Rose Ariadne's Chitchcraft Blog

Dear Friends,

I love the Internet. I really, really do. The free exchange of ideas, the interaction between people across the globe and the instant access to a variety of services is right up my alley. If you’ve visited my site, purchased my book or are a regular reader of my blog, I’m sure you love the Internet too. The Internet has changed the face of so many things in our existence, its no surprise that it is revolutionizing the Pagan world as well. For one, there are many networking opportunities that didn’t exist before the Internet. Pagans from across the globe can meet, exchange ideas and offer support.

However, of all the advantages that the Internet gives to Pagans, I’d say the invention of the cyber coven is probably the most profound. A cyber coven is a group of people, Wicca or Pagan, that interact primarily through the Internet. The cyber coven interacts through chat rooms, message boards and e-mail lists. Of course, this is the simple answer to a much more complex phenomenon.

Cyberspace is a virtual place that can act as a technological doorway to the astral plane. When the hardware and software combine together, and we add our activity, we create Cyberspace. It is like an astral temple that is created by our intention and applied action. When we enter cyberspace we are planted between the worlds, and can create sacred space that is just as powerful as a traditional circle.

The cyber coven offers a unique opportunity that is suited to a number of different types of people. Pagans who live some distance from one another can get the camaraderie, education and practice of working magick with others by using a cyber coven. Often times, there is only so much you can learn when you are performing a solitary spiritual practice. It helps to connect with others to increase your base of knowledge, get to know other people on this path and find support in similarly minded individuals.

Cyber covens also make a perfect fit for those who are already involved in technical fields. To these Pagans sitting at the keyboard is just as natural to them as sitting in a forest is to others. Technology has grown so much in the last 20 years that most people who use computers don’t know how they work. This makes using a computer in and of itself a magickal experience. The way a computer works is, by definition, occult. It is hidden and secret. Additionally, the way a computer works is magickal because it does things that were only dreamed of years ago. With their aid, we can impress our will upon the world and create dimensions within cyberspace.

Cyber witches see all of the tools of technology as sacred tools. They embrace transformation as a natural part of life, and see that cyber covens are the next step in the evolution of this spiritual path. In Paganism, nothing is set in stone’the faith, just like nature itself, is ever changing.

Cyber covens are not for everyone. If you need face-to-face communication in order to learn, you may find cyber coven life too distant and disconnected. You’ll also need to keep up to date on e-mails and read correspondence daily. However, if you like to mingle with people who have different points of view and can bring fresh perspective to your path, then a cyber coven is a perfect place. There are hundreds that have sprung up on the Internet over the last several years. Do some research, find one that fits and then get yourself comfortable in 21st century witchcraft.

Love And Light,

Rose Ariadne, Your Warm And Caring “Resident Witch In Charge”