need not apply.
9) Are you Satanists?
There are many who have misconceptions, assumptions, or were told by friends, family, or others that all Pagans are Satanists. This is not true. We do not worship Satan, we do not recognize Satan, for it is a Christian concept. Other religions have a figure of evil in their scriptures, we know Evil as the Greater Darkness. We understand balance is important in all things, but we do not dwell in things that harm others deliberately. Those who study with us learn about Balance in ways they can conceive and understand. As nature strives to be balanced, so do we.
10) What kinds of people are pagans?
You may be surprised when you learn that all Pagans are from all walks of life. Lawyers, teachers, nurses, and so forth. Anyone can choose the Pagan path, it is your right and your spiritual path to take. No one should talk you out of what you want to do. Life is an adventure - explore, delve, experience, and love wisely.
11) What holidays do you celebrate?
Our holidays celebrate the cycle of Mother Earth and events in mythology. Many Pagans celebrate the holidays differently, but in general the theme is the same.
12) What god(s) do you believe in?
The Gods we work with are ancient nature deities that were long forgotten over multiple centuries that have passed. The Daughters of Wyrd are Moon Elven centered but also accept members that work with other pantheons such as Nordic, Celtic, and so forth. Our spiritual faith is unique and is dear to us.
13) Is brutal honesty or polite conversation the preferred tone of conversation around here?
We practice Polite-Respect, meaning even if you are not fond of another, you will still be polite and respectful. Each man or woman is an individual, and will be treated as such. Though wolves must submit to those who are ranked higher then themselves. Each member is important, and family is what holds a group together.
14) I'm not a pagan; should I post on the Forums here?
Again, so long as you respect The Daughters of Wyrd, the members, and visitors you are more than welcome to post on the forums to learn, discuss, and make friends.
15) How does one do to become a Pagan?
Our advice would be if you are interested in Paganism do as much research as you can, boldly ask questions no matter how silly they may be, and attend a Pagan event. See if it feels right to you, and should you wish to be Pagan begin your footsteps on the path slowly. The journey is more important than the destination, and each day brings you more knowledge and experiences. If you truly wish to dedicate your life to the Pagan Path, you may perform a self dedication ritual to celebrate a new chapter of your life. If you choose to join The Daughters of Wyrd or a local coven they may help you with a dedication ritual. In the end, it is your choice and yours alone.
16) What books should I read?
Our recommendations to you would be books from the authors Silver Raven Wolf, DJ Conway, Ted Andrews, Scott Cunningham, Ed McGaa, Mary Summerrain, Joseph Campbell, and any books which breaks down information in a way you can relate to.
17) How do I find pagans/Witches/covens/teachers in my area?
There was once a website called The Witches Voice. It no longer exists as the owners have retired the website. There are a plethora of websites across the world, some having open covens some that aren't, some are eclectic some are not. However we intend to keep an updated list of covens within the United States and possibly abroad for interested parties who wish to find and join a group or coven should you not be interested in The Daughters of Wyrd.
18) What's a coven really like?
The Daughters of Wyrd is a Tribal entity and as such we are all relations. From the time you send in your application you are a pledge to our family and one of us. As an extended family there is much love and compassion expressed than one would expect from a coven or tribe.
Initiation is both exciting, nerve wracking, and mysterious at the same time. The education exchanged will build skills that cause change according to will and to consciously manipulate energy (magick) is the criteria is prevalent. The ability to shift into a transcendent state of being to connect with Spirit is an amazing experience.
The emotional and spiritual health of the tribe is essential as much depends on the leadership for its members. The experience is unique to each individual, so to know what a coven could be like you should visit a coven you're interested in before applying for membership to see if they are for you.
19) How do I form a coven?
There are many books in print that has advice and tips for forming your own coven. Be warned however, it is not an easy task. Much legal and formation prep must be done prior to opening the doors to your coven. We suggest books such as "Covencraft" by Amber K and other authors mentioned previously.
20) Are “women-only circles” discriminatory?
Absolutely not. There are ceremonies and celebrations that are female centered and should be separated from male ceremonies and celebrations. We encourage the separation of the sexes when it comes to some rites that involve certain topics that women feel uncomfortable sharing about with men. We have "men-only" circles as well. Again, balance in all things.
21) Can/will you cast me a love spell/curse my enemies?
To be frank, The Daughters of Wyrd will not cast spells for amusement nor to intentionally harm another. Unless the request is sincere, we will not do that hoodoo that we do so well for you.
22) I am a pagan and I think I am being discriminated against because
of my religion. What should I do?
Contact the following organizations:
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The Pagan Federation http://www.paganfed.org
The Equality and Human Rights Commission https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en
We are able to survive and get along with one another, because our minds shall be at Peace within and without, and with the Universe around us. From Peace of mind come many other benefits: Identity, Religion, Language, culture, Arts, Ceremonial rites, and so much more spring from the unity of diversity we work towards to achieve.
