FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This page will be edited over time. Many questions that are asked are addressed in class, and so they have not all been included here. If you see something that isn't here or included in the class, email us at maidenscircleacademy@gmail.com.
The Course
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Can I begin this course at any time?
Not for the in-person course. It is formatted in such a way that beginning after the 2nd class would not be possible at this time. However, the online course can be started at any time.
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How do I register for the course?
You can register online here or by emailing maidenscircleacademy@gmail.com. You can also register in person at the introductory meeting. We will contact you within a week of receiving your registration form.
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How much does it cost?
MCCA starts at $13 a class, on a sliding scale. We ask that you pay for 2 classes or more at a time.
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Why should I take this course instead of others offered in NYC?
At MCCA, our goals are to help, to educate, and to share the love of the Goddess with those who seek it. We sincerely believe that those who seek Her, and who desire guidance, deserve it. You should take this course only if it feels right to you. MCCA is an eclectic, Goddess oriented priestess coven. As such, our Initiates are all women. Our lessons are comprehensive and ever-evolving.
*MCCA may take males students, though they cannot become Initiates
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What do I receive when I complete the course?
At the end of the course, Seekers receive a lovely custom certificate from MCCA stating that you have successfully completed your year and a day. Once a year, a graduation ceremony will be held. You will receive, along with the certificate, an exclusive gift to help you continue on your path. Online seekers will earn a certificate and a discount for any specialty class offered.
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Am I automatically in the coven when I graduate?
No. Initiation into Maiden's Circle Coven is neither guaranteed nor required. Those who seek to become priestesses with MCC will be given the opportunity to apply near the end of their course. After applying, admission of priestesses is decided by a committee of current MCC initiates.
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Why must I study with you for "a year and a day" to join the coven?
MCCA follows a non-traditional path, but maintains a traditional Wiccan structure. The year and a day rule can be found in many common law cases in legal matters. We believe that the rule allows ample time for Seekers and Initiates to get to know each other and the material, to see if they fit, and to become well-acquainted with Wicca/Paganism. In addition, joining a coven is a long-term commitment, so we want Seekers to know for sure if it's what they truly desire.
What size are the classes?
MCCA will take on no more than 13 students in one class. This will ensure that the instructor is able to give her full attention to the students without anyone feeling left out or becoming overwhelmed.
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Will there be homework and/or grades?
There will be homework, but no grades. This course will require you to work outside of class, spending significant time in meditation, doing personal research, and practice of various skills.
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Do I need to bring a device or have internet access at home?
No, you will not need to bring a laptop, computer, or use your cell phone during class. Such things can be rather distracting. Your cell phone can be kept on or on vibrate if you're worried about an emergency, but we ask that they are silent during meditation. Internet would be helpful for research.
I am a mother. Can I bring my child(ren)?
If you can ensure they won't disrupt the class, they are absolutely welcome! We would only ask that you sign a permission form and never allow them to attend class without you or a guardian there.
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What if I am not satisfied?
Maiden’s Circle Coven understands that our path may not be right for all. If you wish to leave, Seekers may speak to the High Priestess or Handmaiden and simply inform them in writing. Initiates who wish to leave for whatever reasons must meet with either the HP or two HMs and sign an exit contract, following an exit interview. If desired, a special meeting can be held to give the departing member a farewell ritual and celebration of her sisterhood.
What if I don't agree with everything you say?
Great! We don't expect everyone to agree, especially when there are so many different ways to see the world. As long as it doesn't disrupt class, we're always open to discussion of differing views. There will also be plenty of opportunities to discuss your views during class sessions.
The Coven
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What is a coven?
A coven is many things. It is at once a family, a sisterhood, a support group, and none of those things. It is an organization of like-minded witches who come together to affect change in their own lives and the lives of others. A coven must be cohesive, meaning no one witch can use the coven strictly to further her own agendas that do not serve the whole. A coven provides a platform for sharing craft-related experiences, working together to raise energy for magic, group meditations, spiritual growth, and enlightenment. Initiation into a coven is not something that should be done without deep consideration. It is not a club that one can attend whenever they feel like it or are bored; it is a commitment. It can take years for a practitioner to find the right coven, though once they do, it can become one of the most fulfilling aspects of their lives!
How did Maiden's Circle Coven begin?
In the fall of 2014, Lady Morgana was struck with the desire to help the Pagan community. Over the years, she had seen and met so many newer practitioners who were confused about where to begin. So, she decided to begin mentoring others, which eventually sparked the idea for a full-on teaching coven. More here...
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Who is the High Priestess?
Lady Morgana Brighid has been on her path, a practicing witch, for more than a decade. She laid the groundwork for Maiden's Circle Coven in 2014, and is always working diligently to bring it into fruition.
Why do you only accept women Initiates?
MCC is a priestess coven, in an effort to emphasize the feminine energy in our works and to create a bond of sisterhood amongst its members. We are not man-bashers and fully recognize the God alongside the Goddess, however, we are a Goddess-oriented coven.
Witches, Witchcraft, Etc.
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I identify as a man. Is there any room for me in Goddess worship?
Absolutely! The Goddess welcomes all who seek Her! A witch is a witch is a witch! ^_^ That said, MCC is a priestess coven. As such, we do not allow men to become initiates into the coven. However, the Covenpath course is avaliable online. In addition, we will soon offer special, subject-focused courses for all at $10 per class.
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Is witchcraft real?
Yes! It isn't the same as what you see on television or in movies, of course, but it is very real.
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How do I know if I was born a witch?
No one was born a witch. You may have certain gifts, such as clairvoyance or psychic abilities, but witchcraft is a skill, a practice that takes time, work, and extensive study.
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What is a hereditary witch?*
“Hereditary” witch does not mean literally that the witchcraft has been inherited as your eye color, or nose shape is. People who use this term generally mean they are part of a family which has handed down a tradition of witchcraft from one generation to another. Even in such families the craft must be studied and learned. It does not come automatically. This is also known as a “family tradition” of witchcraft.
*Question and answer from bluemoonwicca.org.
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You say "Eclectic Wicca," but what does that even mean?
MCC Priestesses come from many different backgrounds, but the basic teachings of Wicca and the covenpath tie us together. We follow the rede "An' it harm none, do as ye will," and the Witches' Creed. We worship the Goddess and God, and allow for the integration of many differing pantheons.
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Can I be both Christian and Wiccan?
No. Christianity is a religion that expressly forbids the practice of witchcraft. Wicca is a witchcraft religion in which ancient gods and goddesses are worshipped. If you follow the teachings of Christianity and choose to practice magick, divination, or tarot and choose to call yourself a witch, so be it. However, you cannot belong to two religions at once.
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What do you mean by, “Wicca is a religion”?
Many become interested in Wicca because they think it is all about doing spells and magick. It is far more than that! Much of Wicca gives us an outline of how to live our entire lives. It includes worship or honoring of gods and goddesses, it provides suggestions on how to raise and educate children, how to celebrate births, marriages, deaths and other rites of passage. It offers ideas to explore on what happens after death and between lifetimes. It helps one to understand how to handle both the light and dark aspects of life. In fact, many experienced Wiccans will tell you that magick and witchcraft are only a very small part of their religion.
The Rest
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Is there a dress code?
No, there is no dress code for Seekers to attend class or Coven rituals (unless otherwise specified). Some rituals are done skyclad or semi-clad*, but no one is required to attend if it makes them uncomfortable. Rituals done in class will never be skyclad.
*The Initiation Ritual does require the Seeker to be either skyclad or semi-clad.
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Can I bring food/drink to class or rituals?
Sure! It isn't uncommon for the HP to bring snacks, so anyone else can. MB knows all too well how difficult it can be to focus when hungry!
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Can I show up late?
We would prefer students show up early, but understand that life happens. We won't turn students away for being late. We do ask that Seekers call beforehand if they'll be late or absent. We ask that all who attend rituals come early, as it can be extremely distracting to have to stop a ritual and cut someone into the circle.