Rebel_Dynasty
Alas, the age-old debate. I need a refresher, anyway. It's been awhile since I've been here, and it's only been lately that I've begun my rituals again (my dauughter keeps me very busy, and now, 've foonud the time to do othher things).
I agree with you; Wiccans within covens who worked hard for their title have a right to preserve said title, but not the right to tell me (and other solitariies) that we have to denounce our title, as well. I've worked just as hard as those withiin a coven, and despite trailing off for a bit (children do that to you), I have not denounced my faith. So long as I keep my beliefs, and do my best to practice it, and continue to study, I will always be a student of the Goddess and God.
So, Solitary Wiccan I am. It doesn't make me anymore or any less Wiccan than those with specific teachings, surrounded by others.
You're ignoring one basic thing: Wicca is an orthopraxy, oathbound and Mystery-based. If you don't recieve initiation in the proper way, the Wiccan Mysteries are not transmitted to you. And there are means to check this, even if you claim initiation 'by the Gods'. If you don't recieve a proper initiation, you don't have access to what Wicca is. And since the names of the Lord and Lady are oathbound, non-initiates do not know who the Gods of Wicca are. They are two distinct individual deities, not a soft-polytheistic God and Goddess.
The rites of Wicca require the context of the coven. Even an initiated Wiccan, if they're acting alone, is more than likely performing a non-Wiccan rite.
No book or website can replace learning these things, person to person, from a lineaged coven. No proper High Priest or Priestess is going to say "oh yeah, I can initiate you online". For that matter, no valid tradition of Wicca is going to teach their Craft online, like so many sale goods. There is distance learning - some will teach over the phone, but it still will require you to travel to the covenstead at various points to learn what must be done in person. There's no getting around the face to face aspects.
I have no problem with people practicing neo-pagan witchcraft. Where I have issue is having people claim a word through entitlement. If you're not qualified to use a title, don't. Your practice doesn't qualify as Wicca, on several points. That doesn't invalidate your study or work, or choice of path. I am not saying this in an attempt to denigrate you. Rather, I just want you to think about why you feel entitled to be called a Wiccan, when it isn't appropriate.
