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Comments on Hereditaries
These are comments made in a discussion about Hereditary Witches such as myself, and training them in traditional Gardnerianism. The statements were made by me and three other women in my Craft family. I've done only minor editing [in brackets] for privacy reasons.
"...the little ones in [our Grove] attend Children's circles on a monthly basis. When my kids are teens and if they decide to continue on this path, we'll send them to another group within [our Craft family]. Hathor...'s daughters are welcome to train with us or look into one of the other groups (since we are extremely close, almost like second parents it might be weird. We'll see.) Fostering for us makes the most sense and due to the concerns of society about children and [skyclad working] with their parents, I'd rather avoid the legal issues if I can. I also feel that other can be more objective about my children's accomplishments (or lack thereof) than I could. I would rather they had teachers who weren't quite as *blind* as I fear I might be." --Elora
"In the past I had the mind-set of, since I am a second generation Witch, I shouldn't have to go through training and get initiated before being Gardnerian. I thought, "If I'm already raised with the concepts, the material and content should automatically be mine too. I shouldn't have to wait." I've since realized that this would not be an option from [my Craft family] and since I know all too well of the fluff-bunnies and oathbreakers and liars out there, I wasn't about to go looking for Gardnerianism somewhere else. My current thought is that the aforementioned mind-set was my version of teenage rebellion; when most kids today would be turning to Witchcraft to stress out their parents, I was wanting spiritual gratification without doing the work (for those who get the reference, it was "Boot to the Head" syndrome).
"Also, when I first witnessed a DDM, it troubled me greatly (possibly because my mother was Priestess at the Circle, but I suspect I would have reacted the same way had any of the other women in the Coven been Priestess instead). That really drove it home that there are definately experiences that one needs preparation for, no matter how long the concepts have been part of their thinking. I had always believed that communication with the Divine was possible and real, but percieving that my Mommy was "gone" was a rough thing to deal with. Again, this is no longer the case, as I have witnessed and experienced DDMs several times. I understand better now what happens during that part of the ritual, and I know first-hand how it feels to have the Lady speak and act through me, and I am no longer afraid."
--GyspyWitch
"It has been great, in the past, to share pagan circles with Gypsy and [her brother]. It was gratifying to be able to see how a life growing up in the Craft has given them an understanding and appreciation that many of us have had to struggle to attain ourselves. Gypsy is right though, training, growth and maturity are necessary for certain experiences (I believe) that just growing up in the Craft can not give alone. [My husband] and I want our girls to grow up with these concepts and appreciation for tradition. However, I think even more importantly, we want them to grow up know the Lord and Lady, personally. Of course, right now, we are starting slow because the kids are young and only have so much patience for detail. To give a heart-warming example, during on the last Children's Circles, [the Priest] did a DDS and the Lord spoke to the children. Their reaction was to run up to him and start hugging him maddly! They needed this and so did the Lord apparently, because [the Priest] got either words or impressions that he loved being there with the children. Anyway, we will do our best to raise them in the Craft, with the understanding of other religions. When they are teenagers and still want to pursue this path, then I would, also, like them to train with one of the Groves in [our Craft family]. Every leader has a different teaching style and little bit different flavor of expression. Fostering seems not only good for objectivity and craft politics, but gives the children a well-rounded learning experience in the Craft. I, of course, would love to have them in [my Grove], but Elora and [her husband] are like second parents to our girls and that borders enough on the parent training their own children issue that it would probably be better for them go elsewhere. Of course, this is way to early to even speculate, so I am not even going to worry about it now." --Hathor
"My children are grown and making their own choices. Yet I live with my grandchildren and have worked magick with [my grandson]. It is absolutely amazing to see the simplicity and understanding a 3 or 4 year old uses when plying his skill and will. The sure knowledge that what he is doing will happen. Once the purpose of the magick has been sketched out, he uses few props for focus and in a direct manner tells the Gods what he wants, and it works. That's a hereditary witch. The doors haven't been closed, other planes are still easily accessible, there has been effort made not to limit belief in self and potential. Like any religion, the holy days or holidays are celebrated and family rituals for each develop as the years go round. These kids may be more well rounded in mythology and meditation than most, and their morals are taught by witches so hopefully they have a deep respect for the earth and all its lifeforms, while knowing they will be accountable for their deeds. I see them as steeped in Wicca, not exactly your run of the mill pagan. If they choose to continue training or choose a specific path as they get older, that's when they'll learn the rituals used by an initiatory tradition. Then they will be what they decide to work at. If they don't actively persue a specific trad, they will still be witches and they will still work magick. Intentionally, or instinctively, not necessarily with an awareness that that's what's happening. I don't envy you parents your job. Another reason community is important, it supplies like-minded people who will help out, or may even have worked out some of the problems that will crop up as your kids grow. As for fostering, knowing potential teachers limits the chances of them falling in with kooks or unethical teachers." --Annona
I would like to give my sincerest thanks to Elora, Hathor, and Annona for their comments and their permission to put them on my site. I love you all, Blessed Be!
Copyright © 2001 GypsyWitch, Elora, Hathor, and Annona. Quotes presented with permission. All Rights reserved
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