THIS SITE

We hope you will find this site educational, inspiring and even entertaining.  Ever growing and ever evolving, we hope to be adding pages that bring magick into the light - cast out shadows and dispel ignorance.

UNORTHODOX DIRT CHILDREN (UDC)

We are a group of adults (with children) who follow the craft as a way to celebrate life.

We are a working family, a coven, that celebrates the cycle of life through the turning of the Wheel of the Year.  We conduct Circles in order to do magickal and personal workings and we celebrate the Sabbats.

Outside of Coven work, we host frequent Study Group sessions, social functions and workshops.  During Study Group, we take an in-depth look at Wicca and Witchcraft as we examine the historical basis, iconography, magick, and the general development of the Wiccan religion and its impact on society. We regularly examine issues that are important to us on a personal level and incorporate a greater understanding of the Craft.  Topics of study have included; ethics and morality, ego-transcendence, the spirit of the witch, and a comparison to other religious beliefs. Our discussions are lively, personal and promote a greater level of individual participation. In order to promote a greater freedom in our beliefs and to engage others of like mind, we celebrate the Goddess and God by participating in outdoor retreats, Circles, Pagan festivals and celebrations.

We are happy to share this life with others.   Feel free to contact us . . . Our hearts and our minds are open.

STUDY GROUP

Our Study Group meets to discuss topics of interest and relevance to spiritual growth.  We meet to share opinions and ideas to help one another come to a greater understanding of the foremost concerns regarding the Pagan community in today's social and political climate. Additionally, the Study Group serves as an opportunity to interact with individuals from different spiritual pathways; Wiccan, Shamanistic, Discordian, Agnostic and Christian to name a few.  

The Study Group is open to ALL, from novice to advanced.  It is our goal to engage your brain.  "Knowledge without feeling, without reflection is but useless words.   Feeling without reflection, and without knowledge is flailing about in the dark."

The Study Group is not the Coven AND the Coven is not the Study Group.  The Study Group and the Coven may often work in conjunction, they are separate entities.

ALL are welcome to join and participate in the Study Group.  Study Group members are not necessarily members of the Coven, though Coven members are an active and regular part of the Study Group.

We are devoted to teaching and learning.  We believe that education should be available to all, regardless of one's spiritual affiliations.   As an unorthodox and eclectic group, we have no formal curriculum that we follow, per se.  We base training and teaching on each individual's needs, desires and interests.  We are all unique with different strengths and abilities.  We, as Founders, strive do our best to meet those needs and facilitate, to the best of our ability, a positive atmosphere for all to walk the spiritual path.

Coven members participate in the study group because it is important that they not  work in a vacuum; being exposed to the thoughts, ideas and opinions of others is a necessary part of spiritual growth.  Again, we are a teaching / learning Coven, as such, a Coven member's education as both an individual and as a member of the group must include a broader knowledge of humanity. 

the COVEN

ASSOCIATES:  Those individuals who participate regularly in Circle, study group sessions and/or Sabbats are Coven Associates.  Associates are expected to become familiar with the Coven members and its customs, maintain regular communication and seek to participate in Coven functions as they are able.  In order to become a Dedicate, they must participate in at least two events a month for six months consecutively.  At the end of this period, they may remain an Associate or they may petition the Founders for dedication to the Coven.   Associates are expected to celebrate their beliefs in their own life and to continue to pursue their spiritual path and growth as individuals outside of Coven functions.

DEDICATES:  A dedicate is a person who expresses a desire and has shown the commitment to walk a spiritual path, and dedicate themselves to the Coven for a year and a day through active participation in study group, Circle, and Sabbats.  Dedicates commit to a year and a day to following a spiritual path and to the Coven.  They are to attend all Moon Circles and Sabbats.  As individuals, they are expected to take an active part in their own learning through the study and research of their chosen spiritual path, as well as, to participate in the larger Pagan community.  Dedicates may only circle with the UDC with the exception of other Pagan institutions as approved by the Founders.  In the spirit of fulfilling the maxim, "in perfect love and perfect trust" Dedicates are expected to display integrity in their dealings with other persons, as well as themselves, remembering that they are representatives of the Coven.  Dedicates will be expected to contribute regularly to the common cause of the Coven as they are able.

Being a dedicate for a year and a day means that you will have seen the full turning of the Wheel of the Year and will have celebrated with us all of the Sabbats and Esbats.  You will have participated in the full cycle and private training.  It is not a requirement nor is it mandatory for a dedicate to pursue initiation.  We feel that is a personal and private decision.  If a dedicate chooses to be initiated, a ritual will be performed in Circle for that initiate.

COVENERS:  Those who have fulfilled their year and a day commitment may continue with the Coven or choose to go their own way.  Coveners are those who, have completed their year and a day commitment, continue to participate and contribute to the Coven on a regular basis; attending at least four Sabbats a year.  Coveners may be expected to be called upon to act as ritual leaders as needed.

FOUNDERS:   The Founders established the Unorthodox Dirt Children.  The Founders act as facilitators and are recognized as counselors and leaders to the Coven.  If an issue is raised by any of the members of the Coven and that issue warrants it, the Founders are obligated to investigate, respond and resolve the issue or grievance always for the greater good of the Coven.

GUESTS:  Associates, Dedicates or Coveners may invite guests to any Circle or Sabbat.  Approval from the Founders must be made in advance (no less than 24 hours).  All guests will be expected to participate in Circle.