Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are you people really witches?

Simple answer, yes. However the accuracy of this answer will vary on how you define the word “witch”. We are not the fictional Hollywood-type witches who fling fireballs from fingertips or fly around on a broomstick. For a glimpse into who we are as witches, see What We Believe.

Are you accepting new members?

Although we do not actively recruit new members, we are open to new individuals joining our spiritual family. We encourage you to read The Path of the Seeker essay on this web site, and if it sounds like a spiritual path you wish to pursue, please contact us at your convenience. Although we do not guarantee initiation and membership, we would be delighted to meet you, learn about you, and have you learn about us. We are currently accepting inquiries about our next set of classes, beginning in Spring 2008.

Do you teach online?

Foxwood has not and does not plan to teach online. We believe that the transmission of the information from teacher to student is best done face-to-face, and generally in circle, as many times the student received spiritual nudges during the teaching process. This also allows for dialogue and opportunities for questions for all parties involved, as well as the option for hands-on instruction that is not possible under technological limitations.

Where are your classes and events located? Are they Metro accessible?

Foxwood is based in the Metro DC area, with active members from Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Our classes are generally held in the Metro DC area, however some events may take place in other locations. We attempt to hold classes in locations that do have limited Metro accessibility, however we cannot guarantee Metro access for classes or events.

Do you charge for classes?

For our introductory classes, we do not charge a fee for the teaching. We do believe in the principle of fairly take and fairly give and encourage those who are able to donate in some way toward the supply cost incurred for classes, however. In addition, students may run into some external costs associated with classes (for instance, paper and pens, supplies to make a robe, contributions to a potluck meal, etc.). We do not turn away any student for lack of funds, however.

Do you accept students under age 18?

As a teenager, one of the greatest ways to serve the divine is by spending time embracing the lessons of youth. For this and other legal reasons, we do not generally accept minors as students. Exceptions are rarely granted on a case-by-case basis, but this will require a face-to-face meeting with the parent(s) or legal guardian(s), as well as a signed and notarized statement permitting the student to study with Foxwood.

In the meantime, a person under age 18 can take active steps for spiritual development in other ways. Some ways include:

*Focus on academic studies

*Read about different mythologies

*Attend spiritual worship services of diverse faiths

*Write and journal your thoughts and feelings

*Pray and meditate

*Give back to the world through community service

*Embrace physical, mental, and emotional health

All of these, plus many other aspects of living a positive life, will help you on your spiritual development. Should you wish to study with Foxwood once you become a legal adult, these knowledge and practices will have laid a good foundation for your spiritual studies and we encourage you to contact us at that time.

I've been involved with the Craft for many years now, studied many different books, participated in other groups or open events, and/or received initiations/elevations in other traditions. Would I really have to start from the introductory class?

Yes. There are four reasons for this. First, we believe that building a student up is like building a house. It is essential to have a strong foundation before walls, windows, and doors are added. The classes provide a time-tested method for establishing a strong foundation in Craft ethics, principles, and techniques. Second, by having all students go through the same process, those who eventually wish to become members will have the same core knowledge and experience as those who have come before them and those who will come after them. Third, although some of the material within the courses is fairly standard Craft knowledge, the classes also include teachings that are specific to our line. Fourth, going through the class process gives a chance for members of Foxwood to know you, and for you to know them. This can help you make determinations about your spiritual path later on.

Are you an oathbound and initiatory tradition? Will I be required to take oaths to study with you?

Foxwood is an oathbound and initiatory tradition, however students are not required to take oaths to participate in a program of study. Should a student continue their course of study over many years, information about oaths and initiatory practices will be discussed individually.

Am I guaranteed initiation if I start study with you?

No, there is no guarantee of initiation for students of Foxwood. In fact, due to the length of study required before an individual could even petition for initiation (generally a minimum of two years) and the amount of time commitment involved (from classes to open events to service projects), a majority of individuals who express interest in taking classes with Foxwood do not initiate.

I'm not out of the broom closet. Can I still take classes with you?

Foxwood's membership and students include people from all walks of life, including those who are not out of the broom closet, partially out of the broom closet, and completely within the broom closet. We believe that the choice to be open about one's faith is a personal issue, and we actively work to maintain protection of secrecy for our students and members.

Do you practice skyclad?

No, our rituals are generally performed robed, although certain logistical issues may necessitate street clothes.

Do you follow any sort of ethical code?

Foxwood follows a strict ethical code that emphasizes personal responsibility and personal accountability, living in line with the tenets of our faith and working with divine will.

What sort of events do you have?

A majority of the events (night rituals for sabbats, esbats, and other teaching opportunities) are open to membership only. Some events, such as certain day celebrations for sabbats and generally one or two evening rituals per year, are open to active students and dedicates. Foxwood sponsors one festival open to the public every year: Mountain MayFest, held in Charles Town, WV. For information about Mountain MayFest click here. Additionally, some Foxwood clergy and elders do teach classes and workshops in the Metro DC/Maryland area and at festivals and conferences around the world.

Why Foxwood Temple?

When Foxwood was incorporated in the state of Maryland as a religious institution, the only options were church, temple, or synagogue. Both "church" and "synagogue" have overtones that more closely align to other spiritual paths, so "temple" was used for the incorporation papers. In addition to being a legally recognized temple by the state of Maryland, Foxwood can also be defined as a House of the Old Religion and a coven, with each designation bringing specific energies into the embodiment of what is Foxwood.

Do you provide clergy services?

Foxwood, as a registered religious congregation offers rites-of-passage ceremonies including baby blessings, handfastings (weddings), semenarche/menarche (coming-of-age) celebrations, requiems. Currently, our handfasting ceremonies are not legally binding, as we have made the conscious decision not to offer legally recognized ceremonies at this time.

Do you use the terms "Lord" and "Lady" for your members?

Members of clergy, specifically those who have achieved their second or third degree, are referred to in our tradition as Lord or Lady. We utilize these titles as a way of acknowledging and showing respect to the training, wisdom, and spirit of service that these individuals have achieved in the eyes of the community that they serve.

I have more questions that I don't see answered on your web site. How can I get more information?

Please feel free to contact us via e-mail or postal mail at the addresses listed on our contact page.

* Main Page * Who Are We? * What Is It? (What we believe) * What Is Our Place In It? (Contact Foxwood) *

* FAQ * Path of the Seeker * L. Circe *