Version 1.6 — Compiled by Modstaff, maintained by Dove

Alt.religion.wicca.moderated (arwm) was founded on 15 May 1998 as a moderated successor to the older, unmoderated alt.religion.wicca — an attempt to create a Usenet space where the signal could survive the noise. In the Wiccan community's experience, moderation was not censorship: it was the practice of careful tending. The FAQ below is both an introduction to Wicca and a window into how a religious internet community governed itself in the early 2000s, with volunteer Modstaff, robomoderation software, a membership system, and a Charter painstakingly written over eleven months.

Version 1.6, maintained by "Dove," was last revised on 1 June 2004 and posted to the newsgroup on the first of each month. It draws on the earlier alt.religion.wicca FAQ by "Bard/Rain of Teleport" but expands considerably in the sections on community governance: how the moderation queue works, what membership means, why a post might disappear. These sections are social history — they document the attempt to build accountable, accountable community in an inherently decentralized medium.

The resource sections reflect the international spread of the Wiccan community by 2004: British, Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian organizations appear alongside American ones. Ronald Hutton's The Triumph of the Moon has replaced Aidan Kelly's Crafting the Art of Magic in the recommended reading list — a small but telling sign of the field's maturation.

1. Introduction

1.1 What is alt.religion.wicca.moderated?

Alt.religion.wicca.moderated is a Usenet newsgroup, created on 15 May 1998. The newsgroup caters to a diverse group of people of all ages and backgrounds who are interested in the Wiccan religion and Traditions. It provides a forum to hold discussions and exchange ideas in a moderated environment.

1.2 What is Wicca?

Wicca (pronounced Wick-ah) is a nature based religion which celebrates and venerates nature and life and worships the Goddess and God in their various forms. There are many different "Traditions" in Wicca, but the religion as a whole has no central authority or ruling body, and it is without strict dogma.

There is an emphasis on individuality, as each person is essentially responsible for their own actions and free to follow their own paths and beliefs. This is not to say that Wicca itself is structureless. Many Wiccans work with like-minded others to form covens which do have an internal hierarchy, but covens often differ from one to another as to their practices and beliefs.

1.3 What is a moderated newsgroup?

A moderated newsgroup offers a particularly structured environment for participation in discussions by its members and guests. The environment is administrated by Moderators who uphold the newsgroup's Charter for the benefit of all participants and readers alike. The moderating body of alt.religion.wicca.moderated is known collectively as Modstaff.

2. Basic Orientation

2.1 How is Wicca related to Paganism?

Wicca is one specific religious branch of the various religions and practices which fall under the umbrella of Neo-Paganism today (Neo meaning new). Paganism covers such belief structures as Druidism, Shamanism, Nordic and Celtic beliefs to name just a few. Paganism often involves many of the Old (pre-Christian) Gods. A way to summarize the relationship between Wicca and Paganism is that all Wiccans are Pagans, but not all Pagans are Wiccans.

Paganism and Wicca offer a way of worship of the sacred as immanent in nature and focuses on attunement and understanding of the forces of nature and our involvement and interaction with these forces. While alt.religion.wicca.moderated emphasizes the Wiccan experience, there are similar Usenet newsgroups devoted to paganism. For more information, see alt.pagan and soc.religion.paganism.

2.2 How old is Wicca?

This question is often a matter of debate among Wiccans, and opinion will differ depending on who you speak to. The modern Wicca movement, and the coining of the term "Wicca," is credited to Gerald Gardner who revived Wiccan practices in the mid to late 1940s from various sources. These practices became the basis for many modern day Wiccan traditions. There are certain traditions that have been passed on by word of mouth, in secret covens, or through families (called "FamTrad"), that have survived through the ages to become part of Wicca today. Others feel that their tradition and inspiration comes directly from the gods. Whatever its origins, modern Wicca is a constantly evolving and vibrant religion.

2.3 What are the basic beliefs of Wicca?

There are a couple of main principles that are commonly accepted by Wiccans. This includes love for and a kinship with nature, and belief in a "polarity" of the Divine — the God and Goddess. While the God and Goddess are generally seen as equal, the aspects they embody are complementary. The God is often associated with the Sun, and the Goddess with the Moon and Earth. The Wheel of the Year helps represent the constantly changing aspects of the God and Goddess.

Morality is another aspect of Wiccan belief. The central ethical tenet within Wicca is the Wiccan Rede: "An it harm none, do what ye will." This is often interpreted as: "Do what you want, but harm no living being in the process — including yourself." Wiccans will generally believe in some form of karma as well, often referred to as the "Law of Three" or the "Threefold Law" — the belief that energy you put out, whether positive or negative, will be returned to you threefold.

Wiccans may also believe in magic. Some see magic as a tool for self-empowerment or healing, or as a way to get in touch with the spiritual and divine. The Wiccan Rede particularly affects how magic is worked: harmful magic is, for the most part, not sanctioned.

2.4 What were "The Burning Times?"

"The Burning Times" is the term used by many modern Neo-Pagans and feminists to refer to the great European witch-hunts of the early modern period, coincident with the time of the Reformation and seen by many as a crucial step in Christianity's crushing of the Pagan religions, driving these underground. The topic is politically charged. Estimates of the death toll range from 40,000 to 100,000 (far less than the "nine million" figure quoted in some feminist texts), and not all those killed were in any way Pagan — many were Christian. Whether those who were accused were actually practitioners of something related to modern Wicca remains debated.

3. Wiccan Beliefs and Practices

3.1 What god(desse)s do Wiccans worship?

Although some Wiccans focus on particular gods from particular world mythologies, Wiccans may worship many god(desse)s by many different names. Most worship some form of the Great Goddess and Her consort, The Horned God. Such duo-theistic forces are often conceived as embodying complementary polarities, not in opposition. In some traditions the Goddess is emphasized, while in others the Goddess and God are seen as complementary co-equals.

3.2 What are the major traditions in Wicca and where do they come from?

Aidan Kelly argues that all of Wicca derives from Gerald Gardner, with some crucial editing and revision by his initiate Doreen Valiente. Alex Sanders is widely thought to have acquired a Gardnerian book of shadows, with which he started his own "Alexandrian" tradition. The Farrars went on to write extensively about their experiences, influencing a vast number of subsequent practitioners. Starhawk studied with the Andersons and has had enormous influence on feminist Wicca. Today there are hundreds of identified Wiccan traditions, many created more or less de novo by solitary or small-group practitioners.

3.3 What are Wiccan ethics, the "Wiccan Rede" and "three-fold law?"

Wiccan ethics are seldom codified in a legalistic way, but may be informed by some common expressions such as the "Wiccan Rede" and the "three-fold law." According to most versions of the three-fold law, whatever one does comes back to one thrice-multiplied, in amplified repercussion. One short, rhymed version of the Wiccan Rede states "Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill: An it harm none, do what you will." Often "none" is interpreted to include the doer themself.

3.4 What are "dedication" and "initiation" in Wicca?

These things mean different things in different traditions. Usually "dedication" ceremonially marks the beginning of Wiccan study, while "initiation" may mark full membership in a coven/tradition (such as after "a year and a day") or may indicate elevation in skill or to special clergy status. Some traditions look on all initiates as co-equal clergy, while others have grades or "degrees" of initiation.

3.5 What is the Wheel of the Year?

The Wheel of the Year refers to the eight Wiccan sabbats — the four major Sabbats (Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane, and Lughnasadh/Lammas) and the four minor Sabbats or "lesser Sabbats" (Winter Solstice/Yule, Spring Equinox/Ostara, Summer Solstice/Litha, and Autumn Equinox/Mabon). Each Sabbat represents a time of celebration and a particular juncture in the Wiccan year. Many Wiccans also celebrate the new and full Moons in what are known as Esbats, in addition to the regular Sabbats.

3.6 What tools do I need to perform a ritual?

While many books will list essential tools, Wicca does not require you to have anything material to practice. In some traditions, all you need is your intention and will. Other traditions suggest a working space is created, often called a "Circle," and certain tools are commonly employed such as an Athame (ritual knife), wand, chalice, pentacle disc, and candles. These tools are often used to represent the elements. However, even a Wiccan who works with tools would generally say that it is the will of the practitioner, not the tools themselves, which accomplishes the desired result.

4. General Questions about Wicca

4.1 Is Wicca the same thing as Witchcraft?

The short answer is no. Many cultures have a negative word like "witchcraft," often viewing it as a malevolent, supernatural tool. Some people use the term "witchcraft" to cover more general skills, such as counseling, the occult, and herbcraft. Some Wiccans call themselves "Witches," capitalizing it as a gesture of solidarity with the victims of the Burning Times, but this is a personal decision. Wicca is not traditional folk magic, and all magic is not necessarily Wiccan.

4.2 Is a Warlock a male witch?

The most common definition used in academic and Pagan circles is that a Warlock is an oath-breaker. The term "Witch" is used by both male and female practitioners. The occasional Hollywood or pop-culture usage of "Warlock" for a male witch is generally considered inaccurate among Wiccans.

4.3 Do all Wiccans practice magic/k?

That depends on what one means by magic. Almost all Wiccans, however, have some sort of ceremony or psychological practice to better attune themselves with divinity, encouraging insight and a sense of efficacy. Some do cast spells for healing or protection; others regard the inner work of attunement itself as the primary practice.

4.4 Where can I get a Book of Shadows?

The Book of Shadows (or "BoS") is a customized reference book for Wiccans, containing useful information such as myths, liturgical items, one's own writings or records of dreams and magical workings. According to Gerald Gardner, such a book should be handcopied from teacher to student, but in practice not every Wiccan has a Book of Shadows and few are exactly alike. There are many Books of Shadows available in print and online. If you copy from these sources for your personal use, please observe copyright laws as applicable.

4.5 What is a coven and how do I join one?

The coven is the basic, cellular "congregation" for some Wiccans, but is often very formal, selective, and closed, aiming for an ideal of "perfect love and perfect trust" among members. Most Wiccans begin in less formal ways such as attending festivals, public rituals, classes, or more open groups (often called "circles"). Many Wiccans begin and continue practice as "solitaries." Good places to find other Wiccans include the net, public Pagan events, or through occult, political, or "new age" bookstores.

4.6 How do I learn more about Wicca?

Reading is a great way to glean more information about Wicca and its various traditions and practices. Recommended books are listed at the end of this document. This newsgroup is also a valuable resource — reading posts and asking questions of experienced practitioners has been the entry point for thousands of practitioners.

5. Newsgroup Guidelines for alt.religion.wicca.moderated

The moderating board of alt.religion.wicca.moderated is made up of an odd-numbered group of volunteers and members of the newsgroup who uphold the newsgroup Charter.

5.1 General Newsgroup Guidelines

Alt.religion.wicca.moderated is an ecumenical and diversified newsgroup accepting posts from authors of any race, sex, sexual orientation, age, or religious creed so long as the posts are relevant to Wicca and follow the rules for posting to the newsgroup.

The terms "Wicca" and "Paganism" are elusive at best, and there will be no discrimination of posts due to differing opinions of what these terms actually mean. While posts should be Wiccan orientated, those non-Wiccans who post to the newsgroup on spiritual and magickal matters are welcomed as long as their posts are Wiccan relevant.

Each post should include a subject line that is relevant to the post's message. Posts commercial in nature and Pagan orientated should contain the prefix [AD] in the subject line. Notices and decisions regarding the running of arwm by Modstaff will be posted with the [ADMIN] tag within one week of their occurrence.

Certain types of posts are not appropriate and will not be tolerated. Inappropriate posts include (but are not limited to): spamming, commercial advertisements not relevant to pagan interests, Ad Hominem attacks (generally known as "flaming"), intolerance and religious preaching (including superiority of one path or tradition over another), and trolls. These posts will be rejected and will not show up on the arwm newsgroup.

5.2 How does the moderation system work?

All posts to arwm sent by a user (members and guests) will be received initially by the robomoderator, an automatic moderation center. The robomoderator will do one of two things: if the post is from a pre-approved address it will be forwarded to the newsgroup. If not pre-approved, an automated acknowledgment notice (auto-ack) will be posted back to the user advising them that their post has been received, and their post will then be forwarded to Modstaff for hand-moderation. It will then be approved or rejected, and either way a second message will be sent to the user advising the status of their post.

The robomoderator is responsible for weeding out posts that contain binary attachments, are heavily cross-posted (more than five cross-postings), repeated posts, and posts from banned users. It is also responsible for logging posts that are rejected and the reasons for rejection.

5.3 What does being a "member" of alt.religion.wicca.moderated mean?

All new users of alt.religion.wicca.moderated are considered guests. Anything posted by a guest is "hand-moderated" — individually reviewed by Modstaff in accordance with the newsgroup's Charter guidelines before being submitted to the newsgroup.

Membership is not automatic. At present the minimum requirements are: a guest must have posted several (seven or more) on-topic posts over a period of several days and fulfilled all the guidelines of the Charter. Being a member means that posts will be forwarded directly to the newsgroup rather than entering the moderation queue.

Modstaff reserve the right to rescind the membership status of any user, with a majority vote. Grounds for loss of membership include improper posting, not honoring Modstaff requests, and not following suggested guidelines.

5.4 Why did I not get an automated acknowledgment?

The robomoderator will send an automated acknowledgment (auto-ack) to the reply address that it is given. If this address has been changed to avoid spamming (i.e., munged or false return address) the automated acknowledgment will probably never reach you. It is possible to turn this function off so you don't keep getting replies.

5.5 I can't see my post in the group. What happened?

Once your article has been received by the robomoderator, messages are queued until Modstaff logs in to do the actual moderation. This may result in a short delay in the actually processing and moderation of messages. Generally, if you received an automatic acknowledgment for a post your article will appear, assuming the article does not violate the Charter in some manner, in which case it will be rejected usually with a brief note explaining why.

5.6 Alternative Usenet Access

Subscribing to a web-based Usenet service (such as Google Groups) will give you posting privileges. Archive searching of newsgroup posts can be undertaken through Google Groups.

6. ARWM Community

Often members share with the newsgroup works of poetry, crafts, book reviews, and experiences at events and gatherings. Discussion regarding pagan books and authors is sometimes identified in the newsgroup via the subject line prefix [Book Review]. These reviews are valuable sources of information for those who wish to expand their studies and would like some background on reading material before buying or borrowing books.

If a post is thought to contain information for a specific section of the community, such as a country or local political topicality, it is recommended that a subject line prefix is included to aid in thread identification. For example, information on a circle gathering in Norfolk, England might be given a [UK] prefix, or a post with a predominantly political nature be given a [POL] prefix in the subject line.

7. Resources

7.1 Introductory Books on Wicca and Magic

• Margot Adler — Drawing Down the Moon
• Doreen Valiente — Witchcraft for Tomorrow
• Ronald Hutton — The Triumph of the Moon
• Starhawk — The Spiral Dance
• Scott Cunningham — Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
• Silver Ravenwolf — To Ride a Silver Broomstick
• Raymond Buckland — Complete Book of Witchcraft
• Vivianne Crowley — Wicca: The Old Religion in the New Millennium
• Rae Beth — Hedge Witch (also published as The Wiccan Path)
• Michael Howard — Practical Magic
• Don Kraig — Modern Magick

7.2 Other Usenet Newsgroups

alt.religion.wicca — alt.pagan — alt.pagan.contacts — soc.religion.paganism — alt.magick — alt.religion.shamanism — soc.religion.shamanism — alt.mythology — alt.divination — alt.satanism — alt.folklore.herbs — alt.tarot — alt.religion.triplegoddess

7.3 Wiccan and Neo-Pagan Umbrella Organizations

• Covenant of the Goddess (CoG), PO Box 1226, Berkeley CA 94701 USA
• Pagan Alliance (Australia) — see website for state contacts
• Pagan Alliance NZ (P.A.N.Z.), PO Box 33, Petone Wellington, New Zealand
• The Pagan Federation, BM Box 7097, London WC1N 3XX, UK
• Pagans for Peace, PO Box 2205, Clearbrook BC V2T 3X8, Canada
• The Witches' Voice Inc., PO Box 4924, Clearwater FL 33758-4924, USA
• Church of All Worlds (CAW) — international Nests
• Wiccan Church of Canada, Toronto Temple, PO Box 73599, Toronto Ontario M6C 1C0, Canada
• Witches Against Religious Discrimination, PO Box 5967, Providence RI 02903, USA
• Pagan Awareness Network (PAN) Australia

7.4 Other Organizations

• AREN (Alternative Religions Educational Network), PO Box 1346, Lexington KY 40508-1346, USA
• ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) — many affiliates in USA

7.5 Established Wiccan and Neo-Pagan Periodicals

• Pagan Dawn, BM Box 7079, London WC1N 3XX, UK
• Pagan Times, The Editor, PO Box 26, North Hobart, Tasmania 7002, Australia
• Circle Network News, PO Box 219, Mt Horeb WI 53572, USA
• From the Heart/h Pagan Parenting, 728 Derrydown Way, Decatur GA 30030, USA
• Quest, BCM/SCL Quest, London WC1N 3XX, UK
• PanTheology, PO Box 300, ACT 2601, Australia

Colophon

Compiled and maintained by "Dove" for the Modstaff of alt.religion.wicca.moderated (arwm). Version 1.6, last revised 1 June 2004. Posted to the newsgroup on the first of each month. The FAQ draws on the earlier alt.religion.wicca FAQ by Rain of Teleport/Bard. Robomoderation software designed and hosted by Igor Chudov.

Alt.religion.wicca.moderated was founded on 15 May 1998 and was one of the few moderated Wiccan Usenet communities, governed by an eleven-month Charter-drafting process and a volunteer Modstaff. This document preserves the community's self-understanding at its height, including its unique institutional structure — the hand-moderation system, membership tiers, and community culture — that distinguished it from the unmoderated alt.religion.wicca.

Preserved from the Usenet archive for the Good Work Library by the New Tianmu Anglican Church, 2026. Original Message-ID: <[email protected]>.

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