Hi Marie! Thanks for your question!
There are actually quite a few differences between Dianic Wicca vs. Traditional Wicca. (every time I write vs. I always want to make a Capricorn symbol tee hee) Anyway to put it simply and not getting too detailed, we are not only wiccans but a feminist movement within the Pagan community. We also cast our circles in reverse (widdershins) as opposed to traditional wiccans. But, the differences do not stop there. Dianics also utilize only the Goddess in ritual and Sabats. Its not that we do not recognize the God it’s that we simply do not utilize him. Dianic Wicca is all about Women’s Rites and Spirituality. Wicca from the woman’s point of view if you will. We do not have High Priests only High Priestesses. We do not have a ranking system (1st, 2nd, 3rd degrees and cords) You are priestess from the moment you enter a Dianic coven. There can and often are multiple High Priestess within a single coven. High Priestesses are appointed by the coven members and this can take place at anytime. Yes there are leaders in a sense but they are more or less the organizer. In lieu of a degree system, Dianic Priestesses are taught hands on. It is not uncommon for a Priestess who has only been within the circle only a short time to lead in rituals. Members are not forbidden to perform coven rites and rituals due to rank nor are they excluded from vital coven matters as many other traditional wiccans do.
Men are also forbidden to join a Dianic coven (sort of like Masonry where women can’t join.) However, there has been a recent movement in the 70’s referred to as McFarland Dianic that started in Dallas, TX. McFarland Dianics are both male and female covens. Men are allowed to join, however still, the God again is not utilized, Dianics in all forms are strictly Goddess centered.

-Andromeda DeArmande

MM Tabitha! Thanks for your question!
Have you looked into any meet-up groups in your area? I would try looking for those and online covens. There are some pagan groups out there that have internet circle meetings. Witchvox has various pagan groups listings for every state possibly one near you that you can contact. Also check your local metaphysical shops. Alot of them have workshops, classes and other events that you could check into and ask questions. Good luck!

-Andromeda DeArmande

Hi Gemini, thanks for your question!
Well first of all, What do you know about Wicca? Are you interested in Wicca because of the spellwork or is it because you have a genuine desire to get in touch with your spritual roots and develop a relationship with your inner self, the goddess and your connection to the universe? If I were you, I would first evaluate what Wicca means to me, how I can use it to better myself as a person and what I can give back in return to the universe and all that dwell within it. Unfortunately you live with you parents and that will cause a roadblock for any physical practice. You can not go agaisnt your parents wishes while you live in thier home. As far as being accepting, this is something they have to come to on thier own. You can try to explain it to them, however, from what I’ve seen in the past, this is ultimately futile, no matter how well you present your case.. Some people just aren’t ready to hear about alternative religions, especially the older they get, they get more set in thier ways. My advice would be to keep it to yourself for now. You can use this time to read up on Wicca and the various other branches of Paganism and if your internet usage is not being monitored, maybe start a Live Journal or a Blogger of some sort to fill up with what you have learned. Who knows maybe you are actually a Druid or an Astaru! Also you can have a virtual altar (and purify it) for now, by going here: http://www.moonsweb.com/altar.shtml . Good luck and Goddess Bless!

-Andromeda DeArmande

Greetings Scratlov and MM!
Can you use jade and ruby together? Most certainly. This will offer wonderful protection. Always keep in mind, just because a stone reacts poorly to one person, this may not be the case with you. This is all about you and how you feel! There is no right or wrong when it comes to utilizing multiple stones. (although I have heard of people getting dizzy when wearing entirely too much of the meterorite family)
I normally wear a mixure of stones at any given day. Depending on my mood and what I need a boost of.
However, there are stones out there known as “amplifier” stones. These stones will boost the vibrational level of the stone of your choosing to enhance its power and benefits.
The 2 most popular are Moldavite and Apophyllite. These 2 stones can be purchased at most metaphysical stores and if all else fails, never forget ebay!

Tapping into these benefits can be done in a couple diffrent ways.  Normally you would hold the “amplifier” stone in your left hand and the stone of your choice in your right. This will increase the vibrational levels of your particular stone that you are utilizing, making it “louder” and more pronounced. Also you may place your stone on top of the moldavite or apophyllite and just hover your hand a few centimeters over your stones to pick up the waves of vibrations. This is particularly useful when Chakra balancing. Just a word of caution, if you have not used apophyllite before, I would suggest by starting out with a small piece and then moving into a larger one. Just to see how your body adjusts to it. In my case, I have a hard time working with large pieces of apophyllite, especially near my head, it causes the backs of my eyes to ache and gives me a slight annoying headache.

Good luck! and BB!

-Andromeda DeArmande

 I have researched  various branches of various relgions, grew up Roman Catholic. My Dad and my Stepmom are pretty cool with my sisters and I choosing our own religions_ or so they say.

 I have just tried to tell them and I get only so far befor I diverge else where.

Thank you for your time!
Please send your advice,

Quinn Henley

via spellworks.net email

Hi Quinn, MM and thanks for the question!
Coming out of the “broom” closet to people who have little to no knowledge of the pagan path is rather intimidating. Merely because all they really know is what they’ve heard.
They key here is obviously opening a channel. I would just casually slip it in during normal conversation. Maybe start with something like. Did you know that the city of Athens was named after Athena who was the patron deity of that city back in the Roman era? What do you know about Paganism? Do you know where the word Pagan came from? Just to start them out with the conversation. You can probably tell alot about how they react to these questions. If you feel that the channel is open, keep going. Ask them if they know anything about various branches of paganism. What falls under it, such as druidry, wicca, santaria, etc etc. It also helps to have a lot of information and solid foundation of the basic history of paganism and wicca in particular to back up your conversations. While most parents don’t want to hear “Hey mom, I’m a wiccan!” because if they don’t get upset, the will certainly scoff about it and honestly, I dont know which is worse..
When they see you’ve done your research and you can answer any question that they fire back at you, this will show them that you aren’t messing around and you’re serious.
This is important since people who are uneducated in the pagan path, will only know what they see on Charmed or Buffy the Vampire Slayer and this is what leads to not taking us seriously.
If all else fails and you really wanna get them going, tell them every year, on their birthday when they make a wish and blow out that candle……they just cast a spell….OoooooOOooOooo

Good Luck and Goddess Bless!

-Andromeda DeArmande