In December of 1998, Ariadne Morningstar listed her coven on the "Witches Voice" website. Within 7 days, she had 5 responses from pagans excited to know that they were not alone in the Antelope Valley. From there, she created our email list at onelist, and named it "Antelope Valley Pagans". She began to contact people listed on the Witches Voice, as well as other websites, to see if they would like to join the list, and participate in monthly social gatherings, geared towards getting to know other pagans in the AV. It caught on like wildfire. Witches and pagans that were without a place to gather, or a local bookstore, found that they could gather at a restaurant and get to know one another. We have met monthly since February, and began Open Sabbats, beginning on March of 98 with the Spring Equinox.

AV Pagans is a group of pagans and witches who met online first, then met in person, and decided they like each other. We are creating a pagan community and presence in the Antelope Valley. Hopefully, seekers will be able to network with others at our "moots" and meet other solitaries and coven members and learn about resources in our community available to them. Hopefully, as a community, we can support each other in our endeavors. People who want to join a coven might be able to meet coven members at a moot. People who want to be solitary might be able to find a mentor or a friend who can suggest some books/techniques. Established coven members and solitaries can benefit from networking with people from other covens and solitaries to learn about what else is available to them.

Witches and Pagans do not believe in Satan. People who were anti-Christian and wanted to find a way to pervert the teachings of Christians created Satanism. Since most wiccans, witches and pagans do not worship Jesus, or at least not in the way that Christians do (as the Son of God the Father), of course they are not afraid of going to Hell. Most Pagans do not believe in Satan or Hell. Nowadays, Modern Satanists are really on a path of self knowledge and improvement, and they don't worship Satan either... they just use the name.. Some of us think it's for the shock value, others because they admire a being that was able to thumb their nose at Deity. Not something most Wiccans suggest, as Deity doesn't always appreciate this... Since Wiccans believe that whatever you send out, you get back three times, there is a lot of motivation to keep those things going out as good things..

Yes of course you may. All are welcome. However, you might want to ask some of us (send email to , about what you might expect to see in a ritual, should you come to an Open Sabbat. Since our Open Sabbats are hosted by covens, you may want to talk to the coven leader/host about coming as well. As long as you can remain positive, you are welcome. We do not want negativity in our worship groups. Also, you must promise not to try to "convert" members or in any way force your religion on them. Passing out tracts or doing any kind of "witnessing" would not be welcomed. By saying this, we are not trying to say we expect this behavior from you, only that it is a situation pagans have come across in the past.

No joining is necessary. We are a social group. There are no dues, no membership requirements. All is required is a desire to meet with others of like mind in your neighborhood, the Antelope Valley. We do not have officers or business meetings, either! Our "moots" are social events, geared towards meeting others, hanging out, joking around and having a good time. Open Sabbats are worship events that some of us have come to enjoy, celebrating the turn of the Wheel of the Year together as a community. We are all about community, supporting one another, and being friends.

No. Not at all! We are an eclectic SOCIAL group of people who come to events who are Native American Path, witches, pagan, wiccans, druids and some who are just pagan-friendly. Some of us attend witches Sabbats that are put on by local covens and solitaries, but it is not necessary to attend anything. Nor do you need to have perfect love and trust with everyone at the moots. That is required for covens, not social gatherings.

Of course you aren't! Neither are we! Some of us are in covens while others are not. Wiccans and witches, and most pagans believe that to "recruit" others is wrong. People who "force" others to join their religion, in our opinion, are unethical. If you want to learn more about Pagan ways, you are welcome. If you want to convert others, you are not. The path of the Priesthood is not for everyone. In fact, there are some people on the pagan path who do not believe even in forcing their children to learn their religion either, preferring to let them choose when they are old enough. Most Pagans, upon finding this path, feel as though they have "come home."

Absolutely! You do not have to be anything, to come to our events. It is our goal that you might, just maybe, meet someone who shares your beliefs or something close, and at our moots, you might be able to engage in some stimulating conversations!

Come to what you want to, when you have time. Of course, we'd love to get to meet you! But, responsibility for yourself and your family and job come first before fun!! So go if you will, stay if you must, but Blessed Be!

Well, we do upon occasion meet for lunch, and healing circles, field trips like apple picking, and food and clothing drives. These can be crowded events or not so crowded. Feel free to email and ask. Also, consider joining the AV Pagans email list. You can get to know people a little online before meeting them in person. If you find someone on the list who seems like you have something in common you can email them and meet at a restaurant. Ariadne has done this a few times with new people. That way when you come to a moot for the first time you at least know one person. (We don't bite at the moots!)