Wicca Survey (source unknown)

How do you wish to be identified?
In relation to Wicca, I prefer "Eden" or "Brigdh Eden" (Brigdh pron. "bride" or "breed" w/ a rolling r)
How many years have you been involved in Wicca?
I initiated Mabon 2000. I began serious study in 1996 after a lifetime of interest in world religion and the occult.
Please briefly describe your tradition(s) or style(s) of Wicca as you now practice it/them:
I practice an eclectic tradition. I haven't deviated much from how I began. My circle casting and basic rituals were originally derived from Cunningham books. I've recently begun to make more alterations to them. I don't feel a strong connection to any traditional form or pantheon.
Do you have friends or acquaintances that practice traditions or styles of Wicca different from your own?
I don't have any witchy friends in real life.
How strongly do you feel that Wicca or your style of Wicca is the only religious/spiritual path for you?
I feel very connected to witchcraft and I don't see myself changing faiths again. While I sometimes tend toward general paganism, I do identify myself as a witch, although not necessarily a Wiccan.
Do you find that Wicca provides guidance for making everyday decisions?
Not every little decision every day but I believe that the idea of karma or the threefold rule (which I believe in) plays into some decision-making. Decisions I make about my family are often influenced by my spirituality
Do you feel that Christianity has many Pagan "survivals" within it?
I do, especially Easter. Most Easter symbolism has virtually nothing to do with any Christian church but a whole lot to do with paganism (rabbits, eggs, fertility, rebirth etc.)
What issues if any, do you feel split or cause hostility between Wiccans in your area?
One I feel is particularly strong is the "witchier than thou" syndrome -- a kind of "you're doing it wrong" mindset that too many Wiccans, in my experience, perpetuate. Instead of being an inclusive faith, I find that too often there are "fundamentalists" who seek to exclude within the community. It's the major reason why I am a solitary.
Do you believe that "never accept money for the art, for money ever smeareth the taker" is a useful guideline for Wiccans today - why or why not?
I don't see any problem with accepting money for something Wicca-related. For example, one might create tarot or stone bags, weavings, leather book covers, etc. even as part of a ritual and then sell the items. I don't see what the problem is with something like that. Nor do I see any problem in a Wiccan author writing and selling books about the craft. I believe that actions like these work to strengthen and unite the Wiccan community. If one is uncomfortable with accepting money, one could pass it along to a worthy charity.
In your opinion, how do the majority of Americans perceive Wicca?
I believe there is a combination of fear and curiosity. While there is a noisy minority who would condemn us, I believe a great number of Americans like to play with tarot, Ouija, spells, charms, voodoo dolls and other similarly "occult" items. I think many believe that Wicca is not a "real" religion. I think that many Americans see it as a phase, esp for teens. Unfortunately I think some teens use Wicca as a way to be different and not as a serious faith, which must be very difficult for the teens who are serious witches.
Did your family react negatively when you began to practice Wicca?
I am not out to my family. I am out with my husband and many of our friends. I don't talk about my faith unless it's relevant or unless I'm asked. I believe in "keep thy religion to thyself."
Did your friends react negatively when you began to practice Wicca?
I have never come out of the broom closet to anyone who reacted negatively
Have you ever experienced harassment or prejudice for being Wiccan?
No, not by non-Wiccans. I have felt rejected on the "witchier than thou" front by other Wiccans.
Do you feel embarrassed or angry when you find Wiccans mentioned negatively in the press or on TV?
I do b/c I understand there is little I can do to change a closed mind
Were you involved in any other religious, spiritual, magical, or "New Age" path when you were introduced to Wicca?
I had an interest in the occult but not as a spiritual or religious path.
How were you introduced to Wicca?
I don't remember what drew me but I began by reading Cunningham books in the local bookstore. I bought my first one, devoured it, bought more and the rest is history.
Have you ever introduced anybody to Wicca who subsequently became Wiccan?
Not that I know of
Did you find becoming a Wiccan a difficult transition to make?
I found it very easy, as I had nothing to change in my belief system. I had only to eliminate some negatives and to learn about spellwork and ritual elements. The most difficult aspect was overcoming the fear of the label of "witch."
At any point in your involvement with Wicca did you feel that you had reached a point of no return?
Not specifically. I knew that everything felt right and I had great success with my spellwork. In my darkest hour after becoming a witch, I felt very drawn to The Mother and I felt comforted and attended by her. I suppose at that time I knew I had made the right decision. I also came out of that time with an even stronger faith.
How often do you typically participate in Sabbat rituals?
Since my daughter was born, it has been very difficult to make the time and the space to do this. My last Sabbat was Samhain, which I always manage to make time for. Currently the problem is the space I use. I need to move things to another part of the house in order to have more success.
How often do you typically participate in Moon rituals?
Before my daughter was born, I did Esbat rituals monthly. I do not think I've made time for an Esbat ritual since she was born. I do miss the Esbat ritual.
Do rituals make you feel empowered as an individual?
Yes. I feel a great surge of energy, like after a yoga workout, upon completing ritual
Do you use the term "Cowan" or a similar word to describe people who don't belong to Wicca?
I've never heard that word. I may have jokingly used "Muggle" on occasion, usually to my husband
Did your child go through a Wiccaning ceremony?
Yes she did, at the first Sabbat after her birth: Samhain. I wanted to do it then before the god began his slumber. Her craft name is Hekate, after the form of The Mother to whom I prayed for her conception.
Have you ever exposed your child to Wicca or paganism - why or why not?
I have in small doses but she's too young to understand. I try to teach her about respecting nature at this point (she's already a tree-hugger). She is too young to attend ritual, although I would consider this in about a year or so. I believe it's important for her to see how I express my spirituality. It would be just like taking her to a church if I were Christian.
Do you feel that Wicca is primarily for adults only?
Not at all. I believe that Wicca is for all people to explore and practice. I don't see anything wrong with involving a child in the faith of its parents.
How strong is your attachment to being Wiccan?
I consider myself a witch and not a Wiccan per se. My attachment to that label is very strong