Scáthach

People have been asking me about our coven, Scáthach, so here's what we're all about:

Scáthach is a Wiccan coven and study group founded in November 2007 by Wiccan author Kerr Cuhulain, embracing Warrior philosophies as outlined in his books Wiccan Warrior, Full Contact Magick and Magickal Self Defense. Scáthach focuses on expression and effective magick and embracing the concept of chivalry.

Members of Scáthach must honor and uphold the Wiccan Rede in all its aspects.

Members of Scáthach must follow the 13 warrior precepts:

1. Know thyself.
2. Nurture the ability to perceive the truth in all matters.
3. You create your own reality.
4. Develop a sense of Right Action.
5. Do not be negligent, even in trifling matters.
6. Your body is your temple: Care for it!
7. Minimal appearance, maximum content.
8. Perceive that which cannot be seen with the eye.
9. Power with.
10. Who dares wins.
11. The Gods cannot help those who will not help themselves.
12. Be creative!
13. Do not engage in useless activity.

Scáthach Oath of Knighthood (Code of Chivalry):

By the power of earth, water, air, fire, and spirit, before the Gods, the Sidhe and the Ancestors, I do declare before this assemblage my fealty and allegiance to Scáthach, to its thirteen precepts, and to the rule of law.
So shall I ever defend the values of Sincerity, Courtesy, Compassion, Perseverance, Industriousness, Justice, Loyalty, Courage, Self-Discipline, Humility, Largesse, Dignity, Truth, and Honor, which in this modern world are so often neglected. I take these values into my heart and soul that they may manifest themselves in my words and deeds.[1]
Standing proud and free, radiating my inner truth, exultant in my power, I raise up my voice and proclaim myself to be a knight of Scáthach and to dedicate myself to the mastery and defense of these values. In this I am resolved. This I declare before the Gods, the Sidhe and the Ancestors.
Biodh Se!

Rights of Scáthach Knighthood:
1. We have the right to choose the course of our lives and manner of our deaths.
2. We have the right to openly state our opinions.
3. We have the right to challenge delusion and falsehood.
4. We have the right to walk these lands cowed by none.
5. We have the right to fulfill our needs, save those that would harm others.
6. We have the right to share love with another.
7. We have the right to spurn all convention imposed upon us.
8. We have the right to instruct our children in our chosen values.
9. We have the right to oppose any who attack these rights.
Scáthach is a study group for people interested in Wiccan magick, energy work and rituals related to the Warrior path. I intend for us to develop new rituals, magick and philosophies. I expect everyone to participate and contribute. The first phase of training (novice) has to do with energy, psychic skills and magick. At the end of this first phase the novice becomes a squire at an Armoring ceremony. The second level of training has to do with ritual and magickal weapons. At the end of this second phase the squire becomes a knight at an Arming ceremony. The third phase of training is about teaching and leadership. At the end of the third phase the knight becomes a master.

There will be no liquor in Scáthach Circles or rituals. I respect Pagan traditions that use wine, mead, or whiskey in Circle or ritual as the “water of life.” This “prohibition” isn’t intended as a criticism of their practices. My wife and I were both formerly involved in relationships with alcoholic partners and their families. In my view liquor is too easily abused. I’ve been to too many Circles or gatherings where people came drunk or got drunk. This will not happen here. Scáthach may have social events outside of Circle where such beverages are available, but they will not be used in ritual.

Scáthach is a drug free coven. No drugs will be tolerated, period. Members of Scáthach will obey the laws and uphold them. My position on this subject is well documented in Wiccan Warrior, Full Contact Magick, and Magickal Self Defense. I will support anyone committed to recovery efforts.

I am not opposed to the use of incense but will seldom use it in Circle, as my wife and I have allergies. I tend to use incense in outdoor Circles and rituals, if at all.

This is a family coven and children are entirely welcome in Circle and out. The rules are the same for kids as for adults: People in Circle are expected to behave with courtesy towards others.

Scáthach does not do skyclad ritual: I've got two skyclad initiations and I respect Wiccan trads that practice skyclad ritual, but I don't want that to be part of Scáthach. Scáthach conducts most rituals at the Motherhouse or member’s homes in casual wear. I'm perfectly OK with ritual robes for Sabbats and Esbats, but if a coven member shows up in street clothes due to limited funds or a tight work schedule that's perfectly alright. I've done plenty of rituals after work on my own in a field with the clothes that I went to work in. I don't want to get too hung up on ritual paraphernalia. For public events our uniform is a black Gi (karate jacket) with the Scáthach logo (see above) on the back in white.