What is the Darkside Coven?

-- The DarkSide Coven is nondenominational (people from all religions, occupations and walks of life.)
--One does not have to be any particular religion to be involved with the coven. There are many different types of seekers walking the forest path, and we do not allow evangelization or judgements of any kind,
---Nothing in the classes or the workshops will manipulate you into doing anythiing you feel uncomfortable with.
---3 Witches, two with druidic training as well, run the basic workings of the group. All have over a decade of experience working with the Craft. There are also consultants from other established trads who we go to for advice regarding information not in our expertise. All involved are known and established. Lorddess, who teaches the classes, has her ministerial credentials, and has been trained in 3 diverse traditions.
---We do not follow a specific tradition, but have decided to create our own, incorporating the best of the best -- and encourage and refer those who decide their path leads to an established tradition or organization.
--We hold online classes, workshops and discussions on a variety of topics. Schedules are always sent through the Darkside Coven elist -- DarksidersCoven@onelist.com (go to link on Avalon main page)
--There are two ways to attend classes. To sit in, and just enjoy is the first. The second involves homework, costs for books and expenses in order to achieve degrees. One can always choose which is best at any time. You do not have to read or buy books to sit in class.
---Created May 17, 1999, the Coven was to simply offer information to dispell the myths and separate fact from fiction regarding different religious paths. Within six months, this grew into a domain, Some argue this should be totally separate from PhenomForest. However, we respect our roots, as should all traditions, and are proud to state that many dwellers and elders on the forest do not follow alternative religion. As we say on the first page, it is up to you to choose your own path.
-- We work towards better education when it comes to understanding the "occult" or "alternative" religions or lifestyles, whether in the context of reality of in fiction.


THE PURPOSE:
---To offer communication and education on different paths in a nonthreatening environment.
-- We work towards better education when it comes to understanding the "occult" or "alternative" religions or lifestyles, whether in the context of reality of in fiction.
-- We offer information and referals on druidry and other spiritual paths and link to established and respected spiritual sites. Any book recommended, every ritual and spell and any site linked has been checked and approved by a practitioner of the Craft with ten years of experience or more.
-- The information on this site is appropriate to the any seeker of any level or tradition or path, the male Phenom fan, the mature teenager, and even the armchair philosopher. The Forest, like the Phenom character, has many levels, and is quite a complex organism. We encourage fans to think beyond the obvious.
-- We work on different projects involving sending daily get well greetings to those in need, addressing issues in various newsletters and message boards, "busting" predators on the internet, and networking with other sites to engage in better relations and communication throughout the online communities of "creatures," "pagans," and others--We encourage advocacy when appropriate but never evangelization.
-- Any person or organization that becomes involved with the Darkside Coven and PhenomForest is expected to have the same level of respect for the Phenom and for other fans that we cherish. They may have never ever watched a wrestling match in their lives, but must be open to diversity, creativity and a respect for how this group came about.


THE GOALS In an acorn shell: EDUCATION HEALING SERVICE


THE PHENOM CONNECTION:
-- We started as a group for adult fans interested in the spiritual and literary aspects, biblical allusions, and the media's impression of the character.
-- As intelligent adults, we see, enjoy and defend a good "gimmick" with an occult/goth motif as more than a "simple satanic ploy."
--We enjoy researching the symbols and archetypes - those descriptions that add to the spiritual significance of the role, including but not limited to, symbolism used in the development and portrayal of the character and the storyline.
-- We engage in discussion on topics including, but not limited to, the ethics of storylines used in the media, ways to talk to children about the "reality" in wrestling, various religious beliefs, obsession versus appreciation of a celebrity, separation of an actor from a character,and appropriate conduct on the web.
-- We volunteer as a healing group that works to "pray" for injured wrestlers, fans and others.
-- We have created a realm for the DarkSiders, those mature creatures of the night who go out to work during the day and lead normal lives from 9-5. We are successful in our personal lives and professional careers. We are not those "page-makers" who glorify themselves while pretending to enjoy the Phenom. We enjoy relationships and offer links to other legitimate sites run by intelligent and sensible individuals and groups.
-- We are not groupies, and bristle at the very mention of the word.
-- We are not brides, ATMs, mistresses - these people certainly have their place in fandom, and we respect their contributions to the ‘taker community. Many of us enjoy our relationships with them and are honored to call them friends. We welcome them to visit and participate, but that is not where we are at. The male fans particularly have reported feeling left out since so many of these fan categories automatically disqualify them. Married female fans are sometimes squeamish to label themselves in these ways. They have welcomed the "DarkSide" moniker as a way to be a part of the "creature" community without compromising their personal lives and belief systems.
---Variety is the spice of life in any community - do not think that we all have the same reasons for being DarkSiders: Lorddess claims it is the deep use of archetype and literary allusion that the character’s profile utilizes; Sabretooth just thinks the character is a natural stimulus for works of art and creativity; and Ms Phenom, as one of the oldest Creatures known to the community (has been watching the Phenom since he was a sapling in college) just likes the athletic ability of the man. Freyja has offered to referee, and Rhiannon will handle the play-by-play. We may have to schedule a battleroyal to definitively answer that one (smirk.)
*What do you do if you do not agree with a certain storyline or plot twist? Deal with it, literally. We have continued our loyalty as fans through perms, costume changes, fake undertakers, sacrifices, unexplained absences, burning coffins, missing urns, questionable brothers, strange stepfathers, great storylines, unusual alliances and the like. For us, this is fun, and a labor of love. The Phenom has given us hours of entertainment, and we have found friends among the fan base. It is all sort of a give and "’taker" situation. As Avalon grows, from a seed to a mighty oak, we will never forget who helped us get started.


THE HISTORY:
---Created May 17, 1999, the Coven was to simply offer information to dispell the myths and separate fact from fiction regarding different religious paths. This grew out of a lot of controversy on the net regarding the UT's persona as the "Lord of Darkness." Weekly educational chats were scheduled for adults to ask questions on alternative paths.
--- Within six months, this grew into a domain, Some argue Avalon should be totally separate from PhenomForest. However, we respect our roots, as should all traditions, and are proud to state that many dwellers and elders on the forest do not follow alternative religion. As we say on the first page, it is up to you to choose your own path.
---On Yule 1999, the decision to start classes online was made. Two separate elists were started, and classes began in late January 2000.
---On March 11, 2000, the Coven was officially dedicated to the service of Our Lord and Lady in a full ritual. Students from across the country were in attendance. Six were dedicated to the study of the Craft and are working on their first degree requirements. These will be the ones building our program, and shaping the tradition itself. As these students progress, a second degree and third degree program will be made available. There is little monetary cost and we will work with anyone to help them achieve their goals.
---Workshops are often given on a variety of topics.
---The way the study programs are set up, students can enter classes at any time. We just ask that you sit in first to a class and make sure it is right for you.
--- We currently have students from as far away as Australia and California (we are based on the East Coast of the United States.) Distance should never be an issue.
---DarKsiders welcome our darker bretheran as well as Christians to visit at any time, We offer guest speakers on a variety of paths to help dispell the myths and explain the basics of their faith.

Revised in honor of the Vernal Equinox - LCC

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