The Deregulations of Ararita Coven
By Frater Navitae
Introduction:
"Gather together in the covens as of old, whose number is eleven, that is also my number. Gather together in public, in song and dance and festival. Gather together in secret, be naked and shameless and rejoice in my name." - Liber Babalon, I:65.
The Ararita Coven was formulated over a period of several months during the summer of the year 2000 ev. From the beginning, the guiding principle has been "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law". In practice, this means that everyone is free to explore their own True Will, in their own time by their own methods; and to not interfere in the Will of others.
The Ararita Coven works on a purely voluntary basis, no one is required to do anything they don't want to. For example; some covens require people to be skyclad (nude) and although we're not going to prevent someone from taking off their clothes, no one has to. We are here to bring Thelemites together who wish to explore and practice in a group setting, not turn people into brainwashed zombies.
The Ararita Coven has a wide variety of spiritual practices to choose from, but there are no required readings, practices or teachings; only recommendations.
Do you have to be a Thelemite?
This is a tricky one. All we ask is that you do your Will and not interfere in the Will of others. You don't have to call yourself a Thelemite, but you would be anyway. It could be a bit of a paradoxical situation. However, if you don't consider yourself to be a Thelemite, you probably wouldn't be comfortable hanging out with us. Read the "Book of the Law" with commentaries available all over the net and decide for yourself.
What sort of previous experience do I have to have?
None whatsoever. We're not particularly concerned if you don't have any spiritual experience, however, if you don't know what Thelema is, then you should check out the reading list, but it's not required (we're not especially interested in "making" Thelemites, but in finding them along the Way).
Who's in the Zone?
"But now! As priests within the Temple are ye here, as
Kings, and Warriors,
Magicians all. The Way is in the Work." - Liber Maat
Anyone is welcome to attend public meetings, in a public space, and can stay as long as they don't create a public disturbance. Anyone can also hold a private meeting, in a private space and make it "invitation only". Some of these private meetings (such as certain group rituals) will be "members only" which refers to initiates of the Ararita Coven.
What about Initiation, Degrees, Clergy and so Forth?
"Every man and every woman is a star." - Liber AL, I:3
The Ararita Coven is a non-patriarchal, non-hierarchical collective in which "business" meetings are held on a regular basis where any member can offer suggestions which will only be put into practice on a consensus vote. Every member is a Priest or Priestess in the coven, there is no centralized authority. There are no degrees or grades, grips or signs, oaths or bonds.
There is only one initiation into the Ararita Coven. It is not set but is chosen by each individual from whatever source they wish, or created for the initiate and put into effect by the group. Initiation entitles the individual to full access of our resources and gives them a vote in our activities.
What are the age requirements?
None. Nearly every orthodox and many unorthodox religions allow people of all ages to join in the activities. Most make allowances for children to attend. We intend to follow the same principles and not discriminate against people on the basis of age, except in cases where legal constraints require it.
So what's with these Entheogens?
"I am the Snake that giveth Knowledge & Delight and bright glory, and stir the hearts of men with drunkenness. To worship me take wine and strange drugs whereof I will tell my prophet, & be drunk thereof! They shall not harm ye at all. It is a lie, this folly against self. The exposure of innocence is a lie. Be strong, o man! lust, enjoy all things of sense and rapture: fear not that any God shall deny thee for this." - Liber AL, I:22.
"Entheogen" is a term coined by Jonathan Ott and is a reference to intoxicating substances. The Ararita Coven condones the use of legal intoxicants and promotes the legalization of all intoxicants.
Entheogens have been used for many thousands of years by people around the world to get closer to the Godhood (call it what you Will), for ceremonial and social activities and just to have fun. Whether a member chooses to use Entheogens is a personal matter and certainly it's not required.
How about Tantra, isn't that Sex Magick?
"Come forth, o children, under the stars, & take your fill of love!" - Liber AL, I:12
Not necessarily. Actually, Tantra refers to any scientific paper and is essentially a method of acquiring Truth. It also refers to those Hindu and Ceremonial Magick teachings which utilize a variety of yogic practices (not just sex magick) to attain spiritual awareness. As is always the case, no member is required to participate in any sexual activity; and celibates are welcome. We are, however, sex positive and gay-lesbian-bi positive.
How about fees and dues?
There are no dues and fees only to cover the cost of supplies for initiation and rituals, celebrations etc.. We are applying for non-profit religious status and have no desire to profit from spiritual growth.
Are there any lineages or connections to other groups?
Nope. Various members have been or are in a number of different groups such as the O.T.O., A.'.A.'., Hare Krishna, Church of Satan, Wicca, American Gnostic Church etc, but no lineages, degrees, ordinations or whatever are conferred by the Ararita Coven. We have no affiliation with any other group; we stand alone. We are, however, willing to help you apply to another group if it's your Will to do so.