Seekers Bill of Rights:

Seekers of any Spiritual Path, especially any magical one, are in an extremely vulnerable position. In our honest search to learn, to have companions and teachers along the way, each person risks encountering those who use “magic/Wicca or Traditional Witchcraft” to prey on others…sometimes if for nothing else than a power-trip. Unfortunately, it sometimes can be something more sinister than for personal power alone.

To empower the Seekers of our Pagan community, a Seeker's Bill of Rights has been drafted. This is yet another tool for any Seeker... one that should be easily adhered to by any teacher/student relationship. If it cannot be, then know this... you don't need whatever they are offering you! Beware.

I also want to point out, that these same Rights should exist from the teachers side to their students. Honesty, integrity, and ethics should exist on both sides of the teacher/student relationship.

If anything, know that having a “degree” or “belonging to a Tradition” does not make you more than what you were already born. Empower yourself above any other person. No one can give you what you already have inside…. No degree, initiation, title or other man-made/defined act will make you more than what your Spirit’s knowledge holds onto lovingly, protecting it until you’re willing to claim it rightfully…

You are a Child of the Gods!

In Truth,

Kestrel

Here are the rights, as compiled by Hern's Wood Coven

I. The Right to Verify Credentials:
Seekers shall not be obstructed from contacting persons who can substantiate or disavow claims made by a group or teacher. In the case of elders who were inspired to create a new tradition, the seeker has a right to know the circumstances surrounding the inception of that tradition.

II. The Right to Anonymity:
Seekers have the right to keep their involvement in the occult a secret to preserve their personal and professional lives.

III. The Right to Financial Stability:
Seekers shall not be required or coerced to take on financial burdens on behalf of a teacher or a group.

IV. The Right to Compensation for Professional goods and services:
Seekers have the Right to be paid for goods produced and/or [for] skilled labor from which they would normally receive an income. Seekers shall not be required or coerced to provide "freebies" or discounts on behalf of a teacher or group.

V. The Right to Sexual Freedom:
Seekers shall not be required or coerced to [have] sexual relations with unwanted persons. Nor shall seekers be restricted from sexual relations with consenting adults.

VI. The Right to Physical Well-Being:
Seekers shall not be required or coerced to submit to any form of physical injury.

VII. The Right to Abide by the Law:
Seekers shall not be required or coerced to commit any illegal act.

VIII. The Right to Consistency:
Seekers have the right to expect consistent policies from a teacher or group. Seekers should be formally informed in a timely manner of any policy changes.

IX. The Right to Separation with Impunity:
Seekers have the right to discontinue association with any teacher or group without fear of harassment or reprisal.

X. The Right to be at Peace with One's Conscience:
Seekers shall not be required or coerced to commit any action contrary to their own sense of ethics and morality.

© 1998 Hern's Wood Coven